Briefs

Get your scare on

The Downtown Blaine Merchants group has organized their second annual scarecrow contest to decorate downtown.

The contest is open to all businesses, groups, families and individuals wishing to express their creativity and enthusiasm.

Scarecrows will be displayed October 18 through November 17. Entries must register with the Blaine Visitor Center at 728 Peace Portal Dr. or by calling 332-4544.

SSC now offers electronic recycling

Sanitary Service Company (SSC), Whatcom County’s largest recycling and garbage collection company, has added electronic products to the list of items it will accept for recycling.

A curbside pick-up option for collection of oversize electronic items is available to all SSC customers. Non-customers, meanwhile, can drop off their electronic waste during regular business hours at SSC’s Bellingham Transfer Station located at 1001 Roeder Avenue.

Collection fees depend on the type of electronic product being recycled and range in price from $6 to $31. For more information, visit www.ssc-inc.com or call 360/ 734-3490.

Volunteer to visit the lonely

The Bellingham-based Interfaith Coalition’s Friendly Visitors program will offer a training session from 1 to 4 p.m. on Thursday, October 11 for individuals who wish to make a difference in the lives of isolated older adults.

The program offers trained volunteers the opportunity to work one-on-one with individuals in need of meaningful human connection.

After attending the three-hour training session, volunteers are matched with seniors whose health and wellbeing may improve with weekly visits and telephone calls. For more information, call Janie Pemble at 756-5179.

Coalition seeks coat donations for low-income residents

Individuals and families in need of warm outerwear for the winter may visit the Blaine Food Bank, 500 C Street between 9 a.m. and noon on Tuesday, October 9 or Friday, October 12 as part of the Interfaith Coalition’s annual winter coat drive. All garments are free.

Donations of clean, gently-worn coats are also being accepted on Mondays from 9 a.m. to noon.

Small farm workshop focuses on local water quality

The Whatcom Conservation District will host their Small Farm workshop for small acreage livestock owners from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, October 9 at the Birch Bay Fire Hall, as part of a series of events aimed to improve water quality in Drayton Harbor.

The workshop will focus on practices that can be implemented to reduce mud and excess manure during the rainy season such as gutters and downspouts, composting, winter sacrifice areas, fencing, off channel watering. There is no cost for admission but space is limited so advance registration is recommended.

The workshop is part of a series of events sponsored by the district to help improve the health and water quailty in Drayton Harbor.
For more information visit www.whatcomcd.org or call 354-2035.

By Tara Nelson