The Editor:
Looking out the window, it is hard to believe that our annual Blaine Scholarship Foundation golf tournament is just three months (and small change) away – Saturday, June 1. We are in the midst of planning for another fun-filled day at Loomis Trail Golf Club, and we wanted to be sure that you’ve added this date to your calendar.
For those of you who have not participated before, the purpose of this event is to raise scholarship money for seniors at Blaine High School. For over 25 years we have been able to supply financial aid to a significant number of our graduating class members as they embark on the next step of their education. To achieve this goal, we sponsor a golf tournament that has become a “must play” event (all skill levels welcomed!), so much so that we are forced to form a waitlist as we draw near the big day. Please visit our website blainescholarshipfoundation.org for details and registration.
For our loyal returnees, you know the drill. Form your team, visit the website (blainescholarshipfoundation.org), register and spread the word. We have not changed the entry fee ($125) for several years so that we can remain the best buy/most fun tournament that you will enjoy this summer.
The course is spectacular, the atmosphere is relaxed and fun, and years of scholarship recipients express their gratitude for offering them a leg-up for meeting the ever-increasing expenses of continued training and education. Register now to assure you place in this year’s fun day.
See you June 1!
Todd Berge
Blaine Scholarship Foundation board member
Blaine
The Editor:
Calling all women golfers! The Ladies of Loomis Golf Club would like to invite you to join us for our 2024 golf season.
Our league runs April through September, every Thursday at 9 a.m., beginning April 4. We are a social league and offer friendly, competitive games for those wishing to participate. Our weekly games are based on both individual stroke play and team events. We welcome ladies of all golf levels and experience.
If you are interested in meeting new people and having fun, please join us for our annual kick off meeting on March 28 at 11 a.m. at the Loomis Trail Golf Course in Blaine. For more information about our league, please go to golfloomis.com/ladies-club or email us at ladies.of.loomis@gmail.com.
Donna Wendt
Ladies of Loomis board member
Blaine
The Editor:
I am writing to you on behalf of the Birch Bay View Homeowners Association. We are a small community of 171 properties off Selder Road and Birch Bay Drive in Birch Bay. Last May our new HOA board was elected and began attempts to revitalize the community. To this end, we contacted homeowners who did not comply with codes, covenants and restrictions, primarily addressing homes and yards that were health hazards, overgrown, littered, cluttered, and abandoned. Because no one had been held accountable for a long time we quickly realized that greater authority needed to come into play.
We turned to the Whatcom County Planning and Development Services Department and Whatcom County Health and Community Services Department. After numerous code enforcement investigation requests, emails and phone calls, not one case was acted upon. By their admission, inspections were done from the street, never entering the properties. We have a copy of the administrative policy document, revised in 2020, that points to several violations that could have been cited.
For being a modest community, our taxes are high and have been raised again. The newly constructed million-dollar home Horizon community adjoining us has a tsunami exit that the county has not seen fit to grant us. Our community was established in 1959.
I cannot imagine that we are the only homeowners who would like to see their ever-growing tax dollars returned, at least in some measure, back to our community.
Have you been alerted to similar issues? Do you have an investigative reporter? Can you make this public for us?
Brigitte Parra
Birch Bay View Homeowners Association vice president
Birch Bay
The Editor:
With the bustle of planning for Birch Bay’s 2024 event season, I sit at my desk in reflection, gratitude and anticipation. The process in putting these celebrations together gets a guy to thinking about the ever-present inquiry: Why?
Why our events matter
“It takes a village …”
At the heart of our events lies the power of community, the single biggest asset in any vibrant small town. Birch Bay is fortunate to have engaged citizens, businesses and organizations that band together to welcome the myriad visitors to our beautiful shoreline. Without this spirit of cooperation, local events would not occur at the level to which we’re accustomed.
The conclusion of summer brings exhaustion, and we’re ready for the relative solace and quiet of the off-season. A sense of relief and contentment also sets in, knowing that we successfully “made it through another one!” These experiences only serve to create a stronger community bond.
Why become involved in community events
First, it’s important to define being “involved.” Many think this means simply volunteering or contributing materially to events. Yes, we are always looking for manpower and donations (can’t stress that enough), but there are several other ways to support and get involved:
Attending community events with family and friends helps boost numbers and make them more vibrant. Participate and register for the activities, many of which are free.
Spread the word. Invite people to “Join the fun in Birch Bay!” We use several different marketing channels to promote our community and events, but good old-fashioned word of mouth advertising can’t be beat.
Attend events in other communities. Check out the event calendars for Blaine, Lynden, Ferndale, Everson, Sumas, Bellingham and our Skagit County neighbors. The more successful each individual regional event is, the better for all.
Share your ideas and suggestions. We always welcome input and ideas!
Whether it’s volunteering, donating, or becoming involved in another way, we look forward to seeing you in 2024.
Community, it’s why we do it!
Sacha Sanguinetti
Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce event coordinator
Birch Bay
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here