News in Brief

Run to the Border support needed
It�s that time of year again for the annual Run to the Border kids fun run and the 5K race. According to race organizer Dan Persse, the event is scheduled for Saturday, April 17 at 9 and 9:30 a.m. Nature�s Path is the main sponsor; however, help is needed with volunteering and sponsorship. For more information, call Persse at 371-3882.

Community continues Dakota discussion
Several members of the community gathered Tuesday evening for the second time to discuss the possibilities of restoring a historic boat into a floating maritime museum. The Dakota, built in Blaine in 1944, can not be used for fishing since its license was recently sold. Blaine community development director Terry Galvin and resident Jan Hrutfiordhave been leading the meetings. The next meeting for the group will be held Saturday, February 21 at 10 a.m. �The people at this meeting are very enthusiastic about this project, and they should be,� Galvin said. �The timing couldn�t be better and the project blends perfectly with the city�s master plan for the marine area.� Anyone interested in participating, should call Galvin at 332-8311 or email TGalvin@cityofblaine.com.

First Student Ambassador Committee meeting held
The first meeting for the newly created Student Ambassador Committee, a group formed by the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce for students, was held Monday night. The group brings community youth and local businesses together, and also provides scholarships for three high school students. �From the chamber�s standpoint it was a good turn out, more than we expected for our first meeting. It was encouraging to see that most of the students that attended brought a parent along,� said chamber president Nick Jerns. The next meeting will be held on February 11 at 6:30 p.m. at the Birch Bay fire station. In addition, student members attending Monday�s meeting were encouraged to bring two friends with them to the next meeting, where their names will be entered to win Sonics tickets.

Democratic precinct caucuses set for Saturday
The Democratic Presidential precinct caucuses throughout the state are scheduled for Saturday, February 7, and local Democrats can participate at the Blaine Senior Center at 10 a.m. All registered voters who consider themselves a Democrat can vote at the caucus. Voting begins at 10:30 a.m. and ends no later than 11 a.m. Non-Democrats can engage in discussion, but cannot vote. The caucuses are meetings of Democrats to discuss issues and vote on candidates for president. At these meetings, Democrats elect delegates to go on to the county and legislative conventions. The goal of candidates is to win as many of these delegates as possible.

Students honored at San Juan music festival
Several Blaine high school music students were honored in their specific categories at the San Juan Music Educators� Senior Solo and Ensemble Festival held at Bellingham high school on Saturday, January 24. Instructor Bob Gray said Blaine had many students play and all performed exceptionally well. For band, the winner was Ian Head, snare drum solo, and the choir winner was Selena Pears, alto solo. The winners will play at the state solo and ensemble contest in April at Central Washington University in Ellensburg, Gray said.

Bite of Blaine slated for Monday, February 16
The annual Bite of Blaine event, where you get to taste the many delicious foods offered at Blaine establishments, is scheduled for Monday, February 16 at the Semiahmoo Resort. A no host bar starts at 6 p.m. followed by food tasting at 6:30. Advance tickets cost $20 per person, or $25 per person at the door. Advance ticket purchase is encouraged as this event frequently sells out. Call Pacific Building Center at 332-5335 for tickets, or pick them up at the Blaine Cost Cutter or Semiahmoo Resort.