News in Brief

Over 20 students attend second SAC meeting
More than 20 students were in attendance last week for the second meeting of the Student Ambassador Committee (SAC), a mentorship program recently implemented by the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce. The students are creating local projects they would like to work on and ideas to enhance the community. The next SAC meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 3 at 6:30 p.m. at the Worldmark Resort in Birch Bay. The meeting is open to students ages 14-18 and the public.

Commission sends Birch Bay plan to council
The Whatcom County planning commission approved the Birch Bay plan last week and it will now be discussed by the Whatcom County Council during their next meeting on Tuesday. The Birch Bay plan, called A 2020 Look to the Future, highlights issues such as population and housing, incorporation, and land use. It represents three years� work involving more than 2,000 people in the county, and built on previous planning efforts in economic development and shoreline improvement initiated by the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce. The county council meets at 7 p.m. next Tuesday evening at 311 Grand Avenue in Bellingham.

Bill Hilly Band performing next week at PAC
The Bill Hilly Band, a show-stopping acoustic group with a sense of humor, is coming to Blaine next week, sponsored by the Pacific Arts Association in cooperation with the Blaine school district. The band will perform Saturday, February 28 at 7:30 p.m. in the Blaine Performing Arts Center (PAC). Tickets are available online at www.pacificartsassoc.org, by phone with credit card at 332-6484, or can be picked up at the Blaine visitors center, Steamers, gift shop at Semihamoo Resort, or Village Books in Bellingham. Tickets cost $15/adult, $7.50/student. For more information about the band, visit www.pacificartsassoc.org or www.thebillhillyband.com.

Jorgensen teaching Thursday evening salmon class
Anglers interested in a saltwater fishing class can attend the �Salmonar� at Shuksan middle school on Northwest Avenue in Bellingham, hosted by Blaine�s very own Jim Jorgensen. A salmon charter skipper for the past 37 years, Jorgensen will share ideas and techniques for catching salmon. The classes include sessions on places to fish in the San Juan and Canadian Gulf Islands, tides, salmon lifecycles, knot tying and one session on bottomfishing. Two-hour classes are scheduled for February 26, March 11, 18, 25, and April 8 at 7 p.m. The registration fee is $80. Call 332-6724 to sign up.

Blaine music teacher Bob Gray awarded
Bob Gray, the middle school and high school band instructor, has been granted the prestigious Outstanding Music Educator 2004 award on behalf of the San Juan Music Educator�s Association, which represents the San Juan region of the Washington Music Educator�s Association. The association gives recognition to music educators for exceptional support, inspiration and outstanding contribution to the growth and development of music education, both public and private, in the state of Washington. Gray was honored last Saturday at the Yakima Convention Center Concert Hall.

Birch Bay steering committee to meet next week
The Birch Bay steering committee will next meet on Wednesday, February 25 at 7 p.m. at the Birch Bay fire station on Birch Bay - Lynden Road. Vice-chair Kathy Berg said the topic of discussion will be the recent $338,000 land donation made by Malibu Associates to Birch Bay. The committee has narrowed down a group of projects they plan to implement through that donation, specifically a public restroom and parking lot area on Birch Bay Drive.

High school play on stage Friday, Saturday
Blaine high school�s drama program is gearing up for a two show run of a showcase of scenes and monologues, to be presented to the public this weekend. About 20 students are involved and have been rehearsing since November. Included in the show will be selections from Shakespeare�s �Hamlet,� �Richard III,� and �A Midsummer Night�s Dream,� as well as newer works and a variation of dance numbers. Proceeds from the showcase will go to fund the spring production. Performances are Friday, February 20, and Saturday, February 21 at 7 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center. Admission is by donation.

Shea speaks at chamber, discusses retreat project
Ellen Shea, the proposer of a 10-acre Birch Point retreat, spoke to the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce Tuesday, discussing plans for her project. �I have been in the newspaper quite a bit as a developer,� she said, adding she is not a developer, rather a woman with a vision. The project, which requires a 10-acre rezone from urban residential to resort commercial, was shot down by the Whatcom County planning commission last month. In response to the project, the community group Neighbors for Birch Point has formed and is fighting it via a petition. Shea herself has started a petition as well, but in support of the project. Although the commission voted down the project, Whatcom county council can decide to hold a public hearing, and will likely discuss the project at their next meeting on Tuesday, February 24 at 7 p.m. at 311 Grand Avenue in Bellingham. Written comments can be sent to the council via email at council@co.whatcom.wa.us.