Learn about orca communication

The Washington State University Beach Watchers program will host a free program exploring orca communication and harmful effects of plastic garbage in the world’s oceans.

The program, Stories from the Sea, is scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, February 25 at the Blaine public library. Beam Reach Marine Science School professor and Whale Museum president Val Veirs and Gato Verde captain Todd Schuster will speak on the world of orca communication. Sonia Hurt, a volunteer with WSU Beach Watchers, will present a film documenting harmful effects of plastic garbage in the world’s ocean. Sponsored by WSU Beach Watchers program. For more info, call 360/679-7391.

Become a beach master

The Washington State University extension program will host a free workshop for those interested in becoming a WSU beach watcher.
Beach watchers receive extensive free training on local marine and fresh waters, and work on volunteer projects of their choice.

The program is scheduled from noon to 1 p.m. Friday, March 6 at 1000 N. Forest Street, Bellingham. Spring training begins March 17 and space is limited.

For more information about the Beach Watchers program, and to register for this overview presentation, contact Cheryl Lovato Niles at 676-6736, or clniles@wsu.edu.  
www.whatcom.wsu.edu/environ/water/beachwatchers.html

Airline offers low fares between Bellingham and
Los Angeles

Whatcom County and British Columbia residents will soon be able to fly nonstop to Los Angeles from Bellingham International Airport.
Allegiant Air will be offering fares as low as $78 one-way to Los Angeles beginning May 2.

The new flights will operate twice weekly between Bellingham and Los Angeles International Airport with service Wednesday and Saturday. For more information, visit www.allegiantair.com or call 702/505-8888.

Blaine students make dean’s list

Kelsey Hamilton and Casie Rodenberger, both of Blaine, have been named to the 2009 fall semester dean’s list at the University of Portland.

Hamilton is a senior and majoring in nursing. Rodenberger is a sophomore and majoring in music.

Students need at least a 3.5 grade point average to make the dean’s list.