Habitat for Humanity in Whatcom County will break ground its latest building project at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14, at 7535 Leeside Drive in Birch Bay. Local volunteers with Habitat’s Women Build program will construct the home in partnership with future owners Julio and Juana Ortiz and their four children. The home will feature an ultra-energy efficient design and donated solar panels from Western Solar. Habitat expects the finished home will produce nearly as much energy as it uses.
This will be the third ultra-efficient home Habitat has built in the county, but the first to include solar panels. Construction is slated to get underway in spring of 2014. Community members interested in volunteering, supporting or learning more about the project are encouraged to visit www.hfhwhatcom.org, or call 360-715-9170.
The Mount Baker Chapter of the American Red Cross raised $105,000 for local Red Cross services during its 16th annual Real Heroes celebration on Dec. 5. The event was sponsored by the BP Cherry Point Refinery. The chapter also honored 11 community members who saved lives, performed exceptional rescues, provided ongoing support to those in need and dedicated their careers to the service of others.
Donations to the organization can always be made by calling 360-733-3290, going online to www.redcross.org/mtbaker, or mailing donations to American Red Cross, Moun Baker Chapter, 2111 King St., Bellingham, WA 98225.
The Lynden Taco Time will host its third annual Project Hope benefit, donating one day’s net sales to the Project Hope Food Bank. The benefit takes place from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 13. The Lynden Taco Time, located at 8095 Guide Meridian Road, donated more than $3,000 to the food bank last year.
Western Washington University is one of the 100 best values in public colleges, according to Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine. The ranking, released Dec. 11 , cites four-year schools that combine outstanding education with economic value. Kiplinger’s magazine ranks WWU 93rd on its list of the 100 Best Values in Public Colleges for 2014. WWU was listed at 74th in 2013 and 81st in 2012.
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