Amanda Kay Swinburnson and Mason Dean Heeringa

Amanda Kay Swinburnson and Mason Dean Heeringa, both of Sumas, announce their engagement and plans for a March 13, 2010 wedding at the Sumas Christian Reformed Church. Amanda is a daughter of Barry and Darlene Swinburnson of Sumas.

Leslie Kooistra of Lynden and Brett Van Weerdhuizen

Leslie Kooistra of Lynden and Brett Van Weerdhuizen of Everson announce their engagement and plans for an April 23, 2010 wedding. Leslie is a daughter of Les and Karen Kooistra of Lynden. She is a graduate of Lynden Christian High School and currently attends Whatcom Community College. Brett is a son of Alvin and Lori Van Weerdhuizen of Everson. He also graduated from Lynden Christian High School, where they met more than five years ago. He is employed by C&C Welding in Everson. The marriage proposal took place after a scavenger hunt.

Ardis Bunker

Ardis Bunker of Bellingham is celebrating her 80th birthday. Friends and family are invited to an open house from noon to 3 p.m. on her birthday, Sunday, March 14, at the Squalicum Boathouse, 2600 Harbor Loop, Bellingham. No gifts, please. Ardis was born to Gabe and Viola Carman in Whatcom County on March 14, 1930.

Sena Sterk

Sena Sterk of Lynden is celebrating her 90th birthday and the family invites you to help great-grandma celebrate on Friday, March 12, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Lynden Manor, 905 Aaron Dr. She was born on March 12, 1920, to Wouter and Johanna Groothuis in Neerlandia, Alberta.

Gene Crabtree

Gene Crabtree of Lynden is celebrating his 79th birthday. An open house will be held for him from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 14, at the Lynden Camels Club, 216 Main St. It is a SURPRISE party for Gene, so we ask that you help us keep it a surprise.

Caitlin Spoelstra and Donald Meyer

Caitlin Spoelstra and Donald Meyer, both of Lynden, announce their engagement and plans for an April 9, 2010 wedding. Caitlin is a daughter of Leonard and Sheila Spoelstra of Lynden. She graduated from Lynden Christian High School and is employed by The Print Stop in Lynden and also with Alice Joy Weddings & Events.

Meagan Bladies and Scott Smit

Meagan Bladies and Scott Smit, both of Lynden, announce their engagement and plans for a March 20, 2010 wedding at First Reformed Church, with a reception to follow at the Ferndale Event Center. Meagan is a daughter of Tony and Shelli Bladies of Lynden. She graduated from Lynden Christian High School and Everest College in Seattle as a licensed massage therapist. She is employed by Front Street Spa and Plum Hair Studio. Scott is a son of Greg and Jan Smit of Lynden. He graduated from Lynden Christian High School and from the Dairy Management program at Ridgewater College in Willmar, Minn. He is a herdsman on the family dairy farm. The couple met through mutual friends and the marriage proposal took place at the Bellwether Hotel in

John and Elsie TeVelde

John and Elsie TeVelde of Lynden are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. They were married on March 4, 1960, at Elsie's family home in Hancock, Minn. Their children are Chuck of Leavenworth and Michelle of Cashmere, Duane (deceased in 1985) and Ann of Moses Lake, Gary and Deanna, Dale and Lori and Brian and Jennifer, all of Lynden, and Darlene and Jason Vander Veen of Everson. They have also been blessed with 14 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. The TeVeldes hope to celebrate with family in July.

Walt and Jean DeKraai

Walt and Jean DeKraai of Lynden plan to celebrate their 69th wedding anniversary on March 3 with family and friends at the home of their daughter Susie Bradley. They were married on March 2, 1941, in Lancaster, Mo. Walt is a World War II Navy Seabee veteran and Jean is a member of the VFW Women's Auxiliary of Lynden. Their children are Herb DeKraai, deceased, Judy Rustad of Bellingham and Susie and Mike Bradley of Lynden. The DeKraais have four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. They attribute their lasting marriage to having each other's back through good times and bad, and loving each other unconditionally.

Grace B. Hayes

Grace B. Hayes of Burlington is celebrating her 80th birthday with an open house from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 6, 2010, at the Park Village Clubhouse, 2725 E. Fir St., Mount Vernon. Grace B. (Bouwman) Hayes, born in Lynden on March 10, 1930, is a daughter of Dick and Sadie (Stremler) Bouwman. She retired in 1985 after 27 years of working for the Skagit Valley Rural and Continental Telephone companies. Grace's husband of 58 1/2 years, Bill, passed away in July 2007. The open house will be hosted by her children and their spouses who include Jim and Cindy Looff of Mount Vernon, Tracy and Bobbie Hayes of Sacramento, Calif., Scott and Ros Hayes of Ferndale, Mike and Shannon Smith of Sedro-Woolley, and Dixie Hayes of Chehalis.She also has 22 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.