Good samaritans, all
The Editor:
I would like to say thank you to the anonymous person who read the police report and got something positive to be the end result. See, this person contacted Blaine police and offered a turkey to a total stranger they had just read about.
The Blaine police dispatcher called me and informed me that someone wanted to give my family a turkey. I was shocked! After finding out how and why this had come about, I was told I would be called back at a later time after they were able to contact this person. I figured at least a day or so.
In the meantime, my phone starts cutting in and out, not ringing, or dial tone. I didn’t realize it until later that night around 8 p.m. when my father came over. It seems the police called him after trying to reach me but couldn’t. Dad wondered what was going on so I told him. Someone had read in The Northern Light’s police report that while the police were at my place for another reason officer Tommy Ericksen learned I had no propane. He took it upon himself to call and set it up for my tank to be filled and paid by the Salvation Army. Then I got a call about being given a turkey.
I was surprised when I was given three bags of groceries and a card with $15 inside. So, thank you to that kind, giving stranger out there. It was very appreciated. And also thank you to officer Ericksen and the dispatcher who went out of their way and essentially made this kind act possible. My family used it with much appreciation. Thank you again to all those involved. Happy new year and God bless you in the new year.
Kyle, Darrell, Dallas (Sissy), and Sandra Stacey
Blaine

The Editor:
When my wife and I moved to Blaine six years ago, we heard of a group called the Semiahmoo Ladies Club. Although I felt no negative feelings toward such a group, I was under the assumption that it was nothing more than a group of ladies living in the same community that got together on a regular basis to socialize. Just in case anyone else in the community has this same opinion, I am writing this letter to change it.
As the director for The Blender, I recently was honored by being allowed to be a participant in the goals of the Semiahmoo Ladies Club. This past fall, the ladies club held a casino night and raised a large sum of money through this event. The intention is to give this money to organizations in Blaine and Whatcom County that are making a positive impact on our community.
The Blender was one of the fortunate recipients of their benevolence. This allows us to finish building our stage for concerts and community theater events. It will also help provide a basketball cage that will go inside The Blender and help with general operation costs.
I want to say thank you to each woman in this club. I would also encourage the members of this community to do the same. If you know one of these ladies, let them know how much you appreciate their desire to take action and make Blaine a better place to live for everyone.
Ken Martin
Blaine

Good idea...
The Editor:
Re: the letter from Linda Lawrence, Blaine, December 13-19 edition. As one of the taxpayers on Marine Drive, I would like to respond. We at Blaine Marine Services have done our part by putting up Christmas lights, and we have paid our taxes. I agree that some additional support from the city for those of us on this side of the tracks would benefit all of our businesses.
I think most of us are struggling to keep our doors open during these difficult times. I also think that most of the merchants are trying to support each other and shop Blaine to keep the town alive, I agree that any help from the city would be appreciated and benefit everyone.
The Marine Park is a beautiful spot and the city should be promoting it more. I think Linda’s idea is great; we should be letting people know we are still here and open for business. Merry Christmas everyone! Thanks, Linda.
Susan Brooks
Blaine

Save our launch!
Dear Editor:
The one and only public boat launch on Birch Bay, at the south end of the state park, is now closed and faces eminent permanent closure. While state parks purchased the northern-most 80 feet of the former Bossy Cow/Birch Bay Marina property for use as a high-water boat launch, it must now be proven that the 80 feet of shoreline was used as a back-down and/or walk-in boat launch prior to 1976 to remain operational. It must further be shown that the launch was used continuously over several seasons at that exact spot and should not be confused with the Bossy Cow’s rail launch system.
You can help save the boat launch! If you used that boat launch pre-1976 on a fairly regular basis, please write a letter documenting your use by the first week in January 2002 to: Ted Morris, park manager, Birch Bay State Park, 5105 Helweg Road, Blaine, WA 98230.
If you can include copies of old photos of pre-1976 boat launch use, that would be optimum. Please help save the public boat launch on Birch Bay. The boating public will thank you.
Dick and Kathy Berg
Birch Bay

More Whites on the way?
The Editor:
As most everyone knows I have a little on-line business where I am selling a bracelet to pay respect to the victims of September 11, and to raise funds for their children and I might add, it is doing quite well.
But here is what drives me nuts. I applied for a business license in the city in early November. Now this was a no brainer. It was an in-home business license with a $25 fee which in itself is too high, when it would be a lot less most everywhere else in the county. Anyhow, I accepted this and left my application for processing. Ten weeks later I finally get my business license when there is only 10 days left in the year, and then there is a $12.50 fee for those 10 days, and come January 1 will be a new business license and a new fee.
Now if I had to wait for 10 weeks without knowing whether or not they would approve or deny it, imagine if you can if you had a business of significant size and you were waiting 10 weeks.
This is a process that takes very little time to do anywhere else in the county, but here in Blaine it takes 10 weeks, now maybe I missed something along the way where there is an over abundance of new business coming into Blaine and I missed it, which is why it took so long to process. Please let’s get real here, I could get pregnant faster then getting a simple business license processed.
No wonder there are so many empty store fronts. Think about it?
Dave White
Blaine

Letters Policy
The Northern Light welcomes letters to the editor; however, the opinions expressed are not those of the editor. Letters must include name, address and daytime telephone number for verification. Letters must not exceed 350 words and may be edited or rejected for reasons of legality, length and good taste. Thank-you letters should be limited to 10 names. A fresh viewpoint on matters of general interest to local readers will increase the likelihood of publication. Writers should avoid personal invective. Unsigned letters will not be accepted for publication. Requests for withholding names will be considered on an individual basis. Only one letter per month from an individual correspondent will be published.

Please send your letter to:
225 Marine Drive, Blaine, WA 98230 or fax 360/332-2777.
E-mail:editor@thenorthernlight.com