'Twas a giving season
The Editor:
This has been another wonderful Christmas season for Blaine. The Community Giving Tree Project was a huge success, thanks to all of the fantastic people who gave their time and energy. It is always wonderful to watch the entire town of Blaine working together to make Christmas special for so many families who would otherwise be unable to give and receive gifts. We also were very fortunate to receive a number of monetary gifts, which helped considerably to make this fantastic program run smoothly.
This year we had 82 families who were sponsored by individuals, families and businesses throughout the community, providing 271 children with clothes and toys for Christmas. Approximately 30 additional families and 105 additional children were invited to the Giving Tree Shopping Day where the surplus toys and clothes were distributed.
In anticipation of the 2002 Giving Tree Project, we are currently accepting Christmas cards, which are used for the gift tags. If you have cards you would like to donate, please bring them to Stafholt Good Samaritan Center.
Again, thank you to all the sponsors and volunteers for your donations of time, money, and gifts. Your generosity is heartfelt and greatly appreciated.
Debbie Graff, Laurie Hart, Wendy Del Bosque and Ann Walter
The Giving Tree Coordinators
Blaine

Time served
The Editor:
In response to the statement in last week’s newspaper The Northern Light in Blaine stating Dennis Ellis set fire to our home on Adelia Street. Dennis did not set fire to his and our home and refused to plead guilty to something he did not do.
No motive, no evidence acknowledged. Our home was burglarized with fire as well as others in area on record with items stolen and both doors damaged necessitating repair and replacement.
Lab reports were inconclusive and cleared Dennis according to attorneys who were surprised at verdict. When more relevant facts in Dennis’ defense were presented to the judge personally after the verdict – Dennis spent 74 days at home – not jail.
I am sure if the editor had been in possession of all the facts this would have been included. Thank you.
Al & Muriel Ellis
Blaine
Ed. note: Superior Court records indicate Dennis Ellis was convicted of arson and sentenced to 90 days in jail, with 30 days commuted, as well as probation and community service. County authorities would not release information regarding how that time was served.

Thanks
The Editor:
We would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to all of those who supported us with their kindness after our recent loss. Your visits, flowers, and cards have not only helped get us through the past few weeks, but will help us to endure for a long time to come. While we’ll miss Benny dearly, it certainly comforts us to know that we live in a community full of so many caring and thoughtful people. Special thank you to Wes Thompson, the St. Anne Altar Society, members of the Crystal Tricycle, and to all those that have contributed to the memorial fund. Benny would be proud. Thank you to all.
John Bennet and family
Ferndale

The Editor:
Ann Walter, administrator of Stafholt Good Samaritan Center and staff, provided an open house for our 65th wedding anniversary party for us on December 21. We wish to thank each of you for a lovely party.
The many guests that attended and the lovely cards are also greatly appreciated. Blaine has been our home for 59 years of our married life; we love each of you and our little town of Blaine.
Thank you for making our life so wonderful.
Reg & Vivian Campin
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