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Nice planning...
The Editor:
I attended three of Birch Bay’s 20 year planning meetings
and found them very impressive.
 As
a citizen of the Blaine urban growth area, I only hope when
Blaine begins its long range planning process in the near
future, it can match the dedication and energy expended
by the Birch Bay planning group these last 18 months.
John Sand
Blaine
Thanks
to jurors
The Editor:
On that cold morning of June 15, 1215, when King John placed
his seal on the Magna Carta in the fields of Runnymede,
we became heirs to a privilege that few people in the world
have ever enjoyed – the right to trial by jury. It
is a right for which men and women have given their lives
and denial of that right, along with other grievances, led
to the American colonies declaring independence from England
226 years ago.
This
week has been designated by our state as Juror Appreciation
Week. My judicial colleagues in district court, Edward Ross
and Matt Elich, join me in a sincere expression of thanks
and gratitude to each and every juror who has reported for
service in the past year. And this feeling of gratitude
isn’t confined to one week out of the year, but is
something we feel year-round. Jurors give of themselves
each time they report for service. Their pay is low, the
hours are long, and the task is demanding. Yet
the service which jurors provide to our community is vital
to our legal system and to the preservation of our Rights
as Americans.
Once
again, thank you, jurors of Whatcom County. Not just this
week, but always.
Ira Uhrig
Presiding Judge
Whatcom County District Court
Thanks
for blessing
The Editor:
The Blessing of the Fleet committee wants to thank all of
you who helped with our annual ceremony on Sunday, May 5.
It was a nice day (no rain!), and a very good attendance
for this important day for the fishing industry.
Special thanks to the Port of Bellingham and the Blaine
port staff for setting up the dock with chairs, tent, sound
system, and providing any help we needed before and after
the event. Thanks to the Blaine high school music department,
especially the instrumental ensemble, led by Bob Gray, and
Blaine high school singer Victoria King. Local ministers
Dennis Wildermuth, Nan Geer and Brent Brentnall provided
prayers. Thanks to Senator Georgia Gardner who helped write
and then read the Washington State Senate resolution for
the annual Blessing of the Fleet, and mayor pro-tem John
Liebert who read the City of Blaine Resolution for this
event.
Thanks
also to Blaine Bouquets for the beautiful flowers, to Jeff
Markusen who provided his fishing vessel Scandia to represent
the fleet, to Rory McLeod who played the bagpipes for the
beginning and the ending of the ceremony, and to the fisher
families who provided refreshments after the ceremony.
Thanks
to all else who helped in any way. We couldn’t have
done it without your help.
Jan Hrutfiord, Chair
Blessing of the Fleet Committee
Blaine
Thanks
for flags
The Editor:
I would like to thank you for the American flags on the
downtown street lamps. They are a wonderful addition to
downtown, special thanks to Leroy for working late to get
them out! The flags along with the hanging planters and
sidewalk planters really brighten up the downtown corridor.
As
a downtown business owner and lifetime resident of Blaine,
these little things really add to the beauty of Blaine and
are appreciated.
Mary Lee Hill
Blaine
Thanks from farm
The Editor:
Our Firewind Farm Nursery family would like to take this
opportunity to thank The Northern Light for everything you
have done to help make our grand opening a great success!
Thank
you to Louise, Jackie, and Meg for meeting us at the farm.
Also, thank you to Karena for your help with the production
of our ads. We appreciate your help and your wonderful article
that introduced us to this great community we all share.
We
enjoyed meeting everyone that joined us for our grand opening
and truly appreciate your business and friendship. We hope
you will continue to visit us for your gardening projects
and look forward to sharing our love of plants and nature
together. As our gardens bloom and grow throughout the years,
we look forward to our friendships blooming as we all grow
together!
Thank
you everyone that signed up for the Japanese Maple drawing.
The lucky winner is Rhonda Enright. Congratulations Rhonda,
we’re excited for you! The Japanese Maple found a great
new home on your freshly graded property.
We
would also like to thank Bill for his countless and tireless
hours of helping to make our farm such a wonderful garden
that we all enjoy. We’d be lost without you, Bill!
Barbara, Jeff, Aunt Dot, and Chris
Blaine
Poetic
Poppies
The Editor:
May is the annual poppy drive for the hospitalized veterans.
Peace Arch Unit #86 Auxiliary Members will soon be calling
on you with displays they have been making from poppies
purchased from the hospitalized veterans. For some this
is their only source of income. All donations received go
back to the veterans hospitals for the care and comfort
of those who have done so much for us.
Since
the events of September 11, it is more important than ever
to show our support to our veterans and their families.
The
following (author unknown) says it all. Thank you for your
support.
A man walked down the street one day.
The ladies of the Auxiliary came his way.
He took a poppy and gave them a dime.
He mumbled “Why do they take up my time?”
He put the poppy in the button hole of his coat,
Next to some pencils and other notes.
When he got home he placed the poppy on the table,
That pretty red flower with the little green label.
When he looked at the flower, as if inspired,
He wondered, “Who put this flower on this wire?”
He’s probably a man who once stood tall,
And for his country he gave his all.
He might once have piloted a plane.
Now gives his all just to walk with a cane.
In his strong hands was a sense of power,
Now he makes this little red flower.
In our world we are busy with money and power,
While this man’s job is this little red flower.
He still takes pride in what he has to do,
Petal by petal he makes this flower for you.
Next year when it comes to poppy day,
I’ll be glad to see the auxiliary come my way.
I’ll cheerfully give them generously,
For the veteran making this pretty red flower,
Could have been me!!!
Liane Evans, President
Peace Arch Unit #86
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
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