Letters to the Editor

Bill blows his top...
The Editor:
All of us experienced quite the wind and rain storm on Friday, December 14, one unlike any other I’ve been in.
The gusts were sharp and severe all night, and sleep was something saved for another night! At 4 a.m. there was an awful tearing noise and loud crash above me, and the feeling that something bad happened overwhelmed me. I thought maybe it was just some potted planters blowing around but when I popped up the roof hatch, I was amazed to see what had just happened amidst the gale force winds. The whole front 40 feet of the roof was peeled back like a sardine can exposing the old rough cut roof rafters. At first I thought there was a blizzard on top of that, but realized later that it was just the pink blow-in insulation blowing out of the attic space!
My hands shaking, upset, I called the police and asked them to block the alley for any possible injuries that could occur from flying roof debris. I then called my insurance company and left a message. It was 4 a.m.!
My next call was the most important; calling the company that ended up being the saviors of the day, Rainshield Roofing from Bellingham.To call a roofing company at 4 a.m. even in an emergency, and actually have a crew show up at 4:30 a.m. was nothing short of incredible! A full crew was on site at 7:30 a.m. and it was determined to meet back with materials when the weather report said the winds would be sub-
siding.
The roof had to be patched quickly to prevent further loss due to the coming rains. Ten a.m. arrived with materials and a full crew. The winds really never subsided. Despite the wind they did what they had to do! They cut the folded back section and prepped the area for a temporary roof that would prevent any other damage and last till spring or summer when the conditions for installing a new roof would be ideal. The sheets were carefully hauled up and nailed down, with the torch down applied, all in one of the worst windstorms in recent memory.
These guys did an amazing job, despite it being very dangerous. There was the present danger of blowing off the roof and this type of work is physically demanding in even the best of weather.
There are so many folks I want to thank, especially every person at Rainshield Roofing. The owner Chuck is always a pleasure to deal with, forthright and straightforward. Rick and his entire crew, you guys are the greatest. I hope the injuries some of your guys suffered heal quickly and that they are back at their game very soon. Ken, Jeff and all others involved, I couldn’t have gotten a better group of guys!!
I would also like to thank Paul Kenner and his staff at Snapper, Shuler and Kenner who made a personal appearance and made me feel more secure. Thanks to Steve and Bryce with Safeco, Doug Balmer with the Blaine police and Jim Lahatt with Lahatt Engineering in Bellingham for coming up right away and assessing the damage with literally no prior warning and in less than favorable conditions!
I also owe thanks to my friend Gary Harsch who came at an early hour to assist in any way he could and to just be there and be a friend!
All in all, an amazing day that I would not want to duplicate, but that proves by having hardworking, dedicated, responsible professionals, especially in an emergency, excellent results will prevail!
This experience gives a whole new meaning to Christmas, the best of the holiday season to you all, and a huge thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Bill Becht and Rascal the Cat
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.

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E-mail:editor@thenorthernlight.com

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 are limited to five individuals or groups. 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 email letters to letters@thenorthernlight.com