Letters to the Editor

Thank you, thank you
The Editor:
The United States/Canada Peace Anniversary Association wants to thank the many people who attended the International Peace Vigil and Candle Lighting on the evening of September 11 at the Peace Arch. As the entire country reflected on the events of September 11, 2001, we were most fortunate to be able to gather in our international peace park with friends to the north and with people of many nations to continue the healing process, moving forward in unity.
Thanks to the American and Canadian consulates and the officials of both countries who shared their inspiring words; to Agrippa Williams of Seattle, for his wonderful musical tribute, “What America Is to Me;” to the White Rock Children’s Choir for their magical presence and beautiful voices; and to Pam Hom for sharing with us her New York sculpture and its story. The 9/11 commemorative plaque was provided by the Jerns Funeral Chapel and the Alderwood Group of Burnaby, B.C.
Our thanks to the Singh family (Blaine Dollar Store) for donating the candles and butane lighters; to Pelican Press for helping with the event
program; and to Motel International for providing accommodations.
Thanks to the 35 volunteers enlisted from the audience who helped light the candles or read inspirational quotations. Thanks to those who brought extra candles for their neighbors and to all those who placed additional candles and flowers on the Arch. And, our thanks to the Peace Arch State Park manager Wayne Eden for permission to use the park. We especially appreciate the presence of our very special guests, the representative members of the Blaine police, Northwest Fire and Rescue, U.S. and Canadian customs, border patrol and the INS. Many people from the community were moved by their presence and giving our community a chance to express our gratitude for the services they perform.
The hundreds of candles encircling the Peace Arch provided a beacon of freedom and solidarity to be seen by all those attending as well as those
passing by in their cars. The continued international outpouring of
neighborly and brotherly sentiment, support and sympathy humbles those of us who are a part of the United States/Canada Peace Anniversary Association.
The unity we continue to witness is strong testimony to the friendship that exists between the citizens of our nations. Truly it was the coming
together of “Children of a common mother,” “Dwelling together in Unity.”
Thank you all.
Christina Alexander
The United States/Canada Peace Anniversary Association
Blaine

School’s in, fundraising’s on
The Editor:
The Blaine Fine Arts Association (BFAA) is a parent-sponsored group which has, as its overall goal, the support of the Blaine High School fine arts programs. This group of interested parents and adults meets once a month to plan yearly events and act as a liaison between the high school band, choral, and media and creative arts teachers and the community ofBlaine.
All parents of students enrolled in any of the many high school arts elective courses are automatically members of this group. There is an executive body (president, VP, secretary, treasurer, and faculty) who are voting members. We are encouraging all parents, grandparents or other adults who are interested in ‘going the extra mile’ for our students to attend the next regular meeting on September 9, 4 p.m. in the Blaine middle school library.
Events planned for the upcoming 2002-03 school year include the annual community homecoming chili feed, Friday, October 11, 5 - 7 p.m., and the annual arts and jazz dance, Auction and Community Celebration, Saturday, February 1, 7-11 p.m. Both events are open to the general public and are held on campus in the MS cafeteria-PAC complex.
This year the BFAA is also sponsoring a quilt raffle with the drawing to be held on Saturday, February 1 at the arts and jazz evening. Tickets are $1 per chance for a queen sized quilt made by Anne Abrams and Marilyn Martin.
In past years proceeds from our fundraising efforts have contributed scholarships to over 16 graduating seniors, provided funds for registration and travel to numerous adjudicated events and festivals, purchased equipment for the art department, and provided a number of musical events for the community of Blaine.
The BFAA is a great way to work with others interested in supporting the arts in Blaine and we invite all those who are interested to join us in our efforts. We welcome new faces and new ideas!
For information, contact president Leslee Smith, 332-4859 or Nancy Hamburg at the Blaine middle school office at 332-8226.
Mel Freal
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

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