Letters to the Editor

The Editor:
I have lived in the Blaine area most of my life and am proud of the beauty that surrounds us. I am also proud of the Peace Arch and what it represents. Inscribed on it are the words “May these gates never be closed” and “Children of a common mother.”
A group of people calling themselves the Minutemen are in our community. Hal Washburn, a resident of Olalla and a minuteman, had a letter in the April 26 edition of The Northern Light.
In this letter he verbally attacks a person I admire and respect, Rosalinda Guillen, executive director of Community to Community Development.
Washburn states that Ms. Guillen “attempts to stir up racial divisiveness and fear among the Hispanic/Latino community of Whatcom County.”
This is false. In an April 29 issue of the Bellingham Herald, Ms. Guillen speaks about the May 1 picnic by saying, “We believe that in sitting at the table and sharing our favorite traditional foods, no matter what country we come from, we overcome barriers and build community with each other.” Washburn also states that “we watch the border, not people.”
The Minutemen weren’t “watching the border” when they drove by Ms. Guillen and her supporters as they walked to the Peace Arch from Bellingham nor were they “watching the border” when they video taped those marching on May 1 for immigrant solidarity.
We are the people who have to deal with these hateful statements toward our community members. The fear and hatred is from the Minutemen not from Community to Community Development.
The Minutemen are coming into our country from other Washington counties and other states. We have to stand up against those who are bringing this fear and hatred into our communities.
It is not only the Latino and other ethnic groups that are on the receiving end of their intimidation but all of us in the community who stand in solidarity for immigrant rights.
For more information, you can go to notinmycounty.org and foodjustice.org.
Diana Christianson
Blaine

The Editor:
Friends and five generations of family members gathered together on April 15 to celebrate Mrs. Anna L. Baker’s birthday who turned 96 on April 16.
The youngest member was her two-year-old great great granddaughter. The party was held at the Stafholt Good Samaritan center in Blaine. Mrs. Baker has been a resident of Stafholt since September 2006.
Before moving to Stafholt she was a resident at the Custer Adult Family Home for five years. Mrs. Baker was married to William Baker and has lived in the Blaine/Birch Bay area since 1943.
She wishes to express her appreciation and thanks to everyone who helped her celebrate her birthday. The family wishes to thank the staff of Stafholt and a special thank you to Claudia Rouse for all her help.
Barbara Baker
Birch Bay

The Editor:
Blaine Community Theater extends deepest gratitude to Gloria Dawn and Marita Barnes of “Double Trouble” for giving their time and talent to a fundraising dance held at the theater space on April 21.
We had dancers of all ages, everyone had a lot of fun, and we had many requests to do it again! Double Trouble took requests from the audience for music ranging from the ’50s to contemporary. They doubled the beat to give the kids a workout, and played some slow ones for the older crowd.
Several of the kids thanked us for giving them something to do on a Saturday night, and we were able to dance our way to some much-needed revenue! Thank you again and again!
Mel Finnson, president
Blaine

The Editor and the people of
Blaine and Birch Bay:
A new watershed has been established, (BBWARM) which is fee-based, as opposed to volunteer based. Many people in this new watershed may not realize they are in it.
I would encourage everyone in the Birch Bay watershed, also known as the BBWARM, to attend and participate in the next meeting, May 16 at 7 p.m. at the Birch Bay Bible Community Church off Jackson Road. Members will discuss watershed impact fees and planned spending on projects.
This watershed encompasses a large area and you can go to www.birchbayinfo.org to the storm water page or to the Whatcom County government site for Ordinance 2007-019, and find the boundaries. Please come if you want a say in what you pay.
Cathy Seemann
Birch Bay

The Editor:
I recently had a wonderful excursion to Washington. I was accepted to participate in the 10th Sculpture Exhibition in Peace Arch Park. I arrived from Boston with my sculpture only existing in my mind.
My idea was to build a “model border” between the U.S. and Canada, but on a comically minimal scale using concrete and plastic. I needed the help of the community to bring the labor-intensive project together.
I’d like to thank those people. Namely, Jason, Robin and John over at the park gave me the tools, materials and “elbow grease” I needed to make the sculpture. Michelle and Ellen at the day spa, Whisper on the Bay, completely fixed a wrenched back.
The management of Sandcastle at Birch Bay provided a gorgeous room. Christina Alexander, the volunteer director of the sculpture exhibition, organized all the logistics.
Most importantly, however, I’d like to acknowledge the welcoming and friendly response I received from the people in the area from both sides of the border. It was so refreshing to be greeted with smiles (a departure from the common scene here on the other coast). I look forward to my return to northwest Washington, due mostly to the people that live there.
John Hooker
Boston, MA

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