Letters to the Editor

The Editor:
Friday, September 21 is the International Day of Peace. Mark your calendars. Mark September 21, 2008 too. In fact, as a result of a 1981 resolution by the United Nations, September 21 will be the International Day of Peace in perpetuity.
That resolution called for the day to be “devoted to commemorating and strengthening the ideals of peace both within and among all nations and peoples.”
In 2001, the United Nations expanded the observance of the International Day of Peace, and invited all nations and people to honor the day. In 2006, the city of Blaine proclaimed support for these concepts, adding that “global crises impel all citizens to work toward converting humanity’s noblest aspirations for world peace into a practical reality for future generations.”
As news of global crises continue to assault our eyes and ears, what can we, as citizens of our Peace Arch city, do to support and promote the high aspirations of these proclamations? For a start, on September 21 we could observe a minute of silence to contemplate the place of peace in our homes, in our neighborhoods and in our community.
We could talk with our families and friends about the goals of September 21. Young people could ask for a discussion about the International Day of Peace in their classrooms.
Adults could bring information about the day to their colleagues in the work place and to members of their volunteer or recreational groups. “Google” International Day of Peace to read what other communities and organizations are doing to mark the day.
We could even mark another day on our calendars. On Saturday, September 29 a consortium of organizations from both sides of the United States/Canada border are congregating at Peace Arch Park for “Peace Without Borders.” Contact the Whatcom Peace and Justice Center in Bellingham for more details.
To paraphrase Shakespeare: We do pray for peace, and that same prayer doth ask us to render deeds of peace.
Diane Palmason
Blaine

The Editor:
On Wednesday August 22, the Funabashi City Junior Orchestra treated the audience to a free performance at the Blaine School District’s Performing Arts Center. This group, under the direction of Mr. Kiyomi Sasaki, is comprised of 40 community members with an age range from 11 to adult and are from Funabashi, Chiba, Japan.
Their performance was a wonderful treat for the ears and featured traditional music from Japan as well as music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and “Pomp and Circumstance” by Elgar. There were also solo vocal and instrumental performances by members of the orchestra that left the audience wanting more.
Many thanks to the families who offered their homes to students for the day and treated them to meals and outings that included museums, beaches, Blaine Marine Park, the Peace Arch, shopping as well as other wonderful experiences in Blaine and Whatcom County.
Thank you to Gary Tomsic and the city of Blaine for providing the historic Plover passenger ferry as a special experience for the visitors. Captain Sam Clemons and deck hand Alexandra Dolk transported the orchestra director, chaperones and others to Semiahmoo and tour of the harbor. Thanks also to Richard Sturgill for helping with the arrangements.
I am also grateful for the continued commitment from Ron Spanjer and the Blaine School District and to Bob and Dorita Gray in supporting the connection with Japan and to the enthusiastic audience who made this group feel so very welcome!
Domo Arigatou Gozaimasu!
Leslee Smith
Blaine

The Editor:
Good news! Birch Bay Garden Center is open under new management. Kim and I want to thank all of you for the support, encouragement and friendship that you extended to us and hope you will do the same for Randy, Lylia and Jensen. They have many new and exciting visions to only make Birch Bay Garden Center better than ever.
Kim and Brandon moved to Oregon and have since presented us with a granddaughter so we are off to Oregon to enjoy the next phase of our lives together. Kim and I appreciated and enjoyed all of you.
Kathy Norman
Birch Bay

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