The Editor:
Last Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday, we provided hundreds of surgical masks to the people of Blaine and Birch Bay.
I would like to especially recognize the anonymous donor for making the shipment to me possible, and for incurring the huge personal expense. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Also, to my dear friend Linda Weed, who has been tirelessly making cloth masks and whose smile brightens my day when we meet for a weekly exchange of goods.
This also could not be a success without the help of The Northern Light, which puts the word out in print and online, as well as pastor Justin Long (Blaine Christian Fellowship) and pastor Lee Connors (The Bridge Community Hope Center).
Last but not least, my kind, caring and giving helper, Joe Zaccaria, who is always ready and willing to jump in to help those in need, and Dr. David Allan.
We hope to keep this drive going as long as we have masks. This would not have been such an amazing success without each and every one of you.
Wishing our community good health at this difficult time.
Marta Kazymyra, M.D.
Blaine
The Editor:
We have gone, and are going, through a significant life-changing event with COVID-19, an event most of us probably did not see coming a few months ago. If you are like me, you have been watching the news to see what new tragedy has evolved somewhere in the world. You have sought the latest numbers on the internet for new confirmed cases and the number of deaths since yesterday. You pick up your cell phone and text your kids, grandkids and great-grandkids to confirm that none of those numbers was them.
Yes, it is truly a calamity that none of us will soon forget. However, as we are now hopefully seeing the numbers give an indication of flattening out, we can begin to think that we are maybe returning to a period of some sanity, and that we are, with a bit of luck, a little wiser. For me, that wisdom includes the realization that I am extremely fortunate to be home in Whatcom County. Yes, we have observed our own heartbreaks, but surely this is nothing when compared to China, Italy, New York, New Orleans or even Seattle. With my oldest daughter in Lynden and youngest daughter in Point Roberts – recently declared to be one of the safest places to be right now – I am extremely fortunate. But with a son in Houston and another in San Diego, I still have much cause to worry.
Very fortunately indeed, my wife and I are in Blaine, a very strong and supportive community. I find myself very thankful. To Sukhwant Singh Gill and his son Gury Gill at the D Street Shell station for their milk, bread and powerful community spirit, giving back when needed. To the staff at Cost Cutter and Rite Aid who have been open with stocked shelves and cheery greetings, day after day. To our letter carriers who have been our contact to the outside world – neither snow nor rain nor pandemic keep them from their appointed rounds. Those who have kept us safe, out first responders, police and fire departments. And I am not forgetting you and your staff at The Northern Light newspaper; you have been there for us, keeping us in the loop.
We must all remember this tragedy and learn from it. We should also remember that we have been very fortunate; it could have been far worse. We live in a strong, wonderful community with many doing what they must, what they can for all of us. For all in Blaine, for all in Whatcom County, thank you, friends.
Lee C. Bravener
Blaine
The Editor:
The COVID-19 pandemic threatens the health of millions in this country and around the world, but it also presents additional challenges for more than five million Americans living with Alzheimer’s, their caregivers, the research community and the nonprofits serving these vulnerable populations.
As an advocate for people with dementia, I understand first-hand the impact Alzheimer’s and all dementia has on families across America.
Congress can act to help the Alzheimer’s and dementia communities during this crisis, by including these bipartisan Alzheimer’s Association proposals in the next economic relief package.
1. The Promoting Alzheimer’s Awareness to Prevent Elder Abuse Act would require the Department of Justice to develop best-practices materials to assist professionals who support victims of abuse living with Alzheimer’s and other dementia, to improve the quality of interactions with this vulnerable population.
2. The Improving HOPE for Alzheimer’s Act would educate clinicians about the Alzheimer’s and dementia care planning services available through Medicare.
3. Create a fund to support larger nonprofits, including loan forgiveness, so that charities like the Alzheimer’s Association can continue to effectively serve the communities that depend on them.
Please join me in encouraging U.S. senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell and representative Suzan DelBene to include these proposals in the next pandemic relief package that will help the millions of families affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementia.
Pete Minden
Kirkland
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