The Editor:
I was deeply dismayed to learn that PeaceHealth eliminated its Advance Care Planning (ACP) program, among other cuts announced on Feb. 11.
During my tenure as director of the Blaine Senior Center, we twice hosted the presentation, "The Realities of Advanced Medical Interventions." Both sessions were at full capacity, demonstrating a significant community need. This program fostered essential conversations about personal values and end-of-life choices. Participants learned how to complete informed advance directives and understood the importance of POLST forms — documents many had never heard of before. The PeaceHealth ACP program, supported by these volunteer-led talks, provided a vital foundation for informed, compassionate decision-making in Whatcom County.
On a personal level, having lost my husband to frontotemporal dementia, I understand how difficult these life choices can be. As St. Joe’s is our only local hospital, it is difficult to understand how management can justify cutting a service so essential to ensuring patient care aligns with their wishes, particularly as our population ages and medical decisions become more complex.
PeaceHealth’s mission emphasizes respect for individual needs and stewardship of community well-being. Eliminating a program that helps residents navigate life's most difficult choices seems irreconcilable with those values.
I urge PeaceHealth leadership to reconsider this decision and restore the ACP program for the benefit of our community.
Kathy Sitker
Birch Bay
The Editor:
There are many ways to handle cultural moments as a news reporting organization. I'm not sure publishing close-up photos of minors involved in the ICE-related walkouts is a wise one. In a time of conflict and confusion, you have added chaos.
Kristin Engen
Birch Bay
The Editor:
I recently sent a copy of an email about questions I had to the State Superintendent of Public Instruction on the income tax funds going to education needs for $350 million going out on Feb. 5.
My inquiry for the spending of income tax on Jan. 5, 2026 is:
1. Building of new schools in the Birch Bay area for K-12.
2. Building of satellite colleges for Whatcom County Community College and Western Washington University in the rural areas of Birch Bay communities.
Are there any funds allocated from the fund that is designated for the needs of this community?
Gary Norton
Birch Bay
The Editor:
The annual Blaine Scholarship Foundation Charity Golf Tournament is June 13. We are planning another fun-filled day at Loomis Trail Golf Club, and we want to be sure that you have time to get a team together and add this date to your calendar.
For those of you who have not participated before, the purpose of this event is to raise scholarship money for graduating seniors at Blaine High School. Since 1995, we have been able to provide financial aid in the form of a scholarship to a considerable number of BHS graduates, and we look forward to continuing this for years to come so future graduates can prepare to embark on the next step of their education.
To achieve this goal, we host a golf tournament that has become a must play event with all skill levels welcome!
For our loyal returnees, you know the drill. Form your team, visit the website blainescholarshipfoundation.org to register and pay online, and spread the word. The entry fee is $150 per player, with our goal to remain reasonably priced and one of the most fun tournaments you will enjoy this summer.
The course is spectacular, has a relaxed atmosphere and is proven to be fun. Years of previous scholarship recipients express their gratitude for offering them a leg up for meeting the ever-increasing expenses of continued training and education.
Register your team now at blainescholarshipfoundation.org to assure your team’s place in this year’s fun day!
Not a golfer but would like to help support this event? That is easy, we have a general donation option on our website, just click on the donation tab.
We appreciate the support that many of you have given us over the years.
See you on June 13th!
Todd Berge
Blaine
The Editor:
Calling out for another dream –
as time has weathered away –
the truth is plain to see,
that I just can’t let it be.
I will never forget your face
as your time was ending.
I can’t forget tomorrow,
because you’re gone.
The night is quiet,
but my heart is not.
It leans into the dark,
calling softly for a dream,
that has not yet learned
my name.
I have worn the old visions
thin, their colors are
fading from too much holding.
Now I stand on the edge of
tomorrow, ready to trade
the heartache, for the
trembling beauty of the
unknown.
Somewhere –
a dream stirs –
stretching its wings in the
hush before dawn,
listening for the voice
that whispers with longing,
you are home.
I awaken before I could
learn its language,
so, I call out, hoping someone
will listen, and have something
tucked away for me.
I stand, feet planted
on the ground, palms open,
heart unguarded –
calling out before the
dream is lost.
Julie Hanft
Blaine
The Editor:
I am writing to share my concerns about the ongoing presence and activities of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in our community. Many residents believe that their enforcement strategies have created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty that weakens the fabric of our society.
We believe that ICE’s involvement has not positively impacted our community, and we respectfully request a reevaluation of their role. As we seek to build a community based on acceptance and harmony, we envision a future where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
These values connect strongly to the spirit of the Jackson Five's music. Their ability to unite and uplift through their songs reminds us of what we can accomplish when we prioritize compassion over division.
By moving toward a more inclusive approach, we can foster an environment where diversity is celebrated instead of challenged. We urge local authorities to take these feelings into account and work toward removing ICE from our community. Thank you for your attention to this important matter.
Le Nam
Ferndale
