Letters to The Editor: May 19-25, 2022

Posted

The Editor: 

I wanted to write to you regarding the article in May 12 issue of The Northern Light regarding the Blaine City Council meeting and arguments that ensued over the role of the parks and cemetery board. 

This is a very important board for the city council to rely on. While the board has no budgetary responsibility, it does have the responsibility to make recommendations to the city council who can act with the city.

We in Blaine are very blessed to have the leadership of both Bob Kirby and attorney, Jim Hermsen on the parks and cemetery board. Bob, in particular, has served as director of parks at both Alcatraz Island as well as Gettysburg. In this role he worked on a national level of park and cemetery management that is most fortunate for the citizens of Blaine to have in their service. I can’t understand why the city of Blaine would want to give up this elite group to advise them on maintenance, management and budgetary issues with the wealth of knowledge they bring to the table.

While councilmember Mike Hill may have gotten excited in the meeting, it is understandable his frustration with the city. He personally has mowed city property for several years because the city simply doesn’t do it. Last summer, a local landscape company went to the “Welcome to Blaine” parklet near the high school and simply weeded, cut back brush and did general clean up at no charge to the city. What did the city do? They employed an attorney to execute a cease and desist order (taxpayer expense).

I wish our city would appreciate the fine citizens we have who contribute so much to our beautiful town. Thank you to councilmember Hill for mowing and supporting service to the city.

I urge the city council to reject the measure removing the parks and cemetery board from giving council to the city regarding maintenance of cemeteries and parks.

John Sturdivant

Blaine

The Editor:

Opening the door at 2817 Meridian Street, you will find displays of carefully selected merchandise to attract your eye. The Thursday Senior (65 and older) 20 percent discount on everything in the store allows our seniors to purchase something used but valued. Residents often bring visiting friends and family to show them the store. It is a Whatcom County must-see place for many.

You might be delighted in witnessing one of our volunteer staff members gifting a little girl with a Barbie doll from her own home collection. She frequently comes in with her mom and is learning early the value and joy of thrifting. There is an air of camaraderie between our volunteer staff members and our customers that is unique.

As we all are facing the effects of inflation and climate change, we must look at our relationship to consumption – purchasing, using and throwing away. Used but valued merchandise that fills our store is a wise alternative. Your generous donations to us matter more than you can imagine. Thank you.

Not only as a customer are you acquiring something of value, you are directly contributing to our philanthropic programs. All revenue from the shop stays in Whatcom County. One such program is the Enrichment Scholarship Program. Scholarships are awarded to high school and middle school students, grades 6 through 11, to attend summer programs of their choice. The scholarships are competitive and based on merit. This year we awarded 71 scholarships with a total value of $47,900.

We invite you to visit us – you not only have the opportunity to make a valued purchase but to be a partner in making a better world.

Thrift & Gift Shop Hours: Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Donations are accepted during the hours of 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the above days.

Helen Moran

Assistance League of Bellingham, Thrift & Gift Shop

Bellingham

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