Letters to the Editor: May 23-29, 2019

The Editor:

The Blaine Food Bank and our volunteers would like to give a big “Thank You” to Blaine and Custer post office employees for all of their hard work during the annual USPS “Stamp Out Hunger” campaign on May 11.

Equally important, we would like to thank the generous people in the Blaine, Birch Bay and Custer areas who took the time to select, bag and donate food for this worthy cause.

Between both post offices we received close to 3,000 pounds of food.

Unfortunately, hunger in our communities is real. We never know when a life situation will leave us struggling to put food on the table.

Thanks to generous support from the community during this drive, and to the continued support of our schools, churches, local businesses and individuals, the Blaine Food Bank is able to provide nutritious food to over 400 families each week who struggle with hunger.

Thank you all for caring.

Joan Smith on behalf of the

Blaine Food Bank

The Editor:

Southbound Birch Bay Drive has been closed due to storm damage since last December. Nevertheless, I frequently see people driving the wrong way despite the “Road Closed” signs. I can only assume that these people have some sort of special privilege or permit that allows them to violate the law. Where can I get one of the special privileges or permits so that I can drive the wrong way too?

John Urban

Birch Bay

The Editor:

The Alaska Packers Association (APA) museum will open for the summer season this Friday, May 24 at 1 p.m. Open hours are from 1 to 5 p.m. every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through September. Come view the story of the APA in Blaine and our connection to Bristol Bay in Alaska. Sailing ships and fish pirates, the forbearers of modern day “Deadliest Catch.” The museum is located in Semiahmoo Park, 9261 Semiahmoo Parkway, on the beach. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the park. Admission is free but we take donations. All donations are used to restore the Bristol Bay fishing boat NN59. On completion of the restoration, NN59 will provide passengers with a sailing experience in Semiahmoo Bay.

We also need volunteers to keep the doors open and spread the word of our unique history. Our visitors come from around the northwest and the rest of the world. They are interested in our history and folklore. Training provided. Drop in to learn more or call 360/371-3558.

Sunny Brown, coordinator

Blaine

The Editor:

Did you know that May is National Elder Law Month? If your answer is no, you are not alone.

We are fortunate in Whatcom County that a number of attorneys offer expert elder law services. As our population longevity moves upward, it has become an increasingly popular field, covering estate planning, trusts, wills, care arrangements, social security and retirement benefits, protection against elder abuse (physical, emotional and financial) and advance care planning for healthcare options – interventions people might choose, or not choose, if they could no longer communicate themselves.

That said, it is incumbent upon all of us – including those who practice elder law – to promote the notion that advance directives aren’t just for older adults. Unexpected end-of-life situations can happen at any age, so it’s important for all adults to prepare these documents. By planning ahead, you can get the medical care you want, avoid unnecessary suffering and relieve caregivers of decision-making burdens during moments of crisis or grief. Completing an advance directive reduces confusion or disagreement about the choices you would want people to make on your behalf.

May is National Elder Law Month. This may be a good time for you to start the important process of documenting your healthcare wishes with your attorney, your doctor, your family and your friends.

Micki Jackson

Bellingham

The Editor:

A big welcome to friends and neighbors to attend the official opening of the 2019 Blaine Farmers Market.

This will be our 11th year of bringing you a local outlet here in town for fresh foods, handmade crafts and a place to gather in beautiful downtown Blaine during our amazing summer season.

As if that wasn’t enough, it’s also the 10th consecutive year of the running of the Blaine International Slug Races. Races begin at noon, and continue until all of the prizes are given out or the slugs are too tuckered to slither anymore.

We supply the slugs and you supply the smiles. (Feel free to bring your own racing slug.)

Please remember, this is our town. If we expect others to stop and see what’s happening, you must set the pace by participating in the life of your community.

So come on out and have some fun at the opening of the market and the running of the slug races. Giddy-up Super Slugs!

Key points to remember:

1. The official opening day of the Blaine Farmers Market is May 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

2. The market is located on the G Street Plaza.

3. Vendors can set up as early as 8 a.m.

4. Slug races begin at noon. Prizes will be awarded.

5. Products should be handmade and/or homegrown.

6. Non-profits, buskers and food vendors (health department permit) are welcome.

7. New this year: the last Saturday in June, July and August will be Flea Market Days.

Bring anything to sell that will fit on your 4 x 6 table. Cost is $4 per space. (When you leave, you must take with you what does not sell.)

8. No contract or long-term commitment.

Just call or e-mail the Blaine Welcome Center by Friday to be included in the market that Saturday.

9. Blaine Welcome Center contact information:

    Carroll Solomon

    360-332-4544

    vic@cityofblaine.com

Ron Snyder and Cathy Taggett

Blaine