The Editor:
Bill Becht wrote in the October 24-30, 2019 issue of The Northern Light that Blaine is a speed trap and is causing not only tourists but locals to avoid downtown Blaine. I don’t think he lives in the same Blaine as I do. I’ve lived here 11 years and have never received a ticket, and I certainly don’t feel like I have to walk or drive “on egg shells.”
I do, however, try to observe speed limits and traffic signs. I’ve almost T-boned someone who didn’t stop at the Peace Portal Drive and H Street intersection twice! I’ve also observed numerous drivers fly through that intersection without stopping, as well as people driving in excess of 40 mph on my neighborhood’s 25 mph streets. My neighbors and I have urged our police department to do more to stop the speeding for several years.
I’m glad to see that chief Tanksley is doing more. I believe that a lot of offenders are Canadians who are unfamiliar with our streets and are more intent on looking at their surroundings than their driving. I personally feel that they should receive a lecture and warning rather than a ticket. Our children, the elderly and shoppers need to feel safe walking downtown and throughout Blaine.
As for affecting business, I can only say that it seems pretty busy at the north end of Peace Portal Drive. And my place of employment is really busy; about half of our guests are Canadian. We certainly don’t want Blaine to have a reputation as a traffic free-for-all destination.
Sonia Hurt
Blaine
The Editor:
Yes to traffic safety! No to speeding in Blaine!
If you’re pushing a stroller, riding a bike or walking a dog, you know that speeding on our streets is dangerous. Elders with canes and children on bikes are most at risk.
Let’s make Blaine a town known for welcoming visitors and for taking traffic safety seriously.
Thank you chief Tanksley and all police officers.
Mary Johnson
Blaine
The Editor:
You cannot turn on the radio or television these days without being reminded of some sort of climate issue. We separate our trash, glass, paper and plastic. Some of us work; we pay tax on our income, on our gas, on the items we buy. When politicians and United Nations agendas make threats, using kids to persuade action, some interesting issues on waste and pollution come to mind.
Election season is upon us once again. Driving around Blaine, you’ll see several political signs. Think of the toxic ink, the resources, the waste and the ugliness they represent. Think of the stack of garbage going into the landfills.
Soon these poisonous signs will be in every landfill across the United States. They are also traffic hazards, blocking oncoming views, and distractions. A good example is on H Street, by the coffee shop.
The city of Blaine could set a good example by banning these signs in town. We live in changing times, where educated people don’t need a sign to know who to vote for. We don’t need extra distractions along the road. We certainly don’t need threats to pay more tax. I personally would like to see the money spent on these toxic signs used more creatively. This junk is not cheap. Help clean up the garbage in town. We live in one of the most beautiful places in the United States; let’s make sure that political environmental issues don’t change that.
Dan Dehnke
Blaine
The Editor:
The Community Assistance Program (CAP) would like to thank everyone in our community who donated coats and other winter clothing to the annual CAP/Interfaith Coalition Winter Coat Drive. This year, over 800 coats and many beautiful handmade hats and scarves were donated. Of these, 578 coats were given out, along with sweaters, sweatshirts, hats, scarves, gloves and socks. Items that were not distributed will be available through the Blaine Clothing Bank throughout the winter.
We also want to thank the churches, businesses and other organizations that were collection points for the coat drive, as well as the volunteers who graciously helped. Because of the amazing generosity of this community, 217 families will be warmer this winter. Thanks to all who helped make this possible!
Amee Nelson
CAP Coat Drive Director
Blaine
The Editor:
The need is great. The need is now. Are the communities of Birch Bay, Blaine and Custer up for a challenge? Blaine Food Bank (BFB) has an incredible opportunity. If BFB raises $30,000 by Friday, December 20, a local resident generously promised to match community donations up to this amount. Whether you are a business, a family or an individual, please help us reach this goal.
Have you ever gone to sleep hungry, not by choice but because you had no food? Are you a parent who has gone without to provide more for your children? As a child, did you go to bed hungry and then to school the next morning without breakfast? If so, please tell your friends exactly how important it is to receive milk and proteins such as eggs, meat, fish and poultry, as well as fresh fruit and vegetables from the BFB. Encourage community giving by sharing what being able to rely on the BFB meant to you and your family.
BFB needs your help. Our lines are longer and our government support has been cut. Point of fact: BFB now serves close to 100 more families per week than this time last year.
We average 425 families (over 2,000 individuals) in a week and distribute over 120,000 pounds of food every month.
Many people are still struggling. However, with help from our local businesses, churches and community, BFB will continue to provide help to those residents who are most vulnerable.
To those who have donated in the past, thank you. You understand the need and we truly appreciate your support. Hunger is unacceptable. It is time to end hunger in our community.
So, the challenge is issued: will Birch Bay, Blaine and Custer businesses, local churches and current residents step up? Will you help BFB reach our goal of $30,000 by December 20? Starting Friday, November 8, BFB will display a thermometer showing our donors how we are progressing (from a low simmer to a full boil) as we try to reach our $30,000 goal.
Our mailing address is P.O. Box 472, Blaine, WA 98231.
Thank you for caring.
Jerry Bladies, Blaine Food Bank
Blaine
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