The Editor:
The Friends of the Blaine Library continue to remain active in their support of the Blaine Library and wish to thank all who came out to their annual July 4 Blowout Book Sale. Final profit figures amount to over $2,500, representing many, 50 cent and $1 items.
You’ll soon have another opportunity to show the Friends your support – this time to celebrate summer, jazz and libraries. The Friends of the Libraries Whatcom Grooves Summer Jazz Series is coming to the Blaine Performing Arts Center on Saturday, August 19, from 7 to 8 p.m. This free and family friendly concert will feature the popular large ensemble group, The Jazz Explosion. Led by drummer Jerry Steinhilber, the Pacific Northwest’s most in-demand artists will be sure to get the audience grooving in the aisles.
The Blaine Friends wish to thank local sponsor Team Stauffer of Windermere Real Estate for so generously funding the evening’s venue costs. Be sure to stop by their table in the lobby and say hello and express your thanks. The Friends also extend a huge thank you to the series sponsors: Whatcom County Library Foundation and Whatcom County Community Foundation for their sizeable grants that made all the fun possible.
Each concert attendee will be entered into a free drawing for prizes donated by The Jazz Center of Bellingham and G.O.A.T. Sandwiches. The first winner will enjoy two free tickets to any upcoming Bellingham Jazz Center event. The second winner will receive a G.O.A.T. Sandwiches four person family combo beach picnic meal.
Blaine Public Library staff will have a pop-up library, where you’ll be able to check out some cool music-related library resources or even sign up for a library card. The Friends will be on hand to help you with the simple process of becoming a Blaine Library Friend.
Finally, be sure to visit the Whatcom Library Foundation table where you can learn more about the latest Blaine Public Library building project proposal brought forward by the Kulshan Land Trust, in cooperation with the city of Blaine and Whatcom County Library System.
Debby Farmer, former Blaine library manager and lifetime Friend of the Blaine Library
Blaine
The Editor:
For a number of years, I have done morning crossing guard duty at the corner of Mitchell Avenue and Boblett Street. I’ve seen a lot of near-accidents and drivers causing traffic issues, simply because they were not thinking or planning. As another year rapidly approaches, I’d like to remind drivers of a few things.
When you get in your car to go to school, think! You are driving in a school zone where 5- to 18-year-old children are walking, riding or otherwise moving.
Slow down and be patient. The speed limit is 20 mph during school hours; however, if you were to strike a 45-pound kid with your 3,000-pound car at 20 mph, guess who gets the worst of it?
Kids have the right of way. With or without a crossing guard or stop sign, the kids have a right of way in a crosswalk.
Look for kids on bicycles, skateboards, scooters, electric boards, etc. They are in your blind spot or where you least expect them and they are moving faster than you expect.
If a crossing guard is in the crosswalk with a sign up, you must stop. Wait until the crossing guard and kids are out of the crosswalk to proceed. Do not slide behind them as soon as you can – let them have the space to keep our kids safe.If you have a teen driver, please review this with them and discuss the possible outcomes of not thinking before driving through the school zone.
Each and every student in the Blaine school district is a precious gift to our community. Let’s keep them safe and avoid a lot of stress in our morning and afternoon commutes.
Georgia Sherman
Blaine
The Editor:
Blaine is currently using reserves to cover revenue shortfalls. On course to municipal bankruptcy, I wonder if Blaine citizens will become involved in turning things around at city hall. The director of Community Development Services (CDS), who was responsible for the downtown zoning fiasco that allowed a church in the tourism retail area between the plazas, just resigned. That leaves CDS short of three key personnel, and our community without a rudder.
A major change at city hall is required if we want to prosper, and that can only come from Blaine citizens. Most cities have civic improvement groups involved with city hall to help officials from making costly mistakes. Indeed, that is why public participation is required under the Growth Management Act, so planners at city hall can solicit ideas from the community, not just paid staff and consultants.
While city hall gets an “F” for its handling of the downtown revitalization project, citizens of Blaine get an “F” for public involvement. What that tells me is there is a void of leadership, perhaps due to the lack of opportunity in Blaine, which is a symptom of an impoverished community.
The old guard is clearly not up to the task, so it’s up to the newcomers to step up. A first step is to improve communication between city hall and Blaine residents, so we know what’s happening.
Jay Taber
Blaine
The Editor:
I want to express my strong support for the Birch Bay incorporation movement. I was the volunteer legal counsel for the Birch Bay Incorporation Committee chaired by Pat Alesse in 1991. Pat laid out the benefits in a careful analysis showing the benefits of our tax dollars remaining in Birch Bay compared to their going to the county.
This was derailed by influential property owners not with any analysis but a five-word slogan plastered on signs all around the community: “No new taxes! No city!” This was as false then as it is now.
Please become informed about the benefits of incorporation compared to remaining an unincorporated community governed by Whatcom County.
Pat Anderson
Birch Bay
The Editor:
Please can someone explain to me why on Earth there are fireworks in Blaine on the 5th of August?
Is it because the Lady Washington boat is here? If so, what does that have to do with fireworks? Why should countless animals and people be consistently terrorized by fireworks with no regard? Can we not please limit fireworks in Blaine to twice a year on New Year’s Eve and Independence Day?
This spontaneous use of fireworks leaves no advanced warning for pets to be secured, sedated or travel plans to be made. Please consider the residents.
Ainsley Hay
Blaine
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