Letters to the Editor

Where’s the Peace Arch?
The Editor:
A new community trend is accompanying the 21st century. It downplays the role of the International Peace Arch. Blaine was tagged The Peace Arch City for the first time in the September 6, 1921 issue of the Bellingham Herald. This, it seemed, had become our city theme. Peace Arch symbols appeared increasingly on city and school stationery, police cars and fire trucks, not to mention photos in promotional brochures. That's the way it was.
The Peace Arch theme has waned. Brochures published by Community Projects Inc., headquartered in Bend, Oregon, contain no photos of the Peace Arch. Gone is The Peace Arch City. Instead of that 80-year-old expression, the new brochures christen Blaine the Turn of the Century City.
Lynden has its Dutch theme and Ferndale has its pioneer theme. Both communities have made effective use of their themes because they stuck with them. Unfortunately, Blaine waffled, opting at this late date to copy Ferndale.
Ours had been a unique theme, crucial for the present, for the future, and of worldwide importance. Blaine's theme was by far the best. Citizens have tried in vain to promote it. Consider two of many examples: After Lieutenant, Hugh Macpherson of the British Army died in World War I, his sister wanted to build a Peace Arch radio station that would broadcast worldwide peace programs in 31 languages, 24 hours per day. In 1947, Rogan Jones and the mayor of New Westminster wanted to erect an international university in the park; the institution would specialize in peace studies and students from all over the world would be enrolled. Had the radio station and university materialized as permanent additions, I wonder what impact they would have made upon Blaine and maybe upon the Korean and Vietnam wars.
In a world choked with violence, let’s turn the tide and take back our original theme.
Richard E. Clark
Blaine

A peach of a prank
The Editor:
Kudos to all those individuals involved with the 2001 senior class prank. In an era of headlines featuring classroom destruction, arson, bullying and, in extreme cases, multiple murder, it is refreshing and encouraging to see our Blaine students plan and carry out a prank that was fun for everyone and harmful to none.
Students chose a small VW, stripped it and then weighed the vehicle. Next the students asked a school official to determine if the structure planned for the car display would take the weight load without damaging the building. After investigating the official gave the go-ahead. The students painted the VW with school colors and made arrangements to safely lift the car in place as well as remove it after the last day of classes. The end result was received with laughter and enjoyment by all except one lone angry unreasonable voice: that of Ron Butcher.
Butcher was furious and had the vehicle removed two days after placement. This prank brings to mind the many creative stunts pulled by the students of MIT and Cal Tech. This senior citizen has high praise for the inventive senior class. We should encourage and applaud the younger generation, not discourage them. They are our future.Wake up, Butcher.
LeAnna McGuire
Blaine

A whale of a sale
The Editor:
I would like to thank all the people that donated items to the chamber garage sale and also those of you that came out and purchased items. The garage sale was a fundraiser for our 4th of July fireworks display, and due to all the generous community members it looks like we are well on our way to having a fabulous show like last year.
A special thanks to Sue, Maggie and Dillion Spencer, Mary and Jim Rankin and family, the Johnstons, the Brandenburgers, Caroll Solomon, John Choulochas, Mark Waslohn, Reggie Palacioz, Joyce Vanderpol, Robbie Bartlett and Kelly Stewart. Thank you everyone, I could not have done this without you all!
Annie Magner
Blaine

4-H report
The Editor:
As one of our Community Service Projects, the 4-H Discovery Club is holding a coat, hat and gloves drive. Items will be distributed through the Blaine Family Service center to kids who need them in the fall. We are starting now and will continue throughout the summer. This is a good way to help our community and also clean out our closets. If you have any items that you would like to donate, please contact Ruth at 332-8207.
We are also collecting stuffed animals for the trauma units in Whatcom County. These animals are used for children who are involved with accidents or fires and need to be comforted. If you have any stuffed animals that you could donate, please contact Stephanie at 318-8352.
On June 29th and 30th, we will be holding our first annual garage sale from 10-4 at 4927 Henley Street in Birch Bay. All proceeds will go to our club to help defray costs from our participation in the Northwest Washington Fair as well as general operating expenses. Come and see what treasures you can find! If you have any items that you would like to donate, please contact Ruth at 332-8207.
Here’s a big thank you to the community for supporting 4-H teen leadership kids at their car wash June 9th to raise money for their annual leadership trip. Thanks also to the Blaine Outlet Stores for providing the space to wash cars!
The monthly Trail Blazers club ride, shared with the EZ Riders 4-H club, was on June 18 at the Herman Miller 4-H Park. It was a great success and the food was delicious! Thanks to all the members who brought the food.
On June 23rd, the Herman Miller 4-H Park Board will host another clean-up day at the park. The Herman Miller Park consists of about 30 acres that were donated by Herman Miller to be used by 4-Hers in Whatcom County. There is a regulation-size horse arena, as well as several miles of trails to ride or hike. We are raising money to construct a pavilion and clubhouse so that more clubs can use the park.
Stephanie Hiner
Lynden

Letters Policy
The Northern Light welcomes letters to the editor; however, the opinions expressed are not those of the editor. Letters must include name, address and daytime telephone number for verification. Letters must not exceed 350 words and may be edited or rejected for reasons of legality, length and good taste. Thank-you letters should be limited to 10 names. A fresh viewpoint on matters of general interest to local readers will increase the likelihood of publication. Writers should avoid personal invective. Unsigned letters will not be accepted for publication. Requests for withholding names will be considered on an individual basis. Only one letter per month from an individual correspondent will be published.

Please send your letter to:
225 Marine Drive, Blaine, WA 98230 or fax 360/332-2777.
E-mail:editor@thenorthernlight.com

Letters Policy

The Northern Light welcomes letters to the editor; however, the opinions expressed are not those of the editor. Letters must include name, address and daytime telephone number for verification. Letters must not exceed 350 words and may be edited or rejected for reasons of legality, length and good taste. Thank you letters are limited to five individuals or groups. A fresh viewpoint on matters of general interest to local readers will increase the likelihood of publication. Writers should avoid personal invective. Unsigned letters will not be accepted for publication. Requests for withholding names will be considered on an individual basis. Only one letter per month from an individual correspondent will be published.

Please email letters to letters@thenorthernlight.com