Taxi hits the road to benefit history museum

By Rebecca Schwarz Kopf

A newly formed taxi service hit the road two weeks ago, and is offering rides on an donation basis, which will go toward a future history museum in downtown Blaine, said Caryn Johnson, director of the Blaine Heritage Society.

�It�s been pretty busy since we put the ad out for the taxi,� Johnson said. �It�s been pretty non-stop.�

The Blaine Heritage Society started the taxi service as a service for the community and a source of funds for a potential history museum in downtown Blaine.

�I have a building in mind, but nothing is set,�she said.

The seven-passenger van was purchased through private donations, Johnson said. Initially the group was going to purchase a discounted vehicle from a local dealership, but that didn�t work out.

�We feel that this can provide an economical boost to our community as well as providing a service to those who have no transportation to rely on for basic needs such as local shopping,� Johnson said.

�It�s amazing how our local merchants continue to serve the community through its rough economic times. As a former local business owner, I can imagine how much they sacrifice to remain in business here when they could be prospering much more somewhere else. It�s truly the sense of community that keeps them here.�

The shuttle can arrive for pick-up within 10-15 minutes from the time a volunteer receives the call, Johnson said. A minimum $5 donation is collected when the rider boards for a ride within a 10-mile radius. Farther distances can be arranged by calling the information number.

The shuttle is also available for private donations, Johnson said.

�We knew we would be busy with the taxi because we had people calling since July to inquire about when we would be starting.� she said. �Actually the project is right on target. We are about two weeks ahead of the original starting date.�

Rides are available Wednesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. More drivers are needed before the society can commit to additional hours.

�And we are trying to absorb the start up costs right now. Donations by mail would be greatly appreciated. This is a worthwhile cause and a good tax write-off,� she said.

Johnson recently started the Blaine Heritage Society in order to keep records of Blaine�s past. �We need to be able to look back at records and see who was here,� she said. �Every community needs an organization like this.�

For more information, call 820-1317. To donate, send to: Blaine Heritage Society, P.O. Box 2152, Blaine, WA 98231..