Letters to the Editor: July 8-14, 2021

The Editor:

It’s easy to complain about neglect – but to take action requires work! Two good men in my neighborhood saw a need and selflessly did something about it.

Many people enjoy the Hughes Bayview parklet, walking their dogs, watching the sunset, picnicking or playing. However, the actual grassy area is shrinking because the bushes bordering the park are quite overgrown, not having been trimmed in ages. The park bench and picnic table weren’t inviting because they were covered with mold and crusty dirt.

Jerry Lenge took action. He spent three hot days trimming the bushes, power washing the park bench and picnic table, even hauling off all the debris. No one hired him or asked him, he just did it because it needed to be done. The park looks so clean and inviting now.

Les Nelson is another Neighborhood Good Guy. He has cleaned and maintained the lot on the corner of Hughes and Montfort for years, and it’s not even his. He also mows the lawn strips by the road on both sides of the street and half way around the block. Les doesn’t do it for the praise; he just likes to keep the neighborhood looking nice.

I appreciate these two men who want to keep Blaine beautiful. Thank you Jerry Lenge and Les Nelson.

Kay Dee Powell

Blaine

The Editor:

In the June 10, 2021 issue of The Northern Light, I was very alarmed to read about the low vaccination rates in some parts of Whatcom County.

The July 1 online Whatcom County Covid-19 site reported that the three lowest vaccination rates were in the Mt. Baker (39.2 percent), Nooksack Valley (38.8 percent) and Lynden (44.1 percent) districts. The highest rates were in the Bellingham (68.2 percent), Blaine (58.5 percent), Meridian (55.5 percent) and Ferndale (54.6 percent) districts.

Why are the vaccination rates in those three areas so much lower than the other four? Is it due to the lack of vaccines or are there other reasons?

As of June 7, the Washington State Department of Health data indicates that about 48 percent of county residents were fully vaccinated. With around 52 percent of county residents still unvaccinated, coupled with the increase in Covid-19 variants (i.e. Delta) in our area, it makes me very uncomfortable not knowing who is, or is not, vaccinated. It appears that not all of our county is taking the Covid-19 health issue seriously.

I understand that some people are unable to get vaccinated due to medical reasons. However, the rest of us need to remember that getting vaccinated is not only for your benefit, but for those whom you might encounter.

Considering that we are all in this together in order to wipe out this pandemic, everyone who can, needs to participate and get vaccinated.

D. Brady Green

Blaine