Letters to the editor, December 3- December 9

The Editor:

Cold weather is here, holidays are here and cold weather brings the beautiful Anna’s Hummingbird to our nectar feeders. For reasons only known by this energizer bird, it has adapted to cold weather in Blaine and White Rock, B.C. No one understands why this bird is not migrating to a warmer climate. Placing out nectar feeders is not the cause of these hummers remaining here in the north. Since they are here, by placing out feeders we can have a better understanding of why they remain throughout the winter. Climate change has little factors why. Have they changed feeding habits since nectar-rich flowers are non-existent?

Remember, feeders freeze and birds cannot sip frozen nectar. I solved the freezing problem by keeping extra feeders indoors. When one freezes I replace it with a warm one. During the day I have two to four birds feeding at a time.

Put out a feeder to see if they find it. I feel blessed our area has been blessed with a Christmas bird – maybe just a little mixed up bird at best. Anyone knowing the habits of the Anna’s hummingbird contact me at highviewranch@aol.com for a get together to maybe start an Anna’s Hummingbird Society.

Charles E. Smith

Blaine

The Editor:

Now that the election is over, if we are seeking to fight polluting and destructive industrial projects being admitted into and expanded in our region, we cannot let down our guard. We have a beautiful county that at this moment is still in possession of life-sustaining resources that I feel we must protect and enhance for the well being of our children, our elders and ourselves.

During the November 2015 election, the Clear Ballot Choices (Pacific International Terminals LLC) ballot committee was formed. Clear Ballot Choices has spearheaded a referendum against the five-district proposal on this November’s ballot before Proposition 9.

Although a P.O. box was announced by a local blog in September 2015 for Clear Ballot Choices, this committee never filed with the Public Disclosure Commission or disclosed $45,000 worth of donations from the Gateway Pacific coal terminal corporation included in their name, until three weeks before the election (an additional $3,000 from the Whatcom County Affordable Housing Council was their only other donation during the election).

Self-described grassroots activists may be asking you to sign a petition to repeal the Five Fair and Equal Districts proposition that voters approved by majority during this election. Be aware that, as described above, this petition has been powered by $45,000 in coal port interest money.

Big corporations are beholden to their investors, first and foremost. When a corporate industry processes toxic products, that means the health, safety and livability of our community can come in at a very dangerous second place. We all know that oil train explosions, mining accidents and fuel spills happen and these events injure and kill people and other life forms, sometimes for decades after the event.

So, stay alert to front groups for toxic money and work always to protect and preserve our wonderful Drayton Harbor, Birch Bay, Semiahmoo Bay and the other lands, waters, and life forms connected to them.

Dena Jensen

Birch Bay

The Editor:

With gratitude to all the donors and volunteers who participated in the 2015 CAP Thanksgiving Basket project, we provided baskets with all the fixings for Thanksgiving dinner to 324 families in Blaine, Birch Bay, and Custer.

Through the commitment of exuberant volunteers and the generosity of this community, 1,967 people (1,190 adults and 777 children) enjoyed a Thanksgiving dinner.

This year the Girl Scouts donated the most pies (92), followed by St. Anne’s Catholic Church (89), and Christ Episcopal Church (87). From all the pie makers, there were 518 pies.

We are grateful to the many individuals and businesses that provided generous financial support and product donations to ensure the success of this annual tradition.

We are especially grateful to the Northwest Dairy Association for their Darigold butter; to Edaleen’s Dairy for their milk; and to Bedlington Potato Warehouse for their potatoes. We deeply appreciate your heart-felt generosity.

To the firefighters of North Whatcom Fire and Rescue for hanging the banner; transporting turkeys, milk and butter, ensuring that everything arrived on schedule, and literally putting the muscle into the program, we extend our sincere thanks for your extraordinary support.

To all the volunteer team members who took reservations, returned calls, bagged onions, yams and potatoes and set up the baskets, managed the distribution, served coffee, and ensured the success of the program, we are greatly indebted.

Thank you one and all.

Jerry Williams

Executive director, Community Assistance Program