Letters to the Editor: June 24-30, 2021

Posted

The Editor:

The Blaine Senior Center Pancake Breakfast has been canceled for the Fourth of July. 

Vicki McCullough

Blaine Senior Center executive secretary

Blaine

 

The Editor:

As I hang up my library hat, I would like to acknowledge a few specific people for having made significant contributions to the success of the Blaine Library during my time as manager.

The amazingly creative and enthusiastic Cindy Leffel brought many fun-filled years to the children and families, expertly coordinating engaging story times (any of the 500 attendees remember the helicopter landing?). Her Fancy Nancy tea parties and pajama story times with local children’s entertainment celebrity Dana Cohenour, drew many adoring fans, with every event celebrating reading. With her red “Clifford” cart, Cindy also regularly visited the folks waiting in line at the Blaine Food Bank, sharing the message of the wealth of resources freely available with a library card.

Recently retired Patty Macheras provided years of caring service to our local teens, and her after-hours events including murder mysteries, Halloween parties, and Dr. Who Days always highlighted books and other library resources.

Previous staff member Monica Zikusooka poured her heart and soul into establishing lasting relationships with our local non-English speakers, with at one point enjoying a representation of eight different countries in her English conversation class. And Leslie Williams, leader of the branch’s long-time running Books and Bites book discussion group, regularly provided her home-made angel food cakes, lending that extra-special touch to the gatherings.

My dear and loyal Friends of the Blaine Library, most of whom for decades have advocated for the library in the community, raised funds to pay for numerous upgrades through the years, including a portion of the building’s air conditioning system and new carpeting, circulation counter and other furniture, children’s area features, and close to $40,000 for the new building design, that was completed in March 2020, by the team Johnston Architects and King Architecture.

And my husband Neal, who, not only has been my lunch packer and sounding board through my Blaine Library career, but played his own part in many a library project, including renovating restaurant booths for the teen area, and providing the LEGO Robotics classes. When Whatcom County Library System hired me, they got him as well.

Finally, thank you Blaine and Birch Bay communities for welcoming me from the start and allowing me this incredible experience of serving you.

Debby Farmer

Blaine Library manager

Blaine

 

The Editor:

I have been fortunate to work with Jennifer Plombon on the Semiahmoo Residents Association Communications Committee for the past two years. She has proven to be a consistent source of wisdom and encouragement, willing to take on virtually any task that arises. Her “do it now” approach has inspired the committee to be productive and professional.

Jennifer is always prepared and continues to ask big picture questions that push us to complete our projects in a timely manner. Many of these projects are complex and require critical thinking, as we must be able to effectively communicate with the two thousand residents of Semiahmoo. Jennifer listens and understands the issues of our community. That ability to process and come up with well thought solutions will make her an ideal Blaine City Council member.   

Jennifer is the consummate team player that believes dealing with issues head on is an opportunity to make our community a better place to live. I believe that electing her to the Blaine City Council will create a synergy that will lead the council to exceed the sum of its parts. Jennifer has dedicated her life to helping people and that dedication will serve the citizens of Blaine well. She will help develop the future of Blaine.

Guy Kelly

Blaine

 

The Editor:

Residents protected by Whatcom County Fire District 21, I encourage you to vote “yes” August 3rd on the proposed Levy Lid lift. The fire district has not asked voters for a levy rate increase in over 12 years. By voting “yes,” the district plans to add four firefighters and four battalion chiefs. This will enhance service delivery. It will also replace aging equipment, such as fire engines and ladder trucks and water tenders, and show Proposition 2021-3 on your pamphlet. Again, please vote “yes” to improve a very vital resource in your community. They help us, lets help them.

Cheryl Whitesides

Lynden

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here


OUR PUBLICATIONS