Letters to the Editor for July 27, 2009

What a special community

To the editor:

Flags in every front lawn to remind all of us about the great country in which we live. “Gold stars” for those who sacrificed time the morning of July 4 distributing flags. Serving the community is one of the principles that has made our country the best. This effort is definitely a pledge of allegiance and a good lesson for all of us, especially the children.

Then three weeks later, groups of adults gather and ride on large trailers, honking horns, squirting water guns, to demonstrate a little pride and promote a sense of community. They travel great distances to wear a little purple, eat in the park, and remind our children of what “real community” looks like. Reunion floats serve several purposes. Forging a connection between the past and the future, what a great place to live! “Gold stars” for those organizers and participants.

The list continues. . . building a new barn for a neighbor, raising money for cancer, serving the needs of the citizens of Baker, Leo’s legacy, this truly is a special place. A premier living experience that doesn’t exist everywhere. The legacy of “community” is alive and well in our little place.   

David Johnson

Baker City

Bravo to Baker City library

To the editor:

Dear Baker City: I am an author from Lewis Clark College in Portland, who gave a book signing this past week in the Baker City Public Library.

I must tell you that, in my experience, it rivals any in the state, shelf for shelf. The offering is broad, balanced by generation, accessible, and the child, teen, adult, computer and reading rooms are beautifully set up and maintained. The staff is marvelous and the reading community is energetic. Bravo, Baker City! As we drove away, we added you to the “wonderful place to retire” list. Maybe we’ll see you again soon.   

George and Barbara Skipworth

Portland

New air service a nice option

To the editor:

I recently took Pendleton’s new commuter air service to Portland. I found it reasonably priced ($75 one-way), and all the personnel were very friendly. Once in Portland, it is easy to transfer to other airlines at the main terminal. I, however, took MAX to Union Station and rode Amtrak down to Salem.

If Baker Aircraft’s charter schedules and fares work for you, then that’s great — keep it up.  If, however, you’ve had to seek other transportation modes, consider flying out of Pendleton. I would love to have commuter air service in Baker City (or Amtrak’s Pioneer train, or both!).  However, if commuter air service doesn’t thrive in Pendleton, it will never come to Baker City.   

Mark Henderson

Haines