This what we mean by ‘community’

Thirty-five years ago my wife and I had to make a life-altering decision as to where in this country we would like to settle and raise our kids after 20 years in the U.S. Navy. My roots were in Holland, my wife was from west Kansas and neither one of us wanted to go back to those places. My wife looked at an atlas and decided she wanted to go to the Everett area in Washington state; I asked why there and she replied, look how nice and green it is. (The Amazon rain forest appears green on a map also).

Anyway, we made our move (never having been in this state before) and wound up living in Arlington Heights. Through the years we have raised our kids, put them through good schools, a couple of grand kids are also going through the same schools, we have made great friends, have had great neighbors and have often mentioned to each other how lucky we were to wind up in such a great community. Seeing the response from all of the Arlington/Oso/Darrington area after the disaster was fantastic to say the least. It took this disaster to confirm our thoughts about our fortunate decision. Our condolences to the families who lost loved ones and our thoughts go out to those who were affected negatively by the disaster and to those people still working hard at the scene.

Dutch and Carol Hartman

Arlington

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Opinion

toon
Editorial cartoons for Friday, Sept. 12

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

An image taken from a website attack advertisement targeting Everett school board member Anna Marie Jackson Laurence. (laurenceletusdown.com)
Editorial: Attack ads an undeserved slander of school official

Ads against an Everett school board candidate are a false and unfair attack on a public servant.

The Buzz: What Charlie Kirk got right about our rights

Freedom of speech was just that to the conservative activist. He invited a sharing of perspectives. Here’s ours:

Schwab: Flattery gets one everything if you’re Putin or Trump

Putin puffed up Trump to get what he wanted; Trump has made puffery the coin of his realm.

Klein: Charlie Kirk lived for the right to argue; we all should

You don’t have to agree with any of his opinions to see the danger to all in his violent silencing.

Douthat: Why Charlie Kirk’s message resonated with young right

His was a different kind of campus conservatism, both rebellious, relaxed and approachable.

Comment: GOP seems intent on losing on health care concerns

Their rollback of Medicaid and attacks on vaccines are likely to cost them control of the House.

Comment: Are Democrats using the wrong words or the wrong ideas?

A liberal group’s memo to party officials on how to phrase their messages seems to miss the point.

Pedestrians using umbrellas, some Washingtonians use them, as they cross Colby Avenue under pouring rain on Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2017 in Everett, Wa. The forecast through Saturday is cloudy with rain through Saturday. (Andy Bronson / The Herald)
Editorial: Speed limit reductions a good start on safety

Everett is reducing speed limits for two streets; more should follow to save pedestrian lives.

Gov. Bob Ferguson and Rep. Rick Larsen talk during a listening session with with community leaders and families addressing the recent spending bill U.S. Congress enacted that cut Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program funding by 20% on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025 in Lynnwood, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Editorial: Work to replace what was taken from those in need

The state and local communities will have to ensure food security after federal SNAP and other cuts.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Thursday, Sept. 11

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Comment: Florida’s vaccine mistake won’t say behind its border

It wants to end a mandate for school kids, risking the spread of disease. Other states are fighting back.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.