All Point Bulletin: March 2025 issue by Point Roberts Press

School board gives green light to cuts

The Blaine school board voted unanimously on February 24 to direct superintendent Christopher Granger to begin preparing a reduced education plan for the 2025-26 school year, marking the third consecutive year of significant budget cuts to the school district.

A finalized budget projection and a full plan that will likely include reductions to certificated, classified and administrative staff and student programs, similar to previous reduced education plans, will be voted on at the next school board meeting on Monday, March 24.

This plan is unique to the past two reduced education plans as it also features merging first and second grade classes from the Blaine Primary School into the elementary school to save an estimated $600,000. Blaine is the only school district in Whatcom County with a dedicated primary school, which serves pre-K through second grade. The primary school will continue to serve preschool and kindergarten classes, Granger said.The plan was met with consternation from primary school parents who are concerned with overcrowding and safety.

Amanda Madrid, a mother of three students in the Blaine school district ranging from pre-K to middle school, said during the board meeting that the district is more concerned with keeping a balanced budget than creating positive student outcomes.

“I understand we have a huge deficit in the budget. I understand we’re operating underwater,” Madrid said. “And while that’s a priority, it shouldn’t come at the expense of our students. I felt like somebody had to say something, and if nobody was willing to do it, then I had to.”

Madrid started a Change.org petition asking the school district to stop the proposed merger of the schools, collecting over 350 signatures as of press time.The district has seen increasingly smaller incoming first grade classes compared to outgoing high school senior classes, reflecting a larger, county-wide downturn in birthrates that contribute to a general en-

(See School, page 1)

Economic development top of mind

A rapt and engaged audience attended the first in-person outreach by Maul, Foster and Alonghi (MFA), a consulting company hired by the Port of Bellingham to create an economic development strategy for Point Roberts, which continues to be economically stressed from the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and shutdown.

The town hall format meeting was held at the Gulf Road community center on February 20 and was well attended in person and remotely on Zoom. The evening began with a networking session which allowed community members to meet the project team. Subsequently, MFA team

leader Seth Otto gave an overview of the night’s agenda and what people could expect. “A number of you have asked what it means to have a strategy. At the end of the day, we’ll be highlighting projects, policies, and proposals that are intended to build the economic base at Point Roberts and that should look like jobs. It should look like investment. It should look like new infrastructure,” he said.

“The objectives of this project, the Point Roberts economic development strategy, are to identify challenges and opportunities Point Robert, and then to make recommendations to strengthen the economic base. And we’ll be doing that by looking

(See Economic, page 3)

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Economics ...

From page1

at priority projects for infrastructure development, incentivizing private development, and aligning these priorities with the community’s vision and with the available funding,” he continued.

“Much of what we’ve been doing for the last month, month and a half, is getting a good baseline understanding of what the conditions are in Point Roberts, and I want to acknowledge the work that’s been done historically by many of you in the room, and other folks that have already evaluated and identified many of the challenges and opportunities that this community faces,” he told the group.

Otto then described the demographics and other characteristics of the Point and how they impact on potential strategies to improve the economic environment.

For instance, he pointed out that most of the land is zoned for single-family residential, and there are almost no multi-family residential properties available, a huge issue for workforce development, attraction of workers, and retention of the younger working-age population.

Otto was followed by Sam Humphreys,

who ran through the results of interviews held with residents, businesspeople, and other stakeholders by MFA. The group then broke up into small charrette groups to discuss the various opportunities and constraints discovered to date.

Following the breakout session, Otto described what would happen next. “The next phase will involve some more specific analysis of feasibility of different programs, projects, and investments, and we’ll report back to you when we have some preliminary results from that. This is a good stage in the process to provide input, to receive your feedback, and to understand your priorities and vision for the community,” he concluded.

A total of three community meetings are anticipated over the course of the study. The creation of an action plan will occur in the May-September 2025 time period.

According to MFA, the “plan is intended to be a road map for advancing all aspects of the strategy; it addresses funding and financing, permitting and regulations, key next steps, and timelines.”

A final report will be issued by September 2025 at the latest. The $89,000 study is being financed by the Washington State Department of Commerce and the Port of Bellingham.

s Audience members and charrette leaders during the breakout sessions Photo by Louise Mugar

All Point Bulletin

The All Point Bulletin is published each month by Point Roberts Press Inc. and is delivered to homes and businesses in Point Roberts and Tsawwassen.

The opinion expressed by contributors is their own and is offered for the general interest of our readers.

Mail and classified ads should be addressed to:

All Point Bulletin

P.O. Box 1451 Point Roberts WA USA 98281

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Louise H. Mugar

Reporter Erin Kelly

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Contributors In This Issue

Fred Culbert

Kris Lomedico

Bev Mar

Annelle Norman Victoria Smith

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Letters Policy

The All Point Bulletin welcomes letters to the editor; however, the opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the editor. Letters must include name, address and daytime telephone number for verification. Letters must not exceed 450 words and may be edited or rejected for reasons of legality and good taste.

A fresh viewpoint on matters of general interest to local readers will increase the likelihood of publication. Writers should avoid personal invective. Unsigned letters will not be accepted for publication. Requests for withholding names will be considered on an individual basis.

Thank you letters should be limited to ten names.

Only one letter per month from an individual correspondent will be published.

Please email your letter to: letters@allpointbulletin.com

P.O. Box 1451, Point Roberts, WA 98281

opinion

Letters to the editor

Ads due: March 21

The Editor:

Thank you to all the groups who joined us for the Community Guardians Day at the center. It was really nice to see all of us come together.

There is a new section on the park district website called “around the center.” I am dedicating this to all the user groups that use the center. If any of the groups would like to be added to this section, I will need your logo, an explanation of what your group does, a link to your website if you have one and contact information.

It is still a work in progress but here is a link: prparkandrec.org/around-the-center.

I also still have space at the center by the front door for community information if anyone would like to put pamphlets there.

Dee Gough, Point Roberts Park and Recreation administrator

Point Roberts

The Editor:

As relatively new residents of Point Roberts, we have been making a concerted effort to learn as much as possible about our new home. One aspect of this effort has been to explore the area and check out community assets. One asset that particularly impressed us was the Seabright stairs winding down the southern bluff to the beach below.

Some of the most delightful days of our first two summers living at Point Roberts were spent packing a day pack with lunch, books and camp chairs and heading down the Seabright stairs to a particular spot on the beach. Sadly, we will not be doing this next summer because a major section of the Seabright stairs has collapsed.

Another aspect of getting to know Point Roberts is the more subtle challenge of getting an understanding of community values and character. Interestingly, these two aspects merge vis-à-vis this collapse of the Seabright stairs.

The steadfastness with which the community takes on the daunting task of reconstruction of the Seabright stairs will be a telling commentary on the values and character of the community. Based on some initial conversations with local old-timers, we two newcomers are hopeful.

Tom and Lenore Yeager

Point Roberts

The Editor:

For over 45 years, the Point Roberts Food Bank has benefited from the incredible support and goodwill of our community. For most (if not all) of that time we have been open on Wednesday mornings.

As of March 14, however, we will be moving our food distribution day to Friday, still at the community center and with no change to our usual hours (8:30 to 10:30 a.m.)

This shift to Fridays is a necessary move to allow us to offer a better selection of perishable foods each week. We are committed to providing the best possible resources to those in need, and this change will help us do just that.

The Food Bank has another significant change in the works, but not one that will directly impact our clients. We are making progress on our conditional use permit application for a food storage warehouse on Teller Road, with the next steps being some formal engineering work required for road access and storm water plans. Once the application has been finally approved, we will be able to pursue the actual construction of the building.

As we look to the future, the need for continued community support is as important as ever. Your contributions have brought this project to life, and ongoing support will make the vision of our new

warehouse a reality. We invite you to join us in this next phase of growth.

Thank you for being such an integral part of our community’s heart and spirit. Together, we are making a difference.

Dave Lee

President, Point Roberts Food Bank

Point Roberts

The Editor:

A Mr. John Toomey of Point Roberts sent a letter to the editor of the Toronto Globe and Mail, considered by many to be Canada’s national newspaper. The letter was published in the Friday, January 31 edition.

Donald Trump is not evil. The world knows though that he is an unrepentant felon, a predator on the prowl, and so much more that disqualifies him as a member in good standing of our species. Have you all forgotten that he is responsible for the deaths of hundreds of thousands of Americans with his antics during the Covid pandemic? Are you not concerned that his climate crisis denial could kill thousands more of you and some of us to boot?

Americans decided in November to turn the White House into a sewer and the world is reacting as you would expect. No Donald, you cannot have Canada and Greenland. No Donald, you can’t have the Panama Canal … by force? No Donald, you won’t “make America great again.” A joke? Maybe.

Mr. Toomey, I have sympathy for you and for the two-thirds of Americans who did not vote for Donald. But you have made your bed. Now, what is that old saying?

Charles H. Klassen

Toronto, ON

(Ed. Note: As published in the January 30 issue of Toronto’s Globe and Mail “Canada, Mexico can avoid tariffs with border action, Trump’s pick for trade czar says”

I am a Canadian citizen by birth and a

U.S. resident since 1997. I am shocked that Canadians do not seem to understand the risk to Canada’s future by governments that would ignore events and show little financial knowledge.

Doug Ford calls an election to fight tariffs? Justin Trudeau prorogues Parliament while his party chooses a new leader? Most Canadians think Trump is evil, that he is taking advantage of Canadian weakness. I believe all he wants is a secure border, not tariffs. But instead of demanding this as well, Canadian leaders cancel everything to respond to tariffs.

I think Canada is not a serious country anymore, and citizens have allowed this with their voting. The evil I sense lies within Canadians accepting the governments they have elected.

John Toomey Point Roberts)

The Editor:

The emperor has no clothes. I am reminded of this children’s fable frequently when listening to the daily news.

President Trump and his tool, Elon Musk (or is it the other way around?) make statements daily that defy logic or truth, fail to offer evidence of the fraud and abuse they claim to have found, and as of recently, seem to think that they can re-write the history of Russia’s war on Ukraine as if the American people and indeed the world don’t know that Russia invaded Ukraine three years ago and annexed Crimea in 2014.

Who do they think they are fooling? Surely the American public does not go along with this view or the assault on science, scientists, and common sense.

I am embarrassed by our president. He must be stopped before our status in the world is completely destroyed, before world dictators take advantage of his weaknesses, and before any more starving children are denied life-saving food in order to fund a billionaire’s dream of travelling to Mars and other such schemes.

Nancy Sheng

Bellingham

The Editor:

We have seen the kind invitation of the mayor of Blaine inviting Canadians to come back to visit and shop. She said that what we hear is not what they think and (See Letters, page 5)

Thank you to our latest supporters: Gary Ransom • Steve & Peggy Jahn • Tom Yeager

“We truly enjoy reading the All Point Bulletin, both in print and online. Old school, so love the paper version the most!” - Steve & Peggy Jahn

From page 4

Well, I felt it necessary to respond to your invitation. My husband and I make it a weekend to visit Blaine and Bellingham for a shopping trip maybe four times a year. We have a lovely time. We stay in a hotel, eat at restaurants and shop. That isn’t going to happen again for the next four years.

We heard your kind invitation but we hear Trump and Musk running your country and threatening Canadians and the rest of the world. It is so sad. What we don’t hear is anyone saying “No, that’s not what we want.” You are letting him bully you and we’re watching. Sadly, the world is watching.

Canadians are polite but we have no problem saying that we’ll just stay home. We won’t go to the U.S. and we won’t buy U.S. products. No one has to lead us, it is just happening. Our grocery stores are only carrying produce from Mexico, Chile and other countries. Nothing from U.S. in Costco this morning. We’re reading labels on other groceries. Made in Canada is sell-

ing out while U.S. products are sitting on the shelves. We don’t protest with guns, we protest with our wallets. We’re sorry but you voted them in, and you got what you asked for. We’ll watch in disgust but won’t be returning until Trump is out of your government. I used to shop in Blaine.

Kathy Brown Nanaimo, B.C.

Doctors are onsite Monday, Tuesday & Thursday, RN

s The recent blood drive held by the fire district collected 26 units of blood from 37 donors. Sign up for the next blood clinic on May 30. Above, fire chief Christopher Carleton is given encouragment by Rachael Coakley.

Photo courtesy of PRFD

Longtime county councilmember Barbara Brenner dies

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Former Whatcom County Councilmember Barbara Brenner, one of the longest serving councilors in recent history, died from respiratory failure on February 9. She was 78.

Brenner, who did not follow political party lines, was known for her deep commitment to the Whatcom County community, whether that was standing up for environmental issues or keeping tight oversight of county spending. She served 28 consecutive years on county council, from January 1992 until January 2020.

“She didn’t think of herself as a politician,” said Edward Morris, Brenner’s hus-

band. “She thought of herself as a public servant.”

Brenner was born in the Boston area on October 10, 1946, and grew up between Boston and Tampa, Florida. She traveled Central and South America in her young adult life, studying in universities and creating portraits of people along the way. Eventually, she moved to Fairbanks, Alaska, where she created artwork inspired by nature for a living. It was there where she met Morris, who had posted on a travel board looking for a ride to Bellingham at a time when Brenner was driving through the area.

“She later told me that she tore down my ad, which is why no one else answered,” Morris said. “She wanted someone to travel with, but she also wanted someone with mechanical knowledge. I got a kick out of that.”

Morris and Brenner settled in east Ferndale, where they bought a furniture refinishing business and Brenner nurtured the family’s yard, planting large evergreen trees and lilacs. Brenner had only lived in Whatcom County for a few years and was rearing her two young children, Wesley and Collin, when her public service career began.

Brenner was driving the kids to school in the late ’80s when she heard a radio announcement about a public hearing on whether the Thermal Reduction Company’s incinerator that was out of compliance should continue operating in Ferndale. Once Brenner learned that the incinerator was burning hospital waste and the subsequent health impacts, she began petitioning to close it – even spending 10 weeks on the steps of the state capitol in Olympia with her children, talking to anybody who would listen.

“She didn’t sleep a lot,” Morris said. “She’d research through the night. She was on the phone a lot and wouldn’t give up until she got her answer.”

She ran for Whatcom County Council in 1989, losing narrowly to well-known opponent Dennis Vander Yacht, before she won her second election that earned her a council seat in 1992.

One of Brenner’s most significant accomplishments was ending long-distance calling in Whatcom County in the early ’90s, when calling to and from Bellingham to other parts of the county incurred long-distance rates. Brenner also fought for county residents to be able to vote for all county councilmembers, not just the councilor representing their district, because she believed council should represent everyone.

Brenner was a longtime representative of District 3, which represented the northwest part of the county including Point Roberts, Blaine and , Birch Bay. After the

districts were reorganized, she promised those residents that she would continue to look after their interests despite not being their official representative. Brenner visited the Point frequently and was well acquainted with its issues and its residents.

Brenner served on the council’s budget committee, where she would review the budget line by line. Even if money was going toward something she supported, such as cleaning Lake Whatcom, Brenner would vote it down if the money wasn’t audited, Wesley said.

“You can see how her decisions were consistent with a moral code she had but not consistent with any political party,” Wesley said. “She wouldn’t sway votes or be swayed by money or power. She loved her community and wanted to serve the people of Whatcom County.”

Morris said Brenner hated to miss council meetings, estimating that she likely only missed a few meetings in her nearly three decades of service.

Despite Brenner’s success representing county residents, her family says she had no aspiration to be a career politician. She did not like the role of money in politics and self-funded every campaign, they said, and even turned herself into the Public Disclosure Committee after she realized she had discussed an election on her council phone.

Whatcom County Executive Satpal Sidhu, who joined council in 2015, served alongside Brenner for nearly five years.

“Councilmember Brenner was fiercely independent and freely spoke her mind,” Sidhu wrote in a statement to The Northern Light. “She had an outsized presence on county council, and her tenure was unprecedented in length, spanning five presidential eras. I found her historical knowledge to be invaluable, as she was able to provide important context for the issues that came before the council.”

Outside of public service, Brenner was passionate about her for love of dark chocolate, which Morris said she was always trying to make darker and gifting to those around her. She also was a silversmith, caregiver and dog-lover who brought Rosie, her Labrador-Rottweiler mix, with her anytime she was in the county council office.

“It is amazing how that sweetens and helps me stop thinking about the problems of the world,” Brenner said, referring to chocolate, in a 2018 article in the All Point Bulletin. “If you are ever interested in trying any, just give me a call at 360/3842762 and we can arrange for you to come over for a taste.”

Brenner is survived by her husband Edward (Ed) Morris, sons Wesley and Collin, and sisters Nancy, Patricia (Patty) and Susan. She was preceded in death by her brother George and parents Ernest and Elinor.

Those wishing to pay tribute to Brenner’s life are encouraged to leave messages on her landline, 360/384-2762. Donations can be made to the Sean Humphrey House, an adult home for people with low incomes living with HIV or AIDs.

The family is planning a memorial in May.

The Raven is calling for you

P RIVATE PILATES INSTRUCTION in a beautiful studio setting. Group classes offered.

www.canvaspilates.com

Margot Griffiths, M.Ed., C.L.C.

After 30 years experience at The University of British Columbia in the Office of Counseling Services, I am pleased to begin my Life Coaching practice in Point Roberts.

Confidential appointments arranged by email or text. margot@pointroberts.net 206-604-1713

self-awareness personal development relationships recovery wellness transitions retirement life planning

For those who are unable to drive, have car problems, or simply enjoy the luxury of being chauffeured, the Raven Community Shuttle can bring you shopping or to appointments in Bellingham for free. Even better, it recently announced an expansion in service in Point Roberts itself.

Effective immediately, the service will now pick up and drop riders off around the Point on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. It offers flexible stops anywhere in Point Roberts so if you need to go to the food bank, the post office, clinic or what have you, you’re covered.

The Raven Van initiative was launched in April 2024. It is funded through a contract with the Whatcom Transportation Authority (WTA) and operated by the nonprofit Point Roberts Circle of Care. The service aims to provide reliable and accessible transportation to residents.

The van runs weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays, departing from the community center at 9 a.m. and returning around 4 p.m.

The Raven also offers after-school pickup Monday through Friday from any school in the Blaine school district for kids who have after-school activities. “We’ve had a productive year, but we’d love to see more families take advantage of the after-school transportation,” said Dina Boykiw, the executive in charge of the program.

Boykiw oversees a team that includes a dispatcher and two drivers, with all salaries and expenses covered under the WTA-funded budget. In addition to after-school transportation, the service is used for group outings to locations like the Deming library and is available for hire for private and business events. However, due to insurance restrictions, the van cannot travel to destinations in Canada.

Boykiw emphasized the importance of the service, particularly for the aging population and families who may struggle with transportation options. B y e ri N k

“We’re here to make life easier for the community, whether it’s getting to an appointment or attending after-school activities,” she said. “We’re committed to finding solutions that will serve more residents. This service is vital for so many people, and we want to make sure it continues to grow.”

For bookings or inquiries, residents can contact the service at 360/788-9473 or email prraven@gmail.com. For more information, visit their website at prtheraven.com.

School ...

From page 1

rollment decline across the district.

With less children in the primary school, the district argues that first and second graders should be moved into the elementary school, allowing the district to save significantly on utility and maintenance costs. In a letter explaining its reasoning, the district said it chose to move the primary school children into the elementary school, and not vice versa, because the elementary school has expanded special education services and a gymnasium and cafeteria, which are two of its larger and most critical structures.During a February 18 Supper with the Superintendent community meeting, Granger urged parents to continue to reach out to legislators in Olympia to improve funding for public schools.

“We need to put our energy towards Olympia,” Granger told the crowd of parents and staff in the primary school library. “We wouldn’t be having to make these decisions if the state was upholding the Constitution.”

Since the 2023-24 budget cycle, roughly 100 full-time positions among teachers, paraeducators, bus drivers, maintenance workers, librarians and administrative staff have been cut.

Point Roberts | 360-945-0420 maureen@pointrobertscounseling.com www.pointrobertscounseling.com

Private and confidential Call or e-mail for an appointment

Providing non-emergency home medical care, education and referral

For an appointment or more information, please contact Chief Christopher Carleton at 360-945-3473 or chief@wcfd5.com

s Third from left, Barbara Brenner was a strong advocate for Point Roberts through the years. She is seen here with fellow council members in 2019. Photo courtesy of Whatcom County

in the Garden

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March is here, and it’s time to talk about birds. Point Roberts is home to more than 230 bird species. They’re in our yards, forests and fields; at the beach and in the sky; along our roadsides and perched in the trees and on telephone wires. Birds and wildlife are among our most precious local assets.

Do you sometimes feel there aren’t as many birds here as there used to be? I’ve lived in Point Roberts for four years, and I’ve noticed fewer birds each year. I wanted to know why and set out to learn more about bird populations and how they affect our lives.

I read science-based articles and studies, consulted with gardeners and conservationists, listened to podcasts and attended an Audubon Society presentation titled “Gardening is for the Birds.”

The wellbeing of birds is a key indicator of overall environmental health, and scientists and researchers are extremely concerned about the shrinking global bird population.

The Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center (SMBC) researched the decline of bird populations in North America between 1970 and 2019 and published their results in a journal titled Science in September 2019. The numbers are staggering; bird populations in the United States and Canada dropped by nearly 3 billion birds over 50 years, a decrease of 29 percent of the birds in North America.

Researchers noted that the sharp drop in North American bird populations is consistent with what is being seen around the world. The major cause is widespread degradation and loss of habitat, largely attributed to agricultural growth and urbanization. Other known factors include collisions with buildings, glass windows, automobiles and other structures, and the pervasive use of pesticides associated with the loss of insect populations eaten by birds.

I was surprised to learn that domesticated cats are the number one cause of bird deaths in the United States. The SMBC states that cats are estimated to kill more than 2.4 billion birds in the United States each year, and that there are more than 100 million feral and pet cats freely roaming outdoors. Keeping pet cats indoors can increase our bird population, lengthen the lives of cats, slow the spread of viral diseases, and help preserve environmental health in multiple ways.

Healthy bird populations are essential to our ecosystem, our food supply, and our economy. Birds consume 400 to 500 tons of insects per year, which curtails the damage and destruction of agricultural crops, home gardens, and other vegetation.

Backyard birds eat thousands of mosqui-

tos, lowering populations and preventing the spread of diseases. They scatter seeds, assist with pollination and fertilize our gardens. Scavenger birds, including vultures and ravens, consume dead animals, reducing the spread of diseases like distemper and rabies. Predator birds like owls and hawks help control rodent populations.

Major bird habitats like forests, marshes, grasslands and prairies safely store carbon, filter water, transform pollutants into nutrients, add oxygen to the air, and help stabilize our climate. Seabirds are instrumental in cycling nutrients and keeping coral reefs alive.

Wild bird populations are surprisingly good for the economy. Globally, wildlife watchers spend an estimated $75 billion on travel, equipment and other expenses.

In the United States, birding accounted for the creation of 600,000 jobs and billions of dollars in tax revenue and employment taxes (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2013).

Sales of bird food, bird feeders and related supplies generate upwards of $6 million dollars per year.

There are many ways individuals and gardeners can help protect our local bird population. Birds need a safe habitat that contains shelter, food, and water. Woody bushes and trees provide places to hide and build nests, as do bird houses and nesting boxes. Water can be provided in a shallow bowl or bird bath.

Birds eat naturally occurring seeds and insects; supplemental birdseed can be offered when foraged food is scarce, and feeders should be cleaned weekly. To avoid attracting rovdents, stray cats, and other wildlife that can spread disease, outdoor pet feeding dishes should be removed after meals.

Garden pesticides – including some organic ones and other homemade potions – are toxic to insects and birds. Avoid their use whenever possible. Birds will do most of your pest control for you, especially if you remove the bird feeders during the summer growing season.

Local insect populations, birds and native plants developed and evolved together, so they meet one another’s needs and provide the most suitable and disease resistant environment.

Strive for diversity in your plant choices and try to have something blooming throughout all seasons. Mulch with leaves to protect and feed your soil and leave seedheads and hollow-stemmed plants in place to feed and shelter birds and insects over the winter.

Birds add beauty and joy to our lives and surroundings. Let’s be as helpful to them as they are to us; their lives depend on it.

Ooh-la-la! Three famous Frenchmen

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Whatcom Museum has three famous French artists’ work displayed in partnership with the National Gallery of Art.

Three pieces – “Still Life with Sleeping Woman” by Henri Matisse, “Picking Flowers” by Auguste Renoir and “The Battle of Love” by Paul Cézanne – began showing in the “Verdant” exhibit at the museum’s Lightcatcher building on February 14.

The exhibit is part of the National Gallery of Art’s “Across the Nation” program where the Washington, D.C. gallery is

loaning famous artwork to 10 regional museums through 2026 to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Information at the exhibit will show more than just the iconic artistry. Background on the works will also be provided, such as how Matisse’s “Still Life with Sleeping Woman” was looted during World War II.

The exhibit will be on display for free during the Free First Friday from noon to 9 p.m. Friday, March 7.

The Lightcatcher building is located at 250 Flora Street in downtown Bellingham.

A few hundred people short ...

A debate on the benefits of incorporation of Point Roberts ended prematurely, at least for remote participants, when the Zoom remote meeting timed out an hour after it began. A plan to have attendees take a vote before and after the debate to determine their interest in incorporation also died an early death after the difficulty of holding a vote on Zoom was deemed unworkable.

The debate was between local proponent PJ Minter and opponent Arthur Reber and took place at the community center on February 17. The main obstacle to incorporating is a state law that requires a minimum population of 1,500 residents before a town can become incorporated. While the present population of the Point isn’t precisely known, the 2020 U.S. Census listed its population at 1,191.

Addressing the need to attract new residents, Minter said, “We can advertise to the population of the United States. There are 300 million people who live over there, we can tell the people who is right for Point Roberts – you need to be kind of a frontier, outlaw-type of person. So we can

tell America, this town is looking for its freedom, come help us build a new community, one that we define, one that we get to say this is the community that we want and these are the people that we need for it.”

In response, Reber said, “I’ve been here for 20 years now … Metaphorically speaking, Point Roberts is the Pillsbury Dough Boy, that little giggling ball of dough. Finger comes in, presses, it makes an indentation, it giggles back out. Nothing changes. The community resists because they kind of like it the way it is.” Reber pointed out that it is the U.S. Census population figures that determines eligibility for incorporation and the next one is just five years away.

“Duals who live in Canada don’t count, duals who live here count. Basically, we are talking about individuals who are essentially full-time [residents], and I have no idea whether we’ll be able to make that count.”

The meeting ended with a decision to approach the county to ask if they would fund a feasibility study similar to what the county has done with the Birch Bay community.

B y P at G ru BB

s The sunrise is slowing moving north as the spring equinox approaches as seen on February 27, 2025. Photo by Pat Grubb

s And here are some of the people who helped put it on.... From l., Shivé Marshall, Annelle Norman, Isobel Brophy, Savilla Kress, Kathy Heinrich and Bill Zidel. Courtesy photo

s Valentine’s Day is a day for lovers. And dancers, as Shirley and Chuck Cannon demonstrated at the community center Valentine’s Day event. Photo by Louise Mugar

ChurCh news

B y B e V M ar & F red c ul B ert

Pastor message from Bev Mar:

You may be aware that as a church, Trinity draws from different spiritual perspectives. My interests lie in a range of Interfaith (not just Christian) perspectives. In recent years, I’ve been learning about Nature Spirits. In such a world, trees have a presence, dragons can be good allies, elves and gnomes great garden helpers. We have much to heal on this beautiful planet and working together will be a joyful help in restoring good relations.

Have you ever tasted the changes in water in the ways of Masaru Emoto’s scientific experiments upon the crystals of water where he demonstrates that positive messages heal? His water photos show beautiful, healthy and vibrant crystals after sick water is exposed to positive words, prayers, holy music – love in different forms.

Have you come across land whisperers and animal communicators? Land whisperers demonstrate that land becomes healthy and productive when trauma experienced in its past is healed (e.g., wars) by (among other ways) acknowledgement, compassion and a loving, respectful approach.

Whale communicator Mary Getten, now of the Global Water Healing Meditation organization, wrote about Granny, an orca who was a matriarch in our local pods, who asked that when people pray over the Salish Sea and the oceans, that negative images not be described. Instead, Granny asked that we visualize clean, sparkling, healthy waters teeming with sea life. An-

imal communicators and some scientific experiments recognize whales as highly intelligent conscious beings, capable of feeling emotions. Therefore the images in our minds and our words may do them harm.

So while we need to carry out the actions that will clear and clean the seas, we also need to use our capacity to visualize, to help create and imagine vibrant waters and the good that will bring us and our nature allies. “Do no harm” in other familiar words.

Recently we sang a hymn about justice and peace coming to our world, which said, “the trees will clap their hands, dry land gush with springs, the hills and mountains shall break forth with singing” and the promised green of Eden comes (Hymn “Light Dawns on a Weary World”, ELW 726).

Singing and visualizing the best outcomes raises our spirits and brings hope. In these uncertain times, it is something we may practice as we “begin to remake the old in the raiment’s of the new” to get us walking together, dancing, and sharing. We’d appreciate hearing your reports on trees that clap their hands at our Jazz Vespers, which will take place on Sunday, March 30. Contact Lucy Williams. Producer message from Fred Culbert: This year the Power of Music video event team will feature Country Songs + More by an array of iconic artists. The program will be presented at the Trinity Church parish hall in an evening performance on Saturday, March 22 at 7 p.m.

Volunteering is good for your health

Did you know that volunteering is good for your mental and physical health, longevity, and your community? Research shows that in communities with higher levels of volunteerism, life-expectancy is higher, suicides are lower and local economies are stronger. Sounds like a win-win, doesn’t it?

The time and energy that you put into volunteering in your community, your child’s school or sports team, church or local governance comes back to you positively multiplied!

In today’s social, economic and political climate, strengthening our connections and bonds with our neighbors will be key to creating a sustainable, healthy family and community for today and into the future. Just an hour a week can make a huge difference for an individual or your community.

As executive director of Point Roberts Circle of Care, our board of trustees and I invite you to participate with us as we strive to serve our community. What do we do and how could you be involved?

Our mission is to provide the assistance that residents need in order to stay safely in their homes and community. We connect volunteers who deliver homecooked meals, check-in on residents living alone, take seniors shopping, loan durable medical equipment, provide rides to doctor appointments and to collect prescriptions, and do basic chores.

Currently, we are recruiting new trustees. Are you looking for a way to contribute to our greater community? Do you have event-planning and/or fundraising experience?

Have you set on previous boards, provided your executive perspective and the strength of your vision and energy? Do you have administrative experience that lends itself to good decision-making?

Do you have computer skills, web development experience or a background in finance? Are you a retired psychologist or therapist with great people skills?

If any of the above describes you, or if you have skills and experience you would like to contribute, then we would like to speak with you about being on our board. Circle of Care is always happy to add volunteers to our roster as well. If you are interested in sitting on our board or in volunteering to serve residents as the age in place or recover from illness or injury, please contact us at prcircleofcare@gmail. com.

Shore Friendly workshop scheduled

Additionally, we conduct advance care directive workshops and connect seniors with other service providers. We are governed by our board of trustees which make policy decisions, approve our budget, provide direction and guidance, and volunteer themselves.

The Northwest Straits Foundation in cooperation with Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife will be holding a Shore Friendly workshop and beach walk for shoreline property owners in Point Roberts.

The workshop will be held at the community center on Saturday, March 15 from 10:30 a.m. to noon. The optional beach walk (location TBD) will be from 12:15 – 1:15 p.m. The workshop topics will include coastal processes, sea level rise, alternatives to bulkheads and vegetation and stormwater management.

The workshop is free but organizers ask that you register at tinyurl.com/PtRobertsWS.

sheriff’s report

February 2, 7:21 p.m.: Assist citizen on S Beach Road.

February 2, 8:15 p.m.: Assist citizen on S Beach Road.

February 4, 1:53 p.m.: Watch for on Tyee Drive.

February 6, 3:59 p.m.: Theft cold call on Maple Street.

February 6, 4:16 p.m.: Serve papers on Ocean View Lane.

February 6, 6:35 p.m.: Whatcomm record on Benson Road.

February 7, 2:04 p.m.: Traffic hazard on Edwards Drive.

February 7, 3:39 p.m.: Assist citizen cold call on Boundary Bay Road.

February 8, 2:12 p.m.: Trespass on Vista Way.

February 8, 10:49 p.m.: Suspicious person on Benson Road and Tyee Drive.

February 8, 11:30 p.m.: Traffic stop on Marine Drive.

February 8, 11:48 p.m.: Traffic stop on APA Road.

February 11, 3:52 p.m.: Assist citizen on Boundary Bay Road.

February 12, 4:17 a.m.: Assist citizen on Boundary Bay Road.

February 13, 11:47 a.m.: Assist citizen on Boundary Bay Road.

February 14, 7:35 p.m.: Assist citizen on Mal-

senior’s point

M e N u S F or M arch

Wednesday, March 5: Corn chowder, fish fingers, French fries, coleslaw and dessert

Friday, March 7: Baked ham with pineapple, mashed sweet potatoes, spinach and dessert

Wednesday, March 12: Mediterranean quesadillas, quinoa salad and dessert

Friday, March 14: Chicken-fried steak, mashed potatoes with white gravy, peas and carrots and dessert

Wednesday, March 19: Cabbage rolls, green beans, beet salad and dessert

Friday, March 21: Soup, cobb salad, artisan roll and dessert

Wednesday, March 26: spaghetti with marinara sauce, garlic bread, Italian salad and dessert

Friday, March 28: Cheeseburger, sweet potato French fries, salad and dessert

Lunches are served in the dining room at the community center from 11:45 a.m.–12:30 p.m. or until food runs out. Contact prseniors@whidbey. com or call the community center at 360/945-5424 for more information.

lard Lane.

February 18, 4:38 a.m.: Assist citizen on Boundary Bay Road.

February 18, 11 a.m.: Assist citizen on Boundary Bay Road.

February 19, 3:56 p.m.: Animal problem on APA and Beach roads.

February 21, 3:11 p.m.: Serve papers on Tyee Drive.

numbers

Fire Incidents for January 2025

Total calls 51: EMS calls 9, resulting in the following transports: county medic 2, Airlift Northwest 1; fire classification 9 resulting in outdoor burns – permit 1, false alarm 8; public service 21; EMS CARES/MIHC 12. Clinic numbers for January 2025 (2024 figures following)

Total 168 (153): office visit 117 (78); labs 23 (19); PT/INR 0 (2); telemedicine visit 11 (33); Physical exams 0 (2); skin clinic 9 (6); B12 and flu shots 8 (13).

Library piCks

kri S lo M edico

Bestsellers:

The Medici Return Steve Berry

Three Days in June Anne Tyler

Open Season Jonathan Kellerman

Isola Allegra Goodman

Movies:

Oh, Canada Richard Gere

Wicked Ariana Grande

Silent Night Joel Kinnaman

The Substance Demi Moore

Music:

Cook Up Ringo Starr

“&” Bastille

The High Road Kane Brown

Blues ExperienceJake ShimaBukuro

Teens:

Song of a Blackbird

Maria Van Lieshout

The Last Bookstore on Earth

Lily Braun-Arnold

Rhino’s Run Robert Lipsyte

Kids:

Mixed Up Kami Garcia

Into the Uncut Grass Trevor Noah

Ida, Always Caron Levis

Hours: Tuesdays 1 to 7 p.m.

Wednesdays and Saturdays 10 to 5 p.m.

Express Hours: 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. wcls.org

s No more fence! A fence that was installed by Delta Public Works was recently removed after running afoul of International Border Commission regulations.

Photo by Louise Mugar

Good news for homeowners fire insurance rates

er benefits, typically in the 8-15 percent range.

The fire protection classification (PC) for Point Roberts has changed from a PC5 to a PC4, effective February 1, according to fire chief Christopher Carleton. The chief received notification from the Washington Surveying and Rating Bureau (WSRB) back in October, but the rating didn’t go into effect until now.

A change from PC5 to PC4 typically represents a meaningful improvement in fire protection rating, which generally translates to lower insurance premiums. While the exact savings vary by insurance company, location, and specific policy details, residential properties typically see a 5-10 percent reduction in the fire portion of their insurance premium while commercial properties can often see slightly larg-

However, a fire protection rating is just one of many factors that determine overall insurance premiums. The fire protection portion usually makes up about 40-50 percent of the total property insurance premium, so the actual total premium reduction would be smaller.

For a rough calculation, if a residential property owner pays $1,000 annually for property insurance, and 45 percent ($450) is attributed to fire protection, the owner might save between $22-45 per year with this improvement in rating.

Generally, there are four factors that are considered when protection classifications are determined:

Fire department (40 percent)

Station location

Equipment & apparatus

Staffing & training

Response capabilities

Water supply (40 percent)

Hydrants & mains

Flow capacity

System reliability

Storage capacity

Dispatch (10 percent)

911 systems

Personnel & training

Communications tech

Risk reduction (10 percent)

Prevention programs

Code enforcement

Public education

Inspections

Homeowners should contact their insurance agent to let them know that the protection classification has improved.

Light refreshments will be served. For more information, please contact info@ pointrobertschamberofcommerce.com Let’s put our

The Point Roberts Chamber of Commerce is holding a business social and networking event on Tuesday, March 11 at 6 p.m. at the Pier Restaurant. Here’s an opportunity to share recent customer experiences with the intention of bringing together ideas and suggestions on how together we can improve the business climate.

s Would you like to show your support for Canada in light of the tariffs being imposed on it? For $3, you can buy one of these bumperstickers at Saltwater Cafe or the Pier Restaurant.

s Time flies when you’re having fun! Neil and Krystal

their third anniversary of owning Kora’s Corner on Gulf Road.

Photos by Louise Mugar

Coming up ...

Scheduled Meetings/Ongoing Events

Women in Art call for submissions: Drop off Friday, February 28, 10 to 2 p.m., community center. Other drop off dates and times can be arranged by contacting womeninartpr@gmail.com or by calling 360/045-5424. Please provide your name title of work and contact information. The Women in Art show will be hung Saturday and Sunday, March 1 and 2, volunteers welcome. Public meet and greet for artists and the public will take place on Saturday, March 8. Donations welcome.

The Commons: Saturday, March 1, from noon to 2:30 p.m., back room of the community center. This week, we have a special event: our loom is set up to make a community peace banner and all guests can contribute to this project by doing some of the weaving when they come by (no prior weaving experience needed).

PR Amateur Radio Club: Tuesday, March 4, 7 p.m., via Zoom. Link: bit.ly/3yUNk8f.

LOL 101: Wednesday, March 5, 3 to 4 pm., PR Library. Grades K-5.

Point Roberts Library: Saturday, March 8, 10 to 11:20 a.m. Seeking public input on options to decrease expenses and to raise revenue to continue services. Refreshments served. Info: shorturl.at/ y56gz.

Women in Art meet and greet: Saturday, March 8, from 1 to 3 p.m., community center. Coffee, tea and treats provided. Donations welcome. Public meet and greet for artists and the public.

PR Park and Recreation: Monday, March 10, at 7 p.m., via Zoom. Info: prparkandrec.org. Link: bit. ly/3UCOvAU.

Friends of the Point Roberts Library: Tuesday, March 11, 3 p.m., library. Discussion of land acknowledgements and ways in which the public can support our library. Info: foprl1@gmail.com.

PR Water District: Tuesday, March 11, 5 p.m., 2002 Benson Road. Info: pointrobertswater.com.

Point Roberts Chamber of Commerce Social: Tuesday, March 11, 6 p.m. at the Pier Restaurant at the Marina. Come out and meet other Point Roberts businesses. Light refreshments served. Info: pointrobertschamberofcommerce.com.

Fire District No. 5: Wednesday, March 12, 4 p.m., fire hall and via Zoom. Link: bit.ly/45YUv9U. Info: WCFD5.com.

PR Hospital District: Wednesday, March 12, 7 p.m., via Zoom. Info: bit.ly/3Kw9Ypt.

PR Taxpayers Association: Thursday, March 13, 7 p.m., via zoom. Info: PRTA@pointroberts.net. Link: bit.ly/3EWEysY.

Whatcom County Cemetery District No. 8: Saturday, March 15, 10 a.m., Point Roberts Cemetery. Weather permitting. Please bring gloves and a rake. The district will provide yard waste bags and bottled water.

Shore Friendly Workshop and Beach Walk: Saturday, March 15, 10:30 a.m., community center. Workshop will cover topics including coastal processes, sea level rise, alternatives to bulkheads, and vegetation and stormwater management. Optional beach walk to follow at 12:15, location TBD. Free event. Register and learn more at tinyurl.com/ptrobertsWS.

Purim Potluck: Sunday, March 16, 5 p.m., community center. Bring a fun food or drink option and a less than $10 gift for a fun Purim-style gift exchange. All are welcome! Info: 503/869-7310.Purim is a Jewish holiday commemorating the saving of the Jewish people from Haman in ancient Persia, as recorded in the Book of Esther.

Point Roberts Book & Movie Discussion Group: Monday, March 17, 2 to 4 p.m., library. Info: wcls. org.

Historical Society: Wednesday, March 19, 7 p.m., in the History Center.

PR Community Advisory Committee: Thursday, March 20, 7 p.m., community center and via Zoom. Zoom Link: bit.ly/3S8GCB3. Info: PRCAC.comment@gmail.com.

Sprouting Change: Engage in a Plan for Managing Green Waste on Point Roberts: Tuesday, March 25, 7 p.m., community center. Guest speaker Nicole Chardoul of Resource Recycling Systems. Co-sponsored by Point Roberts Organic Earth and the Point Roberts Garden Club. Refreshments served. Funded by WA Department of Commerce. For zoom link and information email pointrobertsorganics@gmail.com.

Point Roberts Book Club: Wednesday, March 26, 6–7:30 p.m., Point Roberts Library. All are welcome to join this lively discussion group at the library. Call 360/945-6545 for this month’s selection. Cemetery District No. 8: Monday, March 31, 5 p.m., community center. Public welcome. Let’s Upcycle for Earth Day: Wednesday, April 2, 3 to 4 pm., PR Library. Grades K-5. Japanese Storytime: Wednesday, May 14, 3 to 4 pm., PR Library. Grades K-5.

Ongoing Events and Hours

Women in Art Exhibition: Throughout the month of March, community center. Third annual Women in Art Exhibition.

Craft and Game Night: Tuesdays from 5–7 p.m., Point Roberts Library. Bring a craft to work on or a board game to play.

The Raven: Tuesdays and Thursdays, rides to Bellingham and the surrounding area. To book your ride fill out the form at bit.ly/45PVJFP or call 360/788-9473 or email prtheraven@gmail.com. Now available for local transportation around Point Roberts including to Senior and More Lunches. For more information: bit.ly/3RWrRCa.

Point Roberts Walkers: Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 8 a.m., Saturdays at Lily Point. Tuesdays and Thursdays vary, and locations can be found at prwalkers.wordpress.com.

PR Food Bank: Wednesday, March 5, and Fridays, March 14, 21 and 28. 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., community center. Info: prfoodbank.org.

Point Roberts Storytime: Wednesdays, 10:30 to 11 a.m., library. Ages 2-6. Seniors and More Lunches: Wednesdays and Fridays, community center. Come meet old friends and make new friends while enjoying a nutritious meal. All ages welcome. More info: prseniors@ whidbey.com or 360/945-5424.

Point Roberts Writing Club: Saturdays, 3 to 4 p.m., Point Roberts Library meeting room. History Center: Saturdays, 11 to 3, community center.

PR Library Hours: Tuesdays 1–7 p.m., Wednesdays and Saturdays 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Library express hours: 6 a.m. – 11 p.m. daily.

Point Roberts Clinic Hours: Primary care provider schedule: Dr. Lary: Mondays, 9 to 5 p.m.; Dr. Sean: Tuesdays, 9 to 5 p.m.; Dr. Kelly: Wednesdays, 9 to 5 p.m.; Doreen (RN): Thursdays, 9 to 3 p.m.; Sara (RN): Fridays, 9 to 3 p.m. Thursday and Friday hours vary with nurse availability. Appointment needed. Urgent care can be accessed through telemedicine or at the clinic Monday – Saturday 10 –6 p.m., Sundays 10 – 4 p.m. Always call for an appointment before coming in, even for urgent care services. Info: 360/945-2580.

HOUSES $800,000 AND ABOVE

2-story house with 2,391 SF, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 576 SF attached garage, 862 SF patio, built in 1991, waterfront; marine view, .24 acres land.

Split-level house with 3,060 SF, 2,829 SF basement, 3 bedrooms, 5 baths, 624 SF attached garage, 980 SF deck, built in 2000; waterfront, marine view, .62 acres land.

2-story house with 3,760 SF, 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, 672 SF attached garage, 400 SF deck, built in 2020; marine view, .40 acres land.

2-story condo with 3,097 SF, 3 bedrooms, 4 baths, 610 SF built-in garage, 302 SF patio, built in 2018, waterfront; marine view.

COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES:

2-story duplex with 3,528 SF, 504 SF built in garage, 240 SF storage, built in 2001, .17 acres land.

2-story office with 2016 SF, built in 1986, remodel in 1987, .06 acres land.

LAND

Chehalis Place, Blaine 9131 Great Blue Heron Lane, Blaine

Merganser Court, Blaine

#8, Semiahmoo Shore Condominium, 9421 Turnstone Lane, Blaine 353 E Street, Blaine

838 Peace Portal Drive, Blaine

Sandlewood Lane, Blaine

Marine Drive, Point Roberts 9586 Sunrise Road, Blaine 6885 Holeman Avenue, Blaine

8362 Portal Way, Blaine $820,000 $2,250,000 $1,445,000 $1,910,000 $805,000 $719,000 $350,000 $4,290,000 $400,000 $233,000 $476,000 $475,000

MARCH GIFT

SUNDAYS & MONDAYS IN MARCH

EARN WEEKLY TO COLLECT A GIFT

• Sunday at 12:01am - Monday at 8:00pm Earn 1,000 base points to receive a weekly gift.

• Claim a prize voucher at any promo kiosk each week. Redeem at the Theatre Sundays or Mondays Noon - 8:00pm.

While

NEON CIRCUS

BROOKS & DUNN TRIBUTE

SATURDAY, MARCH 29

DOORS 7:00PM | SHOW 8:00PM

$15 | $20