September 2020
IN THIS
ISSUE
Politicians pay attention to the Point, page 7
Hospital district goes for enhanced status quo
www.AllPointBulletin.com
FREE
Crime mostly down on Point, page 14
B.C.-bound students required to quarantine, page15
ECRWSS PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 14 Point Roberts, WA 98281 Postal Patron Local
The Salish Sea sets sail for Blaine ...
B y P a t G r u bb and Meg Olson (Ed. Note: This story was originally published online and has been updated with new information.) In a 2-1 decision, Point Roberts hospital district commissioners voted to award the service provider contract to the current operator, Bellingham’s SuperTrack Urgent Care clinic. Commissioners Kandace Harper and Richard Dennis voted in favor of continuity while Stephen Falk voted for the challenger, the Shields Company. There were 40 or more people in attendance at the special remote Zoom meeting held August 18. The special meeting was held after district superintendent Barbara Wayland, commissioner Harper and members of the public called for more time to examine the competing proposals at the district’s regular meeting held one week earlier. Being a special meeting, no public comments were allowed. Harper began the discussion by stating, “I would like SuperTrack to continue providing the clinic’s services,” adding, “The infrastructure to do so is already in place and viable. SuperTrack is financially stable and established, they have experienced billers and have a large medical staff for backup. They have experience with telemedicine … they have experience negotiating with insurance companies and healthcare IT.” She pointed out that when SuperTrack first began operating the clinic, the principals agreed to provide services to patients even before arrangements had been completed with health insurers and had never been reimbursed for those costs. Harper described the process of transferring patient information from the previous provider, UnityCare, as “a nightmare” and said the pandemic had added stress to Point Roberts residents. “Changing to a new provider without experience in running a medical clinic would add more (See Hospital, page 3)
s The inaugural voyage of the Point Roberts to Blaine ferry getting ready to sail at 9:30 a.m. on August 25. The sailing was fully booked shortly after the service was announced by the Port of Bellingham. Photo by Pat Grubb
Temporary ferry service from the Point begins B y P a t G r u bb and Grace McCarthy (Ed. Note: This story was originally published online and has been updated with new information.) A temporary ferry service operating out of Point Roberts began Tuesday, August 25. The Port of Bellingham started the now once-a-week ferry service to help those stranded on Point Roberts reach the mainland for shopping, doctor visits and
other necessities. It’s offered free of charge on a first-come, first-serve, advanced-reservation basis to Point Roberts residents. Whatcom Transportation Authority is providing a shuttle from Blaine Harbor to Cordata Station in Bellingham. The Port is currently exploring the idea of increasing the frequency and having the ferry go from Point Roberts to Bellingham in the morning with a return trip in the afternoon, according to executive director Rob Fix, who says the details are still being
School district offers furlough to service employees By Grace McCarthy The Blaine school board voted unanimously to approve a letter of agreement between the district and a union representing school service employees that will furlough employees until October 31. Under this agreement, staff such as bus drivers, food service providers and paraeducators will keep their health insurance. “This is not the ideal but given all the things that we know right now, it’s where
I think we can feel good about the support we’ve given our people,” said Blaine school district superintendent Christopher Granger during the August 24 school board meeting. Employees will be asked to volunteer for furlough, first by those who are high risk for Covid-19 and then in seniority order, according to the agreement. The district will assign furlough in reverse seniority if the district needs to reduce more staff than people who volunteer, the agreement
states. This comes after an August 18 layoff announcement to union members from Blaine’s Service Employees International Union 925 chapter. Local union representatives said they sent the letter after receiving the impression that the district would not budge with negotiations. Granger told the All Point Bulletin previously that the district believed it was still in negotiations at that time. (See School, page 3)
worked out. The change would give people more time in Bellingham, he said. The ferry would overnight in Bellingham. The Port is also developing a dedicated online reservation application; they are currently working on a jerry-rigged survey program which currently indicates that “This survey is locked.” Fix says that’s because the next sailing on Tuesday, September 1 is already fully booked. That sailing (See Ferry, page 6)
Online
allpointbulletin.com facebook.com/allpointbulletin
Inside
Church ............................................. 11 Classifieds ......................................... 14 Coming Up ....................................... 14 Library ............................................. 13 Obituary ........................................... 15 Opinion ............................................... 4 Sheriffs.............................................. 13 Tides ................................................. 13
2
All Point Bulletin • September 2020
s Thanks to the generosity of Chewters Chocolates in Delta, local firefighters have plenty of chocolate to hand out during weekly Covid-19 testing. Photo by Louise Mugar
“Live in the Safest Place in America” It’s just One Step Over The Line
WESTERN REALTY FEETFRONT 0 0 1 ATER OF W
$1,036,460
1668 Harbor Seal Drive
West facing, 2 legal lots, 100’ of frontage. MLS#1493503
MLS#1645910
- S RIUM BDRM A L O R S ASTE 2M
R
ULA
B T B& RFRON E WAT
POP
NOW
N OPE
Sharp Bob’s Garage
1453 Edwards Dr. NOW $791,000
Epic Sunsets with front row seats to Orca Sitings! MLS#1467380
Serving all makes and models
Ingrid Johnson
ingridjohnson7@mac.com
206-391-0224
AUG. SPECIAL OF THE MONTH MIX OR MATCH!
9.8-Oz. Clear Silicone Sealant #793485
12-Oz. Foam Sealant #261211
R YOUC E! I O H C
While supplies last!
2/ 6 $
OTS L 2
1549 Ocean View Lane
420 Weasel Run
Solarium, Huge Yard, Huge Garage, Sunsets. MLS#1392301
(Lots 4 and 5)
$469,000
$179,000 MLS#1599559
VACANT LAND
Lubrication • Oil Changes Tune ups • Brakes Tire Mounting & Balancing Open Monday - Friday 8am-5pm • Licensed & Insured 1423 Gulf Rd. Point Roberts • 360-945-2807
$799,000
723 Walters Lane
“Stunning Maurice Pez Architecturally Designed Waterfront Home"
1427 Peltier Drive - MLS# 1509055 72 X 208, Huge lot .......$44,900 1959 Province Rd - PENDING - GREAT MT. VIEW.....................$59,900 Rex Street - Lot 15 WALK TO GOLF COURSE .........................$69,000 Benson Road - MLS# 1402447 REDUCED- 2 LOTS ..................$74,900 Rex Road - MLS# 1440476 Walk to golf course .....................$188,000 Boundary Bay Road, Lot 1 - MLS# 1582166 NEW - 1.05 Acres ...$269,999 230 Iris Blvd. - MLS# 1403241 5 private acres near golf course ...$888,000
Tracy Evans
tracy.evans@kw.com
206-658-5762
AUG. MANAGER’S SPECIAL 15” Lopper & 7” Pruner COMBO
9
#641128
$ 97 While supplies last!
Hours: Mon-Fri 8-5 • Saturday 9-3 • Closed Sunday Shop online: Visit www.NielsonsBuildingCenter.com for over 65,000 products
Nielson’s Building Center
391 Tyee Drive, Point Roberts, WA • 360.945.3116
September 2020 • allpointbulletin.com
School ... From page 1
Union members protested in front of the district’s office on August 18 and wrote letters to the school board members. The day following the union’s announcement, the board held a special meeting in executive session to discuss collective bargaining. “I’m so happy that our efforts paid off,” said Kim Ingham, a bus driver and food service worker who rallied at the district’s office last week. “Everyone is happy they got a little more time with their medical.” Ingham said she’s filing for unemployment after working with the district for 29 years. Although she describes the process as daunting, she said the district has eased the transition with quick communication. Long-time Point Roberts resident Sue Schroeder, the Blaine union vice president, said the union is happy about the agreement and optimistic it can come to another agreement in mid-October. The district and union will begin meeting before October 9 to discuss employment status after the October 31 agreement expires, according to the letter of agreement. If the district and union have not come to an agreement by October 15, the district can lay off employees on November 1. The district is anticipating lower enrollment numbers for the 2020-21 school year that will decrease the district’s funding from the state, which is already not enough to compensate all staff for their salaries, according to the second letter. The district had previously adopted a hybrid plan that allowed district employees to continue their employment before the Whatcom County Health Department recommended schools start the year with remote learning. Granger said during the board meeting that he hoped students could start returning to the school by the end of September or early October. The district plans
Hospital ...
From page 1 stress and turmoil,” she said. Harper discussed enhancements to the contract such as service seven days per week promised by SuperTrack and concluded that her vote was to continue with SuperTrack. Dennis too began by saying he intended to vote for SuperTrack before launching into a long and reasoned explanation for his vote, which was marred by frequent juddering and pauses due to a poor internet connection. He too listed the enhancements promised by SuperTrack and pointed to the company’s intention to have a doctor at the clinic at least once a week as a major factor behind his decision. Dennis listed a number of advantages underlying both companies’ offerings and complimented both of them on presenting excellent proposals. He gave the edge to SuperTrack due to the higher involvement by doctors compared to the Shields Company, whose medical director and supervising physician, Dr. Min Lin, had said it was unlikely that he would visit the clinic to phase students back in classes, starting with those in special education and life skills programs, those experiencing homelessness and those without internet access. The district will ask service employees to return to work by seniority, according to the second letter. Employees who are high risk for Covid-19 and senior employees can continue to volunteer for furlough as long as it’s available. “I think it’s a good way to move forward and gives our people time to adjust and gives the district time to see how it’s going to play out in the next couple of months,” school board president Charles Gibson said. “It gives us the flexibility of being able to bring people back as needed as we move into hybrid education. That is our intent and has been our intent all along.”
on a frequent basis. Falk said he remained supportive of the Shields Company proposal and said he felt the other two commissioners were relying upon submissions from the public that maintained “things were good enough” and didn’t warrant a change from the current provider. “In my mind, the people that we are praising are actually Deb [Shields] and Virginia [Lester] so the people that we are praising when we’re praising SuperTrack are Deb and Virginia.” Shields and Lester were both included as front-line medical providers in the Shields Company’s proposal. Falk said he felt that SuperTrack had shown a lack of commitment to the clinic for about a year before the pandemic struck. In the week following the meeting, rumors flew that Lester had resigned from the clinic, which she has denied. “Originally, I was angry at the commis-
sioners’ decision and thought I might quit, but I want to stay neutral for the good of the clinic,” she said. An important factor in her decision was the importance of the clinic in maintaining weekly COVID testing. “It’s critical that it continues,” she said. Lester, now 87-years-old, and her husband Ed worked with a newly formed hospital district in 2002 to start the clinic. She retired in 2012 but returned to the clinic in early 2019, working with Shields until the latter was dismissed after she announced plans to bid for the clinic contract. While she had supported the Shields Company proposal, Lester said she would work with SuperTrack to help them deliver on their promise of improved services for Point Roberts patients. “I think this was a wake-up call for them as well,” she said. “They are already talking about adding two days of telemedicine to the three days we are open.”
Trinity Community Lutheran Church Please come and enjoy our
August 30th, 2020 1880 APA ROAD, POINT ROBERTS, WA
ADMINISTRATION PHONE: 360-945-7105
Our last outdoor singing event in our beautiful garden (if our weather continues to cooperate) Our website accepts US & Canadian donations: www.pointrobertschurch.com
WELCOME POINT ROBERTS FERRY RIDERS! CANNABIS 360-746-8545 2530 Peace Portal Dr. Blaine, WA 98230 21+ I-5 EXIT 274 (next to Shell Gas Station)
STORE HOURS: Every Day 8am-11pm WARNING: Marijuana products may be purchased or possessed only by persons 21 years of age or older. This product has intoxicating effects and may be habit forming. Marijuana can impair concentration, coordination, and judgment. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of this drug. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product. For use only by adults twenty-one and older. Keep out of the reach of children.
3
Come In & Receive
15% OFF ENTIRE STORE *
*Cannot combine discounts*
4
opinion All Point Bulletin Sign of the times ... All Point Bulletin • September 2020
The All Point Bulletin is published each month by Point Roberts Press Inc. Total circulation is 9,000 copies including home delivery in Point Roberts and Tsawwassen, subscriptions and distribution to retail establishments on the Point. 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
Publisher & Managing Editor Patrick J. Grubb Associate Publisher & Advertising Manager Louise H. Mugar News & Features Editor Meg Olson Copy Editor Grace McCarthy Creative Services Ruth Lauman, Doug De Visser Advertising Sales Molly Ernst Contributors In This Issue Rhiannon Allen, Gina Gaudet Kris Lomedico, Annelle Norman Administrative Services Jeanie Luna Founding Editor Glennys Christie Business & Editorial Office Phone: 360/945-0413 Fax: 360/945-1613 Email: sales@allpointbulletin.com
Visit us online at:
www.allpointbulletin.com Printed in Canada • Vol. XXXVI, No. 5
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
s The community signboard at Gulf Road and Tyee Drive says it all.
Letters To The Editor The Editor: The Point Roberts love boat? We have a new Circle of Care bus sitting here doing nothing which seats 20 plus handicap access. Make arrangements with the border bosses to allow for its passage to Bellingham, under seal if necessary. Advantages of the bus over a cruise ship? No marina ramps, wind and rough water to deal with and no need to transfer to a bus at Blaine to drive down to Bellingham. At which point, passengers have to coordinate taxi trips for going to various appointments? Now reverse the process to get back home. The ferry operation would be 10 times the cost and four times the journey time of our bus. Furthermore, the bus is not dependent upon weather. Think this through, folks. We’re wasting our money on something designed to fail. Brian Calder Point Roberts The Editor: Due to an appalling lack of leadership, we now find ourselves with the worst pandemic combination possible: High rates of infection and economic collapse. Multiple opinions exist as to which of our leaders contributed most to this. I understand these differences and can
ficer, I see this as a low-risk, high-benefit intervention. It seems silly and selfish to choose this as a cause to argue individual liberty. Bill Ciao Bellingham
attribute them to ideological differences. I am, however, baffled by the controversy surrounding masks. The scientific consensus regarding mask wear is that they provide some protection to the wearer but that most protection is to those with whom the wearer comes in contact. In short, the mask protects your neighbors more than it protects you. Assuming that is the case, it seems that mask wear is the easiest thing one can do to demonstrate one’s regard for their fellow citizens. Not wearing a mask while in an indoor public space says, ‘I don’t care about you.’ It is a malignant twist of Patrick Henry’s quote, “Give me liberty and give you death.” I understand the freedom and liberty argument. However, I have heard it stated that we have freedoms from and freedoms to. We have freedom to wear a mask or not. Conversely, we have freedom from preventable exposure to a potentially deadly pathogen. As a retired dentist and former Army of-
The Editor: Our state 42nd district representative Sharon Shewmake is championing Whatcom County. She is representing all of our interests, especially the agricultural and rural interests of our county. She successfully sponsored legislation protecting dairy farmers’ marketing of milk and increasing access to child care in rural areas Her Ph.D. in agricultural and resource economics has prepared her well for this role. By becoming vice chair of the influential House Rural Development, Agriculture, and Natural Resources Committee, she is well positioned to help guide our state and county through these unprecedented economic times. I urge you to retain her steady and well prepared leadership and vote for Sharon Shewmake to continue being our 42nd district representative. Pam Gould Lummi Island
Thank you for supporting local journalism “Every great community must have a great newspaper and we have BOTH! Thank you.” - Joan Linde
Thank you to our latest contributors: Barbara Fuoto • Joan Linde • Kristin Lomedico Tim Newton • Barbara Wayland • Jean Woodcock You can also contribute online at allpointbulletin.com
Support
Name:
$24
Email:
(or whatever you can)
Next issue: Oct. 2020 Ads due: Sept. 21
Photo by Louise Mugar
Address: City: MAIL TO: All Point Bulletin
State: l
PO Box 1451
l
Zip:
Point Roberts, WA 98281
l
360/945-0413
September 2020 • allpointbulletin.com
SPECIALS FOR THIS MONTH ALL SEPTEMBER
20% off all beer in stock
We are improving our inventory to better serve you.
GIANT 18”
SHELL CENTER
Since its launch on January 1, 2020 and to June 30, 2020, we have collected and recycled more than 1,300 lbs of bread bags, grocery bags, dry-cleaning bags, food storage bags (ziploc), bubble wrap, plastic lining from inside cereal boxes, and plastic shipping envelopes!
Hours until the border opens: Monday-Friday • 8am - 5pm Closed Saturday and Sunday
All you have to do to participate is collect it all in one bag and tie it up tight to about the size of a soccer ball! It's that simple. Then leave it on top of your trash can or recycling bin and we will collect it for recycling at a special facility who then turns it into eco-friendly products, like composite wood or plastic pellets.
limit one coupon per order.
FREE WIFI AVAILABLE
423 Tyee Drive • 360-945-2454 • 6:30 AM - 6 PM (7 AM on weekends)
NATIONAL REAL ESTATE ATTENTION
POINT ROBERTS PROPERTY OWNERS who can’t cross the border to check on their property.
Call Hugh Wilson Property Management: l Weekly checks on property Secure your package deliveries l Shutting off water l Arranging yard service l Winterization Packages l
Hugh Wilson, Property Management, and Broker Cell:
Home:
hwilson@pointroberts.net
1385 Gulf Road Point Roberts, WA
Don't worry if you see our refuse collectors picking up your bundle of thin film plastics (and not the recycling truck), we are definitely recycling them, as part of our new program in collaboration with SC Johnson and Merlin's Plastics. Please note that there are still some limitations with this new program and we are not yet able to recycle chip bags, pet food bags, waxed paper containers, polystyrene or foam containers, biodegradable or compostable bags, pre-washed salad bags, or candy wrappers. At this time those items are still disposed of as trash.
Thanks again for your support, and we look forward to your increased participation in this program.
Cando Recycling & Disposal 2005 Johnson Road
l
Point Roberts, WA 98281
360-945-2636 office Office Hours: Mon - Fri 10:30 am - 2:30 pm
www.candord.com
call 360-945-1010 or email hwilson@pointroberts.net SOL
550 S. Beach Rd.
D!
1.7 acres w/2 cabins, perfect family property!
Proud Supporter of Point Roberts Food Bank
MAKE AN OFFER!
604-910-5968 360-945-1010
Thanks to all of you who have helped make our new thin film plastic recycling program so successful!
two topping pizza $2.00 OFF with coupon
POINT ROBERTS
I’VE GOT BUYERS!
Cand Corner
1363 Gulf Rd.
2400 SF home with water view, well built, double garage, huge deck.
187 Burns
$399,000
$169,000
Sweet cabin & property. 2BR, 2BA.
Short-term house rental. !
R
ED ENT
2 BR, very private, large back deck on 2 acre property. Water & electric included.
$800/mo.
Auto Freight, Inc.
Residential - Construction - Business
We provide an Essential Service to Point Roberts. Please give us a call, 360-676-1174. WE’RE HERE TO HELP! IN BOUND & OUT BOUND FREIGHT SERVICES. • In-Store Pick-ups / Freight Shipments • Refrigerated Transport • Flat deck or Cargo Trailer Transport — 24 ft flat deck trailer — 24 ft enclosed cargo trailer
Transfer Station 2005 Johnson Rd.
TRANSFER STATION REGULAR HOURS Thursdays & Sundays 12 Noon - 4PM Only U.S. funds will be accepted.
CURBSIDE COLLECTION
Please contact our office (360) 945-2636, Monday — Friday 10:30am - 2:30pm to arrange for recycling bins and routing information.
EOW AND RECYCLING DATES: Monday Route, September 7 & 21 Tuesday Route, September 8 & 22 Wednesday Route, September 9 & 23 MORE DETAILS ARE AVAILABLE AT: www.candord.com
360-676-1174 or email us at: pointrobertsautofreight@gmail.com
To arrange, please call or email:
Bill and Michele Bennett purchased PRAF on Feb 16, 2019 and are committed to assisting with all your freight delivery needs!
360-945-CNDO (2636)
www.pointrobertsautofreight.net
www.candord.com
info@candord.com
5
All Point Bulletin • September 2020
Ferry ...
Whatcom County Fire District #5 Point Roberts
Community Paramedic CARES Program
From page 1
Providing non-emergency home medical care, education and referral services. For an appointment or more information, please contact Chief Christopher Carleton at 360-945-3473 or chief@wcfd5.com
Live
asses
e Cl Onlin
MONDAY
9:30am (intermediate) 6:00pm (mixed levels) TUESDAY 9:30am (gentle) WEDNESDAY 9:30am (mixed levels) THURSDAY 9:30am (gentle) FRIDAY 9:30am (advanced flow) SATURDAY 9:30am (mixed levels)
Please phone or e-mail to reserve your space or to get more info.
IONAL
M BER
Point Roberts | 360-945-0420 maureen@pointrobertscounseling.com www.pointrobertscounseling.com
SS
EM
FE
madronayoga.com • 360-945-5536
PRO
6
American Counseling Association
Private and confidential Call or e-mail for an appointment
Get the results you want from experienced dentists who
2030 Benson Road Hours: Monday 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Tuesday 9 a.m.– 5 p.m. Thursday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
LISTEN, SERVE & CARE. OUR SERVICES:
• Restorative & Cosmetic Dentistry (crowns, bridges, bonding, veneers, smile design, implant crowns, whitening, clear aligners) • General Dentistry (hygiene, fillings, fresh breath treatment) • Neuromodulator Injectables for headaches/migraines/TMJ • Cosmetic Injectables for fine facial lines & wrinkles • Venus Viva & Microneedling for skin resurfacing NEW • Rodan + Fields Cosmeceutical skin care
**Closed from 12-1 p.m.
Call 360-945-2580 Drs. Jan & Warren Roberts
5550 12th Avenue, Tsawwassen • 604-943-3343
Ro
t l u a bin N
Full service salon for men, women & children
945-1301
360
FIND IT IN THE CLASSIFIEDS! ALLPOINTBULLETIN.COM
BOUNDARY BAY REALTY LISTINGS 1,782 sq ft cabin on Greenwood Dr. 3 bed, 2 bath, many updates and tons of fruit trees. $199,00 Large 4.95 acre lot on Tyee Dr, $199,000 Beautiful 0.55 acre lot on S Beach Rd, $89,000
Dan Schroeder,
For info & appointments
DENTAL PATIENT SPECIAL! Visit robertsdental.ca for details.
Point Roberts Hair Stylist
will still be a Point Roberts to Blaine to Point Roberts roundtrip. Fix said the Port wanted to get the service up and running and then work out the kinks instead of “working out the kinks and then getting the service running a month later,” adding that he had been surprised by the demand for passage. “To have two consecutive trips fully booked is not something we expected,” he said. The Port is also considering adding a Friday sailing as well as going to a larger ship both for capacity and in consideration of anticipated sea conditions. Until now, Point Roberts residents have been confined to the Point, aside from essential cross-border travel, since the border closed in March. Tom Fijal was one of about 25 Point Roberts residents who rode the ferry on Tuesday. During his trip, Fijal shopped for items he couldn’t get in Point Roberts and had a socially-distant meal with his son, who lives in Bellingham. “I hope it continues and people are able to take advantage of it,” Fijal said. Although this trip only serviced Point Roberts residents, Fijal said he hopes it could benefit the Point’s economy. “Should it continue, it would be a great way to get people here again, spending money at our markets,” he said. Ferry service is provided on San Juan Cruises’ 50-foot vessel Salish Sea and 100foot vessel Salish Express. Face masks are required on both ferry and WTA connections, and the number of passengers is limited. The idea for a ferry was first discussed in an August 11 Port of Bellingham meeting after Point Roberts resident Mark Robbins emailed port commissioner Bobby Briscoe asking for a solution. In the meeting, com-
missioners showed a committed attitude to Point residents and called for immediate action. There are people who are concerned that the new ferry service will make ongoing negotiations with Canada on easing transit between the Point and the rest of the U.S. more difficult. “I don’t think a ferry will help with solving the land crossing issues,” said Point Roberts fire chief Christopher Carleton in an August 18 telephone interview. “It just gives Canada a chance to stonewall.” Carleton points out that a ferry is just a temporary solution at best, given the huge expense and limited window provided by summer weather. “These are decisions being made by people who don’t know our community,” he said. Previously, Carleton spoke about the demographics of the Point being non-conducive to ferry service due to age and limited income of a significant portion of the Point’s population. Asked if the Port of Bellingham leadership was concerned about the fears that a ferry service could jinx negotiations, Fix replied, “We reached out to the federal delegation and inquired about this affecting long term negotiations. They didn’t think it would affect the border issue and thought this was a great short term solution. The emphasis is on ‘short term solution’ because it just isn’t financially feasible to do this long term. A border solution must be found and everyone recognizes that.” During the August 11 port meeting, Don Goldberg, director of economic development at the port and a member of the Whatcom Unified Command Border Task Force, said senior-level officials on both sides of the border were attending task force meetings.
Managing Broker
The Point Roberts Clinic is Owned by the Point Roberts Public Hospital District & operated by SuperTrack Urgent Care
PointRobertsRealEstate.com
www.pointrobertsclinic.com
Boundary Bay Realty LLC, WA License #27367
dan.schro@gmail.com
360-999-9365
288 Martin Street, Downtown Blaine (360) 332-7300 • (604) 256-1384 Fortiphi.com
Policies for all your personal & business needs. Great, affordable rates - Call us for a FREE QUOTE today!
Representing over 44 major insurance companies for all your insurance and risk management needs. Foritphi Insurance is an independent insurance agency serving the Northwest since 1954.
Call our team today for all your insurance needs.
September 2020 • allpointbulletin.com
Point Roberts gets some attention B y P a t G r u bb (Ed. Note: This article was previously published online and has been updated with further developments.) Governor Jay Inslee is the latest to ask that federal border officials from the United States and Canada come up with a plan to alleviate the isolation of Point Roberts residents. In an August 21 letter to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Inslee wrote, “Washingtonians living in Point Roberts face unique hardships resulting from COVID-19 border closures, including challenges to students’ academic and athletic careers, increased uncertainty for local businesses, and an inability to see family and loved ones living outside the Point Roberts enclave.” Inslee is suggesting a transit pass system similar to the one recently announced for Americans traveling through Canada to get to and from Alaska. On July 30, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced new rules for travelers transiting on non-discretionary trips, including checking in when they leave and re-enter Canada and a hang tag to attach to their rearview mirror for the duration of the trip. As of August 26, the governor had yet to hear from Trudeau. “While we have not yet had an official response from the office of the prime minister, the governor will be speaking with Canada’s ambassador to the U.S. on Friday,” said Mike Faulk, the governor’s deputy director of communications, in response to a query from the All Point Bulletin. “The Seattle consulate general has also been in contact with us on the Point Roberts issue. In addition, we have been in contact with Premier Horgan’s office in Victoria in this regard,” Faulk added. State senator Doug Ericksen and repre-
sentatives Luanne Van Werven and Sharon Shewmake have also called upon federal elected politicians to intercede with border authorities to relax restrictions on travel by Point Roberts residents. Their letter follows ones from county mayors and officials, Point Roberts fire chief Christopher Carleton and others. The letter was addressed to U.S. senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell and U.S. representatives, Suzan DelBene, Rick Larsen and Cathy McMorris. Acknowledging the challenging nature of the pandemic, the letter pointed out that Point Roberts “is a unique place facing disproportionate hardship,” adding, that residents “rely heavily on resources and services provided in Canada or mainland Whatcom County including food and groceries, health care visits, and even employment opportunities. With the current border crossing restrictions, Point Roberts residents continue to struggle.” The letter asked that the recipients use their positions “as U.S. Senators and Congressmembers to engage with our U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Customs and Border Protection to negotiate with the Canadian government, Province of British Columbia, and Canada Border Services Agency. We seek greater clarity and flexibility in our current border crossing agreement in addition to including specific provisions addressing the unique needs of Point Roberts and our constituents.” Point Roberts is not the only border community stuck in a similar situation. The small town of Hyder, Alaska, population 63, relies on its Canadian counterpart of Stewart, B.C., population 425, for its fuel, groceries and other necessities of life. An August 6 Vancouver Sun article reported the two towns have formed a Hyder Stewart Action Committee to petition fed-
eral, provincial and state governments in both countries. “We want the government to say Hyder and Stewart meet all the criteria to be officially recognized as an integrated transborder community,” said Carly Ackerman. “And that residents of Hyder and Stewart can travel over the border without the mandatory 14-day quarantine,” reported the Sun. The town of Hyder can only be reached by the rest of Alaska by flying or by road from B.C. The vast majority of visitors enter from B.C. The border situation appears to be different for residents of the Northwest Angle in the Lake of the Woods, Minnesota. According to Joe Henry, executive director of Lake of the Woods Tourism, residents are able to go back and forth to the rest of Minnesota as long as they show proof of residency at the Canadian border crossing. Residents have to drive around 45 miles through Manitoba to make the trip. Economically, however, the situation appears identical to Point Roberts in that outside visitors are mostly unable to travel to the Northwest Angle. The region is known primarily for its fishing and, to a lesser extent, its hunting and its 12 lodges and ancillary businesses are struggling with no customers, most of whom come from the states. “We estimate there is 10 percent occupancy at the lodges,” Henry said. He has been reaching out to Whatcom County tourism and government officials in an attempt to create a coalition seeking aid from the federal government. He has also
7
contacted state and federal politicians in his neck of the woods such as U.S. senator Amy Klobuchar to make them aware of the dire straits his area is experiencing. “Some of the lodges could survive the loss of the summer season but if the border closure extends into the ice fishing season, there’s no telling what will happen,” he said. Also suffering mightily from the border closure is Campobello Island in New Brunswick immediately adjacent to Lubec, Maine. The only way to access the island by road is through Lubec and consequently, both communities are hurting from a lack of traffic. Whale watching tours from Lubec have been hampered by the fact that the whales are most commonly found in Canadian waters, which U.S. boats cannot enter. Like Point Roberts, many residents have family in the other country and are unable to visit each other. There are signs that the CBSA is increasing its scrutiny of Point Roberts residents traveling between the Point and the mainland. The U.S. and Canadian border authorities share entry and exit information and residents have reported being questioned if they have stopped anywhere enroute after taking an inordinate amount of time to make the 35-minute drive. One person reported that she was given permission to transit through to take her dog to the vet. When she arrived at the U.S. border, the officer mentioned the vet and, peering into the back seat, asked her how her dog was feeling.
The Immigration Immigration Law The LawFirm Firm •• U.S. U.S. green green cards /cards / •naturalization TN (NAFTA) naturalization work permits • Work / investor visas • Inadmissibility waivers • U.S. Citizenship claims •www.blaineimmigration.com Denied entry waivers Martin St., Suite 1010 • Blaine, WA •435Removal hearings • NEXUS appeals
360-332-7100
360-332-7100
Leonard D.M. Saunders, Attorney at Law
www.blaineimmigration.com • 435 Martin St., Suite 2010 • Blaine, WA
Leonard D.M. Saunders, Attorney at Law
Providing exceptional senior care & services for more than 60 years in Whatcom County
Come check out Dave’s expanded produce selection! Come check out Dave’s
Newly Remodeled & Spacious Private Suites, TV, Wi-Fi, Phone All Major Insurances Accepted • MDCR / MDCD Post-Acute Rehab / Skilled Nursing Edema Management / Wound Care
expanded produce selection!
456 ‘C’ Street, Blaine 98230 • 360-332-8733 www.good-sam.com/stafholt
We now have a full line of spirits in addition
We now have a full line of spirits in addition to our our fine finewine wineand andbeer beerselection! selection! to
GREAT VALUES! outout ourour great selection of: of: GREAT VALUES!Check Check great selection GREAT VALUES! Check out our great selection of:
• fresh produce • fresh• cut meats • cheeses • fresh produce fresh cut meats • cheeses • fresh produce • fresh cut meats • cheeses OPEN EVERYDAY 8 A.M. 10 P.M. OPEN EVERYDAY 8 A.M. - 10 P.M. OPEN EVERYDAY 8 A.M. -- 10 P.M. them out in our store flyer! Weekly HOT specials Check Weekly HOT specials - Check them out in our store flyer! Weekly HOT specials - Check them out in our store flyer!
ALL DVD’S Including VideoEXPRESS & DVD DVD DVD $1.50 Video & Monday Madness all rentals $ $49 Dept. MOVIE Dept.RENTALS New Releases Just... 1 149 Find of COUPONS onlineatat COUPONS Find hundreds hundreds of online START SAVING! Find hundreds of
Dean Priestman, Manager
Dean Priestman, Manager
COUPONS Tyee Drive •ONLINE 945-0237 www.PointRobertsMarketplace.com www.PointRobertsMarketplace.com www.PointRobertsMarketplace.com
Tyee Drive • 945-0237
AT
1/2 price delivery to Point Roberts with purchases over $1000
When we deliver, you save the tax! In stock only, not to be included with any other offers. Expires September 30, 2020.
8
All Point Bulletin • September 2020
In The Garden By Rhiannon Allen Soil is something that crop farmers think about naturally, yet baffles some gardeners. The baffling aspect has to do with the complexity of soil, which is truly amazing. Healthy soil is richly complex, a matrix of materials that support teeming micro- and macro-organisms. Hydroponic gardening bypasses soil, and container gardening generally uses commercial potting medium. But we dirt gardeners need to understand our soil in order to grow plants successfully.
The first key is soil texture – the coarseness of the soil as determined by the size of the inorganic rock particles in it. A coarse soil will admit lots of air and water. But it won’t retain the water, which drains too fast, taking a lot of necessary nutriments along with it. Many plants will die from dehydration and malnutrition. A dense, finely-grained soil won’t let in air or release water, letting a plant suffo(See next page)
Visit my Blog Estate Planning: Ways to Avoid Probate For Your WA Real Estate & Other Assests www.stowelawpllc.com REAL ESTATE • ESTATE PLANNING & PROBATE BUSINESS • U.S. TAX COMPLIANCE
FREE 30 MINUTE CONSULTATION
www.stowelawpllc.com stowelawpllc@outlook.com
360-945-0337
P.O. Box 129 • Point Roberts, WA 98281
CERTIFIED AGENT
Add HOP To It! Call Us Today MAXIMIZE YOUR INTERNET WIFI!
360.945.1122 W H I D B E Y. C O M
September 2020 • allpointbulletin.com cate or drown. We call coarsely-textured soils sandy and finely textured ones clay. The ideal midpoint of medium texture is called loam or silt. Any walk along a sandy beach will convince you that some plants do not need an ideal soil texture to grow. But are those the plants you want to grow at home? Unfortunately, the dominant surface soil in Point Roberts is on the sandy end of the continuum, although there are areas of loam and clay. If you have had a septic system installed in the last 30 years, its application will contain a ‘soil log’ that records the texture of your soil. If you can’t find your old soil log, it’s easy to do your own test. As a matter of fact, it’s a great project for children because it involves making mud pies. Dig a gener-
Project approved The Point Roberts Community Advisory Committee (PRCAC) has given conditional approval to a proposed expansion of In Out Parcel at 145 Tyee Drive. “Based on the available documentation, the application appears to be in compliance,” said PRCAC chair Stephen Falk at their August 20 virtual meeting. “We can’t review landscaping for compliance because we don’t have a landscaping plan.” Members decided to raise the issue of the parcel service’s non-compliant internally-lit sign in forwarding their comments to county planning staff who will issue final approval. The proposal is to expand the building to the rear of the existing structure with similar colors and materials. In other PRCAC news Allison Calder will take over from Rick Hulsey representing the Point Roberts Registered Voters’ Association on the committee. “Due to personal family issues Rick has had to step down for the moment and I was selected at our election as the alternate,” Calder said.
ous handful of soil. Remove visible stones and organic matter. Squeeze the soil into a ball with your bare hand. If the ball is crumbly, keep splashing on water and squeezing until you can form a ball of soil that doesn’t fall apart. Then rub the surface of the ball. If it is quite gritty, you have sandy soil. If it is very smooth but sticks to your fingers, you have clay soil, with smooth, non-sticky loam falling between these two extremes. To get a finer picture, roll the ball into a vertical column and use the pressure of your thumb to start shaping a ribbon that squeezes up out of your grip. If the ribbon reaches more than two inches before it breaks into pieces, you have too much clay for most garden plants. If you get a ribbon of one-to-two inches, your soil is loamy. Sandy soil won’t form a good ribbon before it breaks off. I know from my soil log and this test that my top soil is loamy sand that drains quickly. That might be great in winter but less than ideal in summer, unless I confine myself to alpine and succulent plants, or do a lot of irrigation. In all likelihood, you are dealing with the same challenge. The easiest way to amend both clay and sandy soil is to add generous amounts of compost or truck in a load of commercial garden soil. The latter is generally a mix of composted bark mulch and sand. Compost does not amend the basic solid texture of your soil. However, the organic material in compost will retain water in sandy soil and provide much-needed aeration and drainage in clay – sort of a magic cure for a lessthan-ideal texture. If you have previously incorporated compost or commercial mix into your garden, don’t assume that amending once does the trick. Compost breaks down at a fast rate in sandy soil. If it’s been more than a couple of years since you amended your soil, it’s time for another test. T his time, consider a test that will show how much organic matter is left in your
soil. Unfortunately, accurate home testing is difficult and laboratory testing is expensive. So let’s go for the guesstimates. When the soil is cool and moist, dig a six-inch hole and check to see if there is a healthy population of earthworms and other critters busy down there feeding on that compost. An organically-rich soil will also smell like soil, and not like rocks or raw compost.
9
Now take a handful of soil, remove visible stones and organic matter, put it in a mason jar with water, shake and then walk away. Overnight, the solids will settle, and the band of material floating on top is organic. If the band of organic matter is barely a skim and the water in the middle is paler than a rich brown, you need to add more compost. This is far from a foolproof test, but it sure is easy and cheap.
Covid isn’t going a so maybe yo
Covid going anywhere soonCovid isn’tisn’t going anywhere soonCovid isn’t going anywhere soonCovid isn’t going anywhere soonCovid isn’t going anywhere soonso maybe you should! so maybe you should! so maybe you should! so maybe you should!
Life has become uncertain but one thing is certain, you will be apartments, 3 chef prepared meals each day, weekly houseke premier place to call home in Bellingham.
so maybe you should!
If life has been challenging living in Point Roberts with the bor peace of mind that you are close to medical facilities and othe
LifeLife hashas become uncertain butbut oneone thing is certain, you will bebe well cared for Senior Living. With We have studios $2499 a month, or if you don’t wa become uncertain thing is certain, you will well cared foratstarting atSolstice Solstice Senior Living. With spacious spacious Life has become uncertain but one thing certain, you will be well forcared at Solstice Seniorat Living. With spacious Life has become uncertain ‑ meals butisone thing is certain, you willcared be well for at Solstice Senior Living. With spacious apartments, 3 chef prepared each day, weekly housekeeping, transportation and daily activities, Solstice is 3 chef prepared meals each day, weekly housekeeping, transportation daily Solstice is the the Life has become uncertain but one thing ishousekeeping, certain, you will be well cared atactivities, Solstice Senior Living. With spacious month convenience offorand living atactivities, Solstice until life goes back to apartments,apartments, 3apartments, chef prepared meals each day,each weekly housekeeping, transportation and and daily Solstice is isthe 3 chef prepared meals day, weekly transportation daily activities, Solstice the premier place to call home in Bellingham. premier place to call home in Bellingham. apartments, 3 chef prepared meals each day, transportation and daily With activities, Solstice is the Life become one thing is certain, you weekly will be housekeeping, well cared for at Solstice Senior Living. spacious premier place to has callplace home inuncertain Bellingham. premier to call home inbut Bellingham. premier place to call home in Bellingham. apartments, 3challenging chef prepared meals day, weekly housekeeping, transportation and daily activities, the If life hashas been living in Point Roberts with the borders closed, Senior Living can If life been challenging living ineach Point Roberts with the bordersbeing being closed,Solstice Solstice Senior LivingSolstice can give giveisyou you Ifpremier lifechallenging hasmind beenthat challenging living in Point Roberts the other borders being closed, Solstice Senior Living give you If life has been living in Point Roberts with thewith borders being closed, Solstice Senior Living cancan give you place to call home in Bellingham. peace of you are close to medical facilities and essential businesses. peace ofIfmind thatbeen you challenging are close to living medical facilities and other essential businesses. life has in Point Roberts with the borders being closed, Solstice Senior Living can give you peace of you mindare that you are close to facilities medical facilities andessential other essential businesses. peace of mind that close to medical and other businesses. peace of mind that you are toormedical facilities and other essential businesses. lifehave has been challenging in month, Point Roberts the want borders being closed, Solstice Senior Living giveto you WeIfWe have studios starting at $2499 a if you don’t toto make a apermanent move, we offer month studios starting atliving $2499 aclose month, or if with you don’t want make permanent move, we offercan month to We have studios starting at $2499 a month, or if you don’t want to make a permanent move, we offer month to We have studios starting at $2499 a month, or if you don’t want to make a permanent move, we offer month to peace ofconvenience mind thatof you close toatmedical and essential month convenience living at Solstice until life goes back to normal. month of are living at Solstice until life goes to normal. We have studios starting $2499 afacilities month, orback ifother you don’t wantbusinesses. to make a permanent move, we offer month to month convenience ofSolstice living atuntil Solstice until life goes back to normal. month convenience of living at life goes back to normal. of living at Solstice life goes back to normal. We have month studiosconvenience starting at $2499 a month, or ifuntil you don’t want to make a permanent move, we offer month to month convenience of living at Solstice until life goes back to normal.
2818 Old Fairhaven Parkway 2818 Old Fairhaven Parkway Bellingham, 2818WA Old 98225 Fairhaven Parkway Bellingham, WA 98225 Bellingham, WA 98225 2818 Old Fairhaven Parkway Old Fairhaven Parkway 360-671-6060 Bellingham, WA 98225 ngham,360-671-6060 WA 98225 SolsticeSeniorLivingBellingham.com 360-671-6060 SolsticeSeniorLivingBellingham.com SolsticeSeniorLivingBellingham.com 671-6060360-671-6060 SolsticeSeniorLivingBellingham.com iceSeniorLivingBellingham.com
2818 Old Fairhaven Parkway Bellingham, WA 98225
360-671-6060
360-671-6060 SolsticeSeniorLivingBellingham.com
10
Back to School
All Point Bulletin • September 2020
BLAINE SCHOOL DISTRICT
2020-2021
Every Student. Every Day. In a New Way! By the time you read this, Borderites will have had their first day of school in our remote learning model, and I will have just completed my 365th day of being the superintendent of the Blaine School District. Looking ahead to a new and challenging year, I know the value of our community and the heart that runs black and orange through the district and its people. DeDr. Christopher Granger, spite all the adversity we have faced, many have stepped up Superintendent and met the challenges head on. Blaine School District We are committed to partnering
with families and community members to continually improve our schools. In spite of anything that is going on around us, Blaine will rise above and set the standard, because we are the BLAINE School District. Building Community Learning to Lead Achieving Success Inspiring Growth Nourishing Potential Educating for Greatness We are pleased to welcome back our staff members, and we will continue to work hard for every student, every day. Together we will make our schools the best place in Washington for our students to get a well-rounded education. It is a great day to be a Borderite, and, as always, a great day to be your superintendent.
Welcome to the 2020/2021 school year!
Jessie Hettinga M.S.Ed. K-3 Teacher Principal Intern Point Roberts Primary
While we are starting this school year unlike any other year, some things remain the same. Point Roberts Primary is the community’s local school where collaborative learning takes place in a safe environment for students in grades K-3 and where children come first. Whether we are learning from the safety of our homes within our Google Classroom or learning in person, the staff of Point Roberts Primary will work together to serve the needs of all our learners and families. This new school year brings administrative changes to Point Roberts
Primary School. We want to thank Dr. Craig Baldwin for his years of service and dedication to our community. Beginning this school year Point Roberts Primary will be nestled under the Teaching and Learning Department with oversight and guidance from Dr. Stacy Thomas (Director of Teaching and Learning) and Dr. Granger (Superintendent). Jessie Hettinga, K-3 teacher will also act as site supervisor and intern principal. In addition, Tammy McDonald will be supporting both families and students in the role of secretary/instructional assistant. We look forward to a wonderful year ahead where we grow as learners and build stronger relationships within our school and our community. To the families who call Point Roberts Primary home, we are honored that you would choose our school for your child’s education. If you are new to the area, and are interested in what Point Roberts Primary has to offer, please reach out to us, we would love to connect with you and share how special our little school in the woods is.
• Do not attempt to repair your Chromebook. • Do not purchase after market chargers, etc. • If you are having technical concerns email techhelp@blainesd.org
Email techhelp@blainesd.org for any technical support.
We’ve worked hard all summer to improve remote learning, and we’re ready for fall! Enhanced curricula with improved delivery, including live streamed lessons and recorded content. Technology investment in Chromebooks for every student and mobile hotspots for those needing improved connectivity
SEPTEMBER 7
All new website content specific to this school year to support students and families
Virtual office hours for teachers and a special tech help team to support students and families
Labor Day (no school)
NOVEMBER 11 13 20,23-25 26-27
Veterans Day (no school) Teacher Work Day (Non-Student Day) Family Conferences (K-8) Thanksgiving Break
DECEMBER 18-31
Winter Break
JANUARY 1 4 18 22
New Year’s Day (no school) School Resumes Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (no school) Teacher Work Day (non-student day)
FEBRUARY 12 15
Mid-Winter Break Presidents Day
MARCH 4-5 12 26
Family Conferences (K-8) Closure Make Up Day #1 (no school unless make up day needed) Closure Make Up Day #2 (no school unless make up day needed)
APRIL
5-9 21-22
Spring Break HS Family Conferences
MAY 7 14 31
Teacher Work Day (non-student day) Closure Make Up Day #3 (no school unless make up day needed) Memorial Day (no school)
JUNE
11 15 16-18
Technical Support Tech
School Calendar
BHS Graduation Students & Teachers Last Day Closure Make Up Day #4-6 (no school unless make up day needed)
Contact Information Phone Numbers & Emails to remember
www.BlaineSD.org Administrative Offices ................360/332-5881 Point Roberts Primary School .....360/945-2223 Blaine Primary School ................360/332-1300 Blaine Elementary School ..........360/332-5213 Blaine Middle School .................360/332-8226 Blaine High School .....................360/332-6045 Family Service Center ................360/332-0740 Special Education .......................360/332-5881 District Snow Hotline .................360/332-0789 Transportation ............................360/332-0700 Chromebook Tech Support Email: ..................... techhelp@blainesd.org
September 2020 • allpointbulletin.com
11
Ken Calder Construction Septic Installation & Maintenance Specialist
Cell: 360-220-0133
Ken Calder, Owner
kencalderconstruction@gmail.com
General Contractor
BONDED & INSURED Contractors License: # KENCACC882MO • Septic License: # PT0003241 • OSS O&M License: # PT0003625
s Friends and family had a cross-border celebration of Ernie and Lola Loreen’s 70th anniversary on August 23. Photo by Valerie Loreen
Church News By Gina Gaudet The gospel for last Sunday (Matt. 16:13-20) offered new understanding of the identity of Jesus. The story occurs outside a temple built to honor Caesar Augustus (the first of the Caesars of the Roman Empire). The earliest hearers, or readers, of this story would have known of a plaque on the gate that says “Divi filius,” which translates “son of the divine.” Caesars thought themselves divinely installed as leaders of the empire. It’s here that Jesus asks his followers, “Who do the people say I am?” The word on the street: Maybe John the Baptist. Maybe Elijah or one of the other prophets? OK. But who do you say I am? Impulsive Simon is the one to speak up: “You are the Christ, the son of the living God.” The true Divi filius. And not just a true son of God, but a “Messiah.” An “anointed one.” Just as Hebrew military and political rulers were anointed with oil, so is Jesus, Simon claims. But Jesus hasn’t come to rule armies or governments. He has come to rule in human hearts with a divine message of love. Jesus declares that his leadership is not established in conquest, but in surrender and sacrifice. His kingdom is not of this world but of the human spirit. Simon’s confession of his Christhood establishes him as a rock (Greek, Petras or Peter) upon which Christ will build his church.
This is Simon’s new name. And be it known that Simon Peter had his own shortcomings, mostly his impulsive tendency to blurt without thinking. His zeal for the dominion of Jesus’ kingdom gets in the way of fully understanding what this kingdom is all about. This Sunday’s scripture (Matt. 16:2128), takes the understanding of the word “kingdom” to a whole new level. Once you understand true divine kingship, you can’t go back to old ways of seeing things. Everything you thought you knew about kings is totally upended. Example: As Jesus now describes the impending events leading to his death, Simon (now Peter), as a true second-in-command, declares his loyalty to the earthly Jesus: “God forbid. This will never happen.” And Jesus, who just minutes before had declared Peter the founding rock of his kingdom, now says to him, “Get behind me, Satan. You are a hindrance to me, for you are not on God’s side.” The battle for the human spirit makes earthly wars look like small borders skirmishes. The battles may look small (feeding the poor, sheltering the homeless, fostering or adopting the orphan), but the victories are deeply impactful, and as they multiply, they win the world over to the side of love everlasting.
RENNER YARD MAINTENANCE call or text 360-603-6291 LICENSED • BONDED • INSURED
SERVING POINT ROBERTS EXCLUSIVELY www.rennerlandscaping70.com
To The Point
Alan Richards Ph: (360) 945-0405
Stone n Brick n Tile n Hardscapes New Construction & Renovations Email: tothepointmasonry@pointroberts.net
LICENCED•BONDED•INSURED
Top Soil, Bark Mulch, Gravel and Sand
Licensed and Insured
Deliveries to Point Roberts
Call 360-255-3710 Come check out our competitive gas prices and our fine selection of beers and wine for all occasions.
Growler refills available on tap. 5 flavors to choose from. For your
ne i w d n a r e e needs! fuel, dairy, b
Open 7am-11pm 7 days a week! 1557 Gulf Rd.
Across from the Post Office
360-945-7611
Kelly & Son Roofing Roofing • Re-Roofing • Repairs 25 Years
SERVING Point Roberts!
Established 1991 • FREE ESTIMATES
360-945-ROOF (7 6 6 3)
Chris Kelly • Licensed #KELLYS*8016MH
12
All Point Bulletin • September 2020
Next Issue: October 2020
Ads Due: Sept. 21
To place your ad call:
360-945-0413 info@allpointbulletin.com
Announcements
ALL AMERICAN
TREE SERVICES
Locally operated in Point Roberts
• tree removals • pruning • full clean-up
Cell: 360-599-0727 Email: BlakeP1223@gmail.com
•
Bonded Insured
• Lic# ALLAMAH832NA
Cleaning SUNSHINE CARPET and upholstery steam cleaning, reasonable rates. 360-945-0411 or lawson_brad@yahoo.com.
Computer
POINT ROBERTS
COMPUTER SERVICES
PC Repair • Tutoring Home Security WI-FI / Networking Smart Home • Home Theater Custom PC Builds
360-945-1365 VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT
pointrobertscomputer.com pointrobertscomputer@gmail.com
Classifieds Home-grown newspaper with home delivery to Point Roberts, Tsawwassen and Retail Outlets. It’s the perfect match!
$15 for 15 words (plus 25¢ each additional word). Construction
ROOFING WORK MOSS PATROL
Help Wanted
Painting
REEF TAVERN currently hiring for all positions: Kitchen, bar and waitstaff. Wages based on experience. Performance bonuses! Apply in person or by contacting Alli at 360-907-5982.
ALL HUES PAINTING Now accepting Interior paint jobs. Email wassuwilson@gmail.com or 360-945-1010. Lic. #ALLHUP*984M2. Call now.
Rentals - Vacation
Roof moss spraying. • Kill the moss growing on your roof
with a commercial spray. • Moss will de root and sweep off with ease. • Maintain your place for less than the cost of a new roof.
Spot spraying available. New Roofs • Re-roofs Repairing Roof Leaks • Torchdown & Shingles
Call or Text Eric: 360-319-6718
Eric176e@hotmail.com WA State Lic All Aroun900bn
EXCAVATION WORK
Enchanting Cottages For Rent
MAPLE BEACH WATERFRONT Enjoy a weekend or week, spacious two bed/two bath
living/dining, well equipped kitchen, enclosed porches and spacious deck all with views over Boundary Bay.
From $149 per night/ 2 night minimum more info at: www.maplebeachhouse.com email: carol@maplebeachhouse.com phone: 360-945-0650
$99 / night - weekly and monthly also LilyPointParkLodges.com 206-227-3186
Rent Your Property on AirBnb and VRBO
Make extra $$$$ when your not there We take care of everything Revenue goes directly into your account Contact us at : MakeMoney@Raise.rentals Successfully managing rentals since 2006
Waterview Home in Point Roberts
Lot Clearing, Stump Removal tree removal, oil tank removals gravel and drainage work. Demolition of Cabins, Houses, Sheds, Mobile Homes and more! SMALL OR LARGE JOBS WELCOME. HOURLY OR BID PRICE.
Call or Text Eric 360-319-6718 Eric176e@hotmail.com WA State Lic All Aroun900bn
Rentals - Apartment
Storage
20,700 readers!
380 W Bluff Road
l
3-BD, 2-BA +Den
l
$425,000
Enjoy the relaxed beach life and make a lifetime of memories in this Point Roberts home. Sit on the front porch with friends enjoying the water view and gorgeous sunsets. Private access to the beach is just out your front door. 3 BD/2 BA + den. The upstairs landing has a balcony where the spectacular view continues. Wood floors throughout the downstairs living areas and plenty of open area to entertain. Call: 346-610-5499
Point Roberts
MINI & MOBILE
Coming up ...
STORAGE
Store boats, trailers, RV or camper and cars in our completely enclosed secure facilities. Prices starting at $
45
3 POINT ROBERTS LOCATIONS
Covid-19 testing at the fire hall: Sunday, August 30 from 10 a.m. to noon. Email your legal name, address, phone number and birth date to Chief Carleton at chief@wcfd5.com.
Weekly, monthly or long-term leases 1459 Edwards Drive
OceanViewPointRoberts.com
NOW!
Parking Spaces Available!! Pay 1 year in advance get 1 month
FREE
(360) 945-6464 (945-MINI)
PointRobertsMiniStorage.com
360-945-RENT
WATERFRONT APARTMENTS - Oceanfront apartment suites available for short-term or long-term rent. Majestic southern view near Lighthouse Park. Call 360-945-RENT or visit Oceanviewpointroberts.com
Rentals - Residential COZY COTTAGE 2 BD with wood fireplace, close to Lily Point beach. $700/mo. 360-945-0521. RARE 3-BR, 2-BA house, huge deck, hot tub, too many appliances to list. $995/month. Option to buy. Call Scotty, 604-727-4117 or email citiimports@hotmail.com for photos. STUDIO FLAT large, 1100 SF with sleeping loft. Beautiful views, large fenced yard, walk to the beach. $600/mo. 360-945-1957.
PR Amateur Radio Club: Monday, September 7 at 7 p.m., via Zoom. Email Michele Wallis at wb6f@pointroberts.net. Friends of the Point Roberts Library meeting: Tuesday, September 8 at 12 p.m., via Zoom. Email rose.momsen@wcls.org for the Zoom link. PR Water District regular meeting: Tuesday, September 8 at 5 p.m., via Zoom. Info: 360/945-4696. PR Chamber of Commerce: Tuesday, September 8 at 6 p.m. at Saltwater Café. Attendees are required to wear masks and practice physical distancing. PR Fire District 5: Wednesday, September 9 at 4 p.m., via Zoom. Info: 360/945-3473. PR Park and Recreation: Monday, September 14 at 7 p.m., via Zoom. Info: prparkandrec. org. Historical Society regular meeting: Wednesday, September 16 at 7 p.m., via Zoom. Info: Face-book.com/PointRobertsHistoricalSociety. PR Taxpayers Association: A tentative meeting is planned for Wednesday, September 16 at 5 p.m. Details to follow. Wackie Walkers: Tuesdays and Thursdays. Tuesdays, 8 a.m., Lighthouse Park. Saturdays, 8 a.m., Lily Point. Check wackiewalkers.wordpress.com for Thursday location. Whatcom County Al-Anon: Online meetings available via Zoom and GoToMeeting. Info: whatcomafg.org.
September 2020 • allpointbulletin.com
Sheriff’s Report
September Tides Tides at Point Roberts DST Not For Navigation
August 24, 11:25 a.m.: Suspicious circum-
49° 0’ 0”N - 122° 46’ 0”W
stances cold call on Limerick Avenue.
Date Time Height
August 24, 10:28 a.m.: Security cold call on
RECENT HOUSE & LOT PRICES
Blaine, Birch Bay & Point Roberts JULY 2020
Time Height
Washington Drive.
13
SALE PRICE
DESCRIPTION
LOCATION
HIGHER END HOUSES $500,000 AND ABOVE: 2-story house with 3,377 SF, 4 BD, 4 BA, 676 SF built-in garage, 340 SF patio, built in 2004, 10.62 acres land.
9691 Freedom Place, Blaine
$695,000
2-story condo with 2,669 SF, 3 BD, 4 BA, 608 SF garage, 379 SF patio, built in 2019, waterfront; marine views.
Unit 42, Semiahmoo Shore Condominiums, 9468 Turnstone Lane, Blaine
$1,095,000
2-story condo with 2,203 SF 4 BD, 3 BA, 464 SF attached garage, 180 SF patio, built in 2017.
Unit 27, Semiahmoo Shore Condominiums, 9420 Turnstone Lane,
$800,000
2-story condo with 2,025 SF, 4 BD, 3 BA, 477 SF attached garage, 210 SF patio, built in 2018; territorial views.
Unit 34, Semiahmoo Shore Condominiums, 9434 Turnstone Lane, Blaine
$795,000
2-story house with 2,608 SF, 1,635 SF basement, 3 BD, 2 BA, 828 SF detached garage, 768 SF storage, 1,306 SF deck, built in 1972, 4.84 acres land.
1792 Burk Road, Blaine
$625,000
1-story house with 3,840 SF, 3 BD, 3 baths, 796 SF attached garage, 829 SF patio, built in 2007, .40 acres land.
9000 Snowy Owl Lane
$1,140,000
2-story house with 2,721 SF, 3 BD 3 BA, 775 SF detached garage, 480 SF deck, built in 1995, 2.46 acres land.
9533 Flambeau Road, Blaine
$643,000
8620 Great Horned Owl Lane, Blaine
$770,000
8.3
1-story house with 2,365 SF, 4 BD, 4 BA, bonus room, 617 SF attached garage, 467 SF patio, built in 2003, .36 acres land.
0.2
1-story house with 2,596 SF, 3 BD, 3 BA, 594 SF attached garage, built in 2005; territorial view, .20 acres land.
4439 Castlerock Drive, Blaine
$510,000
8:36 am
8.7
9:45 pm
6.4
1:59 am
7.5
9:30 am
-0.2
8621 Semiahmoo Drive, Blaine
$526,000
5:04 pm
9.0
10:31 pm 5.7
August 5, 7:05 a.m.: Civil problem cold call
Tu 15
3:11 am
7.8
10:20 am -0.5
1-story house with 1,911 SF, 3 BD, 2 BA, 834 SF deck, built in 1991, 1-story house with 576 SF, 1 BA, 576 SF built in garage, 107 feet waterfront; marine view, .79 acres land.
on Gulf Road.
5:34 pm
9.3
11:11 pm 4.9
4:17 am
8.2
11:06 am -0.4
6:04 pm
9.5
11:53 pm 3.9
Unit 37, Semiahmoo Shore Condominiums, 9452 Turnstone Lane, Blaine
$1,295,000
We 16
2-story condo with 1,799 SF, 3 BD, 3 baths, 441 SF built-in garage, 407 SF patio, built in 2016, waterfront; marine views.
Th 17
5:19 am
8.5
11:54 am 0.0
6:34 pm
9.6
Fr 18
12:35 am 2.7
6:21 am
8.8
2-story condo with 2,874 SF, 3 BD, 6 BA, 451 SF built-in garage, 228 SF patio, built in 2018, waterfront; marine views.
Unit 20, Semiahmoo Shore Condominiums, 9404 Turnstone Lane, Blaine
$1,050,000
12:40 pm 0.8
7:04 pm
9.6
1:17 am
1.7
7:23 am
8.9
5432 Canvasback Road, Blaine
$745,000
Sa 19
2-story house with 3,660 SF, 4 BD, 6 BA, 587 SF attached garage, built in 1995, .31 acres land.
1:26 pm
1.9
7:34 pm
9.5
2:03 am
0.7
8:27 am
8.9
3960 Holtzheimer Trail, Blaine
$661,250
Su 20
New 1-story house with 1,715 SF, 2 BD, 2 BA, 1,440 SF shop, built in 2018, 11.66 acres land.
2:12 pm
3.2
8:06 pm
9.3
2:49 am
0.1
9:35 am
8.8
2-story house with 3,701 SF, 4 BD, 4 BA, 896 SF attached garage, 765 SF deck, built in 2004, .36 acres land.
8612 Great Horned Owl Lane, Blaine
$750,000
Mo 2
3:04 pm
4.5
8:38 pm
9.1
Tu 22
3:41 am
-0.3
10:51 am 8.7
7023 Birch Bay Drive, Blaine
$607,000
4:00 pm
5.6
9:14 pm
1-story house with 1,436 SF, 3 BD, 2 BA, 336 SF attached garage, 300 SF deck, built in 1969, 50 feet waterfront; marine view, .19 acres land.
We 23
4:39 am
-0.4
12:15 pm 8.6
5:10 pm
6.5
9:58 pm
8.3
Th 24
5:39 am
-0.3
1:41 pm
8.7
Unit A-106, Marin Condominiums, Semiahmoo Parkway, Blaine
$630,000
6:40 pm
6.8
10:52 pm 7.8
6:45 am
0.0
2:53 pm
8.9
8101 Cowichan Road, Blaine
$627,500
Fr 25
8:26 pm
6.6
Sa 26
12:06 am 7.4
7:53 am
0.2
3:49 pm
9.0
9:38 pm
6.0
7394 Birch Bay Drive, Blaine
Su 27
1:34 am
7.1
8:55 am
0.4
Motel with 5,240 SF including office and 2 cabins, 768 SF cabin, swimming pool, built in 1975; 120 feet waterfront; marine view.
$828,000
4:29 pm
9.1
10:26 pm 5.3
2:54 am
7.1
9:47 am
612 A Street, Blaine
$594,944
Mo 28
2-story fourplex with 4,908 SF, 476 SF deck, built in 1974, .40 acres land.
5:03 pm
9.1
11:02 pm 4.6
3:58 am
7.3
10:33 am 1.0
2-story fourplex with 4,908 SF, 476 SF deck, built in 1974, .36 acres land.
614 A Street, Blaine
$594,944
Tu 29
5:31 pm
9.0
11:34 pm 3.9
4:54 am
7.5
11:15 am 1.4
1016 Peace Portal Drive, Blaine
$695,000
We 30
5:57 pm
8.9
4.84 acres residential land.
1754 Burk Road, Blaine
$180,000
.21 acres residential lot.
Whitehorn Way, Blaine
$187,000
9130 Chickadee Way, Blaine
$158,000
Peace Portal Drive, Blaine
$200,000
7641 Birch Point Road, Blaine
$2,500,000
August 23, 1:35 p.m.: Hot rod on Boundary
Tu 1
4:38 am
7.9
Bay Road.
6:55 pm
9.2
We 2
12:32 am 4.9
5:30 am
7.9
12:19 pm 0.1
7:21 pm
9.1
August 19, 1:33 p.m.: Suspicious circumstanc-
Th 3
1:06 am
4.4
6:18 am
7.8
es on Freeman Lane.
12:53 pm 0.7
7:45 pm
9.0
August 18, 2:27 p.m.: Non-blocking and
Fr 4
1:40 am
3.8
7:06 am
7.6
1:27 pm
1.5
8:07 pm
8.8
August 17, 8:53 p.m.: Message delivery on
Sa 5
2:14 am
3.3
7:54 am
7.5
Province Road.
2:01 pm
2.3
8:27 pm
8.6
August 16, 1:13 p.m.: Parking problem on Al-
Su 6
2:48 am
2.9
8:44 am
7.3
der Street and Bayview Road.
2:33 pm
3.3
8:49 pm
8.3
Mo 7
3:24 am
2.5
9:40 am
7.1
August 15, 1:52 p.m.: Security check on Pan-
3:09 pm
4.3
9:09 pm
8.1
orama Drive.
Tu 8
4:04 am
2.2
10:46 am 7.0
August 15, 3:44 p.m.: Theft cold call on
3:49 pm
5.2
9:31 pm
We 9
4:50 am
1.9
12:04 pm 7.1
4:39 pm
6.0
9:55 pm
7.8
August 13, 11:29 a.m.: Neighborhood dispute
Th 10
5:40 am
1.6
1:38 pm
7.3
on Province Road.
5:47 pm
6.6
10:27 pm 7.6
August 12, 10:55 a.m.: Suspicious circum-
Fr 1
6:38 am
1.2
2:58 pm
7:21 pm
6.9
11:19 pm 7.5
cold call on Province Road.
Sa 12
7:38 am
0.7
3:52 pm
August 7, 1:59 p.m.: Landlord/tenant dispute
8:47 pm
6.8
on Gulf Road.
Su 13
12:35 am 7.4
4:30 pm
Mo 14
cold call on Gulf Road.
August 21, 12:12 p.m.: Hit and run cold call on Peltier Drive. August 21, 11:37 a.m.: Mental on Tyee Drive.
non-injury motor vehicle accident cold call on Benson Road.
August 15, 11:14 a.m.: Harassment cold call on Tyee Drive.
Boundary Bay Road. August 14, 12:44 p.m.: Trouble with customer cold call on Tyee Drive.
stances cold call on Diane Circle. August 11, 11:56 a.m.: Neighborhood dispute
August 7, 12:04 p.m.: Suspicious vehicle cold call on Seabright Loop. August 6, 1:34 p.m.: Suspicious circumstances
See more at allpointbulletin.com
Library Picks K RIS L O M EDIC O Bestsellers: The Sentinel . . . . . . Lee Child Troubles in Paradise . . . . . . . . . . Elin Hilderbrand Attack Surface . . Cory Doctorow Fortune and Glory . J. Evanovich Movies: Another Mother’s Son Jenny Seagrove Bad Education . . . Ray Romano The Assistant . . . . Julia Garner Emma . . . . . . Anya Taylor-Joy Music: Blues with Friends . . . . . Dion 2020 . . . . . . . . . . Bon Jovi The Dirt and The Stars . . . . . . Mary Chapin Carpenter Alicia . . . . . . . Alicia Keyes Teens: Bloom . . . . . . Kenneth Oppel The Archer at Dawn . S. Teerdhala 19 Blind Dates . . Ashley Elston Kids: Hands to Heart . . . Bauermeister I Will Eat You! . . Giada Francia Midnight Sun . Stephenie Meyer Library Express: 6 a.m.–11 p.m. Curbside pickup and free printing: Tuesday 1-7 p.m., Wednesday and Saturday 10-5 p.m. Call 360/945-0965 or visit wcls.org
11:41 am -0.4
7.9
7.8
8.7
0.7
Condo with 1,155 SF, 2 BD, 3 BA, built in 2008, waterfront; marine views. New house, .23 acres land. COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES:
2-story fourplex with 3,130 SF, 8 BD, 4 BA, 600 SF detached garage, 300 SF deck, built in 1901, .21 acres land; marine view. LAND:
WE SHIP! Local authors, New releases, Books, Maps, Cards, Stickers on Coupeville’s historic waterfront 16 NW Front St., Coupeville, WA
360-678-8463
kingfisherbookstore.com
.40 acres residential lot; marine view. .15 acres commercial land. 105.59 acres residential land, waterfront; marine view.
14
All Point Bulletin • September 2020
Fire commissioners approve testing By Meg Olson Point Roberts fire district commissioners unanimously approved moving $20,000 from their capital reserves into the annual budget to allow the department to keep testing all firefighters for Covid-19.
W
ES TER N
ARBORIST
Qual
SERVICES
ity Tree Care
945-0842 LICENSED
INSURED
“It is an exceptional cost to our district when it comes to testing all of our members,” said chief Christopher Carleton at the August 8 virtual meeting of the fire district commissioners. “This was not planned for the 2020 budget.” While the cost of Covid-19 testing for U.S. members with health insurance is covered by their insurance as required by the CARES Act, testing costs for uninsured members, including 26 Canadian firefighters who do not have U.S. health insurance, is being paid by the fire district. For each uninsured firefighter tested, the district pays $100 for laboratory costs and a $42 fee to SuperTrack for the services of Virginia Lester, a nurse practitioner and fire district commission chair who administers the tests. Carleton said he would discuss the $42 fee with SuperTrack because the fire department hosts the testing and supplies PPE. “I’d like to see about getting that cost reduced or eliminated,” he said. While the department initially tested members every two weeks, Carleton said
SEAMLESS GUTTERS GUARD • CLEANING
QUALITY SEAMLESS GUTTERS LICENSED • BONDED • INSURED
# GUTTEG*820C8
HAYDEN KELLY • (360) 922-9435
they were currently testing monthly unless members exhibited symptoms or had come into contact with someone who had tested positive for the virus. “We are the only district in the county taking this step,” he told commissioners, and invited them to discuss if they wanted it to continue given the cost to the district. He added that he was given the go-ahead by department lawyers to take capital reserve funds for testing purposes under the pandemic
New Crime Stats app available By Meg Olson and Grace McCarthy The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office has announced a crime-data dashboard allowing the public to view current and historical information about criminal activity in unincorporated areas of the county. Users of Crime Stats can compare time periods, see where incidents occurred on Google Maps and access information about when crimes are occurring. The crime data is aggregated in six categories: accidents, burglary, robbery, stolen vehicle, theft, vandalism, and vehicle prowl. The data can then be selected by time period, which includes comparison by year, six-months or 30-days. Accidents were the only crime to increase in Point Roberts during the period between August 28, 2018 to August 27, 2019 and August 28, 2019 to August 26, 2020. Accidents increased 400 percent, from
• Treating ants, mice & rats and all structural pests
• Locally owned and
operated since 1997
Service You Trust. Experience You Expect.
Call BIO BUG today for a free estimate!
• Residential & commercial • WSDA #48346 and insured 360.647.7500 Bellingham 888.323.7378 Toll Free
www.biobug.com
one to five during the two year comparisons. The large percent increase can be attributed to the small data sample size. All other crime categories but one in Point Roberts decreased in the past year compared to the previous year. Burglary was the only crime that had the same number of crimes both years, with two incidents occurring both years. Crime also decreased in Point Robert’s data comparing the two six-month periods, September 2, 2019 to February 28, 2020 and February 29 to August 26. Theft was the most notable decrease, which decreased 42 percent from 7 to 4 theft crimes. During these two periods, no robberies, stolen vehicles or vehicle prowls occurred. “Having access to this information will enable residents to have a better understanding of what is happening in their communities,” said Sheriff Bill Elfo. The dashboard is available at whatcomcounty.us/crimestats. Data is updated very 24 hours.
All can attend event, virtually by
Serving Point Roberts
state of emergency. All three commissioners supported continued testing of firefighters. “I think testing is absolutely critical,” said commissioner Raye Newman, emphasizing the important role played by Canadian firefighters in keeping the community safe and healthy. Approval of the use of reserve funds in the 2020 budget for Covid-19 testing was unanimously approved.
annelle
norman
Circle of Care is serving up a virtual concert and scenic tour, blackberry pies and apple cider in September for your enjoyment Tickets are still available for Circle of Care’s “Care without Borders” Summer of 2020 virtual “Point-less” concert and scenic tour featuring the original music of Point Roberts’ own songbird, Shaune Ann Feuz, videography of Bennett Blaustein, and edited and produced by Darrell Cassidy. Created with our absentee Canadian neighbors in mind, the concert will feature the beauty of Point Roberts, our businesses and their personnel, as well as the neighborhoods that we share with our Canadian friends. Please purchase your online virtual tickets at patreon.com/PRCOC and join us along with your neighbors on Saturday, September 5 at 7 p.m. Circle of Care trustees and a few dedicated volunteers have been busy picking gallons and gallons of sun-kissed, sweet blackberries to make into pies. Circle of Care supporters
S i nSince c e 1973 1973
will collect their pies, ready for baking or freezing, on the afternoon of September 3 at the Community Center after 3 p.m. (if you’d like to help us make the pies, please let us know). This year’s Point Roberts Apple Harvest Festival will be constrained by Covid-19 requirements but celebrated, nonetheless, with a day of apple pressing on Sunday, September 27. To comply with the restrictions on the size of gatherings, participants will be asked to schedule a specific time on the cider press, bring their apples completely prepared (washed and chopped), wear masks and latex gloves, and sanitize the cider press for the next group (food grade-sanitizers will be provided). Details will be provided on the Circle of Care website at prcircleofcare.com, Facebook page at Facebook.com/pointrobertscircleofcare, NextDoor, PAWS, Point-Interface and the ePB. Start collecting your apples now in preparation for this fun, family activity.
TWO BROTHERS COMMERCIAL
MASONRY
RESIDENTIAL
RESIDENTIAL TWO BROTHERS MASONRY
• COMMERCIAL • Block • Stone S T O NBrick E
B R I C K -BARRY B L OL.CWIENS K Licensed & Bonded
BARRY L. WIENS Lic #2BROTB1945DA Licensed & Bonded
ERICK WIENS Are Lower Utility Bills in your futire? They could be if you install aphone: Daikin brand ductless (360) 332-6300
Amundson Heating Amundson Heating 360-961-2914 Amundson Heating 360-961-2914
indoor comfort system. Find out more from your local Daikin brand dealer.
Amundson Heating 360-961-2914 AMUNDHA900CR AMUNDHA900CR AMUNDHA900CR
360-961-2914 Rebates Available from Puget Sound Energy AMUNDHA900CR Rebates Available from Puget Sound Energy Rebates Available from Puget Sound Energy Rebates Available from Puget Sound Energy
(360) 332 - 6300
MATT WIENS www.twobrothersmasonry.comFormerly 1st Propane of
WHATCOM COUNTY Including Point Roberts
Keep Full Service • Budget Payment Plan • Tank Installation & Rental • Modern Equipment • Safety Checks
Come see us at our new location - 2163 Nature’s Path Way, Blaine
360-332-3121
Locally Owned & Operated by Kal & Tracee Economy
September 2020 • allpointbulletin.com
15
Point Roberts students attending school in B.C. are required to quarantine for 14 days, CBSA says B y P a t G r u bb Near the beginning of August, parents of students who attend school or university in B.C. were given the heads’ up by Canadian border officers that a new policy was coming down that would affect students who cross the border on a daily basis for their schooling. About 30 students attend school north of the border. No documentation of the rumored policy was provided to worried parents. In an August 13 email to the All Point Bulletin, Eric Morrissette, chief of Media Relations, Communication and Public Affairs Branch for Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), delivered the bad news. “Ahead of the new school year, the Public Health Agency of Canada has clarified that students crossing the border to attend school on a daily basis are not exempt from the 14-day quarantine period. The authorities for this decision as it relates to both Canadian citizens and foreign nationals are held under Order in Council (OIC) 2020-0538.” The All Point Bulletin had contacted Canada Border Services Agency on August 10 asking about the reportedly new policy and was in turn shuffled to PHAC after being told it was the latter agency that was responsible for determining border policies. PHAC’s answer came after a number of delays that Morrissette attributed to the technical aspects of the inquiry. The OIC referred to dated July 20, 2020 is termed “Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Prohibition of Entry into Canada from the United States).” The OIC prohibits foreign nationals from entering Canada if they seek to enter for “an optional or discretionary purpose, such as tourism, recreation or entertainment.” Nowhere in the order are Canadian citizens mentioned nor is education described as an optional or discretionary purpose. When asked for clarification, Morrissette replied, “Foreign nationals, including U.S. citizens, are prohibited from entry into Canada under OIC 2020-0538, whereby “a foreign national is prohibited from entering Canada from the United States if, based on the purpose of entry and the length of their stay, the requirement to quarantine under the Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Mandatory Isolation), No. 3 cannot be complied with.” “Since they could not reasonably comply with this on a daily basis for the purposes of attending school, such students would be denied entry.” “With respect to Canadian citizens crossing the border from the U.S. to Canada each day, they would be allowed entry as Canadian citizens. However, they would be required to quarantine upon entry to
The APB’s weekly electronic newsletter! Sign up at allpointbulletin.com
Canada … as there is no exemption from quarantine for students. There is an exemption for those persons who must cross the border regularly to reach their usual place of employment, but students are not considered to be employed. The order may be found at: bit.ly/3anOoR5.” In the August 10 email to PHAC, the All Point Bulletin wrote, “This apparent change in policy directly contradicts previous policy as stated by senior CBSA spokesperson Rebecca Purdy who wrote in an email to [the APB] on March 21: ‘Healthy, non-symptomatic individuals for whom crossing the border on a day-to-day basis is essential for work and daily life will still be permitted to cross the border.’ This was in specific reference to residents living in Campobello, Point Roberts and Hyder, Alaska.” “This change in rules, if implemented, would cause a great deal of distress and hardship for families and individual students. A number of students are top scholars or athletes on scholarships or performing at the provincial level and hoping to pursue both academic and athletic scholarships. Given the economic hardships posed by the pandemic, most families cannot afford to run two households in order to allow their children to continue to attend B.C. schools.” The email from the All Point Bulletin also pointed out that nearly half the population of Point Roberts had been tested for Covid-19 with no positive results. Among other exemptions to the prohibition against entry by foreign nationals, the OIC allows the entry of “a person who, as determined by the Chief Public Health Of-
Obituary
ficer appointed under subsection 6(1) of the Public Health Agency of Canada Act, does not pose a risk of significant harm to public health.” Morrissette was asked how someone would go about asking the chief public health officer for a determination of that nature; that request is still outstanding as of August 27. The story will be updated online when that information is received. Point Roberts fire chief Christopher Carleton held a Zoom meeting with affected parents on August 9; an online gathering that was marked by anguish and emotional accounts of how the policy would impact family life. When told of PHAC’s response, Carleton said, “I find it very disappointing.” He pointed out the U.S. continues to accept international students without requiring them to quarantine as long as the classes are held in person.
Hardwood & LVP/Laminate Flooring Installation & Refinishing
360-224-6466 Over 20 years experience. Licensed • Bonded • Insured CASCAFL912J8
We Deliver Boats!
To date, we have delivered 150 boats; helping Canadian and American boaters reunite with their boats. Point Roberts • Blaine Harbor • Semiahmoo • Sidney Pacific Coast Yacht Sales is the only dealership bonded and licensed in Washington and certified in British Columbia. Co-operation with all Brokers to promote your Vessel better.
Pacific Coast Yacht Sales. Ltd. YACHTS SALES • YACHT BROKERAGE Philip A. Cragg, President Point Roberts, WA • 604.708.1980 • Richmond, BC www.PacificCoastYachtSales.ca
Email: PacificCoast@telus.ca
BC CERTIFIED BROKER • BONDED AND LICENSED IN WA STATE
s Lawnie Marie Collard. Lawnie Marie Collard December 11, 1956–August 8, 2020 Lawnie Marie Collard was born in New Westminster, BC on December 11, 1956 to Garry and Lillian Bueckert. She became enchanted with Point Roberts in the late ’80s and worked as a waitress at the Boondocks. She met the love of her life while working there and moved permanently to the Point. She was known for her kind soul, amazing cooking, and beautiful artwork. Her painted rocks and signs can be found all over Point Roberts and in the homes of loved ones far away. She is preceded in death by her parents and husband Michael. She leaves behind her loving brother Peter (Sandy); her beloved niece Kaela; her nephews Mike, James, Saylem, and Jeremy; her stepchildren Thora (Michael) and Jayson; and her three adoring grandchildren Aidan, Graeme, and Charlotte. She passed away suddenly and quickly with family by her side. She leaves behind endless happy memories and a world blessed to have felt her love. A celebration of life and potluck will be held at the family home 1480 Churchill Drive on Saturday, August 29 at 1 p.m.
Hank’s
Backhoe Service Inc. GENERAL CONTRACTORS Licensed, Bonded & Insured.
Complete Building Services
WE SUPPORT
Point Roberts Dollars for SCHOLARS
Complete Site Preparations Also available: Sand, Gravel, Top Soil and Fill Material
LIC #Hanksbs02102
Dozers, Excavator, Backhoes and Dump Trucks
Call Jeff Peltier (360) 945-0754 www.hanksbackhoe.net
Email: hanksbackhoe@pointroberts.net
SERVING POINT ROBERTS SINCE 1967
16
All Point Bulletin • September 2020 JamesJames H. James H.Julius, Julius, H.Broker* Julius, Broker* Designated Broker*
Notary Public
CELEBRATING
52
Maureen Stevens, Broker Notary Public * Successfully listing and selling
Point Roberts real estate since 1968 and selling E-Mail: prprty@Whidbey.com * Successfully listing YEARS E-Mail: prprty@Whidbey.com www.pointrobertswashington.com • www.pointrobertswashington.com Point Roberts real estateSELLING sincePOINT1968 ROBERTS
79 Tyee Drive Point Roberts, WA 98281
E/Mail: prr@pointroberts.com
Phone: 360/945-1115 Fax: 945-0804
REAL ESTATE • 1339 Gulf Road, P.O. Box 17 • Pt. Roberts, WA 98281 360/945-5555 360-945-5555 • Cell: E-Mail: prprty@Whidbey.com • 360-525-4706 www.pointrobertswashington.com *Member of NY State
1339 Gulf Road, P.O. Box 1 • Point Roberts, WA 98281
MLS Listing Service BEACH PROPERTIES Road, P.O. Box 17 • Pt. Roberts, WA 98281 360/945-5555 • 1339 Gulf
*LISTING & SELLING POINT ROBERTS REAL ESTATE SINCE 1968
BEACH PROPERTIES
“NOBODY KNOWS POINT ROBERTS LIKE POINT ROBERTS REALTY” visit our website: www.pointroberts.com
UPDATED DAILY! View color photos, listings and complete information of all properties for sale.
FREEMAN BEACH 697 MARINE DR. 2 BR cottage at Freeman Beach. Beach rights. $219,900
$632,000
FREEMAN BEACH
697 MARINE DR. ! W at Freeman Beach. 2 BR cottage E Beach rights. $219,900 N
BIG VIEW SOUTH SIDE
1.5 Acre view lot located on the sunny south slope, cleared and improved with a 4-bedroom septic and water installed, ready to build.
769 CLAIRE LANE 70’ South Facing Bluff247 Lot.BAYVIEW 3 BR, 3 DR. 3BR, 2BA waterfront home facing Next to Lily $595,000 Mt. BA. Baker. Crabtown. Point Marine Park.
636 HIGHLAND DRIVE Panoramic View of Islands. 3 BR, 2.5 1275 BROUGHTON LANE BA. 2 large decks, 2BR, 3BA beautiful west side home. hot tub, large garage $199,000. Adjoining lot $35,000. & storage space.
$420,000
247!BAYVIEW DR. Wwaterfront home facing 3BR, 2BA E Mt. N Baker. Crabtown. $595,000
P
1845 x 200 668 SOUTH BEACH 2117 ROOSEVELT. Maple Beach 1805 SHAW CRESCENT 1728JOHNSON. EDWARDS75DR. #32lot. 102RD. MILL RD. 2BR cottage plus 2 lots near beach. 1920s cabin, 2 BR, wood-burning FP, Furnished, private, excellent Completely remodeled! 3-BR, 1.5-BA, sunroom plus 410’ 2 BR, 2.5 BA, on 2 large lots. Sunny and $200,000 2 blocks to beach. $169,000 condition. $115,000 Everything first class and new. private tidelands, heated pool. private. Full finished basement, double car $227,000 $249,900 ED garage. $395,000
C DU RE MAJOR PRICE
$498,000
G!
IN ND
REDUCTION!
NG
I ND
PE
! 1275G BROUGHTON LANE IN beautiful west side home. 2BR,D3BA $199,000. Adjoining lot $35,000. EN
2117 ROOSEVELT. Maple Beach 1920s cabin, 2 BR, wood-burning FP, 2 blocks to beach. $169,000 542 MCLAREN RD.
PE
1845 JOHNSON. 75 x 200 lot. 668 SOUTH BEACH RD. 2BR cottage plus 2 lots near beach. Furnished, private, excellent $200,000 condition. $115,000 1877 WASHINGTON 676 CLAIRE LANE 3BR, 2BA backs onto Lily Point
2 BR designer home. A must-see!
3BR cottage w/front and rear deck. EDWARDS LOT 27. Water 173 KENNEDY 1959 DRAKE WESTSIDE $299,000 Park.DR. Make an BLUFF offer! Adjacent to Lily Point Park. & island views.$159,000 Beach rights. Double-wide Fixer-upper! Panoramic sunsets. Sewer. WaterACREAGE: meter. 6.39 ACRES, on 70‘x119’ lot. 50‘x400’+/DESIRABLE EAST$99,000 SIDE, SUBDIVIDABLE $299,000lot. Recent septic. Reduced to $170,000 $485,000
D CE U D RE
www.JuliusRealty.com
On the beach!
AFFORDABLE LIVING
Move in ready 3 BR, 1 3/4BA with open living dining, kitchen. Low traffic private setting backing onto acreage. Terrific starter or second home.
$183,000
If you’re serious about purchasing at the “Point” do yourself a favor and visit our office for a complete list of everything for sale in the area and also check out our website for general information, color photos, maps and full property search function.
COME TO THE POINT!
542 MCLAREN RD. 676 CLAIRE LANE 3BR, 2BA backs onto Lily Point 3BR cottage w/front and rear deck. Park. $299,000 Adjacent to Lily Point Park. PROVINCE ROAD $159,000 CLAIRE LANE VIEW
88 DERBY AVE. 2+BR Cottage. New septic tank soon. $225,000
EDWARDS DRIVE HOME 75’ level waterfront. 4-BD, 2.5-BA. Lots of amenities: Granite countertops, Brazilian hardwood throughout, master bath w/jetted tub and steam shower, double car garage. 1877 WASHINGTON
2 BR designer A must-see! MUST SEE!home. $889,000 Make an offer!
5 ACRES near golf course, Lot 4. Delta view LOTS: w/ 2-BR permit. Reduced to $79,000 cleared. $220,000 ACREAGE: 6.39 ACRES, DESIRABLE EAST SIDE, SUBDIVIDABLE $299,000 PENDING! PENDING!
www.JuliusRealty.com View more listings at www.juliusrealty.com
1385 Gulf Road, Point Roberts
360-945-1011
www.pointroberts.us S
O
LD
LD
SO
LARGE SUNNY LOT WITH VIEW. Two story home allowed at this location. Close to Maple Beach. $48,000
G
OPEN CONCEPT HOME with vaulted ceilings loaded with features. Private and close to Lily Point. $309,000
IN ND
PE
Here to help with all your your Real Estate needs.
THE THE NORTHWEST NORTHWEST TEAM TEAM Chris Hughes Michael Hughes Northwest Team Manager
Sales Manager
Cesilie Gile Administration Administration
Contact the Northwest Team for all of your Real Estate needs!
360.980.8731
View our property and land listings online:
P
GREAT LITTLE PLACE near light house park and the west side beaches. Has a full concrete perimeter foundation and concrete septic tank. The back yard is large and private with sun all day. Views of Mount Baker. MLS#10926629 $194,500
P
D EN
ING
EW
Paul
The Firm Real Estate Services | 838 Peace Portal Drive, Blaine, WA 98230 | info@thefirmrealestate.com | 360.980.8731
paulrusk@pointroberts.us
604/968-4006
IN ND
Kristen
778/686-7625
G
REASONABLY PRICED and nicely treed building lot located on a low traffic street. $29,900
N
GREAT LOCATION NEAR LILY POINT PARK, Huge sunny dry lot with large double wide mobile home and detached carport storage building. The home has a new roof and heating system. MLS#10927003 $106,000
thefirmrealestate.com
SPACIOUS COTTAGE located at the end of quiet cul-desac. All services underground and backing onto acreage. $219,000
PE
LOCATED LESS THAN A BLOCK from private beach. Two bedrooms and one bathroom on the main floor plus spacious kitchen and living room area with a real wood burning fireplace. MLS #10628889 $199,000
N
ING
D EN
EW
ONE OF A KIND AUTHENTIC LOG HOME in Point Roberts most sought-after location – Sunny South Beach. $379,000
Hugh
604/910-5968
kristenrockrealestate@gmail.com hwilson@pointroberts.net
Greg
604/690-1468 gheppner@pointroberts.net