All Point Bulletin – February 2021 by Point Roberts Press

February 2021

IN THIS

ISSUE

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Dogs just want to have fun, off-leash, page 8

Parks offering Zoom classes, page 8

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Executive calls for PRCAC hiatus By Meg Olson County executive Satpal Sidhu is recommending the Point Roberts Community Advisory Committee (PRCAC) take some time off while the county works with the committee and the community to revisit its mission and makeup. In a January 27 memo to county council members, PRCAC and residents of Point Roberts, Sidhu suggested changes to the committee he believes will “improve the committee’s ability to effectively provide advice and recommendations to my office and the County Council regarding needs and issues specific to the Point Roberts community.” Sidhu wrote that, from his experience “the voices of individual residents of Point Roberts have often been louder than that of the PRCAC.” The county continues to receive emails and messages indicating some are not supportive or not aware of PRCAC’s work. “We are not hearing a joint, shared vision for the future of Point Roberts, from PRCAC or any of the other voices. There are many varying and somewhat contradictory visions from different organized groups. In addition, we come up against underlying distrust, conflicting ideas, and local politics.” He suggested the committee take 2021 off from “business as usual” to “devote its efforts to generating ideas to make PRCAC more effective and balanced.” Sidhu is proposing a three-step revitalization process leading to the relaunch of PRCAC at the beginning of 2022. The first step would be to establish the legitimacy of the three currently recognized PRCAC organizations – The Point Roberts Chamber of Commerce, The Point Roberts’ Taxpayers’ Association and the Point Roberts Registered Voters’ Association – while at the same time establishing “a blueprint for new organizations to emerge, become recognized and participate.” Participating organizations would be asked to demonstrate they have at least 30 (See PRCAC, page 6)

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s The sign says it all! With far less cars on the road, deers crossing Tyee Drive are a common sight.

Photo by Simon Burnett

Blaine schools return to hybrid learning model By Ian Haupt The first group of Blaine middle school students and high school freshman returned to the classroom January 6, after superintendent Christopher Granger announced grades 6-12 students would start hybrid learning after winter break. Grades 10-12 returned January 11, meaning all grade levels are now on a hybrid-learning schedule. “I think it’s great, anytime we can get students learning face-to-face with instructors,” Granger said about getting students back into the classroom. The decision to get students back into the classroom followed the release of new Covid-19 recommendations from the governor’s office for the safe re-opening of schools. The school district will be continuing to

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follow Covid-19 protocols proven to work with grades K-5, Granger said. All elementary students have been on a hybrid-learning schedule since November 23. Granger stressed in a January 4 community Q&A the importance of students and their families cooperating with tracing transmission if Covid-19 is present in schools. The school district will conduct its own contact tracing with the help of the Whatcom County Health Department when a positive case arises. The new metrics announced by governor Jay Inslee and superintendent of public instruction Chris Reykdal along with guidance from the Washington State Department of Health are based off recent data that shows limited Covid-19 transmission in school environments when state and

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Church.............................................. 10 Classifieds.......................................... 12 Coming Up........................................ 13 Crossings............................................. 7 Obituary............................................ 15 Opinion................................................ 4 Sheriffs.............................................. 14 Tides.................................................. 11

(See Hybrid school, page 2)

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Inside

All Point Bulletin • February 2021

Hybrid school ... From page 1

health safety protocols are implemented. “State, national and international research conducted on schools that are providing in-person learning has shown that, for the most part, schools are not centers of transmission for Covid-19 infections, and detected transmission within schools tends to occur only on a limited basis if schools implement rigorous health and

safety protocols,” the governor’s proclamation states. The research presented in a new decision making “tool kit” with revised metrics by the department of health recommends school districts start phasing in middle and high school students when county case rates are below 200 cases per 100,000 people for the past two weeks. As of January 4, Whatcom County had a case rate of 161.1. As of January 26, however, the county’s rate had increased to 408.1.

Once the case rate goes above 200, Granger said students would continue hybrid learning while the school district communicates with the county health department. “Those are not hard numbers,” Granger said about the department’s guidance. The school district has daily health screenings for all students, which can be completed in Skyward, a K-12 student information system, along with physical distancing and mask wearing protocols. Meal times have also been cut out of the schedule in order to limit times when it is necessary for students to remove their masks. Granger asked students who feel ill to stay home and communicate with their teachers and school office so they can be

included in online learning for days when they are scheduled to be in the classroom. Bus routes have been modified to account for additional students who will be returning to in-person learning. Granger said the school district has recalled the majority of staff that was furloughed in August and later laid off on November 1. All bus drivers and classroom support staff that were available have been brought back except for two remaining positions. Both individuals have been contacted, he said. These positions were not brought back because of hybrid and remote learning. Granger said the school district would work to incorporate those individuals into its plans for next year.

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2020 year in

REVIEW

A Look Back at the Year That Just Was

By Meg Olson We continue with the 2020 Year in Review, July through December. July • The border closure was extended another 30 days. With three times more cases per capita in the U.S than in Canada, Canadian officials suggested the closure would likely continue to be extended. • The Point Roberts hospital district board of commissioners voted against automatically renewing SuperTrack’s contract to operate the local health clinic on Benson Road. The move came in response to an offer to bid on the contact from the Shields Company recently formed by former clinic staff member physician’s assistant Deb Shields and husband John Childs, assistant Point Roberts fire chief.

• Groups from both sides of the border collected signatures asking the U.S and Canadian governments to consider the unique situation of the Point and allow exceptions to the border closure. A petition from local resident John Beals to broaden the description of essential cross-border travel for Point Roberts gathered over 2,000 signatures and another one from a Ladner resident gathered over 1,000 signatures to allow dispensation to Canadians crossing the border to care for their property. • Don’t bother seal pups. • Water consumption on the Point was down by 50 percent since the border closure took effect. • Breakwaters Bar and Grill owner Whitney McElroy moved ahead with plans for a Fourth of July celebration complete with fireworks. (See Year in Review, page 5)

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All Point Bulletin • February 2021

All Point Bulletin 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 Ian Haupt Creative Services Ruth Lauman, Doug De Visser Advertising Sales Molly Ernst Contributors In This Issue Gina Gaudet, Margot Griffiths Kris Lomedico 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. 10

Letters Policy The All Point Bulletin welcomes letters to the editor; however, the opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the editor. Letters must include name, address and daytime telephone number for verification. Letters must not exceed 450 words and may be edited or rejected for reasons of legality and good taste. A fresh viewpoint on matters of general interest to local readers will increase the likelihood of publication. Writers should avoid personal invective. Unsigned letters will not be accepted for publication. Requests for withholding names will be considered on an individual basis. Thank you letters should be limited to ten names. Only one letter per month from an individual correspondent will be published.

Please email your letter to: letters@allpointbulletin.com P.O. Box 1451, Point Roberts, WA 98281 Fax: 360/945-1613

Next issue: March 2021 Ads due: Feb. 19

opinion

Letters To The Editor The Editor: Personally, I don’t like seeing people promote Point Roberts on social media like Facebook where mega amounts of people get an insider view of our precious community. Why do you want to offer this community to the world? Do you want to see all the trees disappear when folks move here, take down trees, build and then decide they don’t like living here because of the border or when the stillness that intrigued them has now waned? Why don’t you think about these things? It is not bad enough that people come here as agents only to sell Point Roberts but they don’t live here … some have listed lots of huge acreage and when it sells sometime, after a while the beauty we all embrace here will change and there are not so many trees, and the county gets to add more restrictions on what we can and can not do with our property after ignoring the inhabitants here for 50 years. They want to decide a decor of the Point for us. All this because as the recent past has shown that people move here and get into PRCAC or whatever it’s called and they put forth these requests that the county jumps on. The county doesn’t give a darn about our rain forest. They just see a money grab. Point Roberts is a rain forest. It needs protection, not sales bites. Has anyone noticed that the trees are dying from drought? So taking down big amounts of trees also creates dryer earth as the sun stops peeking and is now blanketing the earth here where the trees once were. This is a seaside community, but its starting to look like Shaughnessy with its massive city dwellings … personally I feel like it is losing its charm and I, for one, do not want to see this continue to happen. My position is that enough people find out about it here from the news, which I am concerned about. Why blow the trumpet and ask them to come in droves … put up pictures of property for sale. My good friend moved here before me from N.Y., and the first thing I heard her say when we met was that we should put in streetlights and sidewalks. Why change what drew you here in the first place? Did you think about the birds of prey that live here in the darkness of the forest? Owls hunt and mate in the night. I sleep with a window open so I can here them talk to each other in the middle of the night. Have you ever listened to the owls

talk? Well, this is my rant, and I will rant it as I wish. Ellen Roth Point Roberts The Editor: My name is Paul Hagen and I am from Waupaca, Wisconsin. About 20 years ago my dad took me to visit Point Roberts and I have been fascinated ever since. I read articles and watch YouTube videos about Point Roberts. The reason for including my email address (4hagen@charter. net) was I was wondering if there would be anyone there who would like to correspond with me, sort of like a modern day pen pal. I would very much like to hear of life there from someone who is a resident. I would be happy to share of my life here in Wisconsin. I have the ability to video chat also. My goal is to visit Point Roberts again in early ’22 or perhaps sooner. Best regards and thank you. Paul Hagen Waupaca, Wisconsin The Editor: Point Roberts, while geographically unique, it has something else unique – a successful new residential recycling initiative. In January, 2020, Cando Recycling and Disposal, which provides recycling and sanitation collection services to Point Roberts, launched a pilot program in the community for residential curbside recycling of plastic film, which aims to help reduce plastic waste. Addressing the rise in plastic waste is a major challenge for American coastal towns and cities in between, and current solutions for reducing our plastic waste footprint are falling short. While plastic film is recyclable at thousands of store takeback locations across the United States, in practice only four percent of the material is recycled on average. That’s why Cando partnered with SC

Johnson, an industry-leading manufacturer of household consumer brands, to launch a pilot program that makes recycling plastic film more convenient for Point Roberts residents by adding the material as an accepted item within the curbside recycling program. Residents can now recycle clean and dry plastic film material including grocery bags, storage bags such as Ziploc® brand bags, dry-cleaning bags, bubble wrap and other flexible plastic film at the curbside for collection. The goal of the program is to increase access to recycling options for plastic film which will in turn help improve recycling rates and send less plastic materials to the landfill. Since the launch of the pilot program, Cando Recycling has collected more than 1,323 lbs. of plastic film from local residents – that’s over 1,323 lbs. that’s been diverted from the landfill. The collected material is being sent to a recycling facility where it is processed and ultimately used by manufacturers to make new products made from recycled materials. The program has also resulted in a benefit for residents – a $0.44 reduction in the garbage and recycling fee. This reduction is a direct result of diverting plastic film from the landfill and is significant at a time when many other communities are increasing their rates. With more residents working, learning, and shopping from home during the pandemic, there has been an increased demand for residential recycling and sanitation collection services. Thus, now more than ever, curbside recycling of plastic film is one solution that helps divert more plastic film from the landfill while helping communities continue to meet their sustainability goals. While residential curbside recycling of plastic film has not been widely adopted in Washington or across the country yet, Cando Recycling hopes Point Roberts’ successful program can show other communities that it can be done, is convenient for residents and benefits the environment. Other communities can reap the same benefits by adopting a curbside collection program for recycling plastic film. To learn more about the program please visit www.candord.com. T. Hansen Cando Recycling and Disposal Please send letters to editor@allpointbulletin.com

Thank you for supporting local journalism. Local journalism is how we come together as a community. Thank you to our latest supporters: Tammy Ackerman • Armene Belless • Mark Bezanson Sally Gattis • Lola Loreen • Valerie Loreen Frank Lucci • Bev Mitchell • Richard Silas • Lina & Rolf Uber You can also contribute online at allpointbulletin.com

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February 2021 • allpointbulletin.com

Year in Review ... From page 3

• The local parks district prepared for the possibility of an abbreviated summer kids’ camp if the program could proceed at all. • Dozens of Canadian boat owners contracted with local and cross-border companies to move their boats out of the Point Roberts marina in anticipation of a boating season with a closed border. • Some Point Roberts businesses reopened as Whatcom County moved to phase 2 of the governor’s Safe Start plan. August • Fire chief Christopher Carleton’s letter to President Donald Trump and Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau and other elected officials asking that Point Roberts residents be allowed to transit through Canada to access the rest of Whatcom County garnered media attention on both sides of the border. • Border authorities reminded boaters that the border was closed on the water as well, and that the exemption for U.S. boats in transit to Alaska didn’t mean they could stop in Canadian waters. • The Helen and Jose Colton Foundation awarded another $55,000 in grants to Point Roberts organizations. • Management at the Point Roberts marina reported the 1,000 slip marina was now at 30 percent occupancy with the continued exodus of Canadian boats. • Blaine school district announced the 2020-2021 school year would start with a hybrid online/in-person plan. • Ernie and Lola Loreen celebrated 70 years of marriage. • The local parks district didn’t offer their summer kids program due to Covid-19 but they did reestablish the kayak program and start work on a pickle ball court. • Fire district commissioners voted to extend chief Christopher Carleton’s contract by five years, to end in 2035.

September • Hospital district commissioners voted 2-1 to award the service provider contract for the clinic to current operator SuperTrack Urgent Care Clinic rather than the Shields Company. • Temporary ferry service to the Point began August 25. The service, funded by the Port of Bellingham, was initially offered once a week to and from Blaine and free of charge. • Washington governor Jay Inslee joined other local officials in asking federal officials to come up with a plan to alleviate the isolation of Point Roberts residents under the ongoing closure of the border to non-essential travel. • PRCAC gave conditional approval to plans to expand In Out Parcel Service on Tyee Drive pending approval of a land(See Year in Review, page 6)

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. **Closed from 12-1 p.m.

Call 360-945-2580 For info & appointments The Point Roberts Clinic is Owned by the Point Roberts Public Hospital District & operated by SuperTrack Urgent Care. Now open 7 days a week in Bellingham Also Telemedicine appointments available.

Cand Corner It’s a new year, with so much to look forward to! Cando Corner is one place we answer some of the questions we hear from our valued customers. If you have a question, please give us a call at 360-945-2636, or email us as info@candord.com. The office is open Monday through Friday between 10:30 am and 2:30 pm. We’re also open on Thursdays and Sundays from noon to 4:00 pm. If you need a schedule of your bi-weekly trash and recycling pick up dates, you can download one from our website: https://www.candord.com/ recycling-new, or call the office and we will be happy to email your schedule to you. Please remember to sort your clean recycling for collection, and have everything at the curb by 8:00 am on your pickup day. Remember pizza? We miss pizza too, but if you’re lucky enough to get one, the box goes in the trash and not cardboard recycling. It is also really important that your house numbers are visible from the road, and that your cans are marked with your house number. When our absent neighbors return later this year, there will be a lot more cans on the curb and we want to be sure only the correct number of cans are counted at your property. Recycling bins do not need to be marked. Thanks to you, our recycling programs have been very successful! In just one month of 2021, we have collected more than 12 tons of recycling alone! Bravo! Please consider signing up for paperless billing, one small way we can generate less paper waste.

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PRCAC ... From page 1

dues-paying members “in Point Roberts”, written bylaws, a board with at least three members, at least six board meetings and one general membership meeting a year, records of meetings and action taken, and conduct open public meetings. In step two, organizations that met these requirements would nominate “more than one but not more than three” candidates which would be forwarded to county council by the executive. Council would select one candidate from each organization for appointment to PRCAC. The executive would receive applications for four at-large positions and would make those appointments, with one position being a “Canadian citizen living in Point Roberts.” “Additional improvements” as a result of community input and county council deliberations would be codified in an amendment to the 2010 ordinance which established PRCAC as an advisory body to the county executive and/or in PRCAC’s bylaws. In an interview, Sidhu said he expected the matter to be taken up by county council at their February 9 meeting and fully expected his proposal to evolve as council and community members weighed in. “This is not cast in stone,” he said. “PRCAC has lost community confidence because of the members it has and how they get there. What we need is for the impression to go away that these appointments are arbitrary.” PRCAC member and Voter’s Association president Allison Calder suggested Sidhu had not asked the organizations in question whether they had already met his criteria, and that for the most they do. All three have bylaws, are registered with the secretary of state’s office, have elected boards, regular board and general meetings, and keep records of their proceedings. Except for the chamber of commerce, their meetings are open to the public. While all three organizations charge annual dues, the taxpayers’ and voters’ associations waived those fees for 2020/2021 in response to the Covid-19

Year in Review ... From page 5

scaping plan. • Fire commissioners unanimously approved using $20,000 of reserve funds to keep up regular Covid-19 testing for all firefighters. • Point Roberts students enrolled in schools in B.C. got the unwelcome news they would not be exempt from a 14-day quarantine requirement. Unable to “reasonable comply” with this requirement, students would be denied entry, said Canadian officials. While people crossing the border for work were exempted from the quarantine requirement, the exemption would not extend to students. October • Race Week organizers announced they would be looking for another venue rather than moving forward with planning for the 2021 event on the Point. • Sales were down 70 percent at the Point Roberts Marketplace but owner Ali Hayton reassured the community they had no plans to close. Banner Bank announced it would close its Point Roberts branch. • The Emergency Volunteer Air Corps flew two planes full of 400 pounds of supplies for the local food bank and Point Roberts Emergency Preparedness (PREP) group to the Point. • Responding to demand, the Port of Bellingham increased ferry service to two days a week to and from Bellingham instead of Blaine. • County planning staff began their review of changes to county code specific to Point Roberts being proposed by PRCAC after a three year review process.

pandemic. Mark Robbins, president of the Taxpayers’ Association, sent a preemptive email to Sidhu the day the memo was released with the association’s board structure and roster, information about bylaws and meeting schedule. The association has approximately 75 family memberships and memberships through homeowners associations. The organization represents not only Point Roberts residents but property owners, mostly Canadian, who do not reside full-time on the Point. Speaking as an individual and not for the organization Robbins said he felt “there is an issue of PRCAC members not having sufficient legitimacy, from the organization representatives as well as the at-large members. The only system that exists to define legitimacy is an election.” Robbins suggested the county look at funding PRCAC as well as other advisory committees in unincorporated areas to allow for election of members as well as a per-meeting stipend. “There ought to be an interest in giving unincorporated areas more of a voice,” he said. Calder said in the last three months, responding to concerns voiced by the executive and council members PRCAC had worked to address issues of legitimacy, developing and adopting bylaws, adding detail to agendas and minutes, and increasing public participation at their monthly meetings, currently being held online due to Covid restrictions. “As a group, we’ve made huge strides doing what the executive has been asking us for. Why spank us now?” she said. With two new at-large members awaiting appointment by the executive and council approval for two additional at-large positions to be added in March, Calder said the committee was moving closer to goals of more transparency and better community representation. “We have work to do,” she said, from big jobs like revising the subarea plan and getting an economic strategy developed to smaller items brought forward by members of the community like a dog park and eagle protection. “This is not the time to shut us down.” • Southern resident orca J35, nicknamed Tahlequah, was seen off of Point Roberts with a new calf. Tahlequah drew international attention in 2018 after she carried her dead calf for 17 days. • Circle of Care volunteers baked 64 blackberry pies to raise funds for the local non-profit. • Local businesses responded to a survey by Western Washington University’s Border Policy Research Institute showing the dramatic impact of the border closure on the local economy, reporting a 72 percent drop in employment and over 50 percent average drop in revenue. • Senator Patty Murray introduced legislation that would provide forgivable federal loans to recreational small businesses in areas whose only land access is through Canada. • The Canadian minister of public safety announced a sixth extension to the border closure. November • The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (WUTC) approved a tariff revision for Cando Recycling and Disposal that will result in a small drop in garbage rates. • Fire chief Christopher Carleton and wife Pamela asked for help from the community after Pamela suffered from liver failure. • Whatcom County Council pushed back the last-minute introduction of an ordinance to reduce the minimum service level for mandatory garbage collection on the Point from twice a month to once a month. The item was put on the agenda after a split vote at PRCAC to recommend the change. (See Year in Review, page 11)

February 2021 • allpointbulletin.com

2020 year in

REVIEW

A LOOK BACK

year in

REVIEW

A LOOK BACK

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Taxpayers Association

The Point Roberts Taxpayers Association (PRTA) provides a forum for public discussion of issues concerning the Point Roberts community, defined inclusively to include all residents and property owners, U.S. and Canadian, interested in our environment, economy and quality of life. With respect to county issues, we recommitted ourselves in 2020 to working through PRCAC, in support of the county executive’s wish that it emerge and strengthen as the official “Voice of the Point.” The Covid-19 pandemic impacted PRTA’s ability to meet and host special speakers and guests. Still, our board managed to meet six times (as required by our bylaws), with the last three meetings held virtually. We also conducted a virtual Annual General Meeting, primarily to elect directors as required by our by-laws. We had been working with state representative Sharon Shewmake to invite Dr. Lisa Brown, director of the state Department of Commerce, to tour Point Roberts and be our keynote speaker. We look forward to trying again in 2021. In October, we were pleased to sponsor congresswoman Suzan DelBene’s seventh annual town hall meeting, also conducted virtually, with great technical assistance of the congresswoman’s staff in both DC and Washington. Working with the Point Roberts Registered Voters Association, our two boards of directors agreed on a common list of priorities. We had scheduled a joint meet-

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We’re pleased to announce that the Point Roberts community donated over $9,000 to support the students of Point Roberts. In June 2020, Dollars for Scholars increased the usual $500 scholarship to $1,200 per student, sent directly to the student’s school. We sincerely thank our financial partners and the many donations made in memory of Sally Roberts, in our 2021 fundraising campaign and we know that the recipients thank you as well. For additional information (and to see a list of donors) please visit www.pointroberts.dollarsforscholars.org. Thank you for your continued support. The Point Roberts Dollars For Scholars board of directors: Brian Calder, Fern Peltier, Vicki Robertson, and Pam Sarkissian.

POINT ROBERTS

B y M a r k R obbi n s

•• U.S. U.S. green TN (NAFTA) green cards /cards / •naturalization work permits naturalization • 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

Dollars for Scholars

Thank you, Point Roberts! As one of Scholarship America’s national network of locally-based, volunteer-driven Dollars for Scholars chapters, our mission is to mobilize our community to ensure education success for our Point Roberts post-secondary students. Dollars for Scholars chapters like ours help hometown students achieve their educational goals by raising scholarship funds, establishing endowments, providing assistance with college readiness and the financial aid process, and distributing scholarships each year. 2020 has been an unprecedented year and the challenges have made one thing clear: giving, kindness, and support for each other are more crucial than ever.

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ing of the two groups to meet with district 5 council member Ben Elenbaas and atlarge members Barry Buchanan and Carol Frazey in April; but that meeting was postponed due to the pandemic. We still plan to host such a joint meeting in 2021. Finally, a historical note: Due to the pandemic, we missed celebrating our association’s 50th birthday in 2020. First incorporated in 1970 as the Point Roberts Community Association (with a name change to Taxpayers Association in 1990), we continue to adhere to our founding principles and purpose, as an inclusive civic association of American and Canadian property owners working “to encourage the orderly and desirable development of Point Roberts residentially, recreationally and commercially.”

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Park district hosting community center classes over Zoom By Meg Olson With Covid restrictions on gathering sending local groups online to meet, the Point Roberts Park and Recreation District is offering a virtual community center through Zoom. The district has acquired two Zoom licenses, said commissioner Holly Rob-

inson. “One we can share with the community like we would the rooms at the community center,” she said, which is already being used by several local groups including the hospital district, the historical society and the chamber of commerce. The other license, Robinson said, was for use by the parks district as it continues to expand recreational programming that

is Covid-friendly. “I really think we should be doing more in terms of programming,” said Robinson, who has revitalized the district’s kayak program and started a pickle ball program. “We have a responsibility to promote recreational activities and it doesn’t have to all be sports. I want us to host general interest programming too.”

s The Land of the Midnight Sun? Maple Beach is cast with an unearthly glow by the light pollution emitted from greenhouse operations north of the border. Artificial light has been shown to result in increased mortality as well as interfere with migratory bird navigation.

Photo by Pat Grubb

Following an early foray into online offerings with a well-attended creativity workshop, Robinson said the district was offering a series of online workshops in January and early February on home repair and maintenance, taught by local builder Matt Olmedo. Topics have included insulation, water damage and home electrification. One more workshop on windows is scheduled for February 2. Over a dozen participants attended each of the workshops. Interested participants can sign up for the February 2 workshop by emailing rec.prpr@gmail.com. “We’re working on firming up two other proposals [for future workshops],” Robinson said, and hoping more community members will come forward to share their areas of expertise through the parks district. “We are trying to get people interested in creating their own program,” she said. “Really just finding people who have a topic they want to talk about for an hour.” She is also working with another retired attorney to use the parks district Zoom account to offer a monthly legal information session. At their January 11 meeting, parks commissioners discussed setting guidelines for using the district’s public-use Zoom license, and how to make sure groups who would be able to use it to know it’s available. “I know there’s a need for it for public events,” said district board chair Bennett Blaustein, but it wasn’t intended to be used for family reunions and private parties. “As long as it’s open to the public we can provide this service.” Blaustein said they would be developing guidelines on use and working on getting the word out about “this new technology that’s available and how to make a request.”

Woof! Dog owners keep the call up for off-leash park By Meg Olson Community members are renewing calls for an off-leash dog park, bringing the matter to the Point Roberts Community Advisory Committee (PRCAC) at their January 21 meeting and earning the support of the board of the taxpayers association at their January 13 meeting. Since 2015 when local Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office deputies started regularly issuing citations for off-leash dogs, dog-owners have been looking for a place to let their dogs run. The Point Roberts Park and Recreation District established Baker Field as an off-leash area during cer-

tain hours but that was discontinued after conflicts with other users of the field and the primary school. Current suggestions include designating a portion of Lighthouse Marine Park for off-leash dogs, a possibility that has not found support from Whatcom County Parks administration in the past. PRCAC member Allison Calder said that there is undeveloped land at the marina that is designated under the facility’s development permit for public access and recreational use that would be appropriate for a dog park. The topic is expected to be on the agenda of the next PRCAC meeting.

Taxpayers propose new PRCAC rep The Point Roberts Taxpayers Association has requested Whatcom County Executive Satpal Sidhu to appoint Annelle Norman as the group’s representative on the Point Roberts Community Advisory Committee.

s Point Roberts native Sean Heppner has been signed by the Kamloops NorthPaws for the 2021 season. Photo by Rich Lam, UBC

As executive, Sidhu has the authority to appoint members to the committee. The taxpayers association, along with the registered voters association and the chamber of commerce, have designated seats on PRCAC. The other two positions are at-large and represent the community as a whole. The taxpayers’ position became vacant with the death of Steve Wolff on January 8. Taxpayers president Mark Robbins wrote Sidhu on January 20 asking him to appoint Norman for the remainder of Wolff’s term which ends on January 31 as well as a new two-year term. Norman is very active in the community and serves as executive director of the Point Roberts Circle of Care organization of which she is one of three founding members. In her application, Norman wrote, “I am committed to giving voice to Point Roberts property owners, both U.S. and Canadian.”

February 2021 • allpointbulletin.com

2020 year in

REVIEW A LOOK BACK

POINT ROBERTS Circle of Care

By Annelle Norman

s Bronwyn Glor, l., held the winning raffle ticket for the Circle of Care quilt. She is seen here with Galen Wood. Photo by Jollena Tylor

2020 year in

REVIEW A LOOK BACK

POINT ROBERTS Garden Club

By Scott Hackleman 2020 was a very full year for the Garden Club. That is to say, full of hope and plans. The hope is still as active as ever but, alas, many of the plans had to be postponed. Two major plans forestalled were the Garden Tour and the further development of Tyee Drive. Garden Tour #16/2020 promised to be lovely and diverse. Garden Tour #16/202x promises to be lovely and diverse. Our plans for Tyee Drive are to create a “pollinator corridor.” 2020 was going to see the implementation of that project. Encouraging and supporting the birds and insects that are important to pollination is not only vital to them but also a joy to us since the perennials we plant would be flowering throughout the seasons. We did manage to have a few work par-

ties preparing the soil and landscape before the shut-downs, so we will be able to hit the road with our wheels spinning come Spring. Usually, in the course of the year, we have our regular monthly meeting and when the weather is nice, we share our gardens and have our meeting in a garden venue. That was sorely missed this year. Though 2020 was mostly a digital year for the Garden Club, it was not a digital year for our gardens. Thankfully we were able to dig in the real (not virtual) dirt and tend our gardens (even if alone) and we still managed to share gardening tips and anecdotes with one another. If anyone wants to know more about The Point Roberts Garden Club or to join, we can be found at pointrobertsgardenclub.org.

PRCAC adopts bylaws; sends to county By Meg Olson After ten years operating without, the Point Roberts Community Advisory Committee has adopted bylaws. At their January 21 meeting, members voted unanimously to approve the bylaws, which cover everything from why the committee exists to what constitutes an illegal meeting. The meeting saw new faces and an empty seat on the committee. Annelle Norman was selected by the Point Roberts Taxpayers Association to fill the seat left vacant after the sudden death

of Steve Wolff. Tamra Hansen took over representing the chamber of commerce, replacing Linda Hughes who was determined unable to hold the position. Hughes completed her second two-year term as an at-large member of PRCAC in February 2020, and county code requires a period of one year of separation after a person has served two terms on a board or commission. This would have made Hughes eligible to represent the chamber in February 2021. However, the newly adopted bylaws do not allow a prior member to serve on the com(See Bylaws, page 11)

By the time 2020 rolled around, Circle of Care was running trips in the new wheelchair accessible bus to Bellingham several times each month, carrying residents to doctor and dentist appointments and for medical tests. The board of trustees were contemplating adding another day per week and then Covid-19 restrictions hit and the bus service has been sidelined except for a few runs that required wheelchair access. Instead of bus service, we have arranged transportation (appropriately socially distanced, of course) for many residents throughout the year for everyone who asked for assistance getting to Bellingham. The Circle of Care website was updated and revised (with the generous support and expertise of Lisa Heidel and Jacqui Kinsey) and it is available to keep its audience abreast of events, needs, special announcements, and information about services. Find us at prcircleofcare.com In anticipation of the detrimental effect of Covid-19 on the Point Roberts community, Canadian residents and neighbors Gary and Valeria Morrison initiated a fund-raising campaign in conjunction with Circle of Care. “Our Finest Hour Fund” has raised nearly $3,000 and grants up to $200 are available to residents whose needs are related to loss of income due to Covid-19. There are still funds in the account for aid. Just email a description of your circumstances to prcircleofcare@ gmail.com and your request will be handled with complete privacy. Also, in response to Covid-19 concerns, Circle of Care collaborated with the International Marketplace to deliver grocery orders to residents’ doors in support of people staying home. Many deliveries have been made since March with some households having become “regulars.” The Colton Foundation once again granted funds to Circle of Care to have them become certified to provide guardian ad litem services for residents when needed, as well as leading online workshops on

completing advance directives papers for end-of-life care. Watch for announcements for those webinars and, once Covid-19 restrictions are no longer an issue, Circle of Care will hold group workshops to help residents complete these important papers. Circle of Care maintains a storage locker in town which is full of all sorts of durable medical equipment for free use by residents. Walkers, canes, wheelchairs and knee scooters, commodes, shower/bath chairs, even an electric lift chair are just some of the durable equipment on offer for loan. Additionally, disposable medical supplies, nutritional products and miscellaneous products are available. Please check with us before you purchase anything. Throughout the year, dozens of meals have been prepared and delivered by volunteers, prescriptions and other medical supplies have been collected in Bellingham and delivered, and questions and concerns have been addressed. Even though the Circle of Care-sponsored Apple Harvest Festival was not held this fall due to Covid-19, we took over the community center kitchen on two occasions to create delicious blackberry pies and apple pies. Our reputation as bakers, turning out 75-80 scrumptious pies in an afternoon, is becoming legendary! “The best pie I’ve ever eaten” was murmured by more than just a few customers! Circle of Care continues to interface with the fire district, the health clinic, food bank, Adult Protective Services, the sheriff’s department and local, county and state agencies to provide volunteer services and professional referrals for residents of Point Roberts. Over a thousand hours of services have been provided by our volunteers, trustees and executive director. We couldn’t have done any of this without the support of this wonderful, extraordinary community and for all of your donations, encouragement, feedback, meals cooked, pies purchased, miles driven, and care provided, we are grateful. Together we have helped to make Point Roberts a healthier, safer, more cohesive community. Thank you.

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All Point Bulletin • February 2021

e t i r e d r o B ort Rep

THE

Point Roberts Primary 2050 Benson Rd, P.O. Box 910 Point Roberts, WA 98281 945-ABCD (2223)

ol District

The Blaine Scho Brought To You By

TEACHER’S CORNER by Jessie Hettinga M.S.Ed. As we have welcomed a new year, we have also welcomed back much needed routine. Our daily school routine includes time for English Language Arts (reading and writing) and Math. As a teacher, I am blessed to have access to engaging curricula that gives students in each grade hands-on experiences that combine reading, writing and art or math and art. In the month of January, we have learned through many different hands-on experiences. In our folktale unit, our first, second and third graders recreated story illustrations using watercolors and colored pencils that were inspired by story cloths made by the Hmong people. They then wrote story summaries to accompany their art. Our Kindergartners have become writers and artists as they are learning to write personal narrative stories about their own experiences. As they are learning to draw they are learning to include shapes into their drawings just as artists do. First grade has been working on a hands-on geometry unit. In one lesson, they created their own mini quilt blocks and then assembled them into a larger block taking into consideration if and how the image changed when the smaller blocks were rotated. I loved seeing their creativity as each block was then given a special name which represented its image. Our second and third graders graphed their own individually packaged bags of M&M’s for math. While doing this special project they had to estimate, count, organize and graph data. We have had so much fun learning through exploration! We are thankful for the opportunity to have students learning in our building and we are especially thankful for all of the ways we can safely explore learning together while socially distanced. Please continue to do your part to keep our special Point Roberts community safe and healthy by following county and state health guidelines. The best way to keep our kids in school is to remember these safety measures: frequent hand washing, staying home when ill, maintaining 6 feet of distance and wearing a face mask when you are around others. Wishing you well, Jessie Hettinga M.S.Ed. K-3 Teacher, Principal Intern

Church News By Gina Gaudet Well, if it isn’t one thing, it is another. It has been one difficult year for many people, and their churches. Our little church has had to close its doors; half of our beloved congregation is unable to enter the United States from Canada. There have been no concerts, no summer camp, no community gatherings. And now we have learned that our beautiful and historic sanctuary is need of major repair and restoration. This comes as a result of its age, and the nature of the ground on which it is built. These things happen. And eventually they need to be fixed. The Apostle Paul was one dedicated servant of the Lord. Having had a radical vision of Jesus which converted him from a rabid persecutor of early Christians to one of their most prodigious missionaries and theologians, he referred to himself as an Apostle, rounding out the ‘Twelve,’ which was reduced by Judas’ tragic betrayal and subsequent suicide. Paul was passionate for the Gospel and was tireless in his travels to various communities throughout Greece and Asia Minor, establishing communities and churches. He also collected donations from these churches to aid the troubled early church in Jerusalem. Furthermore, in several of Paul’s letters to the various churches he

2020 year in

REVIEW

ministered to throughout the Roman Empire, he encourages these fledgling churches to support one another through prayer, hosting traveling disciples and sending financial support with these travelers between the churches. So we reside in the great, extended history of the church in the world. Trinity has, through our Canadian financial account “Daily Bread,” supported church ministry and missions throughout the world. Now we will be on the receiving end of this equation, so that our presence, our gifts of word, sacrament, music, healing and support, celebration, food, and community service, can continue into the future. In future issues of the All Point Bulletin, we will be communicating our history, our celebrations, programs, our joyful presence and our hopes for our future. In brief, this renovation will be a twopart endeavor: First we will have to build external supports to the sanctuary building to “keep it standing” and usable until we can fund the major work, which will install a more substantial permanent foundation and rebuild parts of walls that have been affected. So I invite you to keep an ear to the ground, soggy as it is, and think of ways you can be part of our history and our future as the faithful Church of Point Roberts!

PORT OF BELLINGHAM

A LOOK BACK Alice DeHaan, Grade 2

Jermemiah Hen, Kindergarten

JAPANESE QUILT Naève Vaughan-Zack, Grade 1

William Le, Grade 3

Riley Foster, Grade 2

Damian Moir, Grade 1

Inclement weather... It’s not unheard of for us to have snow in February and March, so now seems like a good time to review our plan for inclement weather. If it is determined the safety of students and staff would be best served by staying off the roadways and not traveling to campus, the district will call for a remote learning day for all students. This means your students would engage with learning the way they did when we started the school year, with all students working remotely. In an effort to assist with planning we will make every attempt to make the decision by 9 pm the evening before. Please follow the district’s social media, subscribe to Pt. Roberts Primary School through our app or listen for an announcement on the local radio. Blaine School District is now delivering meals to students in the Point Roberts area. Meals are delivered to homes along the bus routes, from 4 - 5:30 pm on Wednesdays, for families who have signed up in advance. Please be ready to greet the school bus when it arrives to claim your children’s meals. To RSVP, send your name, residence address and the number of children in your household to Amber Porter at aporter@blainesd.org.

Check out our district website! www.blainesd.org

By Michael Hogan The Port of Bellingham has been offering emergency ferry service from Point Roberts to mainland Whatcom County since August to help address the unique transportation challenges in Point Roberts caused by the ongoing closure of the U.S./ Canada border to non-essential travel. The port’s three elected commissioners have directed staff to provide emergency ferry service until the border is re-opened or until Canada offers an exemption to help Whatcom County residents living in Point Roberts access critical goods and services. The two-hour ferry ride is offered free of charge on San Juan Cruises’ 100-foot vessel Salish Express from Point Roberts to the Bellingham Cruise Terminal. More information about this ferry service including the schedule and how to make advance reservations can be found on the port’s website at www.portofbellingham. com/pointrobertsferry. The port has also been coordinating with a U.S./Canada cross-border task force along with local, state and federal officials to advocate for a border solution in Point Roberts. While concerns about the global

2020 year in

REVIEW A LOOK BACK

Covid-19 pandemic have increased the difficulty of securing an exemption to national Canadian policy, local officials remain committed to meeting the essential transportation needs of Point Roberts. Whatcom County recently allocated a portion of its federal CARES Act funding to reimburse the port for the cost of providing the ferry service from August to October and the Port is very appreciative to Whatcom County for recognizing the importance of this issue given the many financial needs related to the coronavirus public health emergency. Whatcom Transportation Authority (WTA) has been a terrific partner in helping Point Roberts residents travel from the ferry landing to destinations throughout Whatcom County. From the Bellingham Cruise Terminal, transit connections are available nearby at Fairhaven Station where WTA Route 1 services Fairhaven Station (Fairhaven Transportation Center) at 0:21 and 0:51 past each hour. For WTA transit schedules and route information, please visit http://www. ridewta.com/ Face masks are required on both ferry and WTA connections, and the number of passengers is being limited.

POINT ROBERTS

Community Advisory Cmte.

The PRCAC had more than usual change in membership in 2020 at the same time that meetings were cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic and then resumed as Zoom-hosted events. Just before the pandemic, newly elected Whatcom County Executive Satpal Sidhu met with the PRCAC to express the hope that the PRCAC would continue discerning the consensus of Point Roberts residents and property owners and represent-

ing that position to county government. In late 2020, the PRCAC’s proposed changes to WCC 20.72 regarding some aspects of zoning in Point Roberts were adopted by Whatcom County Council. The PRCAC decided to present a popular opinion among some Point Roberts residents by asking county council to reduce the basic service level from one 32-gallon (See next page)

February 2021 • allpointbulletin.com

Bylaws ... From page 9

mittee again for a period of two years. At-large member Pamala Sheppard resigned from her position on December 3. The meeting was attended by Grant Heitman and Katherine Smith, the top two vote-getters in an online election to determine who would take over the position left vacant by Sheppard as well as the position

Year in Review ... From page 6

• County executive Satpal Sidhu proposed the county cut spending by 17 percent in 2021 in his annual budget presentation to county council. • Lukas Svejkovsky became the first hockey player from Point Roberts to be drafted into the NHL, chosen as a draft pick by the Pittsburgh Penguins. • The Tsawwassen Boundary Bay Lions Club donated $2,000 to the Point Roberts Food Bank to ease the impact of the border closure. • The U.S. Department of Agriculture recognized Whidbey Telecom for its commitment to extending high-speed internet and awarded the company over half a million dollars to get started on a fiber project for the Point. • Brian Calder led a new slate of officers at the Point Roberts Chamber of Commerce and reported a growing membership. December • A proposed amendment to the ordinance establishing mandatory garbage collection in Point Roberts that would have decreased the minimum service level from 2 cans a month to one was held in committee after county council members did not agree to its introduction. Council members will look for more information about public support for the reduction and the potential impact on rates. • The November election results showed Point Roberts remains a blue community, with local voters favoring Democrat candidates in every race. Joe Biden won the support of 74.4 percent of Point Roberts voters. • Blaine school district saw a decrease in enrollment of 75 students. • County council voted to retain funding for two deputies in next year’s budget after an initial proposal to decrease spending projected cutting one position. • The Port of Bellingham confirmed funding remained to run the ferry to the mainland into the new year. • The parks district hired Ina Carare as their part time coordinator. • Whatcom County Council unanimously approved changes to Point Roberts zoning code put forward by PRCAC, which the committee acknowledged was the beginning of a more comprehensive review of local development regulations. • PRCAC members agreed to ask the county to give them a limited budget to facilitate better community outreach. • The Point Roberts Library opened to patrons by appointment while continuing with curbside pickup services.

PRCAC ...

of at-large member and committee chair Stephen Falk whose term expires at the end of January 2021. The email vote came after six candidates spoke at an online forum December 10. The vote was established by the PRCAC board in an effort to maximize community input to the selection of at-large members. The results were sent to county executive Satpal Sidhu, who will need to appoint Heitman and Smith to fill the vacancies before they can serve on the committee. He has not yet done so. Smith, with 58 of the 89 votes cast, was the clear favorite. A wildlife biologist who moved to Point Roberts three years ago, Smith said she was “very much infatuated with Point Roberts.” Having worked as an outreach specialist for several federal agencies Smith said she had experience with gathering public input and scoping processes. “Listening is something that I’ve learned to do,” she said. “I try and be a good ear and put it into actionable items. I like to see good ideas come to fruition.” Heitman received 13 votes. After serving

February Tides Tides at Point Roberts

in the military in communications Heitman worked as an attorney dealing with land use issues and came to Point Roberts to raise a family. Especially with Covid-19, Heitman said his work had been to “reinvent communication processes” to allow for “evidence based decision making processes.” Both Smith and Heitman saw PRCAC’s role as a conduit for community communication. Heitman suggested technological

solutions to allow for greater communication with the community, suggesting PRCAC should “function as a communica-

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8:55 am

10.0

3:22 pm

3.5

8:46 pm

7.0

We 3

2:39 am

2.6

9:23 am

9.9

4:16 pm

2.4

10:16 pm

6.8

Th 4

3:25 am

4.1

9:55 am

9.8

5:12 pm

1.4

Fr 5

12:04 am

7.0

4:21 am

5.6

10:31 am

9.7

6:12 pm

0.4

1:56 am

7.7

5:37 am

6.9

11:13 am

9.5

7:14 pm

-0.4

Sa 6 Su 7

10.1

3:22 am

8.6

7:13 am

7.6

12:03 pm

9.3

8:12 pm

-1.1

Mo 8

4:20 am

9.3

8:43 am

7.7

1:05 pm

9.1

9:06 pm

-1.5

Tu 9

5:06 am

9.8

9:55 am

7.5

2:09 pm

9.0

9:56 pm

-1.7

We 10 5:44 am

10.0

10:51 am

7.0

3:09 pm

8.8

10:42 pm

-1.7

Th 11

6:18 am

10.1

11:39 am

6.4

4:07 pm

8.6

11:24 pm

-1.3

Fr 12

6:50 am

10.0

12:21 pm

5.7

5:01 pm

8.3

Sa 13 12:04 am

To The Point

Alan Richards Ph: (360) 945-2672

Stone n Brick n Tile n Hardscapes New Construction & Renovations Email: tothepointmasonry@pointroberts.net

LICENCED•BONDED•INSURED

Ken Calder Construction Septic Installation & Maintenance Specialist Ken Calder, Owner General Contractor

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BONDED & INSURED Contractors License: # KENCACC882MO • Septic License: # PT0003241 • OSS O&M License: # PT0003625

Formerly 1st Propane of

WHATCOM COUNT Y

-0.7

7:18 am

9.9

1:01 pm

5.1

5:53 pm

8.0

Su 14 12:40 am

0.2

7:44 am

9.7

1:41 pm

4.5

6:45 pm

7.6

Mo 15 1:14 am

1.2

8:10 am

9.4

Keep Full Service • Budget Payment Plan • Tank Installation & Rental • Modern Equipment • Safety Checks

2:21 pm

4.0

7:39 pm

7.2

Come see us at our new location - 2163 Nature’s Path Way, Blaine

Tu 16

1:48 am

2.3

8:32 am

9.1

3:03 pm

3.4

8:41 pm

6.8

We 17 2:20 am

3.5

8:54 am

8.9

3:45 pm

3.0

9:51 pm

6.6

Th 18

2:56 am

4.6

9:16 am

8.6

4:31 pm

2.5

11:19 pm

6.6

Fr 19

3:36 am

5.7

9:40 am

8.5

5:21 pm

2.1

Sa 20 1:11 am

6.9

4:28 am

6.6

10:08 am

8.3

6:15 pm

1.6

Su 21 2:49 am

7.5

5:56 am

7.2

10:44 am

8.1

7:11 pm

1.0

Mo 22 3:43 am

8.1

7:40 am

7.4

11:38 am

8.0

8:03 pm

0.4

From page 10

Tu 23

trash container every two weeks to the same volume once a month. Bylaws have been reviewed by the full PRCAC and sent to executive Sidhu for comment. Also at year end, Whatcom County Council approved councilmember Rud Browne’s proposed amendments to WCC 2.98, the ordinance creating the PRCAC, to add two more at-large members and to require one-week notice for meetings with detailed agendas, and detailed meeting minutes.

4:19 am

8.6

8:56 am

7.3

12:48 pm

8.0

8:51 pm

-0.2

We 24 4:51 am

9.1

9:48 am

7.0

1:54 pm

8.1

9:35 pm

-0.6

Th 25

5:19 am

9.4

10:30 am

6.5

2:54 pm

8.2

10:17 pm

-0.9

Fr 26

5:45 am

9.6

11:10 am

5.8

3:52 pm

8.4

10:59 pm

-0.9

Sa 27 6:11 am

9.8

11:48 am

5.0

4:50 pm

8.5

11:39 pm

-0.4

Su 28 6:37 am

9.8

12:26 pm

4.0

8.5

5:48 pm

Including Point Roberts

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February 2021 • allpointbulletin.com

Bylaws ... From page 11

tion team for the county executive and not a parliamentary body.” Smith emphasized her willingness to use no-tech solutions like taking a walk and chatting as well as technological approaches to gathering community input. “I see PRCAC as a vehicle for community

s It’s not just dogs who need an off-leash area. Don’t forget the sheep and the llamas.

Coming up ...

Photo by Heidi Baxter

Scheduled Meetings/Ongoing Events Point Roberts Walkers: Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 8 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays on Elizabeth Drive and Saturdays at Lily Point. PR Amateur Radio Club: Monday, February 1 at 7 p.m., via Zoom. Email Michele Wallis at wb6f@pointroberts.net. PR Chamber of Commerce: Tuesday, February 2. TBD. PR Park and Recreation: Monday, February 8 at 7 p.m., via Zoom. Info: prparkandrec.org. PR Hospital District: Wednesday, February 10 at 7 p.m., via Zoom. Info: pointrobertsclinic.com. Effective January, meetings have been moved to the second Wednesday of the month. School Board meeting: Monday, February 22 at 7 p.m. Info: bit.ly/361FgRm. PR Taxpayers Association meeting: Directors decided in favor of no February meeting in an unanimous decision. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 10 at 7 p.m. Info: bit.ly/3oyznle. Whatcom County Al-Anon: Online meetings available via Zoom and GoToMeeting. Info: whatcomafg.org. PR Garden Club: No February meeting.

RECENT HOUSE & LOT PRICES

Blaine, Birch Bay & Point Roberts DECEMBER 2020

SALE PRICE

DESCRIPTION

LOCATION

HIGHER END HOUSES $600,000 AND ABOVE: 1-story house with 1,488 SF, 864 SF finished basement, 864 SF unfinished basement, 3 BD, 3 BA, 624 SF built-in garage, 220 SF deck, built in 1993; marine view, private beach, .42 acres land.

5883 Normar Place, Blaine

$962,000

9464 Odell Road, Blaine

$675,000

#201, Pacific Point Condominiums, 9545 Semiahmoos Parkway, Blaine

$1,299,000

2-story house with 2,476 SF, 3 BD, 3 BA, attached garage, built in 2020; territorial views, .19 acres land.

5476 Wood Duck Loop, Blaine

$830,000

1-story house with 2,044 SF, 3 BD, 3 BA, 484 SF detached garage, 934 SF patio, built in 2002, lakefront; territorial view, .24 acres land.

8130 Coquitlam Place, Blaine

$630,000

1-story house with 1,216 SF, 936 SF basement, 2 bBD, 2 BA, 400 SF built-in garage, 192 SF loft, 120 SF balcony, built in 1976, 50 feet waterfront; marine views, .24 acres land.

1567 Edwards Drive, Point Roberts

$624,000

Condo with 2,273 SF, 2 BD, 3 BA, built in 2020, waterfront; marine and territorial views.

#301, Pacific Point Condominiums, 9565 Semiahmoos Parkway, Blaine

$1,499,000

5937 Normar Place, Blaine

$1,300.000

Semiahmoo Parkway, Blaine

$422,840

1-and a half story house with 1,275 SF, 3 BD, 1 BA, 720 SF detached garage, 628 SF decks, 480 SF storage, outbuilding, built in 1900, 4.80 acres land. Condo with 2,273 SF, 2 BD, 3 BA, built in 2020, waterfront; marine and territorial views.

1-story house with 2,124 SF, 1,588 SF basement, 4 BD, 3 BA, 506 SF attached garage, 260 SF detached garage, 607 SF patio, 607 SF deck, built in 1975, waterfront; marine and territorial views, .35 acres land. COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES: 1.25 acres residential land, waterfront; marine and territorial view. LAND: .09 acres commercial land.

736 Third Street, Blaine

$168,730

communication that builds agreement,” she said. “Agreement does not mean consensus. We can get some compromises that work. Most people get what they need, some of what they want and perhaps some pleasant surprises.” Her goal, she said, was to come up with “Doable, energetic renewal projects.” Other candidates included Pat Harper, who received 8 votes, Pat Harn (5), Bill Zidel (4) and Tom O’Brien (1).

All Point Bulletin • February 2021

S i nSince c e 1973 1973

2020

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year in

REVIEW A LOOK BACK

MASONRY

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POINT ROBERTS

Emergency Preparedness

B y R ay e N e w m e n Early in 2020, PREP received grants totaling just over $70,000 to construct an emergency communications facility for the fire district. This funding includes a generous contribution of $10,000 from the Helen and Jose Colton Foundation that not only covers our local contribution to the effort but provides some additional funds for maintaining and upgrading our repeater. We are grateful to the Colton Foundation for their continued support. Then came Covid-19. Needless to say, the communications project has been delayed, but we expect completion by this summer. In response to the pandemic, PREP was among the first organizations to suspend face-to-face meetings and move to virtual meetings via Zoom to continue operations. The impact of Covid-19 restrictions prompted the PREP board to reconsider the contributions PREP can make to the community now and in the future. In the context of these discussions, our shelter group took the initiative to develop a proposal that essentially defines how PREP will be able to provide essential services and support to our neighbors when impacted by emergencies and disasters in the future, be they wind storms, wildland fires, floods, or earthquakes. If a major event occurs that prevents a substantial number of people from remaining in their homes, we do not have sufficient shelters, nor the required equip-

ment and supplies (bedding, heaters, generators, food and water), to protect and sustain them and their pets in reasonable comfort until additional help arrives. The shelter group proposal specifies a sustainable way to provide this support with pre-positioned, quickly deployed equipment, supplies, and services. These supplies can also be used to support those whose homes remain safe to occupy, but lack power, heat, or even water. We will be able to help those people to continue sheltering in place. Currently, we do not have this capability. Families turned out in the cold, or able to remain at home in the cold, are likely to face substantial discomfort or worse. Our only alternative now, is to provide shelter in open public areas such as the community center and fire hall. The pandemic has raised our awareness of the limitations of such facilities. We have a substantial number of older people, some with illnesses or handicaps that require isolation and special care. Our solution will accommodate them. Families want to stay together and have their beloved pets with them. Our solution will accommodate them as well. The shelter group’s proposal has been submitted to the Colton Foundation for consideration. It’s admittedly a big ask, and a big need. While we hope for a positive response, we are determined to move in this direction during 2021. It will just take us longer to get there. We look forward to getting started.

Sheriff’s Report

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January 1, 12:16 a.m.: Welfare

January 3, 2:14 p.m.: Alarm audi-

check in progress on Benson Road.

ble in progress on Shady Glen Av-

January 1, 9:21 p.m.: Welfare

enue.

check in progress on Baher Road.

January 5, 3:23 p.m.: Watch for

January 2, 11:05 a.m.: Noise cold

in progress on APA and McLaren

call on APA Road.

roads.

January 3, 12:58 p.m.: Traffic hazard in prog-

January 8, 5:07 p.m.: Request for law en-

ress on Rex Street.

forcement on Cliff Road. January 9, 11:36 a.m.: Security check cold call on Edwards Drive.

Library Picks KRIS LOMEDICO

January 9, 11:44 a.m.: Suspicious circumstances cold call on Windsor Road. January 9, 12:29 p.m.: Welfare check in progress on Boundary Bay Road. January 10, 2:00 p.m.: Trouble with customer cold call on Johnson Road.

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January 10, 2:46 p.m.: Serve papers in progress on Cedar Point Avenue. January 12, 3:24 p.m.: Threat cold call on Toronto Way. January 13, 7:41 a.m.: Assist citizen in progress on Benson Road. January 16, 10:27 a.m.: Hit and run cold call on Highland Drive and APA Road. January 17, 9:47 a.m.: Security check cold call on Maple Avenue. January 17, 12:16 p.m.: Whatcom record in progress on Ocean View Court. January 18, 11:08 a.m.: Traffic Hazard in progress on Mill and Province roads. January 19, 9:20 a.m.: Security check in progress on Marsh Road. January 20, 1:10 a.m.: Welfare check in progress on Marine Drive. January 22, 9:46 a.m.: Theft cold call on Tyee Drive. January 23, 8:58 a.m.: Shots in progress on APA Road. January 23, 3:50 p.m.: Assist citizen in progress on Baher Road. January 24, 2:41 p.m.: Welfare check in progress on Toronto Way. January 24, 8:04 p.m.: Trespass cold call on Baher Road. January 26, 7:12 a.m.: Assist citizen in progress on Simundson Drive.

February 2021 • allpointbulletin.com

People of the Point By Margot G r iffi t h s I must go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by. The year 2021 marks 20 years of life in Point Roberts for Chuck and Shirley Cannon. Their paths to this point have been marked by the call of adventure and the courage to take risks. Chuck is a man determined to wrest everything from his love of the seas. He met his match in Shirley and it is she I sit down with to talk about their journey. Thirty-six years ago, their two boats were docked next to each other in Lahaina, Hawaii. Shirley was crewing on one, while running a successful business. Chuck was high in the rigging of the other, a heritage tall ship he was maintaining. She asked if he needed help. “If you can climb 90 feet up the ropes, yes,” Chuck answered. She could and she did. Three days later they decided to get married. Love at first sight, people thought. “Na, na, na,” Shirley smiles. “We both saw something we wanted and we made it work. He wanted a woman who would sail the seas and I wanted adventure.” Their first five years together were spent on the oceans or at anchor, easing their own sea fever, oftentimes navigating other people’s boats across the Pacific. Chuck was born in Los Angeles, and ever a sailor – he bought his first boat when he was 15 – living on or near the sea has been the guiding principle in his life. Out of high school, he attended the California Marine Academy, graduating in 1966. He joined the navy, and still in his 20s, served as head navigator, crossing from California to Japan without the navigational tools of today. His third mate’s license meant he could serve on any gross tonnage ship on any ocean. “It’s always the sea,” Shirley says. “He has to go look at the sea and the sky, the stars. He navigates with a sextant.” Shirley was born in Wyoming and, at 13, got a job with a dance troupe, touring every summer on the State Fair circuit.

Her talent led to international touring as a high-wire artist. “All I ever did was say yes to adventure.” Saying yes led to learning to sail, building her own business, and thanks to her high-wire career, climbing the rigging and meeting Chuck. As well as their love of the seas, they share a love of the church. Born into a family of fifth generation Mormons, Chuck found his calling in the Episcopal church when he left the navy. He and Shirley spent seven years serving at Holy Innocents Church in Lahaina before coming to Point Roberts. “I was intrigued by the oddness of Point Roberts,” Shirley says. “A rectangle with a line through it.” They decided to explore this peninsula and have been here longer than anywhere else. Because, of course, we are surrounded by the sea. They became church members, and before long, Shirley recalls, “Ernie Loreen made sure Chuck was asked to supply preach.” In 2003, Chuck built his 14-foot rowboat, Cosign, the only all wooden boat in the marina. For nine summers he rowed the 13 miles to Patos Island, camping overnight and rowing back. And for these past 17 years – when conditions permit – he follows the call of the sea, rowing his boat out of the marina, steadily pulling on the nine-foot oars as he rounds the curve

s Leaving harbor. into the open waves. “They may not know Chuck’s name, but people recognize his Tilley hat,” Shirley says. “In the Marketplace we’ll hear, ‘I know that guy, I’ve seen him in his rowboat.’ There’s a rhythm to his rowing, a continuity people recognize.” People such as Noel Newbolt, who sees him hove into view in front of her marina home and con-

cludes, “Everything will be okay.” Chuck Cannon is in his element and it’s a comfort in these times. I must go down to the seas again, for the call of the running tide Is a wild call and a clear call that may not be denied. John Masefield

We are Still Delivering Boats! To date, we have delivered 220 boats; helping Canadian and American boaters reunite with their boats.

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s One of a number of boats built by Chuck Cannon.

Photo and story idea by Heidi Baxter

Obituary

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Steven B. Wolff August 15, 1949 – January 8, 2021 It is with great sadness that I announce the passing on January 8, 2021 of Steven B. Wolff, 71, Computer Science/Mechanical Engineer, graduate of UC Berkeley, and a 17-year member of the Point Roberts community. Steve designed and implemented the first pilot, voice recognition system to input stock trades at Goldman Sachs. Steve was a member of PREP, PRTA, PRCAC and the Cross-Border Coalition to Stop the Ra-

Courtesy photo

dio Towers. The community has been both surprised by the suddenness but wonderful in their heartfelt response to this news. Steve is survived by his wife, Suzanne (Hyacin) Rosser and many friends and invention/ business partners far and wide. I want to thank all those neighbors and friends who contacted me with warm words of comfort and help. Suzanne M. Rosser Point Roberts

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SERVING POINT ROBERTS SINCE 1967

All Point Bulletin • February 2021 JamesJames H. James H.Julius, Julius, H.Broker* Julius, Broker* Designated Broker*

Notary Public

CELEBRATING

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

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

Phone: 360/945-1115 Fax: 945-0804

1339 Gulf Road, P.O. Box 1 • Point Roberts, WA 98281

BEACH PROPERTIES • 1339 Gulf Road, P.O. Box 17 • Pt. Roberts, WA 98281 360/945-5555*LISTING & SELLING POINT ROBERTS REAL ESTATE SINCE 1968

“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.

On the beach!

BEACH PROPERTIES

FREEMAN BEACH 697 MARINE DR. 2 BR cottage at Freeman Beach. Beach rights. $219,900

247 BAYVIEW DR. 3BR, 2BA waterfront home facing Mt. Baker. Crabtown. $595,000

697 MARINE DR. 2 BR cottage at Freeman Beach. Beach rights. $219,900

I ND

2117 ROOSEVELT. Maple Beach PE1920s cabin, 2 BR, wood-burning FP,

Situated on the desirable West Side Freemans Beach area boasting a 50x300 (1/3 acre) lot size with great water views and quick and easy beach access. Upstairs features kitchen, ½ bath, utility room generous sized family room and large living area with fireplace and opens onto a massive waterside upper deck. Lower level has three bedrooms full bath and den/office. Master with large master bath and walk-in closet. Both Master and Den have access to the large covered lower patio. Detached garage and the site has access from Marine Drive and also fronts onto a private lane which give access to store your boat and other toys on this 1/3 acre site. $589,500

EDWARDS DRIVE HOME 75’ level waterfront. 4-BD, 2.5-BA. Lots of amenities: Granite countertops, 1275 BROUGHTON LANE Brazilian 2BR, 3BA beautiful westthroughout, side home. master hardwood $199,000. Adjoining lot $35,000. bath w/jetted tub and steam shower, double car garage.

MUST SEE!

FREEMAN BEACH

WEST SIDE WATERVIEW

MLS Listing Service

2 blocks to beach. $169,000

247 BAYVIEW DR. 3BR, 2BA waterfront home facing Mt. Baker. Crabtown. $595,000

G IN S O 1845 CLJOHNSON. 75 x 200 lot. Furnished, private, excellent condition. $115,000

1275 BROUGHTON LANE $889,000 2BR, 3BA beautiful west side home. $199,000. Adjoining lot $35,000.

668 SOUTH BEACH RD. 2BR cottage plus 2 lots near beach. $200,000

D CE U D RE

769 CLAIRE LANE 1728 EDWARDS DR. #32 70’ South Panoramic Views Facing 3-BR, 1.5-BA, sunroom plus 410’ Bluff Lot. 3 BR, 3 BA. Next to Lily Point 1845private tidelands, heated pool. JOHNSON. 75 x 200 lot. 2117 ROOSEVELT. Maple Beach Marine Park. $632,000 $249,900

1920s cabin, 2 BR, wood-burning FP, 2 blocks to beach. $169,000 542 MCLAREN RD.

3BR cottage w/front and rear deck. Adjacent to Lily Point Park. $159,000

Furnished, private, excellent condition. $115,000 676 CLAIRE LANE

3BR, 2BA backs onto Lily Point Park. $299,000

I ND

88 DERBY AVE. 2+BR Cottage. New septic tank soon.

668 SOUTH BEACH RD. $225,000 2BR cottage plus 2 lots near beach. $200,000 1877 WASHINGTON

2 BR designer home. A must-see! Make an offer!REDUCTION! MAJOR PRICE

ED C U ACREAGE: 6.39 ACRES, DESIRABLE EAST SIDE, SUBDIVIDABLE $299,000 ED R www.JuliusRealty.com

SOUTHSIDE WATERVIEW ACREAGE

This 1 ½ acre site is located on the sunny south slope with water and island views. Site is partial cleared and improved with a 4-bedroom septic system, water installed. This is one of the last larger building sites left on the south slope. Ready to go just waiting for your Dream Home. $459,000 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!

EDWARDS LOT 27. Water & island views.

WESTSIDE BLUFF

Beach rights. Panoramic sunsets. lot. 1877 50‘x400’+/WASHINGTON 542 MCLAREN RD.Sewer. Water meter.676 CLAIRE LANE $170,000 3BR, 2BA backs onto Lily Point 2 BR$485,000 designer home. A must-see! 3BR cottage w/frontReduced and reartodeck. Park. $299,000 Make an offer! Adjacent to Lily Point Park. $159,000

LARGE LOT ON HARBOR SEAL DR. 280 ELIZABETH DR. Cleared. PENDING! 5 ACRES near golf LOTS:ACREAGE: 6.39 ACRES, DESIRABLE Peek-a-boo EAST SIDE,view. SUBDIVIDABLE $299,000 Sewer. $119,000 $85,000 course, cleared. $220,000

www.JuliusRealty.com View more listings at www.juliusrealty.com

YOUR PROPERTY DESERVES THE VERY BEST MARKETING!

Call: Email: MLS #1568958

360.980.8731

1385 Gulf Road, Point Roberts

360-945-1011

info@thefirmrealestate.com

MLS #1573123

www.pointroberts.us

MLS #1491914

S Main, Lynden

$10,650,000

$7,895,000

581 Marine Dr., Pt. Roberts $4,950,000

MLS #1392842

MLS #1657998

$3,500,000

1617 Edwards Dr., Pt. Roberts $1,375,000

9545 Semiahmoo Pkwy #305 $1,229,000

MLS #1662478

MLS #1598181

MLS #1642183

MLS #1571329

Kragt/E Badger Rd, Lynden

755 Marine Dr, Pt. Roberts

$1,195,000

9545 Semiahmoo Pkwy #203 $999,000

9545 Semiahmoo Pkwy #205 $999,000

MLS #1560521

MLS #1541076

MLS #1510496

589 Marine Dr, Pt. Roberts

SOUTH FACING WATERFRONT with stunning views situated on an over 1/4 acre lot. Home has had recent kitchen and floor remodel. $669,000

RECENTLY RENOVATED SPECTACULAR OCEANFRONT two-story condominium with exceptional unobstructed views of the Strait of Georgia and Mt. Baker. $349,000

731 Walters Lane, Pt. Roberts $819,000 MLS #1510496

297 Marine Dr., Pt. Roberts

$675,000

1086 Pioneer, Oak Harbour

$699,000

293 Marine Dr., Pt. Roberts

$675,000

MLS #1529092

MLS #1504278

BEST BUY ON THE POINT. Updated cottage located just a 10 minute walk to the sandy shores of Maple Beach. $155,000

P 1458 Rex St., Pt. Roberts

$419,000

xxx Benson Rd, Pt. Roberts

ING

Michael Hughes

The Firm Real Estate Services LLC. | 838 Peace Portal Drive, Blaine, WA 98230

ONE OF A KIND authentic log home in Point Roberts most sought-after location - South Beach. Sunny, private, and fully fenced yard. $359,000

BEAUTIFUL HOME NESTLED IN THE TREES on a just shy of 1/2 acre lot with lots of privacy! Short walk to golf course, beach and restaurants. $299,000

Chris Hughes

$349,000

Call for a complimentary home evaluation from the Northwest Team!

360.980.8731

D EN

NEWLY RENOVATED HOME overlooking Boundary Bay and Maple Beach with breath-taking views of the North Shore Mountains. $379,000

ABSOLUTELY STUNNING custom Maurice Pez design right on the ocean looking due West! Perched on an extra wide waterfront lot. $1,275,000

Paul

604/968-4006 paulrusk@pointroberts.us

Kristen

778/686-7625

FAMILY SIZED HOME with all the bells and whistles, Hardwood floors, SS appliances, 10’ ceilings, massive master suite. $359,000

Hugh

604/910-5968

kristenrockrealestate@gmail.com hwilson@pointroberts.net

Greg

604/690-1468 gheppner@pointroberts.net

All Point Bulletin – February 2021

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