PointNet partners with PUD #1 for state broadband grant

After nearly four years of work aimed to bring faster internet to Point Roberts, Bob Hillman, president and founder of PointNet Solutions, received a phone call from Whatcom County Public Utility District #1 (PUD #1) in early January asking if he would partner with them to apply for a grant from the Washington State Broadband Office (WSBO).

Hillman, a resident of Point Roberts and veteran of the telecommunications industry “had to think about it for about ten seconds” before agreeing to fully partner with PUD to apply for a grant to construct a 100 percent fiber expansion to the remaining areas of the Point that have not been covered in previous grants to Whidbey Telecom. The partnership is contingent upon success in the WSBO grant programs that closed on January 17.

PUD #1 has applied for a total of $8.1 million in grant money from the WSBO which would be used for broadband projects in the communities of Point Roberts, Glacier and Ravencrest. The program requires the applicant to supply 10 percent of the project cost in cash or in-kind donation.

There is approximately $120 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds available for this particular round of financing, which is open to qualified applicants such as tribal and nonprofit agencies and government/private enterprise entities.

The rationale behind the funding request for Point Roberts is outlined in an August 2022 report by the district’s Andrew Entrekin (bit.ly/3wvQkCW).

Hillman has been focused on improved community connectivity since the summer of 2019.

“Before Delta Cable cut the service to the Point, I was getting my broadband from them. I decided that the community was so poorly served that somebody needed to step up, so I created PointNet. I extensively surveyed the Point and did a bunch of designs to develop a plan to cover 100 percent of the community to fully meet federal and state service levels,” said Hillman.

When asked about why he is confident the grant will be awarded for Point Roberts, Hillman pointed out the necessity of broadband on the Point. “Point Roberts suffered horribly during the pandemic. We had really poor broadband. People who needed to do remote work, or avail themselves of telemedicine, and the kids who needed to learn remotely were really hurting badly. We lost some decent families because of it. Hopefully the county will see this and decide to go through with this grant.”

Even though $1.5 million has been granted to Whidbey Telecom to extend fiber network areas along the south and western edges of the Point in late 2021, Hillman said that the Point will still have weak internet service. “PointNet is committed to taking Point Roberts from 168th ranked community in the state by internet download speed to the most connected community in the state,” he added.

The proposed project will bring eventually fiber optic service to all remaining areas of Point Roberts including Maple Beach and South Beach, the most densely built areas in the community. The PUD and PointNet project will cover over 1,250 homes in designated areas, approximately 50 percent of all homes. The budget for the project is $3.5 million, according to Hillman. A minimum service of 150 megabytes per second symmetrical (up and download) would cost $50/a month with a $100 one-time installation fee, he said.

In the project areas, PointNet will initially utilize new and existing cable lines dating from Delta Cablevision days; fiber optic lines will be installed in designated areas with 4-6 weeks and connected to homeowners’ outside walls. Contractors have agreed to start installing the cable lines within three weeks of when the grant money is awarded and could possibly be finished within a couple months of that.

“I’m really excited that the community is finally going to get what it needs,” said Hillman, “People will notice a black and white difference. Most people will say ‘oh, it’s about time.’ Well, you know, maybe they’re right.”

PointNet will have a three-year exclusive use of the system. After that, it will become a public utility, and will be fully open to any ISP that may wish to provide a competitive service. The funding and partnership are contingent on the grant, and announcements of the successful applicants is expected on February 28.

TUESDAY

THE PERFECT DATE!

Have an early Valentines dinner then grab your sweetheart or your BFF and come on down for a Wine and Chocolate Tasting (or maybe find your Valentine there?)

Sing-a-long/Karaoke Love Songs with with

Ling on the piano. Silent Auction of Gift Certificates – pamper yourself or your sweetie with all sorts of services from haircuts and mani/pedis to personal chef, wine-paired dinners. Tickets are $15 per person, $25 per couple (only 50 tickets will be sold so get yours soon!) Tickets will be for sale at Marketplace February 4th and 5th from 1-4pm and the 12th from 11am to 4pm. Or contact prcircleofcare@gmail.com to purchase tickets at any time.

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If you would like help in navigating your cross-border issues and developing a clear, Roberts, give me a call:

Curt Hillier, CIM®

Portfolio Manager

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3 - 1359 56th St., Delta, BC V4L 2P3

T: 800.668.3088 curt.hillier@raymondjames.ca www.RJLU.com

ChurCh news

Jesus healed. He also preached and taught. When he spoke it was often to crowds of people, but when he healed it was personal. Healing took many forms to address many diseases and conditions. Sometimes it was just touch, sometimes a process, or a mixture of soil and saliva. He could heal from a distance. It was a significant part of his ministry on earth. And we read in the Book of Acts that his disciples healed, too. There are verses that connect all these miracles in the gospel of John:

“I tell you this truth, that the ones who believe in me will also do the works that I do; even greater works than these will they do, because I am returning to oneness with my father. So whatever you ask in my name will be done, that my father might be glorified in me …” (John 14: 12-14)

Why was healing so important to Jesus?

In any form, healing is an act of love. Jesus walked through a hurting world, among a people oppressed under Roman rule. Through word and action, he brought healing and hope to all he encountered. He did not see or present himself as a strong political or military leader, though some of his followers would project such hopes onto him. What he came to bring was healing. This was to be healing on many levels; physical, emotional, mental, spiritual. He understood that people who experience healing and wholeness can survive – perhaps sometimes even thrive – in the face of oppression.

So here the etymologist in me comes out to clarify that the words “heal” and “whole” are actually from the same root words in a number of European languages; Old English “hael” or “haelth”; German “heil,” Norse “heill” etc. All these words could be translated as heal/healed or whole/made whole. So, the pursuit of healing can also be understood as a quest for wholeness – a sense of general well-being that can be physical, mental, emotional and/or spiritual. Healing/wholeness can be achieved through healing modalities (conventional or holistic), but also through sharing a meal, walking in nature, reading, coffee with a friend, or a comforting visit or phone call. In this sense, we can all see ourselves as healers for each other and for our community.

The size, isolation and closeness of the Point Roberts community has allowed our residents to be sources of healing, comfort and support over many years. About four years ago, we began a healing ministry for the church and community, located in the PREP Room in the education building. As a certified healing touch practitioner, I could offer pain relief, promote peace of mind, provide spiritual comfort. This ministry continued right up to the arrival of Covid-19.

Ah, yes, Trinity community experienced some significant setbacks over the last few years; not just from Covid-19. A need for a good gutter-cleaning at this time revealed that our sanctuary was in serious need of repair – so much so that we could not legally gather there.

The formation of an intrepid finance committee (God bless them all!) resulted in a swift donor response, which allowed us to do the immediate repairs required to keep the building sound.

As we continue to return, repair and rebuild (in a number of ways), we’ve started to look again at the future of our healing ministry, and how it can be a part of the healing of our church and community. So, we have repurposed another room, designated and furnished it as a healing space, and will officially reopen our healing ministry this month.

We have a few members who are gifted/ trained in a variety of modalities, that will be reflecting on their experience and understanding of healing in this space of the paper. In the meantime, know that we are here, and we are here for you.

For now, inquiries can be addressed to me at gina.gaudet@aol.com, or by phone/ text at 604/828-3736.

Sahiry has access to the best and support through end-to-end proprietary software, systems, and technology. That, combined with her experience, will enable you to make a Smart Move even faster.