A new place to camp out on Point Roberts
Visitors to the Point will have a new option on where to stay when they visit by this time next year if all goes to plan. Local resident Lorne Nielson outlined plans to build a campground in collaboration with local landowner Jason McDougall at the Point Roberts Community Advisory Committee Meeting (PRCAC) on June 20.
The project, currently under review by Whatcom County Planning and Development Services, involves the development of a campground and RV park on a 50-acre property located at the junction of Mill and Johnson roads.
Nielson emphasized that despite the property’s size, the campground area will primarily occupy the area close to the corner of Johnson and Mill roads. The facility will feature mostly rustic tent sites along with a number of RV sites equipped with electrical and water hookups, though no sewer hookups will be provided. A dump station will be available for RV waste disposal.
The campground will highlight its natural surroundings, boasting some of Point Roberts’ oldest trees. Nielson expressed a commitment to preserving these trees, stating, “We’re really going to try to keep […] many trees, especially all of the old ones.” The majority of the campsites will be nestled among the trees, offering visitors a serene outdoor experience.
Visible from the road will be a sign and an entrance building for registration and supplies, with a manager’s residence comprising 900-1,000 square feet also planned on-site. The remainder of the property will be kept natural, featuring a trail system for hiking through the forest. There will also be a children’s playground, and two bathroom facilities with showers and toilets.
Originally slated for subdivision, existing roads will be utilized to minimize disturbance to the trees during construction.
“If we have to clear a few areas, we will be very selective when we are doing that,” Nielson said. Currently, there are fire hydrants sprinkled throughout the forest, dating back to when then-owner Century
(See Campground, page 6)
Hospital crisis averted, for now
Point Roberts Hospital District commissioners Stephen Falk and Sara Oggel have issued public apologies for conducting district business outside of public meetings contrary to Washington state’s Open Public Meeting Act. The apologies were issued separately on June 18.
The breaches were discovered by an open public records request (OPR) made by Vic and Shannon Tomsen, owners of the Small Point Bulletin blogsite, and published on May 5. (The blog has no connection with the ePB or the All Point Bulletin.)
The OPR discovered evidence that the two
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commissioners had communicated outside of public meetings and raised alarm in the community that there was a move afoot to change service providers at the local health clinic.
Such plans, if they existed, were scuttled when the hospital board took no move at its June regular meeting to give notice to the current service providers, SuperTrack Urgent Care, that the district did not plan to provide the required six months’ notice not to renew the current contract. The contract rolls over automatically every year for another year’s term if such notice is not given.
(See Hospital, page 7)
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s Well, at least some local residents know how to spell YMCA, one of many songs played by the Pan Wizards Steel Orchestra, a 37-member band from the Seattle area that held a concert on Saturday, June 22 at the marina on their tour of the NW Washington and B.C.
Photo by Louise Mugar
Pier Restaurant Opening!
Friday-Sunday, June 28-30: Outdoor BBQ
Restaurant Opening Thursday July 4:
After the parade, all day and evening. BBQ and Live Music by Veronica North Band. Games and fun activities for all ages.
July Hours: Wednesday – Sunday, 3 – 10 p.m.
location and private! Recent soils test
• 1751 Benson Road, $599,000 20 acres The most beautiful acreage in Point Roberts and covered with specimen trees and walking trails
• Mill Road Lot., $69,900
Large corner lot with incredible trees, expired septic design in place
• 211 Marine Drive.
All Point Bulletin
The All Point Bulletin is published each month by Point Roberts Press Inc. and is delivered to homes and businesses in Point Roberts and Tsawwassen.
The opinion expressed by contributors is their own and is offered for the general interest of our readers.
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All Point Bulletin
P.O. Box 1451
Point Roberts WA USA 98281
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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.
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Please email your letter to: letters@allpointbulletin.com
P.O. Box 1451, Point Roberts, WA 98281
Next issue: Aug. 2024 Ads due: July 19
opinion Letters to the editor
The Editor:
I can somewhat understand the need to control dogs entering the U.S. It may be that there are lucky dogs being rescued from foreign countries and adopted by animal friendly folks living in the U.S.
But here we go again, Point Bob is a landlocked peninsula completely ignored by the rule makers in the east. What are we (Canadians) who love to summer at our cabins, or run on the beach, or day trip to Lily Point with our four-footed friends to do? Register every week to come down, pay vets to sign papers for the bureaucrats to rubber stamp? Is there no common sense in governments these days?
I bet the border folks are going to love this new caveat to turn back those of us who come down to the Point, spend money and support the local community. I hope the powers that be can somehow get an exemption applied to the Point, but I’m not holding my breath if Covid was any sort of example.
Graham Finn and Barley (our golden retriever)
Beach Grove, B.C.
The Editor:
Would you like to have a clinic here with three doctors? After waiting over 100 years, we finally have that! Are you happy about that? Would you like to have three hospital district commissioners who are happy with that?
Well, that we do not have. And “why
not?” is the big question.
At the June hospital district meeting, there were a couple of suggestions that SuperTrack’s front office could be improved but there were no complaints about the medical services being offered by their three physicians. That’s truly outstanding medical care. So why aren’t commissioners Falk and Oggel happy about them being here and in support of giving SuperTrack an extended contract?
Dr. Sean explained (as did others) that running a clinic (or any business) on a oneyear contract is not ideal. A longer term contract would allow SuperTrack to offer employees more job stability and open the door for additional improvements. When commissioner Noel Newbolt made a motion to extend SuperTrack’s contract to five years the crowd went wild, literally. Did either commissioner Falk or Oggel second the motion? No. The disappointment was palatable; the crowd was angry. Their lack of a second to the motion was illogical and not well received.
When people in power appear to be acting irresponsibly, without transparency,
and against the common good, citizens should forego their complacency and get involved. That is exactly what we witnessed at the June hospital district meeting when over 80 concerned residents attended in person and via zoom, shared their positive experiences about their doctors at SuperTrack, and demanded that they be left in place and provided a long-term contract.
Any commissioner who isn’t going to work for the community’s majority and put its interest and welfare first should resign effective immediately. We elected them to work for the community, not themselves or a small self-interest group. Either represent us or do the decent thing and resign.
We will happily keep Noel though. She had the foresight to put forth the motion to give SuperTrack a five-year contract. Thank you, Noel, we love that you tried. Kudos to district superintendent Barbara Wayland for holding the hospital district together while others try to rip it apart by removing sanity, reason and logic from our town. We should also thank the All Point Bulletin, as well as the Small Point Bulletin (Vic and Shannon Riley) for shining spotlights on this. Citizens need to be informed. This idiocy is not over so stay sharp. Your medical care depends on it.
Lucy Williams (20-year resident and widow of former hospital district commissioner and chair, Dr. Dick Williams)
Point Roberts
for one year as a
There is no cost to the community for this service. WTA is funding all costs associated
The hope is that if it is successful and well-utilized, the
Call now to schedule a ride: 360/788-9473 or e-mail: prtheraven@gmail.com. From
JULY 4TH EVENTS
8-11am: Pancake Breakfast at the Gulf Rd. Community Center Annual fundraiser for Point Roberts
Emergency Preparedness
9am-1pm: Brunch at Saltwater Café. Reservations recommended.
Noon: Parade starts at noon from Breakers parking lot on Gulf Rd. Theme: Small Town Big Heart.
Afternoon events:
Grand opening of The Rubber Duck Museum, Kora’s Corner
Kiniski’s Reef - BBQ
Pier Restaurant at Marina OpeningBBQ, Live Music by Veronica North Band, games & activities for all ages.
s Whatcom County Transit (WTA) has delivered a 7-passenger van to Point Roberts. The van, called The Raven, is for use by the Point Roberts community for two trips a week to Bellingham and the surrounding area in Whatcom County. The van will leave from the community center parking lot on Tuesday and Thursday mornings and will make drop-offs and pick-ups in Bellingham. Trips can include shopping and appointments.
with the van and its operation
pilot program.
service will be extended.
l., John Bender (WTA), Maureen McCarthy (WTA), Point Roberts residents Louise Cassidy and Dina Boykiw, WTA board chair Ali Hawkinson, Maralise Fegan, (City of Ferndale) and Les Reardanz (WTA).
Thrive In Your Body
P RIVATE PILATES INSTRUCTION in a beautiful studio setting. Group classes offered.
•
•
• Feel
Margot Griffiths, M.Ed., C.L.C.
After 30 years experience at The University of British Columbia in the Office of Counseling Services, I am pleased to begin my Life Coaching practice in Point Roberts.
Confidential appointments arranged by email or text. margot@pointroberts.net 206-604-1713
self-awareness personal development relationships recovery wellness transitions retirement life planning
Campground ...
From page 1
Holdings was planning on building a subdivision on the land.
When asked about the target audience, Nielson said the campground aims to accommodate short stays for tourists rather than long-term residency. “We don’t want RVs parked there year-round,” he emphasized, expressing a preference against a permanent trailer park setup.
other 60-80 spots, aiming for a total of around 160 spots.
After a year of completing the necessary geological, wetland, septic and archaeological studies required by the county, the Conditional Use Permit (CUP) application has been submitted. If all goes according to plan, permits should be in hand by this fall, allowing the campground to open its doors next summer. The property was initially planned as a subdivision connecting Dogwood with Windsor/Shady Glen streets, and features existing water lines and fire hydrants throughout.
There used to be more places to camp other than Lighthouse Marine Park. Previously, there was camping available at Whalen’s Trailer Park, Bell’s Grove Trailer Park and the Cannery Campground
Point Roberts | 360-945-0420 maureen@pointrobertscounseling.com www.pointrobertscounseling.com
Despite the enthusiasm, Nielson acknowledged the challenges ahead in the permitting process, particularly regarding septic system design. The project is planned to be phased, with an initial phase targeting approximately 60 spots and a subsequent phase potentially adding an-
“We would really like to be open by next summer, but it’s going to be a huge challenge,” Nielson concluded. “It’s a special piece of property,” Nielson said, adding, “When you look at alternative uses, it’s super low impact.”
To date, no name for the campground has been selected.
s The campground entrance will be in the area of Mill and Johnson roads.
Photo by Pat Grubb
From page 1
At that meeting, Falk said, “I do acknowledge making a mistake and talking to a commissioner outside the meeting. After a recent meeting, I [had] felt the need to vent about the discussion that just occurred. I don’t think that constitutes business or action, but whether it does or not, I apologize for the community creating an appearance of impropriety. That was sort of the last thing I wanted to do.” Falk made his comment following a demand from local resident Arthur Reber that he either apologize or resign. The latest apology was transmitted on Post ePost and read as follows:
Have fun at Strings & Things! Hospital ...
“Apologies are best made and received without excuses, explanations or equivocation. I have been deeply involved in community service in Point Roberts for a decade. My motivation is to help solve problems, not to be involved in creating them. I apologize to the hospital district and all the people of Point Roberts for my role in all the controversy and anxiety swirling around the district.”
Oggel offered a more detailed apology, again over Post ePost. She wrote:
“I am taking this opportunity to offer my sincere apologies to the Point Roberts community for my activities in conjunction with the Point Roberts hospital district. My motivation was to provide a wide range of choices for medical care here on the Point. I realize that my discussions with one other board member involving clinic options was at odds with Washington state rules about public meetings.
Once again, I apologize for my errors in judgment and will continue to bring the Point Roberts community the highest level of health care possible.”
The apologies followed a highly contentious monthly hospital district meeting
held June 12 where speaker after speaker criticized the two commissioners for their behind the scenes activities. Falk came in for particular criticism for his role in helping Dr. John Anwar and Deb Shields in their quest to replace SuperTrack as service providers for the hospital district.
SuperTrack principal Dr. Sean Bozorgzad was scathing in his condemnation of Falk’s behavior. “You’ve been undermining us the whole time. I can’t believe you just sit there and say this nonsense,” he told Falk. “You made it difficult for us to function. She (Shields) was our employee. And you helped her make a case while she’s get-
ting paid by us to take the contract away from us,” Bozorgzad said.
A motion by Newbolt to extend the SuperTrack contract to a multi-year contract failed for a lack of second after Oggel said she wanted to delay consideration until she investigated a two-year-old complaint she had just received, a delay that was
poorly received by the crowd.
“They waited,” said Shannon Riley, referring to the authors of the complaint. “They waited two years to submit a letter. We’re going to have a delay for what everyone wants, just basically to get rid of the crowd you have in front of you.”
The motion was tabled.
Point Roberts is set to host its first Strings and Things International Music Festival on Saturday, July 13, from 4 – 10 p.m. at the Point Roberts Marina on Simundson Drive. This one-day event will feature four diverse musical acts that will be sure to appeal to a wide range of tastes. Musical guests come from both sides of the border and include The Red Fiddler, The Living Orchestra, Black Dog String Quartet,and local favorite The WhiskeyDicks, who have held concerts at Maple Beach for the past three summers.
General admission tickets are available now and priced at $30, with VIP tickets available for $45. They can be purchased online or at Nielson’s, Kora’s Corner, and Saltwater Cafe. Tickets will also be available at the gate for a slightly higher rate, and people are encouraged to buy their tickets ahead of time. Bring your own chair. Food and beverages will be available for purchase on-site from the Pier Restaurant. For more details, visit www.stringsandthingsmusicfestival.com. B y E rin
s A deer contemplates the universe as it looks from Point Roberts.
Photo by Simon Burnett
Parks to upgrade septic system
The Point Roberts Park and Recreation District has approved a bid to upgrade the septic system at the community center, aimed at facilitating expanded use of the kitchen facilities. Currently, health department regulations restrict kitchen use to twice-weekly senior lunches and emergency shelter situations.
Local contractor Ken Calder, who installed the septic system three and a half years ago, submitted the sole bid for the upgrade. While the system meets residen-
tial standards, additional infrastructure is necessary to comply with regulatory guidelines. Calder’s bid, totaling $22,848 and encompassing all required improvements, was unanimously accepted by the parks board. Additionally, an estimate from V Squared Electric of Lynden for $11,650 was approved for electrical enhancements critical to the new septic system and general facility upgrades, including additional outlets and switches in the dining area. This figure includes $1,750 specifically allocated for septic-related electrical work.
Keynote Speaker:
What happened to negative tides?
B y P at G ru BB
The All Point Bulletin has received inquiries asking how come the tide tables don’t show negative tides anymore. The sad truth is, due to global warming, the glaciers have melted to the extent that the seas have risen to the point there are no negative tides anymore.
You don’t believe in global warming? Actually, we have changed our tidal station from the Tsawwassen ferry terminal to Point Roberts. NOAA and the Cana-
s It was a nice night for a boat ride at Maple Beach on June 24.
dian Hydrographic Service use different reference planes for measurements and calculations.
Canadian charts and tidal data use Lower Low Water Large Tide (LLWLT) chart datum (see charts.gc.ca) while NOAA uses Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW) for chart datum (NOAA Tides & Currents).
As a result, Canadian tide charts may show negative tides but typically, U.S. charts won’t.
July Tides
Photo by Stephen Fowler
Energy resilience is the goal
Point Roberts has won a grant that represents the first steps of bringing more reliable, resilient, carbon-free energy to our town.
In April, Resilient Point Roberts: Going Solar (RPRG Solar), in collaboration with the Point Roberts parks district, applied for a grant of $150,000 ($133,000 in state funding plus $17,000 community investment) from Washington state’s clean energy community decarbonization grants program. In June, Point Roberts was awarded the full $133,000 in state funds.
RPRG Solar is a voluntary initiative devoted to creating greater community resilience through solar and backup power. The funds will be used to conduct feasibility studies for installing solar panels and backup systems on public buildings including the community center, the fire district (and health clinic), the water district building and reservoir, the library and Trinity Church which serves as an emergency shelter.
“We are moving towards energy independence and resilience on the Point,” said parks district commissioner and co-author of the grant request Stephen Falk. “Having solar and storage means we reduce our dependence on external power supplies, which are susceptible to disruptions.”
Many local groups have already backed the plan. Letters of support for the grant were provided by the Point Roberts Taxpayers Association, Point Roberts Community Advisory Committee, Whatcom County Library System, Whatcom County Fire District No. 5, Point Roberts Water District No. 4, Point Roberts Emergency Planning, Circle of Care, Trinity Community Lutheran Church, Point Roberts Animal Welfare Society, and PRO-Earth. Additionally, $17,000 in financial support was provided by the fire district ($10k), parks district ($5k), and a local private contribution ($2k).
“Point Roberts residents are resilient. Bringing solar and backup to our community buildings is part of ensuring our infrastructure is resilient too,” said Shauna Sylvester, lead convenor of RPRG Solar.
“I think we were successful in getting the clean energy grant because Washington state recognized how engaged we have been as a community in this process. A big thanks to the RPRG Solar volunteers, the leadership of the parks district, fire chief Christopher Carleton and fire and water district commissioners, Trinity Church, and all the volunteer committees who supported us. We’re on our way!”
For more information, contact Kara Smith at resilientpointroberts@gmail.com or go to www.resilientpointroberts.com.
Group awarded $94,000 state grant
Point Roberts Organic Earth (PRO Earth) is a local nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing the loss of organic material from Point Roberts and reducing greenhouse gasses. The group has been awarded a $94,000 local and community projects grant from Washington state.
PRO Earth was established in late 2022 following a Garden Club discussion of what happens to garden refuse that is not home composted or chipped. A working group consisting of local residents with research, planning, engineering and writing backgrounds convened and formed PRO Earth to advocate for a more circular, sustainable system.
In 2023, the group secured a $10,000 NextCycle grant to conduct an initial analysis of green waste on the Point and explore ways to improve the current situation. Upon review, state senator Sharon Shewmake and state representative Alicia
Rule sponsored a request for funds for a full feasibility study of a local green waste system.
A green waste system could include woody waste chipping as well as yard and kitchen waste composting, and be made available to the public. A convenient local system would reduce trucking, burning, and landfill with its associated methane gas production. Tons of organic material could be retained on the Point.
During 2024, PRO Earth will educate residents about the problems, and explore how remedies would benefit our environment and further a sustainable community. Watch for announcements of public meetings over the course of the summer.
The first public meeting will be on Sunday, June 30 at 2 p.m. at the community center. If you would like to volunteer, donate or have questions please send a note to Pointrobertsorganics@gmail.com
in the Garden
B y V ictoria S mith
“Welcome home.” That’s what the border guard said to us in the fall of 2020, the very first time we crossed the U.S. border into Point Roberts.
We had driven 19 hours from southern California to take possession of the cottage we had purchased sight unseen. We were running away from California’s congested freeways and polluted air, water rationing, power outages and wildfires, and the many changes brought on by the Covid pandemic. We had lived our entire lives in California, and wanted to get away from it all, including Bakersfield’s triple-digit desert heat.
up in. Our first summer there, we took buckets filled with ripe tomatoes to work each day, and begged people to take our extra zucchini.
A job transfer required a move to Bakersfield, and we stayed for 33 years. Our backyard garden grew along with our children. When they outgrew the swing set, we replaced the lawn with raised beds, doubling our growing space.
Learning to garden in the cool, wet Pacific Northwest has been quite a journey. Like many newcomers, I had no idea what I could and couldn’t grow here. The weather was different, the soil was different, and there was an actual forest across the road from my house, blocking the sunshine my garden craved. There was also a plethora of new-to-me critters to deal with: Foraging deer, hungry raccoons, giant slugs, and unseen animals and birds that moaned, howled and screeched in the night.
deners and environmental caretakers. In less than four years, I’ve gotten a pretty good handle on gardening here. In addition to teaching classes as a WSU Master Gardener, I co-moderate the Garden Buddies group at the Earthwise gardens at Southlands in Tsawwassen. I’m ready and eager to talk about gardening, answer questions and offer resources if you need them. You’ll find me in the garden.
Welcome home!
I grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area, working in my grandmother’s garden. We grew nostalgic grannie flowers in wide beds around a decades-old victory garden. My friends and I were free range kids, exploring empty lots, catching polliwogs and bumblebees in glass jars, and playing in a hand-dug bomb shelter in the backyard of our Japanese neighbors. Everyone we knew had a garden.
I honed my teenage gardening skills in the hippie-dippie 1960s and ’70s, part of the back-to-nature organic gardening generation. When I wasn’t in the garden or at school, you could find me at Grateful Dead concerts in Golden Gate Park, hiking in the East Bay hills, or hanging out on the beach in Santa Cruz. I volunteered at community gardens and soup kitchens and marched with Cesar Chavez for farm worker rights.
My final years of college took me to Los Angeles, with a variety of gardens big and small. Flowers along a parking strip, a pot of herbs next to the kitchen window, container gardens on patios and driveways. As newlyweds, my husband and I created a sprawling garden of vegetables and fruit trees behind the house he grew
During our final 10 years in Bakersfield, we converted our water-guzzling front lawn into a thriving 1,600-square-foot cottage garden surrounded by a white picket fence like the one my grandmother had. We planted drought-friendly flowers and herbs alongside sun loving veggies and fruit trees. It was a literal oasis in the desert, a fully functional habitat providing food and shelter for people, pollinators and wildlife.
Our cottage garden offered opportunities to talk with neighbors and others about conservation and regenerative gardening. People on foot, on bikes and in cars stopped to say how much they enjoyed our front yard. They shared their own experiences and asked for gardening advice. They brought their children to see the notso-secret garden, and they often left with baby plants, cuttings, and fresh herbs and veggies. Friends I met in online gardening groups came by for informal tours, and I learned more about permaculture and regenerative gardening. I was in my happy place, surrounded by people who shared my interests.
My gardens in California and Point Roberts kept me happy, healthy, connected, and busy during Covid and beyond. We became full time Pacific Northwest residents in June 2021, and I became a Washington State University (WSU) Whatcom County Master Gardener in 2022.
The border was closed for a year and a half, severely limiting access to gardening supplies. There were – and still are – prohibitions on bringing live plants across the border. So many challenges for a newcomer and so much to learn. Even so, I was warmly greeted and quickly became part of an established community of fellow gar-
Garden chores – Keep planting, it’s not too late – Pull weeds and add mulch – Plant beans and sunflowers
– Provide water for birds and bees
– Take a walk and check out other people’s gardens
ChurCh news
When I began living in Point Roberts, I soon realized that I needed something to do that would both allow me to earn a little money and become acquainted with more of the people living here. I posted a resume on one of the local online message boards and soon received a call from Bob Culbert. He said he was on the church council, and they wanted to hire someone to manage the church. My resume indicated I had the skills for the job.
I was hired and began attending Sunday services, even though it was not a job requirement. I got to know the pastors and church members. The pastors were ordained, but had not attended the same seminaries, and that gave each one a slightly different take on things. I loved it.
Today, Trinity Community Lutheran Church continues this tradition. We have three pastors: one Lutheran (Jean Barrington); one Methodist (Gina Gaudet); and one Interfaith (Beverly Mar). Each Sunday, one of these pastors provide our
service. The Sunday sermons provide slightly unique perspectives, but each of them reminds us of the importance of loving one another, asking for, giving and accepting forgiveness, and that we are all children of God.
To me, our little church is an example for others. We have different takes on what believe, but we work together in peaceful harmony.
In addition, we have wonderful musicians playing during service and great refreshments following.
A relatively new tradition at Trinity is Jazz Vespers, which is held at 4 p.m. whenever there is a fifth Sunday in any given month. Jazz Vespers includes music, readings and stories. These feature local residents and are often written by them. We do not hold an 11 a.m. service on fifth Sundays.
Everyone is welcome. We invite you to come and see if it is a good fit for you and bring a friend. You’ll be glad you did.
Coming up
Scheduled Meetings/Ongoing
Your Local Small Market: Saturdays, June 29, July 13 and 20, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., community center.
Summer Reading Kickoff: Saturday, June 29, 2024, 10 a.m.– 5 p.m., Point Roberts Library. Celebrate the beginning of WCLS’s Summer Reading program. Info: 360/945-6545.
Green Waste Recycling in Point Roberts: Sunday, June 30, 2 p.m., community center. Let’s keep our organic waste on the Point! We need your input for a state-funded phase one feasibility study. Info: Pointrobertsorganics@gmail.com.
Jazz Vespers: Sunday, June 30, 4 – 5 p.m., Trinity Church. Featuring Shaune Ann Feuz and Paul Lucas. Music, inspiration and guest speakers.
PR Amateur Radio Club: Monday, July 1, 7 p.m., via Zoom.
PR Emergency Preparedness: Tuesday, July 2, 7 p.m., community center/Zoom. Info: prepgroup17@gmail.com.
Independence Day: Thursday, July 4. See page 4 for info on Point Roberts festivities. Grand Opening: Historical rubber duck museum: Thursday, July 4, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Kora’s Corner, 1480 Gulf Road.
Nautical Sale: Saturdays, July 6, August 31, 1 to 4 p.m., West side of marina J dock in the field. All invited to sell. Free to vend. Info: jselvey18@gmail.com.
Kids Camp: Mondays through Fridays, July 8-26, 9 a.m. to noon and 1 – 4 p.m. Sponsored by the Point Roberts park district. Info: prparkandrec.org/kids-camp.
PR Park and Recreation: Monday, July 8, at 7 p.m., via Zoom. Info: prparkandrec.org. Friends of the Point Roberts Library: Tuesday, July 9, 3 p.m., open board meeting, Library meeting room. Info: foprl1@gmail.com.
PR Water District: Tuesday, July 9, 5 p.m., 2002 Benson Road. Info: pointrobertswater.com. Fire District No. 5: Wednesday, July 10, 4 p.m., fire hall and via Zoom. Link: https://bit.ly/45YUv9U. Info: WCFD5.com.
PR Hospital District: Wednesday, July 10, 7 p.m., via Zoom. Info: https://bit.ly/3Kw9Ypt.
Wander and Wonder - Exploring Our Natural World: Friday, July 12, 2024, 1 – 2 p.m. Point Roberts Library. Join us to explore the wonder of the wild! All supplies provided. Grades K-5. Info: 360/945-6545.
Strings & Things International Music Festival: Saturday, July 13, 4 to 10 p.m., Point Roberts Marina and Pier Restaurant. Four internationally acclaimed acts, from classical serenades to Celtic reels, jazz grooves to hip-hop beats. Tickets: general admission ($30) and VIP ($45), are available online and at Nielsons, Saltwater Café and Kora’s Corner. Kids under 12 get free general admission. For more info: stringsandthingsmusicfestival.com.
Historical Society: Wednesday, July 17, 7 p.m., in the History Center. Point Roberts Taxpayers Association AGM: Thursday, July 18, 5 – 7:30 p.m., Kiniski’s Reef Tavern on the outdoor patio. Appetizers and soft beverages provided. Cash bar inside. Keynote speaker: Mark Swenson, Point Roberts Historian, “Point Roberts: Mistake or Theft?” Q and A to follow. Signed copies of Point Roberts Backstory by Mark Swenson will be available for purchase. Individual and household membership: $10. Non-members welcome. Info: mark.robbins@prodigy.net.
Make a Wind Chime: Friday, July 19, 2024, 1 – 2 p.m. Point Roberts Library. Decorate a wooden wind chime to hear the wind moving and make a pinwheel to see the wind. All supplies provided. Grades K-5. Info: 360/945-6545.
PR Community Advisory Committee: Thursday, July 25, 7 p.m., community center and via Zoom. Info: PRCAC.comment@gmail.com. Link: bit.ly/3S8GCB3.
PR Cemetery District: Monday, July 29, 5 p.m., community center.
PR Garden Club: Tuesday, July 30, 7 p.m., members garden visits. info@pointrobertsgardenclub.org. Point Roberts Book Club: Wednesday, July 31, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., Point Roberts Library. Call the library at 360/945-6545 for this month’s selection.
Teen Art Camp: Friday, August 2, 2024, 2:30 – 4 p.m. Point Roberts Library. Grades 6-12. Info: 360/9456545.
Kora’s Carnival: Saturday, August 3, Kora’s Corner. Games, bounce house, circus acts and an innovation station. Volunteers needed to man stations, set up and clean up. Info and volunteer sign up: bit.ly/4bm8hGG.
Septic System Homeowners Training: Saturday, August 17, 10 a.m. to noon. Registration open now. Free class. Link: bit.ly/WCHDHomeownerTraining2023.
Annual Joke Telling Contest: Saturday, August 17, 7 p.m., Point Roberts Community Center. Sponsored by Point Roberts Emergency Preparedness. There will be a 50/50 raffle and traditional pretzels, root beer and seltzer will be served. Music by Savilla and Shaune Ann Feuz. Fun, clean jokes; no cussing. All ages welcome. Winner will have their name inscribed on the famous Ha-Ha Cup.
Second Annual Point Roberts Pickleball Tournament: Saturday, August 24, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Paul Bemister Community Park in Maple Beach. Contact melanieosmack@gmail.com to register.
Ongoing Events and Hours
Fire station CPR classes: Sundays, August 4, 1 p.m., Wednesdays, July 10, 24, August 7, 21, 7 p.m., Saturdays, July 6, 27, August 17, 1 p.m., fire hall. Join us at the fire station to learn how to help someone in need. Come learn adult, child and infant CPR, including the use of an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED). Basic Tai Chi for seniors: Mondays and Fridays at 10:30 a.m., Mondays at the community center and Fridays at the fire hall. With Shirley Cannon. No registration required. Wear comfortable clothing. Craft and Game Night: Tuesdays from 5–7 p.m., Point Roberts Library. Bring a craft to work on or a board game to play.
Point Roberts Walkers: Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 8 a.m., coffee to follow (Thursdays only) at the community center, Saturdays at Lily Point. Tuesdays location varies and can be found at bit.ly/3V5v44l.
PR Food Bank: Every Wednesday 8:30–10:30 a.m. at the community center. Info: prfoodbank.org. Preschool Storytime: Wednesdays through July, 10:30–11 a.m., Point Roberts Library. Seniors and More Lunches: Wednesdays and Fridays, dine-in or park and come inside the community center to pick up your lunches available 11:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., community center. All ages welcome. More info: prseniors@whidbey.com or 360/945-5424.
Friday Market: Fridays, 4 to 7 p.m., West side of the Point Roberts Marina. Free to vend. Make it, bake it, grow it market. If you plan to be a vendor or if you have any questions, please email latitude@whidbey.com. History Center Summer Hours: Through June 29, Saturdays, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. From July 6 through August 31, Saturdays 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays, noon to 3 p.m.
PR Library Hours: Tuesdays 1–7 p.m., Wednesdays and Saturdays 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Library express hours: 6 a.m. – 11 p.m. daily.
Point Roberts Clinic Hours: Primary Care: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., appointment needed. Urgent Care can be accessed through telemedicine or at the clinic Monday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sundays 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Always call for an appointment before coming in, even for urgent care services. Info: 360/945-2580.
UPPER END HOUSES: $800,000 AND ABOVE:
1-and a half story house with 2,266 SF, 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, 624 SF attached garage, 446 SF deck, built in 2005, 400 SF storage (built in 2018) 7.50 acres wooded land.
1-and a half story house with 2,796 SF, 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 962 SF built-in garage, 200 SF storage (built in 2022) 244 SF deck, 545 SF patio, built in 1969, remodeled in 2018; 50’ waterfront; marine view, .37 acres land.
2-story house with 2,340 SF, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 648 SF detached garage, 240 SF patio, 200 SF storage, built in 1969; marine view, .22 acres land. New house built in 2024, .21 acres land.
New house built in 2024, .21 acres land.
2-story house with 2,141 SF, 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, 552 SF built-in garage, 102 SF balcony, 140 SF patio, built in 2019; marine and territorial view, .18 acres land.
Condo with 2,831 SF, 2 bedrooms, 4 baths, deck, builtin garage, built in 2000; marine and territorial view.
2-story condo with 1,500 SF, 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, patio, built in 1981; waterfront, marine and territorial view.
1-story house with 2,507 SF, 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, 893 SF attached garage, 400 deck, built in 2021; territorial view, .34 acres land.
3-story house with 1,986 SF, 494 SF loft, 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 590 SF deck, built in 1982, waterfront; marine view, .80 acres land.
COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES:
2-1 story duplexes with a total of 3,248 SF, 8 bedrooms, 4 baths, 720 SF storage building, built in 1971, .48 acres land.
LAND:
1823 H Street Road, Blaine
317
#5, The Aerie at Semiahmoo Condominiums, 9150 Airie Lane, Blaine
# 107, Coast Haven Condominium, 7609 Birch Bay Drive, Blaine 8848 Bald Eagle Drive, Blaine
Birch Bay Drive, Blaine
Mitchell Avenue, Blaine
$1,395,000 $1,200,000 $1,459,000 $830,000 $1,155,000 $940,000 $1,300,000 $900,000 $925,000 $625,000 $750,000 $235,000 $715,000
sheriff’s report
June 1, 11:04 a.m.: Domestic order
violation cold call on Tyee Drive. One arrest for violation of a court order: domestic violence.
June 1, 11:35 a.m.: Assist agency on McLaren Road.
June 1, 12:09 p.m.: Assist agency on McLaren Road.
June 1, 12:09 p.m.: Follow up on Mill Road.
June 3, 3:08 p.m.: Message delivery on Madrona Place.
June 5, 4:06 p.m.: Domestic order violation on Tyee Drive.
June 7, 7:45 a.m.: Suspicious vehicle on Benson Road.
June 7, 4:36 p.m.: Domestic order violation cold call on Gulf View Circle.
June 7, 9:02 p.m.: Trespass on Gulf View Circle.
June 8, 9:37 p.m.: Mental on Simundson Drive.
June 8, 10:14 a.m.: Assist citizen cold call on Gulf Road.
June 9, 9:11 a.m.: Hit and run on Marine Drive.
June 9, 3:56 p.m.: Hulk vehicle on Gulf Road.
June 11, 4:06 p.m.: Assist citizen on Gulf Road.
June 11, 6:20 p.m.: Assist citizen on Gulf Road.
June 12, 5:54 p.m.: Whatcomm record on
Benson Road.
June 12, 7:46 p.m.: Suspicious person on Benson Road.
June 13, 11:19 a.m.: Assist citizen cold call on Tyee Drive.
June 13, 12:28 p.m.: Drugs cold call on Simundson Drive.
June 13, 9:08 p.m.: Welfare check on Culp Court and Boundary Bay Road.
June 13, 10:32 p.m.: Civil problem cold call on APA Road.
June 14, 9:25 a.m.: Civil problem cold call on Shaw Circle.
June 14, 11:51 a.m.: Assist citizen cold call on Benson Road.
June 14, 11:58 a.m.: Suspicious circumstances cold call on Edwards Drive.
June 14, 12:59 p.m.: Theft cold call on APA Road.
June 17, 9:37 a.m.: Sex crime no rape cold call on Ocean View Lane.
June 18, 1:37 p.m.: Serve warrant on Gulf Road.
June 19, 6:31 p.m.: Alarm audible on Churchill Drive.
June 20, 4:19 p.m.: Watch for on Marine Drive. June 23, 1:32 a.m.: Prowler on Evergreen Way.
Yacht Sales–Power and Sail Service
Import
Food bank rolls out new food closet
Point Roberts Food Bank has launched a new 24-hour “food closet” at its location on the corner of Gulf and Teller roads to provide continuous access to essential food items. The initiative aims to meet growing community needs with a convenient, accessible solution. “The food bank is serving more people than ever before. We are currently feeding about 50 families and anywhere from 85-110 people a week,” said food bank president Ray Smith. “We want to ensure everyone can access food whenever they need.”
Since acquiring the property a year ago, the food bank has used it for food and vehicle storage. Each Wednesday, the food is transported to the community center, where it is distributed to the public from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. The new food closet,
Library piCks
K ri S lom E dico
Bestsellers:
Red Star Falling Steve Berry
Swan Song Erin Hilderbrand
Camino Ghosts John Grisham
After Annie Annie Quindlen
Movies:
Godzilla X Kong Rebecca Hall
The Long Game Dennis Quaid
Big Sky River Kavan Smith
In the Land of Saints & Sinners Liam Neeson
Music:
Final, Vol 2 Enrique Iglesias
Road Back Home L. McKinnitt
Cowboy Carter Beyonce
Orchestras Bill Frisell
Teens:
Powerless Lauren Roberts
Snowglobe Soyoung Park
Betting on You Lynn Parker
Kids & Tweens:
The Beginning Kate DiCamillo
Roswell Johnson Saves the World Chris Colfer
A Pack of Your Own
Maria Nilsson Thore
Summer Hours: Tuesdays 1–7 p.m.
Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Express Hours: 6 a.m. – 11 p.m. daily. wcls.org
constructed from donated materials and built by Holger Michelsen, offers canned goods like vegetables and pasta, with canned proteins to follow.
Additionally, the food closet features a donation area vetted by the food bank before distribution. Donations can also be dropped off at the International Marketplace or made monetarily at Umpqua Bank or on the food bank website, prfoodbank.org. The food bank is always happy to welcome new volunteers for a couple of hours each Wednesday morning starting at 8 a.m. Those who are interested can contact the food bank through its website or can come in during distribution hours. An open house will be held after the 4th of July parade from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the food closet. Refreshments will be provided.
senior’s point
Wednesday, July 3: Pulled pork sandwich, French fries, coleslaw, and ice cream
Friday, July 5: Shrimp Louie, oatmeal bread and fresh fruit
Wednesday, July 10: Pasta primavera, Caesar salad and sliced peaches Friday, July 12: Salmon with lemon caper sauce, quinoa, kale citrus salad and dessert
Wednesday, July 17: Grilled Polish sausage, baked beans, spinach and dessert Friday, July 19: Meatloaf, roast potatoes, green beans and dessert
Wednesday, July 24: Tomato soup, grilled cheese, garden salad and dessert Friday, July 26: Scalloped potatoes with ham, mixed vegetables and apple crisps
Wednesday, July 31: Chicken Caesar salad, garlic bread and fruit Friday, August 2: Pizza (cheese or sausage), garden salad and dessert
Lunches are served from the dining room at the community center 11:45 a.m.–12:30 p.m. or until food runs out. Contact prseniors@whidbey.com or call the community center at 360/945-5424.
