Proposed campground draws mix of reactions
A proposal for a campground located at Mill and Johnson roads is still in the staff reviewing stage at the county planning and development department and is not expected to reach the hearing examiner’s office until October, according to county planner Maddie Schacht.
If approved, the project would be built in two stages with the first encompassing 65 camping, yurt and RV sites. There would be five buildings each no more than one story including a caretaker residence, general store and washroom and shower facilities. The second stage would bring the total number of sites to 164, according to the documents filed with the county.
According to the developer, Lorne Nielson, the aim is to keep the property as undeveloped as possible. Approximately 75 percent of the property will be kept in natural vegetation with as few trees cut as possible, he told attendees at a July 25 Point Roberts Community Advisory Committee (PRCAC) meeting.
Nielson outlined some of the ways that the project would further the goals of the Point Roberts sub-area plan. For one thing, he said, it would encourage the retention of trees and plant cover. “Our goal is to replant trees wherever possible,” he said. Another goal of the plan is to increase transient or tourist housing “and this project does that,” he pointed out.
The development will be clustered in the southeastern corner of the property taking up about one-third of the property. While the property is currently undeveloped, it was originally planned to be a continuation of the Dogwood Park development to the west and contains road cuts, fire hydrants and water mains that were installed in the 1970s. It currently has a Point Roberts Transitional Zone designation.
Many of the speakers at the PRCAC meeting were neighbors who were against the proposal citing concerns about noise, traffic, environmental degradation and project feasibility.
(See Campground, page 8)
survived.
A case of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning in Thurston County that has striking parallels to the 2021 deaths of Murray Church and Gail Amundsen has led to charges against two men accused of improperly installing a gas appliance. A father and son, Frank McCutcheon, 53, and Brett McCutcheon, 32, have been charged with manslaughter in the 2nd degree after a 21-year-old Evergreen State College student, Jonathan Rodriguez, died December 11, 2023, from CO poisoning due to the improper installation of a tankless hot water heater. Two female students, ages 19 and 20, were treated for CO poisoning but
The two men were service technicians working for Olympia Sheet Metal, a Tumwater-based HVAC company.
The charges were laid by the Thurston County prosecutor’s office following receipt of an investigative report issued by the Washington State Patrol (WSP) after a three-month investigation. The WSP hired a Texas-basic forensic engineering firm, Bison Engineering (BE), to examine the modular housing unit occupied by the three students to determine the source of the CO. BE investigators discovered a new tankless water heater inside the unit had not been installed per installation instruc-
(See Manslaughter, page 6)
Photo by Louise Mugar
With
No
Photo by John Clark
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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Ceighlee Fennel
Kris Lomedico
Jessica McVey
Annelle Norman
Victoria Smith
AmandaLyn Wayland
Barbara Wayland.
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opinion
Letters to the editor
The Editor: I wish to apologize for an oversight I made at the outdoor library concert last week [Ed. note: concert took place August 3]. Indeed, it was our first time participating in the Whatcom Grooves Series, but not our first ever outdoor concert. So sorry to have overlooked the times that Point Roberts Strings has performed for us indoors and out. You are a grand and talented ensemble, and the library is very grateful for your performances for its benefit.
Kris Lomedico
Whatcom County Library System Branch Manager Point Roberts
The Editor:
The time has come, the Walrus said, to raise a few questions and make some observations.
While I haven’t heard of accidents to fellow residents or their dogs on their walks or runs on the Point but I expect that close calls are not uncommon. Despite limited shoulders available for walking, off-pavement walking has been generally feasible as drivers are mostly careful and observant.
The county appears to treat the Point’s off-the-beaten-path roads as needing little maintenance. They don’t see the increasing numbers of black or gray vehicles as
added danger to walkers when they drive down heavily shaded tarmac-colored twolane roads forgetting that their vehicle’s near-matching road color makes them less visible unless they normally drive with headlights on (which many don’t).
Only limited lengths of roadway shoulder strips are maintained for walking here, despite the efforts of some volunteers try to keep bush and high grass cut for walkers. Somebody suggested that maybe the county could improve matters before dogs, or children or dedicated exercise enthusiasts suffer but who would pose such thoughts to this county’s leaders lest even more concerns go unheeded? We who live here need to find ways and means to improve walkways along our roads, just as we need to find ways to keep our community center open most daylight hours, just as we need to properly pave the entrance to our shopping center parking area which neither bank nor gas station nor shopping
center will touch.
Some of us feel too old to take long walks but still take note of walkers, especially during these comfortable warm days that have graced Point Roberts so often this summer. Perhaps a more organized local program to keep roadsides free of high growth might be feasible and not require county interventions.
My hope is that the Point can muster more able-bodied types to, at least once a month, attack invading limbs, branches or under-growth in key remaining road shoulders currently inhibiting walkers, etc.
Also, that residents of the Point can minimize how often they drive over 30 miles an hour on our dark and much-walked roadways – if for no other reason than to avoid any chance of the county assigning more law enforcement boys-in-blue reaching into our wallets for more money for county abuse.
We can influence each other by exemplary driving when walkers, children, dogs, horses and riders, joggers, etc. are in evidence. Meanwhile, we can collect enough paving to nocturnally slowly fill in that unfinished trough at our market’s entryway/exit way, one thin layer at a time. All in favor say “aye.”
Campbell McClusky Point Roberts
Point Roberts Garden Club: From Seedling to Blossoming Community Hub
B y C ei G hlee F ennel
What started as a small seed has now grown into a full branched club with flowering projects and dedicated gardeners. The Point Roberts Garden Club is open to everyone and has roughly 35 current members.
Lucy Williams started this new club when the community found out the garden tour was dissolving. Williams and others didn’t want to see the tour disappear, so she gathered up the interested parties, put them in a room together, and let them decide the next steps.
“I was looking at all these strong, intelligent women and thinking ‘what we need is a garden club and the club can run the tour,’” Williams said. “Officially, I started the second club but mainly through observation and bringing people together during the biggest flood ever.”
That initial meeting was right in the middle of the horrible storm on February 4, 2006. Homes were flooding and the town was in chaos. However, the storm didn’t stop the gardeners from wading through the thigh-deep water to the community center where they’ve been meeting monthly ever since.
Since that fateful meeting, there has been a lot of growth. Instead of the sole focus being the garden tours, the club also works on a wide range of activities from plant sales to gorilla gardening, to beautification projects and more.
The most recent plant and garden sale was on May 18 at the president’s house. They sold plants, tools, garden décor and soil. By the time they packed up, they only had one table of plants left and all the soil had been spoken for.
“The garden sale went well,” Jane Donaldson, the garden club’s treasurer, said. “We had a new venue this year, so we are glad we got as many people as we did.”
The sale is how the club gets a decent amount of their funding since their Garden Tour has been placed on hold since Covid.
The Garden Tour takes around a year to
plan, so there is potential for it to restart in 2026. The club usually selects eight or nine gardens for the public to self-tour with a teatime for refreshments and relaxation in the community center. Past years had roughly 300 to 600 people attending each tour.
President Kimberly Butts wishes more people knew about the club because they are a lot of fun and they love to share everything garden related.
“Everyone is so nice and there’s no agenda other than helping people with their gardens and learning,” Butts said. “We are a supportive and social club where everyone loves to garden.”
At meetings, they sometimes have guest speakers speak on topics like noxious weeds and invasive species, while other times they get to bring in and show off their favorite gardening tools. They also have a newspaper column in the All Point Bulletin to spread knowledge about interesting gardening information.
One of the beautification projects they are working on in partnership with the county is along Tyee Drive. This is a longterm project with continual maintenance and planting involved, especially during these spring months when gardening kicks into gear.
A fall project that involves the community is gorilla gardening, specifically using flowering bulbs. People can come pick up the bulbs for free and plant them in visible areas along streets.
The Point Roberts Garden Club is dealing with the challenge of recruiting younger members. They try to get the word out at other events, but club members aren’t sure if the new additions will be enough to keep the club running.
One of the benefits of joining is having a space where community members can catch up with neighbors and learn new gardening tactics. During sum-
mer months, their meetings can be found in members’ gardens where they enjoy having creative discussions and giving advice.
“We are a great social club,” said Rhiannon Allen, the garden club’s secretary. “We like each other and have fun together. We like visiting each other’s gardens and going to new gardens too.”
Point Roberts is an incredible climate for almost all things gardening. The West Coast marine climate makes it possible to grow a variety of plants since there is ample light and water with mild seasons yearround. Butts also mentioned the added benefit of having local beekeepers to help with pollination.
However, the soil can be more difficult to work with because of its coarse and rocky texture. Gardeners can improve the soil by buying bagged soil from the hardware store or getting it in bulk to bring across the border.
It’s a good thing the Point Roberts Garden Club is here to help anyone with their gardening needs. They love to educate people on plants and growing here in the community, while their work parties and projects keep Point Roberts beautiful and blooming.
s Rhiannon Allen with seedlings..
Photo by Ceighlee Fennel
Annual apple harvest festival returns
B y a nnelle n orman
The Circle of Care-sponsored seventh annual Apple Harvest Festival will be a fun weekend with freshly pressed apple cider, bingo and dancing at the Gala/Tiny Art Auction opening.
There will be apple pressing at the community center Saturday and Sunday, September 28 and 29. The dining hall will become a nightclub with the dance music of Point Roberts’ own “The Point Band.” Either dress up (it is a gala, after all) or
come in your jeans.
There will be a Tiny Art Gallery Auction with artistic masterpieces contributed by local artists. Alcohol will be served. Tickets are $15 when purchased in advance or $20 at the door.
Bingo happens on Sunday from 2 to 4:30 p.m. with snacks, popcorn, wine and beer. The festival is Circle of Care’s major fundraising event of the year.
We are always grateful for volunteers to help – please contact us at prcircleofcare@ gmail.com.
September Sunday Services at 11:00am:
Sun. 1st Rev Bar Mar & Guests Worship and Meditation
www.pointrobertschurch.com
December Services at 11:00am: (Potluck after Services)
Sun. 3rd Interfaith Minister Bev Mar Worship and Meditation
Sun. 8th 11:00 am. Rev Bar Mar & Guest Worship and Meditation 4:00 pm. Concert with Gina Zollman
Sun. 15th To Be Announced
Sun. 10 t h Pastor Gina Gaudet Contemporary Service
Sun. 1 7t h Pastor Jean & Pastor Gina Combination Service
Sun. 22nd Father Martin Pommerenke Traditional Service with Communion
Sun. 24th Past o r Je a n B ar ri n gt o n Traditional Service
Sun. 29th No Morning Service Jazz Vespers @ 4:00pm
Mon. 25th Interfaith Minister Bev Mar Readings & Carols
Sun. 31st 4:00pm Jazz Vespers Service Music & Inspirational oughts
Note: No Morning Service on the 31st
Manslaughter ...
From page 1
tions nor according to national fuel gas codes. According to the engineering report, both the intake and exhaust venting were improperly installed.
The heater had been installed on December 4, but it wasn’t until December 11 that CO detectors began sounding off. Housing employees turned off the detectors a number of times, believing the problem was due to the detectors being faulty.
According to the Thurston County prosecutor’s office, a technician who arrived later in the evening began moving through the unit to check the detectors and found the three students in distress. Rodriguez was declared dead on the scene.
According to the charges, the forensic engineer found that “no outside combustion air was provided to this unit … the exhaust piping was not sealed and properly connected,” the improper air intake and exhaust venting was the cause of the carbon monoxide, and the unit had not been installed per the manufacturer’s installation instructions or in accordance with National Fuel Gas Code,” according to the charges.
The engineer also stated that the heater’s installation was outside the accepted practice in the field and that was a negligent installation, according to the affidavit of probable cause.
Under Washington state law, a person is guilty of manslaughter in the second degree when, with criminal negligence, he or she causes the death of another person (9A.32.070). Manslaughter in the second degree is a class B felony.
A person is criminally negligent or acts with criminal negligence when he or she fails to be aware of a substantial risk that a wrongful act may occur and his or her failure to be aware of such substantial risk constitutes a gross deviation from the standard of care that a reasonable person would exercise in the same situation.
The Evergreen tragedy has striking similarities to the deaths of Murray Church and Gail Amundsen due to CO poisoning in Point Roberts on Thanksgiving 2021. Their deaths were also due to the improper installation of a gas appliance, in their case, a condensing boiler installed in the newly constructed home by Andgar Heating and Cooling. The installer failed to replace the furnace’s injector with one designed to be used with propane instead of the natural gas injector that comes standard from the factory. Point Roberts has never had natural gas service and all gas appliances must be converted for use with propane, a fact that should be well-known to any business installing gas appliances on the Point.
The Andgar installer also failed to perform tests required by the furnace manufacturer that would have highlighted the
error, he failed to place a sticker saying the furnace had been converted to propane and the exhaust pipes leading to the outside appeared to be installed incorrectly. It was the exhaust pipe’s failure after it was blown apart that allowed CO to accumulate inside the residence leading to the two deaths.
In this case, no alarms were set off – according to the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) investigation, no CO detectors had been installed by the electrical contractor, Shoreline Electric, despite the fact that CO detectors have been required in new and remodeled residences since 2011.
In addition, Whatcom County issued a final occupancy permit despite the obvious deficiencies with the furnace installation and the lack of CO detectors.
A civil lawsuit filed by the children of the couple against the furnace manufacturer, the county, Andgar, Shoreline Electric and general contractor Optimum Contracting was settled for $8 million earlier this year. Neither the county or the furnace manufacturer was part of the settlement and the lawsuit against them continues.
Following the news of the charges being laid against the Tumwater two, the All Point Bulletin contacted Whatcom County Sheriff “Tank” Tanksley to ask how the sheriff’s office and the county prosecutor’s office work together to determine if charges should be laid, especially in cases where the criminal element may not immediately be apparent. In response, WCSO public information officer Deb Slater wrote in an email that “The WCSO consults with the prosecutor’s office on a case-by-case basis. In this case, it was determined that this was a tragic accidental event with no intent to harm anyone.”
In a follow-up email, the All Point Bulletin asked if the WCSO had consulted with the prosecutor’s office specifically on the Murray/Church case and it had been mutually determined that it was an accidental event. In response, Slater wrote, “The WCSO forwarded a copy of the investigation to the civil division of the prosecutor’s office. The WCSO determined that there were no grounds for criminal charges.”
In a phone interview on August 27, Whatcom County prosecuting attorney Eric Richey was asked how the prosecutor’s office and the WCSO would normally determine if criminal charges were warranted. “The way it works is, we have conversations with the sheriff’s office, they’ll meet with us and talk it through, and we’ll make a determination,” Richey said. Told that in this case the WCSO had merely forwarded a copy of the investigation and had determined on their own that no criminal charges were warranted, Richey asked, “So they said they had dropped off something at the civil department?” When told, “Yes,” Richey merely replied, “Okay.”
Asked if the lack of discussion between the two agencies surprised him, Richey said, “You know, I can’t really comment on that, we are a party to civil litigation at this time.” Asked if he was able to explain why charges had been laid in the Evergreen College case but not in the arguably more negligent case in Point Roberts, Richey said, “I can only say that I have not had a criminal case referred to me for criminal charges involving this. I can go further on that and say criminal charges are not always filed. I don’t know what happened here. I guess I don’t want to comment any more than that. I really can’t comment.” Asked if the prosecutor’s office might be interested in taking a deeper look at the case, Richey said, “Again, I’m not going to comment on that.”
Following the deaths, in December 2021 the All Point Bulletin made an open public record request of Whatcom County, asking for copies of all communications received or sent by county staff regarding the circumstances behind the couple’s death.
s The exhaust flue was blown off of the boiler allowing CO to build up to fatal levels in the newly constructed Point Roberts home. Courtesy photo
Manslaughter ...
From page 6
There was just one email that included the county prosecutor’s office. In it, county public works assistant director Steve Roberge asked civil prosecutor Royce Buckingham to weigh in the county’s response to an enquiry made by the All Point Bulletin on December 13 regarding the deaths. Roberge wrote, “Royce, would like to discuss our response with you prior to giving it. Let me know if that should be a separate meeting or if we can incorporate in our 11 [a.m. meeting]?”
One of the questions asked by the All Point Bulletin was how an occupancy permit was allowed to be issued given the glaring and obvious deficiencies in the final inspection process. Roberge responded by writing, “We know that the house was inspected by our staff prior to occupancy. At the time of inspection, the house was approved for occupancy. Carbon monoxide detectors are required for new construction and are included in the final inspection review.”
On January 23, 2023, the county filed its response to the lawsuit brought against it and the other parties. In it, the county took the position that while the county’s “actions were taken pursuant to a duty owed to the public and required by statutes that require the Defendant to inspect buildings … [T]he Defendants owed no duty to the Plaintiffs as individuals.” The county then cited a case that established the public duty doctrine “creates a duty where the building inspector has actual knowledge of an inherently dangerous and hazardous condition.” It then went onto to say, “However, the Defendant did not have actual knowledge of an inherently dangerous and hazardous condition at 549 Calder Drive…” Given that furnaces and CO detectors are part of the final inspection, and the lack of a required sticker attesting that the furnace had been converted to propane could indicate “an inherently dangerous and hazardous condition,” it could reasonably be inferred that the building inspector did not actually check either the furnace or the detectors.
In a follow up open public records re-
quest made by the All Point Bulletin on August 20 asking for all WCSO and Whatcom County prosecutor’s office communications regarding the Church/Amundsen deaths, public records officer Rick Gregory estimated it would take until September 30 to provide any records but would take until December 6 before a search of the county’s email server could be undertaken.
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
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Campground ...
From page 1
One speaker, Tom Walters, relatively new to the Point and a neighbor to the project said, “One of our biggest concerns really is with the scale of this development. We’re talking about hundreds of people, potentially, in a neighborhood where they have no particular stake in the care for that neighborhood. We’re a little concerned about this being a transient population, but at the same time, we also wonder if it’s maybe not going to be transient enough with the 180-day stay. The question occurs to us, is this going to become a kind of shanty town for seasonal workers?”
A Shady Glen resident expressed his opposition to the project, saying, “Some of us come here and we like things just the way they are. We don’t need any economic development. We’re quite happy with the way things are. I don’t need this economic development or all the noise and everything else that goes with it. So that’s my two cents.”
“My family goes back here for five generations,” said Ken Calder. “My great, great grandfather homesteaded here in the 1890s. In the early ’90s, I actually lived at and worked at one of the trailer parks and when the people who owned it at the time, Gary and Kim Pringle, decided to move on, it was bought by a family and closed up. Same things happened to two other campgrounds in Point Roberts, Bells Grove,
down on Edwards Drive there was a trailer park right on the beach, and another one that used to be down by the Blackfish development. North of Lighthouse Park was another campground that had closed down over the years. I see the benefits of a campground here. There’s always a park ranger of the campground, and when you come into a campground, you sign an agreement stating that you’ll follow the rules. I’m sure that there will be stronger noise ordinances in this campground than what we put up with all our weekend people coming down on the Canadian long weekends. I’m all for it,” he said.
Responding to some of the points raised by the speakers, Nielson said, “The challenge that we’re going to have with this campground is creating something that people will want to come to. It’s not on the beach but there is a trend. First of all, we have 2 million people that live within an hour of Point Roberts, and a whole bunch of these people have campers. They struggle to find places to camp and have to book online a year in advance to get a spot. We want to create an environment that people will want to come to and so the focus of this campground is nature. It’s going to be amongst the trees. The campground is for people to come experience nature. There is a movement out there called forest washing, getting back to nature.”
He also addressed the issue of smoke, fire danger and the length of stays saying that as the fire marshal had already discouraged open fires on the property, they
would be using propane fire pits which produce no sparks or smoke. He added they could look at reducing the 180-day stay limit as they had only included it to prevent long term stays.
Nielson also promised that issues of noise would be handled promptly. “This facility will be managed professionally. We will have a manager there so if there is noise or problems that will be dealt with
immediately, because the manager lives on site,” he promised.
“I don’t know what it will mean in 50 or 100 years but I think keeping one 50-acre parcel as a mostly treed campground will mean a lot more to the community than a bunch of empty building lots,” Nielson said, a reference to an earlier comment he had made regarding housing developments that had failed to build out.
Port to spend $100,000 in tax money to make taxpayers like them
B y G ra C e m C C arthy that such contracts required competitive bidding only for contracts over $100,000, the $99,396 contract would comply.
Port of Bellingham commissioners unanimously approved spending nearly $100,000 on public relations to improve its public image during its August 13 meeting.
Commissioners authorized port executive director Rob Fix to execute a one-year strategic communications campaign with Conflux Associates, a Bellingham-based company owned by Peter Frazier. The contract is set to end August 31, 2025.
The port’s goals with the communications campaign include making the public more aware of its vision, clarifying the port’s work, gaining public support, increasing the port’s power and ability to do its work, and improving employee morale and retention, according to a port memo.
In fact, from the wording of the proposal, it appears that the Port was approached by Conflux Associates. After an introduction describing the public’s poor opinion of the Port, the proposal includes the following passage: “You have one option to reverse this deficit. It’s the proposal I am bringing you today: a strategic communications campaign plan…”
No website was available for Conflux Associates LLC and the business address provided on the contract agreement was for a home near Chuckanut Drive in Bellingham. The Washington State Secretary of State website shows that the company registered in June 2017.
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The contract comes at the heels of public scrutiny toward the port, most recently after the port let go of Bellingham International Airport’s aviation director in mid-July. Deputy aviation director Emily Phillipe resigned August 12, according to an August 14 Cascadia Daily News article.
The port commissioners approved the contract in their consent agenda, a section of the meeting where items are voted in a single motion typically without discussion. The contract was one of 14 consent agenda items, where four items were listed as action items.
Under state law, expenditures over $50,000 and under $200,000 can only be authorized if there is documented evidence of competition except in very limited cases. There was no evidence produced during the consent agenda action item to indicate the contract was presented to any other public relations firm or if the Port has a policy that would allow contracts of that size to be authorized without competition. For example, if the Port had a policy
Frazier, who also helped found Hotel Leo and Heliotrope Hotel, wrote in the proposal to the port that it “pains me to see Port of Bellingham take such a reputational beating. The problem has been growing for some time but has reached a critical nadir.” He added the port’s reputation would impact hiring, job satisfaction and team building.
In his strategic communications campaign plan, Frazier wrote that the opinion of the port is low and that “a nuanced discussion about the work of the port is beyond most voters and taxpayers.”
“We will create a soaring and plausible vision of what Whatcom County will look like in the near future when the Port has fulfilled its mission, its partnerships have succeeded, and community economic development opportunities have been realized,” Frazier wrote in the proposal.
“Goals help us get to where we want to go, but inspiring people is difficult without a clear, tangible, and attractive vision. This vision is not intended to be public-facing in this form.”
s Site plan of proposed campground.
Point Roberts considers ‘Candid Camera’ for couch criminals
B y e rin K elly
There was at least one unusual idea presented at the Point Roberts Community Advisory (PRCAC) meeting on August 15 and that was the installation of roadside cameras to discourage illegal dumping.
The concept came from an earlier meeting of the Point Roberts Taxpayers Association (PRTA), where it was suggested placing security cameras at locations prone to dumping. One taxpayer even offered to donate a camera. There was talk of creating a library of cameras that the public could check out to place in areas where people usually dump their unwanted furniture and appliances.
“I don’t think anyone disagrees that this is an issue we need to address,” said board member Annelle Norman. “We will start with one camera and solicit funds from the community to purchase more.” The plan was to install the cameras semi-permanently until the issue at that location is resolved, after which the cameras would be moved to new problem areas.
Committee chair Alli Calder voiced con-
cerns, saying, “I’m going to be the naysayer. You can’t install anything in the rightof-way; it belongs to Whatcom County. We can’t go installing cameras on county property, such as posts or telephone poles, because that’s illegal. If someone happens to have a piece of property that was a problem area, I suggest they place a camera on their property facing the right-of-way.”
Calder continued, adding, “It’s a very slippery slope for either taxpayers or PRCAC to attempt something like this within a county right-of-way since it’s not our jurisdiction. If the county wants to do that, it’s up to them.”
“If someone uses a camera provided by the association for illicit purposes, like spying on a neighbor, the association could be held liable. Not everyone is honest, and someone may be using them for something that they shouldn’t be doing,” she warned,
Norman concluded, “Taxpayers need to have another conversation about setting this up and discuss liability. We might also consider using the funds to create signs instead.”
Congratulations to the Dollar Scholars!
y F ern P eltier
Roberts Dollars for Scholars is thrilled to announce the recipients of our 2024-2025 scholarships.
Congratulations to Sean Heppner, Ryan Heppner, Saffron Burberry, Claire Swanson, Angelo Tarlit, Julia Farkasch, Jack Procter, Alexandra Grubb, Jonathan Tuazon, Jenna Tuason, Lydia Quezada, and three additional students who are pending final requirements.
Thanks to the generous contributions
of our financial partners, who donated a total of $22,542, each student will receive a scholarship of $1,300. We would like to extend special recognition to three outstanding partners for their exceptional support: Whidbey Telecom, The Helen & Jose Colton Foundation, and the Giancarlo & Odette Tognetti Legacy Trust Foundation, each of whom donated over $3,000.
For thank you letters from our recipients and more information about our community support, please visit pointroberts. dollarsforscholars.org.
s A Sound Bath on the Trinity Church lawn on August 11 featured sound healing and meditation with shamanic drumming, crystal singing bowls, vocal harmonies and didgeridoo with Bryan Langsdale and Megan Kennedy. Photo by Erin Kelly
Point
B
s Among the top winners in the Maple Beach Sandcastle Contest on August 4 were: Chunky’s Catch, Ride that Wave and Shark Attack Photos Stephen Fowler
s Dylan Deane-Boyle, CEO, and Lindsey Gerhard, destination development manager, check out the History Center and the new History Trail map. The Rubber Duck Museum at Kora’s Corner was a big hit.
s Lunch at Saltwater Cafe with Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism and Point Roberts Chamber of Commerce board members. From left, new chamber president Wayne Lyle, Louise Mugar, Dylan Deane-Boyle, Lorne Nielson, Lindsey Gerhard, and Linda Hughes. Not pictured director Tamra Hansen who was in the kitchen.
Large turnout for Point Roberts Fire District Open House
The Point Roberts Fire Department Open House had a large turnout on August 24. The community got a close-up look at the fire hall and a full variety of emergency vehicles, including the emergency medical helicopter.
Another doggone rescue story
Local fire personnel turned out to rescue a pooch that had fallen down the gully at the east end of Cedar Point Avenue. Assistant chief John Shields rappelled down the cliff to the
dog, body harnessed the dog and the team hauled it up safely along with chief Shields (but at separate times). It was a great day for the dog and fire district.
Photos by Louise Mugar
Transfer station to get a face lift
Whatcom County has applied for a conditional use permit to replace the office at the Johnson Road transfer station. The county hearing examiner has scheduled a September 3 public hearing on the application.
The 2024/2025 school year at Point Roberts Primary School is upon us! We are excited about partnering with families to serve the students of the Point Roberts community from Kindergarten to Second Grade! A new school year is an opportunity to look at the successes of previous years and make new commitments to our educational goals that will directly impact student learning and create memories for our students who spend their earliest learning years in our special multi-age school.
The run-down building on site now totals 1,850 square feet in size and will be replaced with a 500-SF modular unit to be constructed off-site and shipped to the transfer station. Various retaining walls will also be assessed and improved at the same time.
A conditional use permit is required because the transfer station is located in a R5A zoning area and despite being in operation for many years, a CUP was never sought or approved.
Marina to get a sand lift
The Point Roberts Marina has applied for permission to do a bypass dredging operation later this fall. This involves taking sand from the east side of the harbor breakwater and moving it to the west side. This differs from a channel dredging which involves a greater amount of material and is subject to different rules.
Dredging operations typically take place in the November/December period in order to avoid disrupting forage fish that are active on the shoreline earlier in the year. Bypass dredging was a requirement of the original permitting of the marina back in the 1970s. The bluffs at Lily Point act as feeder bluffs, meaning that their erosion and consequent drift westward acts to replenish the beach west of Lily Point.
The construction of the breakwater disrupts the western flow of sand and acts as a dam. The bypass takes the built-up sand and moves it to the west side where it can continue to feed the shorefront. Interestingly, according to an agreement signed by the developers and property owners west of the breakwater, owners have the right in
perpetuity to demand the removal of the breakwater should the marina fail to perform bypass dredging on a regular schedule should their beaches or property be damaged.
Dredging the harbor channel is authorized through a 10-year permit due to expire in 2026, according to state department of ecology shoreline specialist Laura Inouye. Whatcom County, Army Corps of Engineers, departments of ecology, natural resources and fish and wildlife all are involved in the permit approval process. Material removed is analyzed before it is allowed to be placed on the foreshore. Excessive sediment or heavy metals would preclude it being used for beach replenishment.
According to the DOE, the last bypass dredge took place in December 2020. Prioer to that, the last large dredging operation took place in 2017 and the marina was not allowed to place the dredged material back into the water due to high sediment level. That dredge cost $850,000 according to then-marina manager Wayne Knowles.
F I r Shore Garden Solut I ons
This school year we are excited to welcome our community’s new public service assistant, Ms. AmandaLyn Wayland. We are appreciative of our long-term relationship with the WCLS, Point Roberts Library staff. This collaboration allows our students to build a special relationship with their own school librarian that extends beyond our school and continues long after students leave our campus. I am also thankful for the opportunity to work with Ms. Wayland to connect our in-class reading and writing with our library visits each month. I know that our work together this summer coupled with Ms. Wayland’s educational background in English and Linguistics will positively impact our students’ education! In addition, our shared goals of expanding our students’ literacy skills while also practicing real-world application through the use of the WCLS library system will give our students a deep appreciation of our community library resource.
Another exciting goal for the 2024/2025 school year is our commitment to STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) Education this school year. Over the summer, I had the chance to collaborate with Outdoor Schools Washington with the purpose of making our Nature Walks and Beach trips more educationally impactful for our young scientists who spend time learning outdoors within the natural resources of our community. I am excited to share the natural beauty of Point Roberts with our students as we explore, ask questions, research and record our findings throughout the school year.
Enrollment is now open for the 24/25 school year. If you are new to the area, please reach out to us to learn about Point Roberts Primary we would love to welcome you to our school family!
Looking forward to a great year ahead!
Jessie Hettinga, M.S.Ed Principal jhettinga@blainesd.org
Hello, Blaine School District students, staff, families, and community.
As we look forward to the 2024-2025 school year, we are excited about the opportunities for our students, staff and community. This year, we remain focused on improving student outcomes through our use of data and strong instruction in each classroom.
We are also increasing our focus on family communication. Our communications will be consolidated with the use of ParentSquare which replaces multiple platforms used in the past. ParentSquare also makes it possible for interested community members to receive my weekly parent newsletter. Click on the QR code link below to sign up for this mailing list. In addition, I want to bring your attention to our district’s social media re-launch. Follow us at “Blaine School District, WA” on Facebook and Instagram.
With careful planning and strategic timing, we are asking voters to consider approval of a capital bond on the November General Election ballot which would (if approved) keep local tax rates flat while allowing us to make major updates across the district. Check our website for opportunities to learn more about this initiative.
The world of education continues to evolve, and we continue to strive to be the best place for students to receive a high-quality well-rounded education. This includes the addition of a secondary online learning option beginning this year. We get to work with your students each day, and that is a tremendous gift you entrust us with.
It will take all of us working together to maximize the potential for our students and we want to do that in collaboration with you. I will continue to host a monthly Supper with the Superintendent to provide parents and community members with an opportunity to have open discussion in a town hall format. The Superintendent’s Advisory Committee continues to provide feedback on items under consideration for the future, such as a balanced school year calendar. If you are interested in participating on that committee, please email me at cgranger@blainesd.org. Whether it is one of the above options, or volunteering in the building, or joining a parent teacher organization or booster club, we look forward to working with you as a partner in supporting the success of “Each Student, Each Day!”
Sincerely,
Dr. Christopher Granger, Superintendent Each Student. Each Day.
Question of the month: Where is your favorite place to walk?
s Lighthouse Park” Stephen Falk and Parker.” Has lived here full-time for 11 years.
LocaL stats >>>
Fire Incidents for July 2024
Total calls (55); EMS calls (18), resulting in the following transports: St. Joseph Hospital (4), Airlift Northwest (3); fire classification (15) resulting in outdoor burn – permit (5), outdoor burn – illegal (3), false alarm (4), power lines down (1), wrong address (1), water problem (1); public service (6); EMS CARES/MIHC (16).
Point Roberts health clinic numbers for July 2024 (2023 figures following)
Total 205 (163); office visit 173 (95); labs 15 (16); PT/INR 1 (8); telemedicine visit 16 (14); Physical exams 0 (4); skin clinic 6 (11); B12 and flu shots 4 (15).
s “Seabright and Lily Point.” Robin Nault. Been here full- and part-time since 1991.
s “Baker Field and around the Cliff Road and Province loop.” Todd and Iz Dreyer and Gogi. Have lived here full-time for two years.
ri S
D i C o
Bestsellers:
The Heist Clive Cussler
Sipsworth Simon Van Booy
All the Colors of the Dark
Chris Whitaker
How to Age Disgracefully Clare Pooley
Movies:
The Watchers Dakota Fanning
The Bikeriders Jodie Comer
Finest Kind Tommy Lee Jones
Babes Michelle Buteau
Music:
I’m Not Broken Melisa Etheridge Still Kids New Kids on the Block Rebel Anne Wilson
The Tortured Poets Dept. Taylor Swift Teens: My Salty Mary Cynthia Hand The Grandest Game
Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Chasing Embers Glenn Beck
Kids:
Bird Brain Joanne Levy
When Wishes Were Horses
Cynthia Voight
Littie Shrew Akiko Miyakoshi
Always ask the friends in The Commons for more recommendations.
Library Hours: Tuesdays 1 to 7 p.m., Wednesdays and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Express Hours: 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily wcls.org
sheriff’s report
August 1, 7:17 a.m.: Vandalism cold call on Simundson Drive.
August 1, 10:08 a.m.: Follow up on Simundson Drive.
August 2, 12:10 p.m.: Assist citizen cold call on Benson Road.
August 2, 1:17 p.m.: Traffic hazard on Tyee Drive.
August 2, 2:42 p.m.: Serve warrant on Mill Road.
August 3, 10:49 a.m.: Request for law enforcement on Benson Road.
August 3, 11:16 a.m.: Vehicle abandoned on Peltier Drive.
August 3, 3:29 p.m.: Welfare check on Tyee Drive.
August 4, 10:08 a.m.: Vehicle abandoned on Peltier Drive.
August 4, 5:21 p.m.: Follow up on Madrona Place.
August 8, 6:35 a.m.: Welfare check on Johnson Road.
August 8, 10:38 a.m.: Assist citizen cold call on Wellington Road.
August 9, 12:59 p.m.: Littering cold call on Elm Street.
August 9, 2:56 p.m.: Littering cold call on Elm Street.
August 9, 9:94 p.m.: Fireworks on Marine Drive.
August 10, 9:52 a.m.: Vehicle abandoned cold call on Peltier Drive.
August 10, 6:58 p.m.: Assist agency on Tyee Drive and Gulf Road.
August 11, 11:41 a.m.: Hulk vehicle on N Cedar Park Drive.
August 13, 6:39 p.m.: Vehicle prowl cold call on S Beach Road.
August 14, 1:24 p.m.: Subject with weapon
crossings >>>
June 2024 (2023): Personal vehicles
94,354 (90,415); commercial vehicles 599 (737); buses 18 (24); pedestrians 1,010 (804).
July 2024 (2023): Personal vehicles 108,589 (105,454); commercial vehicles 670 (576); buses [not available] (8); pedestrians 1,645 (1,243).
senior’s point
m enu S F or S e P tem B er
Wednesday, September 4: Chef’s choice.
Friday, September 6: Chicken apple walnut salad, whole grain roll and fresh grapes.
Wednesday, September 11: Turkey meatloaf, mashed potatoes and gravy, peas and carrots, garden salads and dessert.
Friday, September 13: salmon with lemon caper sauce, quinoa, mixed vegetables and brownies for international chocolate day.
Wednesday, September 18: Cheese ravioli with marinara, wheat bread stick, Italian vegetables, Caesar salad and sliced peaches.
Friday, September 20: Hearty beef stew, buttermilk biscuit, garden salad and orange slices.
Wednesday, September 25: Tuscan sausage soup, rosemary focaccia, Caesar salad and fresh fruit.
Friday, September 27: Chicken enchiladas with sour cream, Spanish rice, cabbage salad and fresh pineapple. 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 360/9455424 for more information.
cold call on Elizabeth Drive.
August 19, 10:57 a.m.: Domestic physical on Island View Lane.
August 19, 11:08 a.m.: Assist citizen on Simundson Drive.
August 20, 12:41 p.m.: Suicidal subject on Benson Road.
August 20, 2:51 p.m.: Motor vehicle accident blocking on Gulf Road.
August 23, 3:01 p.m.: Welfare check on Edwards Drive.
August 25, 4:11 p.m.: Refer to other agency on Cedar Point Avenue and dead end.
September Tides
Fr 6 2:15 am 6.5 8:15 am 11.8 1:54 pm 7.5 8:04 pm 13.1 Sa 7 2:45 am 6.0 9:09 am 11.8 2:28 pm 8.5 8:22 pm 12.9
Su 8 3:19 am 5.5 10:11 am 11.9
3:06 pm 9.6 8:42 pm 12.7
Mo 9 3:57 am 5.2 11:23 am 12.0 3:50 pm 10.5 9:02 pm 12.5
Tu 10 4:43 am 4.9 12:51 pm 12.1 4:48 pm 11.3 9:26 pm 12.3
We 11 5:41 am 4.7 2:23 pm 12.4 6:20 pm 11.8 10:04 pm 12.2
Th 12 6:45 am 4.4 3:35 pm 12.8 8:22 pm 11.8 11:12 pm 12.1
Fr 13 7:51 am 4.0 4:21 pm 13.1 9:30 pm 11.5
Sa 14 12:42 am 12.0 8:53 am 3.5
4:55 pm 13.3 10:12 pm 10.8
Su 15 2:10 am 12.1 9:49 am 3.2 5:23 pm 13.6 10:50 pm 9.9
Mo 16 3:32 am 12.4 10:37 am 3.2
5:47 pm 13.8 11:30 pm 8.7
Tu 17 4:42 am 12.7 11:23 am 3.7 6:11 pm 13.9
We 18 12:08 am 7.3 5:46 am 13.0 12:07 pm 4.5 6:37 pm 14.1
Th 19 12:50 am 5.9 6:50 am 13.2 12:51 pm 5.8 7:03 pm 14.1
Fr 20 1:32 am 4.7 7:54 am 13.4 1:37 pm 7.2 7:33 pm 14.0
Sa 21 2:16 am 3.7 9:00 am 13.4 2:25 pm 8.7 8:03 pm 13.8
Su 22 3:04 am 3.2 10:14 am 13.4 3:21 pm 10.0 8:33 pm 13.4
Mo 23 3:54 am 3.1 11:32 am 13.4 4:31 pm 11.0 9:09 pm 12.8 Tu 24 4:52 am 3.4 12:58 pm 13.4 6:07 pm 11.4 9:51 pm 12.2
We
Roberts Self Storage
The first Sunday of August featured a reunion of the Trinity Music Camp, where former campers sang songs from past plays, and three former crew members performed original pieces. Kiara Strijack began with a compilation of Bible verses set to melody, and Julian Neufeld sang an original song. AmandaLyn Wayland wrote a tribute to the annual events held at the church from 2006 to 2018:
“An Ode to Music Camp”
mudgeons in highlighter yellow t-shirts, leaving me in their dust as I tried to keep up. My cheeks hurt from smiling.
“Grammy,” I said one day, “Point Roberts is a magical place.”
livered through my earbuds, the jolt of an electric guitar riff, the soft blurry quality of a perfectly overproduced pop song. There’s a direct line there, a shortcut to reminding myself that, oh, it’s okay to feel, okay to connect because that is where the stories lie, that is where we are built.
The first time, we got lost. It was the middle of the night, and the world felt like a tight, black coat of stars. I’d never been so cold, bundled in a warm jacket that made me waddle like a penguin whenever I flopped out of the car. We were in a foreign land, surrounded by so few lights that the stars seemed to beam directly above. Asking strangers for help, I was tired, my grandma was tired, yet I felt safe. We were going home –a place I’d never been.
My first trip to Point Roberts, December 2006. The house was purple, my breath was visible, and everyone smiled at me as if I had something important to say. I didn’t understand, but I was happy. My first group of companions were old cur-
Just when I got used to the routine, another curveball came my way: Music Camp. I pictured kids slumping around, blowing into tubas and clarinets, and didn’t see myself fitting in. But my memories of happiness are like clear spring water slipping through my fingers – hard to distinguish from what was already there.
Music Camp was one long stream of sunlight, where I could be loud, wild, silly, or hopelessly dramatic. It was the first place where my “too much” didn’t feel like a bad thing. I could be myself.
Music has always been personal to me, a shortcut to reminding myself that it’s okay to feel and connect. There are days when I wake up, my heart threatening to beat out of my chest, my gaze convinced that I’m still in a dream, that if I reach out and touch, the world won’t hold there, just dissolve. On those days, I lean on big Broadway productions filtered through tinny phone speakers, sobering rap lyrics de-
$15 for 15 words (plus 25¢ each additional word).
At Music Camp, I met myself and got to know people who were way cooler than I was, who could do backflips, sew new clothes, and sing with angelic voices. It was where I learned that acting is about sharing deep truths, where I learned to
trust, to try, and to turn mistakes into opportunities.
Everyone has a place at Music Camp, whether front and center or behind the scenes. We all get to expand our talents and learn about the less-comfortable areas. I used to think I had to leave home to be free but Point Roberts has become my home. I’m learning to settle down, open up, and tell people how I really feel. It’s hard and scary, but I had a great teacher to draw from – one week, every year, as July turned to August.
s Alumni from the popular Trinity Church Music Camp program gathered for an outdoor concert at the church on August 4, with a retrospective of earlier performances.
Photo by Louise Mugar
Coming up ...
Scheduled Meetings/Ongoing Events
Your Local Small Market: Saturdays, August 31 and October 12, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., community center. Come out and shop locally!
The Commons: Saturday, August 31, from noon to 2:30 p.m., the back room of the community center. Check out our free used books, bring us some of your used books and tell us what’s up with you. Want to play a little scrabble? We’ve got it! We also have the pick of the week. The History Center will also be open. Come by!
Nautical Sale: Saturday, 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.
PR Amateur Radio Club: Tuesday, September 3, 7 p.m., via Zoom. Link: bit.ly/3yUNk8f.
PR Emergency Preparedness: Tuesday, September 3, 7 p.m., community center/Zoom. Info: prepgroup17@gmail.com.
End of Summer Daze with Shag the Band: Saturday, September 7, 5 p.m., marina stage at the Pier Restaurant. Free concert supporting Dollars for Scholars. Where I begin – Gina Zollman in concert: Sunday, September 8, 4 p.m., Trinity Church. Point Roberts Book & Movie Discussion Group: Monday, September 16, 2 to 4 p.m., library. Info: wcls.org.
PR Park and Recreation: Monday, September 9, at 7 p.m., via Zoom. Info: prparkandrec.org.
PR Water District: Tuesday, September 10, 5 p.m., 2002 Benson Road. Info: pointrobertswater.com.
Fire District No. 5: Wednesday, September 11, 4 p.m., fire hall and via Zoom. Link: https:// bit.ly/45YUv9U. Info: WCFD5.com.
PR Hospital District: Wednesday, September 11, 7 p.m., via Zoom. Info: https://bit.ly/3Kw9Ypt.
PR Taxpayers Association: Thursday, September 12, 7 p.m., community center. Info: PRTA@ pointroberts.net.
Point Roberts Drainage Study Public Presentation: Thursday, September 19, 7 p.m., community center. Hosted by Whatcom County and Point Roberts Community Advisory committee. Those unable to attend can view the recorded presentation once it is posted online. This first presentation will provide an overview of the project need and scope, study methodology, and Phase 1 findings, including recommended projects and associated estimated costs. It will conclude with a discussion of project funding sources, a look-ahead of Phase 2 tasks, and a Q and A session.
PR Garden Club: Tuesday, September 24, 7 p.m., community center. Angelika Hedley, Put your Garden to Bed for the Winter. Info: info@pointrobertsgardenclub.org.
Point Roberts Book Club: Wednesday, September 25, 5:30–7:30 p.m., Point Roberts Library. All are welcome to join this lively monthly discussion group at the library. Call the library at 360/945-6545 for this month’s selection. Last Wednesday of the month. Historical Society: Wednesday, September 25, 7 p.m., in the History Center.
Point Roberts Art + Audio: Saturday, September 28, 3 to 4:15 p.m., Point Roberts Library. Decompress from your day by drawing, doodling or painting while listening to an audiobook. Grades six through 12.
Apple Harvest Festival: Saturday and Sunday, September 28 and 29, community center.
Schedule: Saturday: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., apple cider pressing; 7 to 10 p.m., Tiny Art Auction/ Gala/Dance. Sunday: 1 to 3 p.m., apple pressing; Sunday 2 to 4 p.m., bingo. Saturday night dance will feature danceable music of Point Roberts own “The Point Band” featuring Shaune Ann Feuz, Savilla Kress, Kathy Heinrich, Bruce Whetstone, Casey Carmody and Bill Stannard. Tickets to Tiny Art Auction/Gala/Dance: $15 in advance or $20 at the door. Info: prcircleofcare@gmail.com.
Jazz Vespers: Sunday, September 29, 4 p.m., Trinity Church. Music, inspiration and guest speakers. Featuring Mike Bell and members of The Living Orchestra. PR Cemetery District: Monday, September 30, 5 p.m., community center.
Ongoing Events and Hours
Circle of Care calendar sale: Through Sunday, September 1, email prcircleofcare@gmail.com to place your order. The Picturesque Point Roberts Calendar is printed in vivid color on heavy cardstock and is spiral bound. Proceeds benefit Circle of Care. If you would like to submit a photo, email prcircleofcare@gmail.com for more information. 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.
The Raven: Tuesdays and Thursdays, rides to Bellingham and the surrounding area. To book your ride fill out the form at bit.ly/45PVJFP or call 360/788-9473 or email prtheraven@gmail. com. The Raven does not run on state or U.S. federal holidays. For more information: bit. ly/3RWrRCa. As the new school year is rapidly approaching, the Raven community shuttle is looking to build its afterschool program. Parents planning to have their children participate in afterschool programs and homeschooling families wishing to do field trips and other events, please contact us at: Prtheraven@gmail.com or 360/788-9473.
Point Roberts Walkers: Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 8 a.m., Saturdays at Lily Point. Tuesdays and Thursdays vary and locations can be found at prwalkers.wordpress.com.
PR Food Bank: Every Wednesday 8:30–10:30 a.m. at the community center. Info: prfoodbank.org.
Point Roberts Storytime: Wednesdays starting September 18, 10:30 to 11 a.m., library. Ages two to six.
Seniors and More Lunches: Wednesdays and Fridays, dine-in or park and come inside the community center to pick up your lunches available from 11:45 a.m. until 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. There will be starts so you can plan your own vegetable garden. Free table: participate by bringing items in good condition at the beginning of the Market and take back any items at the end of the night. If you plan to be a vendor or if you have any questions, please email latitude@whidbey.com.
The Flea: Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., West side of the Marina (J Dock). Free to vend and attend. Ice cream, coffee, upcycled clothing and more. History Center Summer Hours: Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays, noon to 3 p.m. through August 31. Starting September 1, hours will be Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
PR Library Hours: Tuesdays 1–7 p.m., Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Library express hours: 6 a.m. – 11 p.m. daily.
Point Roberts Clinic Hours: Primary care provider schedule: Dr. Lary: Mondays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Dr. Sean: Tuesdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Dr. Kelly: Wednesdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Doreen (RN): Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Sara (RN): Fridays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday and Friday hours vary with nurse availability. Appointment needed. Urgent care can be accessed through telemedicine or at the clinic Monday – Saturday 10 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:
2-story house with 2,532 SF, 1,500 SF basement, 5 bedrooms, 4 baths, 520 SF built-in garage, 332 SF balcony. 424 SF deck, built in 1998; marine view, .25 acres land.
1-story house with 2,100 SF, 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, attached garage, built in 2024; marine view, .24 acres land.
2-story house with 3,898 SF, 4 bedrooms, 4 baths, attached garage, built in 2023; marine view, .29 acres land.
1-story house with 2,028 SF, 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, 636 SF attached garage, 830 SF deck, built in 1990, waterfront; marine view, .34 acres land.
2-story house with 2.866 SF, 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, attached garage, balcony, built in 2024; marine view, .20 acres land.
Condo with 2,884 SF, 2 bedrooms, 3 baths, patio, garage, built in 2001, waterfront; marine view/
New house built in 2024; marine and territorial view. .24 acres land
New house built in 2024, .24 acres land
2-story house with 3,109 SF, 3 bedrooms, 4 baths, 1,130 SF built-in garage, 705 SF patio, built in 2008; territorial view, .38 acres land
1-story house with 3,123 SF, 4 bedrooms, 4 baths, built in 1977; marine view, .23 acres land
2-story house with 2,816 SF, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 564 SF attached garage, 450 SF patio, built in 1982, 60 ft waterfront, 60 ft tideland; marine views, .69 acres land
Condo with 1,890 SF, 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, built in 2020, waterfront; marine and territorial views.
2-story house with 3,713 SF, 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, 498 SF built-in garage, 247 SF deck, built in 2023; territorial view, .28 acres land
1-story house with 2,134 SF, 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, 660 SF attached garage, 318 SF patio, built in 1988; territorial view, .35 acres land
2-story house with 2,950 SF, 1,755 SF basement, 4 bedrooms, 5 baths, 520 SF attached garage, 556 SF deck, 436 SF patio, built in 1995, marine view, .34 acres land
3-story house with 2,960 SF, 4 bedrooms, 5 baths, built-in garage, built in 2023, marine and territorial view, .29 acres land
2-story house with 1,792 SF, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 140 SF balcony, 560 SF attached garage, 1,040 SF detached garage, 232 SF deck, 240 SF enclosed porch, built in 1910; marine and territorial view, 5.08 acres land
2-story house with 1,704 SF, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 462 SF attached garage, 400 SF patio, built in 1970, waterfront; marine and territorial view, .23 acres land COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES:
Clubhouse with 9,400 SF, built in 1960, 5.64 acres land
Mini Storage with 4,560 SF, built in 1974, 1.69 acres land.
4-plex with 3,896 SF, 1,449 SF carport, built in 2004, .80 acres land.
1-story nursing home with 36,578 SF, 56 parking spaces, built in 1991, remodeled in 1999, 3.11 acres land.
LAND:
7.98 acres commercial land.
.47 acres residential land; marine and territorial view.
4.87 acres residential land.
& Point Roberts
1579 Harbor Seal Drive, Point Roberts
8334 Camas Drive, Blaine
8453 Camas Drive, Blaine
5775 Nakat Way, Blaine
2529 Bora Bora Court, Blaine
Unit 7, Aerie Condominium, 9146 Aerie Lane, Blaine
8330 Camas Drive, Blaine
5674 Lux Ln, Blaine
8965 Bald Eagle Drive, Blaine
5643 Nakat Way, Blaine
1783 Edwards Drive, Point Roberts
#304, Pacific Point Condominiums, 9545 Semiahmoo Parkway, Blaine
8452 Camas Drive, Blaine
Osprey Road, Blaine
Belted Kingfisher Road, Blaine
Lonicera Drive, Blaine
Shintaffer Road, Blaine 5557 Haida Way, Blaine
Blaine Road, Blaine 1375
$860,000 $824,000 $1,100,000 $1,260,304 $866,750 $1,199,000 $824,990 $1,392,358 $1,125,000 $1,690,000 $1,266,000 $1,450,000 $1,047,995 $1,190, 000 $1,450,000 $880,000 $949,900 $875,000 $450,000 $2,800,000 $975,000 $1,589,495 $200,000 $229,000 $235,000
Historical society hosts author event
The Point Roberts Historical Society sponsored an event featuring author Candace Wellman on August 21 with a dozen audience members in attendance.
Readers enjoyed an interesting presentation by Candace Wellman speaking about her first two books Peace Weavers and Interwoven Lives, which cover the topic of early white settlers (mostly men) marrying girls/women from the Lummi and Samish nations.
Wellman gave a fascinating glimpse into early white influence in the Pacific Northwest with logging, farming, mining and their interaction with the Coast Salish peoples who represented centuries of life on the coast. Many of these men had left wives and families in the East and started a second Western family. Some of these families were abandoned when the men went back to their original roots.
A lively discussion after the presentation took place on the lost woolly dog. As Well-
man described it, her curiosity on whatever happened to the woolly dog whose hair was spun and woven into blankets by Coast Salish weavers, led her to the Smithsonian Institute who had the one and only specimen left of a dog that disappeared over 100 years ago. The cadaver was nicknamed “Mutton,” because he liked to kill and eat sheep, preferring the sheep’s heads.
Wellman was entrusted with a specimen sample to bring back to a Pacific Northwest team of forensic anthropologists who are currently conducting DNA testing and theories. Candace, a self-described housewife, had used her volunteer archiving skills at the Center For Pacific Northwest Studies at Western Washington University in Bellingham to track down this fascinating scientific discovery. She looks forward to the day when Mutton’s pelt may visit the Burke Museum for display.
The two books plus her third novel, Man of Treacherous Charm, released in 2023, are available at the Point Roberts History Center and at the library.
Apple Podcast: apple.co/470sTDn.
in the garden
It’s August 23, and I’m gazing out my window at a cool, drizzly day. My eyes can’t tell if it’s early spring or late autumn, but my mind knows we’re on the downward side of summer. It’s Juneuary in August, and I’d rather be outdoors enjoying the warm weather we had last week. We need the rain, so I’m thankful I don’t need to water for a bit. August has been good in the garden, and everything is at its prime. We picked our first artichoke yesterday, and we’ve been feasting on tomatoes, squash, and cucumbers for weeks. There’s been lots of sweet rhubarb and blueberry desserts, and we’ll soon be baking blackberry muffins and putting up berry jam. In September and October, I’ll be canning fresh tomatoes and balsamic roasted tomato sauce and freezing enough homemade pesto for an entire year.
die, leaving the stems and foliage to protect the soil and shelter insects, and the seedheads to feed the birds over the winter. Between now and early November, I’ll be digging and dividing perennial plants like daylilies and agapanthus, then planting the divisions to fill available spaces in the beds we added this year.
How about your garden? What vegetables do you want to grow next year? Would you like to add a cutting garden or some new flower varieties? How about spring flowering bulbs, new perennials, or a tree for shade or fruit? Many trees and shrubs do best when planted in early autumn, giving them time to develop a strong root system before the ground grows too cold.
A gardener always has their hands in today’s garden and their mind focused on the coming days, weeks, and year. We’re doing today’s chores, keeping up with the bounty from the veggie garden, and always dreaming about next year’s garden.
There will be flowers for another two months: dahlias in all shapes and sizes, ruby red rudbeckias, colorful coneflowers, bright zinnias, fluttering cosmos, fluffy chrysanthemums, purple asters, and others. Everyone smiles when you give them flowers.
My gardening budget is small, so I’m already taking cuttings of my favorite tender perennials and herbs to root for next year: salvias, veronica, coneflower, geum, scabiosa, geraniums, lemon balm, sage, rosemary, and lavender. After they’re rooted and potted up, they’ll winter in our unheated greenhouse and go into the ground next spring.
I’m collecting and saving seeds from cutting flowers: some will be started in trays indoors and others loosely scattered in the garden before Thanksgiving. Sharing seeds and cuttings with gardening friends is a great way to add plants for free, and in early spring, our local gardeners host a seed exchange for the community.
In September, I’ll pick blue and lavender hydrangeas and hang them to dry, to display in a vase, decorate a wreath, or give as a gift. In late October, I’ll stop cutting most flowers and let the plants mature and
Though it may seem early, now is the time to make plans and think about what you’ll need. I’ve already ordered most of next year’s flower and veggie seeds and the supplies to get them started over winter: potting soil, organic plant food, plastic pots, and labels. I’ve also ordered my perennial spring bulbs to plant in October through early December: daffodils, grape hyacinth, Darwin variety tulips, and crocus come back year after year, and happily multiply to produce extra plants.
Many spring bulbs are deer-resistant, especially daffodils and paperwhite narcissus. Deer love to eat tulips, so I usually grow those in pots to keep them away from the munchers. Plant your bulbs in pots in October and November, water them well, then store them indoors in a cool dark area – garage or shed – and they’ll pop up when they’re ready in spring. You can also layer bulbs – lasagna style – with successive bloom times in a large pot for a mixed display that will last a month or longer. There are good sources for spring bulbs: local garden centers and building stores, big box stores, and even grocery stores. For gardening inspiration and how-to information, look online at Instagram, YouTube, and Pinterest. Visit the websites of seed companies (they’ll send you a free catalog filled with fabulous photos and growing tips), or Google whatever plant or activity interests you. The library has thousands of gardening books and magazines. Give yourself something to dream about and make some gardening plans for next year. You’ll be glad you did.
