ICE and Border Patrol nab six undocumented immigrants
The Border Patrol (Blaine Sector) announced on social media that its agents helped arrest six undocumented immigrants in Whatcom and Skagit counties on January 26.
Border Patrol assisted U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) with the arrests, alongside Homeland Security Investigations and the DEA. The individuals were from Mexico, India and Guatemala and arrested in Ferndale, Everson, Maple Falls and Burlington.
This was part of a nationwide operation in which nearly 1,000 people were arrested on January 26, less than a week after President Donald Trump took office, according to national media outlets. Trump ran on a platform promising mass deportations of people living without legal status in the U.S.
The ICE Office of Public Affairs did not immediately respond to an email request for the number of undocumented immigrants in Whatcom County that the federal agency has arrested since the Trump administration started on January 20.
CBP spokesperson Jason Givens wrote in an email to the All Point Bulletin that there is no change in the Border Patrol’s collaboration with ICE for arrests of undocumented immigrants.
When asked if the Border Patrol planned to increase its assistance in arresting undocumented immigrants, Givens said the federal agency assists law enforcement partners when requested.
“The illegal aliens we arrested were part of a targeted operation to locate and arrest illegal aliens who were deemed a public risk and were already ordered removed,” Givens wrote. “This is no different than what we have been doing.”
In what appeared to be a shift in previous procedure, the U.S. Border Patrol Blaine Sector has started publishing the full names and photos of people without documentation being arrested. Previously, the U.S. Border Patrol Blaine Sector had
(See Border Patrol, page 5)
Community rallies to support local primary school
B y P at G ru BB
Community members packed the Point Roberts Community Center on January 10 to discuss the future of Point Roberts Primary School, expressing concerns about declining enrollment and calling for renewed engagement between the school district and local families.
“The district has had no discussions about closing Point Roberts Primary School,” Blaine school district superintendent Dr. Granger assured attendees. “I think the building is very important to this community. The community is very important to the school district.”
“When I started working there in 2008, we had 8 students. When I left in 2015, we had 19,” said former school employee Deb Wilkowski. “When we moved here, there were three buses going to Blaine.”
The school currently serves just five students, yet one parent estimated there were 30 to 40 students being homeschooled.
“I don’t speak for all of the homeschooling parents but for some of them the reason we don’t put our kids into the public school system is that from our perspective, we have seen a turning away from what we see as traditional values, morals and common-sense values that we think are
(See School, page 3 )
s Blaine school district superintendent Dr. Christopher Granger met with parents and other local
the Point Roberts Primary school on January 10.
Photo by Erin Kelly
B y G race M c c arthy
School ...
From page 1
time-tested. And because we feel that there is an ideological push onto the children, we’ve retracted from that,” he said, a parent of six children.
Granger pointed out that the school district had a program called Home Connection which was a blend of home schooling and school instruction, and asked if parents of homeschooled children would be willing to engage in a dialog to determine if that might be an attractive option. In addition, he said the district offered an alternative online learning model for high school students.
Several parents described how the school was previously a vibrant community hub. “We had our Christmas shows and our silent auctions. The school was involved in the community,” said one long-time parent. “Professional artists and musicians from the community would come teach
the children. It was legendary.”
Dr. Granger acknowledged the funding challenges facing the district but expressed openness to community solutions. “We’re working with our team to see if there’s any of those things we could address in the future as we prepare for next school year,” he said.
Community members proposed several solutions, including better integration with homeschool families, increased volunteer opportunities, and improved communication about programs and policies.
“We need leadership from the top to understand the vision for this unique community,” said one resident, highlighting Point Roberts’ distinctive needs as an exclave community. “We are a unique community in a unique situation where we’re off the mainland. We need a unique solution.”
The two-and-a-half hour meeting concluded with plans to organize an open house and explore ways to increase community involvement in the school.
Carole Eastin Senior Tax Analyst
Tel/Text 206-486-1472 nexustaxsolution.com
carole.eastin@nexustaxsolution.com 2219 Rimland Dr. #301 Bellingham WA 98226
s A large and articulate crowd turned out to discuss the local primary school with school superintendent Dr. Christopher Granger on January 10.
Photo by Erin Kelly
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.
Mail and classified ads should be addressed to:
All Point Bulletin
P.O. Box 1451 Point Roberts WA USA 98281
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Patrick J. Grubb
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Louise H. Mugar
Reporter
Erin Kelly
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Aly McGee
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Ruth Lauman, Doug De Visser
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Contributors In This Issue
Kris Lomedico
Father Martin Pommerenke
Victoria Smith
Lucy Williams
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Business & Editorial Office
Phone: 360/945-0413
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Visit us online at: www.allpointbulletin.com Printed in Canada • Vol. XXXIX, No. 9
Letters Policy
The All Point Bulletin welcomes letters to the editor; however, the opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the editor. Letters must include name, address and daytime telephone number for verification. Letters must not exceed 450 words and may be edited or rejected for reasons of legality and good taste.
A fresh viewpoint on matters of general interest to local readers will increase the likelihood of publication. Writers should avoid personal invective. Unsigned letters will not be accepted for publication. Requests for withholding names will be considered on an individual basis.
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Only one letter per month from an individual correspondent will be published.
Please email your letter to: letters@allpointbulletin.com
P.O. Box 1451, Point Roberts, WA 98281
opinion
Letters to the editor
B.C. Premier Eby and the Editor:
An appeal for retaliatory tariff exemption for Point Roberts, Washington, on a humanitarian basis:
As you know, President Trump has threatened a 25 percent tariff against Canada for an alleged trade imbalance, and Canadian premiers have resolved to enact countermeasures in retaliation.
These countermeasures have been reported to include products and services such as hydroelectric power, lumber, water, oil and gas, and minerals as well as suggesting a campaign to encourage Canadians to cease travel and purchases in the U.S. All of these actions on both sides of the border would have a significant negative effect on their economies and none more so than Point Roberts.
You will remember that Point Roberts, in particular, was devastated economically by the 20-month COVID-19 border lockdown and has never recovered to this day. Point Roberts’ geographic location, an exclave separated from the rest of the continental U.S., places its residents in a uniquely vulnerable situation as their potable water and domestic electricity comes solely from
Canada. Any disruption in these essential services would negatively affect the health and safety of Point Roberts residents, and effectively close Point Roberts once again. There is much more we could say on the retaliation issue consequences. We appeal to your government’s generosity and sense of fair treatment on a humanitarian basis and request an exemption from any retaliatory economic actions for Point Roberts. We are prepared to meet with your representatives to discuss our concerns at your pleasure. Thank you for your consideration.
Brian Calder Point Roberts
The Editor:
During our postal strike in Canada in
POINT ROBERTS Circle of Care 2024 year in REVIEW A LOOK BACK
B y a nnelle n or M an
It’s been a busy year for Circle of Care
The Point Roberts Circle of Care (PRCC) had a remarkable year in 2024, continuing to provide vital support and services to the residents of Point Roberts, Washington.
As a community-driven non-profit organization, PRCC’s mission has been to enhance the well-being of its members, particularly seniors and those in need, ensuring they have access to the support they need from friends, neighbors and family in order to stay safely in their homes.
A year ago December, we were collecting names of residents who were in need of some holiday cheer to receive gift certificates for food, or for a gift for a child, or to pay utility bills or other essential needs. In December 2023, over $1,500 in certificates were distributed to households that were identified by the community.
We are so appreciative of the generosity we receive each year from International Marketplace as well as all those who drop their bills and coins in the collection jars at Kora’s, Nielson’s and the Point Fuel and Pantry.
In February, we welcomed back to the board of trustees one of our original founders, Dina Boykiw. Our longstanding president of the board of trustees, Galen Wood, retired from that role in order the take the helm of the Salish Sea House steering committee. Chris Cameron has taken up the mantle and is now our intrepid leader.
In the spring, PRCC trustees solidified an agreement with Whatcom County Transit authority to act as the fiduciary recipient of a van SUV and the funds to operate a community shuttle service.
The Raven van is now scheduled on Tuesdays and Thursdays for travel to and from Bellingham, Blaine, Ferndale, etc carrying passengers to doctor and dentist appointments, physical therapy sessions, and errands. The program also provides after school rides for numerous youth who attend school in Blaine as well as being available to residents for local transit needs.
You can book a reservation or acquire more information by leaving a message on 360/788-9473 or by emailing on prtheraven@gmail.com.
In September, PRCC hosted the eighth
December, I wanted to mail two Christmas cards, one to Japan and one to Scotland. I arrived through the border and went to your post office to find that its wickets were closed. I saw this lady go in obviously to pick something up and asked if she would do me a huge favor.
I explained my plight and she said she would do it so I gave her the two cards and seven dollars to mail them. I thanked her and a few days later after the Canadian strike was over, I received a card in the mail, which said “Blessings,” with two dollars and a receipt. The name written on the card was Frances.
So, whoever you are, Frances, this is for you. I want to thank you for your kindness, thoughtfulness and for helping out a stranger. It meant a lot to me and just to let you know I would have done the same thing.
Happy New Year to you and here’s hoping for good health for you and your family.
Joyce Simpson White Rock
annual Apple Harvest Festival which included apple cider pressing, a fabulous dance soiree, and old-fashioned family bingo. We hope you will join us in 2025 for this fun, wholesome event.
In the fall, Salish Sea House became its own 501c3. The board and steering committee are diligently identifying a location, raising seed money and continuing to partner with The Green House Project to build the first of three adult family homes in Point Roberts.
Also in the fall, PRCC trustees authorized the formation of a bereavement committee which will provide services, support and referrals to families who experience a loss.
In the last year, PRCC trustees, in collaboration with individual community members, have volunteered hundreds of hours providing care, expertise, labor, meals, rides, durable medical equipment, referrals and support to our community. If you have skills or expertise that you’d like to share with your community and have an interest in joining us on the board, as a bereavement committee member or volunteer, please write to us at prcircleofcare@gmail.com. All our financial statements and meeting minutes can be found on our website (though currently under revision) at prcircleofcare.com. We are grateful for your continuing support.
s The annual Circle of Care Apple Harvest Festival is always a harbinger of fall.
Photo by Louise Mugar
Doctors
Going, going, gone!
B y P at G ru BB
The sudden appearance of a chain link fence at the end of English Bluff Road in Tsawwassen blocking access to the border had local residents and Canadian media buzzing the week of January 16. Who put it there? Was this a reaction to Trump’s close the border proclamations? Who knew?
An email sent by the All Point Bulletin to the Canadian office of the International Border Commission (IBC) produced no explanation.
“On the Canadian side, IBC’s mandate is supported by the International Boundary Act (see attached). Article 5 stipulates that
permission from the Commission must be obtained before constructing any works within 10 feet of the boundary. The IBC did not authorize the work. The Commission was made aware of the situation by your first email on January 17, 2025. The matter is under investigation,” wrote IBC operations manager Simon Bérubé in an email to the newspaper on January 23. According to the act, “Any work or any addition to a work that is, after July 6, 1960, constructed or placed within ten feet of the boundary without the permission of the Commission may be removed and destroyed by the Commission or its members, officers, employees or agents, and the materials contained in the work or addition may be sold, given away or other-
wise disposed of.”
Calls to the City of Delta by this newspaper were not returned. However, an article in the Delta Optimist solved the mystery. Apparently, Delta public works put up the fence following a review of the death of an elderly Tsawwassen man who wandered into Point Roberts from English Bluff Road and subsequently died of exposure in November 2023.
Delta Police Inspector James Sandberg was quoted as saying the fence was installed “to reduce the likelihood of individuals inadvertently crossing into Point Roberts.”
Delta city councilmember Daniel Boisvert told CTV News that he was opposed to the fence and would introduce a motion in early February to have it removed. In the end, Boisvert won’t have to introduce a motion to remove it at council. The fence was removed on January 30.
Local orcas gain more protection
A new state law went into effect on January 1 requiring boaters in Washington waters to stay 1,000 yards away from Southern Resident killer whales (SRKW).
The state legislature passed the new law in 2023 that is intended to cut vessel noise that inhibits the endangered whales’ ability to echolocate for hunting and communication. The 1,000 yards, roughly half a nautical mile, will help reduce noise and allow SRKW a better chance at catching prey, according to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW).
The law, co-sponsored by 42nd Legislative District senator Sharon Shewmake (D-Bellingham), applies to motorized vessels as well as nonmotorized vessels such as kayaks and paddleboards. Under the new law, all operators must stay at least 1,000 yards from SRKW, and cut engines, luff sails or stop paddling if the a SRKW approaches within 400 yards.
Boaters who believe they are within the 1,000-yard buffer zone but outside the 400-yard danger zone should attempt to navigate away from the whale at a speed of seven knots or less, according to WDFW.
The law is written specifically for SRKW, which differ from transient killer whales which are protected by a 200-yard buffer under federal law.
All killer whale populations are federally protected under the Marine Mammal Pro-
tection Act, but SRKW have special federal and state protections since being named an endangered species in 2005.
Currently, there are roughly 75 SRKW living in three family pods that migrate from Puget Sound to warmer waters off the coast of California. Scientists have narrowed down three main factors for the decline in SRKW population: reduced quantity and quality of prey, organic pollutants that harm immune and reproductive function, and noise disturbance caused by human vessels.
WDFW enforcement captain Alan Myers said officers understand the challenge of keeping distance while boating, adding that officers will focus on educating boaters about the new regulations during the 2025 season.
“We recognize that there are some challenges associated with trying to predict what a group of wild animals might do, or in locations where moving 1,000 yards away could be difficult,” Myers said. “We will issue citations when necessary, especially for egregious violations or repeat offenders, but our officers will largely be focused on making sure people understand the new laws and are trying to do the right thing by giving these whales the space they need.”
For more information, visit the WDFW website or behwhalewise.org
s The short-lived fence...
Photo by Bennett Blaustein
School board asks state for more
B y n olan B aker
The Blaine school district board of directors held a brief meeting on January 27 where the group discussed the possibility of renaming the district to include Birch Bay, updated the community on the status of multiple state laws making their way through the state’s legislative session in Olympia, and officially cosigned a resolution urging the state to address inadequate funding.
More budget cuts expected
The school board unanimously approved the lone action item on the agenda, co-signing a resolution urging the state legislature to address the K-12 funding. The resolution cited significant funding challenges that have persisted, not just in the Blaine school district, but across the state. In the past two years, the Blaine school district has laid off roughly 90 fulltime staff members due to significant budget shortfalls.
During a January 21 community meeting, Blaine superintendent Christopher Granger said he expected the district would be looking at another round of budget cuts, this time in the low seven-figure range. In May 2024, the board voted to cut roughly 30 full-time staff positions, saving the district $2.5 million in the 2024-25 budget.
The resolution said the state “failed to act on a variety of options presented to address the systemically underfunded public education system in Washington State,” and asked representatives in Olympia to overhaul the current funding system for “stable and sustainable revenue with ample provisions for equitable funding.”
Multiple school boards from across the county signed and ratified similar resolutions urging the state for more funding. Six school districts in Washington, including Mt. Baker school district, are under binding conditions with the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), meaning the school district was unable to balance its budget, as required by state law.
Blaine hosted 42nd district representatives Alicia Rule (D-Blaine), Joe Timmons (D-Bellingham) and senator Sharon Shewmake (D-Bellingham), along with students and staff from Mt. Baker and Ferndale school districts, to discuss the future of ed-
ucation funding during a town hall meeting on January 7.
During that meeting, students across the county described how funding shortfalls had impacted their education and opportunities. The 42nd district legislators said they would work toward a solution, but also pointed out a multi-billion dollar budget shortfall the state is facing, and said new revenue streams would need to be created to bring significantly more funding to local school districts.
Bond vote waiting until November
After a $70 million bond to renovate Blaine Middle School and provide other capital improvements across the district failed at the polls twice in 10 months, Granger announced the district will likely not present another bond to voters until the November general election.
Granger had hoped to bring another bond to voters by the April election, but is now holding off while legislators in Olympia work toward lowering the supermajority threshold.
Under the state constitution, capital bond measures must reach a 60 percent supermajority threshold to reach approval, but proposed legislation in the state legislature – Senate Bill 5186 and Senate Joint Resolution 8200 – could lower that threshold to 55 percent if passed.
The past two failed bond measures for Blaine school district reached 54.7 majority approval in February 2024, and 55.9 percent in November 2024. Capital bond measures in 14 school districts were introduced to voters across the state during the November general election, and only four reached the 60 percent threshold.
The bill, co-sponsored by Shewmake, was introduced on January 13 and a public hearing was held on January 16 in Olympia. The amendment to the state constitution would require a two-thirds majority approval from both the Senate and House, then a simple majority approval in the next general election.
School district superintendents from all seven Whatcom County school districts recently sent an open letter to state legislators calling on them to adjust the state education budget to better reflect the cost of education, to keep pace with inflation and to account for the loss of pandemic-related funding.
How To Tell Orcas Apart
Southern Resident (SRKW) and Transient (also known as Bigg’s) killer whales have several distinguishing characteristics, despite belonging to the same species. Here are the key differences:
Physical Appearance:
– SKRWs tend to have a more rounded dorsal fin tip and a smaller saddle patch (the gray area behind their dorsal fin)
– Transients have a more pointed dorsal fin and a larger, more prominent saddle patch that often has a darker pattern within it
- SKRWs are typically slightly smaller than Transients
Behavioral Differences:
– SKRWs primarily feed on salmon (especially Chinook), while Transients hunt marine mammals like seals, sea lions, and other whales
– Due to their different prey, SKRWs tend to travel in larger, more stable family groups (pods of 20-50 whales), while Transients usually travel in smaller groups (2-6 whales)
– SKRWs are more vocal underwater since their prey (fish) can’t hear their echolocation, while Transients are typically quieter to avoid alerting marine mammal prey
Geographic Range:
– SKRWs are most commonly found in the Salish Sea (waters around Washington state and British Columbia) during summer and fall
– Transients range more widely along the Pacific Coast, from Alaska to California Time spent at surface:
– SKRWs typically spend more time at the surface and engage in more surface-active behaviors like breaching and tail slapping
– Transients tend to dive for longer periods and surface less frequently due to their hunting strategy
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New superintendent appointed
Following a 30-minute executive session on January 8, Point Roberts hospital district commissioners approved a motion by chair Stephen Falk to hire Oliver Javid Nouripour as district superintendent. Nouripour replaces longtime superintendent Barbara Wayland who resigned as of the district’s regular meeting in December. The appointment took effect immediately. Wayland, prior to becoming superintendent, was herself a district commissioner.
“I would just like to say that I’ve enjoyed working with the commission all this time. ... I think we’ve done a lot of good things for this community, and I think you can all be proud of yourself,” she said.
Nouripour owns and operates Tech on the Point which provides IT services to businesses and homes in Point Roberts. He will be paid $29 per hour and will be subject to a six-month probationary period, according to the district.
GVWD increases water rates
pay more for water, the more they use.
The Greater Vancouver Water District has upped its price for supplying water to Point Roberts in 2025 but given the state of the Canadian dollar that shouldn’t affect residents.
The regular rate for low usage months remains the same as last year at $67,962 Canadian but for the peak usage months from June through September, the rate goes from $125,000 to $141,349 per month. In 2024, the peak usage rate was approximately $125,000.
Water district manager Wes Hubbard prepared a budget sheet for commissioners at their January regular board meeting with two conversion range between 1.3 and 1.4 with an estimated total water bill between $792,000 and $853,147 for the year. With the decline in the Canadian dollar, the district expects to spend no more than it did last year on water.
Asked if the district had ever considered mirroring its residential rates to what it pays in peak months, Hubbard said the district achieved its conservation goals by having a tiered rate system whereby users
Hubbard also provided commissioners with the status of the district’s comprehensive plan which is currently under review by both the county and the state.
“I heard back from our regional engineer at the state, and she asked me a couple of questions on things,” he said. “I’m sure they’re going to request a few changes, but they should be minor and then we’ll make that happen.
“Once we have that done, we have a good capital improvement list and everything that we have laid out as stuff we want to spend money on is a factor in setting rates and the General Facilities Charge (GFC, or what the district charges new customers to hook up to the system). I anticipate a few months from now trying to commission a rate study,” Hubbard said, adding that the district would not be increasing rates in 2025.
The first commissioner meeting of the year also marks the election of officers. Scott Hackleman was re-elected chair, Madeleine Andersen was named vice-chair while Arthur Reber remained as commissioner.
S and Ts back for another year
Strings & Things will be back in 2025, bigger and bolder than ever
We’re thrilled to announce Strings & Things Music Festival 2025! One day only: Saturday, July 12, from 2 to 10 p.m. After selling out the Point Roberts Marina last year with 600 attendees, 2025’s festival will be held in the larger field south of the Pier Restaurant.
This will accommodate a much larger audience; bigger and better stage, sound, and lights; a variety of food and drink for every taste and age; a new improved VIP experience including a lounge tent; and of course, more musical acts and surprises!
The festival will expand on its theme of high-caliber, “string-centric” acts, welcoming new acts such as Juno award-winners, The Paperboys, and southern ban-
jo-shredding troubadour, Quattlebaum. Acts from 2024’s festival will return with all new sets, including party-folk-rockers The Whiskeydicks, violin looping genius Gabriel Wheaton aka “The Red Fiddler,” an expanded 11-piece symphonic rock experience, The Living Orchestra, and classical-meets-modern virtuosos, Black Dog String Quartet.
Hold on to your hat – there will be untethered musical flexing with cameos, collaborations, and special guests!
Tickets will be on sale Thursday, May 1 both online and at Nielson’s. For updates, as well as photos, video and press from 2024, visit stringsandthingsmusicfestival.com and follow us on Instagram at @ stringsandthingsmusicfestival. For additional inquiries or information, please contact stringsandthingsmusicfestival@gmail.com
s Three eagles await sunrise over Boundary Bay on January 20. Photo by Pat Grubb
B y M ike B ell
s The PRCAC is looking into the re-building of the stairs at Seabright that were taken out by a mudslide in December. See story in next week’s ePB.
Photo by Travis Robb
in the Garden
B y V ictoria S M ith
Gardens come in many shapes and sizes. They can be big or small, high maintenance or low, sunny or shady. They can be carpeted in grasses or gravel or clover. They can be quiet places to rest and enjoy nature, and welcoming places to spend time with ones you love. Gardens can be exactly what you want them to be, designed by you to meet your personal needs and desires.
Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just learning your way around the yard, February is a good time to reflect on last year’s gardening successes and challenges, and dream about changes and additions you’d like to make in the coming season. If you kept a gardening journal or planting notes last year, take time to review them. If you haven’t kept notes in the past, I encourage you to do so. I typically get off to a great start with a fresh notebook each year, making lists, sketching layouts for new beds, recording exact dates that seeds were started. It’s all very inspiring. Before long, my notes are smudged with potting soil and muddy fingerprints. I squeeze illegible reminders into page margins, hoping I’ll be able to read them. I forget where I left my notebook, and switch to scrawling notes on envelopes, napkins, and the back of my hand. By the end of June, my good intentions and self-discipline reach their inevitable end. Pro Tip Number 1: don’t be like me.
Luckily, I am obsessed with taking garden photos: pictures of my friends’ gardens, of plants growing in the wild, and of strangers’ gardens on Instagram. I am meticulous about taking detailed photos of my own garden throughout the year, at least once a week.
I’m a visual learner and I like being able to see when my tomatoes ripened, how large and tall my flowers grew, and when powdery mildew took over the cucumbers. Photos show me which plants look good together, what needs more space, and what didn’t work out.
Last year I created a brand-new cottage garden with dozens of plants I had never grown before. Without my photos, it would be hard to remember everything I need to know for this year. Pro Tip Number 2: take lots of photos.
Looking at pictures of the flowers I grow makes me happy. Scientific studies have shown that looking at flowers lowers stress and anxiety, improves depression and re-
Question of the Month: What would you like to do for Valentine’s Day?
sults in increased happiness and energy. Other plants are known to have similar effects. In my experience, simply reading seed catalogs and gardening magazines contributes to my health and wellbeing.
So, tell me, what do you want to do in your yard this year? And how will you choose what to focus on? Here are some things to ponder:
What would your dream garden look like? How do you currently use your yard? Do you want to grow your own food? Would you enjoy a cutting garden for flowers?
Do you want a deck or patio for entertaining and outdoor dining? How about a firepit, and a place to store wood? Would you like a greenhouse, a potting bench, or a place for garden tools? Do you want to create a new walkway through the garden, or add a water feature?
Make a list of your ideas and dreams, then organize your list into categories (veggie garden, potting bench, etc.). Think about what’s do-able this year and choose one specific item to commit to. Start a new page for this project and write down the individual steps to achieve your goal, as explained below.
One of my dream goals this year is to expand my cottage garden. I want it to be bigger, better looking, and more productive, and I need a specific goal that’s both achievable and measurable. My goal is to add 30 new varieties of dahlias.
To do that, I need to research varieties, select the ones I want to grow, decide where to buy them, place the order, and choose a delivery date. I need to increase the size of my in-ground flower border to make room for 10 of the new plants and decide exactly where they will be planted.
I need to build and fill two new raised beds for the other 20 plants. Each of these steps are written down with additional details, and I have similar plans for my other garden goals this year.
The key to success is having a specific, measurable goals and detailed plans to achieve them. This process will work for you, too. Focus on one goal at a time and follow the steps.
I’m looking forward to hearing about your garden plans and goals. I’m usually available to answer questions during senior lunch on Wednesdays and Fridays at the community center. Happy gardening!
s I would like to go on a long walk on the beach in Point Roberts.
Alyssa Clark
s My wife and I would like to go to downtown Vancouver to get massages and go out for lunch on the water.
Mitchell Nevi
s My wife Sue of 41 years and I love to go see live theatre for a date. Mike Dodson
s I would like to go to Pat Quinn’s for dinner.
Vicki Robertson
s Clear skies produced a beautiful sunset at Lighthouse Marine Park as people congregated to enjoy the view on January 20, 2025.
Photo by Pat Grubb
ChurCh news
Trinity Church’s services this month are being offered by four different presiders: Reverends Jean Barrington (Lutheran), Bev Mar (Inter-faith), Sydney Morris (Unitarian), and Father Martin Pommerenke (Episcopal).
Please join us to hear the word spoken from different faiths and minds. The following text is from Father Martin Pommerenke:
Sometimes in our own life experiences, we don’t know that something profound has happened to us in a moment until long after the fact. Other times we do know. Enraptured, entranced, and moved – we know.
I would offer that mystical experiences
ericksonbrothersgarage@gmail.com
Point Roberts Self Storage
are times when our seeing is illuminated to manifest the divine that is present in everyday things. To see what everything really is: holy and infused with God’s presence. To see that all of creation is held within God and held together by God. Yet if we try to explain it with mere facts – explain the wonder – it doesn’t sound very impressive.
Perhaps think about it like this: let’s say that you tell a friend that you saw the very beauty of God last night. You saw Mount Baker aglow and eagles flying and the waves crashing! And they say, “Oh, yeah, well, some water blowing around … and some birds, some mountains. You can see that anywhere.”
“Yes!” you reply, “Yes, you can find the presence of God everywhere and in everything if you pay attention.”
So, yes – we can invite people into this illumination of presence. We tell stories, we write poems, we sing songs about these mystical experiences to help people see God made manifest in the everyday. In the ordinary. Even in water and light. So, what ordinary things of this world are illuminated for you? And how do you manifest God in the ordinary of things and people by illuminating them with the light of Christ that lives in you? How do you practice seeing the world with mystical eyes so that you can beckon others into light, into mystery, into God made manifest?
To this we bear witness: in Jesus, we see as one Christian hymn sings: God in flesh made manifest. In seeing him we see the things of this world named as wonderful. Literally – full of wonder. For in everything – in everyday things – is manifest the mystery of God.
numbers
Fire Incidents for December 2024 (2023 figures following)
Total calls (33): EMS calls (8), resulting in the following transports: county medic (2), Airlift Northwest (2); fire classification (6) resulting in false alarm (1), power (lines down) (2), animal rescue (2), gas leak (1); public service (8); EMS CARES/MIHC (10); assist agency (1).
Clinic numbers for December 2024 (2023 figures following)
New PSE rates to increase by almost 20 percent in next two years
B y G race M c c arthy
Point Roberts residents will see increases in their Puget Sound Energy (PSE) utility bills starting this month and continuing through next year.
The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission approved on January 15 to increase electric rates by 11.5 percent this month and then 6.4 percent next January. The first increase will up electric bills by $13.08, to $122.16, for an average resident using 8000 kWh of energy per month. An average residential bill will then increase by $7.67, to $129.83, in January 2026.
The commission is a state agency that regulaties electric and other utilities in Washington, such as PSE, which supplies electric service to over 1.2 million customers and natural gas service to over 900,000 customers.
Total 150 (153): office visit 82 (78); labs 17 (19); PT/INR 1 (2); telemedicine visit 23 (33); Physical exams 9 (2); skin clinic 10 (6); B12 and flu shots 8 (13).
The increase supports the state’s transition to clean energy. The commission authorized PSE to recover a return on certain purchase power agreements, which is the first time the commission has allowed this under the Clean Energy Transformation Act.
The commission denied several of PSE’s requests, including a pilot program for electrification and recovering costs through separate trackers.
s This intrepid band of cold-resistant swimmers marked the start of 2025 by jumping into the chilly waters of Maple Beach.
obituaries
Vincent Irwin Mora II
June 8, 1950 – January 18, 2025
Vincent Irwin Mora II, a beloved husband, father, brother and friend, passed away on January 18, 2025, in Point Roberts, Washington, at the age of 74 due to heart failure. Born on June 8, 1950, in South Bend, Indiana, to Elizabeth Crandall-Christensen and Vincent Mora, Vince led a rich and meaningful life filled with love, laughter, and kindness.
Vince grew up in Hancock Park, California, where he attended June Street Elementary, John Burroughs Junior High School, Los Angeles High School, and Pierce College. He found his craft in woodworking and was a beautifully complex man who created his work with the kind of old-world craftsmanship that rarely exists today.
Vince spent his early years in Idyllwild, California, then moved to Azusa, California, and finally to Point Roberts, where he spent his golden years. In the peace and
Marilyn Thompson
June 26, 1947 – January 13, 2025
With broken hearts, we announce that Marilyn Thompson, 77, passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home.
A pillar of strength and support, Marilyn touched the lives of many with her incredible generosity, kind-hearted nature, wonderful sense of humor and unconditional love. She was a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, friend and confidante, whose kindness and insight will forever be remembered.
Marilyn is predeceased by her parents, Hugh and Eleanor Weston, as well as her sister Audrey.
She leaves behind her husband of nearly 50 years, Dick Thompson, her children Garry Cooper, Angela Hanley, and Michael Thompson, her grandchildren Taylor Street (Jennifer), Chaundelle Roth (Tanner), and Shelby Cooper, her great grandchildren Macie and Weston Roth, her beloved kitty Bella, as well as some incredible friends that she loved and considered family.
Although her absence leaves a deep void in our hearts, we find solace in knowing that she is now free from suffering. Her legacy of love and selflessness will continue to inspire us always.
We are grateful for everything she gave us, and we will carry her memory with love and pride.
beauty of Point Roberts, he embraced the simplicity and joy of life by the water.
Vince brought joy to those he encountered in life. His friendship was a joy to all who knew him. His presence was a blessing, and time spent with him was always a pleasure.
He leaves behind a family who adored him and will forever cherish his memory. Vince is survived by his devoted wife of 33 years, Christina Maria Petersen-Mora, and their cherished daughter, Jessiejoy Elizabeth Petersen-Mora. He is also remembered by his sons, Vincent Mora III and Carrington Mora, and their mother, Jennifer Blythe Calder, as well as his dear sister, Sherri Ann Mora.
Vince’s legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew him. His calm spirit, gentle heart, and unwavering love for life and family will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
Godspeed, Vince. May you find peace and calm seas ahead.
February Tides
s Vincent Irwin Mora II
s Marilyn Thompson.
Local Boards & Commissions
PR Cemetery District #8
wc.cemeterydistrict8@gmail.com
Stephen Falk, chair
Pauline DeHaan
Dan Bourks
Point Roberts Chamber of Commerce pointrobertschamberofcommerce.com
Wayne Lyle, president
Tamra Hansen
Linda Hughes, secretary
Louise Mugar
Lorne Nielson
Elliott Smith
Point Roberts Circle of Care prcircleofcare.com
Chris Cameron, president
Dina Boykiw, vice president
Louise Cassidy, treasurer
Roberta Nielson, secretary
Isobel Brophy
Barbara Bradstock
Virginia Lester
Bill Zidel
Annelle Norman, executive director
Galen Wood, ex-officio
PR Community Advisory Committee
PRCAC.comment@gmail.com
Allison Calder, chair
Bill Zidel, vice-chair
Brian Hunter, secretary
Annelle Norman
Pradash Sundaresan
Elizabeth Mason
Jared Oberhaus
Point Roberts Dollars for Scholars pointroberts.dollarsforscholars.org
Brian Calder, president
Fern Peltier, treasurer
Vicki Robertson, secretary
Pam Sarkisian
PREP (PR Emergency Preparedness) prepgroup17@gmail.com
Rebecca Goodwin, president
Ross Bradie, vice-president
Heather Lindquist, secretary
Pat Harper
Oswald Kienapfel
Virginia Lester
Melissa Ridgely
Mark Robbins
Lynn Taylor
PR Fire District chief@prfd5.com
Virginia Lester, chair
Pat Harper
Norm Katz
PR Food Bank pointrobertsfoodbank@gmail.com; Dave Lee, president
Adam Rozyskie, vice president
Jane Donaldson, treasurer
Megan Kennedy, secretary
Laura Bergamini
PR Friends of the Library foprl1@gmail.com
Jane Donaldson, president Loretta Chandler, vice-president Rhiannon Allen, secretary
Louise Cassidy, treasurer
PR Park & Recreation prparkdistrict@gmail.com
Stephen Falk, chair
Bill Zidel
Mike Cressy
Alison Calder
Matt Wang
PR Water District pointrobertswater.com
Scott Hackleman, chair
Madeleine Anderson, vice-chair
Arthur Reber
PR Taxpayers Association prta@pointroberts.net
Mark Robbins, president
Arthur Reber, vice president
Barbara Bradstock, secretary
Robin Nault, treasurer
Pat Harper
Dave Ellis
Annelle Norman
Elizabeth Mason
Jana Walker
s Community Guardians – The parks district’s Dee Gough organized a gathering of community groups on January 25 so residents could learn what the various civic groups on the Point do to improve living on Point Roberts.
Photo by Louise Mugar
Coming up ...
Scheduled Meetings/Ongoing Events
PR Amateur Radio Club: Tuesday, February 4, 7 p.m., via Zoom. Link: bit.ly/3yUNk8f.
Let’s Make Valentines: Wednesday, February 5, 3 to 4 p.m., Point Roberts Library meeting room. Teen corps volunteers needed from 2:45 to 4 p.m. Come to the library to make valentines cards for all the loved ones in your life. Supplies provided.
Friends of the Point Roberts Library: Tuesday, February 11, 3 p.m., Point Roberts Library. Info: foprl1@gmail.com.
Whatcom READS presents: Buoy painting workshop: Wednesday, February 12, 1 to 2:30 p.m., Point Roberts Library meeting room. Adult activity. Inspired by Whatcom READS selection No Two Persons. Painted Buoys will be incorporated into a large art installation at Bellingham Seafeast 2025. Info: wcls.org.
Fire District No. 5: Wednesday, February 12, 4 p.m., fire hall and via Zoom. Link: bit. ly/45YUv9U. Info: WCFD5.com.
PR Hospital District: Wednesday, February 12, 7 p.m., via Zoom. Info: bit.ly/3Kw9Ypt.
PR Taxpayers Associatiion: Thursday, February 13, 7 p.m., via Zoom. Info: PRTA@pointroberts.net. Link: bit.ly/3OBb1rn.
PR Park and Recreation: Monday, February 10, at 7 p.m., via Zoom. Info: prparkandrec. org. Link: bit.ly/3UCOvAU.
PR Water District: Tuesday, February 11, 5 p.m., 2002 Benson Road. Info: pointrobertswater.com.
Historical Society: Wednesday, February 19, 7 p.m., in the History Center.
Point Roberts Book & Movie Discussion Group: Monday, February 17, 2 to 4 p.m., Point Roberts Library. Info: wcls.org.
PR Community Advisory Committee: Thursday, February 20, 7 p.m., community center and via Zoom. Zoom Link: bit.ly/3S8GCB3. Info: PRCAC.comment@gmail.com.
PR Annual Seed Share: Sunday, February 23, 11 to 1 p.m., community center. Bring pre-packaged, labeled seeds/starts to swap, to give or to acquire from others.
PR Garden Club: Tuesday, February 25, 7 p.m., community center. Kelle Rankin-Sunter of Blaine CORE presents Composting/VermiComposting. Worm Composting kits will be available for purchase. Info: info@pointrobertsgardenclub.org.
Point Roberts Book Club: Wednesday, February 26, 6–7:30 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.
LOL 101: Wednesday, March 5, 3 to 4 p.m.., Point Roberts Library. Grades K-5. Ongoing Events and Hours
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. 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. Info: prtheraven.com.
Point Roberts Walkers: Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 8 a.m., Saturdays at Lily Point. Tuesdays and Thursdays vary, and locations 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, 10:30 to 11 a.m., library. Ages two to six.
Seniors and More Lunches: Wednesdays and Fridays, community center. Come meet old friends and make new friends while enjoying a nutritious meal. You can also park and come inside the community center to pick up lunches to go between 11:45 and 12:30 p.m., All ages welcome. More info: prseniors@whidbey.com or 360/945-5424.
Point Roberts Writing Club: Saturdays, 3 to 4 p.m., Point Roberts Library meeting room. Drop by to share and listen along with fellow storytellers looking for feedback.
History Center: Saturdays, 11 to 3, community center.
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 provider schedule: Dr. Lary: Mondays, 9 to 5 p.m.; Dr. Sean: Tuesdays, 9 to 5 p.m.; Dr. Kelly: Wednesdays, 9 to 5 p.m.; Doreen (RN): Thursdays, 9 to 3 p.m.; Sara (RN): Fridays, 9 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 – 6 p.m., Sundays 10 – 4 p.m. Always call for an appointment before coming in, even for urgent care services. Info: 360/945-2580.
HOUSES $800,000 AND ABOVE
1-and a half story house with 2,162 S.F., 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 753 S.F. attached garage, 308 S.F. deck, 328 S.F. patio, built in 1923, 5.16 acres land.
2-story house with 3,115 S.F., 5 bedrooms, 3 baths, attached garage, built in 2024; territorial view, .22 acres land.
1-story house with 1,647 S.F., 503 S.F. basement, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 280 S.F. loft, 1,536 S.F. storage, 387 S.F. deck, built in 2011, 13.55 acres residential/forest land.
2-story house with 3,115 S.F., 5 bedrooms, 3 baths, attached garage, built in 2024; marine and territorial view, .26 acres land.
1-story house with 2,575 S.F., 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, 600 S.F. attached garage, 207 S.F. deck, built in 1998, .32 acres land.
1-and a half story house with 2,735 S.F., 3 bedrooms, 4 baths, 864 S.F. attached garage, built in 2001; territorial view, .37 acres land.
2-story house with 3,680 S.F., 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, 768 S.F. attached garage, 656 S.F. patio, built in 2007; territorial view, .44 acres land.
LAND ONLY: .77 acres commercial land. .75 acres residential lot, waterfront marine view. .28
Blaine
5578 Sandpiper Lane, Blaine Kingsley Avenue, Blaine
5508 Pine Siskin Road, Blaine
932 and 944 Georgia Street, Blaine
8306 Portal Way, Blaine $910,000 $920,630 $935,000 $879,500 $993,000 $1,100,000 $1,251,000 $240,000 $440,000 $395,000 $1,000,000
SPONSORED BY:
sheriff’s report
January 3, 11:10 a.m.: Suspicious circumstances on Marine Drive.
January 4, 7 p.m.: Alarm audible on Harbor Seal Drive.
January 9, 9:41 a.m.: Welfare check on Benson Road.
January 9, 3:27 p.m.: Assist citizen cold call on Boundary Bay Road.
January 10, 12:43 p.m.: Suspicious circumstances cold call on Gulf Road.
January 10, 1:19 p.m.: Whatcomm record on Johnson Road.
January 10, 2:28 p.m.: Assist citizen cold call on Boundary Bay Road.
January 10, 9:56 p.m.: Assist citizen on Boundary Bay Road.
January 12, 11:43 a.m.: Assist citizen on Donegal Drive.
January 12, 12:07 p.m.: Suspicious person on Toronto Way.
January 13, 5:06 a.m.: Welfare check on Tyee Drive
January 13, 2:24 p.m.: Mental on Simundson Drive.
January 15, 6:28 p.m.: Assist citizen on Boundary Bay Road.
January 17, 8:38 p.m.: Welfare check on Deer Lane.
January 17, 10:35 p.m.: Welfare check cold call on Deer Lane.
January 19, 9:43 a.m.: Mental on Boundary Bay Road.
January 19, 12:19 p.m.: Mental on Benson Road.
January 19, 3:43 p.m.: Suspicious circumstances cold call on APA Road.
January 21, 7:14 a.m.: Mental on Boundary Bay Road.
January 21, 10:41 a.m.: Suicidal subject on Boundary Bay Road.
senior’s point
M enu S F or F e B ruary
Wednesday, February 5: Pulled pork sandwich, chips, coleslaw and dessert. Friday, February 7: Baked salmon with lemon caper, quinoa, broccoli and dessert
Wednesday, February 12: Quarter roast chicken, scalloped potatoes, spinach and dessert.
Friday, February 14: Roast pork loin, mashed potato and gravy, beet salad, green beans and dessert.
Wednesday, February 19: Egg salad sandwich, tomato soup, salad and dessert.
January 21, 11:20 p.m.: Welfare check on Boundary Bay Road.
January 23, 4:01 a.m.: Mental on Boundary Bay Road.
January 23, 12:47 p.m.: Parking problem on Rex Street.
January 23, 9:06 p.m.: Mental on Boundary Bay Road.
January 24, 10:33 a.m.: Assist citizen on Boundary Bay Road.
January 24, 4:49 p.m.: Serve papers on Deer Lane.
January 24, 8:11 p.m.: Assist citizen cold call on Boundary Bay Road.
January 25, 2:05 p.m.: Assist citizen cold call on B oundary Bay Road.
January 25, 3:31 p.m.: Serve papers on Gulf Road.
January 26, 8:58 a.m.: Assist citizen on Boundary Bay Road.
January 26, 12:17 p.m.: Request for law enforcement on Boundary Bay Road.
Library piCks
kri S lo M e D ico
Bestsellers:
Big Empty Robert Crais
Water Moon Samantha Sotto
Havoc Christopher Bollen
No Two Persons
Erica Bauermeister
Movies:
Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice
Michael Keaton
The Fabulous Four
Susan Sarandon
The Dead Don’t Hurt Viggo Mortensen
Deadpool & Wolverine
Hugh Jackman
Music:
Forever Cher
Turning Back Time Foreigner
The Great Impersonator Halsey
Highway Prayers Billy Strings
Teens:
Everything We Never Said Sloan Harlow
Friday, February 21: Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes with gravy, mixed vegetables and desserts.
Wednesday, February 26: Lasagna, garlic bread, Caesar salad and dessert. Friday, February 28: Shrimp creole, rice Cajun coleslaw and dessert.
Lunches are served in the dining room at the community center from 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 for more information.
Wild’s End Dan Abnett
Heavenly Tyrant Xiran Jay Zhao
Kids:
Safe Harbor Padma Venkatraman
A Recipe for Rhyme & Rescue Wanda Lauren Taylor
Raven’s Ribbons Tasha Spillet
Hours: Tuesdays 1 to 7 p.m., Wednesdays and Saturdays 10 to 5 p.m.
Express hours: 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily wcls.org
