Port OKs contract for Point Roberts strategy
Port of Bellingham commissioners have authorized a contract to create an economic development strategy for Point Roberts to help its recovery from lingering post-pandemic effects. The board approved the staff recommended project at its November 5 regular Tuesday meeting.
Three companies had competed for the contract: the winning bid was entered by Maul, Foster and Alonghi (MFA), a large consulting firm with offices in Bellingham and seven other locations in Washington, Oregon and Idaho. MFA has done previous studies for the Port and was recently selected to perform an inventory and strategic study of Whatcom County industrial lands as part of the county’s comprehensive plan update due by the end of 2025. The bid was accepted for a price of $89,900.
The two other firms bidding on the job included a local group headed by David Stumpo, president of Aptrex Institute. Stumpo’s expertise and experience lies mostly in transit operations and other group members included local community members Brian Calder, International Marketplace owner Ali Hayton and former water district manager Dan Bourks. Two other consultants based in California and Maryland rounded out the Aptrex group. The Altrex proposal would have cost $138,950.
The other firm submitting a bid was Greenhouse South LLC located in Puerto Rico and North Dakota. The firm’s estimated total cost for the project was $35,000.
The three bids were evaluated on a scoring matrix that compared the three plans on various measures with a total possible score of 100 points. MFA received 98 points followed by Greenhouse with 69 and Aptrex with 43. Measures included local knowledge, engaging with local stakeholders, economic and market analyses, strategic planning, costs and budget and others.
Interesting, one of the data points considered whether the proposal identified “creative solutions to reducing travel costs to this difficult to reach community.” Both
(See Port, page 2)
School bond falls short
For the second time in 10 months, the Blaine school district’s proposed $70 million general obligation bond failed to reach the required 60 percent supermajority threshold at the ballot box, and the district will again look to find solutions to various aging infrastructure in the new year, district superintendent Christopher Granger said. According to the most recent vote tal-
lies from the November general election, by the Whatcom County auditor, 11,872 Blaine, Birch Bay and Point Roberts residents voted on the bond measure, with 55.9 percent (6,584) voting to approve, and 44.1 percent (5,204) voting against the property tax.
If passed, the bond would have gone toward infrastructure improvements, mainly financing the construction of a new middle school, upgrades to multiple campus buildings, updates to Pipeline Fields
(See Bond, page 3)
Jupiter
Photo by Pat Grubb
Port ...
From page 1
MFA and Greenhouse received 5 out of 5 possible points while Altrex, the only bidder that had local community members on staff, only received 1 point.
Port of Bellingham director of real estate and local resident Elliott Smith discussed the project during the Point Roberts Chamber of Commerce annual general meeting held November 14 at Kiniski’s Reef Tavern. Smith related how he and Gina Stark from the Port’s economic development team had attended a Point Roberts Community Advisory Committee meeting “roughly six or seven months getting educated on the last study performed 20 years ago,” adding, “It was pretty clear something new was needed, something that was focused on imple-
mentation in the future.”
That realization, coupled with the availability of grants from the state department of commerce, led to the decision to fund the strategy project. Of the $89,900 project cost, $18,000 will be borne by the Port while $72,000 will be applied to a Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERT) grant.
Smith told attendees that “Rob Fix is our executive director and he’s been looking for ways that [the Port] could participate here in Point Roberts to get things moving a little bit.”
The project, as outlined by MFA, would involve four main tasks and would take until September 2025 to finalize. One task would be to conduct a feasibility study and scenario analysis which would include the identification of areas of where development will create economic opportunities.
Infrastructure cost estimates, funding analysis, targeted businesses, and stakeholder feedback would constitute beginning phases of the project.
A total of three community meetings are anticipated over the course of the study. While these had initially been proposed as virtual, according to Smith, these will now be in person meetings.
The creation of an action plan will occur
in the May-September 2025 time period. According to MFA, the “plan is intended to be a road map for advancing all aspects of the strategy; it addresses funding and financing, permitting and regulations, key next steps and timelines.”
A final report will be issued by September 2025 at the latest. For more information and to look at the three proposals and the decision matrix, go to bit.ly/40XlbZy.
s Port of Bellingham director of real estate Elliott Smith speaking at the Point Roberts Chamber of Commerce annual general meeting on November 14.
Photo by Louise Mugar
letic complex, among a host of other improvements. The bond asked property owners to pay a $0.76 per $1,000 in assessed value tax, which would have kept the tax rate flat for the foreseeable future as previous bonds were paid off.
“Although we did not reach the 60 percent supermajority required to pass the bond measure, the support shown for our schools reflects the incredible commitment of our community to our students and staff,” Granger wrote in a post-election statement.
Despite voter turnout in November being more than double the February special election, support for the bond increased by just over a percentage point, from 54.7 percent to 55.9 percent.
During a Supper with the Superintendent community meeting at Birch Bay Bi-
ble Community Church on November 18, Granger said the facilities committee and school board will discuss next steps for a bond introduction, but said the February 2025 special election would be too early.
Granger said the district couldn’t commit to an exact date for when a bond will be reintroduced to voters, but said the district could consider smaller, piece-meal, levy-funded capital projects to pay for individual infrastructure improvements, instead of another try at an omnibus, $70 million bond that hasn’t been able to vault the supermajority barrier.
If passed, the school district would have paid $107 million in debt servicing for the bond over a period of 20 years. Granger said that interest rates for bonds in the future would be even more expensive.
“Projected cost inflation for the next bond, even in a year, is significant,” Granger said. “So we’re just going to have to consider all those things and see what next steps are.”
The facilities committee, a 14-member group of staff, parents and community members, will meet again in the coming weeks to discuss next steps, and the next Blaine school board meeting will be held on Monday, November 25 at 7 p.m. in the district boardroom, 765 H Street.
“Thank you for standing with us, for believing in the potential of our students,
and for sharing our dedication to making Blaine school district the best place in Washington to learn, work, and grow,” Granger wrote in a statement. “We look forward to continuing this journey with you and will keep you informed as we move forward together in determining the next steps for our students, staff, families,
s Directors of the Point Roberts Chamber of Commerce at their AGM on November 14: from l., Linda Hughes, Elliott Smith, Tamra Hansen, Louise Mugar, Lorne Nielson and Wayne Lyle, president.
Courtesy photo
s Audience members listening during Elliott Smith’s presentation. Photo by Louise Mugar
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.
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P.O. Box 1451, Point Roberts, WA 98281
8 Next issue: Jan. 2025 Ads due: Dec. 13
s John Upston: O Come, All Ye Faithful!
s Joseph Steinberger: Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree!
s Kim Upston: Santa Claus is Coming to Town!
s Holger Michelson: O Tannenbaum, O Tannebaum!
Cand Corner
We’re getting a new office at CANDO!
Whatcom County Health is replacing the office building and scale house at the Transfer Station. The new building is arriving on Monday December 2nd, so we will not have in-person office service available for the entire week. Roadside trash and recycling collection will continue, uninterrupted
THE TRANSFER STATION WILL BE CLOSED on Thursday, December 5th, and open again on Sunday, December 8th. Office functions will be run remotely during demolition and replacement of the current building. As always, customers can contact us by phone 360-945-2636 or email info@candord.com with questions. Thank you for your patience.
CHRISTMAS WEEK trash & recycling collection CHANGES - Monday and Tuesday, December 23rd and 24th collections will be done on Monday, December 23rd. December 25th collection will be done on Tuesday, December 24th.The office will be closed on Wednesday, December 25th. The office and Transfer Station will be open on Thursday, December 26th Reduce, Recycle, Reuse. We're all in this together.
2005 Johnson Road, Point Roberts, WA 98281
360-945-2636 office • www.candord.com
Office Hours: Mon - Fri 10:30 am - 2:30 pm
Proud Supporter of Point Roberts Dollars for Scholars Cando Recycling & Disposal
s The Point Roberts Pirates caught a 70-kilo whopper during a Cabo San Lucas fishing tournament. Second from l., Jeff Peltier, Jack Kuzimnsky, c. and Kit Roberts, second from right. Courtesy photo
Photo by
Parks sets 2025 calendar events
Parks administrator Dee Gough shared the 2025 event calendar at the district’s regular commission meeting on November 12 and brought board members up to speed on planned changes to the local market scene.
Beginning next year, the park district will organize a market at the community center on every long weekend (long weekends occur in May, July, August and September).
Currently, there are two separate groups who hold markets in the summer in Point Roberts: the weekly summer Friday Market at the marina and Your Local Small Market at the community center, which takes place every other weekend.
When questioned by commissioner Michael Cressy, Gough explained the park district’s involvement was necessary because the group running the market had been inconsistent, often reserving the
community center and canceling without notice. There were also complaints that the group was too exclusive. “They can all fight amongst themselves, but we will get as many people as we can and at the same time, we can host other events,” said Gough. She assured that the new market would not compete with the others and invited both groups to participate.
Other events on the 2024 calendar include a clothing drive in January, a Valentine’s Day party in February, as well as Saint Patrick’s Day and Easter celebrations hosted by Kathleen Friedman. The community can also look forward to a Point Roberts Prom in June.
Thrive In Your Body
Griffiths, M.Ed., C.L.C.
After 30 years experience at The University of British Columbia in the Office of Counseling Services, I am pleased to begin my Life Coaching practice in Point Roberts.
Confidential appointments arranged by email or text. margot@pointroberts.net 206-604-1713
self-awareness personal development relationships recovery wellness transitions retirement life planning
We offer scheduled appointments, walk-ins and tele-medicine. Lab draws and
and telemedicine
& Friday. Patients may also visit our Bellingham clinic with continuity of
7 days a week.
Point Roberts | 360-945-0420 maureen@pointrobertscounseling.com www.pointrobertscounseling.com
Private and confidential Call or e-mail for an appointment
Providing non-emergency home medical care, education and referral services. For an appointment or more information, please contact Chief Christopher Carleton at 360-945-3473 or chief@wcfd5.com
drop off at Community Center. Call 360-788-9473 to schedule your ride.
Special needs, please call scheduler to discuss. Please call to schedule after school pick up for your children.
Margot
Democrats clear favorites in county
B y G race M c c arthy and opponent Kamala Harris and her running mate Tim Walz received 60.4 percent (83,041) of votes, while Trump and future vice president JD Vance received 35.7 percent (49,052) of the votes.
The November 2024 election was a landmark race with many races and measures on the ballot, with everything from the next president of the U.S. to who would serve as state representatives for the 42nd Legislative District.
As of November 20, 82.7 percent of Whatcom County ballots have been counted, or 138,646 ballots, with an estimated 50 left to go, according to the Whatcom County Auditor’s Office. Statewide, 78.6 percent of Washington voters’ ballots have been counted, or 3,944,661 ballots, with another 10,090 ballots needing to be processed, according to the Washington State Secretary of State Elections Division. Federal
The AP called the 2024 presidential race after Wisconsin’s electoral votes were determined, naming former president Donald J. Trump the next president of the U.S. in the early hours of the morning Pacific Time on November 6. As for Whatcom County’s support, current vice president
Statewide, incumbent U.S. senator Maria Cantwell (D) won re-election against Raul Garcia (R) having received 59.1 percent of the votes versus 40.6 percent for Garcia.
Incumbent Rick Larsen (D) will retain his seat as U.S. Congress District 2 Representative, receiving 63.8 percent (262,304) of the voters against opponent Cody Hart (R), who received 35.9 percent (147,483). State and Local Democrat incumbents kept their seats in state representative races.
In a Blaine face off, incumbent Alicia Rule (D-Blaine) beat Raymond Pelletti (R-Blaine) 55 percent (39,607) to 45 percent (32,684) for the 42nd Legislative District Representative Position 1 seat.
Incumbent Joe Timmons (D-Bellingham) kept his position against Kamal Bhachu (R-Blaine) 53.3 percent (47,824) to
46.6 percent (41,775).
In the Public Utility District No. 1 races, Eddy Ury won against Jeremiah Goggins 59.4 percent (65,055) to 40.1 percent (43,938), and incumbent Atul Deshmane glided past Dan Johnson 57.8 percent (64,771) to 41.8 percent (46,869).
The Whatcom County Council charter review commission will have three candidates from each county council district conduct a decennial update to the county’s governing document. The winners for District 5, which covers Blaine, Birch Bay and Point Roberts, were Lindsey Graham Elenbaas at 16 percent (9,854), Jon Mutchler at 15.2 percent (9,358) and Rod Stump at 13.1 percent (8,083).
Blaine school district’s Proposition 2024-21, authorizing a $70 million, 20year bond that would replace the current bond for capital improvements, failed the 60-percent supermajority it needed to pass. The bond had only garnered 55.8 percent (6,629) in support while 44.2 percent (5,243) of voters rejected the measure. The bond, which was rejected in the February special election, would have replaced the 70-year-old Blaine Middle School, updated Pipeline Fields, and built an outdoor covering at Blaine Elementary School, among other projects.
Whatcom County Proposition 2024-22, which prohibited elected county officials from concurrently serving other public office positions, passed widely with 84.2 percent of voters in support and 15.8 against.
Washington attorney general Bob Ferguson (D) will become the next governor of Washington having received 55.5 percent (2,135,962) of statewide votes as Dave Reichert (R) fell short of the majority with 44.2 percent (1,701,206) of votes.
Denny Heck (D) has retained his seat
as lieutenant governor as he received 55.8 percent (2,105,072) of votes in support, while challenger Dan Matthews (R) received 44.1 percent (1,665,671).
Superintendent of public instruction
Chris Reykdal also kept his position against challenger David Olson, receiving 52.8 percent (1,741,021) versus Olson’s 46.6 percent (1,536,526) of the statewide votes by the first ballot count.
Dave Upthegrove (D) won the position of commissioner of public lands against Jaime Herrera Beutler (R) receiving 52.7 percent and 47.1 percent of support, respectively.
As for secretary of state, incumbent Steve Hobbs (D) kept his position against 59.2 percent of statewide votes and Dale Whitaker (R) received 40.7 percent.
Mike Pellicciotti (D) shellacked Sharon Hanek (R) for state treasurer garnering 57.3 percent to 42.6 percent.
Incumbent Pat McCarthy (D) has retained the state auditor seat against Matt Hawkins (R) with 58 percent to 41.9 percent.
The next state attorney general will be Nick Brown (D), who led Pete Serrano (R) 55.6 percent to 44.3 percent.
The insurance commissioner race had Patty Kuderer (D) ahead of Phil Fortunato (R) with a margin of 56.7 to 43.2 percentage.
The Seattle Times declared Sal Mungia had won the seat for Supreme Court Justice Position 2 over Dave Larson in a close race. Whatcom County voters supported Mungia and Larson with 53.3 percent and 46.4 percent, respectively. Steve Gonzalez and Sheryl Gordon McCloud ran unopposed for the Washington State Supreme (See Election, page 12)
s Taking advantage of high winds and waves spawned by the November bomb cyclone, four Vancouver surfers donned wetsuits to ride the waves at Lighthouse Marine Park on November 19.
Photo by Fae Curet
It is December, and I can see my breath just before it tangles with the air outside.
It is December and every lamppost is beautified with strings of delicate, twinkling lights.
It is December and everyone is smiling just a little harder; it’s easy for some and it’s painful for others.
It is December and memories are being hung from branches and taken out from mental scrapbooks.
It is December and I cling to hot drinks to soothe me from the inside out.
I celebrate and I remember, and I mourn. All for loved ones. Magic that was once so effortless, now requires more of me and my suspension of disbelief. But happiness comes more naturally, too, gratefulness for cider and socks and good books to tuck into. I have an appreciation for the pockets of pureness I was cradled in during my early years, and I marvel at that which I have managed to hold onto.
The time of year when I think of people – really hold them in my mind’s eye – and take in their laugh lines and all the little clues they’ve left as bread trails for me to find. The perfect gift for you would be…
I think of my perfect gifts, weird little oddities I hadn’t even known I wanted until I was handling them and awing in wonder and befuddlement.
I think of the kind woman who carefully taught me to wrap a present with intention and presentation. I think of school, making hideous ornaments that should have gone straight into the trash but that somehow made it from my backpack to some
poor aunt or uncle’s Christmas bin.
My holidays were made by people who are no longer with me, but who have left a stamp on this time of year anyway.
I think of my mother, of how she defined so much of it all, of how fair or unfair that may be.
Of how she still defines so much of it all, of how fair or unfair that may be.
I am learning what the holidays – December – mean for me. I am learning about where past and future meet. Present. Ha. There is tradition, and then there is innovation: figuring out what works and what doesn’t and adapting and altering accordingly.
The key is to make sure that the magic never dies out, while ensuring that the phantom ache stitched into its lining doesn’t rip open and let the stuffing spill out over the entire affair.
Each December, I face the same complications, the same questions of how I can navigate this time best, where the balancing edge between gingerbread houses and Marley’s ghosts juts out exactly.
But one thing that has helped, more and more each year, are the ways in which I have seen others share their own questions, anxieties, losses and how this time reinforces that deep-seeded nature to extend grace and compassion to one another.
Whether one celebrates a specific holiday or is just pushed into reflection by the unforgiving weather outside, this is a time where we can appreciate that we are not alone in our complex contemplations.
The Immigration Law Firm
Self Storage
December Tides
pm 5.3
We 11 2:28 am 11.3 6:53 am 9.4 1:01 pm 14.5 8:30 pm 3.7 Th 12 3:46 am 12.6 8:09 am 10.7 1:37 pm 14.4 9:10 pm 2.4 Fr 13 4:46 am 13.9 9:23 am 11.5 2:13 pm 14.2 9:52 pm 1.5
14 5:40 am 14.8 10:29 am 12.0 2:51 pm 14.0 10:34 pm 1.0 Su 15 6:28 am 15.4 11:29 am 12.2 3:35 pm 13.7 11:16 pm 0.9 Mo 16 7:14 am 15.6 12:27 pm 12.1 4:19 pm 13.3 Tu 17 12:00 am 1.1 7:58 am 15.5 1:27 pm 11.8 5:05 pm 12.8
18 12:42 am 1.7 8:42 am 15.3 2:29 pm 11.4 5:51 pm 12.2
19 1:24 am 2.6 9:22 am 15.0 3:33 pm 10.8 6:43 pm 11.4 Fr 20 2:06 am 3.7 10:00 am 14.7 4:39 pm 9.9 7:47 pm 10.5 Sa 21 2:46 am 5.0 10:32 am 14.4 5:37 pmv 9.0 9:13 pm 9.8 Su 22 3:26 am 6.4 11:02 am 14.1 6:23 pm 7.9 11:19 pm 9.5 Mo 23 4:06 am 7.9 11:26 am 13.8 7:03 pm 6.8 Tu 24 1:27 am 10.0 4:56 am 9.4
am 13.6 7:37 pm 5.8 We 25 2:59 am 11.1 6:08 am 10.7 12:10 pm 13.4
Confirmed cases of pertussis, or whooping cough, have been increasing across the state, including in Whatcom County, where at least 55 people have fallen ill. There have been 1,303 cases confirmed so far this year throughout Washington state, while there were only 54 cases reported by the same time in 2023, according to the most recent data available from the Washington State Department of Health (DOH). More cases may be under investigation that were tested within the last month and about one out of every 10 cases is reported, according to the DOH. At last count in Whatcom County, there were 55 confirmed, equaling a transmission rate of 23.7 per 100,000 people.
The number of cases by November exceeded a typical number of yearly statewide cases, which is between 184 and 1,026 cases, according to the DOH. State health officials see whooping cough spikes every couple of years and the last epidemic was in 2012, when 4,918 cases were reported.
According to the Washington state department of health, the year-to-date incidence rate among infants under year of age is 148.3 cases per 100,000. This age cohort are among the most vulnerable to severe pertussis desease. Of the 132 infanst who have contracted pertussis, 114 were old enough to have a received one dose of the vaccine; only 24 had received at least one dose.
The highly contagious bacterial infection is preventable by vaccine. The infection can cause pneumonia, seizures, brain damage and even death in babies and young children. Older children may experience a runny nose, low fever and cough that lasts up to 10 weeks or more.
Those most at risk for whooping cough include infants, pregnant women and people with chronic respiratory illness. Symptoms typically surface about five to 21 days after exposure, but are most common seven to 10 days after. Whooping cough typically spreads through faceto-face contact, as opposed to spreading through surfaces.
To prevent whooping cough, people should receive the vaccination, wash their hands, cover their cough and stay home when sick. People with a cough or runny nose are encouraged to not interact with babies or pregnant women. People who suspect they have whooping cough should isolate, ask for an evaluation from their doctor and wear a mask if they need to leave the house.
Children in Washington can receive free vaccines through the Childhood Vaccine Program. Adults can contact WCHCS at 360/778-6000 to find free vaccination clinics.
in The Garden
It’s a beautiful day, warm, sunny, and filled with possibilities. My garden is in full bloom, rich in buttery yellows, shades of purple and blue, and romantic pinks. I picked dahlias, mums and roses this morning, and arranged them in a vase with scented lavender and freshly cut herbs. Blue jays and crows are on the roof and in the trees.
Am I dreaming? No, I am wide awake and up early at my home in southern California, where I am spending the month of November visiting family and whipping the garden into shape for the winter.
I will reluctantly cut back the roses this afternoon, so that they will bloom again in January. The roses are home to ladybugs, large greedy grasshoppers, and praying mantises ready to lay their eggs.
The rosemary is in full bloom and covered with native bees. Daffodils are poking out of the soil and will bloom alongside the roses in January. Paperwhite narcissus are already a foot tall and budding. Climate change has caused them to bloom a bit earlier each year. We now enjoy their spicy blooms in late November instead of at Christmas.
In mid-November, the southern California sun shines an hour longer than it does in Point Roberts. Daylight savings time ended four days after I arrived, and the winter solstice will occur shortly after I return to the Pacific Northwest. By mid-January, Point Roberts days will be growing noticeably longer, and I’ll have my eye firmly fixed on the coming of spring.
The weatherman tells us that the U.S. and Canada should expect another La Nina fall and winter. Here in the California desert, we’ve had periods of rain, hail, and strong winds in the past few days, after months of record high temperatures and drought.
Before leaving Point Roberts at the end of October, we prepared our garden for the changing weather. The hoses were removed, drained, and stored for the winter, and Ray wrapped the outdoor faucets with rags before adding snug covers. I pulled lots of emerging weeds and began spreading fallen leaves throughout the garden. In December I’ll add more leaves to compensate for the lower temperatures and will cover my dahlia beds with plastic tarps to avoid rotting the tubers.
I’ll be moving the rest of my frost-tender potted plants into our unheated greenhouse in early December. Doing so allows me to overwinter tender salvias, geraniums, herbs and many other plants usually grown as annuals in the Pacific North-
west. Because nighttime temperatures inside the greenhouse are the same as the temperature outdoors, I cover plants inside the greenhouse on especially cold nights and remove the covers when the sun warms the indoor air.
Outdoors, snow is a great insulator and protects winter vegetables and many hardy shrubs and plants. It’s important to keep an eye on the weather forecast, and place sheets, blankets, commercial row cover (aka “garden wool”) or plastic tarps over plants when temperatures fall below 25 degrees.
Frost and freezing temps enhance the flavor of many winter veggies, including brussels sprouts and greens. Leafy winter greens – chard, kale, cabbage, radicchio and others – wilt during heavy frosts and freezes but should fully recover after they thaw. The best way to harvest them is to pick a few outer leaves from each non-frozen plant. Root crops like carrots, beets, leeks, and garlic are safe to remain uncovered until temperatures reach 15 degrees Fahrenheit.
Some cutworm varieties remain active all winter. They are voracious eaters and even one cutworm can make your plants look like there’s an entire army at work. If you notice leaf damage, check your plants right before sunset. Remove the grubs by hand (gloves make this easier to do if you’re squeamish), crush them, or drown them in a bucket. Once killed, they can be left on the ground as a treat for the birds.
Avian flu advisory: Please be aware that avian flu (aka bird flu) is an ongoing and expensive concern in our area. Farmers must destroy entire flocks when the illness is diagnosed, creating shortages, and driving up the price of eggs and poultry.
On November 12, British Columbia confirmed Canada’s first case of human avian flu H5N1. In the U.S., there have been more than 40 confirmed cases. The virus has also been found in dogs, cats, raccoons, foxes, goats, pigs, and cattle.
We can help control the spread by not touching sick, wounded or dead animals, by keeping our bird feeders clean, and by not leaving food outdoors. If you see sick or dead animals in your yard, take your bird feeders down for at least a week. If your cat brings home a wounded or dead bird or animal, bag it up and dispose of it in a trash can, not in the forest.
Like human viruses, good practices, sanitation, and reasonable precautions go a long way toward preventing the spread of avian flu.
B y v ictoria S M ith
s Local forests are happy hunting grounds for local foragers. Know before you go though when it comes to mushrooms. Here, a mushroom from the Agaricaceae family, many of which are poisonous.
Photo by Pat Grubb
senior’s poinT
M e N u S for d ece MB er
Wednesdays & Fridays Games, Snooker & more!
Lunch Menu
Wednesday, December 4: Lemon pepper cod, roasted potatoes, Normandy vegetable blend, spinach salad and ice cream.
Friday, December 6: Chili con carne, corn bread, garden salad and orange wedges.
Wednesday, December 11: Broccoli quiche, garden salad and tropical fruit salad.
Friday, December 13: Italian sausage link, macaroni and cheese, broccoli, spinach salad and apple pie.
Wednesday, December 18: Andouille sausage gumbo, brown rice, Cajun coleslaw and coconut cream pudding.
Friday, December 20: Chicken and Swiss sandwich, sweet potato fries, garden salad and ice cream.
Wednesday, December 25: Closed for Christmas Day.
Friday, December 27: Creamy clam chowder, sandwich, garden salad and dessert.
Wednesday, January 1: Baked ham, sweet potatoes, collards, black-eyed peas and berry crumble.
Court and Cecily Hazelrigg ran unopposed for Washington Court of Appeals for Division I.
State initiatives
Initiative measure No. 2066, the natural gas initiative, was the only state measure to pass this election. Statewide results showed 51.7 percent (1,932,446) of Washingtonians approved the measure, while 48.3 percent (1,805,880) did not. The measure will repeal or prohibit certain
laws and regulations that discourage natural gas use and/or promote electrification and require certain utilities and local governments to provide natural gas to eligible customers.
Initiative measure No. 2109, or the excise tax repeal, failed by a large margin with only 35.9 percent (1,358,669) voters in support and 64.1 percent (2,427,027) against. The measure would have repealed an excise tax imposed on the sale or exchange of certain long-term capital assets by individuals who have annual capital gains of over $250,000. As a result, it would have decreased funding for K-12
sheriff’s reporT
November 1, 12:34 p.m.: Assist citizen cold call on Benson Road.
November 1, 1:22 p.m.: Trespass cold call on Johnson Road.
November 1, 4:57 p.m.: Civil problem cold call on Boundary Bay Road.
November 4, 11:57 a.m.: Alarm audible on Edwards Drive.
November 4, 3:03 P.M.: Suspicious person cold call on Gulf and Marsh roads.
November 5, 1:51 a.m.: Assist citizen on Boundary Bay Road.
November 5, 10:32 a.m.: Suspicious circumstances cold call on S Beach Road.
November 7, 12:07 p.m.: Not available on Boundary Bay Road.
November 8, 4:40 a.m.: Alarm audible on Gulf
Road.
November 12, 1:20 a.m.: Watch for on Boundary Bay Road.
November 12, 5:43 p.m.: Traffic hazard on Mill and Benson roads.
November 12, 9:58 p.m.: Traffic hazard on Cedar Point Avenue.
November 13, 5:37 p.m.: Whatcomm record on Marine Drive.
November 14, 8:58 a.m.: Traffic problem cold call on Tyee Drive and Benson Road.
November 14, 6:54 p.m.: Alarm audible on Gulf Road.
November 15, 12:48 p.m.: Suspicious circumstances cold call on Teller Road.
November 17, 12:15 p.m.: Suspicious circumstances cold call on Cedar Point Avenue.
education, higher education, school construction, early learning and childcare.
Initiative measure No. 2117, the carbon tax measure, also largely failed with only 38 percent (1,430,463) of support and 62 percent (2,330,949) against. The measure would have prohibited state agencies from imposing carbon tax credit trading and repealed legislation establishing a cap-and-invest program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This would have resulted in decreased funding for investments in transportation, clean air, renewable energy, conservation and emissions-reduction.
Library piCks
kri S lo M edico
Bestsellers: The Mistletoe Mystery Nita Prose Out of the Cold Steve Urszyeni
The Mighty Red Louise Erdrich Big Breath in John Straley
Movies: Arthur the King Mark Wahlberg It Ends with Us Jenny Slate
Arthur the King Christian Slater
Thelma June Squibb
Music:
Last Leaf on the Tree
Willie Nelson Bird in Kansas City
Charlie Parker
Music of the Spheres Coldplay
The Night of the Zombies Pixies
Teens:
Aisle Nine Ian X Cho
Another First Chance
Robbie Couch
Reckless Lauren Roberts
Kids:
The Empty Place Olivia A Cole
Hot Mess Jeff Kinney
Carmine Melissa Sweet
Hours: Tuesdays 1–7 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays 10–5 p.m.
Library Express: 6 a.m.–11 p.m. daily wcls.org
numbers >>>
Point Roberts health clinic numbers for October 2024 (2023 figures): Total 266 (217, increase of 23%); office visit 139 (98); labs 31 (10); PT/ INR 2 (0); telemedicine visit 16 (25); Physical exams 1 (0); skin clinic 9 (7); B12 and flu shots 68 (77)
Point Roberts Fire District
Chief report for September 2024:
Total calls (35); EMS calls (5), resulting in the following transports: St. Joseph PeaceHealth Hospital (2), Airlift Northwest (2); fire classification (5) resulting in outdoor burn – permit (2), outdoor burn – illegal (2), smoke investigation (1); public service (3); EMS CARES/MIHC (22).
Chief report for October 2024
Total calls (44); EMS calls (17), resulting in the following transports: St. Joseph Hospital (4), Airlift Northwest (2), County Medic (2), North Whatcom Fire Rescue (2); fire classification (8) resulting in outdoor burn – permit (2), false alarm (5), gas leak (1); public service (8); EMS CARES/MIHC (11).
Scheduled Meetings/Ongoing Events
Your Local Small Market: Saturdays, November 23, December 7 and 14, 10 – 2 p.m., community center. Come out and shop locally!
The Commons: Saturday, November 23, from noon to 2:30 p.m., community center.
Point Roberts Writing Club: Saturdays, November 23, 30, December 7, 14, 21 and 28, 3 to 4 p.m., Point Roberts Library meeting room. Drop by to share and listen along with fellow storytellers looking for feedback.
PR Cemetery District: Mondays, November 25 and December 30, 5 p.m., community center.
Point Roberts Book Club: Wednesday, November 27, 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.
Get into the Act with Us Workshop Series: Saturday, November 30, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Red Barn at Southlands Tsawwassen, 6333 Market Avenue, Delta, B.C. On Camera Audition Workshop at 10 a.m., The Improv “Taster” Workshop at 12:30 p.m., and Impro Meets Devising Theater at 2:30 p.m. No prior experience necessary. Workshop fees: $50 plus fees. Presented by Delta Stageworks.
PR Emergency Preparedness: Tuesday, December 3, 7 p.m., community center/Zoom. Info: prepgroup17@gmail. com.
PR Amateur Radio Club: Tuesday, December 3, 7 p.m., via Zoom. Link: bit.ly/3yUNk8f.
Point Roberts Book Club: Wednesday, December 4, 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.
Gettin’ in the Mood for Christmas: Friday, December 6, 7 p.m., Trinity Church. Presented by the Trinity Community Choir. Suggested donation: $15. Reception to follow. Join the Trinity Community Choir for their annual Christmas concert including classical hymns by Bach, Mozart and Holst as well as favorites like The Christmas Song.
Holiday Weekend Kickoff: Movie Night: Friday, December 6, 7 p.m., community center. Hot dogs, nachos, popcorn and drinks. Info: prparkdistrict.com.
Community Bike Ride: Saturday, December 7, 4:30 p.m., leaving from community center. Info: prparkdistrict. com.
Community Holiday Party and Craft Fair: Saturday, December 7, 6 to 9 p.m., community center. Info: prparkdistrict.com.
Photos with Santa: Saturday, December 7, 6 to 9 p.m., community center. Info: prparkdistrict.com. Holiday Craft Fair: Sunday, December 8, 10 to 3 p.m., community center. Info: prparkdistrict.com.
Bergamasca Concert: In Dulci Jubio: Sunday, December 8, 3 p.m., Trinity Church. Music to celebrate the season. Free concert: donations appreciated. All proceeds benefit the Point Roberts Landmark Trinity Church Building Restoration Project.
PR Water District: Tuesday, December 10, 5 p.m., 2002 Benson Road. Info: pointrobertswater.com.
Fire District No. 5: Wednesday, December 11, 4 p.m., fire hall and via Zoom. Link: bit.ly/45YUv9U. Info: WCFD5. com.
PR Hospital District: Wednesday, December 11, 7 p.m., via Zoom. Info: bit.ly/3Kw9Ypt.
PR Taxpayers Association: Pot luck meeting: Thursday, December 12, 7 p.m., via Zoom. Info: PRTA@pointroberts.net. Link: bit.ly/3OBb1rn.
Point Roberts Holiday Market: Saturday, December 14, 10 to 2 p.m., community center. Come out and shop local for all your holiday needs. If you would like to be a vendor at the market please email yourlocalsmallmarket@ gmail.com with what you’re planning to sell. Vendor spots are open to all community members, but tables need to be reserved in advance. Must be legally allowed to work in the US to be a vendor. Point Roberts Book & Movie Discussion Group: Monday, December 16, 2 to 4 p.m., library. Info: wcls.org.
PR Park and Recreation: Monday, December 16, at 7 p.m., via Zoom. Info: prparkandrec.org. Link: bit.ly/3UCOvAU.
Let’s Make Presents: Tuesday, December 17, 3 to 4 p.m., Point Roberts Library. We’ll have all the supplies and ideas you’ll need to craft beautiful, meaningful gifts for the loved ones in your life. Teen Corps volunteers needed from 2:45 to 4:15 p.m. Info: wcls.org.
PR Community Advisory Committee: Thursday, December 19, 7 p.m., community center. Info: PRCAC.comment@gmail.com. This month PRCAC is hosting the department of ecology.
Ongoing Events and Hours
Point Roberts Angel Project: Donations needed to purchase grocery gift certificates, gift cards, and financial assistance for folks in Point Roberts who are going through a rough time and may not have the funds for a holiday dinner, to pay the utility bill, or buy a gift or two for their little ones. If you are aware of a neighbor who is in need, email us at prcircleofcare@gmail.com. Donations can be put in the donation jars at Kora’s Corner, Point Fuel and Pantry or Nielson’s Hardware. Donations can also be made via PayPal by visiting the Circle of Care website (prcircleofcare.com) and clicking the donation button in the upper right-hand corner. Please specify in the PayPal payment note that your donation is for the Angel Project. Circle of Care calendar sale: Picturesque Point Roberts Calendars are available for purchase for $25 or five for $100. Proceeds benefit Point Roberts Circle of Care. Please send your order to prcircleofcare@gmail.com.
Craft and Game Night: Tuesdays from 5–7 p.m., 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. Info: prtheraven.com.
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,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 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 360/9455424.
History Center Holiday hours: Friday November 29, 11 to 2 p.m., Saturdays from November 30 through December 21, 11 to 4 p.m., Sundays, December 15 and 22 noon to 3 p.m., December 24, noon 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 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.
UPPER END HOUSES: $800,000 & ABOVE:
2-story house with 2,450 SF. 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, 1,800 SF storage, 1,152 SF storage, 1,152 SF patio, 532 SF patio, built in 1979, 4.83 acres land.
2-story house with 3,075 SF, 3 bedrooms, 4 baths, 309 SF built-in garage, 1,904 SF patio, built in 2021, waterfront; marine and territorial view, .35 acres land.
2-story house with 3,797 SF, 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, 637 SF built-in garage, 223 SF balcony, 342 SF deck, 975 SF patio, built in 2005, 74 feet waterfront; marine view, .21 acres land.
1-story house with 1,829 SF, 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, 634 SF attached garage, 486 SF patio, built in 2005, .24 acres land.
2-story condo with 2,974 SF, 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, 410 SF built-in garage, 438 SF patio, built in 2016, waterfront; marine view.
1-story house with 768 SF, 2 bedrooms, 1 baths, 360 SF deck, built in 1962, 50 feet waterfront; marine view, .11 acres land.
1-story house with 1,799 SF, 1,245 SF basement, 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, 569 SF attached garage, 190 SF deck, 325 SF patio, built in 2023; territorial view, .25 acres land.
2-story house with 4,485 SF, 4 bedrooms, 4 baths, 986 SF attached garage, 361 SF patio, 412 SF deck, built in 2007; marine view, .47 acres land.
2-story house with 3,764 SF, 4 bedrooms, 4 baths, builtin garage, built in 2024; territorial view, .27 acres land.
2-story house with 4,016 SF, 4 bedrooms, 5 baths, builtgarage, built in 2024; territorial view, 34 acres land.
1-story house with 2,240 SF, 1,269 SF basement, 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, 712 SF built-in garage, 500 SF deck, built in 1991, .35 acres land.
2-story house with attached garage, built in 2024, .19 acres land.
LAND:
1810 Burk Road, Blaine
6927 Holeman Ave., Blaine
5471 Tsawwassen Loop, Blaine
8624 Blue Grouse Way, Blaine
#37, Semiahmoo Shore Condominium, 9452 Turnstone Lane, Blaine
6953 Birch Bay Drive, Blaine
5403 Lonicera Drive, Blaine
9050 Winged Teal Court, Blaine
8446 Camas Drive, Blaine
8488 Camas Drive, Blaine
9131 Chickadee Way, Blaine
8917 Garibaldi Court, Blaine
1128 Leighton Street, Blainee Tyee Drive, Point Roberts Holeman Avenue, Blaine
5510 Puffin Place, Blaine
791 Grant Avenue, Blaine
Charel Drive, Blaine $830,000 $1,650,000 $1,650,000 $823,800 $1,770,000 $900,000 $849,990 $1,200,000 $1,122,370 $939,995 $1,450,000 $855,275 $240,000 $200,000 $310,000 $364,000 $650,000 $245,000
Erickson Bros. Garage
Yacht Sales–Power and Sail Service
Photo by Pat Grubb
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