All Point Bulletin May 2015 by Point Roberts Press

May 2015

IN THIS

ISSUE

www.AllPointBulletin.com

Water quality testing to take place this summer, page 9

Ask and ye shall receive

Parade organizers have a special treat, page 9

ECRWSS PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 14

FREE

Time to apply for Dollars for Scholars, page 11

Point Roberts, WA 98281 Postal Patron Local

Can you lend a hand?

B y P a t G r u bb

(See Fire chief, page 6)

s Members of the Point Roberts Garden Club are hard at work maintaining plantings along Tyee Drive, but they could use some help. Adopt a mound and help the club maintain and improve our blooming main drag.

Photo by Meg Olson

Who are you going to call when the chips are down? By Meg Olson Concerns about limited law enforcement response in Point Roberts were heightened after an altercation at the Reef was followed by one of the parties apparently attempting to back over the other, who wound up going through the car’s back windshield. The victim’s sister called 911, and no one came, so a friend transported him to Delta Hospital for treatment. Whatcom County dispatch has no re-

cord of the March 28 911 call made using an Alberta cell phone, but dispatchers on the other side of the border do. Jody Robertson, corporate communications director for the E-Comm 911 center in British Columbia, said they have a record of one call from the Alberta number and the caller was provided with a direct number to contact What-Comm, where Whatcom County 911 calls are handled. The caller ended the call and did not call What-Comm, according to their records.

Robertson also said call center employees do have the ability to transfer calls once they know from what agency and in what area the caller needs a response. Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) deputy Jason Loreen was in Point Roberts on the night of the incident but didn’t learn about it until the following day, when the victim flagged him down to make a report. (See Deputies, page 7)

Commissioner throws monkey wrench into plans it’s in the district’s comprehensive plan. Were you irresponsible when you approved it eight years ago?” “Maybe I was more on autopilot,” Meursing replied. Commissioners approved the current comprehensive plan in 2007 and the state did so in 2008, but the proposed facility was also included in previous plans. “The issues and priorities that made it (See Water, page 8)

★ ★

Following a flip-flop by commissioner Bill Meursing about building a central shop and office for the water district on Benson Road, district manager Dan Bourks said he will consider retiring, and Meursing is looking at resigning. Meursing announced at regular board meeting on April 14 that he wanted to see a thorough cleanup and inventory of existing facilities before the district moved

forward with the project. He has long supported the inclusion of the new shop in the district’s capital improvement plan and the conditional use permit in place for the project so his comments came out of the blue for the manager and fellow commissioners. “I feel irresponsible committing a large amount of money until we determine how much space we really need,” he said. “We did that,” responded fellow commissioner Scott Hackleman. “That’s why

2015

198 5

By Meg Olson

★

30 TH★ ★ ★ ★ Online

★

Point Roberts fire chief Christopher Carleton asked fire commissioners for a new contract and he received. And boy, did he ever receive. Speaking to the commissioners and a fair-sized audience at a special meeting on Wednesday, April 15, Carleton said he was willing to commit his future to Point Roberts, but only if Point Roberts was willing to commit to him. “The reason why I’m asking for these changes is that I want to commit more time to this community as fire chief, and I’d like to be with this organization for the time period that I see myself a career firefighter. And that is for at least another 15 years,” he explained. Talking about the qualities he brings to the organization, Carleton said those included “professionalism, integrity and morals.” Carleton had been working under a contract that went into effect on September 1, 2012 and was due to expire December 31, 2015. The contract would have automatically renewed for “additional three (3) year terms” unless the district decided not to renew it by providing written notice to Carleton 180 days before the expiration date. That contract allowed the district to fire Carleton without notice and without cause by paying one year’s salary plus all accrued vacation pay. The new contract changes all of that. After the first five-year term is up, the contract automatically renews every five years until 2030. Should future commissioners decide to fire Carleton without cause, Point Roberts taxpayers will be on the hook for significant severance pay. Depending on whether he is let go in the first, second or final five-year term, the district is obligated to pay him lump sum severance payments of $150,000, $175,000 or $200,000, respectively. In the first term alone, Carleton would be entitled to three years of salary should he be fired. There are other changes. The original

allpointbulletin.com facebook.com/allpointbulletin

All Point Bulletin • May 2015

P OI N T B E R TS

n e d r G a ale S G ARDEN CLUB

Shop the

Blue Heron Gallery for Mother’s Day!

Jewelry • Silk Scarves NEW Raku Pottery Sculptures Recycled Wooden Serving Trays Open 10 - 5 • Thursday - Monday 1360 Gulf Road • 945-2747 Point Roberts, WA

Fire district appoints finance head Fire district commissioners have selected Patty Markel to replace retiring finance director Suzanne Kinsey. Markel is currently the finance administrator for fire district 7 in Ferndale, a position she has held for 16 years.

Lots of Plants, Yard Art and More ! Gardening Experts to answer your questions !

“She already does the exact same job for district 7 and she has direct experience with fire district audits,” chief Christopher Carleton said at the district’s April 8 meeting, recommending bringing Markel on board the fire district.

ll i R G nt &aRina a R u Restaat the M

SATURDAY MAY 16 10 - 2

Margarita Mondays

COMMUNITY CENTER

It’s NACHO Problem at the PIER. Come in and TACO bout our New Mexican Monday Menu!

There has never been a better time to ...

Get To The Point

r’s e h t o M ay D B r u n c h opeNiNg this moNth! of the Pier B u f f e t Top Wine and Tapas Room

“... as enjoyable to play as it is to look at.” -- Vancouver Sun

May 10th

$2195

Eagle’s Roost Restaurant Open daily for breakfast & lunch

Golf & Country Club

1350 Pelican Place Point Roberts, WA (360) 945-GOLF (604) 692-0222

715 Simundson Drive

PERFORM LIKE A SUPERSTAR

38,000 BTU with 637 sq in of total cooking area.

Stainless Steel $849.00 SKU 819966

Nielson’s Building Center

Starting at 10 a.m.

with the BEST VIEW on the Point!

BreakfasT serveD saTurDay & sunDay sTarTing aT 9 aM Open 5 Days a Week • Thurs-MOn, sTarTing aT 11 aM

www.PointRobertsGolfCourse.com

WEBER GENESIS EP-310 LP GAS GRILL $749.00 SKU 819939

ReseRve Now!

•

Point Roberts, Washington

•

360-945-PIER

Menu online at www.pier-restaurant.com

Groundclear Vegetation Killer. $19.99 per Gal

Kills existing vegetation and prevents new growth for up to 1 year. Use on driveways, patios, gravel paths, fence rows and rock landscapes where no vegetation is desired. Covers 300 sq. ft. SKU 702358

Shop online: Visit www.NielsonsBuildingCenter.com for over 65,000 products Hours: Mon-Sat 8-5 • Sunday 10-3

391 Tyee Drive, Point Roberts, WA • 360.945.3116

May 2015 • allpointbulletin.com

S Patty Markel has been appointed finance director of the local fire district after Suzanne Kinsey retired. Photo by Meg Olson

Trinity Concert Series Supporting the Trinity Music Programs

Saturday, April 25 • 3 pm Cowal-Earle Duo presenting “Vignettes of Canada”

MOTHERS DAY MOTHERS DAYBRUNCH BRUNCH DAY BRUNCH Mum’sMOTHERS the word word at Mum’s the at Brewster’s: Brewster’s: MOTHERS DAY BRUNCH the*word Brewster’s: * SundayMum’s May 10th 10amat - 3pm * Sunday May 10th Mum’s* Sunday the word at10th Brewster’s: Reservations required May * 10am - 3pm * 10am - 3pm * Sunday May 10th * 10am - 3pm * Reservations required Reservations required Reservations required Facebook.com/ brewstersfinefoods

Restaurant, Bakery, Coffee Wine, Cheese, Crafts Beer, & Specialty Store

MOTHERS DAY BRUNCH Mum’s the word at Brewster’s: * Sunday May 10th * 10am - 3pm *

SPRING HOURS: Sun 10am- 4pm , (CLOSED Mon/Tues), Wed - Sat 10am - 9pm Store open daily; Lunch served daily. Dinner served Wed - Sat. Brunch served every Sun

ARE YOU IN Reservations OUR WINE CLUB? required FREE TO JOIN: www.brewstersﬁnefoods.com

SPRING HOURS: Sun 10am- 4pm , ARE YOU IN OUR WINE CLUB? (CLOSED Mon/Tues), Wed - Sat 10am - 9pm FREE TO JOIN: Store open daily; Lunch served daily. Dinner ARE YOU OUR WINE served Wed -IN Sat. Brunch servedCLUB? every Sun www.brewstersﬁnefoods.com

ARE YOU IN OUR WINE FREE TOCLUB? JOIN:

Sunday, May 24 • 4 pm Chamber West Quintet in concert

Brilliant clarinetist, Shawn Earle compliments us with a return engagement performing pieces from his Returning for their 4th appearance, this exquisite doctoral recital for UBC accompanied by Rory Cowal. woodwind quintet comes to us for West Van, North Van, shawnearleclarinet.com. and beyond..

www.brewstersﬁnefoods.com SPRING HOURS: Sun 10am- 4pm ,

FREE TO JOIN:

ARE YOU IN OURWed WINE- Sat CLUB? (CLOSED Mon/Tues), 10am - 9pm FREE TO JOIN: www.brewstersfinefoods.com Store open daily; served SPRING HOURS: SunLunch 10am4pmdaily. , Dinner www.brewstersﬁnefoods.com served WedWed - Sat. -Brunch served -every (CLOSED Mon/Tues), Sat 10am 9pmSun

Store open daily; Lunch served SPRING HOURS: Sundaily. 10am-Dinner 4pm ,

Admission by Donation • Come join us! Everyone welcome! • Upcoming concerts: www.PointRobertsChurch.com

Mon/Tues), Wed 98281 - Sat 10am - 9pm 1379 Gulf RoadWed • (CLOSED Point WA served - Sat.Roberts, Brunch served every Sun

Trinity Community Lutheran Church • 1880 A.P.A. Rd. • Point Roberts

Store open daily; Lunch served daily. Dinner

Wed - Sat. Brunch served every Sun (360)served 945-4545

FULL SERVICE

BAR

Morgan & Barbie are cooking up some comfort food!

s l a i c e p S r nne

Every Friday & Saturday night

chili cook-off

Live Music...

Proceeds to the Food Bank

Starts 8 PM

Saturday, May 2 • 2 PM

Restaurant

Now Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday Nights at 5:30 p.m.

Saturday, May 16

Kitchen Open Fri. • Sat. • Sun.

Q J

Friday: cash game @ 7pm Sunday: tournament @ 2pm

725 South Beach Rd, Point Roberts

1-877-670-4052 0r 945-0717 • southbeachhousepointroberts.com

K Q 10

• PING PONG • DARTS • POOL • BIG SCREEN TVS • On the West Side waterfront at the end of Gulf Rd. 360/945-REEF

Breakfast & Lunch

Delicious Snacks Fuel Rewards

Sandwich Wraps

Package Pickup

Espressos

Treat yourself all day, every day!

Drop by for premium gas and package pickup. While you’re here, enjoy perfectly prepared espressos, fresh baked mega muffins, crumbles, scones and much more.

We’re there for you. Breakfast Burritos

6:30 AM - 6 PM (7 AM on weekends) 423 Tyee Drive • (360) 945-2454 www.prshell.com

All Point Bulletin • May 2015

All Point Bulletin The All Point Bulletin is published each month by Point Roberts Press Inc. Total circulation is 9,000 copies including home delivery in Point Roberts and Tsawwassen, subscriptions and distribution to retail establishments on the Point. 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

Publisher & Managing Editor Patrick J. Grubb Associate Publisher & Advertising Manager Louise H. Mugar News & Features Editor Meg Olson Copy Editor Kara Furr Creative Services Ruth Lauman, Doug De Visser Advertising Sales Catherine Darkenwald, Molly Ernst Janet McCall Contributors In This Issue Rhiannon Allen, Kristin Lomedico Barbara Wayland Administrative Services Amy Weaver Founding Editor Glennys Christie Business & Editorial Office Phone: 360/945-0413 Fax: 360/945-1613 Email: sales@allpointbulletin.com

Visit us online at:

www.allpointbulletin.com Printed in Canada • XXX, No. 1

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. Thank you letters should be limited to ten names. 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 Fax: 360/945-1613

Next issue: June 2015 Ads due: May 19

opinion

Letters To The Editor The Editor: Our library offers so much for this community: entertainment with books, movies, magazines, games and indoor and outdoor activities for children, ‘in-betweeners,’ and adults; educational access for adults looking for information, students needing facts for homework and children just learning the pleasures of reading and group activities. Our library offers a quiet refuge to browse the newest in literature, science, history, crafts, gardening, music, movies and so much more on the shelves and throughout the entire Whatcom County Library System via the computer system. Saturdays are a treat for the youngsters as staff and volunteers entertain and educate them with stories and activities. Summers offer reading programs for children and teens with incentives to continue reading and learning long after school is out. These reasons are part of the ongoing effort to build a new library on the Point and the community has met this challenge with enthusiasm and donations. The dream is becoming a reality. As we all work towards that goal, something additional needs doing. Do you know the Friends of the Point Roberts book sales help fund the local programs for kids and adults and the summer reading program? And while the generous donations of books for the sale are greatly appreciated, the one thing the library is short on is volunteers to help with these sales. Whether it is sorting books, hanging signs announcing the sales, being cashiers, helping people find what they are looking for or helping with setup or breakdown, the library could use your help. An hour here and there could do so much. Avid readers helping set up for the sales actually have first choice on books to buy as they are placed out for sale. Young people with time on their hands this summer would find satisfaction volunteering for the library and the community. If you are looking for a way to thank the library for all it offers Point Roberts, this might just be the way and it will cost you nothing but a little time and energy. The result will be continuing programs that can grow to meet the needs of a growing community of young readers, as well as those who are old friends of books and libraries. Phyllis Van Sant Point Roberts The Editor: KRPI has plans to locate a directional array of five 12-story tall antennas at Tyee Drive and McKenzie Way right as you enter Point Roberts. The fight to stop the invasion of these 50,000-watt radio towers is not over. While the antennas would destroy five acres of woods and be truly ugly, the bigger problems involve: 1. Electromagnetic blanketing interference on your electronic devices that cannot be effectively mitigated. The FCC does not require broadcasters to fix phones (landlines, cell and cordless) computers, speakers of all kinds, hearing aids, baby monitors and etc., because they cannot be fixed. For details go to: fcc.gov/guides/ public-and-broadcasting-july-2008 and read “Blanketing Interference.” 2. The KRPI 1550 AM antennas would produce 50,000 watts of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) 24/7 that moves as both sky and ground waves along the ground near the speed of light, penetrating our homes, businesses and bodies. Many folks worry about the .5 watts of EMR from a cell phone and the 100 watts that emanate from our local cell tower. But

what about the elephant in the room with 50,000 watts of EMR coming from AM radio transmission antennas? The EMR from these AM antennas would impact every corner of the Point and they represent a serious potential health threat. Visit notowers.webs.com and click on “Concerns about Electromagnetic Radiation” to learn about the latest research on how EMR can effect cells in our bodies or check out Professor Martin Blank’s book, “Overpowered: The Dangers of Electromagnetic Radiation (EMF) and What You Can Do About It” (available at amazon.com). We have won rounds one and two in our fight and we are warming up for round three later this summer. On another front, our FCC petition to deny and informal objections, filed through our attorneys in Washington, D.C. are working their way through the system and should yield results later this summer. We have great attorneys representing us but this is resulting in a very expensive fight. Please consider sending a check to: PRTA-FTT, P.O. Box 158. Point Roberts, WA, 98281 or go to notowers.webs.com and select the “donate” button. We are having a big fundraising event, the Delta Dreamlife Art and Travel Auction on June 7, 1–5 p.m., at Harris Barn in Ladner. Please save the date and if you have an object d’art or a travel package you would like to donate, it would be greatly appreciated. You may contact us at: lrwilk@telus.net or call Lois Wilkinson at 604/943-1821. We believe we can and will win this battle. Remember, if the towers are ever built, they will be here forever. Armene Belless, Cross Border Coalition to Stop the Radio Towers The Editor: Re: $15 an hour. What that does is give all the greedy merchants, landlords, services, etc., the opportunity to raise prices accordingly, thus basically nullifying this $5 an hour raise. But it really hurts the seniors who are living on a fixed income and darn near at poverty level before the raise. It will just guarantee placing many of us on the poverty level for sure. Besides, and this ought to raise a few hackles, the majority of people who work for minimum wage have no skills whatsoever and are really not qualified for such high wages. The people they work for have to train them to do the job. And truth be told, they all want the jobs and the money, but darn few really want the work. Harold “Tom” Thomson Blaine The Editor: We human beings have such short memories, and our need to have immediate financial gratification puts blinders on us. Hanford is one of the largest and most difficult superfund toxic cleanup sites in the United States. The leakage of radioactive and poisonous chemicals into the ground and water will go on for hundreds of years or longer. With Hanford as an example, why are we trying to create a superfund site for future generations to clean up in our own backyard? By allowing millions of tons of

toxic coal to sit on our ground awaiting shipment to China and elsewhere, we will have a supersite disaster in the making. Every time it rains, poisonous chemicals will leach into the ground and eventually into our waters, both fresh and salt. It will take hundreds of years, if ever, to erase the damage this coal dump will cause to our environment. And for what? A few jobs, so a couple of corporations can get even richer, so Chinese businessmen can get wealthier selling us more junk we don’t need, so we can breath the chemicals and fumes that are carried back to us by the winds when the Chinese burn our coal? Like I said, we human beings have such short memories, and our need for immediate gratification puts blinders on us. We at The Circle of Trees Studio and Homestead support the Lummi effort to keep coal dumps and their toxic chemical legacy out of our lands, waters and lungs forever. Ron Snyder and Cathy Taggett  Blaine The Editor: The Gateway terminal is a game-changer for Whatcom County. If you take the time to listen to the facts and not the fear mongering, you will see that this industry will really help our community in several ways. First of course are the jobs. Some people say there won’t be that many jobs but how often do you get more than 1,000 permanent local jobs that can support families, and also 4,000-plus jobs that will develop as a result of a couple of years of construction? The taxes Gateway will pay go to county schools that need the money the state can’t afford to provide. Unlike big retail businesses that want tax breaks, Gateway is not asking for any subsidy. The project will pay its own way. It will join the other good neighbor industries that have benefited our community at Cherry Point. Environmentally, the Gateway terminal will surpass all of Washington’s extremely high standards. If you care about the people who are trying to make a living that covers the costs of living her, you will see that this shipping terminal is a real benefit for now and the future. Patric Sheppard Bellingham The Editor: I’m all for the Gateway shipping terminal. Other states like Wyoming rely on our ports to get their products to market. They would much rather use American facilities and keep jobs in this country than send them abroad. The same is true for Washington – we need port capacity to ship our products such as apples and airplanes overseas. The trains come through here all the time to older, outdated shipping terminals in Canada. Why would we want to give this work away to Canada when we have people right here in Washington who are willing and able to do it? If you truly care about the environment, then you would want the Gateway facility, because this terminal will be built with the newest, cleanest technology. I’m disappointed that the Lummi leaders won’t talk with the Gateway people. I hope they look out for the entire community, which supports their casino and other businesses, and find common ways to protect their future without blocking opportunities for working families. Frank Smith Bellingham Please send letters to editor@allpointbulletin.com

May 2015 • allpointbulletin.com

W.R. (Bill) STEELE S You can’t keep a good man down: Kiniski’s Reef Tavern owner and former Point Roberts fire chief Nick Kiniski was promoted by San Juan Fire District #2 from captain to battalion chief on April 21. Fire chief Mik Preysz, l., congratulates him on his promotion. Photo by Scott Williams

2030 Benson Road

Hours:

It’s May and we’re celebratIng!

2030 Benson Road

It’s our 7th year in business, National Bike Month and we have

Special DealS all month long!

Monday 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Hours:

2030 Benson Road

Tuesday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Monday 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Hours:

Thursday Monday 11 a.m. –9 Tuesday 9 a.m. –6a.m. 5p.m. p.m.– 5 p.m.

Vancouver, B.C. 604-484-1527 Point Roberts, WA 360-306-5687

CEL: 604-312-5857 1-888-698-2817

BLAINE • POINT ROBERTS • SEMIAHMOO

bill@steeleaweigh.com • www.steeleaweigh.com

Bonded for Sales in US Waters.

BROKERS OF QUALITY PLEASURE YACHTS

NEW

scheduled flights to Bellingham!

Tuesday 9 a.m. –from 5 p.m. **Closed 12-1 p.m.

Scads of cruisers in stock!

Thursday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Come in for your Spring Tune-Ups & Repairs! May Hours: Fri & Mon: 11-5 • Sat & Sun 10-5 Smoking Accessories, Vaporizers & E-Cigs

Call 945-2580

**Closed from 12-1 p.m.

Call Call 945-2580 For945-2580 info & appointments

info & appointments ForFor info & appointments Visit our website: www.pointrobertsclinic.com (please be at least 21 years old to purchase) Visit our website: www.pointrobertsclinic.com Visit our website: www.pointrobertsclinic.com

www.pedalpushers.webs.com email: pedalpushersbikes@yahoo.com

Gulf Road near Marine Drive 360-990-0193 • 360-945-2854

Avoid Border Lineups! Make your connecting flight on time.

Thursday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. **Closed from 12-1 p.m.

The Point Roberts Clinic is The Point Roberts Clinic is Owned by the Point Roberts Owned by the Point Roberts Public Hospital District The Point Roberts Clinic is District OwnedPublic by the Hospital Point Roberts

Call 1-800-874-4434 Daily, Scheduled, Charter, Freight and Scenic Flights.

Public Hospital District

Serving the San Juan Islands, Seattle, Port Angeles, Canada and other NW destinations!

www.sanjuanairlines.com

A few spots left for CSA program runs mid-June to September.

Receive a weekly supply of just-picked, delicious organic vegetables. Contact: homegrown@pointroberts.net

Point Roberts Home Grown Co-Op All Local

Watch for farm-stand opening late May!

All Organic

All Year

Specializing in sustainably grown organic produce! 1702 Benson Road • www.prhomegrowncoop.com

LADYBUG NURSERY For Mother’s DayOPEN 5 DAYS A WEEK 10 am - 6 pm Closed Tues. & Wed.

gorgeous selection of plants, pots and hanging baskets!

FREE gift

for Mom on Mother’s Day, May 10th.

New plants arriving daily. Come early for the best selection.

339 Windsor Drive Point Roberts

Ladybug Nurseries

Like me on for updates FB Ladybug Nursery Point Roberts

Stay on the Point! Pick up flowers and plant on the same day.

• Tomatoes • Herbs • Berries • Basil • Birches • Maples •

Perennials • Cedar hedging • Wisteria • Azaleas • Rhododendrons • Roses

Cedar hedging • Wisteria • Azaleas • Rhododendrons • Roses • Tomatoes

• Herbs • Berries • Basil • Birches • Maples • Fruit trees •

Come check out Dave’s expanded produce selection!

We now have a full line of spirits in addition to our fine wine and beer selection! GREAT VALUES! Check out our great selection of: • fresh produce • fresh cut meats • cheeses OPEN EVERYDAY 8 A.M. - 10 P.M.

Weekly HOT specials - Check them out in our store flyer! Dean Priestman, Manager

Video & DVD Dept.

Monday Madness all rentals $ 49

Find hundreds of COUPONS online at www.PointRobertsMarketplace.com

Tyee Drive • 945-0237

All Point Bulletin • May 2015

Fire chief ...

Trinity Community Lutheran Church Come Join us! Everyone Welcome! Regular Sunday Service at 11 a.m. Administration 945-7105 • 1880 A.P.A. Rd. • Point Roberts

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

9:30am (intermediate) 6:00pm (mixed levels) 9:30am (gentle) 9:30am (mixed levels) 9:30am (gentle) 9:30am (advanced flow) 9:30am (mixed levels)

Please phone or e-mail to reserve your space or to get more info.

s ' n e h tep

hair design

360-945-5152

Wednesday - Friday 10 am to 6 pm! Saturday 9 am to 3 pm

Suite B, 1423 Gulf Road, Point Roberts, WA 98281

Why drive off the Point for your physical therapy needs? Whatcom Physical Therapy is pleased with the community support we received over the past 3 years. We serve patients on Wednesdays and are a provider for almost all U.S. insurance plans. We look forward to providing excellent physical therapy care to the residents of the Point for many years to come. 360.332.8167 2030 Benson Rd., Point Roberts, WA

www.WhatcomPT.com

From page 1 contract contained six clauses under which the fire chief could be terminated for cause; the new contract holds only five. Missing in the new contract was the first clause in the old: “10.1 Incompetency, inefficiency or inattention to or dereliction of duty.” These are no longer contractual cause for dismissal. When it comes to annual evaluations, the district has agreed that in the absence of “any objective evidence and documented concerns, the Parties agree that Employee’s job performance will be deemed acceptable.” Previously, the clause stated, “…in the absence of any identifiable concerns.” Presumably, “objective evidence” requires a higher degree of substantiation than “identifiable concerns.” There’s more. Employers in Washington state are not required to offer paid vacation to employees; according to former state senator and certified public accountant Georgia Gardner, it is rare that a part-time employee receives such benefits, especially those who are paid a salary for specified periods, as is Carleton. The fire chief will be paid $4,166.66 per month (or $50,000 annually) for 100 hours’ work per month (up from 80 hours previously). Carleton received 40 hours vacation allowance on signing the first contract in 2012 and has been accruing vacation at the rate of three and one/third hours a month (or 40 hours annually). Both the old and new contract allow vacation time to accrue from year to year; however, the maximum accrual “in a contract term is 200 hours.” Whether Carleton is fired or quits, he will be paid for the accrued vacation time. After five years without vacation, he would have 200 hours banked. Carleton said his accrued vacation time would not roll over into the second or third contract term but nowhere is this specified in the contract. As the contract is for three five-year terms, he could conceivably accrue 600 hours. At his current rate of pay, the vacation payout would cost the district $24,999 on top of any possible severance payment. Whether he would or does accrue that much vacation time can’t be known. However, Carleton is also currently a full-time paramedic working for the Ferndale fire department, which offers paid vacations. Chief Carleton was above board in explaining the rationale behind his request for such large severance payments. “Without that built into the contract, fire chiefs won’t do the job because they’re never confident that the next day they come into work, they still have a job. Especially if they have a dispute with a commissioner panel, commissioners all over the country will just get a whim or knee-jerk reaction and decide to terminate the chief without cause. That’s why [the contract] has protection for me, and penalties for the district if I’m terminated without cause.” Certainly Carleton didn’t have to look far for evidence that his fear of unjust termination was justified. No more than 10 feet separated him from commissioners Bill Meursing and Stan Riffle, who unceremoniously dumped former long-time fire chief Nick Kiniski at a special meeting in August 2012. When asked what the grounds for Kiniski’s termination were, Riffle stated at the time that there “were no grounds.” Kiniski’s relationship with the board had initially been harmonious but had deteriorated as a result of what he considered undue interference with how he managed the department. At a June 2012 commission meeting, Kiniski expressed frustration with the commissioners’ meddling. “This comes down to, I’m the chief here,” he said. “You guys make it very tough for me. I’m getting directives from commissioners.” Fellow commissioner at that time, David Gellatly, stepped up for Kiniski and

told Meursing and Riffle that it needed to be clear that department operations were the chief’s job, not the commissioners.’ “No one commissioner can direct the chief to do anything,” he said. “If it’s happening, it shouldn’t happen. We don’t have unilateral authority.” Gellatly was referencing the fact that in Washington state, individual commissioners have no powers whatsoever; only boards as a whole have any power. Kiniski’s dismissal was met with a good deal of community opposition and unmet demands that the commissioners provide justification for their actions. It also meant that $50,000 the county spent in 2011 to pay for Kiniski’s training as a paramedic was essentially wasted; Kiniski now works in another county as a full-time paramedic on Orcas Island. Commissioner Jeff Wilmot was the only commissioner to express doubt about the proposed contract. “This is one hell of a contract. I’ve never heard of anything that comes close to it. Your presentation was very comprehensive – it’s a lot to absorb without spending some time on it and understanding what it is going to cost the district. And when our bosses out there in the audience hear this, perhaps they are going to want to participate in this. Let me ask you this – how negotiable is this?” Carleton responded by saying, “Well, I think it’s very negotiable.” If Carleton thought commissioners were going to get down to brass tacks, he could brush that worry away. Neither Meursing nor Riffle expressed any concerns about the length or terms of the contract. Riffle said, “I read through the contract twice and I feel the severance amounts are very fair.” Meursing wanted to go further and urged fellow commissioners to increase Carleton’s pay. “I was going to propose a salary of $55,000; otherwise, it would mean [Carleton] would work for eight years at $50,000 without a raise.” Commissioners gave no reason why they needed to call a special meeting to discuss the contract just one week after Carleton raised the issue at the April regular meeting. Carleton’s original contract term went to December 31, 2015 and would automatically renew for another three years. Later Wilmot asked whether the “finished” contract had been vetted by district attorney Brian Snure. Meursing replied that he had called twice and left messages with him. “So he said there were no legal issues?” Wilmot queried further, to which Meursing replied, “If there had been legal issues, he would have called me back.” There was no further discussion regarding the advisability of a complete legal review of the contract. Yet the contract itself states under General Provisions (16.6): “At all times, the District has been represented by its attorney.” The exchange between Wilmot and Meursing makes it unclear whether a legal review actually took place. There was also no discussion about the ability of the district to pay out a possible severance without endangering the existence of the fire district. The district’s 2015 tax revenue will be $537,320.30; a payout in the first five years would total nearly 30 percent of the district’s annual budget and would have to be made at the next regular payroll date or in a period no longer than six months after the chief’s dismissal. Meursing and Riffle have a track record of approving contracts that have not been fully reviewed. Both commissioners approved and signed Carleton’s first contract in 2012 but had to backtrack after the All Point Bulletin pointed out that its terms meant Carleton was eligible for three month’s vacation in his first year. That contract gave the chief 120 vacation hours at the beginning of his term and accrued 10 hours per month for a total of 240 hours at the end of his first term. The contract was amended to an initial 40 hours with (See Fire chief, page 7)

May 2015 • allpointbulletin.com

Fire chief ...

From page 6 a monthly accrual rate of 3.5 hours for a total allowable banked vacation time of 120 hours. When the errors in the 2012 contract were pointed out, Carleton described the contract as their “first shot of it.” The contract proposed for 2015 was discussed at the commissioners’ regular meeting on Wednesday, April 8. At that time, Carleton had said he would email a “draft” contract for commissioners to review. All three commissioners were fulsome in their praise of Carleton’s performance who, by most community accounts, has performed admirably since taking over as chief. Riffle said, “I just think this community should realize how lucky we are to have chief Carleton. I have no problem with offering him three five-year terms.” Meursing followed up by saying, “I can’t improve on [Riffle’s] speech … I don’t see why people when they have a good thing why they wouldn’t take it.” Commissioner Wilmot took pains to describe his questioning of the contract terms as separate from his appraisal of Carleton’s performance, who he said “had remade this organization in a very short time.” He added that he resented “being painted with a brush simply because he had questions about something that no one else in the room had even read yet.

That insults me. It’s not the way we should behave as an organization or a community.” Wilmot concluded by stating that he believed the contract was “a heavily flawed document but, for the sake of unanimity, [fellow commissioners] have my Yes vote.” After the vote was taken and the contract approved, Meursing called for a motion to adjourn the meeting when he was interrupted by Riffle. Turning to the audience, Riffle said, “You tonight have witnessed, thanks to Bill Meursing, essentially an executive session by the board. Bill did not want to go behind closed doors and do this and normally that’s how it’s done according to RCWs. We would go in and hammer things out. Bill wanted it to be out and open with the public.” In fact, the opposite is true. RCW 42.30.110 is the section of the Washington state Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA) that deals with executive session. Sub-section 110(g) states, “…discussion by a governing body of salaries, wages, and other conditions of employment to be generally applied within the agency shall occur in a meeting open to the public, and when a governing body elects to take final action hiring, setting the salary of an individual employee or class of employees, or discharging or disciplining an employee, that action shall be take in a meeting open to the public.” Following Riffle’s encomium, Meursing then closed the meeting after refusing to take questions from the All Point Bulletin.

The Washington state legislature enacted the 2014 Open Government Trainings Act that came into effect on July 1, 2014. According to the act, incumbent members of a governing agency must have received open public meetings and records training in 2014, while newly elected officials must take it within 90 days of their taking office and every four years thereafter. A request of the fire district to ascertain if the commissioners had fulfilled this requirement was not answered by press time. The OPMA is exacting in its requirements for open public meetings. With the exception of rigidly specified exclusions for executive sessions, all meetings where a quorum of officials is present and action is taken must be held in public. Action includes discussion or consideration of agency business; therefore, two members of a three member board may not email or meet in person to discuss matters concerning the fire district. A 2012 open public records request made by the All Point Bulletin to the fire district revealed numerous instances of fire commissioners discussing fire district business through email. Commissioners Meursing and Riffle are frequently seen together and while it is not known if they

The fire district is getting closer to building the web of agreements needed to solve the communications problems that have been plaguing the department. At the April 8 regular board meeting, fire chief Christopher Carleton said work was moving quickly on establishing memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Washington State Patrol to allow use of their communications facilities. “The positive news is they are writing the MOUs as we speak,” he said. The district is planning to put a transmission dish on the Whidbey Telecom tower to connect with CBP communications facilities which is expected to dramatically improve radio and pager communications on the Point. “The contract with Whidbey is ready to go but I can’t unless the MOUs are in place,” Carleton said. In other fire district news, Carleton said he was meeting with staff from Washington Surveying and Ratings Bureau (WSRB) to reevaluate the district’s fire rating. The WSRB “evaluates fire protection capabili-

Deputies ...

From page 1 “The public needs to know their Canadian phones are sending these calls to Canada,” he said. His first recommendation was to use a landline if possible, as it makes sure the call goes to the right place and gives the operator more information. If that isn’t possible, it’s critical to tell the operator where you are and to ask to be transferred to the right dispatch center. The What-Comm administration line directs, “If you are calling from outside the area and need emergency assistance call 360/676-6911.” WCSO undersheriff Jeff Parks said the March 28 incident was under investigation, and a crime scene investigator and detective were on the Point gathering evidence on March 30. “They found the vehicle and processed it,” he said. “They certainly got what they needed from it.“ WCSO is now in the process of trying to find the suspected assailant. Parks acknowledged that, while in this

ties of cities and fire protection districts to determine community protection classes.” Those classes are used by insurance companies to set insurance rates for an area. Carleton said the Point was currently rated six, with one being the worst and ten being the best. He was unsure how long ago the community’s fire rating was reviewed but fire commissioner Bill Meursing, the longest standing board member, said it had been 10, if not 15 years. “We’ve definitely had some changes,” Carleton said. “We basically have 24/7 coverage now, we’ve added weekend duty and we have a new engine. My hope is we stay at a six or we could possibly drop to a five.” Carleton also addressed some complaints from the public about the aesthetics of the burn ban sign at the border. “I have no intention of removing that sign,” he said. “Since we put up that sign our illegal burns have gone down by half. By having that sign right there at the border there’s no way people can say they didn’t know when the burn ban is on.” case the 911 call went to the wrong place, the sheriff’s department have not immediately responded to other 911 calls, including concerns about a drunk driver on Gulf Road. With WCSO short a dozen deputies due to a combination of leave and attrition, Parks said, “It depends on what is going on and what our coverage is like.” With only one resident deputy in Point Roberts at this time, if he isn’t on the Point, law enforcement will respond from the county if it is deemed necessary. Parks said the patrol sergeant in Bellingham would evaluate the call to see if the resident deputy could follow it up when he returns. “We are a limited resource,” he said. “Triage is based on whatever activity is going on in the county.” He added they “always have and always will” respond to an incident in progress. WCSO is in the process of organizing the move to Point Roberts for the second deputy they are committed to providing. Parks said he expects Tom McCarthy, who served on the Point earlier in his career, to move up in May.

have or do discuss fire district business, at the minimum such meetings are open to misinterpretation. The All Point Bulletin has submitted an open public records request to the fire district asking for copies of commissioner emails for the period of March 15 to April 20, 2015 and will report on our findings in a future issue.

Point Roberts Hair Stylist

t l u a N n i b Ro

Full service salon for men, women & children

945-1301

Auntie Pam’s Country Store

Comm upgrades getting close

now FeAturing “The Alps” Mustards and Sauces! Free samples!

Sunny Sunday Flea Market

v Every Sunday (weather permitting) 11 am – 5 pm v Sell your goodies here!

Natural Skin Care Products • Gourmet Food Penny Candy • Clothing • and more. 1480 Gulf Rd. • Point Roberts, WA • 360-945-1626 Like us on Facebook

Home of volume discounts

Larry's

Liquor Locker

liquor • wine • beer

PRICES EffECTIvE May 1

upfront, Honest spirit pricing - all taxes included in sHelf price. Beer

(plus taxes)

Heineken 12pk ........................................ $13.59 Coroana 12pk.......................................... $13.99 Bud/ Bud light 12pk ............................... $10.99 MGD /light 16oz 12pk cans .................... $10.99 Miller High life 12pk bot .......................... $8.49 Sessions 12pk (all) ................................. $10.99

SpiritS

(all taxes in)

Duggan’s Irish Cream 750ml ..................... $15.95 Rancho Alegre Tequila 100% Agave ......... $21.95 8 Seconds Canadian Whiskey 750ml ........ $29.95 el Jimador Tequila ..................................... $21.95 Black Velvet 8 yr Reserve 750 ................... $17.95 Bacardi Rum 1L (all) .................................. $21.95

Come BroWSe our neW expanded Wine SeleCtion. over 100 neW WineS added!!

Wine

(no discount)

J.Lohr cab, merlot.................................. $13.99 J.lohr Hilltop.......................................... $21.99 Trinchero Napa merlot ........................... $15.99 Segura Viudas ........................................ $8.49

Coopers Creek sav blanc ....................... $10.99 OZV zin ..................................................... $8.99 Apothic (all) ............................................. $9.49 William Hill (all) ..................................... $12.99 Alamos (all) .............................................. $9.99

may Hours: Mon - thurs 10 - 7 Fri 10 - 8 • Sat 10 - 7 • Sun 10 - 6 open all Holidays

360/945-2622

now ope n earlier!

Plenty of Parking 1334B gulf rd. Point roberts Wa

Located on east end of Kiniski’s Reef Tavern on Gulf Rd.

All Point Bulletin • May 2015

Water ... From page 1

logical at that time still exist today,” Hackleman said. The district pays rent for its office and stores equipment and materials in several locations on the Point. “Part of the idea behind the building is to make things more efficient,” Hackleman said. Commissioners approved an agreement with the fire district in 2014 to connect with their new drain field, and the septic system for the new facility has been installed. The district applied for the conditional use permit in 2013 which was approved by the county hearing examiner in 2014. Bourks said the district currently had approximately $20,000 invested in the project.

Join Our Mailing List! All Point Bulletin

e PB

Over 1,000 subscribers Sign up at www.allpointbulletin.com

Meursing first appeared to be souring on the project at the district’s February 10 meeting, when an initial quote for engineering, design and project management costs came in at $179,000, over a third of the project’s estimated total budget. “Anything over $50,000 is out of the question,” Meursing said. “It’s insulting.” Bourks has since met with another engineering firm to try to get the cost down. Hackleman pointed out that ratepayers have already been paying for the new facility through the connection fees, which fund the capital improvement plan approved by commissioners. “That’s been part of our fee structure for over a decade,” he said. “What do we do, start refunding?’ “We could invest in our existing infrastructure,” Meursing said. “That’s already included in our fee structure,” Hackleman said. “You can’t collect money for one purpose and then spend it on something else. When you sign something that’s good for 10 years, it’s good for 10 years. A contract is a contract.” “I don’t give a hoot if we signed that comp plan eight years ago,” Meursing said. “Things have changed. I can’t change my mind?” Bourks, who had remained silent during the discussion, said he was now qualified to draw a pension and would get back to commissioners in 30 days about the possibility of retiring now. “It’s tough working like this,” he said. “I’m tired of this.” “I don’t understand where you’re coming from,” he told Meursing, and the meeting was hastily adjourned. Hackleman told the All Point Bulletin that he spoke with Meursing the next day, who spoke of his own frustration and said he planned to resign and focus his energies on his role as a fire district commissioner. Contacted by the All Point Bulletin, Meursing would not confirm his plan to resign. “If and when I do,” he said, “that’s between me and the board.”

Winter Hours

“We are all looking forward to hearing the ensemble, they always select such wonderful pieces,” said concert series producer Lucy Williams. On Saturday, June 13 at 7 p.m. the Trinity Community Choir under the direction of Tasha Neufeld will present its spring concert. The concert title is Potpourri, and it features a wonderful mix of songs and styles. Choir concerts are always crowd pleasers enjoyed by all ages. Get here early for this one; they usually play to a full house. For several years now the church has maintained a website which can be viewed at pointrobertschurch.com. This website is an excellent resource for church news and events and is now featuring something new. Each Sunday we are doing a DVD recording of the sermon and posting these on the website. These clips are approximately 15 minutes in length and can be found by clicking on the “Sermons” icon on the lower right hand side of the home page. These are very helpful if you miss a Sunday, want to hear a message that you found particularly inspiring or if you are just plain curious about what is talked about on any Sunday. There are no passwords, simply click on the page of the Sunday you would like to hear. If you have suggestions for the website, email them to tclc@whidbey.com. Happy spring! See you next month.

POINT

Fuel & Pantry

Only U.S. funds will be accepted

• Commercial garbage collection

Spring, glorious spring I spent the last two and a half months away from the Point due to a family illness and now that I have returned I cannot help but gaze around in awe at all the beautiful flowers that adorn our bushes and trees. The days were short and cold when we headed out and now we have returned to sunsets that hold off until 8 p.m., days of sunshine and a riot of color. It’s a glorious reminder of how blessed we are to live on this magical little peninsula. The release date of this issue gives me one more opportunity to remind you of a fabulous concert this Saturday afternoon, April 25 at 3 p.m. entitled Vignettes of Canada. Performed by the Cowal-Earle Duo, the program features music by Canadian composers. Brilliant clarinetist Shawn Earle compliments us with this return engagement performing pieces from his doctoral recital for UBC accompanied by pianist Rory Cowal. This is also a second concert here for Cowal, who accompanied trumpeter Ray Kirkham from the VSO here in February. Rounding out the afternoon will be a reception in the social hall immediately following the concert. Sunday, May 24 at 4 p.m. the Chamber West Quintet returns for their fourth appearance in the chamber series. This excellent group of woodwind artists from West and North Vancouver and beyond performs at many venues in B.C.

Photo by Meg Olson

Open Thursday & Sunday 12 noon - 4 pm

• Residential curbside garbage and recycling collection service

B y B a r b a r a W ay l a n d

s It was a full house at the April 14 meeting of the Point Roberts Community Advisory Committee. Some audience members were just there to listen while some brought concerns and proposals to the committee, including putting a text amendment in to the county that would limit the number of parcel services to the number that exist today.

Transfer Station

Every Monday

Church News

Recycling Days Mondays April 27, May 11 & 25 To arrange, please call or email:

360-945-CNDO (2636) info@candorecyclinganddisposal.com

360-945-7611 1557 Gulf Rd.

Across from the Post Office

WE ARE NOW OPEN Hours: Open 7am-11pm 7 days a week For your

e n i w d n a r e needs. fuel, dairy, be

May 2015 • allpointbulletin.com

Coming to a parade near you The world famous Vancouver Police Pipe Band will be special guests of honor at this year’s Fourth of July Parade in Point Roberts. Their appearance was arranged by friend of the band and local summer resident Douglas Hume. The Vancouver Police Pipe Band, the world’s oldest continuously serving police pipe band, has spent the last 100 years traveling the world to play and as Vancouver’s ambassadors. The band celebrated its centennial in 2014, and traveled to England to perform at the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle. This was the first time in the 350-year history of the ceremony that a non-military band performed at the iconic ceremony. In 1914, the Vancouver Police Department was made up largely of Scottish immigrants, who longed to keep the traditions of “the auld sod” alive in Canada, and in that vein, the department created the pipe band. The all-police personnel makeup of the band has changed over the last century. Today, the pipers and drummers come from all walks of life, and are led by 17-year Vancouver Police veteran and pipe master Cal Davis. The Vancouver Police Pipe Band has long maintained close ties to the U.S., playing many important events, from the opening of the Golden Gate Bridge to an impromptu retreat ceremony when President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. The pipe band continues to cross the border to play for events today, including ceremonies honoring police officers killed in the line of duty. For more information on the band, visit pipeband.ca. For more information on the Point Roberts July 4 parade, contact chamber of commerce president Heather McPhee at 360-945-6675

Beach testing planned

A combination of federal funding, county staff and volunteer efforts will put together a regular water-quality monitoring program for Maple Beach this summer. “Is Maple Beach looking pretty good or is it something we should be looking at?” said Tom Kunesh, environmental health supervisor for Whatcom County. Kunesh said through the Beach Environmental Assessment, Communication and Health (BEACH) program they would begin monthly testing at three sites in Maple Beach from May through August. Samples will be tested for indicator species of fecal contamination by warm-blooded animals. “We want to begin to establish a baseline,” Kunesh said. Debbie Sargeant with the Washington State Department of Ecology, which administers the BEACH program with funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, said they have been monitoring approximately 60 beaches in the state since 2004. “The main criteria is heavy use by the public or a beach where there might be health risks,” she said. “We thought this year it would be good to use some of the BEACH funds to do some sampling up there to kind of test the waters.” More frequent testing will provide better data, and Kunesh said they were working with the Surfrider Foundation’s Blue Water Task Force to establish alternate-week sampling. Volunteer samplers will be needed as well as someone to transport the samples to the laboratory within six hours. The first training was held April 21 and additional trainings will be scheduled as needed.

s Vancouver Police Pipe Band performing the changing of the guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace. The band celebrated its centennial in 2014 and was invited by the royal household to perform, the first non-military band to do so in the 350-year history of the ceremony. This summer they’ll perform at the Point Roberts July 4 parade.

DONATIONS AND VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Funding the fight continues with an art and lifestyle auction on

Sunday, June 7, 1-5pm at the Harris Barn in Ladner The Cross Border Coalition to Stop the Radio Towers is calling for donations of artwork of all kinds, travel and “experience” packages. We also need volunteers to help with the event. If you can help contact: Volunteers, contact Beth Gunderson at bethgunderson@gmail.com or 604-506-5962 Art and lifestyle donations, contact Lois Wilkinson at lrwilk@telus.net or 604-943-1821 The evenT So faR: Celebrity Host: Norm Grohmann, retired BCTv Weatherman Professional Auctioneer: Ian Paton of Ian Paton auctions and Delta Council Member

There will be both a live and silent auction with items including a Mediterranean cruise, trips to Sonoma, Ca, hawaii and Scottsdale, aZ, among others, and all kinds of art.

WE NEED YOUR HELP! To learn more about the towers fight and to donate on line, go to www.NoTowers.webs.com

10 All Point Bulletin

• May 2015

THE ART OF SMART DRESSING

May 5 • June 2 July 7 • August 4 604.943.6354 1234 56th St., Tsawwassen

Read it first. Limited sizes, in stock items. SALE ENDS MAY 10.

AllPointBulletin.com

ON SALE! 399

s Whatcom County Executive Jack Louws and county council member Barbara Brenner were the featured guests at the Point Roberts Registered Voters Association annual general meeting on April 9. Louws brought some positive news about the dock at Lighthouse Marine Park, where they expect to finally be able to drive new pilings in early June, and reported continuing county efforts to pursue code violations and “put some more teeth into code enforcement.” He also fielded questions from the audience about how the gas tax dollars get spent and spoke to concerns about inadequate law enforcement on the Point. “We did engage with the county sheriff and he realizes we’re understaffed at the Point right now,” he said.

Photo by Meg Olson

Specialized Expedition ....$ Expedition Sport .............. $449

Lots of great accessories on SalE too! Baskets, saddles, pumps & more!

5666 - 12th Ave. • Tsawwassen

604-943-5670

www.deltabike.ca

Securing a bright future Westshore Terminals – North America’s busiest coal export terminal – is amid a five-year, $270 million project to make it even better. As we work to secure a bright future over the next few years we will:

• Build a new office, workshop and employee complex

• Replace three of our four stacker-reclaimers

which both stockpile and reclaim coal on our site

• Replace our largest shiploader at Berth 1 • Install additional dust suppression systems For our customers it will mean they can plan for the future with confidence. We will have new equipment and increased coal stockpile capacity without increasing our site footprint. Every tonne of coal from train to vessel will be handled more efficiently and with improved environmental safeguards. The changes will not come without challenges as we are a busy terminal. However, the results will prove worthwhile for Westshore and its unitholders; to our customers; and to Canada in increasing coal export revenues, and productive jobs.

www.westshore. com

We’re taking time to do it right

May 2015 • allpointbulletin.com

Dollars for Scholars still accepting student applications By Meg Olson The Point Roberts Dollars for Scholars chapter is encouraging local students to apply for locally raised funds and access a national database of scholarships. The local chapter is back under the wing of Scholarship America this year and through the website at pointroberts. dollarsforscholars.org, students can get in touch with not only scholarships but also volunteer and internship opportunities. The deadline to submit applications is May 15, though an earlier error on the website listed the deadline as April 15. The Point Roberts Dollars for Scholars chapter is currently in its last fundraising drive before the awards ceremony in late June. “Donations have been coming in steadily,” said board member Linda Hughes. The chapter has been helping lo-

We get the word out

ONLINE!

cal students of any age pursue postsecondary education for over a decade, giving out over $150,000. Donations can be made directly at Umpqua Bank or at Caffé Capanna, and three fundraising drum circles are planned for the next three full moons. The first will be Sunday, May 3 at 3 p.m. at the café. “We’re calling it a full moon boom,” Hughes said.

It’s May Let’s celebrate!

Mother’s Day... Victoria Day... Memorial Day... at...

This isn’T jusT anoTher MoTher’s Day GifT. Starting April 9 whiles supplies last - purchase PANDORA’s “bouquet of love” gift set for $225. See store for details.

T ime to refresh your space! Book Jana today for an In-Home consultation.

4817 F Delta Street, Ladner, BC

Facebook.com/ allpointbulletin

Right next to Ladner Village Hardware the big Yellow Building. If parking is an issue, come after 3:00

5094 48th Avenue, Ladner Village

604.946.1057 lawlorgoldsmithshoppe.com

604.940.0779

l TheBlueDoorInteriors.com

PROUDLY SERVING THE POINT ROBERTS COMMUNITY FOR 30 YEARS! YOUR LOCAL & CROSS-BORDER CONNECTION we Pacific Co

Blaine & ay BircHhI NB GTON

dding ast

Greataerle FerHnI NdG T O N

the go -to gu ide fo r

AP M P A M WAS

WAS

north west bride s

2015

2015-2016

APRIL 2015

IN THIS

ISSUE

www.AllPointBulletin.com

Check out the design of the new library, page 5

Dealer in animal parts jailed, page 7

ECRWSS PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 14

FREE

Louws to speak at voter AGM, page 16

Point Roberts, WA 98281 Postal Patron Local

Commissioners An apple a day... agree to bump radio budget

YEARS

By Meg OlsOn A special pub A special pub COM MUN

Com mun ity N ewsp aper Bo

ning

his s

By Meg OlsOn

As the Cross Border Coalition to Stop the Radio Towers heads into round three in their opposition to a proposed tower farm on the corner of Tyee Drive and McKenzie Way, they are rallying the troops. “We need people to come out to events, we need people to donate,” said coalition member Jennifer Urquhart. At the March 10 meeting of the Point Roberts Community Advisory Commit-

tee (PRCAC) Arthur Reber reported on the latest move by BBC Broadcasting Inc., which has applied to build the array of five AM radio transmission towers. The county hearing examiner first denied the company’s application because the towers did not meet height restrictions and no exemption to those rules exists in county code. Whatcom County Council upheld that decision and the applicants have now appealed it to Skagit County Superior Court. “They are using the Land Use Petition

of B lain e an d Bir ch B n, p ay age HH

trip

Bla HECRWSS trail ine-Bir HHH Postal Cu gain ch B stomer s tra ay ctio n, p ag

Rid tl i spon ing a Com se, th wave duri pany (De Dra of posi ng th yt tiv H At e su OC) on H e pu park the re mmer is look arbor blic re mon ing O co-o s and gular to ex yster th Richard Procter, entertained diners at the cem meetin s. prop wner pand g of eter Stre osal fo Mark y Se et bo the Bl r an Photo by LouiseloMugar aine outd ymour ard, cate Plaza. oo pres DHO Drive d near Seym C ou r di in th , said the pl r, who ning arented only e sum he wan aza at 67 se stor ea in Ha delic provid mer. H ts to do 7 Peac efront mor e Port is som ious fo e a fun e said e al the e safety od, bu social this w grillin ould atm su g t “T mmer concer it wou ospher not ns haem here’s . that ld also e and olyt a bact aris icus of eria e du allay Act which allows them to saymtersthe du use ring ake ring th that sh called e war ow prec peopintervibr the land is being inappropriately s of heautiona le sick mer se up in io para ,” Se ason raw alth rysaid. preted by Whatcom County,” harv Reber m oy , ym estin shuts easure our which ssa ca dow , g in “The process is long, it’ifsturepainful and ri n re the de id. “A n we ses ab the ar s cr pa it’s expensive.” that can’t ove 70 ea whe eationa rtmen a have t tim l n out e it’ th degrees. the te oyster While Whatcom County attorneys raw mpe e gr s a grea ewill So big th draw ill. W t op oyster we fig rasN port eappeal defend the council decision ba ur Cur asfothe th strip orth W ters rently r the ar ink it’ unity r duringe ea to s go , on the prom es to hatcom moves forward, Reberstorsaid ing break ym .” the Secoalition e stan oted tohis colla Fire an to be wan when sidew our on ding r was determined to have their own attorney a ovatlieuten during d Rescue 25-f ts to ro the wea alk in ly gr ion ant af the ill (NW at th N whi oot stri pe off an ther is front s oyse sa ter firefi WFR co FR) fir te w p of me abou all to of H approx nice. Se thei mee ghter Dommissiefighte St page im t 25 Towers, (See 3)atel ymou r a liq ting. ug Cl oner r Tony pe set up reet ark s’ mee Esse sell uor lic ople. Pe a grill plaza al y 12 by r was r tin beer ense ong ndin and forc g on holds hi , and se th ed to April s da win Seymoug the ap ating e retir 16. Es ught fo e. pr B r al y S er e du so ho oval of r te e to ser, an , Adi, w ve pes a ba eigh hi Gun Th to ck in t-yea le his (See clos e Blai tl jury r ve wife DH i ne ed . Clar tera Ta OC Frid part scho k re n of th wny pi , pa ay ceiv ge 3) ns out icipate , Apr ol dist ed ane departmlieut il 24 in de ri Assoc hono ent, enant Teac monstra a region so te ct will iatio tic rary was ac hers tio al te be ip n plaq ache hers ca soci ate in (BEA) in n. ue an the r’s w n at the Phot purp ion’s Was voted da alkBy Blai o by A ne A ly Stev teac ose of (WEA) hingto pril 17 Educ e Gu SSA hers the wal n Ed to ntli The atio ing Pit n poor to atte demon kout. ucation parvers Unite ch J.J. Elem er Jens educat nd vari stratio The st Asing ary Ass d Stat en, the entary ion ous n is to ated back ocia es/C a Churcheven ............................................ 15 ra four fund tion anad H scho action and pr th gr ing llies pr allow from t will ands A (USC a Peac was ol di is no esiden from ad ot ta cr es PA e Ann 17ou mad e te ke Classifieds os Arc 10........................................ ache the st t- la “We’ve strict, bu t dire t of th e s h St :30 a. place s the A) is icted at e tions r at al t last event after a Blai e. The ate Pa m. to on Su Border bringat BEA, hip ways at the part Coming Up 14 surv ne rk .T 3:30 nday with had deci ...................................... stat the Bl said im sum e le a sion . ai the p.m , June he A pressi mer. “Wicipants ey of dist good w gislatur ne . at to br ve 53 le2xa 14 Crossings ........................................... rict nder and e had was co 0 prev Peac ing here orking e. m Su a , e back i(See , an re leav rvey pahead of oving,” result nducte prog d th the Wal Obituary .......................................... 18 th d e sa ra U rt at ey co even ko SC id m they icip fo m w ut, pa t mis ments ants PAA. Christi as ho r 18 yecoordi ge 2) to se 4 nato sed w na an Opinion .............................................. w ar er e it d e the in th excite s and r. Hin go face thenorth even many allow d book t. “T of th ed to and e even people said es ran Seniors, Library .............................. 18 ,” said Bo the he em tw gr .com ernligh w b H he kids said Han andchi ere to ho ha remem event /then t.com ines Tides ................................................ 12 , pr hated for Bo ds Acr ldren bring d partic bered orth to evio th os ernli Lett us it will y Scou s the experi eir ch ipated ght ild en ers be op t and Bo Gir rder ce it to ren S en port . . . . l Sc is o. for ... s .. anyo out tr an even C ... la oo .. ne. ss In pr ps, bu t (See Poli ifieds . . . . . . . . . . evio t Han 4 . . c us ds, Com e . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 6 . . ing ... 2) .. T

of the funds for more than just “road construction and maintenance” and would include a wider range of transportation-related projects. At the top of the group’s list is a late-afternoon bus from Blaine schools so local students can participate in team sports and other extracurricular activities. “This would really be fantastic for those kids and families,” said PRCAC chair Joel Lantz. Blaine school district doesn’t have the funds for the bus but has agreed to run it

if the county-collected Point Roberts gas tax could be used, according to Point Roberts Taxpayers Association president Mark Robbins. Currently the tax is collecting approximately $8,000 per month, said former PRCAC chair Arthur Reber, and approximately $750,000 is in the Point Roberts Transportation Benefit District (TBD) fund. The cost for the school district to make the bus available and operate the (See Gas tax, page 6)

Online

allpointbulletin.com Han facebook.com/allpointbulletin ds

Acro ss th e Bo rder to

Inside

e 10

canc el cl asse s for

YEARS

WAmap.com

Onli

Insid

one day

...

... Up . . . . 11 .. . . . . . . . . . . 14 . ... . . . . . 14 ... 14

ECIA

2015 | paci ﬁcc BL

L PU

ICAT

oastw eddi

. e d i s r wate

Cr os s- Bo

rd er Tr

ION

ngs.us E NO RTHE RN LI paciﬁ GHT ccoa stwed dings .us

OF TH

av el

d British

ington an

al Wash

st of Coast

r the be

Columbia

ds E the islan r o l p x E ches ey Island

and the

San Juan

hidb autiful W TRAIN FO R RACE SEExperience be ea ASON warm b TRAVERSE getaways THE SPEA RHEAD fun family fAre s LocAL GET ON YE deLiciou ews ANd br R BIKE!

at gHriekes

YEARS

MOUNTBAK EREXPERI ENCE.COM

These Publications Are Proudly Created And Brought To You By Point Roberts Press, Inc. ides

A SP

SPRING 20 15

DIscove

endary B r’ anked Sl s alom

retu rn t his s umm er

Ferndale

Fr ee

FRE

PRSR U. S. T ST Posta D Perm PAID ge Blain it NO e, W . A 98 87 230

SAY YOUR PR 30 yearsAYERS of Mt. Ba Leg ke

Blai ne s cho ol d istri ct to

ap.com

Light

Ear

a spe t Care cial sec tio

BirchBayM

ADVENTURE S IN THE PA CIFIC NOR THWEST

, 20

Tower opponents looking to replenish legal chest

YEARS

Legislation to loosen up how Point Roberts and other border towns can spend their gas tax dollars appears to be stalled in the state legislature, and members of the Point Roberts Community Advisory Committee (PRCAC) are urging people to write to their elected representatives. For the past two years, PRCAC, along with the taxpayers and voters associations, has been pursuing a small change in state code that could allow a more flexible use

•

SPECIAL PUB

Northern

s Local musician and singer George Wright, accompanied by Brewster’s Fine Foods owner recent cider tasting dinner held at the restaurant. Story, page 10.

www.pointrobertspress.com • 360.332.1777 • 360.945.0413 • sales@pointrobertspress.com

ion of The

Legislative push appears to run out of gas By Meg OlsOn

- 30

Girls dom track inate team s, pa ge 7

Dra Oys yton H propter Comarbor outd oses pany oor B seat S ing G

30 (See Fire, page 2)

il 23

ap.com

LICATION

OF THE NOR

publicat

Apr IN

ISSTUHIS E

SPAP IT Y NEW

BlaineM

lication of

A special

A new study that gives a clear picture of the communications challenges faced by members of the local fire department has prompted fire commissioners to raise the limit on a spending fix. At their March 11 meeting fire commissioners unanimously approved increasing fire chief Christopher Carleton’s spending authority for communications improvements from $50,000 to $70,000. “It’s not a small amount of money and we do have it in our capital reserves, but if we don’t have communications we don’t have emergency services.” The recent radio study, prepared by Palidor radio communications consultants for NW Communications, compared reception on the Point under the current system, in which signals come from the top of Galbraith Mountain to pagers and radios used by department members, to the proposed new system that would put antennas on the Whidbey Telecom tower. A series of graphics showed poor coverage in red and yellow, and good coverage in green. With Point Roberts firefighters’ portable radios sending a signal to dispatchers through the Galbraith site, three quarters of Point Roberts came up red or yellow, which Carleton called “basically dead spots.” Carleton said department members on scene at an emergency either will not reach dispatchers or “if we do, they won’t understand us,” hampering requests for backup, calls for a helicopter and consultations with physicians. The more powerful radios in the department vehicles have a better chance of clear communications, but coverage on the northwest side of the Point is still poor. With a signal from dispatch to activate firefighters’ pagers coming through the Galbraith site, the picture was a little better, but not good, with half the Point red

THERN LIG

Burlington nt Vernon • cortes • Mou erts islands • Ana ne • Point Rob ez and Orcas Bay and Blai • San Juan, Lop Island • Birch eston ano islands en • Lummi Stev Cam hav and Fair and d y and mon : Whidbe • Bellingham wassen • Rich e Washington Driv Tsaw ut and k • Ladner and Chuckan a: White Roc Bow, Edison British Columbi HT

12 All Point Bulletin

• May 2015

S Top of the Pier: A new addition to the Pier Restaurant and Grill at the Marina will be opening mid-May. The second-floor venue will feature a wine and tapas room with spectacular water views. Photo by Steve Mackay

WHEN YOU LEAVE THE HEAVY LIFTING TO US

EVERYTHING CAN HAPPEN

Yay, the Easter Bunny came!

COMING SUMMER 2015 BOOK YOUR FUNCTION IN OUR NEW TOWER BANQUET ROOMS WITH SMOKE-FREE ENTRANCE

BOOK YOUR EVENT TODAY! Photo by Robert Hasbros

Photo by Meg Olson

With 105 beautiful hotel rooms and suites, a luxury spa, headline entertainment, 10 diverse dining options and exciting gaming, make your next destination at the place where, everything can happen! SilverReefCasino.com EASY TO FIND, HARD TO LEAVE

EXPERIENCE EVERYTHING

Photo by Elizabeth Olson

May 2015 • allpointbulletin.com

S The Whalen family built a roller rink for their Boundary Bay Resort which was open from 1937 until 1958. Joan (Thorstenson) Linde remembers driving down to the resort with her mother when she was about 7 or 8 years old to have a look at a festive carnival being held there: “We parked at the roller rink which was full of people skating gracefully around the concrete pad. They had some sort of lighting system as it was all sparkling and lit up at twilight, with music coming from the loudspeakers. This was before the war, maybe around 1939 which would have been the Big Band Era. Everyone was all dressed up. The women wore long satin gowns, feather boas and feathers in their hair. The Whalens had hired ‘skate boys,’ mostly locals like Johnny Baker, Larry Sand, Ray Lamphier, Helgi Norman and the Gudmundson boys who got free skating in exchange for fitting customers with steel skates which were clamped onto your own shoes.” Photo courtesy of Point Roberts Historical Society

Friends of library AGM coming up By Meg Olson The annual general meeting of the Point Roberts Friends of the Library will feature a presentation by David King, architect for the new library, including a virtual tour of the proposed design. “It is a three-dimensional video that is like taking a helicopter ride through and around the building to see what it looks like,” said Judy Ross, chair of the fundraising committee. Ross said King would also be discussing some potential challenges the project might face. “The question being tossed around these days is, do we need to build from the ground up or can it be a renovation,” she said. Project design committee member Ju-

Roofing

dith Wolfman will talk about the committee’s work with King to guide the new library’s look. “We’ll talk about the process of how all the parties and the community came together for the design process,” she said. The design committee specifically worked with King on how the outside of the building and the landscaping would look, while the Whatcom County Library System focused on the interior. “They know best practices for libraries,” Wolfman said. “The 21st century library is very different, and in Point Roberts the library is also an important place where the community comes together as well.” The meeting is open to everyone and will be held April 25 at 4 p.m. at the Gulf Road community center.

Fences, Decks, and More All Around the Home We offer a wide variety of home and property services on the Point. Call for a quote on your Roof, Deck, or Fence.

Call today 604-218-7066 office 216-269-5399 direct eric176e@hotmail.com

NeW OWNeR! Now more frequent deliveries to the Point!

Chamber of commerce gets infusion By Meg Olson A revitalized Point Roberts Chamber of Commerce has a new board of directors who are enthusiastically planning a memorable Fourth of July parade. “Our theme this year is ‘Celebrating your Point Roberts lifestyle;’ whatever is special to you about Point Roberts: kayaking, paddle-boarding, boating, fishing, bird watching, hiking, biking, gardening, backyard parties, etc.” said veteran chamber director Heather McPhee. A highlight of the parade this year will be the appearance of the Vancouver Police Pipe Band, the world’s oldest continuous serving police pipe band. The band celebrated its 100th anniversary last year with a performance at Buckingham Palace for the changing of the guard. McPhee said they had invited blues musician and actor Jim Byrnes to serve as parade marshal but had yet to receive final confirmation. A goal of the new chamber board is to get the participation of local businesses and neighborhood associations back to what it used to be. “Maple Beach, Crystal Beach, Freeman’s beach … I remember when all those groups had floats in so I’m after them to get involved this year,” McPhee said. She also hopes businesses take advantage of “a great opportunity to get some advertisement in front of hundreds, if not thousands, of potential customers.” This year’s parade will also incorporate community service, with volunteers walking the parade route collecting canned and

dried food donations from parade goers. The current chamber board is made up of McPhee, Paulette Ladner, Louise Mugar, Tamara Hansen and Deci Bailey. McPhee said they would be looking for new additions to the board at their annual general meeting in August to increase involvement in chamber activities. “I’d like to get some new insight this year,” she said.

• Serving Residences & Businesses • Small Packages to Truckloads for all your needs

Rick Wilson, Owner Tyler Maloy, Office Mgr.

3975 Irongate Rd. Bellingham, WA 98226

The Law Firm TheImmigration Immigration Law Firm ••U.S. green cards /cards naturalization U.S. green / naturalization • Work / investor visas Workentry / investor ••Denied waivers visas ••NEXUS appeals Denied entry waivers

Read it first.

360-332-7100 • Removal hearings • NEXUS appeals

allpointbulletin.com

www.blaineimmigration.com • 435 Martin St., Suite 1010 • Blaine, WA

360-332-7100

Leonard D.M. Saunders, Attorney at Law

www.blaineimmigration.com • 435 Martin St., Suite 2010 • Blaine, WA

Leonard D.M. Saunders, Attorney at Law We 288 martin street, Downtown Blaine Moved! (360) 332-7300 • (604) 256-1384 Formerly Blaine insurance

www.Blaineinsurance.com

Business, personal policies and so much more. RepResenting oveR 44 majoR insuRance companies

Covering all of your insurance and risk management needs Blaine Insurance is an independent insurance company serving the Northwest since 1954.

call our team today for all your insurance needs.

14 All Point Bulletin

• May 2015

ES TER N SERVICES

ARBORIST

Qual

S Point Roberts Homegrown Coop directors Acadia Tucker, l., Andrew Grubb and special dog Nimbus are getting everything ready for the start of the season. Only a few CSA shares are left so if you want to get fresh organic vegetables picked especially for you every week, email homegrown@pointroberts.net to sign up.

ity Tree Care

945-0842 LICENSED

INSURED

Photo by Meg Olson

Save on PST & GST

Your Canadian purchases are PST & GST exempt when shipped through a bonded carrier to the U.S.

Hardwood & Laminate Flooring 360-224-6466

Freight forwarding from Bellingham & Vancouver, B.C. From small packages to palletized shipments.

Licensed • Bonded • Insured CASCAFL912J8

360/945-2920 • 360/927-5161 cell

Installation & Refinishing 13 years experience

Point Roberts, WA

kevin@KPTransport.com

5" K Style

40 year Warranty

20 Colors • Various Gutter Guards

Scott Hacker

360-945-2854

Licensed • Bonded • Insured

360-990-0191

LIC# SCOTTHI982BT

Serving Point Roberts • Treating ants, mice & rats and all structural pests

• Locally owned and

operated since 1997

Service You Trust. Experience You Expect.

Call BIO BUG today for a free estimate!

• Residential & commercial • WSDA #48346 and insured 360.647.7500 Bellingham 888.323.7378 Toll Free

www.biobug.com

In The Garden By Rhiannon Allen The Point Roberts Character Plan Review Committee recently raised the issue of gardening advice for businesses in our commercial/resort zone. Landscaping and gardening are personal choices, but some people appreciate guidance in selecting plants. Therefore, I thought I’d use this column to offer suggestions to those wondering about what to plant. These suggestions work equally well for residential and commercial-front gardens. One category of plants to consider is native plants. I recommend these because they fit seamlessly into the backdrop of Point Roberts. Also, once they are established, they require little care because they are so well adapted to our climate and native pests. A number of small native trees and shrubs will easily grace a storefront or home garden. Good examples are vine maples, dogwoods, and red-flowering currants. Ninebarks work particularly well. Many developed cultivars of our native ninebark need a bit of shoulder room to accommodate their vigor, but are ideal as hedges or as a background to lower plants. Although ninebarks are deciduous, their winter bark can be attractive, and you also can choose a variety whose summer foliage suits your color preferences. Ferns, kinnikinnick and Oregon wood sorrel are good choices to place in front of native shrubs and trees, with all providing year-round greenery. Just remember when planting a native garden that you should not raid parkland for starter plants. Another category of plants that work well are the heritage plants that graced the gardens of early settlers and summer residents. In this vein, small fruit trees and hawthorns work well if sited where ravenous birds and insects won’t disturb people. Heritage lilacs, honeysuckle, old-fashioned roses and kerria are somewhat smaller choices that provide spring and summer bloom. Spring bulbs like daffodils and bluebells were popular among the settlers in the early 1900s, and old-fashioned low-growing garden plants like nasturtiums and pinks graced the early gardens of both full- and part-time residents. All these are fine choices for street-front gardens. Of course, history marches on, and recent decades have seen the use of what will become tomorrow’s heritage plants. I am thinking particularly of the rhododendrons fronted by heathers/heaths that grace so many gardens here. These plants offer the bonus that they are evergreen and provide year-round interest. Just make sure that you select varieties of appropriate mature size and mulch well, and you will be rewarded by an attractive, low-mainte-

nance, long-lived garden. A well-placed boulder or artfully installed driftwood log, and Voila! you have a heritage garden in the making. The above recommendations can be used to create a historically and ecologically harmonious garden. However, dramatic impact can be achieved through other means, and that might be more to one’s taste. Point Roberts is in many ways a seaside community. So what better way to highlight that in your garden than by creating a beach- or seaside-themed garden? Ornamental grass, rocks, sand and driftwood come to mind. If you want some height, add a native shore pine. As a great example of a beach-themed garden for a business, just take a look at the Blue Heron Gallery. Seaside-themed gardens have the special advantage of being drought-tolerant, which should be a concern of business and residential gardeners alike. However, I have to warn people thinking of a seaside garden that two ornamental grasses sometimes used in seathemed gardens have been recently placed on the Whatcom County Noxious Weed List. The first is pampas grass (Cortaderai selloana and C. jubata), and the second is ravenna grass (Saccharum ravennaei). So please take the time to look for varieties of grass that will wave gracefully in the ocean breeze, but are not on the weed list. There are plenty to choose from, and most ornamental grasses need little care aside from a yearly cropping or raking. On the topic of noxious weeds, please check out the current weed list at whatcomcounty.us/923/weeds before selecting plants. There, you will discover that a number of common garden plants like English ivy (Hedera helix) and yellow archangel (Lamiastrum galeobdolon) are on the noxious weed list. Both plants form dense mats that outcompete plants that local fauna such as bees need. Ivy is particularly noxious in Point Roberts because its ground foliage harbors rats. Who wants rats in their garden? Gardeners can find many relatively well-behaved alternatives such as beach strawberry, bunchberry, kinnikinnick and Oregon wood sorrel that provide a nice, year-round ground cover while feeding native pollinators and not harboring rodents. Of course, no one is required to front his or her property with a garden. But wouldn’t it be lovely to welcome visitors and attract customers with a splash of greenery or color? Looking for plants here in Point Roberts? Check out Ladybug Nursery on Windsor Drive, or visit the Point Roberts Garden Club Garden Sale at the community center on May 16.

May 2015 • allpointbulletin.com

Coming up ... Events Cowal-Earle Duo Present “Vignettes of Canada”: Saturday, April 25, 3 p.m., Trinity Community Lutheran Church, 1880 APA Road. Brilliant clarinetist Shawn Earle performing pieces from his doctoral recital for UBC accompanied by Rory Cowal. Info: 945-7105. Friends of the Point Roberts Library AGM: Saturday, April 25, 4 p.m., community center. Learn about final plans for funding and design of the new library building. Kiniski’s Reef Tavern Chili Cook-off: Saturday, May 2, 2 p.m., Kiniski’s Reef Tavern, 1334 Gulf Road. Proceeds to go the Point Roberts food bank. Info: 945-4042. Community Market Season Opening: Saturday, May 9, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., community center west parking lot. Continue Saturdays through September 5. Vendors always welcome, $5 per vendor and must be set up by 9:45 a.m. Info: jessica@pointbob.net or 945-0409. FOPRL Used Book Sale and Collectible Book Table: Saturday and Sunday, May 16–17, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Saturday, noon–3 p.m. Sunday, Point Roberts Community Center. All sorts of books for sale inside: fiction, non-fiction, children’s books, cookbooks, craft books and VHS, DVDs and CDs too. Point Roberts Garden Club Plant Sale: Saturday, May 16, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., Point Roberts Community Center. CPR Class: Monday, May 22, 6–10 p.m., fire hall, 2030 Benson Road. Learn adult, child and infant CPR, choking assistance and AED use. The class is free, and the certification card is $5. Info: chief@wcfd5.com.

the

Potty Wagon

Septic Tank Pumping & Portable Toilets Why pay more for a Bellingham pumper?

Call for a quote • 945-0366 • Doug Shier

Chamber West Quintet: Sunday, May 24, 4 p.m., Trinity Community Lutheran Church, 1880 APA Road. Returning for their fourth appearance, this brilliant woodwind quintet comes to us from west and north Vancouver and beyond. Info: 945-7105. Cross Border Coalition to Stop the Radio Towers Art and Travel Auction: Sunday, June 7, 1–5 p.m., Harris Barn, 4140 Arthur Drive, Ladner, B.C. Celebrity host, live and silent auctions featuring cruises, trips, art and more. Currently seeking both volunteers and donations. To volunteer contact bethgunderson@gmail.com, and to donate, lrwilk@telus.net.

Scheduled Meetings/Ongoing Events

Over 20 Years Experience

Lubrication • Oil Changes • Tune Ups Brakes • Tire Mounting & Balancing

Cemetery District: Tuesday, April 28, 5 p.m., 260 Tyee Drive. PR Chamber of Commerce: Tuesday, April 28, 7 p.m., community center. Chamber to discuss Point Roberts Fourth of July parade. PR Taxpayers Association: Monday, May 4, 7 p.m., community center. The public is welcome. Info: Mark Robbins, 945-1357. PREP (PR Emergency Preparedness): Tuesday, May 5, 7 p.m., community center. Info: Henry Rosenthal, 945-1711, Virginia or Ed Lester, 945-2827. PR Garden Club: Wednesday, May 6, 6:30 p.m. Program: Spring members’ garden visits. Info: 945-5075 or info@pointrobertsgardenclub.org. PR Hospital District: Wednesday, May 6, 7 p.m., community center. PR Park and Recreation District: Monday, May 11, 7 p.m., community center. Friends of the Point Roberts Library (FOPRL): Tuesday, May 12, noon–1 p.m., Point Roberts Library, 1437 Gulf Road. Info: 945-6545. PR Water District: Tuesday, May 12, 5 p.m., 79 Tyee Drive, Suite A. PRCAC (PR Community Advisory Committee): Tuesday, May 12, 7 p.m., community center. Info: 945-5075. PR Fire District 5: Wednesday, May 13, 4 p.m., 2030 Benson Road. Info: 945-3473. PR Registered Voters Association: Thursday, May 14, 7 p.m., community center. Info: prrva.org. PR Historical Society: Wednesday, May 20, 7 p.m., community center. Info: historicalsociety@pointroberts.net. Cemetery District: Tuesday, May 26, 5 p.m., 260 Tyee Drive. PR Chamber of Commerce: Tuesday, May 26, 7 p.m., community center. Kindergarten Registration: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m., Point Roberts Primary School, 2050 Benson Road. Your child is eligible to enter kindergarten for the 2015-2016 school year if he/she is turning 5 years old on or before August 31. To register your child you need a copy of your child’s birth certificate and updated immunization records. Info: 945-2223. Point Roberts Clinic Hours: Mondays 11 a.m.–6 p.m.; Tuesdays and Thursdays 9 a.m.–5 p.m., 2030 Benson Road. To make an appointment, call 945-2580. Free Taxi to Bellingham: Every Tuesday. Call 676-7433. Pick-up at Cordata. Info: 945-1640. Point Roberts Library Hours: Tuesdays, 1–7 p.m., Wednesdays and Saturdays, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Info: 945-6545. Knits and Crafts at Point Roberts Library: Tuesdays, 5–7 p.m. Knitting, crocheting or other yarn crafts. Practice, advice, chat and hot drinks. For adults and grades 8–12. Info: 945-6545. Preschool Storytime: Saturdays, 10:30–11 a.m., Point Roberts Library, 1437 Gulf Road. Stories, songs and more for ages 3–6. Families encouraged to attend. Info: 945-6545. Throwback Thursdays: Thursdays, Brewster’s Fine Foods, 1379 Gulf Road. Live music upstairs. Info: 945-4545. Point Roberts Writers Group: First and third Saturdays, 2–4 p.m., community center. Info: 945-6545. Wackie Walkers: Tuesdays and Thursdays. Tuesdays, 8 a.m., Lighthouse Park. Call for Thursday location. Info: 945-1934. Sunny Sunday Flea Market: Every sunny Sunday, 11 a.m., Auntie Pam’s Country Store, 1480 Gulf Road. Vendors need not register. Space is by donation to the new library fund. Info: 945-1626.

Quality Craftsmanship Custom Work Outdoor Pizza & Bread Ovens • Retaining Walls • Paver Patios • Fireplace Facings • Natural & Cultured Stone • Brick & Block • Slate & Tile • Chimney Repairs License # TOTHEPM01203

INSURED & BONDED

ALAN RICHARDS (360) 945-2672

16 All Point Bulletin

• May 2015

Hey!, pay attention.

Watson & Barnard LAND SURVEYORS

BOB’S TRACTOR SERVICES IS NOW

By reader request, a link has been placed on the tide section of the All Point Bulletin website that will take you to a page that shows the tides for all of 2015. We hope readers will find this useful in planning boat, crabbing or clamming trips.

Tides at Point Roberts DST Not For Navigation 49° 0’ 0”N - 122° 46’ 0”W

1524 - 56th Street Tsawwassen

LAND SERVICES

Tel. 604/943-9433 Fax 604/943-0421 E mail warren@WBsurveys.bc.ca

Date

Time Height Time Height

Bob Jewell

Fr 1

4:09 am 8.5

10:56 am

1.6

Owner, Operator

5:28 pm 7.6

10:49 pm

4.2

Sa 2

4:37 am 8.5

11:26 am

0.9

360-927-1614 bob@jlspointroberts.com Licensed, Bonded & Insured

d The

• Demolition • Skid steer work • Stump, brush removal • Drainage work • Dump Trailer (bin) rental for renovation debri yard Waste roofing concrete etc. • 7500 pound Mini Excavator • 5500 pound skid steer With operators • Bid or hourly • We work in Canada or Point Roberts

All A

Excavation Dirt work, lot clEaring...

Call EriC: 604-218-7066 or 216-269-5399 Email: eric176e@hotmail.com

6:14 pm 8.1

11:33 pm

4.6

Su 3

5:05 am 8.4

11:58 am

0.3

6:56 pm 8.5

Mo 4

12:17 am 5.0

5:31 am

8.3

12:30 pm -0.2

7:38 pm

8.9

Tu 5

12:59 am 5.3

5:59 am

8.2

1:04 pm -0.5

8:20 pm

9.2

We 6

1:43 am 5.7

6:27 am

8.1

1:38 pm -0.7

9:04 pm

9.3

Th 7

2:29 am 6.0

6:57 am

7.9

2:16 pm -0.8

9:52 pm

9.4

Fr 8

3:21 am 6.1

7:31 am

7.6

2:58 pm -0.7

10:40 pm

9.4

Sa 9

4:23 am 6.1

8:15 am

7.2

3:44 pm -0.3

11:28 pm

9.4

Su 10

5:29 am 5.7

9:19 am

6.7

4:36 pm 0.3

Mo 11

12:16 am 9.4

6:37 am

5.1

10:49 am 6.2

5:36 pm

1.0

Tu 12

1:04 am 9.4

7:41 am

4.1

12:31 pm 6.0

6:40 pm

1.8

We 13

1:48 am 9.4

8:35 am

2.9

2:11 pm 6.4

7:50 pm

2.7

Th 14

2:30 am 9.5

9:23 am

1.5

3:35 pm 7.1

8:56 pm

3.5

Fr 15

3:10 am 9.5

10:07 am

0.3

4:47 pm 8.0

10:00 pm

4.2

Sa 16

3:50 am 9.5

10:51 am

-0.8

5:49 pm 8.8

11:00 pm

4.8

Su 17

4:30 am 9.5

11:35 am

-1.6

6:45 pm 9.4

11:58 pm

5.3

Mo 18

5:08 am 9.3

12:19 pm

-2.0

7:37 pm 9.8

Tu 19

12:54 am 5.7

5:48 am

9.0

1:01 pm -2.1

8:27 pm

10.0

We 20

1:48 am 5.9

6:28 am

8.5

1:43 pm -1.8

9:15 pm

10.0

Th 21

2:44 am 6.0

7:08 am

8.0

2:25 pm -1.3

10:03 pm

9.8

Fr 22

3:44 am 6.0

7:50 am

7.3

3:05 pm -0.6

10:49 pm

9.6

Sa 23

4:52 am 5.7

8:36 am

6.6

3:49 pm 0.3

11:33 pm

9.3

Su 24

6:02 am 5.3

9:38 am

6.0

4:33 pm 1.2

Mo 25

12:15 am 9.1

7:10 am

4.7

10:58 am 5.4

5:21 pm

2.1

Tu 26

12:53 am 8.9

8:04 am

4.0

12:36 pm 5.3

6:13 pm

3.0

We 27

1:29 am 8.8

8:44 am

3.1

2:14 pm 5.5

7:11 pm

3.8

Th 28

2:01 am 8.7

9:16 am

2.3

AMUNDHA900CR

3:34 pm 6.1

8:13 pm

4.5

Fr 29

2:33 am 8.7

9:48 am

1.4

Rebates Available from Puget Sound Energy

4:36 pm 6.8

9:11 pm

5.1

Sa 30

3:05 am 8.7

10:20 am

0.6

5:26 pm 7.6

10:07 pm

5.5

Su 31

3:35 am 8.7

10:54 am

-0.1

6:12 pm 8.3

10:59 pm

5.9

Amundson Heating 360-961-2914

>>>

Traffic into Point Roberts for March 2015, with 2014 figures following: Vehicles – 83,983 (98,230); Pedestrians - 1,547 (739); Commercial – 1,619 (1,395); NEXUS – 33,474 (34,643).

May Tides

British Columbia & Washington

un ro

Crossings

Please note:

Library Picks K RIS L O M EDI C O Bestsellers: Cash Landing . . . James Grippando The English Spy . . . . . Daniel Silva Never Say Die . . . . . Tess Gerritsen Language Arts . . . . Stephanie Kallos Movies: Up to His Ears Jean-Paul Belmondo, Ursula Andress Courage . Jason Priestly, Andrea Roth The River . . Nora Swinburne, Esmond Knight Maps to the Stars . . . . Julianne Moore, John Cusack Music: Standing Ovation . . . . Susan Boyle Postcards from Paradise . Ringo Starr Ludaversal . . . . . . . . . . Ludacris No Pier Pressure . . . . Brian Wilson Teens: Mark of the Thief . Jennifer A Nielsen City of Savages . . . . . . . Lee Kelly Anya’s Ghost . . . . . . Vera Brosgol Kids: Friends . . . . . . . . . . . Eric Carle Nuts to You . . . . Lynne Rae Perkins The Wimpy Kid Movie Diary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jeff Kinney Hours: Tuesdays 1–7 p.m., Wednesday and Saturday 10 a.m.–5 p.m. wcls.org

Senior’s Point Events

for

M ay

Open Wednesdays and Fridays 9 a.m.–3 p.m. 9 a.m.: Pool, coffee and snacks. Noon: Hot lunch 1 p.m.: Wednesdays Bridge, Fridays cards and games. Menu Friday, May 1: Stuffed cabbage rolls, au gratin potatoes, steamed vegetables, salad and fruit. Wednesday, May 6: Pork chops, roasted potatoes, Caribbean vegetables, garden salad and fruit. Friday, May 8: Sole almandine, wild rice pilaf, whole green beans, spinach salad and sliced pears. Wednesday, May 13: Country fried steak, mashed potatoes and gravy, Capri vegetables, garden salad and tropical fruit. Friday, May 15: Turkey and cranberry, mashed potatoes and gravy, Nantucket vegetables and fruit. Wednesday, May 20: Beef stroganoff with pasta, broccoli florets, garden salad and fruit. Friday, May 22: Spaghetti with meat sauce, Italian vegetables, garden salad and fruit. Wednesday, May 27: Taco salad, corn bread and fruit. Friday, May 29: Chicken breast strips with honey mustard, steamed vegetables, roasted potatoes and fresh fruits.

May 2015 • allpointbulletin.com

Next Issue: June 2015

Ads Due: May 26

To place your ad call:

360-945-0413

Classifieds Home-grown newspaper with home delivery to Point Roberts, Tsawwassen and Retail Outlets. It’s the perfect match!

$15 for 15 words (plus 25¢ each additional word).

info@allpointbulletin.com

Announcements

ASTROLOGY CONSULTATIONS Rev. Mary Elizabeth Hoffman

Landscaping

Rentals - Residential

GENERAL CONTRACTOR Excavator, Ditching, Tractor, Clearing, Dozer, Demolition, Rototiller, Stoneworks, Brushcutter, Driveways. Brian Calder 360-945-2353, Lic #CALDEBK001PJ

YARD & LANDSCAPING maintenance. Spring clean up, hedge trimming/pruning, plant care and bed cleanup, pressure washing, large truck for hauling. 21 years experience. 360-945-1957.

BEAUTIFUL 2-BR home on 1-acre fully fenced. Hardwood floors, all amenities, references required, short or long-term. 360-945-1957.

Bigger Wood Tree Service

Rentals - Commercial

Annoying stumps in your yard? We can grind them gone!

free estimates licensed/insured

maryelizabethhoffman@hotmail.com • www.catbeings.com Facebook: Mary Elizabeth Hoffman (Cat Beings) (360)306-5480 • Canada (778)785-0278 • Cell: (360)201-2501

778-688-1725 360-945-1598

Auto

DIEHL

Whatcom County’s Premier Dealership Since 1908

• Complete Maintenance & Repair • Servicing All Makes — All Models • Oil Changes to Major Overhauls • Factory-Certified Technicians • Courtesy Shuttle

www.DiehlFord.com

1820 James St. • Bellingham

360-392-7000

“A Diehl U Can Count On!”

Top $ for Trade-Ins

Firewood

Painting

SIX CORDS kiln-dried hemlock mill ends. $400. 604-533-9663.

ALL HUES Painting. Spring spruce up sale! Senior rates available. 360-945-1010. Lic. #ALLHUP*984M2.

Garage Sales

THIS IS THE BIG ONE! May 16-17, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tools, games, art, home and office furniture. Something for everyone. 1373 Park Lane.

Handyman

Business Services

Reach your All Point Bulletin audience every week through

Find it in the Classifieds! All real estate/rentals advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968 as amended, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin,or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertisement for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll-free at 1-800-877-0246.

Professional & Retail Office Space on Blaine Harbor • Newly constructed, ground floor space • Ideal for US/Canadian business presence • High-speed fiber-optic Internet

Rentals - Apartment

HANDYMAN, HOME maintenance, pressure washing, carpentry, remodels, painting, repairs, outdoor projects, decks, fencing, etc. Large truck for hauling, reasonable rates, reliable service. 360-945-4157.

Leasing Info contact Pat Grubb 360/332-1777 or pgrubb@mac.com

NOW HIRING for Spring/Summer Season: Servers, Cashiers, Prep Cook, Dishwasher. Experience preferred. Apply in person at Brewster’s Fine Foods or email your resume to: brewsterson49th@gmail.com.

Storage - APB

Point Roberts

MINI & MOBILE

STORAGE

RestauRant & GRill

Now Hiring! Line Cooks, Servers, Bartender.

APB’s weekly electronic newsletter!

Minutes off I-5 • Exit 276

SUNNY ROMANTIC 2-BR. Glossy wood floors, cozy fireplace, 2 large sun decks, full bath, all appliances, storage. Huge bay window. French door with glass block. Views to park-like acre; see wildlife. Long term. www.ptrobertslive.com for pix or call 360-945-5076.

Help Wanted SUNSHINE CARPET and upholstery steam cleaning, reasonable rates. 360-945-0411 or lawson_brad@yahoo.com.

20,700 readers!

Construction

Astrology, Guides, Guardian Angels, Egyptian Cat Beings Oracle Mary gives fast paced readings focusing on creative, empowering solutions to life’s challenges. Using Astrology (Karmic, Galactic and/or Mundane), Astronomy, Astro-locality, Astro-Cartography & psychic intuition Mary offers clients deeper commitment & greater understanding of their Soul Heart, Spirit Work, Purpose & Destiny choices. In knowing the options available as well as timing of the opening & closing of these opportunities, decisions may be made with more confidence, wisdom & empowerment. In these rapidly changing times this information is a great asset. Consult Mary for questions on timing, relocation, health, career, finance, personal growth & relationships.

Full-time & part-time positions available. Apply in person at:

STAY Connected For late breaking news on

Prices starting at $

3 POINT ROBERTS LOCATIONS

Pier Restaurant 715 Simundson Drive at the marina.

360-945-7437

Store boats, trailers, RV or camper and cars in our completely enclosed secure facilities.

facebook.com/allpointbulletin

1480 Gulf Rd.

1574 Benson Rd. 1473 Gulf Rd. 1480 Gulf Rd. Units: 5x5 to 20x20 Containers: 8x20 and 8x40 Heated Storage • Office Space Shop Space • Parking Space Pay 1 year in advance get 1 month

FREE

instagram.com/pointrobertspress

(360) 945-6464 (945-MINI)

18 All Point Bulletin

• May 2015

Seabright closing in on final OK By Meg Olson The Cottages at Seabright Farm are “80 to 90 percent” of the way to meeting the conditions of their permits and getting final approval of the subdivision, according to developer Wayne Knowles. “We’re probably 30 to 45 days away,” he said. The project received preliminary plat approval in January 2014 and has seen some delays getting utilities and landscaping in place over a soggy winter. The hearing examiner included over 100 conditions to be met before he grants final approval and building can begin, including roads and utilities, public trails and habitat protection. “We’ve planted 7,000 native plants along the bluff and in the wetland,” Knowles said. Knowles said he is especially pleased

with a public trail and stairs down to the beach that allow walkers to complete a loop that includes Seabright and neighboring Lily Point Marine Park. “From this fence here to the fence near the bluff, anybody in Point Roberts can enjoy this and the stairs,” he said from the deck of one of two model homes that have been built on the site. “You can walk a full circle.” The homes are getting a steady stream of interested visitors. “We usually get 12 to 15 groups a day and it’s getting to be more and more,” Knowles said. The Vista, one of six home designs available to potential buyers, highlights the view of the ocean with a south wall of windows, including a see-through fireplace so the propane fire can be enjoyed from both inside and the deck. The 1,600-square foot home features pine paneling throughout,

an open floor plan and a generous peppering of fireplaces. Visitors remarked that while the view is spectacular, the home also feels intimately connected to the surrounding maple trees. “It’s like being in a tree house,” one said. The second show home is the Lookout, so named because of a lookout platform on the roof that opens up views to the islands. A custom wood counter in the kitchen was made from a slab of a maple tree that came down on the property. “That counter, the driftwood colors, make it really feel like it fits with its environment,” a visitor said. The home itself is approximately 1,800 square feet but has been combined with two add-on buildings on the 18,000-square-foot

lot. The “super Bunkie” is a 480-squarefoot guesthouse and the garage/carport has a small studio on the second floor. “People can pick and choose, start with a house and add on,” Knowles said. Community amenities are an important part of the development and a barn, garden and greenhouse are already built. A swimming pool beside the barn is planned. Knowles said the barn will be used for classes, events or as a place for parents to enjoy a glass of wine on the deck while the kids play in the pool. Two of his five children were each married in the barn last summer, he said. While they can’t actually sell homes or property until final plat approval, Knowles said 20 percent of the lots are reserved.

RECENT HOUSE & LOT PRICES

Blaine, Birch Bay & Point Roberts FEBRUARY 2015 LOCATION

SALE PRICE

HOUSES ABOVE $500,000: 1 and a half story house with 960 s.f., 2 BR, 1 BA, built in 1942, remodeled in 2002, 532 s.f. patio, 40 feet waterfront; good marine view.

7505 Birch Bay Drive, Blaine

$500,000

2-story house with 2,896 s.f., 3 BR, 3 BA, built in 2008, 792 s.f. attached garage, 656 s.f. patio, 10.13 acres wooded land.

3936 Pipeline Road, Blaine

$598,000

5479 Tsawwassen Loop, Blaine

$595,000

9125 Great Blue Heron Lane, Blaine

$938,888

DESCRIPTION

1- and a half story house with 2,160 s.f., 4 BR, 2 BA, built in 1967, remodeled in 2002, 760 s.f. detached garage, 420 s.f. patio, 60 feet waterfront, beach access; good marine and territorial view.

Photo by Meg Olson

1 story house with 2,488 s.f., 2491 s.f. finished basement, 3 BR, 2 BA, built in 1987, 700 s.f. attached garage, 590 s.f. patio, 590 s.f. deck, hot tub; good marine view. LAND ONLY: 10.62 acres land.

s A recent open house attracted a large number of visitors interested in learning more about the development. See more photos at allpointbulletin.com.

Tyee Dr., Point Roberts

$295,000 (QCD)

Poki, our 11 year old border

collie, went on his last walk Wednesday evening, April 1st at Lighthouse Park. He was too weak to go for his early walk that morning. Despite his condition, he found five bunnies, which was his favorite thing to do when he could still chase them. In 2003 we lost his older brother, Kiva, and decided we would never have another pet. Then “J.C.,” alias “Kitty Boy” showed up at the tree line below our house on Whalen Drive, calling to my wife, Jonquil, every morning. She would take a small open can of cat food to the bluff edge and talk to J.C. every day for weeks with the help of Wilma Donaldson. He came closer and closer every day until he finally came into the house. J.C. had spent enough time fending off coyotes and raccoons, and he decided to spend the rest of his days indoors. Except for yearly vacations to Casa Grande, he never left again. Until last week, when he asked us to allow him to cross the “Rainbow Bridge.”

Mustards from the gods? When you make mustard in a place that sells millions of sausages and brats every year, it had better be the best tasting mustard in the world. In the little faux-Bavarian town of Leavenworth on the east side of the Cascades, that mustard is The Alps, a gourmet brand of mustards, sauces and dips handmade in small batches by local resident Archie Marlin and his family using recipes passed down through generations. For more than 30 years, a two-hour drive east of Everett over Stevens Pass was the only way to buy their product, but now for the first time you can find it here in Point Roberts at Auntie Pam’s Country Store. Bringing The Alps from Leavenworth was not easy, according to Auntie Pam’s owner, Pamala Sheppard. On their regular visits to the resort town she and her husband, John, fell in love with The Alps’ unique flavors of mustard, such as Walla Walla Onion and British Pub. “For years I asked if we could make a wholesale deal,” she said. “But the

answer was always ‘no.’ They only made enough to sell in their own stores and had no interest in getting bigger.” Sheppard’s persistence finally paid off during the most recent trip to Leavenworth when she finally met Marlin who, with his brother Fred, has spent most of his life making gourmet mustards and sauces, as well as fudges and candy, to be eagerly gobbled up by hungry tourists. After telling Marlin about her store and how much she loved the brothers’ product, he agreed to make his first-ever wholesale deal with Sheppard. “We are the first and only store outside of Leavenworth to carry them,” Sheppard said. “I’m convinced once people try things like the Green Lizard Hot Sauce and Walla Walla Onion Tomato Salsa, they’ll be hooked like we are.” Customers can now sample The Alps products for themselves at the newly-installed tasting bar at Auntie Pam’s Country Store, open 11 a.m.–5 p.m.

Then my father called and told us he had a perfect pet for us, a border collie named Pancho. We picked him up in Caldwell, Idaho and brought him home and renamed him Poki (a Hawaiian salad). He loved Point Roberts like most of our pets here on the Point. He took us on at least four walks a day. Many of you would have seen him running, spinning in circles, chasing balls, sticks and bunnies at Lighthouse Park, Monument Park, Maple Beach and Boundary Bay when the tide was out. Last week, he also asked us if he could join his little brother and cross over the bridge. We will inscribe both their names on mom’s bench at Lighthouse, along with Kiva’s, for us to remember. Thank all of you for allowing J.C. and Poki into our lives. They will join all the special Point Roberts companion pets who have left us. We are all much kinder, compassionate humans because of them.

s A sampling of The Alps mustards and sauces now available at Auntie Pam’s Country Store on Gulf Road.

Photo by Meg Olson

E Helping Canadians Ebuy & sell in the USA

May 2015 • allpointbulletin.com

Obituary

Point RobeRts PRoPeRties

The most spectacular 96-feet of south-facing waterfront and tidelands in the Northwest. Beautiful and striking, this home has 3 bedrooms with full ensuites, and is situated on a double lot. Custom stone work, French doors, hot tub/ spa, loft, solarium /atrium and so much more!

$1,995,000 1413 Edwards Drive MLS# 535598

317 Marine Dr.

Meticutously renovated w/separate beach guest cabin

Helping Canadians buy & sell in the USA 709 Marine Dr.

$1,100,000 MLS# 74443

The most spectacular 96-feet of south-facing waterfront and tidelands in the Northwest. Beautiful and striking, 3

bedrooms with full ensuites, situated on double lot. and more!

$799,000 MLS# 405687

1413 Edwards Dr.

317 Marine Dr.

$1,945,000

$699,000

MLS# 775138

MLS# 405687

1457 Churchill

1978 Waters Rd.

$615,000

$305,000

MLS# 723660

775 Claire Lane

3-BR, 2-BA 1404 s.f. Ultimate waterfront getaway!

$925,000

MLS# 556567 ING

1948 Cliff Road

PEND

MLS# 737477

ING

PEND

Charlene Patricia Radies (Hughes) July 28, 1961 – March 10, 2015 986 E. Waldron Pl. $314,000 694 Claire Lane $319,000 MLS #669333 It is with great sadness we announce ed in so many ways. Point Roberts was her ReCent SALeS by CHRiS Charlene’s passing. She passed away second home and she dearly loved its peo279 Marine Dr. ...................................$1,800,000 peacefully, Tuesday, March 10, 2015, at her ple and places, especially the beaches and 653 Freeman Ln. ................................... $685,000 757 Claire Ln. home in Tsawwassen, B.C., after a cou- Lily Point. 251 Marine Dr. ....................................... $650,000 rageous two-year battle with cancer. She Charlene loved life was truly 231 Marine Dr. ...................................... $600,000 271and Marine Dr. grate- MLS# 508395 534 Tyee Drive $1,200,000 Marine Dr. ...................................... $600,000 is survived by her loving husband Bruce ful for the many experiences andlots opportuthree individual all 24.97 EXTREMELY PRIVATE & MLS# 271 541526 272 Elizabeth Dr. .................................. $485,000 100’ frontage Hughes, her two children Nahanni and nities she had and shared withfrom others. She RARE OCEAN VIEW ACRES! $770,000 MLS# 698466 450 Tyee ................................................. $320,000 Quinn Lattimer and parents Ernie and Gail will be dearly missed. Our family would 713 Claire Lane ..................................... $257,000 Radies. She also leaves behind many won- like to thank the many people who cared ChRIs hughes XXX McLaren ...................................... ...$30,350 Quebec Way ......................................... ...$12,900 derful, loving family and friends. for Charlene. 252 Windsor Rd. Charlene was born in Vancouver, B.C., A celebration of Charlene’s life was held Re/Max Whatcom County, Inc. July 28, 1961. She was a force of nature and on Friday, March 20 at the Beach Grove her free spirit and loving heart touched so Golf Club, Tsawwassen. Re/Max Whatcom County, Inc. many people. She had boundless creative Donations to the Callanish Society MLS# 707410 cjlh@msn.com energy, loved to entertain, and was talent- would be greatly appreciated.

$289,000

$275,000

360-223-7601 •$135,000 cjlh@msn.com

ChRIs hughes

360-223-7601

Asphalt Paving ResiDentiaL & CommeRCiaL • Driveways • Parking Lots

• Potholes • Patching

Quality with Integrity

Locally owned and operated since 1982

• Grading • excavation Work

WRS provides superior asphalt preparation and paving services for all sizes of projects.

www.wrsweb.com

FRee estimates

360-366-3303 2380 Grandview Rd. • Ferndale, WA

20 All Point Bulletin

• May 2015

DeciBailey BaileyRealty Realty Deci 1469 Gulf Road • Point RobeRts WashinGton 145 Tyee Dr. STe 101 • PoinT roberTS WaShingTon

79 Tyee Drive Point Roberts, WA 98281

E/Mail: prr@whidbey.com

Phone: 360/945-1115 Fax: 945-0804

Broker, Notary Notary Public Broker, Public

“NOBODY KNOWS POINT ROBERTS LIKE POINT ROBERTS REALTY”

visit our website: www.pointroberts.com

diRect:360.945.3535 360.945.3535 DIRECT: toll FREE: fRee: 855.350.3535 855.350.3535 TOLL

Marina Mist GWATERFRONT

LD IN SOND

deci@RealestatePointRobeRts.com DECI@REALESTATEPOINTROBERTS.COM WWW.RealestatePointRobeRts.com WWW.REALESTATEPOINTROBERTS.COM

NG WATERFRONT G CrYstal BEaCH DI DIN N E P PEN

UPDATED DAILY! View color photos, listings and complete information of all properties for sale. 407 West Bluff. 3BR, 1BA. $429,000 #10 - 1726 Edwards. 2BR, 2.5BA. 1541 s.f. $299,000

NG DI W N PENe ONCE IN A LIFETIME OPPORTUNITY Fabulous 5 BR 5 BA waterfront home at a fraction of replacement cost. Formal living, dining rooms, media and sunroom. Beautifully landscaped & fenced.

BUILDING LOT WITH SEPTIC

80 x 116 Building lot with 3 bedroom septic installed. Located on Ross Road near Lily Point Marine Park. Great lot at a great price.

$29,000

$898,000

ACREAGE G IN d MaPlE BEaCH e D c N PE edu

A MUST SEE nEat & tidY

210 Mark Drive. Backs onto golf course. $249,000 490 MoosE 3BR, 1.5BA,2BR, condo. s.f. $139,000 1842trail. wasHinGton. 1BA.1400 $89,000

G IN

W NE

1615 Edwards Dr. 3BR, 2BA 1,836 s.f. $869,000 490 MoosE trail. 3BR, 1.5BA, 1400$249,000 s.f. $139,000 611 CrYstal BEaCH rd. condo. 3BR, 1BA.

Benson Rd. 5 acres. 490 MoosE trail. 3BR, w/Septic 1.5BA, condo. 1400 s.f. $139,000 dianE CirClE. installed. $69,900

WATERFRONT

SOUTH VIEW

T LIS

viEw HoME

viEw

1363 Gulf rd. 3BR, 2.5BA. Built 2005. 753 Walters Lane. 2BR, 2BA. $649,000 $360,000

1917 ProvinCE. 2BR, 1.5BA, Chalet, built 2012. 609 Highland Dr. 3BR, 2BA. 2000 s.f. $529,000 $259,000

CENTRAL WITH VIEW

MAPLE BEACH COTTAGE

Here is your chance for a coveted Maple Beach cottage. 4 BR, 2 BA with large open living/dining area. Massive deck, 1st block to the beach.

$369,000

VIEW•VIEW•VIEW

QualitY Built

WELL MAINTAINED HOME

Very nice 3 BR, 2 BA home with open living/ dining area, large family room off the kitchen. Oversized garage/workshop.

125 Park dr. 3BR, 2.5BA. 2400 sq. ft. 1363 Gulf Rd. 3BR, 2.5BA. $399,000 $379,000

$159,000

MAPLE BEACH

Cedar Park cleared with septic 71x110 .......................................$43,900 Boundary Bay Rd. septic & water 80x100 ...................................$49,500 Victoria Way. 70x130 ...................................................................$21,900 South Beach Rd. 114x178 (.47 acre) ............................................$48,900 If you’re serious about purchasing at the “Point” do yourself a favor and visit our office for a complete list of everything for sale in the area and also check out our website for general information, color photos, maps and full property search function.

COME TO THE POINT!

u ed

faMilY HoME

2170 Alder. 2BR, 2BA condo.1400 s.f. $279,000 1860 wasHinGton. 3BR, 2.5BA, Formal living/dining, 490 MoosE trail.family 3BR,room. 1.5BA,$389,000 condo. 1400 s.f. $139,000

1630 Edwards. 3BR view home on Marina Estates.1/2 block from private beach. $495,000

D SOUTH BEACH - VIEW CE U CoMMErCial D RE 658 Marsh Lane. 2BR on 2 lots close to beach. Immaculate. $275,000 1469 Gulf road. 5 offices +1 BR suite. 0.85 acres. $369,000

James H. Julius, Broker* James Julius, Broker* James H.H.Julius, Broker*

Notary Public

Notary Public • *Successfully listing and selling * Successfully listing and selling Point Roberts real Notary estate since 1968 Public

1385 Gulf Road, Point Roberts

360-945-1011

www.pointroberts.us LD

a rare find in cryStaL BeacH. Large 70x104 lot just a short walk to the beach. Private beach access. $89,000

Boundary Bay Peek-a-Boo View ProPerty just steps to Lily Point Marine Park trails. Lot size is 68 x 135. $49,000

BEACH PROPERTIESPric

Road, P.O. Box 17 • Pt. Roberts, WA 98281 360/945-5555 • 1339 Gulf BEACH PROPERTIES

Point Roberts real estate since 1968 Point Roberts real estate since 1968 www.pointrobertswashington.com E-Mail: prprty@Whidbey.com • www.pointrobertswashington.com E-Mail: prprty@Whidbey.com • www.pointrobertswashington.com • 1339 Gulf Road, P.O. Box 17 • Pt. Roberts, WA 98281 360/945-5555 Successfully listing and selling E-Mail:*prprty@Whidbey.com

38 Derby. Maple Beach 2BR cottage. Private backyard. $149,000

FREEMAN BEACH

697 W MARINE DR. FREEMAN BEACH E at Freeman 2 BR N cottage Beach. 697 rights. MARINE DR. $219,900 Beach 2 BR cottage at Freeman Beach. Beach rights. $219,900

1275 BROUGHTON LANE 247 BAYVIEW DR. 3BR, 2BA waterfront home facing 2BR, 3BA beautiful west side home. 1275 BROUGHTON 247 BAYVIEW $199,000. Adjoining lotLANE $35,000. $595,000 Mt. Baker. Crabtown. DR. 3BR, 2BA waterfront home facing 2BR, 3BA beautiful west side home. $199,000. Adjoining lot $35,000. Mt. Baker. Crabtown. $595,000

659 south beach rD. 2BR executive home. 50‘x200’ lot. Beach rights. $309,000 great LittLe Home ocentral location, walk to stores and beach. Concrete foundation. Sunny all day, private rear yard. $136,800

Large ocean View Home with 360 degree views of the water from the roof top deck, views to south from main floor and front decks. Freshly painted inside with new carpets. $450,000

us nho

ree

Large Home on 2 acres, two separate suites up and down. $299,000

Marina channel lot. The last one! 98.2’ frontage. Sewer. $259,000

Large 1/4 acre Lot on the west side. $25,000

calgary & province rD. 2BR, 1BA. Great home on large lot. $79,000 as is

ric

751677 x 200 lot. seyMour place. 2BA onBEACH quiet cul-de-sac. 6683BR, SOUTH RD. 2117 ROOSEVELT.2BR, Maple Beach 611 evergreen. beautifully crafted 1845 log cabinJOHNSON. in South Private. Backs 55 acreplus forest. $189,999 2BRonto cottage 2 lots near beach. 1920s cabin, 2 BR,Lots wood-burning Beach area. of love went intoFP,this home. $299,000 private, excellent Furnished, 1845 JOHNSON. 75 x 200 lot. 668 SOUTH BEACH RD. 2117 ROOSEVELT. Beach $200,000 2 blocks to beach.Maple $169,000 condition. $115,000 2BR cottage plus 2 lots near beach. 1920s cabin, 2 BR, wood-burning FP, Furnished, private, excellent $200,000 2 blocks to beach. ! $169,000 condition. $115,000

1790 benson. Contemporary 2BR cottage. $179,000

D CDE U D E RDEUC RE 731 ocean view ct. 4BR, 4BA, 3,602 s.f. executive home on canal. Best buy in town. $499,000

huge north slope lot. 140x190. Water meter in, site prepped. $89,000

SoutH BeacH at itS BeSt. Double sized lot. sunny private and perfect. Lots of pictures and video on web site. $239,000

deSiraBLe SoutH BeacH cottage witH View. Double lot, short walk to the beach, new roof, AC plus a large deck for entertaining and sun tanning. $199,000

Paul 604/968-4006

Carol 360/945-2967

Greg 604/690-1468

email:paulrusk@pointroberts.us

email:carolg@pointroberts.net

email:gheppner@pointroberts.net

1877 WASHINGTON 542 MCLAREN RD. 676 CLAIRE LANE 2.6 acre 2lot east bluff. 3BR, 2BA backs onto Lily Point BR near designer home. A must-see! 3BR cottage w/front and rear deck. WASHINGTON 542 MCLAREN RD.Park. 676 CLAIRE LANE 378’ frontage on1877 Herring Lane, deep. $299,000 Park. Make an297’ offer! Adjacent to Lily Point 3BR, 2BA backs onto Lily Point 2 BRPotential. designer$89,000 home. A must-see! 3BR cottage w/front and rear deck. View $159,000 Park. $299,000 Make an offer! Adjacent to Lily Point Park. beach lot w/water meter, 722 claire lane. 2BR bungalow on to DESIRABLE Lily Point Park. EAST SIDE,south ACREAGE: 6.39backs ACRES, SUBDIVIDABLE $299,000 $159,000 $319,000

landscaped, 65’x76’. $39,900

www.JuliusRealty.com See more listings at www.juliusrealty.com www.JuliusRealty.com ACREAGE: 6.39 ACRES, DESIRABLE EAST SIDE, SUBDIVIDABLE $299,000