Primary ballots due August 5; hospital seat up for election
The Whatcom County Auditor’s office announced ballots for the August primary and special elections were mailed to registered voters on July 16, and voters should have received a ballot by July 22.
Election day is Tuesday, August 5. Ballots must be returned to an official ballot drop box before 8 p.m. on August 5, or by mail, postmarked by August 5.
This summer’s primary election includes plenty of local races as well as a county-wide levy lid lift for the Whatcom County Library System. Port of Bellingham Commissioner District 2 will feature incumbent Ken Bell, who has held the position since 2017, running against challengers Carly James, a Bellingham-based small business owner running for office for the first time, and Kaylin A. Bosley, also running for office for the first time.
Point Roberts Public Hospital District commissioner position two is open for election, with five candidates throwing their hat in the ring. Current commissioner Stephen Falk will step down after holding the position since being appointed in 2018 and elected in 2019.
Allison Calder, Jen Olson Kurcz, Alyssa Clark, Alice Strombom and Solomon Loop are all running for the hospital district commission position. For more information about each candidate, and to read their statements, visit bit.ly/4eRSgLp.
Whatcom County Library System, which oversees library access for everywhere in the county beside Bellingham, is asking voters to pass a levy lid lift to secure funding for WCLS operations, maintenance and development.
If passed, the property tax levy rate for WCLS would be set at $0.42 per $1,000 of assessed home value. State law caps property tax increases to one percent annually, meaning the library system is unable to keep up with inflation without voters agreeing to increase the levy rate.
Voter registration and address changes online or by mail must be received by the county auditor’s office by Monday, July 28.
(See Election, page 2)
B y G race M c c arthy
Whatcom County voters will be tasked with the decision to expand the Port of Bellingham commission from three to five candidates during the November 4 election.
The commission voted 2-1 to place the measure on ballots during their July 15 meeting, with commissioners Ken Bell and Michael Shepard in support and Bobby Briscoe opposed. The audience erupted in applause following the port’s decision, which came months after the subject was previously.
If voters approve the expansion, it’ll be the first time the port has added represen-
tation since being formed in 1920, according to port documents. The commission last put forward an expansion measure in 2012 that failed to meet the simple majority threshold for support.
If passed, the port would then need to draw up five districts by January. The districts would likely mirror Whatcom County Council districts.
The three incumbent commissioners would represent districts one, two and three. Races for the new seats would be included in the August 2026 primary if there were more than two candidates running in a district. If not, the candidates would only appear in the November 2026 election.
(See Port, page 3)
B y N ola N B aker
Election ...
From
races across the county,
Each interview is under 10 minutes
with candidates for each position asked the same three questions regarding their elected bodies and plans for office so voters can directly compare each candidate.
Candidates for the Port of Bellingham Commissioner District 2, Blaine City Council Ward 2, Whatcom County Council Districts 2 and 3, and city of Sumas Council Position 2 are posted on the LWVBWC website.
All candidate interviews can be found on the LWVBWC website by visiting bit. ly/4lZU3AH.
Port ...
From page 1
Voters of the entire port district would elect the new commissioners.
The two new commissioners would take office as soon as election results were certified in November 2026. The candidate with the highest number of voters would serve three years, while the candidate with the second highest votes would only serve for one year. Those commissioners would be elected in odd numbered years, which is in line with the port’s current election cycle.
In total, adding two new commissioners to the port is estimated to cost nearly $126,000 annually, with an additional $7,000 for equipment costs every four to five years. It would cost the port $60,000
per position for primary elections and $200,000 for the general election in 2026. The port didn’t have a cost estimate available for redistricting.
Expanding the commission would allow two commissioners to meet outside of port meetings, something that currently isn’t allowed under the state’s Open Public Meetings Act rules because it would create a quorum. State law would still prohibit one commissioner from speaking individually to the other commissioners about the same port business.
Bell has said he is in favor of more communication with fellow commissioners, especially after the commission’s recent decision to remove former executive director Rob Fix from his position.
Briscoe said he believed if voters wanted to expand the commission, they should bring it forward as a citizen-initiated bal-
lot measure. He also reiterated that he believed expanding the commission would make the positions partisan.
Bell said the positions were already partisan as port candidates need to be endorsed by a political party to run successful campaigns.
“Unfortunately, that’s the state of politics today. There is already partisanship,” Bell said. “It’s ‘do you have candidates that can
break through that partisanship and represent the nonpartisan viewpoints we’d like to see on the port?’”
Bell said he believed enlarging the commission would improve communication between staff and commissioners as well as more districts would increase representation of different areas of the county, out-
(See Port, page 5)
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Adjacent RR1 one-acre property is for sale, with a preference to sell together. This unique opportunity is ideal for commercial use!
All Point Bulletin
The All Point Bulletin is published each month by Point Roberts Press Inc. and is delivered to homes and businesses in Point Roberts and Tsawwassen. The opinion expressed by contributors is their own and is offered for the general interest of our readers.
Mail and classified ads should be addressed to:
All Point Bulletin
P.O. Box 1451 Point Roberts WA USA 98281
Publisher & Managing Editor
Patrick J. Grubb
Associate Publisher & Advertising Manager
Louise H. Mugar
Reporter
Erin Kelly
Copy Editor
Aly McGee
Creative Services
Ruth Lauman, Doug De Visser
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Molly Ernst
Contributors In This Issue
Kris Lomedico
Father Martin Pommerenke
Victoria Smith
Administrative Services
Jeanie Luna
Founding Editor
Glennys Christie
Business & Editorial Office
Phone: 360/945-0413
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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
The Editor:
Letters to the editor
Our family has owned our property on South Beach Road for almost 100 years. Up until last year we never had any issues and felt comfortable leaving our door unlocked if we went on a beach walk and our chairs out on deck that faces South Beach Road.
Last year, someone stole our lawn chairs. This year, while it might not seem like much to some, they clipped off our roses. My parents’ ashes are buried under the rose bush and it’s fairly evident that it is a memorial planting, based upon the rocks and shells that surround the small bush. I was saving the blooms to cut them off myself and press them.
I was very upset and very disappointed that someone would take this away from our family. May Karma come your way you lowlife thief.
Bev Mitchell (Hourston) Point Roberts
The Editor:
I have been a “resident” of the point for 38 years. I grew up here over the summers, eventually grew my own family of five, and later built a home on our existing property in 2012. As much as I am Canadian, I feel at home here. My heart and fondest memories live here.
It has been a true sad state of affairs to watch what is becoming of this town. We survived Covid, recessions and hopefully we’ll survive the Trump era. Beyond the hardware and grocery store, everything else seems to be on a recycled timeline. Businesses pop up, last a year or two or even five, but eventually close their doors. Rinse and repeat.
Lighthouse Marine Park is a joke when it comes to a viable and functional boat launch. No break water, no dock (despite the wooden one lasting decades that was deemed replaceable with an aluminum one that didn’t survive its first year of service) and given the obvious tides, the existing concrete ramp is flooded with beach
gravel multiple times per day. Trucks get stuck, trailers get buried and to add insult to injury, the one functional backhoe that was used to clear the ramp broke down last year.
But wait! There’s more!
The marina. I have been a part-time user of the marina for years. Years. For two years running now my dock access has a magnetic door that does not lock. We’ve had no electrical power. The chandlery and accompanying maintenance facility have closed their doors. The marine travel lift that is used to launch boats over 3.500 pounds has been broken for that same period of time. But there is a breakwater, just no carved out access ramp to launch from (which would be simple to install).
WTF, Point Roberts? How do we stand for this? It’s hard to feel sorry for a town that can make cell towers go away but
won’t fight for infrastructure that it needs and would provide various revenue streams. We are surrounded by water yet have no means to launch a boat over 18 feet in length and we can’t even provide full hook up service to the vessels that do reside in the marina.
It’s time to wake up and fact check the various numbered companies and follow the “money” that is bankrolling these places. Clearly, the owners’ interests are not with our little five-square-mile peninsula. John Carinha Point Roberts
The Editor:
On Monday, July 14 it became apparent that someone had broken into my neighbors home. I called the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office and was informed that the local sheriff was having his day off. Despite this, on his day off, deputy Leach contacted me and came down to investigate.
I was extremely impressed with this level of service and kudos to the sheriff!
Lorne Goldman Point Roberts
can)
s One boater discovered what happens when the tide extends past the short concrete apron at the Lighthouse Marine Park boat launch when retrieving his boat. When a pickup tried to tow him out, it sunk to the axle. The first car later dried out in the parking lot.
Main photo by Rob Gillespie; inset photo by Pat Grubb
Port ...
From page 3
side of Bellingham.
Briscoe also said he was worried that adding commissioners would increase costs to the port, already operating on tight budget, and increase staff time to meet with commissioners. Bell responded that budget constraints just forced the commission to decide its priorities and the executive director would now be able to meet with two commissioners at once.
“We have other ports coming to us asking us how we are doing the things we do and make things happen, which leads me to believe that I’m not sure if what we’re
trying to do here is all that important at this time, whether people think they need to talk to each other,” Briscoe said.
Shepard said he believed the commission had thoroughly heard from the public over the past year and the response had been overwhelmingly in favor of expansion.
“My support for this initiative is because people have consistently asked me to do so,” Shepard said. “I feel like I’m being responsive to the public who elected me and who has consistently asked me to put this on the ballot.”
Shepard added his experience in office has shown him that expansion would create a more efficient, transparent and effective commission.
School board delays consolidation
B y N ola N B aker
In a sudden reversal, the Blaine school board voted unanimously to pause a planned merger of first and second grade classes from the primary school building into the elementary school building, originally set to save $600,000 for the 2025-26 school year.
high school athletics and significantly reshuffled district administrative staff. The proposed merger made up a portion of $3 million in cuts.
Speaking for the first time as interim superintendent since starting July 1, Chaplik said he was excited for the challenge of finding new ways to save the $600,000 that the merger promised to save.
Tuesdays & Thursdays • 9:00 am pick up at Community Center, 4:30 pm (approximately) drop off at Community Center.
Tuesdays & Thursdays • 9:00 am pick up at Community Center, 4:00 pm (approximately) drop off at Community Center.
Call 360-788-9473 to schedule your free ride, or after-school pick up in Blaine.
Call 360-788-9473 to schedule your ride. Special needs, please call scheduler to discuss. Please call to schedule after school pick up for your children.
Call to inquire about hiring the van for special events in Point Roberts or Whatcom County.
During a July 14 special meeting, a packed house of school staff, parents and community members applauded the board’s decision to pause the merger for at least one year before potentially reengaging in merger talks for next year’s budget.
The school board, along with interim superintendent Dan Chaplik, went into executive session for roughly 90 minutes to discuss a plan for Chaplik to investigate where else the district could cut the budget, finding similar savings without merging the schools. After returning from executive session, the board quickly voted unanimously to pause the merger for one year.
Chaplik was sworn in as interim superintendent during the June 16 school board meeting and officially started the position July 1.
“I’m really appreciative of Dan to come in and look at [the budget] with fresh eyes and say, ‘Well, maybe there is a way,’” said district 5 director Steve Galbraith.
Former superintendent Christopher Granger suggested moving the first and second grade classes as a way to save the district roughly $600,000 annually, sparing deeper cuts to staff and educational opportunities for students. Granger argued that consolidating the classes into one building would cut maintenance and energy costs at the primary school and prepare the district for years of expected enrollment reductions.
The reduced education plan for the 2025-26 school year, approved by a 4-1 vote in March, still eliminated an estimated 46 staff positions, cut all C-team
Parents and the Blaine teachers union were against the proposed merger, citing overcrowding concerns, makeshift classrooms without windows and fears of the district’s youngest students sharing space with older students.
Chaplik, who is serving a one-year interim term, is now faced with the challenge of finding other ways to save hundreds of thousands of dollars to keep the district financially solvent and abide by state financial requirements.
“I’m ready for this challenge because this is too great of a community, too great of a school district for us to not be willing to take this step,” Chaplik said prior to the vote. “I just want to thank the board for having enough belief in this process to recognize that we’re here for the purpose of community and kids. We really have to fend off anything that gets in the way of that path.”
District 4 director Ryan Swinburnson described the decision as a “risk,” citing the unknowns of next year’s financial situation, but said it was worth keeping the district’s youngest students in place.
“There’s particular risks in putting a pause in place, but there’s also risks in not putting a pause in place,” Swinburnson said. “We talked from day one that the merger is not an ideal option. Nobody wants it. Nobody in this board wants it, nobody out there wants it. Putting a pause is probably worth the risk.”
The next regular school board meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday, July 28 in the district boardroom, 770 Mitchell Avenue.
Parents proposing new school model
Parents in Point Roberts have voiced long-standing frustrations over the state of local public education, citing declining enrollment and a lack of community engagement from the school district. Now, a group of local parents is working to change that.
Currently, the Point Roberts Primary School just serves students through second grade and has only five students attending. When students reach third grade, they face a daily bus ride across two U.S.-Canada borders and back to attend school in Blaine. Parents say this arrangement puts students at risk and makes families feel forgotten by the Blaine School District.
At a community meeting in January, then-superintendent Dr. Christopher Granger heard from residents who felt neglected and disheartened by the school’s dwindling numbers. “One of the big attitudes was, ‘Let’s just shut it down,’ but I was like, well, instead of tearing it down, let’s rebuild it,” said Tennessee Briand, a Point Roberts mother and local advocate.
Briand has been searching for solutions for her own family and the broader community. She’s championing the Parent Partnership Program (PPP), an alternative public education model that already operates successfully all over Washington, including in Bellingham. In May, she met with district staff to explore the potential for bringing the program to Point Roberts.
PPP students are officially enrolled in the public school system but complete
most of their education through structured instruction tailored to family needs. They typically receive 15 hours of instruction each week, either in-person or online, led by certified teachers. The rest of the schedule is more flexible. The program would use the existing school building and initially serve students in grades 3 through 8, with long-term hopes of expanding to high school.
“We’re not trying to reinvent the wheel,” said Briand. “We’re just saying, hey, this exists. It’s working for other communities, and if anyone needs this right now, it’s us.”
Although Dr. Granger was hesitant to implement the program, new Interim Superintendent Dan Chaplik has signaled strong interest and said the program could potentially begin this September. “He is excited to work with us to provide our children with the opportunities they deserve,” said Briand, who recently spoke with Chaplik by phone. He’s scheduled to visit Point Roberts for the first time on July 31 to tour the school and meet with families interested in PPP.
In the meantime, Briand and a group of local mothers have launched the Point Roberts Eagles Club, a free, volunteer-led program inspired by the Boys and Girls Club model. The club hosts weekly educational activities and currently serves about eight children from kindergarten through age 11.
“The Point Roberts Eagles Club will foster a sense of community by meeting
(See School, page 7)
Local pickleball group formed
Due to pickleball’s local popularity, the Point Roberts Pickleball Committee has been formed. Visit the Facebook page at bit.ly/46il4L0 to stay up to date on open play times, learn to play sessions, special events and more.
The Point Roberts Pickleball Committee meets virtually on the first Monday of each Month. Meetings are open to the public. Contact melanieosmack@gmail.com for
School ...
From page 6
weekly at the community center, where the children will participate in organized activities with an emphasis on learning and fun,” said Briand. The club meets Sundays from 1 to 3 p.m. and will continue even if the PPP launches this fall.
Interested families can contact the Eagles Club or inquire about the PPP by emailing pointrobertseaglesclub@gmail. com.
“It would have a big impact on our community, because it is such a deterrent for people who look at moving here with young families,” Briand said. “For us to be able to have our kids in our community five minutes from our home is so important for all parents.”
S The founding members of the Point Roberts Eagles Club show off some of their first handiworks.
the meeting link. Open play is 10:00 a.m. to noon on Saturdays and Sundays at the community center unless there is a community event or the weather isn’t cooperating. The committee held a “Learn to Play” session on July 20 with seven new community members coming out to learn this accessible and social sport. The third annual Point Roberts Pickleball Tournament will be held on Saturday and Sunday, August 23 and 24 at 8 a.m. The tournament will take place at the community center. Register to play or come out and cheer on your fellow community members.
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s Avoiding the occasional car, pickleball enthusiasts play on the makeshift courts at the Point Roberts community center’s parking lot.
Photo by Erin Kelly
Photo by Erin Kelly
in the Garden
Hello August, my favorite month of the year. I love your long warm days and sunny skies, and there’s no finer place to be than in the garden.
August is the month of abundance and immersion, of savoring all the garden has to offer. Snow peas seem to double in size overnight, the tomato plants are growing by leaps and bounds, and the cucumber vines are scrambling skyward. August is the month of quick and easy meals straight from the garden, eaten minutes after harvest.
The daylilies are fabulous this year. They are the star of the July garden, 61plants sporting hundreds of flowers from June into August and often beyond. I brought them from my California garden in 2020, and they don’t miss the desert heat.
In mid-July, the first dahlias burst into bloom, in all sizes, shapes and colors. I planted 170 dahlias this year – a crazy number, I know. From now until late October, the garden will be an everchanging display of dahlias, cosmos, zinnias, sunflowers and snapdragons, sharing space with the dependable long-season flowers that anchor the rest of the garden.
In the borders, you’ll find phlox and feverfew, geraniums and salvias, hydrangeas, echinacea and rudbeckia, coral bells (heuchera), yarrow, and veronica. Each plant belongs to a species and each species has a botanical/scientific name. Some species have dozens or hundreds of cultivars (varieties and/or colors), and each specific plant has one or more common names. I often can’t remember what a plant is called, but they grow beautifully, nonetheless.
In January, I created a spreadsheet to keep track of which plants are in bloom each month, for several purposes. A major reason is that I keep poor records of what I’ve planted over the years. Seasonal bulbs and many flowering perennials go dormant and disappear during the winter, so I forget which plants I’m growing.
Knowing the months in which specific plants bloom tells me when and how long each species and variety is available for enjoyment outdoors or for indoor bouquets and sharing with others. I was delighted to discover that more than 100 varieties of flowers bloomed in my garden during the first seven months of the year.
Having this information for an entire year reveals which months could use more plants – either more of the plants I’m already growing or the addition of new perennials or annuals – to fill in any empty spaces or gaps between seasons. A monthly list of what’s blooming lets me know
how bloom times vary based on weather conditions. A quick review of the spreadsheet info will be a boon for both shortand long-term planning. I talk about planning a lot, but my gardens are far from orderly and regimented. I favor blowsy mix-and-match cottage style gardening, not a formal landscape. I’m impulsive and experimental, always squeezing things in between what’s already there and hoping for the best. I let flowers, herbs and veggies drop their seeds and am usually thrilled to see things pop up wherever they’re happy to grow.
If I don’t like where a plant is growing, I move it, give it away, or toss it on the compost pile. If a plant is too large, I cut it back, move it, or divide it to make additional plants. Autumn and spring are the traditional months for moving plants, but many plants can be dug and replanted in the warm summer months. They’ll settle in faster if you cut back the flowers and foliage before digging and leave a large amount of soil around the roots to avoid transplant shock.
To keep your flowering plants looking their best and blooming as long as possible, remove fading flowers – called “deadheading” – frequently. I deadhead daily, usually first thing in the morning or in the early evening.
Watering should also be done in the cooler hours, slowly and deeply. It is rarely necessary to water in-ground plants more than twice a week. Shallow watering causes shallow root systems, while deep watering sends plant roots deep into the soil, where the water is stored. Add mulch and aged compost to improve your soil and prevent evaporation. Potted plants will need more frequent watering.
As summer bulbs die back, spaces open up in the border, exposing the soil. Last month, I started a few pots of seeds so I’d have fast growing plants on hand: marigolds, calendula, cosmos, zinnias, and basil. Last week, I bought a few markeddown annual plants in 6 packs and 4-inch pots for 99¢each. These are being tucked into the border to keep it cool and full. Looking ahead, August is the month to order spring-blooming bulbs: daffodils, tulips, Dutch iris, anemones, and ranunculus, for planting between October and the end of the year. It’s also the perfect time to plant seeds for fall and winter vegetables. Next month I’ll talk about plants for low-maintenance low-water gardens, and ways to get plants for free.
Happy gardening!
B y V ictoria S M ith
s August, Victoria’s favorite month of the year.
Photo by Victoria Smith
Question of the
Month: What do you like to do in Point Roberts?
T
“I like to visit with friends “ – Lee Hayes
S “I love going to the backyard concerts. on Boundary Bay Road and seeing love music.”
– Carole Clark
A bridge from nowhere
Back in 2005, Alaskan U.S. Senator “Uncle Ted” Stevens and U.S. Representative Don (“Mr. Pork”) Young managed to have $231 million included in an appropriations bill to partially fund the Gravina Island Bridge, a proposed $398 million bridge to replace the ferry connecting Ketchikan, Alaska (population 8,900) with Gravina Island, which housed the Ketchikan International Airport and only 50 residents. The bridge would have been nearly as long as the Golden Gate Bridge and taller than the Brooklyn Bridge, replacing a 7-minute ferry ride that cost $6 per car. The ensuing uproar eventually led to both political parties to abandon the use of earmarks in appropriations bills.
That bridge was called The Bridge to Nowhere.
Now we have The Bridge from Nowhere. Not for the first time, a certain resident spoke up during the economic development study town hall and suggested that what Point Roberts needed was a bridge from the Point or, failing that, a ferry service. Ignore the fact that there is a road from Point Roberts to the U.S. mainland and that as far as anyone knows, the only times the border between Point Roberts and B.C. has ever been closed or restricted was during 9/11 and the Covid pandemic, how much would a bridge or ferry cost to span the 13.06 miles between the Point and Blaine?
Using the national average bridge replacement cost of $377-$398 square foot, a fixed bridge with four lanes and shoulders and utilities would require a total deck area of about 6.9 million square feet. Given the marine environment, height clearance, seismic requirements and international waters complexity, the bridge would cost $5.2-$8.1 billion. Scaling up from the SR520 floating bridge cost of $849 million for 1.5 miles, the estimated cost for a floating bridge would range from $3.8 to $5.5 billion.
On the other hand, a ferry service seems positively obtainable in comparison. A ferry service would cost just $60-$100 million for startup costs with annual operating costs of $5-$8 million. This would be enough for a 20-30-car ferry at $40-$60 million with two terminals costing $10$20 million at each end. The cost for the Lummi Island replacement ferry has ballooned from $50 million for a fully electric 34-car ferry to now $90-$93 million – a scaled-down version will cost about $50 million.
With Point Roberts’ 1300 residents:
• Fixed bridge cost per resident: $4.0$6.2 million
• Floating bridge cost per resident: $2.9$4.2 million
• Ferry setup cost per resident: $46,000$77,000
• Annual ferry operating cost per resident: $6,200.
Here’s a bit of good news regarding Lighthouse Marine Park, though. While the county is out rounding up engineers and construction companies to build the bridge or ferry and terminals, it is estimated that a 100-foot floating dock, skookum enough to withstand summertime weather conditions in the Strait of Georgia, could be built for $100-$130,000 for an aluminum dock with a 35-year life span or $225,000 for a concrete floating dock with a 50-year lifespan. Both would be built to withstand the marine environment and comply with all environmental and regulatory conditions.
What do you say, Whatcom County? Warm up first with a dock at Lighthouse Park? Maybe throw in a lighthouse while you’re at it?
Addendum: At the townhall with the lieutenant-governor, that certain resident suggested what the Point really needed was a tunnel to Blaine. At a cost of $850 million to $1.2 billion a mile, a tunnel could cost as much as $16.5 billion. As the resident left the meeting, she breezily remarked, “It’s only money.”
S “I enjoy walking on the sandbar at Maple Beach.” – Hugh Wilson
s “I take great pleasure in surrounding myself with the local people and then retreating to my garden to relax and recharge.” – Nancy King
Photo by Bob New
Photo by Bob New
Photo by Bob New
Photo by Pat
Photo by Sebastian Munro
Photo by Bob New
Pat Grubb
Photo by Sebastian Munro
Photo by Bob New
Photo by Bob New
Photo by Pat Grubb
Photo by Pat Grubb
Photo by Pat Grubb
Photo by Renee Coe
Photo by Bob New
sheriff’s report
July 1, 4:05 p.m.: Suspicious circumstances cold call on Harbor Seal Drive.
July 3, 8:50 a.m.: Suspicious vehicle on Cedar Point Avenue.
July 3, 11:56 a.m.: Assist agency on Washington Drive.
July 3, 7:49 p.m.: Senile subject on Periwinkle Lane.
July 3, 8:29 p.m.: Assist agency on Benson Road.
July 4, 9:01 a.m.: Assist agency on Birch Street and Bay View Drive.
July 5, 8:31 p.m.: Harassment cold call on Gulf Road.
July 7, 12:11 p.m.: Neighborhood dispute cold call on Peltier Drive.
July 9, 4:54 p.m.: Assist agency on Uscandia Lane.
July 10, 9:14 a.m.: Vandalism cold call on Washington Drive.
July 11, 3:29 p.m.: Motor vehicle accident non-blocking/non-injury on Simundson Drive.
July 12, 7:37 a.m.: Suspicious circumstances cold call on Burns Way.
July 12, 11:28 a.m.: Property found on Marine Drive.
July 12, 12:25 p.m.: Alarm audible on Churchill Drive.
July 12, 8:20 p.m.: Suspicious circumstances on Bay View Drive and Dead End.
July 12, 8:28 p.m.: Fight on Bay View Drive.
July 12, 10:17 p.m.: Noise on Maple Avenue.
OPEN HOUSE POINT ROBERTS FIRE DEPARTMENT
July 13, 2:56 p.m.: Welfare check on Harbor Seal Drive.
July 14, 3:05 p.m.: Hazard on S Beach Road.
July 14, 5:56 p.m.: Security check on Edwards Drive.
July 15, 10:31 p.m.: Noise on Panorama Drive.
July 16, 3:02 p.m.: Assist citizen on Bay View Drive and Elm Street. July 16, 3:58 p.m.: Animal problem on Uscandia Lane.
July 16, 4:23 p.m.: Welfare check
senior’s point
M e N u S for a u G u S t
Wednesdays & Fridays
Lunch Menu
Friday, August 1: Chef’s choice
Wednesday, August 6: Bratwurst with sauerkraut, roasted potatoes, mixed vegetables and dessert
Friday, August 8: Chicken Fajitas, Spanish rice, broccoli slaw and tropical fruit salad
Wednesday, August 13: Baked ham with pineapple, mashed sweet potatoes, green beans and dessert
Friday, August 15: Picnic in the Park: Grilled chicken sandwich on a bun, bag of chips, macaroni salad, coleslaw and dessert
Wednesday, August 20: Scalloped potatoes, spinach, garden salad and dessert
Friday, August 22: Mediterranean quesadilla, Greek salad and dessert
Wednesday, August 27: Shrimp Creole, rice, Cajun coleslaw and dessert
Friday, August 29: Chicken Ceasar salad, garlic bread and dessert
Lunches are served in the dining room at the community center from 11:45 a.m.–12:30 p.m. or until food runs out. Contact prseniors@whidbey. com or call the community center at 360/945-5424 for more information.
Coming up ...
Scheduled Meetings/Ongoing Events
Whatcom Grooves Summer Music: Saturday, July 26, 2 to 3 p.m., back lawn of library. Cape Flattery band from Bellingham rocks us with music. Bring a chair or blanket. Sponsored by Whatcom Library Foundation & Friends of the Point Roberts Library. Info: foprl1@gmail. com.
Cemetery District No. 8: Mondays, July 28 and August 25, 5 p.m., community center. Public welcome.
PR Garden Club: Tuesday, July 29, 7 p.m., members garden visits. Info: info@pointrobertsgardenclub.org.
Point Roberts Book Club: Wednesdays, July 30 and August 27, 6–7:30 p.m., Point Roberts Library. All are welcome. Call the library at 360/945-6545 for this month’s selection.
Erickson Bros. Garage
Local automotive services: all repairs, tire mounting/balancing, oil changes, vehicle inspections, transmissions and more.
Call the shop: 360-945-2807 or email ericksonbrothersgarage@gmail.com
1423 Gulf Road • Point Roberts
Ben Schrag, Owner/General Contractor
Point Roberts
The Flea: Saturdays, August 2 and 30, 10 to 3 p.m., Point Roberts Marina west side. Free to vend and attend. Bring your own table, blanket, sheet or sell out of your trunk! Info: jselvey18@gmail.com.
Fun in the Sun Market and BBQ: Saturday, August 2, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., community center. BBQ fundraiser for a new playground at the community center.
Nature Journals: Saturday, August 2, 1 to 3 p.m., library. Grades K through 5. Info: wcls.org.
Point Roberts Pickleball Committee: Monday, August 4, via Zoom. Contact melanieosmack@gmail.com for the meeting link.
PR Amateur Radio Club: Tuesday, August 5, 7 p.m., via Zoom. Link: bit.ly/3yUNk8f. Fire Department Open House and Blood Drive: Saturday, August 9, 11 to 3 p.m., 2030 Benson Road. Hall tour, BBQ, games, 50/50 draw, blood drive and more! Come meet and support the professionals who provide your emergency services, community volunteers and organizations. Explore emergency vehicles, the firehouse and a helicopter. Info: wcfd5.com. Register for the blood drive at bit.ly/4lEUrox.
Celebration of Life: Christine Grinstead: Sunday, August 10, 11 a.m., Memorial Park in Ladner. RSVP 604/818-1075.
PR Park and Recreation: Monday, August 11, at 7 p.m., via Zoom. Info: prparkandrec.org. Link: bit.ly/3UCOvAU.
PR Water District: Tuesday, August 12, 5 p.m., 2002 Benson Road. Info: pointrobertswater. com.
Friends of the Point Roberts Library: Tuesday, August 12, 3 p.m., library. Open board meeting. foprl1@gmail.com.
Fire District No. 5: Wednesday, August 13, 4 p.m., fire hall and via Zoom. Link: bit.ly/45YUv9U. Info: WCFD5.com.
PR Hospital District: Wednesday, August 13, 7 p.m., via Zoom. Info: bit.ly/3Kw9Ypt.
PR Taxpayer Association: Thursday, August 14, community center. Combined meeting and potluck.
Book Making: Saturday, August 16, 1 to 3 p.m., library. Age: Teen. Info: wcls.org. Celebration of Life: Annette Loewen: Saturday, August 16, 2 to 6 p.m., community center. Should you wish, a donation in her name to the charity of your choice. If you would like to bring a dish to share at the celebration, please contact alli.calder17@gmail.com. Please join us to celebrate Annette.
Emily and the Strays Concert: Sunday, August 17, potluck at 5:30 p.m., special guest Gina Zollman at 6:30 p.m., and concert at 7 p.m., 525 Boundary Bay Road. Donations benefit the Point Roberts Food Bank. Suggested donation: $20. RSVP appreciated: text 360/296-3332 or email pointrobertsfoodbank@gmail.com. BYOB, lawn chairs, picnic blanket and a dish to share. Well mannered kids welcome (there is a trampoline).
Point Roberts Book & Movie Discussion Group: Monday, August 18, 2 to 4 p.m., library. Info: wcls.org.
Historical Society: Wednesday, August 20, 7 p.m., in the History Center.
PR Community Advisory Committee: Thursday, August 21, 7 p.m., community center and via Zoom. Zoom Link: bit.ly/3S8GCB3. Info: PRCAC.comment@gmail.com.
Joke Telling Contest: Saturday, August 23, 7 p.m. All ages. Free, but donations will support a new community center playground. 50/50 raffle Pretzels and root beer will be available, along with other soft drinks and popcorn. Sponsored by the Point Roberts Park and Recreation Department.
Annual Point Roberts Pickleball Tournament: Saturday and Sunday, August 23 and 24, 8 a.m., community center Register to play or come out and cheer on your fellow competitors. Info: bit.ly/46il4L0.
Summer Reading Celebration Party: Saturday, August 23, all-day, library. Info: wcls.org. Jazz Vespers: Sunday, August 31, 4 p.m., outside at Trinity Church. Music and inspiration. bring a chair/hat.
Ongoing Events and Hours
Paddleboard and Kayaks: Paddleboards are now available at Maple Beach. Kayaks are available at Lighthouse Park. Visit prparkandrec.org/kayak/ for registration forms.
Craft and Game Night: Tuesdays from 5–7 p.m., Point Roberts Library. Bring a craft to work on or a board game to play.
The Raven: Tuesdays and Thursdays, rides to Bellingham and the surrounding area. To book your ride fill out the form at bit.ly/45PVJFP or call 360/788-9473 or email prtheraven@gmail. com. The Raven will now pick up and drop riders off around the Point on Fridays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., offering flexible stops anywhere on the Point including the grocery store, food bank, post office, clinic, bank, etc. Info: prtheraven.com.
Point Roberts Walkers: Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 8 a.m., Saturdays at Lily Point. Tuesdays and Thursdays vary, and locations can be found at prwalkers.wordpress.com.
Point Roberts Storytime: Wednesdays, 10:30 to 11 a.m., library. Ages 2-6.
Alcoholics Anonymous: Thursdays, 6 p.m., Trinity Church, 1880 APA Road. Open meeting. Contact: 253/331-7560.
PR Food Bank: Fridays, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., community center. Info: prfoodbank.org.
Friday Market: Fridays, 4 to 7 p.m., on the west side of the Point Roberts Marina. Local gifts, cards and strawberry plants. Free to vend local made or grown items. Info: latitude@whidbey. com.
Boundary Bay Roadside Stands: Friday through Sunday through August, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Fresh Farm Eggs on Boundary Bay Road, Ollie Otter Bakery Box on Sunrise Road, and Slow Botanicals Gift Stand on Culp Court.
The Commons: Saturdays, noon to 2:30 p.m., back room at the community center. Lots of free used books and conversations. Do come by!
Point Roberts Writing Club: Saturdays, 3 to 4 p.m., Point Roberts Library meeting room. Drop by to share and listen along with fellow storytellers looking for feedback.
History Center: Summer hours: Saturdays, 11 to 4 p.m., Sundays, noon to 3 p.m. Through August 24.
Point Roberts Eagles Club: Sundays, 1 to 3 p.m., community center. Parent attendance mandatory. Weekly educational activities for kids aged 5 to 11. Info: pointrobertseaglesclub@ gmail.com.
Point Roberts Clinic Hours: Primary care provider schedule: Dr. Lary: Thursdays, 9 to 5 p.m.; Dr. Sean: Mondays and Tuesdays, 9 to 5 p.m.; Doreen (RN): Thursdays, 9 to 3 p.m.; Sara (RN): Fridays, 9 to 3 p.m. Thursday and Friday hours vary with nurse availability. Appointment needed. Urgent care can be accessed through telemedicine or at the clinic Monday – Saturday 10 – 6 p.m., Sundays 10 – 4 p.m. Always call for an appointment before coming in, even for urgent care services. Info: 360/945-2580.
LG Denny Heck keynote speaker
An enthusiastic overflow crowd turned out on July 10 to listen and speak to Washington state Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck at the Point Roberts Taxpayers Association’s annual general meeting. Heck was accompanied by state senator Sharon Shewmake and state representative Joe Timmons. Shewmake and taxpayers association president Mark Robbins worked to make Heck’s visit a reality after the senator told Robbins of Heck’s interest in visiting Point Roberts as a result of all the national attention the exclave had received during Covid and the current trade war between Canada and the U.S.
Heck began his remarks by saying, “I am genuinely gratified and honored to be here. It’s a trip I have never made but have wanted to make for a very long period of time. The sense of community here is unlike just about anything you can find anywhere else and it is inspiring.” He described his government service beginning with working for the State House of Representatives. “I’m in my fourth or final chapter of public service and that spans now 52 years,” he said.
“We do a lot of work with Canada, and that comes from a pretty deep sense of my sense of connection to Canada, to our country, and I’m going to be pretty blunt here. I don’t expect all of you to agree with me, and later, some people will ask questions or make comments that you probably don’t expect me to agree with. I want you to know I’m okay on that. It’s a hallmark of democracy that we can disagree, and it’s okay. We just need to do it respectfully,” said Heck.
“I’m literally heartbroken at what’s happened to our relationship,” he said, referring to the current political environment of the U.S. and Canada, adding, “And the reason is that Canada is not just our largest trading partner, they’re not just our longest and best ally. The sons and daughters of Canadians have been dying in trenches alongside American service members for
as long as any of us can remember. But they’re not just allies and they’re not just trading partners. They are our friends, and they are our friends because we share values, and it is very difficult to hear some of the things being said about our oldest and best friends and allies and trading partners,” Heck said.
The Lieutenant Governor went on to describe work he had done to foster contact and cooperation between the Washington state and B.C. government and politicians. He also mentioned how he had lunch that day with the outgoing U.S. Consul General who had raised the idea of Point Roberts being an officially designated fan or viewing zone for next year’s FIFA World Cup. “I don’t know how far out of the station that train is with the planning committee, but it might be possible,” he said, promising to look into it on his return to Olympia.
Heck cautioned attendees that his position wasn’t an executive function and that he was limited in what he could do on behalf of residents. For example, after resident Elizabeth Mason proposed the idea of a tunnel (conservatively estimated to cost $11-17B), he said, “You’re talking a mega, mega project. It is not going to happen.” Later, Mason said, “It’s only money.”
He was more positive when it came to the question of finding out from the state department of revenue how much sales tax is generated in Point Roberts. Currently sales tax revenue is lumped in with the rest of unincorporated Whatcom County and the department of revenue has resisted breaking it down. Locals have long wanted to know how much the county receives from Point Roberts in order to bolster arguments for increased funding for the Point. Heck turned to senator Shewmake and told her that if she set up a meeting with the department of revenue director Drew Shirk, “I’ll be there.”
Following the Q&A, the meeting was adjourned and then resumed at The Reef for the business portion of the meeting.
For more info, go to www.allpointbulletin.com.
church news
B y f ather M arti N P o MM ere N ke
These are difficult days for our world. Every time we read the newspaper or turn on the television, it seems a new war has started. Yet another war to bring peace. Or so they tell us.
Presidents, prime ministers and politicians of all persuasions wave sabers, exploiting human evil for political gain. They try to convince us that killing the world will save it.
If you are like me, you may have been told that all this was forecast in the Book of Revelation – the last book of the Bible. But that’s not what it’s about. Revelation is a God-inspired work of literature, written by Christ-believers in the early first century. It gave hope to early Christ-believers being persecuted – or even martyred – for their faith.
Christians are not persecuted in any serious way in North America today. Still, Revelation carries the same message now as then of God’s triumph over evil. Revelation tells us how to read the Bible through the lens of God’s love, not religious hatred. This isn’t just making the Bible say what we want it to. We only have to turn to the last words of its last book to see that the Bible is a book of glorious anticipation, not damnation.
Now, it’s true that Revelation does show us a vision of human harm. Yet at the end of it all, Jesus says, “I am the bright morning star.”
He is the rising star who welcomes a morning of healing after horror.
In response to this bold declaration, Revelation wraps up with this:
“Let everyone who hears say, ‘Come.’
Let everyone who is thirsty come.
Let anyone who wishes take the water of life as a gift.”
At the end of it all, after all the harm we bring on ourselves, Revelation says that living water is for everyone, everyone and anyone. Everyone who needs to repent of evil and anyone who is overwhelmed by it all. When we remember that everyone is offered God’s water of life, no matter who they are, what they believe, or what they have done, everyone and anyone can become galvanized with justice and love.
Yes, it is a crisis-of-the-a-day kind of time. Even a crisis-of-the-hour time.
But Christians know how the story ends. Instead of being overwhelmed, we proclaim that it’s God’s love that overwhelms – overwhelms our tendency to devastate and kill.
For the last words of the apocalypse speak of God’s expansive love. A love so big, so strong, that maybe – just maybe –everyone and everything in the world will be saved.
We’re agents of this immense love when we resist everyone and anyone who, in the name of God, and for the cause of peace, would destroy it.
s Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck taking questions from the audience while Taxpayers president Mark Robbins, l., moderates. Photo by Louise Mugar
Parks district employee Dee Gough made a direct appeal to the commissioners at their regular July meeting: “Build me a new playground.” Gough argued the time has come to act, noting the rising costs and stricter safety standards associated with new equipment. “They don’t go on pea gravel any more,” she said, estimating even a basic setup now starts around $40,000, with an additional $10,000 for compliant surfacing.
With no state playground grants available for 2025, and uncertainty about funding returning in 2026, Gough decided to take matters into her own hands. She organized a community barbecue to begin raising money and was touched by the generosity of residents. “I would like to thank our Point Roberts community and beyond for your generosity at the BBQ ,” she posted after the event. “We raised $558 to put towards a new playground.”
That initial amount multiplied. The International Marketplace matched the $558, local resident Christine Day added $600, and another anonymous donor dropped off $100 at the History Center the next day. In total, the hot dog fundraiser brought in $1,817.
Gough is now working with two playground equipment companies to create three potential designs. Once they are ready, she plans to hold a public meeting.
“I want the homeschool kids and the parents and the grandparents and everyone to come,” she said, emphasizing that the whole community should have a voice in choosing the final design.
The playground initiative is still in its
early stages, but with grassroots momentum building, it’s clear that Point Roberts residents are ready to invest in play.
The next BBQ fundraiser is scheduled for August 2.
In other parks news, commissioner Michael Cressy (Position #5) announced his resignation. “This will be my last meeting. I have resigned my position as of the end of next week,” Cressy stated.
s Local resident Ryan Heppner was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the recent MLB draft.
s Americans and Canadians gathered at Monument Park on July 6 in the spirit of friendship and unity in a celebration of shared values and respect for our neighbors Photo by Bennett Blaustein
s Pauli DeHaan, l., and Reneé Coe stand under the new historical display in the community center dining hall, featuring images from the History Center’s archives, including the original Whalen Store menu. The History Center, located at the Community Center on Gulf Road, is open Saturdays 11–4 and Sundays 12–3.
Photo by Erin Kelly
s Nick Kiniski held a 37th Anniversary bash for the Reef Tavern on June 28. The main attraction? A photo op with a cardboard cutout of Nick’s dad Mean Gene Kiniski. Photo by Louise Mugar
s The current playground ... Photo by Louise Mugar
Annette Kathryn Loewen
January 7, 1947 – July 12, 2025
Annette Kathryn Myrdal was born in Vancouver, B.C., to Jack and Myra (nee Tamboline) Myrdal of Point Roberts, Washington. Annette was raised in Point Roberts and attended school in Point Roberts through grade six and then went to Blaine schools where she graduated high school. In 1966 she married Ron Calder and they resided in Vancouver before moving back to the Point and starting their family. Annette worked for various businesses on the Point including the marina during its construction and opening. Annette was a volunteer firefighter and EMT with the Point Roberts fire department for approximately ten years.
In 1998 she married Gordon (Gordy) Loewen and they relocated to Las Vegas, Nevada, where she and Gordy made their home base while team driving and longhaul trucking all over North America, transporting everything from tigers and lions to high end appliances, to airline engines to drywall; they hauled almost anything you can think of. Annette came off the road in 2008 to be the live-in caregiver for her mom, Myra.
Many know Annette from when she worked at the Point Roberts Transfer Station and drove the recycling truck. She loved to bake and garden and had a large garden at her home. Christmas was her favorite holiday; she would decorate her home and yard every year, complete with Santa on the chimney. For several years she would make an entire Christmas village from gingerbread that she made from scratch, assembled and decorated. She was known for her stuffed Angel Food cakes, shortbread cookies and pumpkin pies made from pumpkins she grew in her garden. Most of all she loved spending time with her family and friends and loved to feed everyone. She welcomed everyone with a warm smile and was always there for a friend in need.
Annette was predeceased by her parents Jack Myrdal and Myra Anton, husband Gordy Loewen and granddaughter Jessica. Survived by siblings Jacqueline, John and Debra, children Annette (Jim), Ken (Allison), Beth (Tim), Scotty (Heather), and Cody (Becky), grandchildren Kendra, Kaitlyn, Jordan, Alexandria, Paige, Grant, Rourke, Bryson and Rayla, along with numerous cousins, nieces and nephews as well as her two cats, Sugar and Spice. Special thanks to Steve Lavine, Erik Gustafson and Kristy Steinberger, she loved each of you and was grateful for all you did for her.
A Celebration of Life will be held for Annette on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at the Point Roberts Community Center on Gulf Road from 2 to 6 p.m. Should you wish, a donation in her name to the charity of your choice. If you would like to bring a dish to share at the celebration, please contact alli.calder17@gmail.com. Please join us to celebrate Annette.
crossinGs >>>
Crossings for May 2025 (2024 numbers following) May: Personal vehicles 49,692 (69,525); commercial 684 (640); pedestrians 491 (995); buses 40 (46).
August Tides
Tides at Boundary Bay
s Annette Kathryn Loewen.
got to hear five
from
was a
with 16
Photo by Ashley Strub
Photo by Ashley Strub
Photo by Ashley Strub
Photo by Pat Grubb
Photo by Pat Grubb
Photo by Pat Grubb
Photo by Pat Grubb
Photo by Pat Grubb
Photo by Louise Mugar
The 2nd annual Strings & Things International Music Festival
huge success. Held at the Point Roberts Marina on July 12, 2025, over 1,200 attendees
bands
musicians performing. Organizers Breeda Desmond and Mike Bell said they couldn’t have done it without the tremendous support
32 volunteers, local firefighters, Whatcom County sheriff’s deputies, and sponsorship from Whidbey Telecom, Nielson’s Building Center, Boundary Bay Realty and McFrugal’s of Blaine. A partial funding grant came from Whatcom County Tourism.
COMING TO THE EVENT CENTER
DESPERADO
KENNY
