Superintendent resigns
In a special meeting on March 31, the Blaine school board accepted the resignation letter of superintendent Christopher Granger, who will serve his last day for the district on June 30.
Granger was offered the position as Sultan school district superintendent on March 6, and will start his new position on July 1. Granger was a finalist for at least one other superintendent position, interviewing at the Ellensburg school district in February 2024.
With Granger’s departure now finalized via a 26-word resignation letter, the board voted to hire Northwest Leadership Associates to lead the search for a new superintendent. The hiring firm specializes
(See District, page 6)
The Point Roberts Historical Society is hosting a
See page 2.
s After being closed in 2022, the
of shears wielded by
round at www.pointrobertsgc.com.
Library seeks levy LID lift
The Whatcom County Library System (WCLS) will go out for its first replacement levy in 16 years during the August 5 primary election.
The WCLS Board of Trustees approved placing the first levy lid lift since 2009 on August ballots during its March 28 meeting. If approved by voters, the measure would restore the existing levy rate of $0.42 per $1,000 of assessed value.
The levy would continue funding daily operations, which would allow WCLS to work on deferred maintenance and consider library building projects. Without it, the library system would need to reduce library hours and eliminate staff, according to WCLS.
The library trustees decided to go out for a levy now, in part, because of inflation that’s averaged 4-8 percent annually for
(See Library, page 5)
B y N ola N B aker
One day only, don’t miss it!
In a small town in Iceland, with a population of only 1,000, two women teamed up on an ambitious sewing project.
The two imagined and created a sewing project called The Saga of Njal, which took seven years and seven months to complete. The world was invited to participate, and the tapestry proceeded to be sewn and embroidered by not only many local Icelanders, but people of all ages from 150 countries and six continents.
The massive tapestry measures 90-meters long (the length of a U.S. football field). It may be the longest, continuous, hand-embroidered tapestry on earth. Njal’s Saga is a story of passion and intrigue regarding 10th and 11th century Vikings.
A smaller travelling panel measuring 18
feet in length was created to showcase the original tapestry on its historical journey throughout the U.S. and Canada. .
The images here are hand-embroidered on a linen field in what is known as “the Bayeux Stitch” which involves top and bottom borders containing symbols and images that serve as clues to the action depicted in this ancient Icelandic tale.
The Point Roberts Historical Society invites you to view this incredible tapestry for one night only on Wednesday, May 21 at 6 p.m. in the community center.
Admission is by donation. All proceeds will benefit the effort to build a museum to house the original creation in Hvolsvollur, Iceland. Refreshments will be included for attendees.
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
Advertising Sales Molly Ernst
Contributors In This Issue
Kris Lomedico Victoria Smith
Barbara Wayland
Administrative Services
Jeanie Luna
Founding Editor
Glennys Christie
Business & Editorial Office
Phone: 360/945-0413
Email: sales@allpointbulletin.com
Visit us online at: www.allpointbulletin.com
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
opinion Letters to the editor
The Editor:
As a long-time property owner and avid boater out of Point Roberts I am very disappointed in Whatcom County Parks and Recreation Department for abandoning us regarding the boat launch at Lighthouse Park.
They firstly replaced the tractor for cleaning the ramp with a dinky toy that can’t do the job. I was assured that it would be replaced with a larger, appropriate one that could clear the ramp easily for the ranger in the park.
Secondly, they replaced the dock with an under-engineered one that had to be removed after the first storm. To date, we have no dock and a ramp that is so congested with logs and sand that it is unsafe to launch a boat here.
Taxes keep going up, but nothing is spent in Point Roberts. I find this disgusting and incompetent on behalf of the Whatcom County parks board. I hope that the Whatcom County officials see this and take action before someone gets hurt on the boat launch ramp.
Patrick Nevraumont
Point Roberts
The Editor:
The policy of your newspaper may be to publish letters about local rather than national issues, but as Tip O’Neill said, “All politics is local.” National politics these days have profound effects on local com-
PRCAC News ...
During a meeting of the Point Roberts Community Advisory Committee (PRCAC) on April 17, Jared Oberhaus, an atlarge member, provided an update on the broadband infrastructure project currently underway through Whatcom County Public Utility District No. 1 (PUD).
The project, originally announced in May 2023, is backed by a $3.15 million grant from the Washington State Broadband Office, funded through the federal American Rescue Plan Act, and supplemented with $350,000 from Whatcom County.
According to Oberhaus, the initiative is making steady progress, though not without setbacks. A recent estimate for “make-ready” work, including preparing utility poles for new equipment, came in at approximately $1.1 million, significantly higher than expected. This includes the cost of removing old, unused cables. Discussions are ongoing about whether outsourcing the cable removal would help or hinder the timeline.
Despite the challenges, permitting is largely in place. Right-of-way clearance from Whatcom County has been completed, tribal consultation is underway, and the PUD is preparing its pole attachment application for Puget Sound Energy (PSE). The current schedule targets construction beginning in July 2025.
Whidbey Telecom remains the sole company interested in leasing the new fiber infrastructure. While they initially preferred underground installation due to lower maintenance costs, local archaeological constraints – particularly in areas like Maple Beach – have necessitated overhead installation in some zones. The PUD recently secured federal approval to shift part of the funding to allow overhead installation; Whidbey Telecom will now need to undergo a similar permitting process.
Individual pole evaluations by PSE are ongoing to determine structural integrity and load capacty before new equipment can be added.
munities and citizens. We are all aware of the draconian changes that the current federal administration has executed in its first two months that are devastating to local communities and vulnerable people.
One of the most destructive actions has been unnecessary tariffs that are exacerbating the already high cost of living. This has been made clear to me by the monthly statements for our retirement accounts.
During the four years of the previous administration, we had an increase of 20.98 percent in our retirement account’s value. That amounts to a 0.43 percent increase in each of 48 months. In spite of inheriting a good and improving economy, our retirement accounts have decreased by 4.68 percent in two months (2.34 percent per month) as the current administration’s policies have created chaos that has tanked the economy. Over 25 years, these retirement accounts have never seen such dramatic change. This may be an aberration that corrects over time, it may also be a warning of worse times to come. If the current decline of 2.34 percent per month continues for 46 more months, we will lose 107.64 percent, that is all, of our retirement investment. Thank you very much!
Federal policy affects all local communities and individuals, so they are a local issue. We should elect better and smarter leaders (a low bar to get over at the federal level) and then demand better of them. After all, they work directly for all of us, not just for their own interests.
Michael J. Tomlinson Blaine
Question of the
(Ed. Note: Actually, a monthly decline of 2.34 percent would mean 67.9 percent of the original amount would be left after 48 months. It would take 24.3 years to decline to 0.1 percent of its original value. Nevertheless, Tomlinson’s main point remains relevant.)
The Editor: As Congress debates the federal budget, proposed Medicaid cuts threaten the health and stability of thousands in Whatcom County – especially those living with mental illness.
More than 58,000 local residents rely on Medicaid. Over 11,00 depend on it for mental health services, including therapy, medications and crisis care. Without it, many would lose access to the support they need to stay housed, employed, and connected.
At National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Whatcom, we see this reality every day. We offer free peer-led support groups, education classes, school outreach, and crisis navigation for families and individuals affected by mental illness. But we can’t fill the gap if Medicaid funding is slashed. It is the backbone of our public mental health system.
Cutting Medicaid will only deepen Washington’s mental health crisis. It will drive more people into emergency rooms, hospitals and jails. It will cost more in the long run – and harm the most vulnerable among us.
We urge readers to contact U.S. Representative Rick Larsen and U.S. Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell today. Tell them to protect Medicaid in the federal budget and reject harmful cuts. Mental health is health care. Medicaid makes recovery possible for thousands in our community. It must be protected.
Brian Estes, treasurer, NAMI Whatcom
Month: What is your favorite spring flower?
s “I love the color and shape of rhododendrons.” – Tony Andrews
s “Tulips are from Turkey, but the Dutch famously commercialized them. My father is from the Netherlands and therefore I feel very connected to tulips. They are my favorite spring flower, and spring is my favorite season.”
– Bastiaan Bouma
s “Hollyhocks, because they are tall and beautiful.” – Janet Camp
s “I think all flowers are pretty, especially Azaleas.”
– Mia McSkimmings
Library ...
From page 1
several years has caused expenses to outpace revenue.
“The library system is careful and intentional in managing resources, but it is apparent that we have come to a point where rising costs require action,” WCLS Board of Trustees vice chair Matthew Santos wrote in a statement. “The resolution to pursue a levy lid lift in August is a proactive step to support our libraries’ ability to maintain services and staff.”
The owner of a $400,000 home would pay an additional $64 per year. An owner of a $600,000 home, the additional annual cost would be $96 or $8 more per month,
and an owner of a $800,000 home would pay an additional $128 per year.
The levy will require a majority of 50 percent plus one vote, to pass.
WCLS serves Whatcom County residents outside of Bellingham city limits. It has 10 branches, including locations in Blaine, and a bookmobile that serves Birch Bay and other rural communities. The Birch Bay Vogt Library Express construction is funded through state and private funding, but WCLS will cover operation costs when it opens.
In 2024, 61,846 people checked out 2.1 million library items and 54,748 people attended 2,252 free library programs, according to WCLS.
For more information on the levy, visit wcls.org/levy.v
Provides tree pruning, removals, hazard tree assessment, and Wildfire Risk Management Services for Point Roberts.
Our team is here to help your trees thrive while mitigating your home’s wildfire risks.
Carole Eastin
Senior Tax Analyst
Tel/Text 206-486-1472 nexustaxsolution.com
carole.eastin@nexustaxsolution.com
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District ...
From page 1
in superintendent searches, and primarily focuses on consulting with school districts in the Pacific Northwest.
The school district did not announce the appointment of an interim superintendent, citing ongoing contract negotiations with Northwest Leadership Associates.
A contract between Granger and the Sultan school district was finalized on March 20, paying an annual salary of $230,000 for three school years. That represents a slight pay bump for the departing superintendent, who earned a base salary of $215,979 for the 2024-25 school year.
Since starting as Blaine’s superintendent in 2019, Granger has received several contract extensions from the board.
Granger oversaw a particularly tumultuous time in the school district’s history,
guiding the district through the Covid-19 pandemic that included a transition to and from in-person classes, and a drastic contraction of public education funding affecting districts across the state.
Through his six-year tenure, the Blaine school district underwent three consecutive budget cuts, drastically reducing the number of staff. Over three years, the school district was forced to cut the fulltime equivalent of roughly 145 staff positions.
The district also announced it planned to enter into an agreement with director of finance Keith Yaich – who is resigning from the position on April 21– to serve as a financial consultant as the district searches for a replacement.
Yaich was hired in the summer of 2024 to replace former finance director Amber Porter. He had previously worked as chief financial officer for the Bennett school district in Colorado.
Marketplace offers organic orders
Point
Marketplace has launched a new organic buying group to provide fresh, high-quality organic produce at great prices. The program began on February 28.
A list of available organic products will be shared every Friday at noon, with minimum order requirements clearly noted.
Orders are due on Tuesdays by 9 a.m.,
with pickups starting Thursdays at 11 a.m. “This system allows us to source exactly what our customers need, ensuring the freshest produce at the best prices,” said a representative from the Point Roberts International Marketplace.
To receive the weekly list, contact the marketplace at ptrobertsmarketplace@ gmail.com.
s Order by by 9 a.m. Tuesday, pickup on Thursday.
Photo by Erin Kelly
Roberts
Resilient Point Roberts to meet May 1
B y e ri N k elly
On April 3, community members gathered at the Point Roberts Community Center for a workshop hosted by Resilient Point Roberts. During the meeting, community members contributed their ideas and visions to an ongoing economic development study led by the Port of Bellingham. The study, started in 2024, is being funded by a $72,000 state grant with an additional $18,000 being contributed by the Port of Bellingham, and is being developed in collaboration with consulting firm Maul, Foster & Alongi (MFA).
The study aims to help Point Roberts recover from ongoing economic challeng-
es stemming from the COVID-19 shutdown, as well as more recent headwinds, including the impact of tariffs, a weak Canadian dollar, and decreased cross-border visitation. These factors have affected the community’s economy, which traditionally relies on Canadian visitors for much of its commercial activity.
Participants broke into small groups to share ideas focused on arts and culture, food security, eco-tourism, and disaster preparedness. Residents expressed interest in creative spaces like maker studios, performance venues, and informal gathering spots to support local talent and community connection.
Suggestions for nature-based tourism
in the workshop held April 3 at the Gulf Road community center.
included better cycling infrastructure, seasonal festivals, and guided walking and bike tours. Food security ideas ranged from a year-round greenhouse and commercial kitchen to expanded farmers markets focused on regenerative agriculture.
Transportation was another key concern, with proposals for a water taxi or ferry, bike rentals, safer roads, and possibly acquiring the local marina and airport to boost tourism and emergency readiness.
The insights collected at the workshop will be forwarded to the Port of Bellingham and MFA as part of the community engagement process for the study. The next meeting of Resilient Point Roberts is scheduled for Thursday, May 1 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the community center, where residents can continue shaping the conversation about the community’s future.
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s An engaged and engaging audience participated
Photo by Jonathan Keijser
Around the point
Really? Behind the shed? C’mon!
the shack.” She emphasized the need for more education around proper use.
Summer is around the corner, and the park district’s paddleboard and kayak program is gearing up again. It is a popular program, with nearly 400 people having signed up in 2024. At the April 14 park district meeting, officials reviewed issues from last season: while the honor system kayak program at Lighthouse Park ran smoothly, the Maple Beach paddleboards took a beating.
“People have been very disrespectful,” said parks administrator Dee Gough. “They broke the fins off, took boards home, and damaged the shack storing life jackets and paddles.” Commissioner Bill Zydel added, “They use them like lawn chairs, drag them across streets, and beat the crap out of them.”
Last summer, Zydel even tracked down missing boards himself: “I’m a crazy old guy with a pickup. I found them at a party at someone’s house being used for sunbathing. I just told them to give me the paddleboards. And it worked.”
When asked if rules were posted, Gough replied, “Yes, and they ripped them out of
The paddleboards are stored near the condos at Bayview and Roosevelt where further complaints arose, including reports of people defecating behind the shed. Gough will contact the Whatcom County Parks and Recreation department, which oversees Maple Beach county park, to request a port-a-potty.
[An email to Whatcom County Parks and Recreation director Bennett Knox and county executive community outreach manager Jed Holmes on April 21 asking if the county had plans to provide washroom facilities at Maple Beach was not returned by presstime.]
The district is buying a new shed to replace the one that was destroyed. This one will be lower and will provide less privacy for those who decide to relieve themselves behind it.
Other issues at Maple Beach include theft of public parking signs and driftwood being used to block public parking spaces. Gough will coordinate with the Maple Beach Association to include paddleboard and parking guidelines in their summer newsletter.
Run for office?
Local residents wanting to make a difference have from May 5 to 9 to register as a candidate for upcoming elections.
The Point Roberts Parks and Recreation District has two seats up for election while the fire, water, hospital, and cemetery districts have just one seat opening up.
Fire, water, hospital and cemetery positions are for 6-year terms while the park seats are for four years. Pat Harper currently holds the fire district position 3; Arthur Reber holds the water district position 3 and Pauli DeHaan holds position 3 in the cemetery district. Matt Wang and Stephen Falk hold position 3 and 4 respectively on the parks board while Falk also holds position 2 on the hospital district board.
Matt Lang has indicated he intends to run again as has Pauli DeHaan while Steven Falk does not intend to run again. Arthur Reber has yet to decide his plans while Pat Harper did not respond to an email regarding re-election.
For candidates interested in filing for election, go to bit.ly/4jRN4Zz.
PREP
Join Point Roberts
Emergency Preparedness (PREP) for an informative community event on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at 7 p.m. at the community center. All are welcome to attend an evening of learning, sharing, light refreshments and prizes.
Strings and Things
Organizers have announced that the Strings & Things Music Festival will be back on July 12, 2025 at the Point Roberts Marina, bigger and better than ever! Gates open at 2 p.m.
There will be six musical acts ranging in genre from bluegrass to symphonic rock to party folk, peppered by guest appearances and epic collaborations until 10 p.m. Tickets will go on sale Thursday, May 1. Tickets can be purchased online at stringsandthingsmusicfestival.com and paper tickets will be exclusively available at Nielson’s Building Center.
There will be early bird pricing available from May 1 to 7. Early bird pricing is $30.
General admission $35, VIP $60, Kids ages 2 -12 $5 and if you opt to wait until the day of the festival and pay at the gate, prepare for a significantly higher price point. Organizers ask that people show their support by buying tickets early so they can plan adequately and make the festival an amazing, safe experience for all in attendance. “Last year we were sold out before the event started. Many people were disappointed and confused by this. While it was great to see a surge in sales in the final days leading up to the festival, it posed some challenges in planning to ensure we had the right number of volunteers, catering staff, porta potties, etc. For a reminder of last year’s event, please enjoy the video and photos on our website,” organizers say.
PRO Earth Wants to Hear from
You’ll soon receive a survey on green waste in the mail. Please return it in the self-addressed stamped envelope. Alternatively, you can complete it online, at
or by scanning this QR Code:
Bros. Garage
S hore G arden S olution S
firshoregardensolutions@gmail.com
May Tides
Have body, will travel
Fire chief Christopher Carleton has announced that a resolution regarding the transport of bodies from Point Roberts to the mainland U.S. has been reached. In an email sent April 18, Carleton wrote that because of “further discussion and collaboration with the county medical examiner, Whatcom County officials, Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office and others, we have developed a streamlined process to better assist you when a loved one dies unexpectedly in the community.”
The All Point Bulletin reported in the April issue that Carleton said he had been trying to no avail to get the county or state to get involved after the county medical examiner denied responsibility for the infrequent job of taking people who have died on the Point down to Bellingham.
“It’s a very simple thing,” Carleton said. “We have around 3-6 people die up here each year and in order to transport them through Canada to Bellingham, we have to notify Health Canada in Ottawa that the person did not die of a communicable disease. To do so requires an attestation to that effect and the medical examiner is refusing to provide that,” he said. “He has told us to call the person’s primary care physician. Well, you can’t do that at 2 in the morning.”
4:10 am
6:16 am 7.5 3:01 pm -0.9 11:25 pm 9.4 Su 18 3:45 pm -0.5 Mo 19 12:05 am 9.4 4:34 pm 0.1 Tu 20 12:42 am 9.3 7:35 am 5.5 10:01 am 5.7 5:26 pm 1.0 We 21 1:14 am 9.3 8:07 am 4.3 12:21 pm 5.5 6:26 pm 2.1 Th 22 1:44 am 9.4 8:41 am 2.8 2:17 pm 6.0 7:32 pm 3.3 Fr 23 2:12 am 9.4 9:19 am 1.1 3:49 pm 7.0 8:42 pm 4.5 Sa 24 2:44 am 9.5 9:59 am -0.5 5:03 pm
According to Carleton, “official documentation and approved protocols are now in place to facilitate the transportation of remains with greater ease and dignity.”
numbers
Fire Incidents for March 2025
Total calls 33: EMS calls 9, resulting in the following transports: Saint Joseph Hospital 1, county medic 2, Airlift Northwest 4; fire classification 7 resulting in false alarm 1, smoke investigation 1, outdoor burn – permit 1, outdoor burn – illegal 1, animal rescue 1, wrong address 1, power lines down 1; public service 8; EMS CARES/MIHC 9.
Clinic numbers for March 2025 (2024 figures following)
Total 183 (119); office visit 146 (70); labs 15 (21); PT/INR 0 (3); telemedicine visit 14 (17); Physical exams 1 (0); skin clinic 0 (0); B12 and flu shots 7 (8).
s Julia Carlson has made it official – she retired from Umpqua Bank on March 28. She began working at then-Sterling Bank back in 1998, 27 years ago. Congratulations, Julia!
in the GArden
Welcome to the merry month of May, the official kickoff of summer gardens. May brings us Mother’s Day, the end of the school year, and the pleasures of outdoor activities, including gatherings of family and friends, outdoor dining, beachcombing and digging in the dirt. May is also the month when snowbirds return and open their cabins for the summer.
Whether you’re a Point Roberts newcomer or longtime resident, an experienced gardener or someone who’d like to put a few things in pots and find out if your thumb is green, May is the month to get started. By the end of May, we’ll have close to 16 daily hours of daylight, which is terrific for people as well as plants. More hours of sunlight warms the soil so you can get both plants and seeds into the ground later this month. Cool weather plants –spring bulbs, winter greens, pansies and peas – are happily doing their spring thing, and warmer weather plants like tomatoes and dahlias can be planted once the overnight temperatures are consistently above 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
What would you like to grow? Even the smallest spaces can accommodate a few pots or grow bags of herbs, flowers, or gourmet vegetables. If you have a sunny spot on the deck or by the driveway, you’re good to go. You might consider growing a salad garden, a salsa or spaghetti garden, or a garden of herbs for tea or cocktails. You can also grow an abundance of flowering plants that will provide bouquets all summer long and well into autumn.
Veggies, flowers and herbs can be grown in pots and window boxes filled with potting soil. For a potted garden, your pots should be at least 12 inches wide and tall; larger pots can hold multiple plants. A good rule of thumb for smaller vegetables and herbs is to allow six inches of surface space for each plant: i.e., a 12-inch pot can hold two or three smallish plants like lettuces, marigolds, or basil.
Plants well-suited to container growing include leafy salad greens, radishes, beets, green onions, herbs, and flowers. There are varieties of tomatoes, corn, and peppers that are great for growing in larger pots, and they would benefit from staking or the addition of a tomato cage. Fill your pots with fresh potting soil, and make sure the soil mix is damp before adding your plants. Do not add filler items – Styrofoam, empty pots, thick layers of gravel, etc. – to help fill the space in the bottom of the pot, as your plants’ roots need room to grow. Potted plants may
need daily watering and should be lightly fed with diluted liquid fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season.
Raised gardening beds should be a minimum of 6 inches deep, though 12 inches is much better for healthy soil and roots. Fill your beds with commercial growing mix, which has different ingredients than potting soil and will help your plants to thrive. Many raised bed planting mixes contain slow-release fertilizer, which is often enough for the entire growing season. You can add aged compost to your soil mix before planting or use a 1- to 2-inch layer of compost to mulch your garden beds, which will conserve water and help prevent weeds from sprouting.
Unlike potted plants, raised beds do not require daily watering. Watering deeply once or twice a week is better than frequent shallow watering. Plants may look a bit wilted due to weather or wind, but wilting is not always a sign of needing water. Stick your finger a couple of inches into the soil, and water when the top inch is no longer damp.
Plants react to stress in familiar ways: they may wilt, drop leaves and petals, and/ or their foliage may begin turning yellow. It seems weird, but the symptoms are often the same for opposing conditions: overwatering and underwatering, over fertilizing and under fertilizing, too much sun or not enough sun.
Many gardeners, even experienced ones, mistakenly overwater, add fertilizer, or remove a stressed plant without determining what caused the problem.
The same is true for suspected insect damage on a plant. We share our outdoor space with hundreds of diverse insects, and most of them are beneficial to our gardens. Buzzing bees and nibbled leaves are normal in a thriving ecosystem, so please do not try to “fix” an insect problem without knowing what insect is visiting your garden and whether they are an actual threat to your plants, pets, and family.
You can find answers to your gardening questions and concerns through the Whatcom County extension office and the Washington State University master gardener clinic in Bellingham. Their website (extension.wsu.edu/whatcom) is filled with helpful resources and info, and offers assistance by phone, email or in person.
Alternately, come see me during senior lunch at the community center on Wednesdays and Fridays, between 11:30 and 1 p.m.
Happy Gardening!
Coming up ...
Scheduled Meetings/Ongoing Events
Seed Share: Saturday, April 26, 11 to 1 p.m., community center. Chat about gardening, bring your seeds and starts; all are welcome with or without seeds. Brought to you by the Point Roberts Garden Club, the Point Roberts Amateur Gardeners, Point Roberts Community Garden and passionate individuals. Info: 360/303-5566.
Fish War movie screening: Saturday, April 26, 3:30 p.m., community center. Sponsored by the Point Roberts Historical Society. Come see this award-winning documentary about indigenous history in our state.
Wild Fermented Breads with Genevieve Bardwell: Saturday, April 26, 2 to 3:30 p.m., Point Roberts Library. A hands-on lesson on making raised bread . Registration required: bit.ly/4iGBlfJ.
Cemetery District No. 8: Monday, April 28 and May 26, 5 p.m., community center. Public welcome.
PR Garden Club: Tuesday, April 29, 7 p.m., community center. Anjelika Hedley on Waking Your Garden to Spring: Learn best practices and tips to maintain your garden . Public welcome, refreshments served.
Point Roberts Book Club: Wednesday, April 30 and May 28, 6–7:30 p.m., Point Roberts Library. All are welcome to join this monthly discussion group at the library. Call the library at 360/945-6545 for this month’s selection.
Resilient Point Roberts: Thursday, May 1, 7 to 8:30 p.m., community center. We encourage anyone who has an interest in having solar on their property and wants to be part of a collaborative RFP to attend this meeting.
Elbows down, sunglasses on: Saturday, May 3, after 4:30 p.m., The Pier. Visit the Point, open your cabin and support local businesses to help them get through the current political drama.
Point Roberts Prom: Saturday, May 3, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., community center. All ages welcome. Presented by the Point Roberts Park and Recreation and the Point Roberts Senior Association. Info: prparkdistrict@gmail.com.
The Bergamasca Concert: O Lusty May: Sunday, May 4, 3 p.m., Trinity Church. Donations much appreciated.
Candidate filing week: Monday, May 5, through Friday, May 9. Available boards and commissions: Fire Protection District 5, position 3, 6-year term; Point Roberts Water District 4, position 3, 6-year term; Cemetery District 8, position 3, 6-year term; Point Roberts Parks and Recreation District 1, positions 3 and 4, 4-year terms; Point Roberts Public Hospital District, position 2, 6-year term. File your declaration of candidacy online, in person or via email/fax. Filings must be received by 5 p.m. on Friday, May 9. Info: bit.ly/4lqX9xW.
PR Amateur Radio Club: Tuesday, May 6, 7 p.m., via Zoom. Link: bit.ly/3yUNk8f.
PREP community event: Wednesday, May 7, 7 p.m., community center. All are welcome. Come learn and share with Point Roberts Emergency Preparedness (PREP). Prizes and refreshments. Are you ready for an emergency?
PR Taxpayers Association: Thursday, May 8, 7 p.m., via Zoom. Info: PRTA@pointroberts.net. Link: bit. ly/3EWEysY.
PR Park and Recreation: Monday, May 12, at 7 p.m., via Zoom. Info: prparkandrec.org. Link: bit. ly/3UCOvAU.
PR Water District: Tuesday, May 13, 5 p.m., 2002 Benson Road. Info: pointrobertswater.com.
Japanese Storytime: Wednesday, May 14, 3 to 4 pm., PR Library. Grades K-5.
Fire District No. 5: Wednesday, May 14, 4 p.m., fire hall and via Zoom. Link: bit.ly/45YUv9U. Info: WCFD5.com.
PR Hospital District: Wednesday, May 14, 7 p.m., via Zoom. Info: bit.ly/3Kw9Ypt.
Point Roberts Drainage Study Phase 2 Public Presentation: Thursday, May 15, 6:30 p.m., community center (those who can’t attend can view the recorded presentation that will be posted online). Info: https://bit.ly/3QYRv8v.
PR Community Advisory Committee: Thursday, May 15, 7 p.m., community center and via Zoom. Zoom Link: bit.ly/3S8GCB3. Info: PRCAC.comment@gmail.com.
Friends of the Point Roberts Library AGM: Sunday, May 18, 2 p.m., community center. Edward Alden and Laurie Trautman of WWU discuss effects of border policies on border communities, incliding those from the COVID pandemic. Their book includes the chapter “The Siege of Point Roberts.” Public welcome, refreshments served.
Discussing how border policies affect border communities. Info: FOPRL1@gmail.com.
Point Roberts Book & Movie Discussion Group: Monday, May 19, 2 to 4 p.m., library. Info: wcls.org.
Icelandic Tapestry presentation and display: Wednesday, May 21, 6 to 7:30 community center.
PR Garden Club: Tuesday, May 27, 6:45 p.m., Members Garden Visits. Info: info@pointrobertsgardenclub.org.
Water adjudication open houses: Wednesday, May 28, Pioneer Pavilion, 2007 Cherry Street, Ferndale and Thursday, May 29, Meridian Middle School, 861 Ten Mile Road, Lynden, both open houses are 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Do you own a house with a well? Info: ecology.wa.gov/nooksack-adjudication or call 360/255-4406.
Historical Society: Wednesday, May 28, 7 p.m., in the History Center.
Blood Drive: Friday, May 30, 10 to 4 p.m. fire station. Sign up and donate to save a life! Link: bit. ly/4aVqM5T.
Wildfire home risk assessments: Friday, June 6. Wildfire experts from Whatcom conservation District will be visiting to do wildfire home risk assessments. This event is brought to you by the fire district, PREP and the conservation district. Schedule at whatcomcd.org/wildfire or call 360/536-2373. Limited appointments; sign up early.
Strings & Things: Saturday, July 12, Point Roberts Marina. Tickets on sale Thursday, May 1: Stringsandthingsmusicfestival.com. Paper tickets exclusively at Nielson’s Building Center. Early bird discount available until May 7.
Ongoing Events and Hours
Dollars For Scholars: Open enrollment: Through Tuesday, May 15. Apply at pointroberts.dollarsforscholars.org.
Boundary Bay Roadside Stands: Friday through Sunday through August, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Fresh Farm Eggs on Boundary Bay Road, Ollie Otter Bakery Box on Sunrise Road, and Slow Botanicals Gift Stand on Culp Court.
Craft and Game Night: Tuesdays from 5–7 p.m., Point Roberts Library. Bring a craft to do 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. Pick up and drop off around the Point on Fridays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., offering flexible stops. Info: prtheraven.com.
Point Roberts Walkers: Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 8 a.m., Saturdays at Lily Point. Tuesdays and Thursdays vary, and locations can be found at prwalkers.wordpress.com.
PR Food Bank: Fridays, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., community center. Info: prfoodbank.org.
Friday Market: Fridays, 4 to 7 p.m., 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.
Point Roberts Storytime: Wednesdays, 10:30 to 11 a.m. library. Ages 2-6.
Seniors and More Lunches: Wednesdays and Fridays, 11:45 to 12:30 p.m., community center. 360/945-5424.
Point Roberts Writing Club: Saturdays, 3 to 4 p.m., Point Roberts Library meeting room.
History Center: Saturdays, 11 to 3, community center.
PR Library Hours: Tuesdays 1–7 p.m., Wednesdays and Saturdays 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Express: 6 a.m. –11 p.m. daily.
Point Roberts Clinic Hours: Primary care provider schedule: Dr. Lary: Mondays, 9 to 5 p.m.; Dr. Sean: Tuesdays, 9 to 5 p.m.; Dr. Kelly: Wednesdays, 9 to 5 p.m.; Doreen (RN): Thursdays, 9 to 3 p.m.; Sara (RN): Fridays, 9 to 3 p.m. Thursday and Friday hours vary with nurse availability. Appointment needed. Urgent care can be accessed through telemedicine or at the clinic Monday – Saturday 10 –6 p.m., Sundays 10 – 4 p.m. Always call for
ChurCh news
The Joy of Easter Spring is symbolic as a time of renewal and dedication. The earth is blessed with new growth, as ranchers and farmers welcome the birth of baby chicks, ducklings, calves and colts.
We feel blessed by the sudden beauty and abundance surrounding us, the warmth of the sun and the gentle breezes. Children eagerly search for decorated eggs and baskets. Church attendance gains a brief upswing since many people have a tradition of attending on Easter Sunday. This is frequently followed by a celebratory family dinner. Families often travel impressive distances to partake in these celebrations.
Although Easter commemorates the life, death by crucifixion, and the resurrection of Jesus, in much of the western world it has many secular aspects, including Easter eggs and the Easter bunny. Easter-related goodies fill the stores and shop windows for weeks before the actual event, making light of the more serious origins of the day. Few people here take offense at being wished Happy Easter, taking it as a friend-
ly holiday greeting regardless of their religious affiliation or lack thereof.
Trinity Community Lutheran Church celebrated the day with traditional hymns and a glorious prelude and postlude, played by pianist Allison Chu and oboist Lucy Williams. Pastor Jean Barrington presided and gave a heartfelt Easter message, encouraging us to meet the challenges we are encountering with the embodiment of those values we wish to see more of. As tired as we may be of dishonesty, we can only better it by meeting it with truth; as prevalent as hate may feel, permeate your world with love. By the time the May issue of the All Point Bulletin goes to print, Easter will already be over. I hope you celebrated the day in whatever way was the most meaningful for you and your family.
UPPER END HOUSES: $800,000 & ABOVE:
Condo with 2,029 S.F., 2 bedrooms, 3 baths, built in 2008, waterfront; marine view.
1 and a half story house with 2,875 S.F., 5 bedrooms, 2 baths, 800 S.F. built-in garage, 273 S.F. patio, built in 2019; marine view, .69 acres land.
2-story house with 2,939 S.F., 1,213 S.F. basement, 4 bedrooms, 4 baths, 700 S.F. detached garage, 395 S.F. deck, built in 2001; marine view, .58 acres land.
1-story house with 1,272 S.F., 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 520 S.F. detached garage, 499 S.F. deck, built in 1970, waterfront; marine view, .25 acres land.
New house, .21 acres land.
2-story new house with 3,578 S.F., 4 bedrooms, 4 baths, built-in garage, built in 2024; marine and territorial views, .34 acres land.
1-story house with 2,513 S.F., 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, 720 S.F. detached garage, 829 S.F. patio, built in 2002, .86 acres wooded land.
LAND:
.23 acres residential lot; marine view.
Portion of .71 acres commercial land.
#304 Marin Condominium, 9525 Semiahmoo Parkway, Blaine
5284 Cherry Tree Lane, Blaine
8893 Semiahmoo Drive, Blaine
5425 Tsawwassen Loop, Blaine
5678 Lux Lane, Blaine
$820,000
Yacht Sales–Power and Sail Service
Import
obituAry
Pamela Grace Poirier
October 5, 1939 - March 19, 2025
Pamela passed away peacefully in the company of her beloved family on March 19, 2025. Known by many for her breathtaking floral paintings, Pamela captured the beauty of the world around her and shared it with us all. But more than her art, it was her warmth, laughter, and unwavering love for her family and friends that truly defined her.
We welcome anyone who knew Pamela to join us as we celebrate the extraordinary life of a beloved mother, sister, grandmother, friend and artist. Pamela’s spirited nature and infectious love for life touched everyone she met.
Let’s come together to honor Pamela’s memory, share stories, and cherish the moments we were fortunate enough to have with her. This celebration will be a reflection of her vibrant spirit, filled with joy, laughter, and the beautiful memories she created.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, June 28 at Trinity Church. Let’s celebrate the life of our beloved Pamela Poirier.
sheriff’s report
April 3, 9:55 a.m.: Assist agency on Evergreen Lane.
April 4, 10:39 a.m.: Assist citizen cold call on Evergreen Lane.
April 4, 3:42 p.m.: Vehicle abandoned on APA and Paul’s roads.
April 5, 9:55 a.m.: Refer to other agency on Seabright Loop and Paul’s Road.
April 7, 9:06 a.m.: Suspicious circumstances on Kilarney Place.
April 7, 1:17 p.m.: Mental on Evergreen Lane.
April 8, 10:47 a.m.: Serve papers on Evergreen Lane.
April 8, 1:44 p.m.: Assist citizen on South
LibrAry piCks
kri S lo M edico
Bestsellers: Three Days in June
Anne Tyler
Battle Mountain C. J. Box
Heartwood Amity Gaige
Havoc Christopher Bollen
Movies: Cabrini Cristiana Dell’Anna
Juror #2 Nicholas Hoult
Red One
Lucy Liu
Gladiator II Paul Mescal
Music: Sable, Fable Bon Iver GNX Kendrick Lamar
Jam Session Jimi Hendrix
So Close to What Tate McRae
Teens: Fearless Lauren Roberts
Run Away with Me Brian Selznick
Rebellion 1776
Laurie Halse Anderson
Kids: Night of the Dream Dragon
Tracey West
London Calling James Ponti
A Book of Maps for You Lourdes Heuer
Hours: Tuesdays 1 to 5 p.m.
Wednesdays and Saturdays 10 to 5 p.m.
Express Hours: 6 a.m. to 11p.m. daily
Beach Road.
April 9, 3:06 a.m.: Mental on Windsor Drive. April 12, 3:55 p.m.: Suspicious circumstances cold call on Simundson Drive. April 12, 4:17 p.m.: Suspicious circumstances on Edwards Drive.
April 17, 3:12 p.m.: Trespass cold call on Pelican Place.
April 18, 5:15 p.m.: Alarm audible on McKenzie Way.
April 21, 5:56 a.m.: Suspicious circumstances cold call on Boundary Bay Road.
Friday, May 2: Chef’s choice
Wednesday, May 7: Chicken strips with honey mustard, macaroni and cheese, mixed vegetables and apple slices
Friday, May 9: Apricot glazed pork chops, real mashed potatoes, broccoli blend, kale citrus salad and raspberry sherbert
Wednesday, May 14: Beef stroganoff, egg noodles, buttered dill carrots, spinach salad and birthday cake
Friday, May 16: Vegetarian lasagna, garlic toast, Italian green beans, Caesar salad and sliced peaches
Wednesday, May 21: Tomato soup, turkey & Swiss sandwich, garden salad and fresh grapes
Friday, May 23: Panko crusted cod, rice pilaf, roasted carrots, spinach salad and strawberry ice cream
Wednesday, May 28: Pork with apple chutney, wild rice pilaf, green beans, kale citrus salad and berry crisp
Friday, May 30: Green chili chicken enchilada, Spanish rice, garden salad and coconut cream pudding
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.
s Pamela Poirier
MONEY MANIA
7:30pm, 8:00pm
$750 in Cash (4 Winners)
8:30pm
$1,000 in Cash (2 Winners) 9:00pm
$1,500 in Cash (2 Winners)
9:30pm
$2,000 in Cash (1 Winner) 10:00pm
