The Community Newspaper of Point Roberts, Washington MARCH 2021
IN THIS
ISSUE
Circle of Care has big ambitions, page 7
Trinity Church begins building campaign
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The Point begins to open up again, page 8
Keep PRCAC going, community says, page 11
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Breathing, cold therapy and commitment ...
Building requires extensive restoration By Meg Olson Trinity Community Lutheran Church is launching a fundraising campaign to save the historic building on APA Road. “The church is in significant structural trouble,” said church manager Louise Cassidy. “The old foundation and drainage have caused the building to bow and buckle, and the roof is coming away from the walls of the church. A lot of investigative work has now been done, and we have a two-part plan to help restore the church. Together we can rebuild so future generations can continue to enjoy this beautiful building.” Originally built in 1913, the main church building has had no improvements to its foundation since its construction and the building has been slowly settling, leading to cracks in walls and stairs, the roof pulling away from walls, and floors out of level. Tension rods were attached to keep walls from bowing and splitting in the 1990s, when the north community hall was added, but the building’s condition continued to degrade. According to a recent engineering report, “This is a long-term condition, and we observed no evidence of any recent triggering event.” In the long-term, Cassidy said, the building will need a new foundation and roof supports, a new front staircase and other repairs that will cost thousands of dollars. “Done right, these permanent repairs will ensure a stronger, long-lasting structure, while keeping the same historical look, with the goal of another 100 years of community use.” The short-term goal is to stabilize the building. “The foundation and drainage can be temporarily repaired, so no further damage occurs, which will give us some time to raise the funds needed for the permanent repairs,” Cassidy said. The estimated cost for this work is $12,000 and the church has engaged a contractor and engineer who will be able to proceed once funds are raised. (See Trinity, page 3)
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s A group of swimmers who first began meeting in June continue to brave the cold waters each day off of South Beach. Above, from l., Jamie Dehner, Makkena Moore and Bianca Roberts emerge from the sea on February 22. Story and photos on page 9. Photo by Louise Mugar
Covid-19 vaccinations get underway on the Point B y P a t G r u bb The first of what is hoped to be many vaccinations was administered on Friday, February 19 in a joint effort by the SuperTrack Point Roberts health clinic and the Point Roberts fire district. Speaking at the Point Roberts Circle of Care’s annual general meeting on February 21, fire chief Christopher Carleton said 73 people were vaccinated against Covid-19 using the Moderna vaccine. The first group was comprised of residents age 75 or over; all but 15 of that group have now received the first of two shots. Carleton said he has received 650 responses to an online survey asking people to indicate their interest in getting vaccinated; approximately 40 of those did not supply valid contact information for follow up by the district.
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Another 200 doses arrived on February 25 and the clinic and district were, as of press date, preparing to hold a vaccination clinic on Saturday, February 27. Carleton told the All Point Bulletin that it was important for people to answer their phones as the organizers were setting up appointments. After those individuals aged 75 and over are vaccinated, individuals aged 65 or older or those 50 or over living in multi-generational households are next in line to receive vaccinations according to the state’s priority list. Carleton said the district would be sending out forms that people could fill in prior to their appointments in order to speed up the process. Carleton urged people who haven’t contacted the district or do not have a computer or know of individuals in that situation to call or email the fire department to make sure that they are on the list to be contact-
ed. Email chief Carleton at ccarleton@wcfdt.com and provide name, phone number, (See Covid-19, page 6)
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Inside
Church ............................................. 14 Classifieds ......................................... 15 Coming Up ....................................... 13 Library.............................................. 13 Opinion ............................................... 4 Seniors ............................................. 13 Tides ................................................. 13