School district offers Home Connection to the Point
Point Roberts Primary School, which offers in-person education only through second grade, will now offer a new program that lets local children continue their schooling in the community through eighth grade – avoiding daily border crossings. The Blaine school district has approved extending to Point Roberts the Blaine HomeConnection (BHC), a hybrid homeschool/public school program for K–8 students.
District officials visited the Point Roberts Primary School at the end of August and determined the program was feasible. BHC combines home-based instruction with school support. Families collaborate with certificated teachers to develop individualized written student learning plans. Students remain enrolled in the Blaine school district, earn credits, and have access to the same resources as other district students. With a parent present, they may also use the Point Roberts Primary School during school hours. Teachers will check in weekly with families to monitor progress. Two students have already enrolled, with more expected in the coming years.
Tennessee Briand, one of the parents who advocated for bringing the program to Point Roberts, said, “This is going to be great for the Point. It will bring educational options to many families and could draw more families to settle here.” Families can learn more at blainesd.org/o/ homeconnection.
Alongside the new educational option, a youth group called the Eagles Club has recently launched. The club meets Sundays from 1–3 p.m. at the community center. The club is designed to help young people build a stronger sense of belonging in Point Roberts.
“My goal is to create a sense of community for the kids in Point Roberts so they don’t have to seek it elsewhere,” said Briand. All ages are welcome, and children must be accompanied by a parent. Volunteers who’d like to help or those with questions can contact: pointrobertseaglesclub@ gmail.com.
B y E rin K E lly
The local pickleball committee has requested permission to add another court to the parking lot due to high demand.
“Any given Sunday or sometimes Saturdays, there’s usually more people waiting than playing,” said committee member Melanie Osmack. The district has heard one community member complain they couldn’t access the history center over the weekend due to pickleball activities taking up parking.
The district will measure the parking lot to determine if additional space is available, with basketball players maintaining precedence over any court placed in the basketball area.
Recreational sized pickleball courts are 20' wide by 44' long. Ideally, there should be 10-12' between courts on the sides with 10’ on either end. Three courts side by side would be 90' wide by 64' long.
During well-attended events at the community center, attendees can park between the center and the library and on both sides of Gulf Road.
In other electrifying district news, the district’s EV charging station at the community center is expected to be installed by the end of September, though equipment shortages may cause delays.
“Everything is finally moving ahead after a year and a half talking about it,” commissioner Stephen Falk said. The project
(See Parks, page 3)
Photo by Pat Grubb
Tourney was a smashing success!
Our third annual Pickleball tournament was a big success! We had a beautiful sunny day with temperatures heating up in the afternoon.
Our challenge was a large number of participants and only two courts to play on. We started with beginner and intermediate groups in the morning followed by advanced in the afternoon. We had 24 players in all with a few on the waitlist. Games were played round robin style with everyone partnered up at the start according to skill level. This was a super fun but also competitive tournament! Games were limited to 15 minutes with volunteers timing and keeping everyone on track. Each group ended with a semi-final and a final game. Locals turned out to cheer and support their friends and community members.
Thanks to our pickleball committee (Mel, Leigh, Robin, Barb and Mitch) for all their hard work leading up to the big day. A shout out to everyone who helped run the BBQ and refreshment table. Drinks, refreshments and hotdogs were available for everyone who came out to enjoy the day.
Thanks to our awesome community we had draw prizes for all 24 players! Prizes included gift cards to many local busi-
nesses and restaurants, golf rounds, and PB swag bags. The day wrapped up with medals awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place finishers, as well as a 50/50 draw.
On behalf of our Pickleball community, we would like to thank our sponsors and prize donors:
Ashley Strub Photography
Bryan Langsdale/On Point Wellness
Can Am Fuel
Chwynyn/Slow Botanicals
Clover Blossom Farm
Columbia Bank
Donna McLachlan
Erickson Brothers Garage
Jill Cressy
Kora’s Corner
Kristen Rock/National Sound Realty
Ladybug Nursery
Leigh Moorhouse/Pinion Pine Design
Nielson’s Hardware
Ollie Otter Bakery
Point Fuel and Pantry
Point Roberts Golf Course
Point Roberts Marina
Robin Nault Hair Design
Saltwater Cafe
Tessa Pinckston/Remax
The International Market place
The Pier
The Reef US Petro
Parks ...
From page 1
combines a $212,000 Puget Sound Energy grant (PSE) with a $185,000 Washington State Department of Commerce grant to fund the $330,000 installation. The district initially declined the commerce grant in January 2024 due to required electrical upgrades, but the PSE grant made the project viable.
Installation will move parking spaces a few feet south to accommodate equipment. The charging station will occupy the four northernmost parking spaces.
Also during their September 8 meeting, the district appointed a new commissioner to fill Position 5, vacated when Michael Cressy announced his resignation during the July regular monthly meeting. The position will be held for the next two years. Two community members had expressed interest in the seat: Jen Kurcz and
Bronwyn Glor. After brief introductions and an executive session, the commissioners selected Glor.
During her remarks, Glor highlighted her deep involvement in the community – she participates in the pickleball group, dippers, book club, garden club, works at the library, gardens at the Benson Road Garden, and delivers Meals on Wheels.
Glor outlined three priorities for her role as a commissioner: listening to community input on facilities and programs, investing tax dollars in visible improvements, and expanding community spaces for year-round use.
She expressed interest in developing Baker Field, saying, “That space could be so useful. Right now, I see a baseball field that doesn’t get used and a lot of space around that doesn’t get used.”
Glor is also running for Position 4 this November. If elected, Position 5 will become vacant again and require a new appointment in January.
s Twack! Twack back! There was non-stop action during the August 24 pickleball tournament.
Courtesy photo
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:
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Letters Policy
opinion
Letters to the editor
Whatcom County parks director
Bennett Knox, Executive Satpal
Sidhu, County Council and the Editor:
The Point Roberts Chamber of Commerce has been contacted by concerned business owners and the public regarding the lack of services available at Maple Beach, a Whatcom County park.
It’s safe to say that Maple Beach is a very special place in Point Roberts. It is our only warm water beach and is used for swimming, water sports, lazing, and crabbing and clamming. When the tide is out, it provides miles of beautiful sand bars for walking and exploring. From a recreational standpoint, it’s probably the single most significant asset on the Point, and we are fortunate that it was gifted to Whatcom County.
The Maple Beach Property Owners Association has made it clear that they are frustrated with non-members who park on county road rights-of-way or who visit the beach during Maple Beach activities such as the sandcastle contest or regatta day.
for the use of beachgoers.
Maple Beach belongs to all of us – the county needs to ensure that a visit to Maple Beach County Park is a safe, inviting, and positive experience for both the local residents and visitors.
Wayne Lyle, president Point Roberts Chamber of Commerce
community and must maintain strict policies on usage due to insurance restrictions. There is kids playground equipment that parents will want to use. We have signage today however we still have issues. People assume it’s a public park. The park is expensive to maintain and we must limit traffic. We have issues now and your patrons will cause them to increase.
Issue 4 – the tradition of Maple Beach is that kids can experience more freedom than at home. They ride bikes and skateboards, they draw chalk pictures on the street. Cabin owners understand this unique element and operate with a great deal of caution. Today we have issues with non members driving too fast and expressing their frustrations. This will increase with your proposed project.
At our annual general meeting, the topic of your project came up. There wasn’t a moment of positive feedback about it. I also see dozens and dozens of signs from locals expressing their frustration and anti sentiment around the project.
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:
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P.O. Box 1451, Point Roberts, WA 98281
Printed in Canada • Vol. XL, No. 6 Next
The mystery of where people go to the bathroom has everyone concerned about sanitary health conditions. We note that Maple Beach water quality is seldom if ever tested by the county health department.
Not that long ago, Maple Beach was a thriving and popular destination for the people and residents of Point Roberts and drew fun- and sun-seekers from the rest of the county and the Lower Mainland of B.C.
No longer is that the case. The lack of parking and restroom facilities makes it very difficult to visit.
We feel it is the county’s responsibility to create a safe, healthy, and inviting experience and help resolve these issues by providing ample, clearly defined parking spaces and a public bathroom facility before the summer of 2026.
There are many good options for mobile bathroom trailers that would work until a permanent building can be built. This could be located at the corner of Roosevelt and Bayview Drive where the local parks department stores kayaks and paddleboards.
Parking will be a challenge but needs to be addressed possibly by expanding along Roosevelt. Regardless, a significant number of spaces need to be created to relieve the issues and confrontations caused by visitor parking on county road rights-ofway.
The county also needs to begin supplying waste receptacles along Bayview Drive
(Editor note: The following letter was sent to Lorne Nielson in response to an update that he recently sent regarding a proposed campground at the corner of Mill and Johnson roads. It was also sent to county planner Maddie Shacht; we have included it here in light of the chamber’s request to the county.)
The Editor:
Lorne, It’s Ken Pattison the president of the Maple Beach Homeowners Association responding to your email. I have copied our board as well as our contact at the county.
Generally speaking initiatives that improve Point Roberts are a good thing. All initiatives must have a thorough review considering all the complex elements of the business and recreational nuances of our special place. In that vein, I don’t see where you are addressing the concerns of the Maple Beach area as communicated to the county.
Issue 1 – people camping will expect to have access to water activities including swimming, paddle boarding, boating and beach time. The closest beach is Maple Beach. Although the beach is public, there is extremely limited parking availability. We experience a lot of frustration now with parking disputes without the added parking required for your patrons.
Issue 2 – we host multiple events on the beach each year for our members and secure permits for the beach use. We have issues with non members wanting to ignore our permits and use the beach. With your proposed plan this frustration will increase.
Issue 3 – we have a private park in our
In your email you committed to be a good community neighbor. To date there has been no discussion with your largest neighbor representing 330 home owners. You also noted the issues you have heard. The issues noted above were submitted to the county. Please provide a detailed plan on avoiding these issues keeping in mind that signage doesn’t work
To my fellow board members, have I missed anything?
Ms. Schacht, we have communicated our concerns previously. Please ensure we have an opportunity to be heard.
Ken Pattison, president Maple Beach Property Owners Assn.
The Editor:
I want to sincerely thank everyone who supported me in the hospital commissioner primary. Your vote means so much, and I am honored to have earned your trust.
As we move forward to the general election on November 5, I ask for your continued support. I am running to be a strong voice for those who need help navigating our healthcare system – patients, families and healthcare workers alike.
With compassion, trust and a spirit of partnership, I will work to make sure our hospital district serves the entire community with dignity and care.
Together, we can make a difference!
Thank you.
Alyssa Clark Point Roberts
s Umqua Bank is now Columbia Bank. The Oregon-based Umqua was purchased by the Everett-based Columbia Bank in 2023 but elected to keep operating the bank under the Umqua name until recently.
Photo by Louise Mugar
Q&A with Dan Chaplik, superintendent
in various aspects of the community to understand what has and hasn’t worked.
Blaine interim superintendent Dan Chaplik has come into the new school year with a list of goals he wants to accomplish during his one-year term, including making sure student voices are part of the conversation.
Chaplik, who started his career as a Blaine teacher and most recently worked as superintendent of Sultan school district, sat down with All Point Bulletin to discuss what he envisioned for the new year and what he wanted Blaine families to know about their local education.
This article has been edited for clarity and brevity. How does it feel to come back to Blaine?
Having an opportunity to come back to the school district where I started 32 years ago is a blessing. It’s a full circle situation where I get to return to a school district and community that made a big impression on me. Since I was here, I’ve worked in five school districts and been a superintendent for the last 20 years.
What made you want to come back?
I had positive memories of being here and it being a community that was supportive of students and a culture centered around student learning.
What are your top priorities for the school year?
Connect the school district to our students and community, and develop a sense of belonging for all of our students so that they feel connected to the schools and our staff. I want our group of educators to create great experiences and growth opportunities for students. I want to get involved
Open doors that may have felt closed before. A simple thing we did is open the front door of the district office. You don’t have to key card your way in. I want a sense of openness and connection to the schools, and I want every student to know that in the Blaine school district, every student matters.
How are you working to accomplish those priorities?
District office staff is going to spend time with the principals to make sure everyone knows the school district’s goals, and I’m taking district staff who don’t normally work directly with students into classrooms. I’m looking at creating task forces around important issues in the community. I’d like to focus on the budget, financial planning, transparency, creating quality education programs and increasing our career and technical education (CTE) offerings. There’s a lot to tap into in this community to make sure students are learning about the trades and have opportunities to seek routes other than just college. What could the task forces look like?
We could look at our educational offerings. As I mentioned, one of my goals is to increase our CTE offerings. When we talk about quality, we want to make sure we’re offering quality in different areas, so we not only have rigorous courses in advanced coursework, but we also have rigorous courses in technical education.
I want to make sure students feel connected to our schools and community. If we run into issues where students aren’t
B y G rac E M c c arthy
s Dan Chaplik.
Photo by Grace McCarthy
(See Chaplik, page 6)
Carole Eastin
Senior Tax Analyst
Tel/Text 206-486-1472 nexustaxsolution.com
carole.eastin@nexustaxsolution.com
2219 Rimland Dr. #301 • Bellingham WA 98226
The annual Apple Harvest Festival returns October 3
The Apple Harvest Festival returns for its eighth year Friday through Sunday, October 3 through 5, celebrating community and tradition while supporting the nonprofit Circle of Care.
All events will take place at the community center on Gulf Road. Apple pressing runs all weekend with the community cider press (bring your own apples or buy on-site, $1 containers available).
Other highlights include Friday’s “Wild & Wacky” bingo night with costume prizes, Saturday’s homemade apple pie sales, and a Sunday classic rock concert with a hippie costume theme ($20 advance, $25 at the door). See Coming Up for times.
Chaplik ...
From page 5
feeling that connection, we need to make sure we’re listening to student voices regarding their experiences in our schools. Are you hearing that students aren’t feeling connected to the schools?
Not necessarily, but I think we’ve often done a lot of planning without always considering student voices.
Having a superintendent advisory committee is something I’ve done to meet with a group of students, elementary through high school. You engage with them about their experience in school. What do you see as the biggest challenges the school district faces this year?
You’ve probably heard a lot about funding. You’ve also probably heard about the community not being connected to the school district. It is a combination of understanding exactly what needs to happen to improve the relationship of the school district with families, working together, opening doors and problem solving so we’re all part of the solution. If you see morale is down, how do you plan to uplift it?
Recognize people. Put your best foot forward every single day to help employees feel like they’re valued.
When you go through fairly large reductions a few years in a row, it really causes some challenges. We’ve added some staff back, but we want to assess places that we have deeply reduced to make sure we put
free to phone or email the Point Roberts Water District for further information at 360-945-4696 or prwd@whidbey.com.
together a staffing model that has course offerings that kids need, is able to support the work that happens in the schools on a daily basis and recognizes people for their good work. It’s a series of how you treat people, how they perceive you care about them and how they see you moving your organization forward.
s Newly appointed Point Roberts Primary School principal Linsey Pike outlined her plans for the local school during the September 22 board meeting.
Photo by Pat Grubb
s Pressing the apples in 2024.
Photo by Louise Mugar
Border Monument #0
B y B E nn E tt B laust E in
Most visitors and local residents to Point Roberts believe that the obelisk at Monument Park marks the first location for the border between Canada and the USA. This obelisk was erected in 1861.
Since it is listed as Monument 1 for official records with the International Border Commission most people blindly accept this. The Monument 1 obelisk is a unique border marker. There are no other border markers quite the same as the obelisk with its pedestal marking the longitude and latitude and the engravings of the men who made up the survey team and commissioners in establishing our border.
What most people do not know is that there had been another obelisk on the border that came before Monument 1. Although much smaller than Monument 1, the first real marker to separate Canada and the USA on land was Monument 0. The smaller Monument 0 obelisk sat at the highwater mark just at the base of the cliff in Monument Park. The existence of Monument 0 was recorded in the 1937 International Border survey and was described as such:
“The special concrete monument with bronze post is shown in figure 5, page 116. There is but one monument of this kind. Monument 0 (zero) at the high-water mark on the west shore of Point Roberts. The monument is of reinforced monolithic concrete, constructed to withstand wave action and the battering of driftwood brought in by the tide. It is in the form of a concrete pier 3 feet square and 7 feet, 11 inches in height, set 4 feet, 3 inches in the
ground on hard glacial clay.
In the center of the top of the pier is a 2-inch manganese-bronze post projecting 7 inches above the concrete. On the east face of this post is cast in raised letters the inscription “INT. BDRY.”, on the north face “CANADA”, on the south face “U. S.,” and on the west face is inscribed “0” (zero), the designating number of the monument.”
The original marker was removed in 1968 when the border commission added additional survey markers and made repairs along the 49th parallel. In its place is now a concrete slab with a metal disc marking the spot for Monument 0.
If you look hard when you go down to the beach you can find the location of this unique one-of-a-kind marker just to the right of the storm drain that comes down from the Canadian side of the border in Monument Park.
Margot Griffiths, M.Ed., C.L.C.
After
Services, I am pleased to begin my Life Coaching practice in Point Roberts.
Confidential appointments arranged by email or text. margot@pointroberts.net 206-604-1713
self-awareness personal development relationships recovery wellness transitions retirement life planning
Point Roberts | 360-945-0420 maureen@pointrobertscounseling.com www.pointrobertscounseling.com
Program
Providing non-emergency home medical care, education and referral services. For an appointment or more information, please contact Chief Christopher Carleton at 360-945-3473 or chief@wcfd5.com
• Fam ily Me dic ine • Eme
s Top, Monument #0. Below, location of Monument #0 on the Canada/U.S. border at Monument Park.
Photos by Bennett Blaustein
Around the point
Former water district manager Dan Bourks has agreed to fill the water commissioner seat left vacant by the recent death of Arthur Reber. The appointment will last for the remainder of 2025. Reber’s seat was up for election in November as he did not file for re-election. It will be contested by Rhonda Granger and Grant Heitman. Despite the fact that Granger has been attending water district meetings in recent months, remaining commissioners Scott Hackleman and Madeleine Anderson avoided putting their finger on the scales by picking Bourks.
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Port of Bellingham director of economic development Tyler Schroeder will be presenting results of the Point Roberts economic development study performed by consultant Maul, Foster & Alonghi at the Point Roberts Community Advisory Committee’s regular monthly meeting on Thursday, October 16. It will be a hybrid in-person/Zoom meeting.
❦
Local contractor Ken Calder has been
recognized with a Special Achievement award by the state Department of Archaelogy and Historic Preservation. Owner of Ken Calder Construction, Calder was praised by the department for designing and implementing a fully above ground septic system that requires little or no digging for use in archaelogical sites and areas of archaelogical concern.
Installation includes placing ground protection mats on grade for equipment and delivery trucks, reducing the potential for ground disturbance. A pump basin with a sewage ejection pump is installed inside the original in-ground septic tank to pump up to the new tanks.
Landscape fabric is laid down and a gravel pad leveled for the new tanks to sit on. All plumbing is run above existing grade and insulated.
Calder will be making a presentation about his septic systems at Septic-Con in January to help others in the industry understand that there are ways to work around archaeological sites with minimal to no ground disturbance.
S Calder’s above-ground system avoids impacting archaelogical resources while still allowing the surface use of the land for residential purposes.
Courtesy photo
s The first full fall day of 2025 began with a beautiful sunrise over Maple Beach for birds and humans alike ...
Photo by Stephen Fowler
s The moon, Venus and Regulus were bright the
September
Photo by Pat Grubb
s A lone rower pulls away from the setting sun.
Photo by Pat Grubb
s Laura Bergamini: A ladybug.
s Holger Michelsen: When my kids were little, I dressed as Batman.
s Nolan Toomey: My Dad and I did Batman and Robin for awhile and after I got older I did the Grim Reaper for like five years.
s Ray Smith: White pants, white shirt, and a long red tie. I was a thermometer.
S AT&T has recently improved its cell reception following the late August installation of equipment on the cell tower located north of the water district office adjacent to Baker Field.
Photo by Hugh Wilson
in the GArden
B y V ictoria s M ith
The signs of autumn are all around us: a mix of cooler sunny days and nights, more frequent rain showers, local apples in abundance, and the leaves are beginning to fall to the ground. There are apple pressings and harvest festivals on both sides of the border, sunflower mazes, and crazy amounts of Pumpkin Spice treats in markets, coffee shops, and bakeries.
plants like daylilies, coneflowers, hydrangeas, and woody salvias. Spring flowering bulbs – daffodils, tulips, Dutch iris, crocus, alliums, snowdrops, and hyacinths – are ready to plant for next year’s blooms and look great in borders or in pots.
covering them with garden cloth, burlap, or bed sheets, to keep them a few degrees warmer.
There’s still time to plant some fall and winter vegetables from seed. Radishes are ready to eat in approximately three weeks. Lettuces, Swiss chard, and tender salad greens are fast growers, and can be eaten as baby greens if there’s a threat of killing frost. Harvest the leaves as needed, rather than the whole plant.
Spider season arrived early this year, with large outdoor orb spiders and the occasional wolf spider. Halloween is coming with little ghouls and goblins, jacko’-lanterns and spooky decorations. Days are growing shorter, and the Big Dark will soon return. Daylight Savings Time ends on November 2.
My garden is still going strong, with lusciously ripe tomatoes and a bumper crop of cucumbers to satisfy my husband’s pickle cravings. Cooler weather and shorter days changes the color of certain dahlias, which is like getting an extra variety for the final month of the bouquet season. My days are rich with flowers and pleasant puttering, and my evenings are long and slow and filled with family time and future dreams.
Here is your annual reminder to “leave the leaves,” which I wrote about last October. Decaying leaves protect and feed the soil, prevent weeds, and provide habitat and food for bees and other pollinators, birds, and small animals. Leaves can remain on the lawn and should also be spread in a three- to six-inch layer in your beds and borders. Most pruning can be put off until spring, further increasing winter wildlife habitat.
Less time spent on fall cleanup means more time available for other garden chores. Fall is the perfect time for planting trees, shrubs, and many flowers, giving them time to settle into the soil and develop a strong root system before winter temperatures arrive. This is the best time for dividing and/or moving perennial
Consider planting a “bulb lasagna” pot for a striking springtime display: a pot of layered spring bulbs that will bloom at different times, providing weeks of blooms in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. Details can be found via Google search, and bulbs are available online and at local nurseries, building stores, and some grocery markets.
I grow a lot of herbs and summer flowers in large pots, scattered throughout the garden for maximum sun exposure, and grouped on the deck and around ground-level seating areas. Many of these plants are treated as annuals due to our cold winters. I’m a frugal gardener, and I try to keep my geraniums, salvias, and small hydrangeas safe from freezing temperatures by moving them into my unheated greenhouse (or garage, bunkhouse, or shed), where they happily survive the winter with little to no care.
They do not require sun, heat, or grow lights while in winter storage, and they need minimal – if any – watering during this time. Some drop their leaves, others go dormant or appear to “die back” to the ground, and most of them spring back to life when the weather warms, putting out fresh shoots and leaves and growing larger than the year before. Last winter, one of my large mixed pots contained trailing petunias as a filler plant, and the petunias survived and began blooming in March, a delightful surprise.
In-ground plants and shrubs that are generally considered frost-hardy can be damaged by extra-low temperatures, as happened two years ago. In the event of overnight temperatures dropping below 25 degrees, plants can be protected by
ChurCh news
Folks periodically ask us if we are having Sunday school for children, and this year we can answer yes! Only not on Sunday and not every week to begin.
Drawing on an old Trinity Church tradition, ours will be on the second Tuesday of each month at 3:30 p.m. at Trinity Community Lutheran Church, 1880 APA Road. Years ago, before we had a parish hall, “Sunday” school was held on Tuesdays. The kids would get off the school bus at the community center and religious education would happen for an hour. We have decided to recreate a new version of that tradition once a month at the parish hall of the church.
It would indeed be terrific to have this happen once a week, but like most country congregations nowadays, we are small in number and wiser in years (but not so young in age).
Nevertheless, we want to share with children that God loves everyone and is in and with all creation all the time. So, we will begin, and who knows, the Spirit may, sometime in the future send us folks to help us grow. When that happens, we will expand the number of weeks.
Religious education is really about encouraging children in their natural spirituality, and teaching about different religious approaches to wonder, worship, mystery,
goodness, love and joy. It emphasizes community: It’s for kids and for parents, grandparents, aunties and uncles, caregivers and all who treasure kids.
Our Tuesday school requires that each family or group have an adult with them. We want parents/caregivers to know what is being taught, so they can share the ideas and answer questions at home throughout the week.
There will be inspiring stories from various traditions, snacks, songs and games, loud and quiet times.
Our initial Tuesday school session met on September 16. Our topic foreshadowed Rev. Sydney’s sermon the following Sunday on balance in our lives. We had healthy snacks, walked on a labyrinth, heard stories from two traditions and then ended by singing the song learned throughout the time.
We want parents and children to know that they are welcome, not only at Tuesday school, but to worship on Sunday at 11 a.m. as well. We are definitely a Christian congregation, but we have learned that there are many paths to learning about and knowing the God who loves us all and teaches us how to love God and our neighbor. Everyone is welcome at Trinity. Please join us any Sunday at 11 a.m. and every fourth Sunday at 4 p.m.
Planting the bottom of a head of leafy lettuce – about two inches tall – is an even faster way to get fresh greens. Place it in damp soil with an inch or more of the leaves exposed, and it will sprout new leaves. Plant directly in the garden, or grow indoors in a pot near a sunny window.
Cabbages, carrots, Brussels sprouts, and carrots are frost-hardy, can survive beneath the snow, and are made sweeter by cold temperatures. Snow is a great insulator for many winter hardy plants, including many herbs and some shrubs and ornamentals.
As the days grow shorter and cooler, take time to reflect on this year’s successes as well as the things that didn’t work as well as you’d hoped. It’s never too soon – or too late – to think about next year’s garden.
obituAries
Arthur Samuel Reber
March 11, 1940 – September 2, 2025
Born in Philadelphia PA to parents Jacob Reber and Yetta Gluchowsky, Arthur studied psychology at the University of Pennsylvania – interrupted by a one-semester hiatus when he worked for a traveling circus in California.
Wheels to the ground after graduation, he earned his doctorate from Brown University and took his first academic position at the University of British Columbia. In his earliest scientific work at Brown and UBC, he coined a phrase, “implicit learning” that inspired a multi-decade scientific argument that eventually reshaped theories of memory, cognition and consciousness. With his scientific research already gathering interest, he later left to join Brooklyn College, where he remained until his retirement, punctuated by sojourns at the University of Innsbruck, University College of North Wales, and again at UBC.
Arthur’s research was hugely influential from his very early work in probability learning to his post-retirement work on the cellular basis of consciousness, as evidenced by the honors he received and a special festschrift in his honor hosted by the Psychonomics Society, attended by psychological researchers everywhere from Australia to Europe.
Among Arthur’s other academic roles, his contributions included mentoring numerous junior faculty and dozens of students at all levels – something he was particularly proud of. He was an engaging classroom instructor, a happy warrior who sparked critical thinking and disparaged pseudoscience at every opportunity.
Arthur had a lifelong interest in gambling, particularly in endeavors which required thought: horse racing (after an early introduction from uncles Lenny and Irv) and poker (after teenage years spent playing poker with friends in the basement). He was well known in the poker circuit, published two books on gambling, wrote a regular column on gambling, and even had two cash wins in the World Series of Poker.
It was his personality as much as his poker skill that garnered him respect. One of his fellow players wrote “He never sought to diminish anyone – especially those with whom he disagreed … his life’s work commanded respect, even if it was sitting at a bar or in a casino or just hanging out.”
After moving back to the west coast in 2005, Arthur took a couple of years to get the lay of Point Roberts before throwing himself enthusiastically into civic life. He served on Whatcom County advisory committees, helped found and steer PRCAC, held positions as commissioner for the Point Roberts Water District and for Point Roberts Park and Recreation, served long on the board of Point Roberts Taxpayers Association, and worked on the Character Plan Review Committee. He was just generally a great civic contributor until his health and energy began to fail earlier this year.
Ever proud of his Ashkenazi Jewish heritage (despite being religiously nonobservant), he loved to engage in verbal and written debate and dialogue and was passionate about politics. He was a larger-than-life personality, always ready with strong opinions on just about any topic. But he very rarely held grudges or attacked the messenger rather than the message. His interactions were tempered by his great sense of humor and ability to deliver
punchlines with elan – a talent that earned him the Point Roberts Ha-Ha cup in his early years in Point Roberts. He was an exceptional person who will be missed by all who knew him whether they were on the winning or losing side of an argument.
He is survived by his ex-wife Kathy, wife Rhiannon, son Paul, daughter Emily, stepdaughter Hafina, four grandchildren (Annie, Sam, Myra and Rose) three great-grandchildren (Lucah, Zoey and Cameron), and other family members who loved him dearly. They, numerous colleagues, and former students will preserve
Pauline L. Schroeder
Pauline L. Schroeder, 94, of Point Roberts, Washington, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 20, 2025.
Born in Vancouver, British Columbia, she lived in Vancouver, Kelowna, Desert Hot Springs and Point Roberts, embracing each place for its own uniqueness.
Pauline worked as a medical assistant and later as a tour bus host, where she enjoyed meeting new people. She loved travelling, gardening, knitting and crocheting, playing bingo and slots, and spending time with her family, friends, and her beloved rescue dog, Henry.
She will be remembered for her adventurous spirit, kindness, and love of life.
his memory. His wife and friends will miss his cooking. There was no one else quite like him.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Point Roberts Community Center from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Saturday, October 11. Contributions of food are appreciated, especially vegetarian dishes and low-seasoned dishes to accommodate family dietary practices. Interment will follow at the Point Roberts Cemetery at approximately 4 p.m. In accordance with Jewish tradition, those in attendance are invited to bring and place a stone on the site.
October Tides
Coming up ...
Scheduled Meetings/Ongoing Events
Cemetery District No. 8: Mondays, September 29 and October 27, 5 p.m., community center. Public welcome.
PR Garden Club: Tuesday, September 30, 7 p.m., community center, Gardeners share their go-to print and online resources. Info: info@pointrobertsgardenclub.org.
Meet the Candidates Night: Thursday, October 2, 7 p.m., community center. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., Point Roberts Registered Voters Association’s focus is to inform voters on upcoming elections, ballots and propositions. Meet candidates for: Whatcom County At Large Position A, Point Roberts Water District #4, Point Roberts Park and Recreation District #1 and Point Roberts Hospital Dbistrict.
Apple Harvest Festival: Friday through Sunday, October 3 through 5. Sponsored by Point Roberts Circle of Care. Apple juice pressing at the community center from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Friday night bingo: theme is Wild and Wacky Bingo Wear. Adult/teen bingo from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., $1 per board. Bingo for littles (ages 4 to 12) from 4 to 5 p.m., 50 cents per board. Apple pie table Saturday and Sunday from noon to 3 p.m. Classic Car show. Classic Rock Concert with hippie costume party on Sunday at 7 p.m. (Advance tickets to concert available at Nielson’s and Kora’s Corner): $20 USD/$25 Canadian. Tickets at the door: $25 USD/$30 Canadian). 50/50 draw on Sunday night. Info: email prcircleofcare@gmail.com.
Point Roberts Pickleball Committee: Monday, October 6. Public meetings via zoom. Contact melanieosmack@gmail.com for the meeting link.
PR Amateur Radio Club: Tuesday, October 7, 7 p.m., via Zoom. Link: bit.ly/3yUNk8f.
PR Seniors Association board meeting: Wednesday, October 8, 12:30 p.m., The Commons at the community center. Open to all.
Fire District No. 5: Wednesday, October 8, 4 p.m., fire hall and via Zoom. Link: bit.ly/45YUv9U. Info: WCFD5.com.
PR Hospital District: Wednesday, October 8, 7 p.m., via Zoom. Info: bit.ly/3Kw9Ypt.
PR Taxpayers Association: Thursday, October 9, 7 p.m., via zoom. Info: PRTA@pointroberts.net. Link: bit.ly/3EWEysY.Topic: PRTA Meeting
Celebration of Life for Arthur Reber: Saturday, October 11, 11 a.m., community center. Come share memories and celebrate his life. Contributions of vegetarian or low-seasoned food particularly welcome. Interment to follow at 4 p.m., cemetery.
Veronica North performance: Saturday, October 11 at Pier Restaurant at marina.
The Smilin’ Scandinavians at Oktoberfest Bash: Sunday, October 12, The Pier Restaurant, 1 to 5 p.m.
Seattle’s number one polka band. Authentic German food, live music, craft beers, indoor- outdoor with 200 person tent, games, activities, raffles. All ages. Oktoberfest is all weekend. Tickets available soon online, early bird tickets: $35.
PR Park and Recreation: Monday, October 13, at 7 p.m., via Zoom. Info: prparkandrec.org. Link: bit. ly/3UCOvAU. Moving second Monday to the first Tuesday of each month, with the next session set for October 7.
Friends of the Point Roberts Library: Tuesday, October 14, 3 p.m., library. Open Board meeting, public welcome.
PR Water District: Tuesday, October 14, 5 p.m., 2002 Benson Road. Info: pointrobertswater.com.
Townhall: Broadband and Community WiFi for Point Roberts: Tuesday, October 14, 7 p.m., community center and via Zoom. Link: bit.ly/4gy9n62. Point Roberts has struggled with limited internet options for years. PointNet has developed a plan to use existing cable infrastructure to deliver reliable high-speed broadband service to every home in Point Roberts and to build a town-wide community WiFi network. This town hall is intended to give you the opportunity to ask questions and understand the proposal from PointNet.
Historical Society: Wednesday, October 15, 7 p.m., in the History Center.
PR Community Advisory Committee: Thursday, October 16, 7 p.m., community center and via Zoom. Zoom Link: bit.ly/3S8GCB3. Info: PRCAC.comment@gmail.com.
Point Roberts Book & Movie Discussion Group: Monday, October 20, 2 to 4 p.m., library. Info: wcls. org.
Mask-Making: Wednesday, October 22, 3 to 4 p.m., library. Calling masters of disguise grades K–5. Whatever you want to be, astronaut or albatross, luchador or lumberjack, we have supplies to make the mask of your dreams.
Point Roberts Fire Department Haunted House Spook-tacular: Saturday, October 25, 1 to 3 p.m., firehall, 2030 Benson Road. Haunted house for zombies young and old, monster fire trucks and other super scary fire equipment on display, treats for goblins of all ages and many more surprises. Costumes optional.
Halloween Party: Friday, October 31 at Pier Restaurant at marina. Ongoing Events and Hours
2025 Community Survey: Birch Bay Thrives is launching a 2025 anonymous community survey for Blaine, Birch Bay and Point Roberts. Survey: bit.ly/45y2Pzf.
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. Fridays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., pick up and drop off available around the Point. Free pick up for most Blaine School District activities and events with safe transportation back to Point Roberts. Homeschool families, please contact us for field trips and special events. To book your ride fill out the form at bit.ly/45PVJFP or call 360/788-9473 or email prtheraven@gmail.com. For more information: bit.ly/3RWrRCa.
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. Seniors and More Lunches: Wednesdays and Fridays, community center. Come meet old friends and make new friends while enjoying a nutritious meal. All ages welcome. Info: prseniors@whidbey.com or 360/945-5424.
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.
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: Saturdays, 11 to 3 p.m., community center.
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.
PR Library Hours: Tuesdays 1–7 p.m., Wednesdays and Saturdays 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Library express hours: 6 a.m. – 11 p.m. daily.
Point Roberts Clinic Hours: Primary care provider schedule: Dr. Lary: 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.
Yacht Sales–Power and Sail Service
Fireside Chat by Chief Carleton
It has been a little while since I published a chat. As many of you know, I have
taken my wife to Houston to try and save her life from liver and kidney failure. It has been a long and difficult journey, and it will be a long road ahead. God’s grace has brought us here and provided us with this opportunity. I ask for your prayers and support during this time.
Public
Our community is built on the trust we share with one another. Point Roberts is a place where neighbors know each other by name, where families gather at the beach, and where our sense of safety is rooted in mutual respect. The strength of any community lies not only in its homes and businesses, but in the everyday actions of its people – looking out for one another, preparing for emergencies, and lending a hand when it’s needed most.
Service
Our fire district exists to protect life,
property, and the shared quality of life that makes Point Roberts special. This includes comprehensive fire suppression, emergency medical services, and preventative services designed to keep our community safe. We have recently introduced a stateof-the-art ambulance to the community for the best in care and transport. We are also upgrading one of our LIFEPAK 15 Cardiac Monitor/Defibrillators with the newest technology LIFEPAK 35. This will allow us to continue providing the highest level of care for our patients.
The district is committed to maintaining a highly trained, equipped, and professional medical response team that meets or exceeds national standards. Our fire response is no different; in fire incidents, our goal is to minimize damage and protect lives through effective prevention, early detection and prompt action.
We are committed to delivering service at the highest level achievable, continuously improving through training, equipment upgrades, and community partnerships. Your safety is our mission, and we are dedicated to delivering compassionate, professional, and dependable service.
Community What makes Point Roberts unique is not only its geography, but the network of relationships that sustains it. We are a community that navigates a boundary-bridged reality. As we look to the future, I invite you to continue partnering with us. Your participation helps ensure that Point Roberts remains a safe, connected and vibrant place to live, work and raise a family. Help us, help you and the community. God’s grace to you, your families and to my wife – may we have many more years together.
Reminder
If you are using a cell phone here in Point Roberts, please consider calling 360/676-6911 to reach “911.” Continue to dial 911 from a landline. The reason for cell phone consideration is that a person trying to make a 911 call within our community may be attached to a cell provider in Canada and thus be routed to Canada’s emergency system.
Safety tips
Visit: nfpa.org/Public-Education for safety information on fires, household alarms, heating and more.
sheriff’s report
September 2, 6:49 a.m.: Noise on Pelican Place.
September 3, 9:17 a.m.: Alarm audible on Churchill Drive.
September 3, 2:49 p.m.: Trespass on Gulf Road.
September 3, 4:04 p.m.: Domestic physical cold call on Edwards Drive.
September 4, 5:39 p.m.: Watch for on Gulf Road.
September 5, 11:12 a.m.: Assist agency on N Cedar Park Drive.
September 5, 12:16 p.m.: Not available on Edwards Drive.
September 5, 12:18 p.m.: Hazard on Edwards Drive.
September 5, 4:26 p.m.: Assist agency on Roosevelt Way.
September 5, 5:23 p.m.: Suspicious person on
K ris lo ME dico
Bestsellers
The Correspondent
Virginia Evans
Reacher Lee Child
Automatic Noodle Annalee Newitz
The Color of Death Trey Gowdy
Movies:
The Friend Bill Murray
Ballerina Ana de Armas
The Comeback Trail
Robert De Niro
Signed, Sealed, Delivered Kristin Booth
Music:
American Heart Boone Benson
California Gold Nate Smith
Singular: Act 1 Sabrina Carpenter
BEATrix BEATrix
Teens:
Best of All Worlds Ken Oppel
Graciela in the Abyss Meg Medina
Legendary Frybread Drive-in
Intertribal stories
Kids:
Dive John David Anderson
Coach Jason Reynolds
Forts
Katie Venit
Hours: Tuesdays 1 to 7 pm
Wednesdays and Saturdays
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Express hours: 6 a.m. to 11p.m. daily wcls.org
Gulf Road.
September 5, 9:08 p.m.: Serve warrant on Gulf Road. One arrest.
September 6, 3:01 p.m.: Fraud cold call on Pelican Place.
September 7, 2:16 p.m.: Suspicious circumstances cold call on Highland Drive.
September 10, 5:38 p.m.: Alarm audible on Gulf Road.
September 13, 1:50 p.m.: Welfare check on Pelican Place.
September 13, 3:51 p.m.: Serve papers on Rex Street.
September 13, 4:02 p.m.: Vehicle
senior’s point
M E nus for o cto BE r
Wednesday, October 1: Ham casserole with buttermilk biscuits, peas and carrots, beet salad and dessert
Friday, October 3: Cobb salad with chicken, bleu cheese, hard-boiled egg, bacon, tomatoes, avocado, artisan roll and dessert
Wednesday, October 8: Chicken parmesan, orzo, steamed broccoli and dessert
Friday, October 10: Salisbury steak in gravy, mashed potatoes, peas and carrots and desserts
Wednesday, October 15: Lentil sloppy joes on bun, tater tots, spinach and dessert
Friday, October 17: Salmon chowder, artisan roll, Greek salad and dessert
Wednesday, October 22: Pork loin, mashed sweet potatoes, corn, threebean salad and dessert
Friday, October 24: Split pea soup, cheese quesadilla, salad and dessert
Wednesday, October 29: Baked chicken, rice pilaf, spinach salad and dessert Friday, October 31: Chef’s choice 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.
