All Point Bulletin: June 2025

Two houses destroyed by fire in a week

In the second fire in a week, a house on Peltier Drive was destroyed on the morning of May 15. “By the time [firefighters] got there, the flames were coming through the roof,” said fire chief Christopher Carleton, speaking from a fire fighting conference in Phoenix, Arizona.

“We got there pretty fast,” he said, adding, “Assistant fire chief John Shields was first on scene and followed by the engine. We had a crew on duty this morning at the hall.” Carleton said the response had been slowed by the fact that the person calling in the fire by cellphone had connected with the emergency dispatch service in B.C. and it took time to be transferred to What-Comm 911 in Bellingham. He reminded residents to use the full phone number (360/676-6911) when using a cellphone to report emergencies in Point Roberts.

Carleton said the single-story home located at 1361 Peltier Drive was destroyed and the cause “looks suspicious.” Crews worked “defensively” to protect the house to the west of the burning house, he said. A final determination of the cause of the fire would be issued by the Whatcom County fire marshal. According to assistant fire chif John Shields, as of May 29 fire marshal Tiffany Honey had not het determined what started either of the two blazes.

More details on the Edwards Drive fire

Not much was left after a fire that destroyed a home at 1641 Edwards Drive on May 8. During salvage operations, firefighters were “able to recover (although burnt) hundreds of family photos and personal items including clothing for the owner,” according to chief Carleton.

The chief reported that the department had received a dispatch call at 9:39 a.m. and the first unit, Battalion 58, arrived on scene at 9:43, followed by Engine 58 at 9:55. Delta Engine 2 from Tsawwassen was dispatched at 10:09 and arrived at 10:20 after a request for mutual aid was sent out. North Whatcom dispatched its apparatus at 10:30 and arrived at 11:06.

(See Fires, page 6)

Presenting the final results of a Point Roberts drainage study at the Point Roberts Community Advisory Committee meeting on May 15, county engineer Eris Vavra was blunt in his assessment – it would cost a lot of money to fix even some of the problems and where that money would come from is far from clear.

In all, there were 94 identified problem areas with 30 areas considered to be capital projects. Of those, 13 were considered highest priority and would cost $22,280,000 to fix. The top three in terms of expense would be Gulf Road at $7.27

million, Maple Beach at $2.88 million and Teller Road at $2.69 million. County staff expressed a glum realism when it came to paying for any or all of the projects. “To pay for these out of the Road Fund, which is kind of the most obvious way to pay for them, they’ll have to go up against the list of projects we’ve already programmed, or they’ll be programmed in the future. Then they’ll have to be compared to those and making sure that the projects we’re doing here fit into the grand scheme of Whatcom County right now, where we are already deprogramming

Stormwater ...

From page 1

projects.

Vavra told the audience.

One possibility would be to create a stormwater utility district, similar to what Birch Bay has done. Local improvement districts (LID) can be created under one or two ways. The first would be to present a petition to Whatcom County Council asking for an LID to be established in order to fund stormwater improvements. That would require the signatures of owners of

51 percent of the affected properties. Alternatively, county council could itself propose the formation of an LID and hold a public hearing to get input from affected property owners. It would pass unless the owners of 60 percent of the proposed land area objected to its formation.

Currently, property owners in the Birch Bay water management district pay approximately $110 per residential unit equivalent annually. Whether local property owners would want to saddle themselves with extra taxes could depend on how serious they perceive the problems to be. One of the highest ranked projects is limited to Diane Circle and that alone would cost $1.03 million to fix.

PRCAC members will next face the issue of how any of these proposed projects will be paid for.

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.

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Letters Policy

The All Point Bulletin welcomes letters to the editor; however, the opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the editor. Letters must include name, address and daytime telephone number for verification. Letters must not exceed 450 words and may be edited or rejected for reasons of legality and good taste.

A fresh viewpoint on matters of general interest to local readers will increase the likelihood of publication. Writers should avoid personal invective. Unsigned letters will not be accepted for publication. Requests for withholding names will be considered on an individual basis.

Thank you letters should be limited to ten names.

Only one letter per month from an individual correspondent will be published.

Please email your letter to: letters@allpointbulletin.com

P.O. Box 1451, Point Roberts, WA 98281

opinion

Letters to the editor

The Editor:

At our meeting on May 8, 2025, the board of directors of the Point Roberts Taxpayers Association (PRTA) voted unanimously to endorse the proposed Whatcom County Library System (WCLS) levy lift, which will come before the voters on the August 2025 primary election ballot.

We reviewed and discussed information provided to us by WCLS and Friends of the Point Roberts Library. The current levy was approved by the voters in 2009, at the rate not to exceed $0.44 per $1,000 of property valuation. Over the years, WCLS (like other taxing agencies) has been limited by law to annual budget increases of only one percent – far below the prevailing rate of inflation. WCLS and other agencies can only levy the amount in their approved budget. As property values increased, the effective rate has declined to $0.26 today.

WCLS is asking voters to approve a “levy lift” to restore the rate to $0.42. If approved that rate will be applied to current property values, providing WCLS with increased revenue in order to maintain current levels of services, facilities and staffing and to build up reserve funds for the future (as the effective rate gradually declines again). This system of budgets, caps and levies is obviously complicated; but a voter-approved levy lift is the only available mechanism for WCLS to increase its revenue commensurate with costs and inflation. All reserve funds put aside in past years are now exhausted. If the measure is not approved by the voters, WCLS will have to reduce costs through reduction in services and staffing.

Note that this ballot measure applies to the entire WCLS, including Point Roberts, where our local branch library is an essential and vibrant part of the community, providing books, online resources, educational programs and other activities to all residents.

PRTA urges everyone to support the levy lift and in particular urges voters to approve the ballot measure in August.

A copy of the resolution adopted by our board of directors on May 8, 2025, is available upon request by emailing PRTA@ pointroberts.net.

Mark Robbins, president, Point Roberts Taxpayers Association

The Editor & Whatcom County

Executive Satpal Sidhu:

The recent letter to the All Point Bulletin from Patrick Nevraumont (May 2025 issue) on county parks “abandoning” the pier and boat launch at Lighthouse Park is spot on.

We have been without a floating dock at Lighthouse Park for 16 years. Prior to that time, we had a wooden dock secured on wooden pilings that served as a floating platform for launching and docking small boats and kayaks and a place for kids to fish. I took my young son and his friends there on many occasions.

At the end of the summer, the dock was hauled up on the beach to avoid damage from winter storms. It served its purpose well for 16 years (1992-2008).

The wooden dock and pilings eventually required replacement. This process required six years, during which time we were without a dock (from 2008 to 2014).

To be fair, the removal of eight creosoted wooden anchor pilings and replacement with eight aluminum ones (see attached photos) required more equipment and expense than just replacement of the dock.

However, when the replacement was completed in 2014 at a reported cost of $300,000, the structure broke up after only a few weeks.

Apparently the new dock was designed for a lake, not an ocean with more severe

wind, wave and tidal variations. Since then, we have been without a dock.

Who is responsible for this fiasco?

County parks? The county executive? County council? (Who likely approved the expenditure of funds for this ill-advised project?)

Has the manufacturer of the faulty dock been held to account for providing a product that they knew, or should have known, would not work? Maybe an audit would be in order. But that prospect is unlikely.

In 2023, I submitted a quotation from EZ Dock, a reputable Seattle manufacturer, for a replacement dock of similar size as the original. With a proven design suitable for Lighthouse Park.

It was also one third the cost of the failed lake dock. It was never considered. Fast forward to 2025. No dock and no viable boat launch at Lighthouse Park.

Just eight aluminum pilings in the water. A monument to your administration’s inept handling of what could have been a valuable, viable community asset.

Not to close on a negative note, but it is still possible to anchor the EZ Dock on these aluminum pilings.

Are you and the county willing to give it a try?

John Lesow

North Vancouver and Point Roberts

The Editor: To those members of the Point Roberts community who responded to the recent survey regarding the collapse of the Seabright Stairs: Thank you.

The results of that survey are in the hands of the Point Roberts Community Advisory Committee (PRCAC) sub-committee that has been tasked with addressing this issue.

Two of the insights learned from the survey results are particularly noteworthy. The first of these insights is the strong community support for addressing the issue. One hundred ninety-nine members of this relatively small community took the time to respond to the survey. Even more noteworthy than the greater than expected number of responses, was the number and thoughtfulness of the optional comments. These comments demonstrate that, generally, the community has a realistic understanding of the financial, political and construction challenges to any resolution that favors the best interests of Point Roberts.

In light of the fact that neither Whatcom County nor Seabright stakeholders have demonstrated meaningful interest in responding to the collapse of the stairs, the likelihood of a satisfactory resolution to this issue will depend on the resolve and steadfastness of this community. Given the strengths exemplified by the survey results it certainly appears that the community is up to the challenge.

So again, to the community members who responded to the survey: Thank you! Tom and Lenore Yeager

Point Roberts

The Editor: At the beginning of July, registered voters will be mailed a ballot that contains a resolution to ‘lift the lid’ on the property tax levy that funds the Whatcom County Library System (WCLS). The last time WCLS asked for a new levy was in 2009, and that levy was approved by voters. Since then, WCLS have been restricted to only a 1 percent annual increase to the dollar amount of its revenue, which has over time completely failed to cover the increase in library users and number of services provided, as well as the cost of all services. You can pick up a detailed analysis of income vs costs over time at any WCLS library branch or access it via wcls. org/levy.

What do we get from WCLS? Of course, they offer canonical print books and a surprising variety of tangible items such as film and music discs, audiobooks, toys, ukeleles, games and puzzles. A good number of digital resources like Ancestry.com and ConsumerReports.org are also available in the library or from the comfort of

(See Letters, page 5)

can)

Letters ...

page 4

your home and are added to periodically. You can explore it all at wcls.org. Since 2009, there has been truly dramatic increase in WCLS’s provision of digital and online content like films (Kanopy), music (Freegal), eBooks, and e-Audiobooks (Libby), which some people see as an opportunity to increase service without increasing costs. Not so. Not many people realize that some digital content costs more than tangible items because the library does not actually own these products but must lease them and renew leases after a certain number of checkouts. Moreover, unlike personal subscriptions and purchases, libraries must pay a much higher “institutional” rate for many items. The cost for eBooks and eAudio alone has increased 164 percent over the past decade

... a rate that far exceeds the increase in WCLS’s tax revenue over the same period.

In addition to tangible and digital resources, WCLS functions as a service hub for the community. Many times I have seen our dedicated librarians provide a welcoming orientation service for newcomers and visitors. During Covid, WCLS supplied us free Covid tests, and they now provide Narcan and other items on request. They host socialization, educational and enrichment opportunities for people of all ages.

To provide all these services, WCLS has been dipping into reserves, and are now forced into the position of asking voters to approve a levy lid lift that will come close to restoring the original 2009 levy rate. Without this increase, they will need to cut staff or opening hours. It seems like such a small price to pay for all that our library provides.

Rhiannon Allen Point Roberts

Ladybug Nursery

Don’t Miss Out! Chamber Social at a Stunning New Venue!

Point Roberts Chamber of Commerce

Membership meeting and social at the NEW Point Roberts Golf & Country Club

Tuesday, June 10th

Membership meeting starts at 5pm. Chamber social starts at 6pm. Light refreshments served. Cash bar. Bring your great ideas. We’ve got some too! Taking new memberships and renewals at the door.

Please RSVP: info@pointrobertschamberofcommerce.com Renew, Refresh, and Network!

Point Roberts Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Information Center

Fires ...

From page 1

The structure to the west suffered minor damage to the windows and siding closest to the flames but was otherwise spared. Carleton expressed satisfaction with his crew’s performance and said they had performed well on both fires.

Local families explore alternatives

like whatever parents decide it should look like,” Briand said.

Tuesdays & Thursdays • 9:00 am pick up at Community Center, 4:00 pm (approximately) drop off at Community Center.

Tuesdays & Thursdays • 9:00 am pick up at Community Center, 4:30 pm (approximately) drop off at Community

Call

to schedule your ride.

Special needs, please call scheduler to discuss.

Call

Please call to schedule after school pick up for your children.

Point Roberts families gathered May 27 at the community center on Gulf Road to learn about a new educational option that could keep local children from daily bus rides to Blaine.

Tennessee Briand and Holly Parsons hosted the meeting to introduce the Parent Partnership Program (PPP), a state-funded public school program that blends athome and in-school learning. About 20 people attended in person and online.

Briand, a Point Roberts native who was bused to Blaine for school, said she wanted a different option for her two sets of twins. With children just 14 months apart, homeschooling wasn’t realistic.

“I didn’t want my kids on a bus every day,” she said. “I was looking for something different – something local, with social connection.”

PPP students are officially public school enrollees with access to curriculum, facilities and certified teachers. Students typically receive 15 hours of structured instruction weekly, either in person or virtually, with the rest of the schedule built around family needs.

“There’s always a certified teacher present – even if it’s virtual. The program looks

Successful PPP programs already operate across Washington, including in Bellingham.

Briand, who previously ran an education center in Vancouver focused on learning differences, hopes to bring the program to Point Roberts using the existing school building. The local school currently serves only five children. “I went to the school –it’s immaculate. It’s every educator’s dream. It’s just missing the kids,” she said.

The timing is critical. Superintendent Dr. Granger, who has received the proposal, is leaving his position soon.

“We need to gather as many people and as much information as possible,” Briand said. “The district will only act based on the numbers.”

Families can register interest through the Blaine School District website at blainesd. org. PPP is open to all Washington families with K-12 students seeking alternatives to traditional school.

“Our goal is to create a hub where all these children can come together and have access to each other and socialization,” Briand said.

For information, contact Briand at tennesseebriand@yahoo.com.

Lots of contested local races in coming election for a change

olan

Whatcom County’s candidate filing period for the August 5 primary election ended, and 149 candidates have officially filed to run for 100 open offices. Only races with more than two candidates will appear on the primary ballot; the others go directly to the November election.

Offices are up for election this summer include positions on Whatcom County Council, Blaine school district, Port of Bellingham commission, among others.

Beginning with Point Roberts races, following is a list of candidates running for local office:

Point Roberts Park and Recreation District 1, Commissioner, Position 3: Mike Bell and Travis Robb. Position is currently held by Matt Wang who is not running for re-election.

Point Roberts Park and Recreation District 1, Commissioner, Position 4: Doug Shier, Izaac Wilkowski and Bronwyn Glor. Position is currently held by Stephen Falk who is not running for re-election.

Fire Protection District 5, Commissioner, Position 3: Incumbent Patrick Harper is running unopposed.

Point Roberts Water District 4, Commissioner, Position 3: Grant Heitman and Rhonda Granger. Position is currently held by Arthur Reber who is not running for re-election.

Point Roberts Public Hospital District, Commissioner, Position 2: Allison Calder, Jen Olson Kurcz, Alyssa Clark, Alice Strombom and Solomon Loop. Position is currently held by Stephen Falk who is not running for re-election.

Cemetery District 8, Commissioner, Position 3: Incumbent Pauline DeHaan will

run unopposed.

Whatcom County Positions:

Whatcom County Superior Court, Judge Position 5: Jennifer Slattery, who was appointed to the new judgeship last year, will run unopposed.

Whatcom County Council, District 1: Incumbent Kaylee Galloway will run unopposed.

Whatcom County Council, District 2: Elizabeth Boyle, Maya Morales and Mike Cullum. Incumbent Todd Donovan will not seek reelection.

Whatcom County Council, District 3: Incumbent Tyler Byrd, Jessica Rienstra, Kyle Christensen and Daniel Probst.

Whatcom County Council, At-Large Position A: Incumbent Barry Buchanan and Misty Flowers.

Blaine School District 503, Director, District 3 (representing roughly the north half of Birch Bay): Bob Feaster and Jim Shaver. Incumbent and board president Cliff Freeman is not running again.

Blaine School District 503, Director, District 4 (representing generally the south half of Birch Bay east of Blaine Road): Incumbent Ryan Swinburnson is running unopposed.

Blaine School District 503, Director, District 5 (representing most of Semiahmoo and Blaine between Dakota and California creeks): Chelsea Belarmino is running unopposed.

Port of Bellingham Commissioner, District 1 (representing parts of Bellingham, Fairhaven, Lake Whatcom and Van Zandt): Incumbent Michael Shepard will run unopposed.

Port of Bellingham Commissioner, District 2 (representing Lynden, Maple Falls, Everson, Deming and parts of Belling-

ham): Incumbent Ken Bell, Carly James and Kaylin A. Bosley. Paul Burrill initially filed to run but rescinded his bid.

The deadline for candidates to submit voters’ pamphlet content is Tuesday, May 20. Ballots are expected to be mailed July 16, and the last day for new voters to register online is July 28.

Results for the August 5 primary election will be certified by August 19, and the general election will be held November 4. The primary election is a top two system, meaning the two candidates with the most votes will advance to the November general election, regardless of party.

For a full list of candidates, visit votewa. gov. For more information about Whatcom County elections, contact the auditor’s office at 360/778-5102 or elections@ co.whatcom.wa.us.

Margot Griffiths, M.Ed.,

C.L.C.

After 30 years experience at The University of British Columbia in the Office of Counseling 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

• Family Medicine

• Emergency Medical Care

• Cardiology

• Urgent Care

• Dermatology

• Oncology

Doctors

Patients may also visit our Bellingham clinic with continuity of care 7 days a week.

Point Roberts | 360-945-0420 maureen@pointrobertscounseling.com www.pointrobertscounseling.com

Private and confidential

Call or e-mail for an appointment

The 19th Hole hits a double eagle

Margarita Hawayek is the new head chef at The 19th Hole, the log cabin restaurant at the Point Roberts Golf and Country Club. Since opening in mid-April along with the course, the restaurant has built a steady following and is set to expand its menu and equipment to include beer on tap and an espresso machine, both expected this summer.

Hawayek moved to Point Roberts last summer to be closer to her sister Rose Hawayek, who helps run the kitchen. A culinary school graduate who later earned a doctorate in theology, Hawayek spent years as a journalist and writer before returning to the kitchen to reconnect with hands-on creativity. “I love cooking. I feel a sense of flow when I’m in the kitchen,” she said, continuing, “My main ingredient is love – I want that to come through.” B

Open daily from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., The 19th Hole offers seating for up to 50 patrons with views of the course and surrounding forest. “You don’t need to play

golf to eat here,” said Hawayek, “It’s a great atmosphere and a very positive environment.”

(See next page)

ChurCh news

B y l ucy W illiams

Jazz Vespers! What is it? Does it involve praying, sermons, and singing hymns?

Well, no. It’s a time for inspiration and music, for sharing, meeting people and coming together to enjoy community. Typically, Jazz Vespers lasts one hour including the music (excellent local talent) and the speakers (also local and quite interesting!).

So, what are the speakers talking about?

Well, it varies according to the person, but you may see your neighbor, friend or someone you recognize standing there talking about life changing or challenging events that they personally endured, or they may speak about friends or family who survived against all odds.

One of the most memorable stories that I’ve heard is about the man whose parachute didn’t open. He not only survived but decided to create a business for himself selling popcorn from a wagon.

Of course, hearing a friend talk about running off to join the circus (literally) really surprised me. I had no idea, and I had known him for years!

And that’s one of the points of Jazz Vespers, to learn more about your friends and neighbors and to really start getting to know them. It is also about hearing a plethora of stories filled with inspiration to help you float out the door with new ideas, new reasons to be happy and probably new friends.

Point Roberts is a charming village filled with interesting characters and talented musicians. Fifty-plus speakers and over a dozen musicians have created 13 Jazz Vespers events since the summer of 2022. Come hear the next one on Sunday, June 29 at 4 p.m. Bring a chair; we’ll be outside in the church garden. Oh, and bring some friends! It’s going to be fun!

Raised in an international family (her father’s family was from Lebanon, her mother from Cuba), Hawayek plans to introduce some global dishes she grew up with. For now, she focuses on approachable, nourishing food. “Some people just want the basics, and I love serving that too. Food is personal – I want everyone to feel welcome,” Hawayek said.

The current menu features daily specials, all-day breakfast, wraps, sandwiches and vibrant salads made with house dressings and microgreens. Grab-and-go options start at $7, with sandwiches costing around $11. Hawayek is known for her wellness shots – made with turmeric, ginger, lemon, carrot, orange, and black pepper – which she described as “anti-inflammatory, great for digestion, and energy-boosting.” She’s also happy to accommodate dietary needs

and can craft off-menu items using quality ingredients.

Sophia, the in-house baker, offers fresh baked goods for under $5. The team is tight-knit, and the atmosphere is welcoming. One server remarked, “Margarita’s salads are phenomenal. Her plating looks like something out of a magazine – today she even added a flower to someone’s salad.”

On Sunday, June 15, The 19th Hole will host a Father’s Day brunch with a hearty buffet featuring scrambled eggs with bacon, southwest scramble, panko chicken, steak and eggs, maple bacon waffles, quesadillas, breakfast potatoes and freshbaked treats. The first seating will be at 10:30 a.m. and the second at 12:30 p.m.

After a successful Mother’s Day, Margarita and her crew expect a great turnout for the Father’s Day Brunch.

Evenings of food and music ...

Join us for a series of intimate backyard concerts hosted by myself, featuring the local musical talents of The Point Band. These events are a heartfelt gift to the community, aiming to raise funds for local charities and celebrate the vibrant spirit of Point Roberts.

These concerts are more than just performances; they are opportunities to come together, enjoy great music and support those in need within our community. Bring a dish to share, your family, friends, and neighbors, and experience the joy of giving through music.

The Point Band is a collective of local musicians who bring a diverse range of musical styles to the community. Their performances are known for their warmth, energy and their ability to unite the audience through music.

Concerts will be held on Sundays, June 15, July 6, August 17. The concert on Saturday, September 27 will be at the community center in conjunction with Apple Harvest Festival.

Each concert will begin at 5 p.m., with a special guest performance, followed by a community potluck dinner at 6 p.m., and The Point Band will grace the stage at 7 p.m. Concerts will take place at house at 525 Boundary Bay Road in Point Roberts.

The inaugural concert on June 15 will benefit the Point Roberts Circle of Care, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting residents in need. In its 15-year history, Circle of Care volunteers have served over a hundred residents with thousands of hours of time.

For more information or to RSVP, please contact Annelle Norman at prcircleofcare@gmail.com or call 360/945-5222. RSVPs are helpful but not required.

Beginning on June 15 (what better way to celebrate Father's Day than a concert and dinner!?) Future dates are July 6, August 17, September 27 Each concert will bene t one of our community's charities. We'll start at 5pm with a special guest (to be announced), then a potluck picnic at 6pm and then The Point Band will start the party at 7pm BYOB, lawn chairs or picnic blanket, and a dish to share.

Location:  525 Boundary Bay Road, Your RSVP is appreciated, text 303-906-8880 or mailto:prcircleofcare@gmail.com

Suggested Donation of $20.00

Well-mannered kids are welcome (there's a trampoline).

Ba d Point Roberts' own fabulous "The Point Band” will play 4 bene t concerts this year!

Greetings from the Point Roberts Seniors Association!

As you can see, we now have an energetic logo for our association. Post Covid – like many groups – we are emerging with new board members and some new and creative directions.

The senior/community lunch remains on the top of our list, but there is more room on our note pad. Some people have the idea that this program is just for the elderly and that it is a charity program. Wrong! This is a community-based program primarily for those over 60. However, everyone can partake. The cost is $6 for those over 60. For those under 60 who are fully employed (or comfortably retired) the cost is $10.

As our logo reflects, we are an amiable bunch, so drop by and check things out!

Our chef, Rhonda, creates delicious meals to suit multiple tastes including vegetarian options. In addition, if adequate notice is given, a gluten free choice can be made available. Check out the menu, posted in the All Point Bulletin every month courtesy of the editor and on post@pointepost.com.

Our board meetings are the second Wednesday of each month. Drop by, drop in, come have a coffee/tea and/or lunch and give us your suggestions for future directions. If you would like to be on our mailing list, email prseniors@whidbey.com On Friday, June 13 we will hold our lunch in the park with a BBQ and backyard activities!

in the Garden

A weed is a plant growing where you don’t want it. Having an abundance of weeds is referred to as weed pressure, even if the weeds themselves are not harmful. I’m getting lots of questions about weeds right now, and people aren’t always happy with the answers.

The weeds people ask me about are unwelcome and opportunistic. They reproduce rapidly, crowding out other plants or messing up a carefully designed flowerbed. These weeds seem to come out of nowhere, their roots sneaking beneath the neighbor’s fence, or their seeds brought in by birds or a hearty breeze. Weed seeds are cunning and patient and remain viable for many years, waiting for the perfect conditions to grow.

People want to know how to get rid of weeds quickly, easily and inexpensively. They want something that’s safe to use around children and pets and pollinators. They want something natural, maybe something they can make themselves. And they don’t want to get dirty doing whatever it is that needs to be done because, well, who has time for that?

Weed control methods fall into three categories: mechanical, cultural, and chemical. Managing weeds usually requires a combination of methods used consistently over an extended period. This is especially true if you don’t want to use potentially dangerous herbicides – the chemical category method – though sometimes that’s the only way to get the results you want.

I’m going to share a few research-based mechanical and cultural methods for successfully managing weed pressure in both new and established gardens and landscapes.

Mechanical methods of weed control are usually the first line of defense. Pulling weeds by hand is time-tested and effective, especially when combined with cultural methods. Mechanical weed removal can be started at any time, clearing as many weeds as possible,

Weeds are easiest to remove when the soil is damp, and the plants are young. Some weeds are shallow rooted, and others – like dandelions – have long deep tap roots that must be completely removed

to keep the plant from growing back. Weeds that spread by runners or stolons are harder to eliminate by hand, as the entire root system must be dug and removed. Tools for hand weeding are minimal: garden gloves, a hoe, and a hand trowel or Hori Hori knife for digging and removing tap roots. Shallow rooted plants can be hoed off at the soil level, leaving the roots in the soil. Small weeds can be pulled by hand: I keep a bucket in the garden and spend 10 minutes or so weeding each day. I find it peaceful and relaxing.

Cultural methods are things you can do to make your property less inviting to weeds. An extreme example would be paving your entire yard. A less drastic approach is choosing growing practices that make it harder for weeds to establish themselves. These include covering bare soil with mulch to deprive seeds of the sunlight they need to grow, and minimizing disturbing the soil – raking, digging, and turning – which brings weed seeds to the surface.

Placing plants closer together in your beds is a simple way to cover and shade the soil. Adopting watering practices that deliver water only where it’s needed – to individual plants rather than the entire planting area – is very effective. This can be done with a drip irrigation system or by hand watering at the soil level.

A time- and money-saving tip is to limit or eliminate the routine use of fertilizers on your lawn and in your growing areas, and to only apply them when truly necessary. Fertilizers contain high levels of nitrogen and other ingredients that make your plants greener and stimulate leafy growth. Why feed the weeds?

Mulching paths and unpaved walkways with a four- to six-inch-thick layer of bark or gravel can significantly reduce weed pressure. Landscape cloth is often recommended as a barrier to place beneath mulches, but its long-term effectiveness is no better than mulch alone. Some seeds will inevitably spout in the mulch, send-

(See Garden, page 13)

celebrated the organization’s

Library piCks

K ris lom ED ico

Bestsellers:

Never Flinch Stephen King

Nightshade Michael Connelly

Storybook Ending Moira Macdonald

The Emperor of Gladness

Ocean Vuong

Movies:

Alto Knights Robert De Niro

Miss Austen Patsy Ferron

Captain America-Brave New World

Anthony Mackie

Black Bag Cate Blanchett

Music:

Chicago 1975 Tom Waits

Loose Talk Bryan Ferry

Northern Sky Wellerman

Who Believes in Angels Elton John

Teens:

The Rose Garden

Sasha Peyton Smith

Burning in the Bone

Language of Dragons

Scott Reintgen

. F. Williamson

Kids:

The Burning Hours

Caroline Starr Ross

London Calling James Ponti

Giant Parsnip Soup Daniela Sosa

Hours: Tuesdays 1-7 p.m.

Wednesdays and Saturdays

10-5 p.m.

Express hours: 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. wcls.org

May 1, 4:44 p.m.: Assist citizen at Boundary Bay Road.

May 1, 6:26 p.m.: Disorderly conduct on Holiday Lane.

May 1, 11:01 p.m.: Welfare check on Rex Street.

May 3, 8:58 a.m.: Motor Vehicle Accident on APA Road.

senior’s point

m E nus for J un E

Wednesday, June 4: Sweet chili chicken, vegetable fried rice, steamed broccoli, Asian slaw and tropical mixed fruit salad

Friday, June 6: Grilled Rueben sandwich, potato wedges, garden salad and ice cream

Wednesday, June 11: Vegetarian meal: Cheese ravioli with marinara, Italian vegetables, garlic toast, Caesar salad and chocolate ice cream

Friday, June 13: Picnic in the park with hamburgers and hot dogs with trimmings, potato salad, coleslaw and desserts

Wednesday, June 18: Celebrating Juneteenth: Red beans and rice with andouille sausage, tomato cucumber salad, cheddar jalapeno cornbread and watermelon

Friday, June 20: Cabbage roll, roast sweet potatoes, garden salad and banana cream pudding

Wednesday, June 25: Chicken apple walnut salad, artisan roll and berry crumble

Friday, June 27: Lemon pepper cod, rice pilaf, mixed vegetables, kale citrus salad and fruited Jello

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.

May 3, 4:04 p.m.: Assist citizen cold call on Benson Road.

May 4, 5:52 a.m.: Request for law enforcement on Boundary Bay Road.

May 4, 1:18 p.m.: Traffic stop Tyee Drive.

May 5, 6:15 p.m.: Alarm audible Church Drive.

May 8, 10:01 a.m.: Assist agency on Edwards Drive.

May 8, 7:39 p.m.: Harassment cold call on Gulf Road.

May 9, 10:28 a.m.: Suspicious vehicle cold call on dead end and Wicklow Place.

May 11, 4:19 p.m.: Motor vehicle non-blocking/non-injury on Boundary Bay and APA roads.

May 11, 5:48 p.m.: Assist citizen on Boundary Bay Road.

May 12, 10:28 a.m.: Assist citizen on Boundary Bay Road.

May 14, 3:32 p.m.: Assist citizen on Boundary Bay Road.

May 15, 5:27 a.m.: Assist agency on Peltier Drive.

May 15, 12:37 p.m.: Assist citizen cold call APA Road.

May 16, 11:38 a.m.: Assist agency George Road.

May 16, 9:29 p.m.: Domestic verbal cold call on Julius Drive.

May 17, 12:32 p.m.: Assist citizen cold call on Julius Drive.

May 17, 2:50 p.m.: Suspicious circumstances cold call Monte Drive and Drake Avenue.

May 19, 5:43 p.m.: Assist citizen Windsor Drive.

May 19, 6:22 p.m.: Assist citizen on Windsor Drive.

or email ericksonbrothersgarage@gmail.com

s A semi-Point Roberts team, We’re Getting the Band Back Together, participated in the Ski to Sea race from Mt. Baker to Bellingham Bay on May 25. Matthew Cheesman, cross-country and downhill ski; Tristan Jumeau, run; David Lee, road bike; Elliott Smith / Sebastian Smith, canoe; Linda Finch, cyclocross; Steve Work, kayak. Out of the nearly 500 teams they placed 168th overall and 50th in the Recreation Open division.

Cheering at the finish line: Paul Ferry, Shauna Sylvester, George and Julie Iddon, Rose Hawayek, Emma Biamonte, Kara Smith, and Rose’s guests from Barcelona. Courtesy photo.

Scheduled Meetings/Ongoing Events

Blood Drive: Friday, May 30, 10 to 4 p.m. fire station. Sign up and donate to save a life! Link: bit. ly/4aVqM5T.

PR Amateur Radio Club: Tuesday, June 3, 7 p.m., via Zoom. Link: bit.ly/3yUNk8f.

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 Whatcom County Fire District No. 5, PREP group and Whatcom County Conservation District. Schedule your visit at whatcomcd.org/wildfire or by calling 360/536-2373. Limited appointments available, so sign up early.

PR Park and Recreation: Monday, June 9, at 7 p.m., via Zoom. Info: prparkandrec.org. Link: bit. ly/3UCOvAU.

Friends of the Point Roberts Library: Tuesday, June 10, 3 p.m., library. Open board meeting. Info: foprl1@gmail.com.

Point Roberts Chamber of Commerce membership meeting and social: Tuesday, June 10, 5 p.m., Point Roberts Golf & Country Club. Membership meeting starts at 5 p.m., Bring your great ideas.

Taking new memberships and renewals at the door. Chamber social starts at 6 p.m. Light refreshments served. Cash bar. Please RSVP: info@pointrobertschamberofcommerce.com.

PR Water District: Tuesday, June 11, 5 p.m., 2002 Benson Road. Info: pointrobertswater.com.

Fire District No. 5: Wednesday, June 11, 4 p.m., fire hall and via Zoom. Link: bit.ly/45YUv9U. Info: WCFD5.com.

PR Hospital District: Wednesday, June 11, 7 p.m., via Zoom. Info: bit.ly/3Kw9Ypt.

PR Taxpayers Association: Thursday, June 12, 7 p.m., community center. Info: PRTA@pointroberts. net. “Eat and meet” potluck dinner meeting. Everyone is welcome to join the board of directors by bringing something to share (and one’s own plate and cutlery).

Circle of Care summer concert series: Sundays, June 15, July 6, August 17, 5 p.m. special guest performance, 6 p.m. community potluck dinner, 7 p.m. The Point Band Concert, 525 Boundary Bay Road. Proceeds benefit Point Roberts Circle of Care. Info or RSVP: prcircleofcare@gmail.com.

Point Roberts Book & Movie Discussion Group: Monday, June 16, 2 to 4 p.m., library. Info: wcls.org. Historical Society: Wednesday, June 18, 7 p.m., in the History Center.

PR Community Advisory Committee: Thursday, June 19, 7 p.m., community center and via Zoom. Zoom Link: bit.ly/3S8GCB3. Info: PRCAC.comment@gmail.com.

PR Garden Club: Tuesday, June 24, 7 p.m., member garden visits. Info: info@pointrobertsgardenclub. org

Point Roberts Book Club: Wednesday, June 25, 6–7:30 p.m., Point Roberts Library. Call the library at 360/945-6545 for this month’s selection.

Cemetery District No. 8: Monday, June 30, 5 p.m., community center. Public welcome.

The Flea: Saturdays, June 28, July 5 and 19, August 2 and 30, 10 to 3 p.m., Point Roberts Marina west side. Free to vend and attend. Bring your own table, blanket, sheet or sell out of your trunk! Rsvp to jselvey18@gmail.com.

Kids Summer Camp: Mondays through Wednesdays, Monday, July 1 through Wednesday, July 30. Arts and crafts, outdoor play, field trips and outdoor exploration. Sign up and register now at Prparkandrec.org. Kids Camp Summer jobs: Must be at least 16 years of age. Junior councilor volunteer positions also available for ages 13 through 15. Apply now. Pays $18.50 per hour. Info: Prparkandrec.org or email prparkdistrict@gmail.com.

July 4th Parade: Friday, July 4 at noon. Theme: Celebrate Community, Everybody has a Part. Parade starts from Gulf Road and Marine Drive and goes to Tyee Drive. Sponsored by Point Roberts Chamber of Commerce. Pre-parade Pancake Breakfast at Community Center, 8-11 a.m., sponsored by PREP. Post-parade Encore Event, head to the Pier at the Marina for music, BBQ, games and more. Register for the parade: pointrobertschamberofcommerce.com/july-4th.

Strings & Things: Saturday, July 12, Point Roberts Marina. Tickets on sale now at Stringsandthingsmusicfestival.com. Paper tickets on sale exclusively at Nielson’s Building Center. This year’s festival will feature The Wiskeydicks, The Paperboys, The Living Orchestra, Gabriel Wheaton “The Red Fiddler,” Bordergrass Alliance and Quailebaum.

Septic System Homeowners Training: Saturday, July 19, 10 a.m. to noon, community center. Free training. Registration open now. Homeowner education is required to be eligible for future septic-related rebates. Free class. Register at whatcomcounty.us/1745/ or by calling 360/778-6000.

Ongoing Events and Hours

Paddleboard and Kayaks: Paddleboards are now available at Maple Beach. Kayaks will be available at Lighthouse Park by Saturday, May 31. Visit prparkandrec.org/kayak/ for registration forms.

PRO Earth Survey: Online at proearth1.org. Please take part in our survey to assess interest in a green waste site in Point Roberts. Funded by the Washington State Department of Commerce. Survey is anonymous. PRO Earth is a community nonprofit.

Boundary Bay Roadside Stands: Friday through Sunday through August, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Fresh Farm Eggs on Boundary Bay Road, Ollie Otter Bakery Box on Sunrise Road, and Slow Botanicals Gift Stand on Culp Court.

Craft and Game Night: Tuesdays from 5–7 p.m., Point Roberts Library. Bring a craft to work on or a board game to play.

The Raven: Tuesdays and Thursdays, rides to Bellingham and the surrounding area. To book your ride fill out the form at bit.ly/45PVJFP or call 360/788-9473 or email prtheraven@gmail.com. For more information: bit.ly/3RWrRCa. The Raven will now pick up and drop riders off around the Point on Fridays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., offering flexible stops anywhere on the Point including the grocery store, food bank, post office, clinic, bank, etc. Contact us at Prtheraven@gmail.com or 360/788-9473. 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.

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, community center. From June 7 to August 24, summer hours will be Saturdays, 11 to 4.

Garden ...

From page 10

ing their roots through the landscape cloth into the soil below. Aggressive weeds beneath the landscape cloth will force their way upward through the barrier. Over time, weeds and roots become so embedded in the landscape cloth that the only way to remove them is to remove the cloth itself.

Today’s final tip: the internet-famous homemade weed control spray of salt, vinegar and blue dishwashing soap does not

June Tides

kill weeds, and neither does dousing your weeds with boiling water. Both methods damage the above-ground structure of the plant and may make the plant appear dead or dying, but the plant’s roots are not affected. To kill a plant by spraying its leaves requires applying a systemic weed killer –the toxic chemical stuff from the store –which is absorbed into the plant itself and kills the roots over a one-to-three-week period.

numbers

Fire Incidents for April 2025

Total calls 40: EMS calls 13, resulting in the following transports: St. Joseph Hospital 2, North Whatcom Fire and Rescue 1, Airlift Northwest 3; fire classification 10 resulting in outdoor burn –permit 1, outdoor burn – illegal 2, false alarm 6, smoke investigation 1, animal rescue 1; public service 9; EMS CARES/ MIHC 7; agency assist 1. Clinic numbers not available

Self Storage

s Patrick Kelly.

Patrick “Pat” Kelly

September 23, 1956 – March 17, 2025

Patrick “Pat” Kelly, born Dennis Joseph Kelly on September 23, 1956, passed away peacefully in his sleep on March 17, 2025 – St. Patrick’s Day – at age 68 in Point Roberts, WA.

Born in Detroit, he was adopted at three months old and raised as Patrick Albert Shinkez. In 2003, after genealogical research led him to his birth family, he reclaimed his original surname, Kelly, and was reunited with his birth parents.

Pat lived in Point Roberts since 1991, where he spent years building his home and was well known in the community.

A former lighting technician in the film industry, he later worked as a computer technician for the local water district and spent 15 years as a building inspector for the state of Washington. At the time of his passing, he was working as a boatwright. Pat had a lifelong interest in restoration, especially classic vehicles – a passion inherited from his father, who worked in the auto industry. He also had a deep love for animals and was known for rescuing stray dogs and always kept a canine companion by his side. He was a talker, known for his sharp intelligence and sarcastic sense of humor.

He is survived by his spouse, Paige Adamson, and was preceded in death by

his adoptive parents, Albert and Patricia Shinkez.

A casual gathering to remember Pat will be held on Saturday, May 31 at 1 p.m. at the community center. Snacks and drinks will be provided. Please join us to share stories and memories in an informal, welcoming setting.

Pamela Poirier.

Pamela Poirier

March 19, 2025

Join us for a celebration of life for Pamela Poirier on Saturday, June 28, as we celebrate the extraordinary life of a beloved mother, sister, grandmother, friend, and artist.

The celebration will take place at 11 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Community Church. 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 Pamela Poirier’s vibrant spirit, filled with joy, laughter, and the beautiful memories she created.

Q & A: What is on your summer reading list?

s Don Falk: “I’m reading If Nietzsche Were a Narwhal by Justin Gregg which has sparked some interesting conversations with a philosophical friend. I also found a book called Fatelessness in my mother’s things and by a Hungarian writer named Imre Kertész. The timing was unusual because it was about Auschwitz where my grandmother was murdered, and I just returned from a trip there.”

s Bronwyn Glor: “The Midnight Library by Matt Haig for the book club on June 25 at 6 p.m. at the library. Everyone is invited to join!”

s Margo Getsinger: “I just finished The Light Readers and now I’m reading the Secret Life of Plants. For fiction I will read the Herbalists Secret.”

s Suzanne Rosser: “I’m reading The Celts by Peter Berresford Ellis – one of the leading experts on Celtic history and culture. He has a real talent for making complex research easy to understand. The book explores the Celts’ mysterious origins, early history, and the rich, intricate society they developed.”

Bill and Michele Bennett