All Point Bulletin: November 2025 issue

Hospital district seeks dental option

The Point Roberts Hospital District discussed several new initiatives during its regular monthly meeting on October 8, including efforts to bring a mobile dental clinic to the community and prepare for possible changes in Medicaid coverage.

District superintendent Javid Nouripour announced that he had reached out to a mobile dental clinic to provide services to the residents in Point Roberts. “We’re trying to close that gap in service,” Nouripour said. “We don’t have dental at all here, and it would be nice to have.”

Dr. Sean Bozorgzadeh expressed full support for the idea, saying, “As for the mobile dental clinic, we are fully supportive of that.”

While there is space for a mobile dental unit to park near the Point Roberts Clinic, the parking lot falls under the Fire District’s jurisdiction. Nouripour said he will need to formally request permission from the fire district before the clinic can operate there. “The fire district assured me that it shouldn’t be an issue,” he said, “but it has to go through their official process with a meeting and a resolution.”

In other business, Nouripour shared that he is exploring new funding opportunities through the Rural Health Clinic Association of Washington (RHCAW) to help offset potential losses in Medicaid reimbursement. The RHCAW offers extra financial support to rural clinics that use sliding scale fees to make care more affordable for low-income residents.

“I think a lot of people in the community would qualify under that program, and it could give us more stability without relying directly on the hospital district’s budget,” said Nouripour. “We’re going to see a loss in coverage from that (Medicaid change), and I want to have safety nets in place for those citizens, since they don’t really have anywhere else to go.”

The board also passed a resolution to change its regular meeting date from the second Wednesday of the month to the first Wednesday at 7 p.m. beginning in December.

Point economic development

y P at G ru BB

An engaged but occasionally skeptical crowd attended the October 16 Point Roberts Community Advisory Committee meeting to hear the results of an economic development plan developed by the Maul Foster Alongi consulting firm (MFA).

Port of Bellingham economic development director Tyler Schroeder outlined the plan, listing a detailed report on five strategies: revitalizing the Point Roberts Marina, establishing a resilience hub, addressing broadband access, implementing sewer systems, and promoting economic and environmental sustainability. The report highlighted funding sources, implemen-

tation steps, and community engagement.

Regarding the marina, Schroeder told the audience, “We wanted to show the different scenarios of what the marina could look like. .. maybe a maritime village, or a concept of a Blue economy and a working waterfront.”

Unsurprisingly, the emphasis on the marina received some pushback with one audience member saying, “Why not put all this attention and focus and vision into [the] cannery on Marine Drive instead of trying to buy the marina from the current owners. Good luck.”

Schroeder was realistic about the issues

(See Economic, page 10)

County council works on tort code amendment

com County prosecuting attorney.

Whatcom County Council recently approved county code amendments on tort and damage claims in an effort to close a legal loophole that kept the legislative body from knowing about a $225,000 sexual harassment payout made to a county employee in 2022.

Council’s unanimous vote during its October 7 meeting followed a public hearing on the amendments that drew one person in support. The most significant change to the county code is the establishment of a risk management working group and the addition of a county council member to that group.

The working group will be comprised of the county executive, director of finance, prosecuting attorney, county risk manager and chair of county council’s finance committee or a designated council member. The group will oversee risk management for the county and have a legal framework for notifying county government about legal payouts.

The issue of legal payouts came to the forefront when a Cascade PBS released a report in April 2024 detailing a six-figure payout that former public works director Jon Hutchings received after a county employee made a sexual harassment claim against him. County council found out about the payment the way everyone else did: by reading the news.

Hutchings resigned in October 2022 and the payment was made the following year. The payment was just under the $250,000 threshold for notifying county council and was instead handled through the Washington Counties Risk Pool (WCRP), a group that protects local county governments from onerous lawsuits.

Since the WCRP made the settlement payment, it was considered a “third-party” claim, and council was not notified.

As the legislative branch of county government, Whatcom County Council is supposed to oversee the county’s finances. The previous version of county code 3.05 established that council delegate all authority to settle tort claims to the What-

Former county executive Pete Kremen issued an executive order in 2000 to establish a risk management working group, but the order was never officially added to county code. The new amendment to the code will require the group meet, at minimum, twice per year, and could include additional designees from all arms of county government.

In the 18 months since the Cascade PBS article was released, county government has faced pressure from both constituents and its own workforce to overhaul its HR and financial oversight policies.

A letter signed by dozens of county employees addressed to council in May 2024 stated that the county’s handling of sexual harassment in the workplace, and the matter in which Hutchings was paid without public knowledge, eroded trust in their employers and government.

A September report released by Matrix Consulting group, which the county hired to investigate its internal HR procedures and poll county employees, echoed similar sentiments.

According to the report, 63 percent of respondents said they were dissatisfied with how HR handled complaints, 65 percent said they were dissatisfied with outcomes and thoroughness of HR investigations, and 57 percent were uncomfortable reporting issues to HR.

“Only 43 percent felt comfortable reporting issues without fear of retaliation, with 26 percent explicitly fearful and 31 percent unsure,” the report stated. “Retaliation concerns are more pronounced among non-supervisory staff, temporary staff, and specific demographic groups.”

The next action will be designating a county council member to the working group. The councilmember named would likely be Todd Donovan, chair of the council finance committee. Council tabled a discussion to officially designate a council member.

“This is a stripped-down version [of the tort code amendment], just getting at the [matter of] we get notified and we have a seat at the table when there are risk pool decisions,” Donovan said.

All Point Bulletin

The All Point Bulletin is published each month by Point Roberts Press Inc. and is delivered to homes and businesses in Point Roberts and Tsawwassen.

The opinion expressed by contributors is their own and is offered for the general interest of our readers.

Mail and classified ads should be addressed to:

All Point Bulletin

P.O. Box 1451 Point Roberts WA USA 98281

Publisher & Managing Editor

Patrick J. Grubb

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Louise H. Mugar

Reporter

Erin Kelly

Copy Editor

Aly McGee

Creative Services

Ruth Lauman, Doug De Visser

Advertising Sales

Molly Ernst

Contributors In This Issue

Barbara Bradstock

Kris Lomedico

Martin Pommerenke

Victoria Smith

Administrative Services

Jeanie Luna

Founding Editor

Glennys Christie

Business & Editorial Office

Phone: 360/945-0413

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Visit us online at: www.allpointbulletin.com Printed in Canada • Vol. XL, No. 7

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

Note:

The December issue is published on November 21; ads are due on the 14th.

opinion Letters to the editor

The Editor: Good job, Pastor Ernie!

November 7, 1975, on beautiful Point Roberts, Ed and Jamie Armstrong became man and wife. The simple ceremony, presided over by Reverend Ernie Loreen, was followed by a reception at the home of Ron and Annette Calder.

The happy couple became acquainted the year previous, when Ed, who was busy building the Calder home, decided to take lunch at the Reef Tavern. As fate would have it, Jamie was the cook/waitress that day, and the rest as they say, is history.

After leaving the Point in search of greener pastures (making a living in the construction industry, often requires moving about), the couple resided on Saltspring Island, B.C. (where their daughter and grandkids live today).

Cranbrook, B.C., Blaine, Mill Creek, and Bothell, Washington, Las Vegas, Nevada and now happily retired in Winston, Oregon.

Who’d have thought, 50 years? The betting on the Point in ’75 gave the newlyweds six weeks at best. The Lord apparently had a better idea and so here we are, happy as clams with our cats and a few stray animals who stop by to check the dry chow bowl on the back porch.

Ed and Jamie Armstrong Winston, Oregon

The Editor:

Referring to the letter on this subject from Point Roberts Chamber of Commerce president Wayne Lyle, published in the October issue of the All Point Bulletin and pursuant to a resolution of the Point Roberts Taxpayers Association (PRTA) board of directors, passed unanimously on October 9, 2025:

PRTA endorses and supports fully the requests made by the Point Roberts Chamber of Commerce to enhance the safety and enjoyment of Maple Beach County Park by residents and visitors. The needed improvements include sanitary facilities, trash collection (in particular, dog waste), and increased public parking.

The absence of any sanitary facilities and services at a public park that attracts large numbers of visitors on warm summer days, many with dogs on leash, is intolerable.

We call upon Point Roberts Community Advisory Committee to consider this request for submission to the Whatcom County Executive and Whatcom County Council on behalf of Point Roberts.

On behalf of the board of directors, Mark Robbins, president Point Roberts Taxpayers Association

The Editor:

At our October 9, 2025 meeting, the Point Roberts Taxpayers Association (PRTA) board of directors passed unanimously a motion to thank ASAP Towing for removing the abandoned vehicle on Gulf Road. The following is the text of our letter, sent to ASAP on October 11, 2025, pursuant to that motion:

“It has come to our attention that you have helped our community by coming across two borders each way to pick up and dispose of an abandoned car that had been an irritating annoyance and eyesore on Gulf Road in Point Roberts. We learned that you do not get paid per se for such removals, but reap the rewards, if any, of the fees that may or may not be collected or from sale of the vehicle.

We appreciate that doing this for Point Roberts is much more difficult than other locations in the county. Our deputy sheriff, Trent, has worked with you in effecting this remedy and we greatly appreciate your actions. Knowing that you might actually lose money on this effort, we offered to “pass the hat” on your behalf, but your manager politely deferred. She said that our verbal “thank you” was appreciated and now we’re formalizing that with this big written thank you from Point Roberts! We are sharing this appreciation and acknowledgment of your efforts with our local paper, the All Point Bulletin, and with various community groups. We are also very grateful to our resident sheriff’s deputy, Trent Leach, for his intervention to make this happen.

For the board of directors, Barbara Bradstock, secretary Point Roberts Taxpayers Association

The Editor:

Well, I wouldn’t even board a plane or drive to Seattle to participate in the fanfare of baseball between the Mariners and Blue Jays due to U.S. disturbances. Also, I wouldn’t fly to Toronto either as it is too

darn far and much too expensive! I do sincerely appreciate the concerns facing Point Roberts and its folks. It most certainly looks (and I hear the water sounds in your video) and appears like a wonderful place to call home, perhaps in Canada, (Yay, if its citizens choose to flee the U.S.).

I wonder what President Trump would have to say about that debacle thrown his way? I have viewed news media programming about the financial woes of your “parcel duty-free” border, many decadesof-age store there, predominantly caused by the U.S. tariffs and drastic reductions in travel and tourism between our countries. Well, we Canadians are, also and as usual, in the waiting game to see what our “new” honeymoon-is-over Liberal government actions will be.

Hopefully, we can all respectfully get our prolific acts together and permanently welcome newcomers such as Point Robertans!

Kindest Regards, Lorna Radke

Alberta

The Editor:

As the holiday season approaches, Circle of Care is launching its annual Angel Project – a local giving campaign that offers direct support to Point Roberts residents facing financial hardship.

Last year, 20 households received assistance averaging $75 per household, provided as International Marketplace gift certificates and small cash amounts to cover household essentials.

This year, with rising living costs and potential cuts to programs like food stamps and Medicaid, we anticipate even greater need. To begin the campaign, Circle of Care is seeding the Angel Project with a $1,000 donation. We are inviting the community to help grow it.

Donations can be made by check to Circle of Care, PO Box 597, Point Roberts, WA 98281, or online at prcircleofcare@ gmail.com.

Together, we can make sure no one in Point Roberts faces the winter months alone.

Circle of Care – neighbors helping neighbors, year-round.

Annelle Norman, Point Roberts Circle of Care Point Roberts

Please send letters to editor@allpointbulletin.com

Question of the Month: What is your favorite Thanksgiving side dish?

S “Putting gravy in my Yorkshire pudding!” – Devon Cano

T “Cranberry pecan pie that I’ve been making since my first American Thanksgiving in 1992 in Sebastopol, California.”

Suzanne Pinckston –

Re-purposed cable system could become high speed access to web

Interest was high at an October 14 town hall where Point Roberts resident and former telecommunications executive Bob Hillman presented an update on his plan to revive the community’s long-defunct cable network and bring affordable highspeed internet to local homes.

Hillman is in the process of purchasing the former Delta Cable system, which includes about 33 miles of existing coaxial lines and unused fiber infrastructure. A

majority of homes on the Point retain connection to the defunct cable system. Hillman’s project would modernize the network and connect it to major fiber lines already running through Point Roberts from Seattle and Vancouver. This capacity has never been utilized locally.

The project would cost about $750,000 to connect roughly 750 homes, offering 50 to 100 Mbps service for around $65 per month. Hillman also plans to add small wireless nodes to improve cell service and provide limited free community Wi-Fi.

School board extends superintendent Chaplik’s contract

The Blaine school board unanimously extended interim superintendent Dan Chaplik’s contract, set to end next summer, for another three years during its monthly meeting on October 27. The board also updated the district’s cell phone policy in the middle and high school and the district announced lunch returning to the high school in January.

Chaplik to stay as superintendent

The school board extended Chaplik’s contract through the 2027-28 school year, with an option for the board to opt-out of the contract prior to the final year.

The contract extension comes just a few months after Chaplik began his duties as interim superintendent on July 1. Chaplik replaced previous superintendent Dr. Christopher Granger.

The board will discuss terms for the second and third years of the interim superintendent’s contract in the spring of 2026. Chaplik has made a point to bring a new culture into the school district, one that seems to be noticed by the district directors.

“Frankly, I don’t think healing the community happens in a year,” director Steve Galbraith said. “I think it takes Dan more than a year to get past some stuff, to implement systems which I think need to be implemented, and get the district on a good footing.”

Chaplik, who began his teaching career at Blaine Elementary School 32 years ago, has made efforts to increase enrollment, improve outcomes for students, and repair relationships between the district and Blaine community.

“In looking at the massive amounts of change that has gone on in really key positions, I don’t think that I could, in a year’s time, in fairness to everybody, have everything up to speed,” Chaplik told the board. “Meaning, there’s a lot to learn.”

Within his first few weeks on the job, Chaplik proposed pausing a controversial merger of first through third grade classes from the primary school into the elementary school. The merge was intended to save the cash-strapped district hundreds of thousands of dollars but was widely disliked by staff and parents.

Chaplik said the fallout from the merg-

er would be “brutal,” and said the district needs to do all it can to attract more students.

Director Ryan Swinburnson fought to add an additional opt-out for the 202627 school year, so the district could have more flexibility in the contract, but was voted down 1-3.

“It’s not anything specific to Dan,” Swinburnson said. “It’s simply specific to the situation that our district finds itself. We don’t want to be in a position where the morale and culture boost that we’ve experienced all of a sudden dissipates.”

Chaplik reported to the board that he had already identified $435,000 in revenue the district was missing from oversized K-3 classes. Swinburnson went on to say that morale in the district seems to be improving.

“I spent my first five years here,” Chaplik said. “I’m convinced that Blaine has meaning to me that I don’t think any other school district does.”

Food service to reopen in high school

Chaplik announced that food service in the high school cafeteria will resume starting January 12, 2026.

Both middle and high school students receive school meals from the middle school cafeteria, with the high school cafeteria used as a central kitchen that doesn’t serve food. That change was made by Granger as a cost-saving measure after multiple years of decline in the number of students purchasing school lunches.

In an effort to better control campus, the school is becoming stricter on students who try leaving campus for lunch. Chaplik said that has resulted in roughly 150-200 more meals being served daily.

With more students eating on-campus, Chaplik said the district is claiming nearly $10,000 more a month in food costs, which are picked up by the state.

New cell phone policy enacted

The board unanimously approved a new policy that will require phones to be put away during the regular school day for middle and high school students. The vote comes after Chaplik introduced a more rigid cell phone policy during the September board meeting.

Policy 3245 is similar to ones already enacted in other Whatcom County school districts, and the previous policy hadn’t

been updated since 2017.

The original draft of the policy had required students to turn off their cell phones during school hours, but now the policy requires phones to be put away, not powered off.

“Districts that have implemented these policies and procedures have had good experiences,” Chaplik said. “Students have had better experiences, are engaged with each other and learning, and not with their phones.”

in the Garden

B y V ictoria S mith

By mid-October, you can feel the autumn vibes in the air. Later, with Halloween just a week away, deciduous trees are fully clothed in their jewel-toned splendor, holding onto their leaves until they are shaken free by wind and rain: a few at first, then a pause, and then a few more. Rich golds, persimmon oranges, and deep reds are a feast for the eyes and a balm for the soul, a reminder

that the big dark will soon arrive.

On Halloween, the sun will rise in Point Roberts at 7:58 a.m. and dip below the horizon at 5:52 in the afternoon. Daylight Savings Time ends two short days later, and the November supermoon – known as the Beaver Moon – will grace the evening skies on November 4 and 5. If the skies are clear, the autumn leaves should sparkle before and after the early sunset at 4:45 p.m. Smores and cider around a blazing fire, indoors or out, would be a cozy way to celebrate the season.

In our corner of the Pacific Northwest, the earth grows quiet in November. The

signs are all around us: the geese have flown south, the hungry deer and eagles are seen more often, and summer gardens turn to bare branches, decaying plants, and hollow stalks where insects make their winter homes. November is primetime for gathering colorful leaves and fallen branches to cover and feed our soil, and to use for crafts and home décor.

Autumn walks, in the woods or along the streets, are good for our minds and souls, as well as our waistlines. A five minute outdoor walk – even in your own backyard –can improve your mood, refresh your mind, and lower your blood pressure. Put on your

gloves and grab a pair of scissors or garden snips when you head outdoors and collect whatever strikes your fancy to create a seasonal bouquet, wreath, swag, or centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table.

You’ll find sprays of leaves and shrubbery, rose hips, forest greenery, pinecones, dried fern fronds and hydrangea flowers, sticks and twigs, and much more. Evergreens and herbs like sage and rosemary add a lovely scent to your arrangements. Use whatever you have as a vase: empty soup cans can be placed inside a flowerpot or pumpkin shell; they also look lovely wrapped in brown paper or fabric and secured with a ribbon, string or rubber band.

Would you like to add easy to grow flowers to your yard? There are dozens of plants that can be started this month by simply scattering their seeds on top of the soil. Here’s a partial list of flowering plants – annuals as well as perennials – known to reseed themselves year after year: poppies, marigolds, daisies, cosmos, yarrow, lupin, verbascum, larkspur, coneflowers, black-and brown-eyed Susans, feverfew, hollyhocks and foxglove.

Not every seed will germinate, so be generous when seeding. No soil prep is needed and the seeds do not need to be covered, though leaves or fallen branches can hold the seeds in place to keep them safe from hungry birds and help to keep weeds from sprouting over winter.

Scattered seeds may sprout quickly or not until warmer weather arrives. Let whatever plants come up grow until they’re large enough to distinguish desirable seedlings from weeds, which may not be obvious until plants begin to flower. When removing weeds, pull gently or snip them off at soil level.

I’m happily planning next year’s gardens, reviewing my notes and photos and deciding what should be removed (because I didn’t love it or it didn’t perform well) to make space for new additions. I order many of my

(See Garden, page 9)

Garden ...

From page 8

seeds and starter plants online, always looking for disease-resistant varieties that will thrive in our local climate and conditions.

I buy flower, vegetable and herb seeds from Johnny’s Seeds, Renees Gardens, and Botanical Interests. I source bulbs, tubers, and perennial starter plants from Easy To Grow Seeds, Bluestone Perennials, and local/regional flower farmers. I buy seeds in person from Nielsons, West Coast Seeds, Walmart in Canada and Bellingham, and local garden centers on both sides of the border. There are restrictions on which seeds can be purchased in Canada, so be sure to ask at the border.

If you’d like to increase your gardening knowledge, this is a great time of year to start. There are excellent free gardening workshops offered in person on the mainland in Blaine (nwcore.org/), at Earthwise Gardens in Tsawwassen (earthwisesociety. bc.ca/events/). A wide variety of classes, activities, and resources are available via the Whatcom County Master Gardeners and Extension Office website (extension. wsu.edu/whatcom/). There are also dozens of online gardening videos from the 10 Minute University site the OSU Master Gardener Program (clackamascountymastergardeners.org/10-minute-university/ videos/).

Have a bountiful November!

CrossinGs >>>

Crossings for August 2025 (2024 figures following): August: Personal vehicles 59,078 (73,944); pedestrian 660 (1,210); buses 6 (14); Trucks 666 (643).

Bernd sentenced; Archer mistrial

years old.

Point Roberts resident Morgan Bernd, 55, was found guilty and sentenced to 61 months in prison for three counts of possession of depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct in the first degree. Bernd was arrested on October 30, 2024 after Microsoft reported suspicious uploads to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. After obtaining search warrants for both subscriber information from Whidbey Telecom and Bernd’s residence, sheriff’s deputies arrested Bernd during a traffic stop.

The Affidavit of Probable Cause (AFC) states that during the arrest, Bernd admitted to viewing child sexual abuse material daily. He acknowledged knowing the subjects were underage, reportedly stating, “You can tell.”

He originally faced 19 charges but this was amended to the three charges listed above. Investigators found thousands of images depicting graphic sexual activity involving minors, some as young as three

Judge Lee Grochmal agreed with the prosecutor’s sentencing recommendation of just over five years in prison, followed by three years’ community custody. He will undergo sexual deviancy treatment in prison and must register as a sex offender along with prohibitions against possessing devices capable of accessing the web or being around minors.

Archer mistrial

According to the Whatcom County Superior Court clerk, the trial against Jason Archer of Point Roberts ended in a mistrial and will need to be re-heard. No reason was given. Archer, 60, was on trial for child molestation in the 2nd degree, a Class B felony. The penalties include:

With no prior criminal history, the standard sentencing range is 15-20 months in prison but Class B felonies carry a maximum of up to ten years in state prison

Inmates can earn 33 percent good time credit

Fines up to $20,000

Mandatory registration as a sex offender for 15 years.

Mandatory registration as a sex offender for 15 years

Judge Evan Jones had issued instructions to the jury on October 27 and the mistrial was declared after that.

Economic ...

From page 1

facing the Point, for example, saying, “It was hard to do an economic development study and not identify the need for broadband. Without access to broadband, economic development will continue to be fairly hard in this location.”

“The existing sewer system places significant limitation on commercial and residential development. We analyzed three alternatives: a community drain field, a private or public system, and a centralized sewer system,” he said. Allison Calder expressed doubt on the cost estimates for the sewer alternatives, describing them as “significantly under estimated.”

The takeaway from the meeting appeared to be; 1. Infrastructure is critical –broadband, sewer systems and marina development are essential to future growth; 2. Community input matters – every strategy discussed emphasized the need for local residents’ vision and participation, and; 3. Funding is both an opportunity and a challenge. There is money out there but securing it requires detailed planning.

In an interview with the All Point Bulletin on October 30, Schroeder was asked how this economic plan would be different from every other plan collecting dust on an office shelf somewhere.

“What I was actually really excited about was the implementation charts that

came out of the work, because that should really give a road map for the PRCAC, for the Chamber, for other members in Point Roberts to kind of think, okay, I connect with this strategy, how and what’s the next step for us to do it as a community, and who at the county or the port or CERB has funding? How do we take that next step and move some momentum along?”

He specifically cited the Maple Beach project as a potential first step, saying: “I think if we could focus on that project, we could show the momentum that’s associated with it.” He noted that county parks director Bennett Knox had attended a meeting to discuss Maple Beach and said it could be the project that moves the report forward, but also “moves the community seeing a project get executed.”

Specifically, he suggested the Maple Beach project could be part of a broader multimodal strategy, saying they could use it to develop “a Point Roberts multimodal strategy that is cars, people, bikes, and others in the whole area.” He saw it as a potential first step in creating infrastructure for pedestrians, bikes, and potentially even horses, noting they had heard about the number of horses in Point Roberts that currently use road systems.

Maple Beach has been a subject of interest recently after the chamber of commerce and taxpayers association called on the county to make needed infrastructure improvements to the county park such as washrooms and parking.

ChurCh news

B y m artin P omm E r E n KE

Christians today sing a famous song from the Gospel of Luke.

It’s the song of St. Mary, the mother of Jesus, and it’s a subversive song.

It starts, “My soul magnifies the Lord.” Towards the end of it, she sings, “he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and has lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty.”

So, we practice a subversive hope when we pray for Christ to come again. Subversive hope resists capitulation or resignation to demagoguery. We live it out when we work – in peace – towards a future in which the rulers and the rich are brought to account.

It’s not just this song that’s subversive. The Gospel of Luke reminds us at every turn of the page that God is in the business of turning the world upside down. God is always at work, empowering the poor, the outcast, the alien, and turning down the dial on earthly authorities.

Indeed, Christians confess that Jesus is coming again to judge the living and the dead. One of the Christian hymns we sing in December proclaims, “every eye shall now behold him, robed in dreadful majesty.” We quote St. Paul when we sing, “At the name of Jesus, every knee shall bow.”

No matter what political party, no matter the title – of Prime Minister, President, or King – every ruler is subject to God’s authority, every ruler is subject to King Jesus.

The Christian hope is, at the end of it all, the almighty love of Christ the King will save us from the evil we’re doing to ourselves and one another.

We practice this hope when we align ourselves with God’s agenda of bringing the marginalized to the center. God works through our hands when we use them to turn the tables on the systems of injustice.

When it feels like we’re reeling from the horrors afflicting our common life, let’s not lose hope. Let’s not despair. Let’s not lose sight of a deliverance that is unseen but always on its way.

Subversive hope burns in us when we remember that God is at work in everything and in every place to bring about God’s future. It fires us to become emissaries of King Jesus’ hope now.

Those of us who have been given the blessings of worldly power can use it to join God’s mission. Even if we’re only doing a small thing, we can yet do a hopeful thing. We can make a difference.

History is moving towards God’s goal: towards justice. The question is whether we’ll take God’s side – with the poor, the outcast and the alien – or whether we’ll side with the presidents, politicians and princes who demonize them.

Shower with a friend!

The Point Roberts Water District has adopted new state-mandated water efficiency goals, reaffirming its commitment to conservation and acknowledging the community’s limited water supply.

At its October 14 meeting, district manager Wesley Hubbard said Washington requires utilities to update efficiency goals every six years.

The new targets aim to keep system leakage below 10 percent and average household use under 85 gallons per day per Equivalent Residential Unit, or ERU, which represents the typical water use of one home.

The district’s previous goal, set in 2010, was to reduce household use from 111 gallons to 95 per day. That target has been exceeded, with current averages near 80 gallons.

During the pandemic, water use dropped

sharply to around 60 gallons per day as part-time residents and visitors stayed away. Before COVID, usage averaged in the mid-90s. While consumption has since risen somewhat, it remains lower than before the pandemic due to lasting conservation habits and fewer cross-border visitors.

Hubbard said the district continues working to keep leakage under 10 percent, noting that aging meters and underground leaks have caused occasional increases. Replacement projects are underway to bring the system’s three-year average below that threshold.

Point Roberts’ water comes from the Greater Vancouver Water District under a fixed daily allocation. With about 2,500 of 2,953 permitted connections already in use, the system cannot serve every undeveloped lot.

The updated goals will be submitted to the Washington State Department of Health later this year.

Apple Harvest Fest lookback

Meanwhile, in the community center

CAP Community Toy store registration to open November 1

Registration opens Saturday, November 1 for the Community Assistance Program’s (CAP) Community Toy Store.

The program offers new toys and gift cards at a markdown of about 80 percent that will be displayed in a store-like manner. Pre-registration is required and will be open through Sunday, November 30. To register, go to blainecap.org.

Families are eligible to register who live in the Blaine school district, meet the income guidelines for free or reduced lunch and are not receiving other forms of gift assistance.

will have 25 percent of their sale donated to the program. The fundraiser will take place at the Blaine location at 1733 H Street, suite 200, and is hosted on World Children’s Day.

CAP provides resources to families with additional financial needs in the Blaine, Birch Bay, Custer and Point Roberts communities.

This year’s Apple Harvest Festival, once again organized by Annelle Norman, filled Point Roberts with joy, music, and the scent of fresh cider. What began as a small neighborhood celebration now brings hundreds of neighbors and visitors together annually, while raising funds for Point Roberts Circle of Care.

Festivalgoers enjoyed live music, apple-pressing, games, and the ever-popular apple pies and baked goods. Thanks to our wonderful volunteers who baked and hauled apples, set up, staffed booths, and cleaned up.

The festival started with bingo on Friday night. Amanda and Holly Parsons organized the bingo evening. Amanda and Kai called bingo numbers. We had lots of visitors from across the border, some of whom came in fun, whacky Bingo costumes. Marketplace gift certificates, cash and fun prizes were awarded to winners. Shauna Sylvester sold 50/50 tickets. Beth Calder generously donated her winnings back to Circle of Care.

Saturday and Sunday the community came out in droves bringing bushels and bushels of apples to press hundreds of gallons of fragrant, delicious, apple juice. Families, kids, grandparents, and neighbors were supported by team leader, Dr. Donna McLachlan and her band of amazing, hardworking volunteers.

Saturday morning began with The Border Cruisers classic car show organized by Cheryl Zeve and a photo shoot of lovely ladies in vintage costumes coordinated by Savilla Kress.

Jen Kurtz and Patricia Johns sold delicious baked goods, created and donated by local bakers. Kathleen Pierce of Ollie Otter Bakery donated an Apple Spice Pecan cake for a raffle and Ingrid Johnson was the winner!

The community center was transformed into a psychedelic hippy den for Sunday evening’s dance concert/costume party. Contractor Andy Leaf sent a team of workers to help volunteers decorate. The Point Band provided hippy-era music for dancers. Bill Zidell manned the door and greeted partygoers, selling tickets and making jokes. There were fabulous door prizes thanks to Nielson’s Hardware, Kora’s Corner, Tia Maria, and Larry’s Liquor Locker. Maureen Kirwin and Holly Robinson sold 50/50 tickets and Circle of Care board members and volunteers staffed the bar.

The weekend raised over $3,000 for Circle of Care. Those funds will support The Angel Project, the Durable Medical Equipment loan program, pay insurance costs and defray other expenses.

Circle of Care extends heartfelt thanks to every volunteer, donor and neighbor who made this year’s event possible. You are the roots and branches of this growing tradition.

(Special thanks and kudos to Point Roberts Park and Recreation’s Dee Gough and Allison Calder who restored the community center to the clean, tidy space that we all enjoy so much.)

Plans are already underway for next year’s festival, and we invite new volunteers to join the fun! To get involved, contact us at prcircleofcare@gmail.com.

The toy store will take place 6-8:30 p.m. Thursday, December 11 and Friday, December 12 and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, December 13 at Christian Way Community Church, 1733 H Street, suite 260, in the Blaine International Plaza.

On Thursday, November 20, Westside Pizza will host a fundraiser, and those who order using the code “Blaine Toy Store”

The program runs on community donations, with many ways to donate. Those who purchase toys to donate from Launching Success Learning Store in Bellingham are eligible for 15 percent off their purchase. A wish list is available on Amazon, and monetary donations are also accepted, with proceeds going to nonprofits in the community. Donation information can be found at blainecap.org.

Cash is the only accepted form of payment. People who require additional financial assistance may apply for vouchers after registering at blainecap.org.

Those unable to register online may call 530/828-5195.

Man dies in CBP custody after Peace Arch incident

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recently announced that a U.S. citizen died last month after being apprehended for driving the wrong way at the Peace Arch border crossing and running from officers. The man likely died due to a major artery blockage.

CBP detailed the following account in an October 23 press release.

An unnamed U.S. citizen was driving a white Mercedes Benz the wrong way on a southbound exit ramp at the Peace Arch border crossing in Blaine at 10:13 p.m. on September 20. The driver crashed into a curb, stopping in grass south of the primary lane booths, before running north toward the primary lanes. A Glock 26 handgun fell from his waist. Cocaine, marijuana, ketamine and a THC vape was later found on him.

A CBP officer called 911, while other officers requested the man surrender. The man, who wasn’t complying, was taken into custody after falling. Officers handcuffed him in front of his body as well as put leg restraints on him.

At 10:25 p.m., just over 10 minutes after the incident began, the officers moved the man, who they placed in a wheelchair, to a secondary area.

At 10:30 p.m., the officers laid the man on his side atop of a mat in the secondary area. Officers tried to wake him and called 911 again after he didn’t respond. An officer assessing the man could not find a pulse and began chest compressions before using an automated external defibrillator a minute later.

At 10:42 p.m., Whatcom County EMS arrived and attempted to save the man’s life until pronouncing him dead at 11:11 p.m.

The Whatcom County Medical Examiner’s Office conducted an autopsy on September 22 that had preliminary results showing the man had a major artery blockage. The toxicology report and official findings will be released when the report is complete.

The CBP Office of Professional Responsibility is reviewing the incident and has notified the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General. B y G rac E m c c arthy

numbers

Fire Incidents for September 2025

Total calls 29: EMS calls 10, resulting in the following transports: Airlift Northwest/LifeFlight 2, Saint Joseph Hospital 2, county medic 1; fire classification 7 resulting in outdoor burn –permit 1, outdoor burn – illegal 2, false alarm 3, power lines down 1; public service 2; EMS CARES/MIHC 10. Clinic numbers for September 2025 (2024 figures following) Total 179 (168); office visit 139 (127); labs 20 (2); PT/INR 0 (7); telemedicine visits 20 (13); Physical exams 0 (0); skin clinic 0 (9); B12 and flu shots 0 (10).

Coming up ...

Scheduled Meetings/Ongoing Events

Third annual Spooktacular Halloween: Friday, October 31, 5 to 7 p.m., community enter. Sponsored by Nielson’s Building Center. Trick or treating and Halloween Party. Halloween Party: Friday, October 31, 7 p.m., at Pier Restaurant at marina. Music, dancing and a costume contest.

Point Roberts Pickleball Committee: Monday, November 3. Public meetings via zoom. Contact melanieosmack@gmail.com for the meeting link.

PR Park and Recreation: Tuesday, November 4, at 7 p.m., via Zoom. Info: prparkandrec.org. Link: bit.ly/3UCOvAU.

PR Amateur Radio Club: Tuesday, November 4, 7 p.m., at the community center.

PR Book Club: Wednesdays, November 5 and December 3, 6 p.m., PR Library. For this month’s title, call 360/945-6545. Info: wcls.org.

Point Roberts Registered Voters Association AGM and Preliminary Election Results: Thursday, November 6, 7 p.m., community enter. Agenda - preliminary election results voter turnout numbers and election of new directors for the coming year. Everyone welcome. Coffee, tea and snacks provided.

PR Water District: Monday, November 10, 5 p.m., 2002 Benson Road. Info: pointrobertswater.com.

Fire District No. 5: Wednesday, November 12, 4 p.m., fire hall and via Zoom. Link: bit. ly/45YUv9U. Info: WCFD5.com.

PR Hospital District: Wednesday, November 12, 7 p.m., via Zoom. Info: bit.ly/3Kw9Ypt.

Point Roberts Chamber of Commerce AGM and Social: Thursday, November 13, 5:30 p.m., Pier Restaurant, 713 Simundson Drive. Join us for an informative and fun evening. Learn about the chamber of commerce and plans for 2026. Refreshments will be served. RSVP by Monday, November 10. Info: info@pointrobertschamberofcommerce.com.

PR Taxpayers Association: Thursday, November 13, 7 p.m., via zoom. Info: PRTA@pointroberts.net. Link: bit.ly/3EWEysY. Topic: PRTA Meeting.

Ceremonial Dedication: David Ho, Sunday, November 16, 1 p.m., firehall, 2030 Benson Road. Whatcom County Fire District 5 dedicates a new search drone in honor of David Ho. The fire district and David Ho’s family invite you to join us at this event.

Point Roberts Book & Movie Discussion Group: Monday, November 17, 2 to 4 p.m., library. Info: wcls.org.

Drawing From Memory: Creating a Memory Map: Tuesday, November 18, 1 to 2 p.m., PR Library meeting room. Adult event. Space limited; registration required. Info: wcls.org

Point Roberts All About Owls: Wednesday, November 19, 3 to 4 p.m., PR Library meeting room. Age Kids. Teen Corps volunteers needed from 2:45 to 4:15 p.m. Learn all about owls and what you can do to protect them.

Historical Society: Wednesday, November 19, 7 p.m., in the History Center.

PR Community Advisory Committee: Thursday, November 20, 7 p.m., community center and via Zoom. Zoom Link: bit.ly/3S8GCB3. Info: PRCAC.comment@gmail.com.

Cemetery District No. 8: Monday, November 24, 5 p.m., community center. Public welcome.

Roadside stands: Friday, November 28, Saturdays, November 29, December 6, 13 and 20, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Slow Botanicals will be on Culp Court and Ollie Otter Bakery Box on Sunrise Drive. Handmade soap, skincare, lavender wands, gift baskets, fresh-baked goods, baking mixes.

PR Seniors Association board meeting: Wednesday, December 10, 12:30 p.m., The Commons at the community center. Open to all. Ongoing Events and Hours

Dollars for Scholars: Through November. Donate to support Point Roberts Dollars for Scholars. Send checks to Point Roberts Dollars for Scholars, P.O. Box 1354, Point Roberts, WA 98281; donate at Columbia Bank under Dollars for Scholars; or donate with AmazonSmile, which will donate .5 percent of the price of eligible purchases - select Scholarship America, Point Roberts, WA; or donate online at Pointroberts.dollarsforscholars.org.

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 go to bit.ly/45PVJFP or call 360/788-9473 or email prtheraven@gmail.com. prtheraven.com.

Point Roberts Walkers: Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 8 a.m., Saturdays at Lily Point. Tuesdays and Thursdays vary, and locations can be found at prwalkers.wordpress.com.

Point Roberts Storytime: Wednesdays, 10:30 to 11 a.m., library. Ages 2-6. Seniors and More Lunches: Wednesdays and Fridays, community center. 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. Holiday Hours: Friday, November 28, noon to 3 p.m., Saturdays, November 29 through December 20, 11 to 4 p.m., Point Roberts Eagles Club: Sundays, 1 to 3 p.m., community center. Parent attendance mandatory. Weekly educational activities for kids aged 5 to 11. Info: pointrobertseaglesclub@ gmail.com.

Point Roberts Clinic Hours: Primary care provider schedule: Dr. Lary: Thursdays, 9 to 5 p.m.; Dr. Sean: Mondays and Tuesdays, 9 to 5 p.m.; Doreen (RN): Thursdays, 9 to 3 p.m.; Sara (RN): Fridays, 9 to 3 p.m. Thursday and Friday hours vary with nurse availability. Appointment needed. Urgent care can be accessed through telemedicine or at the clinic Monday – Saturday 10 – 6 p.m., Sundays 10 – 4 p.m. Always call for an appointment before coming in, even for urgent care services. Info: 360/945-2580.

sheriff’s report

October 2, 1:25 p.m.: Subject stop on Tyee Drive.

October 2, 2:43 p.m.: Assist citizen cold call on Benson Drive.

October 2, 4:29 p.m.: Noise on Anderson Street.

October 3, 9:20 a.m.: Vehicle

abandoned cold call on Gulf Road and Tyee Drive.

October 3, 12:51 p.m.: Follow up on Gulf Road.

October 5, 2:19 a.m.: Motor vehicle accident non bocking/non injury on Tyee Drive.

October 5, 2:53 a.m.: Motor vehicle accident injury on Tyee Drive. One Arrest for Traffic, accident, reportable; traffic, DUI alcohol.

October 6, 12:26 p.m.: Alarm audible on Tyee Drive.

October 7, 1:45 p.m.: Fraud cold call on S Beach Road.

October 8, 3:24 p.m.: Assist agency on Tyee Drive.

October 8, 4:21 p.m.: Trespass on Cliff Road.

October 9, 1:28 p.m.: Serve papers on Island View Lane.

October 9, 5:54 p.m.: Serve papers on Island View Lane.

October 9, 8:02 p.m.: Welfare check on Holiday Lane.

October 10, 11:22 p.m.: Alarm audible on Gulf Road.

October 12, 2:11 a.m.: Alarm audible on Tyee Drive.

October 15, 9:43 p.m.: Civil problem cold call on Gulf View Crest.

October 16, 1:16 p.m.: Fraud cold call on Whalen Drive.

October 17, 11:20 a.m.: Theft cold call on Monte Drive and Wellington Drive.

October 17, 6:31 p.m.: Assist citizen on Boundary Bay Road.

October 18, 9:47 a.m.: Assist citizen cold call on Boundary Bay Road.

October 18, 5:58 p.m.: Suspicious circumstances on S Beach Road.

October 19, 3:43 a.m.: Assist citizen on Boundary Bay Road.

October 19, 2:46 p.m.: Assault simple cold call on Panorama Drive.

October 23, 2:15 p.m.: Suspicious circumstances cold call on Tyee Drive.

October 23, 3:03 p.m.: Suspicious circumstances cold call on Johnson Road.

October 23, 10:44 p.m.: Assist citizen on Tyee Drive.

October 25, 12;57 a.m.: Assist citizen on Boundary Bay Road.

SNAP update!

For those people who depend on SNAP (food assistance) benefits, please know that the Point Roberts Food Bank is here to help.

In addition to our regular distribution on Fridays and Outdoor Food Pantry, we can offer additional support if needed.

You can talk to a volunteer on Friday, call 360/945-2066, or email pointrobertsfoodbank@gmail.com. The Food Bank will be open as usual on Fridays from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the community center, 1437 Gulf Road.

senior’s point

m E nu S for n o VE m BE r

Wednesday, November 5: Cheese omelet, hashbrowns, bacon, croissant and dessert

Friday, November 7: Gyros on pita, tzatziki sauce, chips, salad and dessert

Wednesday, November 12: Pizza casserole with rotini pasta and pepperoni, garlic bread, salad and dessert

Friday, November 14: Stuffed green peppers, Cole slaw and dessert

Wednesday, November 19: Sloppy joe sandwich, French fries, salad and dessert

Friday, November 21: Thanksgiving lunch (dine-in only): Turkey with all the trimmings and pumpkin pie

Wednesday, November 26: Chef’s choice

Yacht Sales–Power and Sail Service

Friday, November 28: Baked Salmon, rice, mixed vegetables and dessert Lunches are served in the dining room at the community center from 11:45 a.m.–12:30 p.m. or until food runs out. Contact prseniors@whidbey. com or call 360/945-5424 for more info.

Library piCks

K ri S lom E dico

Bestsellers:

Hotel Ukraine Martin Cruz Smith

The Academy Elin Hildebrand

A Dead Draw Robert Dugoni

The Compound Aisling Rawle

Movies:

Mission Impossible: Final Reckoning Tom Cruise

The Friend Naomi Watts

Brad Pitt

F1

Rule Breakers Nikohl Boosheri

Music:

Saving Grace Robert Plant

Imagine That Patsy Cline

The Prestige Albums Sonny Rollins

Moisturizer Wet Leg

Teens:

Catching Fire: Illustrated Suzanne Collins

Fake Skating Lynn Painter

Wrath Marcus Sedgwick

Kids:

Secrets of the Purple Pearl Kate McKinnon

Busted Dan Gemeinhart

Spoops AJ LoCascio

Hours: Tuesdays 1-7 p.m.

Wednesdays and Saturdays 10-5 p.m.

Express Library: 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily wcls.org

$80,000 VAULT OF FORTUNE

SATURDAYS

6:00pm - 9:00pm

$500

(1 Hourly Winner)

$500 - $5,000 in Prizes (1 Hourly Winner)

COMING TO THE EVENT CENTER

QUEEN