LETTERS TO THE EDITOR


The Editor:
I have noticed donations are being asked to complete the Wellness Clinic proposed to be built at the Point Roberts firehall. This adds to my confusion.
When I heard of the proposal to have a Wellness Clinic here, I approached members of the Pioneer Group to offer space in a building I own. I was provided with specifications required for the facility. In a meeting with the representatives of the committee, I agreed to provide 1,800 square feet of space and to accomplish the remodeling at my expense. The committee was to oversee this project. I offered to lease this space for a 10-year period at a monthly rental fee of $1,045.
I can’t help but wonder why the committee decided to spend time and money involved in providing a smaller space at the firehall and pay a larger monthly rental of $1,800 and pay for the remodeling of a 1,000 square foot portion of the firehall.
I have heard this decision justified by allegations that my building has mold and mildew. An inspection of the property by members of the Pioneer Group verified this was not true.
My question is why are both public and private funds being spent to provide less space for more money? Under the terms of my proposal, it would appear there might not be a need for solicitation of more money to get the program started.
Sam Miller
Point Roberts

The Editor:
The Point Roberts senior activity center would like to thank the Point Roberts Marina Club for their recent generous donation. This show of community support for our programs was heartening and very much appreciated.
Armene Belless
Point Roberts

The Editor:
What a wonderful Saturday I had at Point Roberts on February 8! I wish heartily to thank the Friends of the Library for inviting me to a gourmet dinner at Brewster’s Restaurant, followed by an invitation to present an address on my book, Point Roberts, USA. Special thanks go to Davea and John Fisher who made careful preparations that included beautiful printed programs, introductions, transportation, and (how could I forget!) a strawberry milkshake reminiscent of the first one I ever had when my parents took me to a cheery south beach café at Point Roberts in 1940.
Point Roberts is rare! It was a delight to deliver my speech to a large audience at the community center. I dare say an attendance of such size ­ not to mention its great warmth ­ would never have appeared elsewhere in Whatcom County. The discussion period that followed my talk was invigorating. I was delighted at the enthusiastic participation of my listeners. Values that belonged to an earlier day are preserved at Point Roberts, and that’s why I felt the human touch that so warmly welcomes me there. Those hugs and laughter made my day!
Although the population of Point Roberts has grown since my book was published back in 1980, that wonderful spirit of friendship remains in the community, and I thrive on it. My visit will be long cherished; such hospitality turned me into a happy old man!
Richard E. Clark
Blaine

The Editor:
Mr. Campin taught geometry, physics and chemistry when I was in high school. Unfortunately, in the 40s girls didn’t often choose to take these challenging classes, so I didn’t have the opportunity to have him as a teacher. Girls in those days studied home economics and music as electives. At least I did.
In my senior year, I had the privilege of working in his office one hour each day. It was called “office practice” and we got credit for it. It was a wonderful experience and he and I became great friends. One clear, cold day in January, I skipped school to go ice skating on a pond here on the Point. For punishment he had me sew the curtains for the stage in the gym. He could dole out punishment with a smile on his face. He was always smiling. Another time all the Point Roberts kids decided to skip school and have a picnic. That time, he wasn’t too pleased and we all had to stay in at noon recess for a week. The worst part was, he said to me, “I didn’t think Point Roberts kids would do that.” I felt really sad that we had disappointed him. And it was my idea.
It always amazed me that both Reg and his wife, Vivian, came to all of our class reunions and remembered each of us and made us each feel special to them. They were a very special couple. My heartfelt sympathy and prayers and love go out to Vivian.
Sylvia Thorstenson Schonberg
Point Roberts
Editorial Note: Reg Campin passed away February 13.

The Editor:
Always there With a smile ready to listen Read to advise, admonish, correct Always there with a happy greeting “So glad to see you” “How are you doing?” “Are you still singing?” Always there Your face and signature And added witticism in My Blaine high school yearbook After all these years The happy memories of Mr. Campin Always there.
Joan Thorstenson Linde
Point Roberts

The Editor:
Looking back over the more than 50 years that I have known Reg Campin, both as my high school principal and my friend, I can only say that he was a wonderful role model for my generation. As a principal, he was fair but firm. Fortunately, he kept me on the right track in high school and I will be forever be grateful for that. He gave of himself to his students and to the community. I will always remember him as a friend and supporter, not only in school but through all these many years.
Bob Thorstenson
Point Roberts

The Editor:
The Campins were very much a couple. They always attended the school proms. Once, at a prom, I mentioned to another faculty member how beautifully they glided over the dance floor. He said that happens when couples have been dancing together for many years. Later, I learned that they loved waltzing together. As a teenager, this really impressed me.
Through the years, I have always run into them together. In many ways, their love and support for each other made them a special couple.
Micky Durnan Voegtlin
Point Roberts

The Editor:
Two years ago Point Roberts opened a chapter of Dollars for Scholars, a non-profit volunteer organization that provides local students with financial and academic assistance to help them pursue higher education at a university or technical school.
This month we are beginning our annual drive by going to the community to ask for funds. Our first year we awarded $6,500 to Point Roberts students. Our second year we raised $10,000 to award 15 scholarships.
We’re very proud of our first efforts, but know that we will have more demands made of us this year as we anticipate even more applications. Our scholarships are awarded only to Point Roberts individuals: graduating high school students, on-going college students, adults returning to college, and students in high school or grade school planning to attend educational enrichment programs.
We’ve enjoyed a fine beginning and hope that this year we’ll be able to help even more students. The Blaine high school class of 2003 boasts seven Point Roberts grads: Annalise Coe, Celeste Fraser, Wes Hubbard, Rhyan Lopez, Danielle Petrucci, Shanna Seley and Neal Teutsch. In addition we expect to have applications from three ongoing college students and several adults wishing to return to school.
We’re excited about the possibilities this program offers to encourage individuals to further their education. In order to succeed we need your help. Your tax-free donation will be gratefully accepted. Please mail a check today to: Dollars for Scholars, P.O. Box 2168, Point Roberts, WA 98281.
Davea Fisher
Vice-president, Dollars for Scholars
Point Roberts

The Editor:
Judging from last month’s letter to your paper, it appears that Ron Calder has finally learned the difference between sophomoric namecalling and actionable libel. I’ll take partial credit for having played a part in teaching Ron the relationship between opening your mouth and opening your wallet, but I hope your paper also recognizes Ron’s value as a de facto guest columnist. His rants are often entertaining ­ who ever said Canadians have no sense of humor?
I don’t intend to turn your letters section into a Lesow vs. Calder screedfest, but Ron’s endless and hypocritical op ed vendetta against the fire district needs some balance.
Ron was your most enthusiastic cheerleader when you recently reported that parties of record were not notified of a special fire district meeting to replace fire commissioner John Fisher ­ a violation of the Open Meetings Act. But according to a lengthy editorial in the All Point Bulletin a few years back, commissioners Calder and Rosenthal did exactly the same thing ­ they appointed Ted Lands to the water board without notifying parties of record ­ an identical violation of the same Open Meetings Act. Ron’s response at the time was typical; attack the press and deny everything.
The sad fact is that, historically, our water and fire districts were well known to state and county authorities ­ not for their record of excellence, but for corruption and ignorance of basic rules and regulations. Syd Wallace’s water board and Dave Gellatly’s fire district are prominent examples.
I don’t agree with some of the recent actions at the fire district. But I would rather have honest men making honest mistakes and trying to correct them than return to the old days of local misfits making bad decisions and then trying to cover them up. Ignorant fools who, to this day, deny they ever did anything wrong.
John Lesow
Point Roberts

The Editor:
For the last year and half, my husband and I have been planning a move to Point Roberts. Therefore, I have been staying informed on events in the area. I am an author of children’s books and a part-time teacher at a necessary small K-12 school in rural northern California. Previously, I was a school board member for our district, which has two small K-12 schools.
Point Roberts expanding their school to include more grades caught my attention. I am a very strong proponent of local schools. The school is the heart of the community. With creative financing and a devoted staff, much is possible. Whale Gulch School has 36 K-12 students. Whale Gulch has three part-time certificated teachers for science, math, English and social studies in the 13 student secondary school. We also have a physical education, art, and music teacher. However, elective choices are limited for students and there is no sports program.
Leggett is larger, with a 78 total student population. It has certificated teachers for all of the core classes. There are advanced courses for college bound students and a choice of electives. They also have sports teams for volleyball, soccer, basketball, track and baseball. Most of the community attends the basketball games. School dances and awards ceremonies are community events, not only attended by parents but by relatives and neighbors of the students.
Our school district found it very hard to be a small adjunct of a larger school district. We formed our own district a dozen years ago. This gave us local control, so we could better attend to the needs of our particular students. It also brought a strong economic base, as each school site is the leading employer of the area. Has Point Roberts considered becoming an independent district?
I would love to become involved in exploring educational possibilities for Point Roberts. An expanded school would make an already special community that much more special. If anyone has any questions about small school districts, I can be reached at syl@branzei.com.
Sylvia Branzei-Velasquez
Redway, CA

The Editor:
This statement is to inform people about the status of the Wellness Clinic.
1. The federal grant was approved March 19, 2002 for three years at $200,000 per year, which opened the door to bringing a Wellness Clinic to Point Roberts. The grant had been applied for by a partnership formed between the Pioneer Group, The fire district and Interfaith Community Health Center. This funding is to assist in the start up and operation of the clinic and is not renewable. It is our view that after three years operation the Clinic should be self funding based on patient fees in cash and from insurance carriers.
2. The grant application stated that the Clinic would be housed in the firehall. Later on, the opportunity arose to utilize approximately one quarter of the bingo hall, thereby reducing the rent to the bingo operators and providing an additional source of income to the fire district. The bingo operators, the Pioneer Group and the fire district worked cooperatively in the outcome, which has benefits to all involved.
3. A conditional use permit was obtained. Architectural drawings have been received. The permit application for renovations has been submitted and work is expected to start as soon as the permits have been issued.
4.The grant did not have any provision for building renovations. The cost of such work is to be handled in part through the use of funds that Ed and Kathy Aydon raised and for the balance, through Community fund raising. To date the fund raising efforts have brought $23,605.
5. Opening Ceremonies are planned for Friday, June 6. All are welcome to come and participate. You are encouraged to share in the achievement of a small community. This achievement has been done without using any local tax dollars!
We appreciate the confidence, trust and support you have given the Pioneer Group. We are very excited that this dream shared by Ed Aydon & Ron Nielson will become a reality very soon.
The Point Roberts Pioneer Group
Point Roberts

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 send your letter to: P.O. Box 1451, Point Roberts, WA 98281
or fax (360) 945-1613.
E-mail:editor@allpointbulletin.com

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