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LETTERS TO
THE EDITOR
The Editor:
My daughter Gretchen remarked, after escorting another visitor
to their car, “Well, you were certainly right about the love of
all the people here.” We had just had our fourth or fifth visit
with offers of help in cleaning and closing my beloved home on
the Point (just for that day). Gretchen had been here two days
of a five day stay and was getting a feel of why I loved the Point
so much.
Thankfully,
the offers of care are without time limits. It is with the love
and help of all my friends that I can choose to stay here. Paul,
Jonquil & Dave, Sally, Rose... These people did some heavy lifting.
It is the people who do the real work water carrying, visiting,
wood chopping who bring the love back into the world. There
is a very spiritually advanced ‘something’ about people here not
found many other places. Point Roberts is the place where I made
the best friends of my whole life. I’ve grown in spiritual ways
I never expected from these friends.
I am stunned with happiness, awash in love. Two relationships
have reopened in my life as a result of all this. I would rather
have these relationships than a longer life. I have renewed relationships
with a life-partner and a daughter that I never expected to come
back. I have reconnected with my daughter and watched her put
in many hours a day making arrangements. It’s because people here
astounded her with their willingness. She wants Jim & Joan, Marlyn,
and Michael to know she’s in awe of their efforts. I want them
to know I’m in the same state too. I have never been so at peace
and have not one thing to complain about.
I have learned that in the end your health goes, your material
possessions go, but if you have a spiritual connection with your
friends, that doesn’t go away. The most important thing in the
world is to have your friends around you when you die. Thank you
for your prayers. I am at peace with my higher power and am enjoying
each day. I have amazing friends and will be going soon, but my
heart can never leave Point Roberts, the finest place (and people)
in the world.
Roger Gates
Point Roberts
(Ed. Note: This letter was written by Point Roberts resident
Roger Gates prior to his death on April 3.)
The
Editor:
At the March 19, annual general meeting of the Point Roberts Registered
Voters Association, one of the guest speakers spoke on the Wellness
Clinic. They stated that the clinic needed $20,000 $25,000 more
for “mortar and bricks” to complete the facility at the firehall
and that they were asking the general public for donations.
My question is why did they not go for the facility on Gulf
Road, especially since the offer from the owner was that he would
pay for the renovations (mortar and bricks) to their specifications.
His rent was also lower.
Considering the fact that the $200,000 a year government grant
to fund the running of the clinic is only for a limited period,
anything that could lower expenses should be considered.
Barbara Matthews
Point Roberts
The
Editor:
I guess us “po’ Canadian trash” should duck our heads, tug our
forelocks and be thankful that “King” Terry Ritchey is so gracious
as to allow us to park our dinky little boats in his marina. However,
before he starts to get too carried away with his grandiose plans,
he might want to confirm his facts. First, for many years, ten
years for our family, Canadian boaters have been the mainstay
of not only the marina, but also many other businesses around
the Point. Second, Mr. Ritchey might want to check his math. The
$4 rate he quotes for Point Roberts is in U.S. funds. In Canadian
dollars that comes out to about $6.40. The rate at False Creek
Marina in the heart of downtown Vancouver is $7.75 per foot for
a monthly rental, not $10 per foot as he is quoted as saying.
Mr. Ritchey better have access to some deep pockets. The plans
he is talking about will cost millions of dollars and with Canadians
avoiding the Point in droves because of his hostile attitude,
it is going to be interesting seeing where his money is coming
from. Bill and Rita Davies
Burnaby, BC
The
Editor:
As a ten-year tenant of the Point Roberts Marina I can tell you
that I was both offended and perplexed by Mr. Ritchey’s remarks
in the article by Meg Olson in April’s edition of the All Point
Bulletin concerning the future plans for the marina.
As I don’t have a $20 million boat, I guess I fall under the category
of small boats and slim wallets, although over my years of tenancy
with the marina, I have spent in excess of $40,000 on moorage,
repairs, chandlery, etc., as well as introducing many of my friends
to the marina as tenants.
I wonder if Mr. Ritchey understands the dollar value that the
Canadian people bring to Point Roberts, as well as to the marina.
I also wonder if he understands some of the inconveniences of
having a Canadian boat moored in Point Roberts, such as border
lineups and hassles on land, as well as at Canadian and U.S. ports
entered by water, permits required to be moored in the U.S. as
well as Canpass and NEXUS passes for travel, fishing and crab
licenses that are more costly for non-residents and the season
openings and closings that can be changed at the whim of the department
of fisheries, the difficulty of bringing supplies and essentials
into Point Roberts, the limited and overpriced materials available
at the marina store and the ever escalating exchange rate between
the Canadian and U.S. dollar to name a few.
It’s my opinion that instead of building swimming pools and tennis
courts, Mr. Ritchey’s time would be far better spent improving
the facilities already available, such as extending the marina
club hours and making it a more user friendly environment for
the boaters as well as the public. I also think he should understand
that most people live in or visit Point Roberts for the serenity
of small town life and to get away from places like False Creek,
Seattle and Roche Harbor.
I find it close to insulting the way Mr. Ritchey, the self acclaimed
“gift to Point Roberts” views Canadians and our so called bargain
moorage and special deals, but when the rich and famous eventually
come to the shores in their flotilla of $20 million boats and
change the face of Point Roberts I will be more than happy to
relocate elsewhere, although by the time that happens I expect
both Mr. Ritchey’s and my own interests in boating and marinas
will have long since expired.
Don Atkins
North Delta, B.C.
The Editor:
I would just like to tell you how much my family enjoys the newspaper
on line. We live in Anchorage, Alaska and we have family who live
on the Point. We visit regularly but it is nice to keep up with
news and events that occur on the Point. It is a great little
town and we are planning to join our family in a few years. In
the meantime I keep reading the paper every month on line. Thank
you.
Sharon Shern
Anchorage, Alaska
The
Editor:
Roger Gates was my first friend in Point Roberts. My husband and
I met him in 1998, over a stack of books at a Friends of the Library
book and bake sale in front of the International Marketplace;
he selling, we buying. Later that same day, we shared “The Writings
of Albert Einstein” and a fabulous apple pie at our new home,
where I had to scramble to find three forks to use to devour that
pie! Over the next several months, Roger helped us to get settled
here, giving us advice on insurance agents and the local politics.
We returned his favors by taking care of his golden retriever,
Charlie, when Roger travelled and felt blessed to have a good
friend here in Point Roberts. He has left us now, and we shall
miss him.
We are arranging to place a memorial bench for Roger at Lighthouse
Park near the flagpole, facing the sunset. Donations may be sent
care of Rose Momsen, 1365 Gulf Road, Point Roberts, WA, 98281.
For more information, call 945-1266. May we all be blessed with
good friends like Roger Gates.
Rose Momsen
Point Roberts
The
Editor:
I read the article/interview you did with the marina manager several
times.
I felt so blessed that Point Roberts was selected for this gift.
Too bad it wasn’t given sooner; we could have done away with the
Wellness Clinic I feel that Mr. Ritchey could do a ‘hands on’
and cure the sick and maybe raise the dead! He could also save
the Lighthouse Committee money by standing on the beach so citizens
and sailors alike could bask in the glow of his aura.
It was extremely kind of him to take on this small project but
after working on his ego, surely anything would seem small. In
taking credit for fewer power outages this winter, I would guess
that he and the marina would have to take responsibility for previous
power outages or maybe they weren’t yet in control of the weather.
I’m looking forward to the mega yachts and their owners, maybe
we could even get the Queen Mary up from Long Beach and everyone
could have their quarter-less showers. I love this guy’s two bit
attitude.
I believe he has mistaken the word consultant with insultant.
He reminds me of the gift you received from a distant relative
you didn’t want, but graciously accepted and waited a decent length
of time and then passed it on to some deserving people. Did some
one say “France!”
In closing, I wonder if his gift also was to the marina owners
in the way of pro bono labor, certainly they deserve to get their
money’s worth.
Ron Calder
Point Roberts
The Editor:
This letter is in response to the article on Terry Ritchey and
his big plans for the marina and Point Roberts in general. In
my opinion this man is dangerous and he ought to go back where
he came from. He says he is doing this small project as a “gift
to Point Roberts.” Wow, I’m impressed impressed with his arrogance
anyway. I say thanks, but no thanks. Who wants Point Roberts to
be a Roche Harbor anyway, except maybe Ritchey? I absolutely do
not and I have to believe that most of the people here, full time
residents and regular visitors also do not.
I lived on San Juan Island for 14 years and watched all the “rich
and famous” show up with their mega yachts, mega dollars and mega
self-importance and we finally moved because we simply could not
afford to live there anymore. The cost of living sky-rocketed,
property taxes tripled, the local sales tax went up, levies for
improvement of basic services increased, etc. Sure, Roche Harbor
(a private resort/marina) is probably collecting big bucks from
these rich folks, but the money is only going into their pocket.
Not the majority of land owners and residents of San Juan Island
who are footing the tab for all the added basic necessities and
services.
Do we want to see Ritchey try to turn Point Roberts into a money
grubbing forum for whale watch boats, kayak rentals and “other
recreational opportunities” ad nauseam, just to satisfy his dream
of hob-knobbing with the rich and famous? Do we want to see him
kick our Canadian friends out of the marina so he can raise moorage
prices higher than the affordable moorage rates we have now
that he admits are “similar to those at Semiahmoo and Blaine marinas?”
Do we want to see this person create additional financial burden
on this community? I think not. Point Roberts should stay a quiet,
beautiful summer refuge for our Canadian neighbors, a retirement
community and a boating hub shared by Americans and Canadians
alike. Please let’s stop this guy before he actually tries to
make any of this happen.
M. Andrews
Point Roberts
The
Editor:
I just have to wonder what the state of the economy on the Point
would have been over the last many, many years had Canadians not
played an integral part? If the new marina manager has his way,
Canadians will be priced off the Point all together and none too
soon. I suggest that he re-think this approach, as the majority
of locals may not have been able to sustain viable incomes over
these times without us. Suppose he refunded all of the Canadians
moorage fees and we all moved on? That would eliminate a lot of
Canadians and related revenue. How about if we were no longer
welcome at our cabins and summer homes and so much for the golf
course 99 percent Canadian golfers there, more money!
Suppose we could no longer dine and drink at the local establishments,
ooops. more money. I think you get the point so to speak. Most
Canadians who frequent the Point are sympathetic to the fact the
economy there has been slow to grow and most spend their hard
earned dollars there with true pride knowing it helps support
the friends we have made there over the years.
To say the least, once Terry has completed the first phase of
his mission, and ejected the Canadians and our under valued dollar
(which we have spent willingly despite the difficult exchange
rates) there will be no need to worry, because the U.S. residents
on the Point will all be looking for another place to live and
earn a living, because it won’t be on the Point. Boy, he is going
to have a lot of new friends! Has he even considered the impact
to the long term locals? I doubt it.
On a positive note, we have always been made to feel as though
we are a valuable client by the rest of the marina staff over
the many years we have been a tenant. Keep up the great work!
Russ Hobbs
Tsawwassen, B.C.
The
Editor:
Roger Gates passed away earlier this month. He will be missed
by his many friends and acquaintances in Point Roberts.
Roger was an educator by profession and an environmental advocate
by choice. We fondly remember our spirited debates and Roger’s
insights into a wide range of political and environmental issues.
Roger also practiced what he preached. He was an active volunteer
at OWL, the Orphaned Wildlife Rehabilitation Society. In commemoration
of Roger and his service to that organization, an eagle was released
from the OWL facility in Delta on April 12.
By his own account, Roger spent some of his happiest days working
with OWL. His efforts were a welcome contribution to the care
and rehabilitation of birds of prey in the lower mainland and
Point Roberts. Roger moved to this community in the latter part
of his life, and was quick to recognize the natural gem that is
Point Roberts. His commitment to the preservation and enhancement
of Point Roberts is a fine legacy for an exceptional man.
Gary Kunze and John Lesow
Point Roberts
The
Editor:
Sophia Anderson Gudmundson passed away on March 1, 2003 at age
97. She was born and raised on Benson Road, Point Roberts.
The family invites friends and relatives to the internment of
her ashes at the Point Roberts Cemetery on Sunday, May 25, at
1:30 in the afternoon. Pastor Ernie Loreen will be officiating.
Immediately following, a gathering with the family will be held
in the Trinity Community Church on A.P.A. Road.
Karen Gudmundson Berger
Ann Arbor, MI
The
Editor:
“Did it hurt?” Nick Kiniski asked me last summer as I passed by
where he was sitting in a booth at the Reef playing chess. It
was my first week working at the Reef.
“What? What hurt? Huh?” I was confused and a little annoyed. I
was balancing a tray topped with fried goodness and beer and trying
to remember which golfer had the Corona, which had the Budweiser
and which had insisted that his salad dressing be placed on the
side. I looked back at Nick blankly. “When you fell from the sky,
Kiera? Did it hurt?” “Whaaa?” “Oh, c’mon, ya know, angels from
the sky, ya get it now? Geez. Smile, eh?” And so I did and returned
to my job as both bar waitress and gambling bar maid feeling a
little less grumpy. This would not be the first time Nick got
me and the other waitresses and customers to smile with his smarmy,
even groan-inducing flirtations and jokes. Until this winter that
was how I knew Nick Kiniski; a mostly silent, quietly witty, sometimes
harmlessly (but still annoying) grumpy boss. He told me he was
married to a beautiful blonde twin and, of course, I didn’t believe
him. This turned out to be just one of the surprising although
now I realize not so surprising facts that I discovered about
Nick.
This winter and spring my health has been up and down and the
paramedics, and thus, Nick, have been called to the Purple House
a few times. I knew I had hit a low point in my life when I found
myself lying in my pajamas soaked in cranberry juice (I had passed
out while going for juice) and Nick, ex-boss, was leaning over
me asking me very loudly and more than once, “Kiera, when was
your last bowel movement? Can you tell me when was the last time
you went number two?”
Recently, I had another minor health scare and can’t say I handled
it all that, um, gracefully, but Nick and his crew were so professional
and kind they quickly put me at ease. I felt safe and secure in
the knowledge that they would look after me.
I want to take this opportunity to thank the Point Roberts paramedics
and particularly Nick Kiniski for doing what he does best, caring
and remaining calm in chaotic and emotional situations. He certainly
has the right job. It suits his nature and talents. We are lucky
to have him as our fire chief.
With much admiration and gratitude...
Kiera Miller
Point Roberts
The
Editor:
Why is the Wellness Clinic insisting on having the clinic located
at the Benson Road firehall?
It will cost them around $30,000 to remodel their section of the
firehall. They could have had the remodeling paid for by the owner
of the building on Gulf Road. Plus the rent would have been about
$800 per month cheaper and where it would be more centrally located.
They would not have to be begging for more money. Is the Wellness
Clinic supposed to support the fire department?
June Keillor
Point Roberts
The
Editor:
We would like to thank all the people who spent time looking for
our lost Beagle, Rockitt. Unfortunately, we haven’t found him
yet.
Special thanks to those who kept our posters up for so long.
Sal D’Aquila and Family
Point Roberts
The
Editor:
In grateful appreciation to the Point Roberts fire department
and their chief Nick Kiniski.
A job well done for saving the beautiful home to the south and
my little trailer home abutting the burned home, belonging to
Mr. and Mrs. Graham Higgens on the north side.
Not even a mess in either yard. So well contained for such a fast
burning fire. Out of these ashes, I hope our dear neighbors will
build again soon. This home was originally built by my grandparents,
Jeppe Karoten and Anne Margarethe Thompson in the summer of May
1902. They arrived via Canadian steam and sailing ship from Nordbey
Frano, Denmark.
Many stories of the early settlement could have been told if
walls could talk, great wonderful memories and we have so many
of them on paper and in pictures. I’ve enclosed a picture of the
original home.
We had a 100 year reunion on this beach, last summer, with 154
family members and friends present.
Thanks again to the Point Roberts fire department and chief Nick
Kiniski. Virginia L. Baker-Wampler
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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