LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

The Editor:
On January 26 I had the pleasure of attending an informal discussion group held at the primary school between concerned parents and the Blaine school district. Transportation was one topic of discussion. I went because I wanted to be sure that parents attending were aware that the Blue Heron Express is available to children who attend Blaine schools. Kids who want to participate in after school activities – go to dances, attend games, play in the band, join the drama or math clubs, etc. can ride the van home. I usually prepare the schedule a week in advance, so if kids want to ride the van, all they need to do is call the reservation line and let me know when they need a ride in the coming week. On the weekend I contact the parents to let them know I’ve received their calls, and confirm the days the kids will need rides home. All the kids need a permission slip, preferably signed by both parents, to cross the border, along with their IDs or passports. I also asked for more parents to volunteer to drive the van.
We’ve had three kids utilize the van to get home from after school activities. I am sure there are more than three kids who want to play on various sports teams, are in the band, want to be in the drama club, or the math club. I encourage you to call us.
Cheryl Fitzgerald, Blue Heron Express
program coordinator
Point Roberts

The Editor:
Hats off to Stuart Grant for his outstanding letter. He sure hit the nail on the head. Ed Aydon did not want a wellness clinic. Unfortunately, due to his death, others took over and did things to which Ed would have never consented.
Now they are talking about a hospital. We need a hospital like the proverbial sow needs a sidesaddle. On the Point we have a club (Taxpayer’s Association). If you do not belong to the club and pay dues i.e. taxes, you should not be allowed to vote. The power to tax is the power to destroy.
Wishing the best of health to all taxpayers.
Sam Miller
Point Roberts
(P.S. Non-paying tax people who want
hospitals etc., are by definition
freeloaders.)

The Editor:
I am writing to encourage all Washingtonians to get involved in our statewide health and fitness initiative, Lighten Up Washington. Most of us are aware that an overweight and obese population is reaching epidemic proportions with nearly 65 percent of people falling in that category. It’s time to take action for as we continue to ignore this problem, our children are being set up for a healthcare catastrophe. The fact is that there simply is not enough money or healthcare available to keep up with the devastating effects of poor diet and inactivity.
It’s time to make a decision to change and Lighten Up Washington (LUW) is here to help. I encourage employers, churches, civic groups, families and friends to support one another by putting together LUW Teams. LUW operates under the auspices of the Washington State Games and Lighten Up America. It is a proven program with a successful track record in 14 other states. Here’s how it works:
1. Put together a team of four – 10 people.
2. Go to www.LightenUpWashington.org and click into Sign Up. You’ll then follow the simple instructions. Once you’ve registered, you’ll receive email notification regarding your online fitness journal and you’ll receive a pedometer via regular mail.
3. Get Started! Utilize your online fitness journal as a regular part of your day – it’s as simple as checking your email. You’ll be able to track and record your success every day! And you’ll receive guidance by our fitness professionals.
There’s just one warning, participation in Lighten Up Washington could result in the following serious side effects:
• Mild to severe weight loss
• Mood elevation
• Decreased stress
• Decreased risk for heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes and more
• Ability to play and have fun again!
You may register and participate in Lighten Up Washington from now through June 15. We hope to share in your success!
Tom Kelleher
Executive director, Washington
State Games/Lighten Up Washington
Yakima

The Editor:
In reference to the article in the January All Point Bulletin, it could only happen in “Howcome County.” The subject is the two tin sheds located on Georgia Way. (Georgia Way is a very small street – only 65 yards long). And the ongoing dog and squirrel fight between Richard Craddock (a retired hog farmer from Alberta) and the Whatcom County Planning and Development Services – so far the squirrels are leading by 80 lengths. Mr. Craddock has single-handedly rendered the county planning and development services irrelevant and counter productive at best and useless in the worst.
The buildings in question were granted a certificate of occupancy October 27, 2004, only six years after they were erected. Total revenue from unoccupied buildings for six years to be estimated at $150,000: not bad for an initial cost of $30,000.
The reason that the buildings were granted a certificate of occupancy was landscape and signage changes. Signage involved a half-dozen signs, 8 x 10, one says “garages for rent” and five signs say “compact cars.” Landscape consists of a half-dozen grade “D” shrubs. These changes make the two sheep sheds beautiful and legal? And now that has happened, Craddock can apply for a zoning change, from parking garages to personal storage that would increase the noise level and traffic from the annoying level now to three to eight times that level.
In review, since the signage and landscape problems have been solved it is possible for the new rezoning since all the criteria has been met. That is the most ridiculous thing I have witnessed yet. The only criteria that Mr. Craddock has met is that he is still warm.
Al Carver
Point Roberts

The Editor:
Wanted, bingo players!
Now that the hospital district is a reality and the Aydon Wellness Clinics’ funding is assured – do not assume that the emergency medical service is well and fully funded.
The local Point Roberts Volunteer Firemen’s Bingo operation is a non-profit organization which must give funding to the local fire district yearly, and so, must have a quarterly profit. The bingo corporation employs seven local part-time employees, pays rent to the fire district, takes care of a lot of the ongoing monthly bills for the 2030 Benson Road bingo and fire hall, plus its proceeds bought the First Response Unit, numerous medical and fire equipment and has put $25,000 towards replacing some of the vehicles.
At this time we are losing some of our loyal patrons as they age, and are not getting other patrons to replace them. If we do not show a quarterly profit to the gambling commission will shut us down with a cost to all of us. If anyone has suggestions to boost patronage and keep the bingo operation a successful venture, we welcome your input. Address your suggestions to 2030 Benson Road.
Come and play bingo, enjoy an evening out, and support your local fire department.
Fred DeHaan
PRVFD bingo commissioner,
volunteer, EMT
Point Roberts

The Editor:
It is with great honor and pride that I write this letter. Our community shines at the most critical times. I would like to thank all of the community for helping to make the “Marti Watson Medical Benefit” a huge success.
When I was asked to spearhead the silent auction, I could not have thought of a more deserving person to devote my time and energy to for such a worthy cause. The efforts of so many people made it possible. I could not have done this alone. It truly was a labor of love.
With heartfelt gratitude, I wish to thank the following: Nick Kiniski for supplying the venue to make this all happen – a big thank you; Linda Krahn, who was the brainstorm behind the benefit; Paulette Ladner for assisting in coordinating, advertising and ticket sales; Paul Marshall for his wonderful donations, effort, spirit and belief; Taunya Massey for her diligence in coordinating music, donations and so much more; Dani Magnusson and Howard Nelson for recruiting donations; Joan Roberts for her fabulous spread of delicious food – thank you; Pat Brady for his donations and assistance; Henry Rosenthal for his support and guidance, God bless; Wayne Seeley and Dean Mattatali for setting up the amazing outdoor ambience and preparations for the events; Allison Szabo for recruiting donations and set-up; Michael Szabo for his wonderful contributions and his exemplary service as our bartender; Dawn Parsons for her tireless effort of cleaning, serving, gift-wrapping and more; Leslie St. Nicholas for assisting in the auction item display; Heather McLaren, for her gift wrapping of door prices and display set-up; Joseph Steinberger, our guru and MC for door prizes and raffles, we thank you – video included; Kristy Steinberger, Marti’s caregiver for the evening; Jansey Long, the cutest walking billboard in Point Roberts for the raffles and door prize numbers; Karaoke Michael for filming our video for Marti; Byron and Darren for the music, equipment and so much more; and last, but definitely not least, thank you Marti for having the courage to do the video and for bringing our community together. Love you.
I trust the ad in the newspaper will show thank you to all of the silent auction donators and hopefully there are no omissions. The response was overwhelming and if there was an oversight, we apologize.
Thank you to each and every person who attended donated or prayed. One must realize there is always power in numbers.
There are times in our lives when catastrophe occurs. Each day we should be grateful to live in a town that not only cares, but shows it in aiding our friends, neighbors and acquaintances. If only all towns were the blessed.
Denise Richards
Point Roberts

The Editor:
Thanks to everyone who voted in the Public Hospital District (PHD) special election. The voter turnout and overwhelming support for the PHD shows how important the clinic has become in our community in its short history. We also thank the five commissioner candidates for their efforts and support of the clinic. Finally, we wish the three commissioners luck as they work to bring the new commission to life.
Again, Point Roberts, thank you for your support.
Shannon Tomsen & Henry Rosenthal
for the Point Roberts Pioneers
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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