INSIDE

Around The Point

New agriculture rules are catching some cross-border grocery shoppers by surprise.
A revised list of prohibited items, issued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agriculture Inspection June 1, adds any onion with green parts to the no-buy list: chives, green onions, leeks. Whole lentils are no longer allowed, only split ones, and rules have been elaborated for cut flowers, including a ban on crocosomia and gladiolas.s
While most Canadian grown produce can cross the border to the U.S., citrus and tropical fruit have long been prohibited. “Citrus fruits are imported into Canada from all over the world and may carry pests or diseases that would be harmful to U.S. agriculture,” according to the most recent agriculture handout available at the Point Roberts port of entry. Potatoes are also restricted to those in intact, labeled plastic bags.
Beef and other ruminant products have also been prohibited since mad-cow disease was first detected in Canada.

The call is out again for candidates for the water district board of commissioners, following the surprise resignation of Renee Coe.
At the August 9 meeting of the commissioners Madeleine Anderson and Bill Meursing accepted Coe’s July 29 letter of resignation, in which she cited “personal reasons” for leaving her six-year position after two years.
Reached later Coe said professional conflicts prevented her from continuing in her position. “I worked really hard and I felt I did as much as I could to get them through this difficult transition,” she said.
County auditor Shirley Forslof held a three-day filing period from August 22 through 24 but no candidate filed to run for the position in the November election. Forslof said remaining commissioners could appoint someone to the position who would then stand for election in 2009. If they are unable to, the appointment will move to county council.

The Point Roberts Historical Society is looking for stories – your story in particular. Over the years, the society has collected stories, family histories, memorabilia and photos from former and current full and part-time residents.
Personal and family histories, the reason you first came to Point Roberts, favorite Point Roberts stories, special memories – these and other recollections are sought by the society. Photos are especially welcome.
Written or email accounts are accepted. Submissions can be dropped off at the library, mailed to: Point Roberts Historical Society, P.O. Box 780, Point Roberts, WA 98281 or emailed to historicalsociety@ pointroberts.net.
Consider joining the Point Roberts Historical Society. Memberships are $5 for individuals and $15 for families.