Businesses adjust to new reality

Local businesses are adjusting to changing requirements and community needs that are coming with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Under Governor Jay Inslee’s March 23 “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order, many businesses are now closed to the public but businesses that sell essentials such as food and home repair supplies will remain open.

The Point Roberts Marketplace has reduced hours, opening from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and has stepped up sanitization efforts according to store representative Mindy Scott. The store is also taking orders by phone or email for community members who don’t wish to enter the store. Circle of Care volunteers will deliver orders or store staff will take the order out to a car for pickup. Call 360/945-0237.

Nielson’s Building Center will be open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will also take phone orders for pickup outside the store or for delivery. “It’s been steady,” said store manager Michelle Schwalback. “The contractors are still working, concrete, doors and windows are still coming through the border.” The store has not laid off staff though one team member has elected not to work at this time.

Saltwater Café remains open for takeout every day except Monday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. “We have an $8.95 soup and sandwich special every day,” said owner Tamra Hansen. She is also working to develop a by-donation meal pickup on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, days when the senior lunch program at the community center is not offered. “It gives people without a lot of disposable income some options to stay healthy and also gives people who can afford it a way to support the community,” Hansen said. Saltwater Café will give 50 percent of the profits from those meals to the food bank and Meals on Wheels programs.

Hansen said she has had to put one employee on standby and delay bringing on her seasonal staff but is hopeful the community will support the café so she can bring them back. “We need to try and keep these kids employed,” she said.

The Point Roberts Shell Mart has seen their parcel business drop off to “basically zilch” and gasoline sales take a dive, said owner Lynne Vick and most of their staff has been laid off. Stockholders Chuck and Tia Laird are keeping the store going, selling house roasted coffee beans, convenience items, espresso and takeout food. “Food can be picked up at the window or delivered to your car,” Vick said. The menu is available at pointrobertsshellcenter.com or call 360/945-2454.

Westwind Marine will close their chandlery and repair shop until further notice but owner Mark Pondelick said he is available to boaters on an emergency basis. “If your boat is taking on water and you need a bilge pump I will come in,” he said. Pondelick can be reached on his cell phone at 815/904-9003.

The Point Roberta Marina is also closing its office and non-essential personnel have been laid off but manager Theresa Coe will be available by phone. “I will be here in the office or walking the docks,” she said and security personnel will also remain on duty. “We need extra sets of eyes right now. Most of our boat owners are Canadian and they can’t come down, so we are doing what we can to set their minds at ease,” she said. The fuel dock will continue to operate and boaters needing fuel can call the main marina number at 360/945-2255.

Some businesses that are closing their doors will still sell their products online for pickup, shipping or delivery. Pamala Sheppard at Auntie Pam’s Country Store said her line of personal care products is available at auntiepams.com or by calling her at 360/945-1816. “I don’t have everything up on the website yet,” she said. “We have some new products for combating viruses and a limited supply of locally made hand sanitizer.”

What you can’t get in Point Roberts, or get to Point Roberts, Point Roberts Auto Freight (PRAF) can get here. “We’ve had a little bit of everything and if I can figure out how to do it, we’ll do it,” said co-owner Michele Bennett. Deemed as essential service by border agencies of both the U.S. and Canada, PRAF has brought everything from appliances to the personal property of Canada-bound snowbirds to the Point in recent weeks “I am really open to providing service to the community any way we can. Call me up.” They can be reached at 360/676-1174.