Around the Point – June 2021

Please, please apply

The Whatcom County Parks and Recreation Department are still looking to fill one seasonal position on the Point, which will allow the four local county parks to operate as close to normal as possible this summer.

“We had one of our candidates decline the position so we’re still recruiting,” said county parks director Michael McFarlane. “It’s a full-time position but we could also look at taking two people who only want to work 20 hours per week.”

Seasonal staff help ranger Meghan Kelley with maintenance of trails and facilities at Monument Park, Lily Point Marine Park, Maple Beach and Lighthouse Marine Park.

Reopening Lighthouse Marine Park for camping requires that the two seasonal positions be filled, McFarlane said. “It’s the only thing that’s holding us back from being open right now,” he said.

Applicants can apply online at bit.ly/3utmvj4. “If they have any problems, they can call us at the office and we’ll help them out,” McFarlane said. “It’s a great summer job.”

A little fireworks, perhaps?

Plans for a Fourth of July to make up for the one we missed last year are flourishing.

The Point Roberts Emergency Preparedness Committee will be hosting the traditional pancake breakfast at the Gulf Road community center from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., with a flag raising ceremony at 11 a.m.

A group of volunteers known familiarly as the Point Roberts Housewives has put together a menu of activities before and after the parade. There will be kids outdoor games behind the Speedway gas station from 10 a.m. to noon.

An artisan’s market is planned along the boardwalk at Lighthouse Marine Park from 1 to 3 p.m., and volunteer firefighters will host a barbecue. From 3 to 5 p.m. there will be a car show in the Breakers parking lot and adult games and happy hour at The Reef.

The parade will run from the Breakers parking lot along Gulf Road and down Tyee to the marina overflow lot. Participants will gather at 11:45 a.m.

To join the volunteer crew making it all come together, email alli.calder17@gmail.com or queenofcleanpointroberts@gmail.com.

Starting at 3 p.m. the festivities will move to the Point Roberts Marina for more fun and fireworks. Breakwaters will have live music, an outdoor barbecue and beer garden. Fireworks will be at 10 p.m., a collaboration between Breakwaters and Westwind Marine and supported by community donations throughout the Point Roberts Community Growth Society.

Donations can be sent to the society at P.O. Box 133, Point Roberts or through Donorbox at donorbox.org/embed/2021-fireworks-fundraiser.

Preparing for the future

Point Roberts water district technician Casey Hubbard will be undergoing additional certification after expressing an interest in applying for manager Dan Bourks’ position when Bourks retires.

Hubbard currently holds Water Distribution Manager 1 certification from the Washington State Department of Health, and Bourks said he was currently working toward Water Distribution Manager 2 certification.

Bourks plans to retire within five years and said having a current district employee preparing to step into his position was an opportunity for continuity that would be important for smooth continued district operations.

“You really need someone who wants to live here and stay and Casey is strongly connected here,” he said. Hubbard also knows the ropes in a district that, due to the Point’s isolation, operates somewhat differently than other districts.

“We’re small enough here the manager still needs to know how to get their hands dirty and how the system works on the ground,” he said

When Bourks retires, water district commissioners will solicit applications for the position and they also have the opportunity to look for candidates outside the community.

Help with your WiFi bill

Whidbey Telecom will participate in the Federal Communication Commission’s (FCC) Emergency Broadband Benefit program, helping households struggling to pay for internet service during the pandemic.

The company already participates in the FCC Lifeline program, which helps low-income consumers get phone service. Consumers that qualify for that program also qualify for the new program, as do households with kids receiving free or reduced lunches or meeting other low-income guidelines.

The program will provide a discount up to $50 per month for qualifying households.

For more information, visit whidbeytel.com/ebb or contact the company’s Point Roberts office at 360/945-1122.

New ferry schedule

Effective June 3, the free passenger-only ferry service between Point Roberts and Fairhaven will run Mondays and Thursdays. Bikes are now allowed on the Point Roberts Ferry.

Each ferry trip is limited to six bikes, and passengers must include the bike in their reservation. When making reservations, individuals need to check the box indicating they are planning to bring a bike.

As space is limited, advance reservations are required and will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis. These can be made for individual segments of the ferry trip. Passengers can make reservations at portofbellingham.com/pointrobertsferry. If reservations are full, people are welcome to show up and ride ‘stand-by’ in the event there are no-show passengers.

The two-hour ferry ride between Point Roberts and Bellingham is provided on San Juan Cruises 100-foot vessel Salish Express.

Monday/Thursday Ferry Service

6:30 a.m.: Depart Bellingham Cruise Terminal

8:30 a.m.: Arrive Point Roberts Marina

9 a.m.: Depart Point Roberts Marina

11 a.m.: Arrive Bellingham Cruise Terminal

3 p.m.: Depart Bellingham Cruise Terminal

5 p.m.: Arrive Point Roberts Marina 

5:30 p.m.: Depart Point Roberts Marina

7:30 p.m.: Arrive Bellingham Cruise Terminal

For more information, go to bit.ly/3ftqmIG.