Rose and George are leaving

You may know Rose Momsen from her role as public services assistant at the library, or from leading children’s story time every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. Perhaps you’ve seen her tending the community garden next to the library. Her husband of 42 years, George Wright, may be familiar from their weekend free yard sales, his handyman services, or his invaluable gardening tips.

This June, Rose and George are embarking on a new adventure, moving to Virginia and closing a 25-year Point Roberts chapter rich with gardening, community service and artistic endeavors. Their journey to the Point began in 1998, leaving behind their life in Maui where George worked as a carpenter and Rose taught art at a community college. While trying to figure out their new life on the west coast, a quick visit to Point Roberts led them to find a home and job in just one day.

“It was all about gardening,” Rose recalled. “We wanted to get our own place where we could garden.” They planted an apple orchard and a garden at their new home, but the growing trees soon shaded their garden, prompting them to seek sunnier spots.

Their search for a spot to garden extended into the community, establishing a community garden on Island View Lane, which later moved to the community center. George also developed the community garden on Benson Road and managed the garden at the Seabright development until the Covid-19 pandemic.

Rose became involved in Vancouver’s quilting community, transforming it into a business for over a decade. She also opened a fine art gallery in a small building in front of their home, selling art, scarves, wood carvings, and Amish furniture. In 2010, Rose began working at the local library, smoothly transitioning from volunteer story time reader to public services assistant.

As they prepare for their move to Virginia, sharing the same gardening zone as Point Roberts, Rose and George look forward to being closer to family. Rose is eager to join the quilting community there and hopes to sell plants at local markets, continuing a tradition she cherished at the Friday market in Point Roberts.

Beyond their love for gardening, George and Rose enjoy walking on the beach at the end of Gulf Road or at Lighthouse Park, often watching sunsets over the ocean. “I have just really been trying to soak in the beauty,” Rose shared, “Point Roberts is such a magical place.”

The community garden they established at the community center remains “healthy and alive,” according to Rose. Matt Wang from the parks board will be the new garden manager. There is still an open garden bed for anyone interested, with a one-time fee of $50 and a yearly cost of $30. The garden bed will be yours to cultivate as you wish.

George and Rose’s departure marks the end of an era, but their contributions to the community will be remembered and cherished by all who knew them.

There will be a going away party for Rose at the library on Saturday, June 8 from noon to 5 p.m.