All Point Bulletin News: January issue comes out tomorrow...

Your weekly ePB from the All Point Bulletin | Volume 5 | Issue 34

Photo by Meg Olson

The January issue comes out tomorrow...

Here's what you'll find:

2014: A look back

Community responds to theft of charity funds

Point Roberts water system in need of repairs

Happy Holidays!

All Point Bulletin staff wishes you a happy and safe holiday.

The All Point Bulletin's offices will be closed for the holidays from December 22 through December 29. There will be no ePB next week.

FIRESIDE CHAT WITH FIRE CHIEF CHRISTOPHER CARLETON

I would like to thank all of our community members and volunteers for a wonderful and successful year. Without you, the services and events the District provides would not be possible. Thank you all so very much and happy holidays!

Stay safe,

Chief Carleton

PUBLIC

At the November Commissioners meeting, the 2015 budget was approved. It has been posted to the District's website at www.wcfd5.com under the PUBLIC INFO tab.

The District will have to replace the SCBA (Self Contained Breathing Apparatus) units that firefighters use to enter a burning structure. The District's units are two safety cycles behind current standards and do not possess other safety options that allow a firefighter to operate more efficiently. The projected cost associated with this replacement is approximately $170,000 depending on options and number of units. Every year the District applies for Federal Grant assistance through the AFG (Assistance to Firefighters Grant) program. This is a competitive program that receives thousands of requests from fire departments across the United States. We hope to be chosen as an award recipient for this personal protective equipment either this coming year or in 2016.

We are also in the process of replacing a portion of the station's roof. This will hopefully be completed before the weather becomes worse. The station's paint is also starting to show wear along with some of the exterior boards and this will have to be looked at more closely in 2015.

Our newest fire truck will be 21 years old. The District's second fire truck -the older one-is going on 24 years old. We are also placing AFG applications for a new fire truck that will better serve the needs and challenges of fire protection in our community. Only approximately 5% of these applications are funded on an AFG cycle basis.

SERVICE

I continue to have discussions regarding the ability to offer medical outreach through telemedicine and other avenues. As we move into 2015, I hope to gain the support and information needed in order to setup and offer such expanded services through established partnerships. It all takes time and usually more than is acceptable by my timeframe. I will keep you posted on any progress.

We are in the process of becoming a member of the FDCARES program. The goal of this program is to provide better interaction with members of our community in the hope of preventing injury and illness. Many people are not aware that there are services available to assist them with their independent issues that will positively affect their life and desire to stay in their home.

When calling 911 from your cell phone, make sure the operator understands you are in the United States. Also, help us find you quickly by having large, highly visible numbers on your home.

EVENTS

The District has enjoyed a successful year of events. Over 200 people visited our Open House and over 100 came to get scarred at the District's Haunted House. We hosted a very successful Remembrance Day Celebration for Veterans -thank you so much for your service and sacrifices. We are already planning the events for next year, so make sure you come back or stop in for the first time and participate in the enjoyment of being a community.

SAFETY TIPS

Power outages become more common in the winter months. Please make sure you have food that does not require water or heat to prepare. During a power outage there are a number of ways to stay warm such as layering your clothing and by using hot packs that are easily activated by hand. Remember to read the safety instructions.

Do not use open flame inside your home without having proper ventilation to the outside. Propane heaters can cause death through the accumulation of poisonous gases.

Keep candles and portable (electrical) heaters away from combustible materials.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Pacific Arts Market: Friday-Sunday, December 19-21, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., 1125 E. Sunset Drive, Bellingham. Locally crafted gifts made by Northwest artisans. Info: pacificartsmarket.com.

Point Roberts Community Choir Christmas Concert: Saturday, December 20, 7 p.m., Trinity Community Lutheran Church, 1880 APA Road. A concert of classic and modern music with a reception to follow. Handmade quilt up for raffle. Tickets $5 each or three for $10. Proceeds benefit the children's music camp. Info: 945-7105.

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service: Wednesday, December 24, 7 p.m., Trinity Community Lutheran Church, 1880 APA Road. Info: 945-7105.

Christmas Day Service: Thursday, December 25, 11 a.m., Trinity Community Lutheran Church, 1880 APA Road. Info: 945-7105.

Homeopathy for the Whole Family: Thursday, January 15, 7-10 p.m., and Saturday, January 17, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Learn to treat acute illness and minor injuries with homeopathy. Tuition: $80. Info: Annelle Norman, 945-5070.

Early Childhood Literacy: Sunday, January 25, 2-4 p.m., community center. Learn how your local preschools, schools and libraries can help your children develop to their full potential. Info: 305-3600.

MEETINGS AND ONGOING EVENTS

Cemetery District: Tuesday, December 23, 5 p.m., 260 Tyee Drive.

PR Chamber of Commerce: Tuesday, December 23, 7 p.m., community center.

PR Taxpayers Association: Monday, January 5, 7 p.m., community center, 1437 Gulf Road. Info: Mark Robbins, 945-1357.

PREP (PR Emergency Preparedness) Meeting: Tuesday, January 6, 7 p.m., community center. Info: Henry Rosenthal, 945-1711, Virginia or Ed Lester, 945-2827.

PR Hospital District: Wednesday, January 7, 7 p.m., community center.

PR Registered Voters Association: Thursday, January 8, 7 p.m., community center. Info: prrva.org.

PR Park and Recreation District: Monday, January 12, 7 p.m., community center.

Friends of the Point Roberts Library (FOPRL): Tuesday, January 13, noon-1 p.m., Point Roberts Library, 1437 Gulf Road. Info: 945-6545.

PR Water District: Tuesday, January 13, 5 p.m., 79 Tyee Drive, Suite A.

PRCAC (PR Community Advisory Committee): Tuesday, January 13, 7 p.m., community center. Info: 945-5075.

PR Fire District 5: Wednesday, January 14, 4 p.m., 2030 Benson Road. Info: 945-3473.

PR Historical Society: Wednesday, January 21, 7 p.m., community center. Info: historicalsociety@pointroberts.net.

Cemetery District: Tuesday, January 27, 5 p.m., 260 Tyee Drive.

PR Chamber of Commerce: Tuesday, January 27, 7 p.m., community center.

Point Roberts Clinic Hours: Mondays 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Tuesdays and Thursdays 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 2030 Benson Road. To make an appointment, call 945-2580.

Free Taxi to Bellingham: Every Tuesday. Call 676-7433. Pick-up at Cordata. Info: 945-1640.

Point Roberts Library Hours: Tuesdays, 1-7 p.m., Wednesdays and Saturdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Info: 945-6545.

Knits and Crafts at Point Roberts Library: Tuesdays, 5-7 p.m. Knitting, crocheting or other yarn crafts. Practice, advice, chat and hot drinks. For adults and grades 8-12. Info: 945-6545.

Preschool Storytime: Saturdays, 10:30-11 a.m., Point Roberts Library, 1437 Gulf Road. Stories, songs, and more for ages 3-6. Families encouraged to attend. Info: 945-6545.

Point Roberts Writers Group: First and third Saturdays, 2-4 p.m., community center. Info: 945-6545.

Wackie Walkers: Tuesdays and Thursdays. Tuesdays, 8 a.m., Lighthouse Park. Call for Thursday location. Info: 945-1934.

WEATHER

December 18, 2014

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