EyesOnBC Magazine Apr2017

April 2017 vol 13 issue 04

Serving Vancouver Island & the Gulf Islands

Discover Little Qualicum River Regional Park • He asked, “Are you angels?” •

10 John Beaton’s: “Wizardry” • 17

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MAGAZINE

April 2017 vol 13 No 04

EyesOnBC Magazine is published monthly Showcasing our community since 2004 Main Email: info@eyesonbc.com Phone: 250-757-9914 Mailing Address EyesOnBC Magazine, Box 182, Bowser, BC V0R 1G0 Hours: Mon - Thu 10-4 Our Contributors this month: Georgia Nicols, Joanne Sales, Linda Tenney Kim Leslie Young, Bill Veenhof, John Beaton On the Internet www.eyesonbc.com & www.facebook.com/eyesonbc For Advertising Options Call 250-757-9914 to inquire or visit www.eyesonbc.com/advertise to request ad rates.

VISA & MasterCard accepted Printed on Vancouver Island, BC

49TH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING The purpose of this meeting is to elect: • Three trustees for three-year terms ending in 2020.

Also to discuss works completed in 2016 and new developments for 2017.

Wednesday April 19, 2017 • 7pm To be held at the Lighthouse Community Hall 240 Lions Way in Qualicum Bay

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THE FEATURES 7 Eating it Up: Sandbar Cafe & Art Gallery 10 He asked, "Are you angels?"

THE ARTS / EVENTS / OUTDOORS 5 14 17 21

Discover Little Qualicum River Regional Park Tide Table John Beaton’s “Wizardry” ECHO's Pirates of Penzance

COMMUNITY LIVING 16 From the Desk of the Director, Bill Veenhof, Area H

THE REGULARS 8 15 20 22

In the Stars: Georgia Nicols Horoscope Classifieds Community Calendar At Your Service - Local Services & Trades

Articles and opinions expressed in this publication are those of the writers and published for general information purposes only.

Articles are not intended to provide specific advice - the publisher will assume no liability.

Articles and/or data may not be quoted or reproduced, in part or in whole, without permission from the publisher.

Freelance writers & photographers Queries can be directed to Linda Tenney, Publisher at info@eyesonbc.com

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on a counter-clockwise hike of this “loop trail”. until you reach the Upper Falls bridge on your left which crosses over to the campground. Another left turn brings you back to the Middle Falls Bridge and your starting point.

Alternatively, you can do the loop clockwise, beginning your hike by crossing the Middle Falls bridge.

Kim Leslie Young photo

by Kim Leslie Young

D

o you have a leisurely day ahead...perhaps in the mood for a country drive and some dazzling winter vistas?

Many island visitors and residents are familiar with the Alberni Highway access to the Little Qualicum River Regional Park, but a lesser number are familiar with an access from the Old Island Highway to this area. A welldeveloped trail off Meadowood Way is a short route to the magnificent waterfalls and is a link between the Little Qualicum River Regional Park and Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park. I always enjoy the thrill of bringing visitors in to see the Little Qualicum Falls on this route because without exception, they are amazed at the spectacular vistas that suddenly appear following a short “bush hike”. Perhaps, it is the word, “little” in the name which defines people’s expectations, but it is the river in the title that this is derived from, not the waterfalls!

Some say it is the most magnificent of all parks on Vancouver Island. It is difficult to define degrees of beauty in nature, but Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park is certainly a must-see destination point. In a beautiful setting of old and

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second growth forest, a massive rocky gorge encompasses a truly stunning cascade of waterfalls and views of Mt. Wesley and Mt. Arrowsmith provide a majestic backdrop. Approximately 6 kms. of hiking trails at this park meander through a popular, seasonal campground, day-use area and along the river with access points to both the upper and lower falls. Less “seasoned hikers” will not only appreciate the easy trekking on the roads through the campground, but also the washrooms along the way.

Just minutes after hiking the forested trail from the Meadowood Way parking area, you’ll see the picturesque and much photographed Middle Falls Bridge ahead and hear the thunderous roars of the river as it plummets into the rocky caverns. Tread carefully here on the rocky path to the left and descending steps to arrive at the most breathtaking vantage point of the Upper Little Qualicum Falls.

The loop trail is a short but scenic hike along both riversides, crossing the river twice over sturdy but slippery, wooden bridges or it can be your starting point for a longer hike. Before the Middle Falls bridge and to the right is a path that leads you riverside and takes you

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Little Qualicum Falls is a great choice for year-round hiking. Winter hiking, particularly on riverside trails, is sometimes narrowed down to accessible trails, those that aren’t washed out by increased water levels.

The high riverbank trails of Little Qualicum Falls Park and the gravel campground roads are ideal for experiencing Vancouver Island’s winter wonderland. On a recent early spring day hike at Little Qualicum Falls, the landscapes present a rare and unique beauty. The trees are shrouded in a sparkling mist, the turquoise water colours of summer are now equally striking, but transformed to steely ice blue and the multitudes of gleaming arbutus stand out amongst cedars, hemlock and fir, as though they’ve been polished and varnished for added attention.

The seasonally high water levels and the sight and sound of powerful and torrential rushing rapids are captivating and a reminder that nature in all its beauty is foremost, to be respected. ~ Directions: Left on Baylis Rd. at Hwy 19A. Drive .9 km - left on Dorman Rd. Drive 1 km - right on Corcan Rd. Drive 3.8 km - right on Meadowood Way. Drive 2.4 km - watch for white/blue signage on left for entrance to parking lot.

Distance: From parking lot on Meadowood Way, it’s only 5 minutes to reach the spectacular falls! From here, you can access 6 kms. of hiking trails. The loop shown on the inset map is about 1.5 kms., an easy 30 minute hike on both riversides crossed by two sturdy bridges at upper and lower falls.

Always recommended: Small backpack with first aid, water, protein bars, flashlight and whistle. Tell someone where you’re headed. Bring a camera for spectacular photo-taking!

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Eating it up: Sandbar Cafe & Art Gallery

by Linda Tenney Tucked into the heart of the seaside hamlet of Qualicum Bay, is a quaint little Cafe with a relaxed atmosphere, ocean view patio and art gallery filled with the creative works of local artists.

You'll find a traditional cafe menu designed to tantalize your taste buds and satisfy your craving for comfort food. From appetizers to desserts you'll savour the taste of patron favourites like the Cafe's signature Eggs Benny with home-style hash browns, Caesar salad with succulent grilled prawns, stirfry delights with your choice of veggies, chicken, beef or prawns delicately complemented with sweet, savoury or spicy sauces. Bring your appetite!

Owners Ryan and Grace Kim became part of the Qualicum Bay food scene in March 2014 and continue to offer great food, friendly service, live music on Friday and Saturday evenings and two rooms filled with local art that you don't want to miss. In warm weather, the patio is the place to be with its spectacular view. Recommended!

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Predictions - April 2017 Aries (March 21-April 19) This month the Sun in Aries is your chance to replenish yourself for the rest of the year! Focus on your world and your needs. It’s okay. You’re not being selfish.

This is your chance to look at yourself and discover what you need. The Sun also makes you project yourself more forcefully onto the world. You’ll be PowerPoint on steroids! Admittedly, you might come on too strong for others. Keep this in mind if you see the hair blowing back over their ears.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) The Sun is hiding in your chart this month. It’s offstage waiting to make its entrance when your birthday arrives. This means now is the time to get in touch with your unconscious impulses and tendencies. There is a “public� you and a “private� you. If your public and private “you� are too far apart, it’s confusing for you and others.

Meanwhile, your personal year is coming to an end. Why not give yourself a report card? How are you doing at the art of living? Define goals with deadlines. Deadlines – that’s the kicker.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) This month the Sun is in the part of your chart that deals with friends and groups, which is why you will be more social! You might join a club. Friendships will play a more important role. Get out there and socialize!

Be friendly. Attend meetings. (If you’re in the room, they can’t talk about you.) Establish who you really are with your friends.

Because your idealism will be aroused, this is a good time to think about your hopes and dreams for the future. Share your ideas with others to get their feedback because their feedback will help. “What? You want a pony and you want to be a ballerina? Get real, you’re 50! �

Cancer (June 21-July 22) This is the only time all year when the Sun is at the top of your chart making you high viz. with bosses, parents, teachers and VIPs. And you look attractive to

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them! Don’t question this. Just smile. Take all the credit. If you’re asked to assume increased responsibilities – accept! You will dazzle them. This is the power of the Sun. However, don’t fake anything. Don’t pretend you are anything that you’re not. Just go with the flow because people are impressed with who you actually are.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) Now you want to travel. You want to expand your world. You want to study and learn something new. You might take up a hobby or learn a new language.

Many of you will explore religious, metaphysical and spiritual disciplines. Please note: Your desire to learn and study is not just curiosity. It’s because you will find the process of studying and learning rewarding and satisfying. I think it was Julius Caesar who said, “Vini, vidi, velcro.” (“We came, we saw, we stuck around.”)

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) This month the Sun is in the most intense, powerful part of your chart. Hence, you will feel intense and powerful, especially in your sex life. But you will also feel just as intense about shared property, inheritances, wills, taxes, debt and how your wealth impacts others or how their wealth impacts you. But everything will be favourable. People will give you things – cash or gifts. Naturally, this month will be perfect to ask for a loan or a mortgage or to get the keys to your parent’s car or someone’s condo in Whistler. Try it!

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) This is the only time all year when the Sun is opposite your sign. It lasts for four weeks. Because the Sun is your source of energy (symbolically in your chart) this means your energy will be low because the Sun is as far away from you as it gets all year. Therefore, you need more sleep. This oppositional Sun will also make you study your closest relationships more deeply. You will wonder if these relationships fulfil your needs and wants. But what about the flip? Do you fulfil their needs and wants? Hmmmm.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) You are energized this month because the Sun is in Aries, which is similar to Scorpio. Until Pluto was discovered in 1930, Mars was the ruler of both Aries and Scorpio. That’s why you will have abundant energy. You want to be productive! You want to be efficient! However, expect to work for others because you have to offer service to someone.

This doesn’t mean you have to be a doormat. You are never a

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doormat. It simply means that you will have to meet some obligations.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) It’s fun city for you this month because the Sun is in a part of your chart that urges you to party, have a good time and socialize. Since you want to express your creative talents, enjoy musical performances, the theatre, movies, the arts and sports events. You will also enjoy playful activities with children. Naturally, one of the things associated with fun and socializing is romance!

Relationships will be fun this month. New love might begin.

It’s time to kick up your heels and just be who you are.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) The Sun will be at the bottom of your chart this month, which means you are more concerned with your private life, your home, your family and your inner world. This is why many of you will choose to be by yourself or cocoon at home. It doesn’t mean you’re being antisocial. You simply want time to reflect and time to relax in familiar surroundings. Focus on redecorating projects and home repairs. Family discussions will be important. Create a solid base for yourself. George Burns said, “Happiness is having a large, loving, caring, close-knit family in another city.”

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) You will hit the pavement running this month as your daily pace accelerates. You’re busy with appointments, meetings, errands plus increased reading, writing and studying. Many will take short trips and devote more time to siblings, relatives and neighbours.

But you will like the pace because it feels right. Ironically, it’s also a good time to take a vacation if you can fit this in. Conversations with others will be lively Busy you! “I thought I was dancing until someone stepped on my hand.”

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) “Show me the money!” This month you’re focused on cash flow, earnings and how to attract money into your life. Trust your moneymaking ideas. You are geared up to this whole mental process of wondering about your earnings, and even your values in life. Fair Venus will attract moneymaking situations to you.

Sweet! You will also spend money on beautiful things for yourself. You want to have greater control over your life through your assets and your earnings.

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It matters what words we have cycling through our minds. If we want life changing, inspiring messages, we usually need to put them there. They don’t happen by accident. Once Gandhi had the vibration of Ram cycling in his mind, it became automatic. That’s what mantras do; they become inner guides, anchors and reminders, like an autocorrect program.

HE ASKED, "ARE YOU ANGELS?"

Before we judge that, let’s think about the words that we have cycling in our minds. Sometimes our thoughts are brilliant, but more often they are repetitive and mundane, curb-side recycling that gets picked up only to return again. Most of our thoughts do us no good.

by Joanne Sales

T

he most familiar meaning of BS is bull poo. Recently I was drawn to think of BS as Beyond Sight. The two can be confused.

In a hot tub, my friend told me her father’s last words. After lying in silence for hours, he opened his eyes and looked intently at his wife and daughter who were sitting beside him. “Are you angels?” he asked.

I was deeply moved by her story. Her father was passing beyond the familiar, Beyond Sight. He didn’t know what to expect, but it’s obvious that he expected helpful beings to show up. A few hours later (earth-time), if he asked that question again, he might have gotten a totally different response. It’s a mystery to us here, on this side of the veil.

There is so much we don’t know. We don’t know where we came from, where we are going, or what gives us each breath as it rises. We have beliefs, we have words, we have intimations. But the mystery remains.  I had a very different conversation the same week. Monthly, I lead a gathering known as Dances of Universal Peace.

It is similar to a very simple folk dance circle, except that we sing phrases, mantras and chants from diverse spiritual and wisdom traditions.

The goal is to generate peace and unity rather than division. Dances of Universal Peace circles gather around the globe.

A friend who attends made a request.

“Can we do more of the peace songs in English and forget the BS?” By BS here,

she was referring to anything that had to do with religion - anything that hinted of the thousands of years of humanity’s diverse, profound, although often contentious religious past and paths.

Mantras, sacred phrases and short prayers are ways to intentionally put a sound, thought, and reminder in our minds and hearts to uplift and connect us to that which inspires us - as the name of Ram did for Gandhi. In an era when “sh*t” or other inane words are likely to be near our lips, mantras sound like a brilliant idea - a little alien, but brilliant.

I can’t blame her. Many religions are not inspiring us at the moment with high levels of compassion or wisdom.

Collectively and individually, we certainly make errors of perception.

My friend’s father erred on the side of seeing the mystery while he was still among the familiar. My other friend erred on the side of only seeing the ordinary (or worse) where the arrows were pointing towards the mystery.

Every modern time thinks that it is at the peak of humanity’s intelligence and wisdom. It’s not likely that history will look back on us like that. The stress is not bringing out the best in us.

I hesitated to write about BS because I was raised in a time when civilized folk never used such language. Driving with my mother-in-law through the University of Maryland in my youth, an “almost accident” happened and I exclaimed sh*t. It was embarrassing to me and shocking to her, even though now the word “sh*t” is often a person’s last word, when an “almost accident” turns out to be a real bad one.

Here’s a recent TED talk quote of the week: ​“We’re short on wisdom; we’re high on technology. Where’s it going to lead?" (Paul MacCready. Nature vs Humans) So, what shall we do?

Language names things. I’m Joanne and you are Sally, and there is a turtle, a star and a piece of paper. Naming gives us a sense of order and control. But words are pointers only - not the real thing - EVER. Even when words point to invisible things, they are still pointers.

Sometimes words point poorly, we misinterpret the arrows, or disagree about what the words are pointing to, which leads to great diversity - and unfortunately, wars, large and small.

We are told that Gandhi’s last word was Ram. It’s quite likely, as RAM was the mantra Gandhi had going through his mind most of his life. Ram is a Hindu mantra, connecting to the ancient figure of Ram, a just, compassionate and honest king of ancient times, who was also considered to be an incarnation of God. The sounds of the letters of Ram have meaning : the highest expression of divinity in humanity. Gandhi intentionally adopted the mantra, and it became for him a source of courage and clarity.

Because of the inadequacy of words, our wise teachers throughout history CONTINUED NEXT PAGE

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continued from page 10 used stories to teach us. Stories can tell more about invisible things than words alone. Stories slip under the door of our pretensions, overconfidence and materialistic obsessiveness.

ordinary. Too confident that our little capsules of brain cells can understand the mysteries of the universe.

Even science knows the value of stories.

Gravity is difficult to explain, but we understand “an apple falls down from the tree.” We say ah-ha! We understand gravity! If I fall out of bed, I am more likely to hit the floor than the ceiling. We get it! No, we don’t get it. We just accept the story. We see gravity in action. We know how to use it.

We are wise to explore the wisdom words and stories of our ancestors in the same way, for they point to truths that science has no instruments to measure.

We are fortunate if we know how to use the stories, even if, just like gravity, we do not fully understand and cannot control the realities to which they point.

But what else do we have to go on, when we can’t yet see gravity - or angels, for that matter? We have to take what we can get!

“The world is full of magic things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper.” W.B Yeats In defense of my well-grounded friend, we do need BS detectors or meters, especially with industry-funded science and fake news being presented as fact. “A fool and his money are easily parted,” was first spoken in 1587. A fool and his vote are easily swayed.

There are too many choices, and many of them are not true or have miserable consequences. Sometimes in human history, nonsense sounds like truth, and truth sounds like nonsense. This is one of those times. So, we need well functioning BS meters - and humility.

My friend’s father erred on the side of the mystery, thinking that his wife and daughter were angels. But the rest of us? We err on the side of being too materialistic, too grounded in the

About fifteen years ago, I went to the gym with my daughter but knew nothing about bike machines. I was happily watching the monitor tell me my heart rate. Cycle, cycle, pump, pump. Suddenly the heart monitor dropped to zero. “Oh no, am I dead?” was my first thought, not unlike the assumption made by my friend’s father.

We don’t usually wonder, “Am I dead yet?” We’re more likely to think we don’t see angels than that we do, even if angels were standing right in front of us. In our modern era, deluged by media, we tend to err on the side of mediocrity, falling for the lowest common denominator, making the densest decisions. But the truth is, we’re not satisfied.

Recently, I told the bank clerk about having a flying dream for the first time in a long time. (In the bank?) She answered, “I used to dream of flying, but haven’t done so in years. I miss those dreams.” Why do we human’s love flying dreams? Because something inside of us knows that we’re much more earthbound than we should be.

Facing the unknown changes us.

Recently I read a true account about a Fortune 500 company executive, who was highly successful, but miserable to work for. He was rude, ambitious, cutthroat, and quick to fire and steal credit from his employees. Then he found out he had liver cancer, with only a few months to live. He immediately reached out to his consultant, asking “What shall I do?” In his last months, he tried his best to change his ways and repair relationships. “Nick’s belated realization and regret that he often did not act out of a caring mind-set only came to him in his final days, and that is unfortunate...”

That modern story is related in essence to the familiar quote of Rev. William Cummings from WWII. “There are not atheists in foxholes.”

I’ll keep repeating what sound like nonsense syllables for the rest of my days, because I find that these ancient mantras inspire me, as they inspired our ancestors, and inspiration is a good thing. Just because science can’t prove something, doesn’t mean it isn’t real. Meanwhile, I’ll keep the BS meter running.  Decades ago, I was writing a newspaper column about snakes, inspired by my cousin whose sons found a snake, which got loose in her car. My cousin was a night-time waitress and had to drive home alone at midnight - with a snake hiding in her car! It finally slipped away.

I took a break from writing that snake article to walk down to the creek to check on my sons. What did I see?

A 6 ft long snake, stretched out and sunning on the dirt path! After 35 years of living in the family home, why did I see my first snake at that moment? Was it because I was writing about snakes?

That’s weird.

Well, I wouldn’t mind an open window that would allow us all to see some angels, and then get back to work fixing dinner. Just enough Beyond Sight BS to give us hope.

Regardless of how immersed we are with our high tech gadgets and modern values (or lack thereof), the mystery remains intact, untouched by our lack of concern, misinterpretations, or busy endeavors in the material world.

It might be wise for us to keep the openness and simplicity of our elder who passed on before us.

What is this I see? I don’t know. Let me ask. “Are you angels?”

Joanne Sales is a freelance writer, blueberry farmer, and offers workshops in EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique), and the fine art of brewing Kombucha. Comments and questions about her articles and/or upcoming workshops can be directed to joanne@glasswing.com.

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Tuesday April 25, 2017 • 7PM

Magnolia Court, 2nd Flr. Meeting Room 6996 West Island Highway, Bowser

New & Consignment Clothing, Accessories & Giftware

Guest Speaker

Renate Sutherland

Executive Director, SOS #2-177 W 2nd Avenue, Qualicum Beach

NEW LOCATION

250-752-4565

1080 Resort Drive, Parksville dressforles.ca 250-586-4338

www.walkabout.ca

Surgery • Medicine • X-Ray Dental Laboratory • Ultrasound Prescription Pet Foods Flea Products

Weekdays 8am - 5pm

250-757-9911

6030 W. Island Hwy. in Qualicum Bay

Doctor On Call 24 Hours

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Annual Memberships $12

Available at the door at the AGM, or by calling Laurel at (250) 757-8755

House Calls Available

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Our tide table measurements are taken from the Hornby Island substation.

For other tides, visit http://www.tides.gc.ca/eng on the Internet.

Printed courtesy Canadian Hydrographic Service.

LOCAL TIDE April 2017

Phone: 250-757-8944 Fax: 250-757-8654

Open daily 8am to 8pm

WORKSHOPS / CLASSES

THE CAT’S MEOW

FIRST 25 WORDS $10+GST TO PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIED AD

“In Your Home” Pet Sitting Services

Email: classified@eyesonbc.com

Specializing in spoiling your beloved pets!

Phone: 250-757-9914

SERVICES OFFERED / NEEDED THE FIX-IT SHOP – Repairs to all makes and models of lawnmowers and ride on lawn tractors, including John Deere. Pick-up and delivery available. Used equipment for sale. Call (250) 702-2191 or email fixitshop009@gmail.com LIGHTHOUSE TRAILS GROUP Needs your volunteer help! FMI Call: Val Weismiller: (250) 757-9667.

CAREGIVER NEEDED - Looking for a caregiver for our 2 children (2 & 6 yrs old) - $11.50/hr, 40 hrs/week, optional free accommodation.

Large dog at house. 250-240-8119

Loving & Reliable care of your pets in your home while you are away. Fully Insured & Bonded.

Certified in Animal First Aid and CPR. 20+ years in business, great references. Servicing Qualicum to Fanny Bay! Also providing other "away from home" services & overall security checks during my visits. Enjoy a worry-free vacation and come home to happy pets!

*Free nail clipping! www.thecatsmeowcatsitting.com

Amanda (250) 457-0998 Come visit me on Facebook!

EFT - EMOTIONAL FREEDOM TECHNIQUE WORKSHOPS - Learn how this effective technique can help you find your way to better emotional health. joanne@glasswing. com www.islandhealing.ca KOMBUCHA - Make Your Own Kombucha Workshops offered in Coombs by Joanne Sales who has been making Kombucha for over 20 years. Contact Joanne for more information about both these workshops. joanne@glasswing. com www.islandhealing.ca

WORSHIP

WILDWOOD COMMUNITY CHURCH 113 McColl Road, Bowser

Sunday Morning Worship 10:30 am 757-8136

WHAT’S ON — April 2017

250-757-9222 • website: www.rcl211.ca • email: rcl211@shaw.ca Hall Rentals 250-757-9222 • Tue and Fri 9am - 12 noon Saturday April 8th ........Legion Bus Tour Stop over Friday April 14th ..........Closed for Good Friday Sunday April 23th ........Ladies Auxiliary Spring Fling Tuesday April 25th .......Legion General meeting @ 7:00pm Sunday April 30th ........Legion Craft Fair MIXED POOL LADIES POOL CRIBBAGE MEN’S POOL TEXAS HOLD’EM DARTS

Tuesday............................................................... 5:00pm Wednesday......................................................... 4:00pm Wednesday......................................................... 6:30pm Thursday............................................................. 6:00pm Thursday............................................................. 7:00pm Friday.................................................................. 5:00pm

Meat Draws - Every Friday at 5:00 p.m. & Saturday at 4:30 p.m. ** MEMBERS, GUESTS & PROSPECTIVE MEMBERS ALWAYS WELCOME ** Facebook: Events-at-the-Bowser-Legion-br211-368799556487 A P R I L

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FROM THE DESK OF THE DIRECTOR

BILL VEENHOF

Regional Director, Area H billveenhof.com - ph: 778-424-2810 bill.veenhof@shaw.ca

I

hope that everything is going well for you and that by the time this is printed, spring is truly upon us. For the most part this update focuses on taxes and grants.

AREA H TAXES

T

he 2017 RDN budget is almost finalized and taxes for Area H continue to stay very low.

In 2017 we should see a less than 2% increase the average Area tax bill. This number will vary based on what happened to your property assessment. Area H will see an increase in bus service from 1 day/week to 5 days/week and we have hired another Parks Planner. The rest of the services for Area H remain in place.

SUPPORT FOR FEDERAL TAX PREPARATION

G

erry Caille is a local resident volunteer who is approved by the Federal Government to use their taxation software and e-file returns for people who are low income, senior, handicapped or sick.

Anyone who falls into these categories and needs help with their taxes should contact Gerry at 250757-8115.

Gerry has my sincere appreciation for his efforts making Area H a better place.

CENSUS

T

he first information coming from the 2016 census is out. It reports that Area H has seen a 10.7% population growth since 2011. Our population is now 3,884, up from 3,509. More information will be coming from Census Canada in the future and I hope we will find out that this population increase 1 6

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RDN BEGINS COMMUNITY CONSULTATION ON RURAL AREA SIGNAGE

means that we will see a reduction in the average age here.

The Regional District of Nanaimo will be meeting with residents this spring to discuss rural area signage. This consultation is intended to identify opportunities for effective signage in RDN Electoral Areas, with the goal to improve community identification and promote economic development.

BOWSER SEWER

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am very pleased to be able to advise you that the Province and the Federal Government have announced under the Clean Water and Wastewater Fund, that they are prepared to provide $7.5mil of infrastructure funding for the Bowser sewer. The Feds will contribute $4,572,487 and the Province $3,017,841.

“Effective and informative signage is important to the local economy – it supports public safety and can strengthen community identity and pride, so we are reaching out to communities to find out what we can do to make this process easier,” said RDN Board Chair Bill Veenhof.

This puts in place the opportunity that allows Bowser to realize its full potential as contemplated in the Rural Village Plan http://www.rdn.bc.ca/cms. asp?wpID=2059

The RDN is involved in regulating signs on private property in rural areas through zoning and sign regulations as well as through development permit area guidelines. These measures ensure proposed signage is consistent with community objectives and the vision set out in an Official Community Plan (OCP).

A few very important points: • This sewer is for the properties that are within the boundaries of the Bowser Rural Village Centre only.

• The difference between the actual cost of the sewer and the $7.5mil will be the responsibility of local government.

The RDN has worked with community groups and the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure to complete a series of pilot projects supporting community identification and economic development through signage. These include the Lighthouse Country entrance signs, Lighthouse Country Business Association signs and the Nanoose Bay Community signs. The pilot projects have produced promising results which has prompted the expansion of this community consultation to the rest of the region.

• Only the people that benefit directly from the sewer will be required to pay for it. Logically and fairly, it is only these people who get to vote whether or not they want it.

It is early days and there will be a great deal more to come, including public engagement. I think significant questions are, “What it will cost property owners?" and “How will that money be collected?". So far, no one knows the answer to these important questions and it would be inappropriate for me to speculate on them. The RDN is proceeding to develop an understanding of costs. This will then become part of the public discussion.

Results of the community consultation will be presented to the Board later this year.

For more information on rural area signage and to find out when meetings will be held in your area ... visit www.rdn.bc.ca/ruralsignage

I have asked RDN staff to put a priority on this work.

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I wish to express my sincere gratitude to RDN Staff who made this a reality, The Province of BC and the Federal Government for this wonderful opportunity. ~

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WIZARDRY The pocket swirls in whorls of ruffled riffle flanked by funnelling flumes of race and runnel while fly-line dangles down the bouldered channel; it slaloms the shoulders where lissome waters carom and sparkling spangles jostle, solar blossom.

Then all the elasticity of sunlight flows down his arm and flexes at the sweet spot as he double-hauls and loads his fly-rod slingshot— taut as the boom and gurdy of a troller; it catapults, extracts the line like a molar.

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hen I'm fly-casting, I sometimes feel like I'm a wizard waving a magic wand.

This poem expands that idea in a humorous way. Also, I love alliterative sounds in poetry, sometimes to the point of overwhelming the poem. In this case, I just let myself run riot.

As his back-cast springs and bends its graphite back, the rod draws a starry flash like a lightning smack and mints a constellation. A zodiac forms in the air as his forward flick flecks arcs with droplets blizzarding down in wizard's sparks.

About this Poem ...

Internal rhyme and alliterative sound predominate in this poem, but there's an underlying formal structure.

There are five beats per line, with varying rhythms often driven by alliteration. The first two lines read like this: The POcket SWIRLS in WHORLS of RUFFled RIFFle FLANKED by FUNnelling FLUMES of RACE and RUNnel Each stanza had five lines rhymed aaabb, and the rhymes are sometimes full (back, smack Zodiac) and sometimes partial or "slant" (riffle, runnel, channel).

This poem has been previously published in Hatches fly-fishing magazine and the 2011 "Sudden Thunder" anthology produced by Silver Bow Publishing. Also, if you want to hear it recited, Google "John Beaton Eratosphere podcast".

The thaumaturgic aura casts its sleight, transforms his rod and line to a pen of light— he lifts the fountain-wand and starts to write.

His strokes are swift and slippery as Houdini's, his motions smooth and shadowy as a genie's.

And he spells his casts in shade on jade reflections, in line-rips shined with sprays of splash-torn sequins, in glittery sweeps and swoops by jittery aspens.

His flourished cursives slish-slash through the haze until the fly free-falls through the burnished blaze.

It drops like a seed on the pocket from the skies.

Will a sizeable sorcerer's prize materialize?

He focuses his Wiccan powers. A rise!

The grand surprise he strives to bring about?

He strikes at the magic trick of the vanished trout!

John Beaton lives in Qualicum Beach. His poetry has been widely published. He served for four years as moderator of one of the Internet’s most reputable poetry workshops and is a Spoken Word performer, a member of the band Celtic Chaos, and a co-organizer of local events, including a community showcase for musicians and Spoken Word performers, the Qualicum Acoustic Café (QUAC). You can find samples of John’s work by searching online for “John Beaton poetry”. To receive a monthly newsletter about local community events organized by John and his family and friends, email him at jabeaton@gmail.com. ~ A P R I L

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ALCOVE HOMEGROWN LIVING:

NEW BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

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lose to the corner of Second and Memorial Avenues, where a whimsical sidewalk sign resides, a burst of colourful excitement comes rushing up to greet you. It’s the welcoming doorstep of Alcove Homegrown Living, one of Qualicum’s newest and most imaginative retail shops.

The sign reads “Voted Best New Business of The Year”. Step inside and you’ll discover why.

A boutique store, Alcove opened its doors last June, presenting a plethora of handmade goods, “ethically produced, high quality merchandise, connecting our local community to you”. It’s an artful expression of owner Cheryl Campbell’s lifetime as a Visual Merchandiser for clients across Canada. She saw the trend toward “locally made” and felt the need to support her local community with a store that reflected that. Everything has been sourced from within 100 Miles. Look for apparel, artisan items, body care products, edibles, gifts and home décor, both from emerging and recognized producers.

The stunning blown glass works of the incomparable Robert Held are featured, along with works of other local artisans like fashion designer Lucinda Hepting, known for her fabulous re-purposed creations and the stunning jewelry designs of Naked Sage, Shi Studio and others.

Cheryl Campbell Owner Alcove Homegrown Living

Exceptional edibles include well-known, unpasteurized Frederick's Honey, flavourful Vancouver Island Salt Company, the popular line of Catie’s pickles and condiments and the large selection of locally grown organic teas, formerly the Tea Farm and recently rebranded as Westholme Tea. There’s chocolate, caramels and even hand-crafted organic marshmallows to tempt your sweet tooth.

Glancing around will flood your senses. Here a line of adorable fabric animals to collect, there a gorgeous quilt, and over there some sweet smelling bath salts and body products. Sort of like the 100 Mile Diet on eye candy steroids.

Expectations exceeded! There’s always something new waiting for you to discover at Alcove. You’ll want to visit again and again.

Alcove Homegrown Living 689 Memorial Avenue, Qualicum Beach 250.594.5483 · www.alcoveliving.ca

If you would like a Spotlight on your local business, please contact Lorraine at brownelorraine@ shaw.ca for details.

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NEW LOOK! NEW LOCATION!

Grand Opening Wednesday April 5th 30% to 50% off Hunter Douglas select products

tuesday - friday 9am to 3pm

Zelkova Blinds

Hunter Douglas Priority Dealer Tues-Thurs • 10am -4pm or by appointment

437 Maquinna Place, Qualicum Beach

250-954-7047

(Qualicum Woods)

GONDA LEKX

NEW LOCATION #7-2451 Collins Crescent, Red Gap Centre, Nanoose www.zelkovablinds.ca

gondasstudioforhair@gmail.com

250.228.0651

Superior Service • Realistic Rates • Qualified Technicians

ONE CALL DOES IT ALL!

Once a month on the Second Sunday of every month from 8am ‘til noon, it’s been a long-standing Qualicum Bay tradition to check out the Market and have breakfast with neighbours and community!

YOU’RE INVITED! Lighthouse Community Centre, 240 Lions Way in Qualicum Bay Artisans, Crafters and Farmers Wanted! Join the Market!

Call today to rent your table at the next market! secondsundaymarket@gmail.com • www.communityhall.ca

778-424-9900

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General Repairs • GM Specialists Tires • Brakes • Batteries • Tune-ups Your local BCAA Tower Motor Vehicle Inspections AllData Equipped “And Shop Key”

DESIGNATED INSPECTION FACILITY

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LIONS RECREATION HALL (LRH) 280 Lions Way, Qualicum Bay. Let's FLOOR CURL! Join our floor curling club for winter fun and friendship! We play September to May on Mondays and Fridays, 1-3pm at the Lions Rec Hall in lovely Qualicum Bay. No equipment is needed, curling rocks are supplied, and floor curling is affordable, easy to play and great for all ages and capabilities. Our Club is "55+ Seniors Games" eligible. FMI call Fred or Lorraine at 250-752-0216.

Lighthouse Country & beyond LIGHTHOUSE COMMUNITY CENTRE (LCC) 240 Lions Way, Qualicum Bay. SECOND SUNDAY MARKET at the Lighthouse Community Centre in Qualicum Bay – Sunday April 9th - 8am-noon, Pancake Breakfast - $6 or $8. Enjoy live music, breakfast, shopping for a treasure, or even a few chickens for your coop! Parents of the Bowser Elementary PAC will be serving up breakfast.

BOW HORNE BAY COMMUNITY CLUB Join us in the Nordin Room at the Lighthouse Community Centre the 4th Thursday of each month at 7pm. Welcome new members to keep our yearly events ongoing. Call Lynette at 250-240-3463 or email us at bowhornebayclub@gmail.com SOUPY CAFÉ - COMMUNITY LUNCH - By Donation. 1st Wednesday of each month.

Noon To 1:30pm only. Lunch, games, entertainment. Lighthouse Community Centre - 240 Lions Way, Qualicum Bay. All welcome.

At the Lighthouse Community Centre LIGHTHOUSE BADMINTON, PICKLEBALL, AND TABLE TENNIS on Mondays at 7pm, starting Monday Sept 19th. PICKLEBALL and TABLE TENNIS on Thursdays at 7pm, starting Thursday Sept. 22nd. Times may change. $4 drop-in fee. Beginners welcome. Equipment provided. Players 15+ years. Info-ph. 250757-8307 steelehunt@shaw.ca LIGHTHOUSE SENIORS – Branch 152 – meet at 11:30am in the Seniors Room at the Lighthouse Community Centre on the first Monday of every month. For more information, please call Joan at 250-7579536.

TAOIST™ TAI CHI - Mondays 9:30-noon at the Lighthouse Community Centre in Qualicum Bay. Wednesdays to May 2017, 10:45-12:15, at the OAP Hall in Fanny Bay. Contact: Richard 250-752-1231.

LIGHTHOUSE SPINNERS – Bring your Spinning Wheels and fibre and meet the Lighthouse Spinners at the LCC, Tuesdays at 10:30am. FMI Call 778-424-1001.

LIGHTHOUSE COUNTRY SCRAPBOOKERS Meet 3rd Saturday monthly at the Lions' Rec Hall, 9:30am-4:30pm. $10. Door prizes. FMI Jorgie 250-757-8358 or Shirley 250-7578384.

CARPET BOWLING – 12:45 to 3pm at the LCC. FMI Call Layne (250) 757-8217.

QUALICUM BAY LIONS CLUB – Meet at 7pm, every second and fourth Tuesday in the Lions Den at the Lions’ Rec Hall.

AA LIGHTKEEPERS - Fridays at 7pm at the LCC. FMI contact (250) 757-2300.

BRIDGE – Nordin Room 1-4pm Fridays at the LCC. FMI Sheila Steele 250-757-8307.

ANNUAL EAGLE RELEASE at the North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre. Saturday April 8th - 11am-3pm. Admission by donation (suggested $5). Children under 12 admitted FREE. 1240 Leffleur Road, Errington.

FOR MORE ACTIVITIES AT THE LCC, VISIT WWW.COMMUNITYHALL.CA BOWSER TENNIS CLUB - OPENING DAY BBQ : Saturday, April 22nd - 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM Come join us for a fun day of tennis at the courts behind the Bowser Legion (weather permitting).

For information contact us at: bowsertennisclub@mail.com

NANOOSE BAY ART GROUP is hosting their 24th art show and sale. Original art work with free admission and refreshments.

Date: Saturday April 22nd and Sunday April 23rd. 2017. Time: 10 AM to 4 PM. Place: Nanoose Place, 2925 Northwest Bay Road, Nanoose Bay

PARKSVILLE / QUALICUM BEACH AND AREA

QUALICUM BEACH FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY will hold its regular meeting on Wednesday April 19, 7pm at the Qualicum Legion on Veterans Way. Brenda L. Smith speaking on "Tracking Robert Souter" A case study in finding a Scottish Canadian settler. Guests Welcome.

PARKSVILLE RECITAL SERIES – Elizabeth Herman, Soprano, Andrew Greenwood, Baritone, Nikolai Maloff, Piano. A concert of opera duets and arias. April 9, 3 pm, McMillan Arts Centre Gallery, Parksville. $20 at the door. Contact: 250-594-5324 The Ladies Auxiliary of the Royal Canadian Legion Br 211 in Bowser presents "SPRING FLING". Sunday, April 23. 1pm (doors open 12:30pm). Adults $10, children $5. 50/50.

Cakewalk. Treasure Hunt. Door prizes.

Advance tickets only - contact Joyce at 250-954-9787. Come dressed in vintage costume to celebrate Canada's 150th and win a prize! 7035 West Island Highway, Bowser.

QUALICUM BEACH GARDEN CLUB meeting on Tuesday April 11th 2017.

Qualicum Beach Civic Centre, 740 Jones Street. Meet & greet at 7 pm - presentation at 7:30 pm. Expert Gardening Panel will address questions from the audience and provide advice on gardening in the Oceanside area of Vancouver Island.

Bring your questions to this meeting!

Membership fee is $15 pa. Drop in fee is $3.

Community Calendar listings are reserved for non-profit organizations, societies, clubs and associations operating within the guidelines of the Society Act of BC, and to charities registered with Canada Revenue Agency.

Listings are first-come, first-served, space permitting. More events at www.eyesonbc.com 2 0

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ECHO PLAYERS PRESENT

THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE Submitted by Mari Lyn Kelly, Stage/Music Director

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he Pirates of Penzance are coming to Qualicum Beach!! But why you ask?

What could possibly entice this rag-tag band of dysfunctional pirates to cross the many leagues of sea to explore the east coast of Vancouver Island? Furthermore while on this beautiful stretch of beach they meet an often-befuddled Major-General who is picnicking with his daughters and their chaperone. The daughters are visiting their father at Fort Rodd in Victoria and he has recently bought some property in Qualicum Beach that he wishes to show them. What next?

Well the fun begins and what ensues is a rollicking frolic of merriment, young love and the possibility that the local police force will indeed get their man ahem men; women; pirates.

The setting for this favourite Gilbert and Sullivan operetta lends itself naturally to the site of Qualicum Beach; a rocky coast bounded by tall beautiful trees and when asked if I would direct it I jumped at the chance. I knew that Captain Vancouver had sailed close to our wonderful Island and I asked myself what if he had written in his journals about a map and indicated that it lead to treasure somewhere on Qualicum Beach. Who would that entice to come and

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explore what the treasure could be? Why pirates of course and so my vision of this musical took shape.

This Gilbert and Sullivan operetta follows the usual G & S form in that it has young love that is kept apart for some reason until the end. It has a very convoluted tale that is difficult to figure out and, frankly, one shouldn’t even try. It has a chorus of lovely ladies and a chorus of men who are befuddled but endearing and of course all is revealed and works out in the end.

The Pirates of Penzance never fails to have the audience leave the theatre humming a favourite tune and put lightheartedness in their step.

The Pirates of Penzance will be presented

by ECHO Players April 27 – May 14 at the Village Theatre. Evening performances will be at 7:30pm, Sunday matinees at 2:00pm.

For ticket information, call the Box Office at 250-752-3522. The Box Office opens on April 11th. and will be open Tuesday through Saturday 10:00am to 3:00pm and on performance nights from 5:30pm to 8:00pm.

Based at the Village Theatre in Qualicum Beach, ECHO Players is a community theatre society which has served Oceanside and beyond for over 40 years

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Advertising

Septic Installation

SEPTIC & WASTE MANAGEMENT

Service and Repairs Treatment Plant Certified Assessments Available

Next time ... a potential client could read your ad in this space.

Call 250-757-9914

Massage

Home Repairs

Sani Services

We encourage you to “think local” when looking for products or services

MAGAZINE

250-752-2921

Bookkeeping Services Sage Simply Accounting & QuickBooks

Drywall

Heating

Bookkeeping

www.actiontankservice.ca

FREE CONSULATION

250-248-2429 www.hbhorizon.ca

Philip Brown

250-240-4902 • 250-757-8077 EVENINGS

MAGAZINE

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Plumbing

INSTALLATION SERVICE & REPAIRS

MAGAZINE

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Windows • Glass Repair

Advertising

PLUMBING • GAS • HEATING

Chimney Cleaning

ADVERTISING

Plumbing Gas Heating

Unit #2 - 1306 Alberni Hwy, Parksville

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LARGEST SELECTION OF BC AND CANADIAN MADE FURNITURE ON VANCOUVER ISLAND! Saving you $$$ on over 20 Top Name Canadian Brands · Guaranteed!

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250-752-4205

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