FRIDAY DEC 13, 2013 VOL. 40, NO. 28
75¢
including GST
Watch for more online at: WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM
Christmas spirit
A book full o’ funnies
The making of...
Traffic-stopping decorations just for fun, and local charity
Ron Woodall’s upcoming book of collected comics
A Christmas concert not to be forgotten
Council questioned over purchasing decisions More than $100 thousand in municipal funds spent with a waive to the standard purchasing policy MERIBETH DEEN EDITOR
Christmas decorations made by the kids at Bowen Island Children’s Centre. Debra Stringfellow photo
Survey shows economic impact of potential ferry cuts MERIBETH DEEN EDITOR
Of the two hundred and fifteen people who responded to a survey distributed, over two weekends, on the ferry runs which are slated to be cut by April of 2014, one-hundred and thirty four said they were travelling for work. Gordon Ganong, chair of the Bowen Island Economic Improvement Committee says this number goes to show that the cuts will have a drastic impact on Bowen’s economic well-being. Ganong wrote the survey and organized for its distribution by volunteers because, he said, he wanted to know exactly who was riding the affected ferry runs and to hear directly from them about the impact. “One-hundred and thirty-four people might not seem like a very large number,” says Ganong, “But on Bowen we have roughly 1400
households, and if all of the people who use those ferries will have to either quit their jobs or move off island, that means Bowen is losing an excess of $1 million in revenue in exchange for BC Ferries saving $165 thousand.” Among those people who will struggle to get to work if the ferry sailings are cut are nurses, a firefighter, a woman who cares for ten-elderly patients in West Vancouver, a church director, someone who commutes to Bowen to work at the Orchard Recovery Centre, and someone who comes to Bowen to work as a paramedic. Many of the survey respondents noted that they were travelling to the mainland for more than a single purpose, working and socializing, or socializing and doing errands. Ganong says that beyond the simple multiple-choice style answers to the survey, he has collected nine pages of comments written by the people who filled it out.
In the past month, council has approved the purchase of a Bobcat Versahandler with a total cost of more than $70 thousand as well as a contract, worth a maximum cost of $40 thousand dollars, to build a lock-block retaining wall on Bowen Island Trunk road between the BC ferries washrooms and the cenotaph. At council this week, concerned citizen Bill Granger questioned council members as to why they agreed to waive municipal purchasing policies on these decisions, and the appropriateness of using surplus funds to pay for them. “My understanding, from everything I’ve read, from an interview with you (Mayor Adelaar) in the Undercurrent, and from my discussions with you individually, is that money is very tight,” said Granger. “So somehow, we suddenly found up to $40 thousand for an additional lock-block wall to be added on to another project? I understand… there may have been some savings in doing this, but the point is there was not money in the capital or the operating budget identified for that purpose.” Kirsten Watson, the municipality’s manager of finance, says the money for the project comes from the 2013 budget for roads and capital work which has not been fully expensed this year. “We weren’t planning on this project,” says Watson, “the work being done by BC Ferries on the sewer main presented an opportunity for us to widen the sidewalk.”
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Christmas at the Ruddy FFestive Foods:
Christmas Dinner:
• Organic fair trade chocolates • Stollen, panettone & Christmas cakes • Ruddy Kitchen appetizers & baked treats
• Complete turkey dinners from the Ruddy Kitchen • JD Farms natural turkeys • Handmade Tourtiere • All the veggies • Fresh pies, cream & ice cream • Sparkling organic juices
Gifts & Stocking Stuffers! Ruddy Potato in Village Square
604.947.0098
www.ruddypotato.com
2 t FRIDAY DECEMBER 13 2013
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Municipal spending continued PAGE 1
This also explains why we asked to waive the purchasing policy. It wouldn’t make sense to have a public tender for a contract when North Construction had already been hired (by BC Ferries) to do half the work.” Watson also explained that a Bobcat Versahandler is a necessary piece of equipment for the municipality in order to load-up salt and sand into the dump truck to put on roads both in winter and summer. The municipality’s old Bobcat is at least 10 years old, and in severe disrepair. Granger asked for clarity about whether the new Bobcat is a replacement machine or a complimentary machine to the one that Bowen already has, and Watson told council that the old Bobcat was in serious disrepair despite the fact that her report mentioned that “the existing attachments could be used on both machines.” The money to purchase this item comes from the 2013 equipment budget, which allots 60 thousand
dollars for a Bobcat. Extra money from within that budget exists, says Watson, because the municipality did not buy a new salt briner for the dump truck. Watson says waiving the purchasing policy for the Bobcat just made sense in this circumstance. “There are two Bobcat dealers on the mainland,” says Watson, “It just makes sense to purchase from the dealer we rented from, so that the rental cost could be subtracted from the final price.” Granger says that he hopes that the municipality can do a better job of making these details clear in its report and in its budgeting process, and also says the importance of setting aside surplus money, if there is any, cannot be overstated. “For a major project, like the community centre that this council has promised, there are programs where two-thirds of the costs will be covered by the provincial and federal governments,” says Granger. “So if the Municipality is serious about getting these things done, they’ve got to make sure there’s money going into that pot.”
Ferry surveys continued PAGE 1
A few examples of the comments: - Have to quit REP hockey or persuade parents to move -Don’t know if my work will be flexible enough -Newspaper delivery on Island would be even later B O W E N I S L A N D M U N I C I PA L I T Y
Cove Bay Water System Water Shut Off Notice Please be advised that water service to Cardena, Union and Venture Roads will be shut off at approx. 8:30 am on Monday, December 16, 2013 in order to work on a water line. Updates will be posted on the Bowen Island Municipality website advising of the shut off and when water service has been resumed. Public Works thanks you in advance for your patience.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 604-947-4255
Ganong says he wants the results of his survey to be communicated to politicians and BC Ferries Officials so that they understand the true impact these cuts would make on Bowen Island. “Where is the fairness and justice in their actions?” asks Ganong. “Is the hardship for so many people and the impact on the economy of Bowen Island really worth it for the same amount of $130,000 a year that just one executive has been given as a salary increase?” The Municipality’s online survey about ferry usage and cuts is entirely separate, and Bowen Island Municipal Transportation Advisory Committee (BIMTAC) chair Adam Holbrook says that more than 500 people have already responded. “What we know for sure is that this creates a massive sense of uncertainty,” he says. “For people who are on island, or thinking of moving here, how can you make a decision about what you’re supposed to do when you’re thinking more cuts could be coming? There is a real lack of clarity in terms of the financial impact of these cuts, and a lack of clarity in terms of their consultation. We really need to sit down with someone and talk about what the trade-offs are with these cuts.” Holbrook says there has been no response yet to anything that has been submitted by the municipality to the Ministry of Transportation. “We don’t even know yet if anyone is going to be coming here in January,” Holbrook says. One thing we do know, is that BC Ferries will be cancelling all ferries prior to 8am on December 25th and January 1st.
B O W E N I S L A N D M U N I C I PA L I T Y
BOWEN ISLAND MUNICIPAL HALL OFFICE CLOSURE Bowen Island Municipal Hall will be closed for the holiday season starting at 12:00 noon on Tuesday, December 24, 2013 and will reopen at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, January 2, 2014. December 31, 2013 is the deadline for paying outstanding property taxes. Payments dated December 31, 2013 that are in our mail or our drop box by 8:30 a.m. on January 2, 2013 will be accepted as December 31, 2013 payment.
Happy Holidays from Mayor Adelaar, Council & BIM Staff
Ron Woodall and Jacqueline Massey hold up copies of Woodall’s two books of collected comics. His new book, “The guy who makes the Heron sounds,” will be available by December 18th. Meribeth Deen, photo
Second book of Woodall comics raises funds for Arts Council MERIBETH DEEN EDITOR
Ron Woodall’s new book of comics The guy who makes the heron sounds will be ready in time for Christmas, and on sale at the Gallery@Artisan Square, as well as theislandshoppe.ca and numerous other locations for $20. That $20, however, is a direct donation to the Bowen Island Arts Council and the Gallery. Jacqueline Massey, executive director of the Arts Council says Woodall’s previous book of comics alongside a show at the Gallery helped raise $3800. “This is really a big thing for us, it truly helps us keep afloat and put on
events that we wouldn’t otherwise be able to.” Massey says that when prints of Woodall’s comics were hanging in the Gallery, she could hear people laughing out loud from her office around the corner. There are 120 comics in the new book, all of which have been published in The Undercurrent over the past few years. Woodall says he hasn’t missed a week in The Undercurrent in more than 5 years, having sent comics back to Bowen from both Bali and Mexico. “I see this as my community service,” says Woodall, “I want to give the town a little bit of a laugh about its troubles.”
B O W E N I S L A N D M U N I C I PA L I T Y
In accordance with the Community Charter, Council approved the following schedule of regular Council meetings to take place at Municipal Hall, 981 Artisan Lane in 2014: • Monday, January 13th and Monday, January 27th • Tuesday, February 11th and Monday, February 24th • Monday, March 10th and Monday, March 24th • Monday, April 14th and Monday, April 28th • Monday, May 12th and Monday May 26th • Monday, June 9th and Monday, June 23rd • Monday, July 14th and Monday, July 28th • Monday, September 8th and Monday, September 22nd • Tuesday, October 14th and Monday, October 27th • Monday, November 10th and Monday, November 24th • Monday, December 8, 2014; and That each meeting be held at 1:00 p.m. in Council Chambers.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 604-947-4255
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 604-947-4255
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FRIDAY DECEMBER 13 2013 t 3
LIFT update
SUBMITTED
The Bowen LIFT volunteers have had a busy summer and fall and thought it would be a good idea to share what has been happening before 2013 closes. As many will recall, the goal of the BowenLIFT project is to transform casual thumbing – which has been in decline on Bowen over the last several years – into a dependable, island-wide method of transportation. We have designed and distributed mirror tags for or drivers offering rides and rider tags for those seeking a ride. All tags are colour-coded to let others know where on the island the drivers and riders are going. So far about 300 of these materials have been distributed to islanders. These LIFT tags are available at three locations on the island: Municipal Hall, the library (in the Bowen Collection area), and The Office (above the copy machine). Along with the tags, you'll find Bowen LIFT bumper stickers, and brochures describing the LIFT system. We held a "LIFT Launch" aboard the Queen of Capilano for 4 days last June, complete with music and volunteers handing out Bowen LIFT materials on the most popular morning and evening ferry sailings. This event was filmed by Metro Vancouver as part of their Sustainable Region TV show and will be on the Metro Vancouver website www.metrovancouver.org soon. Informational posters were mailed to all islanders so those who are not regular ferry users didn't miss out! We also hosted a popular booth at Bowfest which was visited by fellow islanders looking for information and LIFT materials. Everyone is always very enthusiastic about picking up mirror tags, so please be sure to hang them in full view when you are in your car and able to give a lift to your neighbours. Shovels have also been put in the ground. Eight new LIFT stops have been installed around the island at high priority locations bringing our total LIFT stops to 13 island-wide. The LIFT stops were designed after the local RCMP expressed concerns about it being unsafe to hitchhike in many places, with our unlit narrow roads and
blind corners. The LIFT stops provide safe places to wait for a ride, and safe places for cars to pull off the road. Our goal is to have 20 LIFT stops by the end of the project. A survey was conducted back in March. We wanted to know how much people knew about BowenLIFT, how people were using BowenLIFT, and what improvements to the LIFT project Bowen Islanders would like to see. A total of 213 people participated in the survey conducted on the Queen of Capilano. From the survey we learned that some people drive into Snug Cove because they feel there is no viable alternative. Cowan Point, for example, is not served by a bus. Few people are currently hitchhiking on Bowen regularly or seek a ride when they are on the ferry though most drivers will pick up hitchhikers, but generally only on Bowen! Keen-eyed Bowen Islanders may also have seen BowenLIFT volunteers with clipboards, pencils and flashlights in hands during the morning and evening ferry runs recently. We are doing this to figure out whether people are ride-sharing. The traffic survey involved counting how many cars were travelling into Snug Cove for ferries. We are monitoring this over the course of the project to see whether the number of vehicles is different at the end of the project than at the beginning of the project. Four days of vehicle surveys have been done so far: February 5th, May 30th, August 22nd, and November 26th, 2013. The remaining vehicle surveys will be conducted in February, May and August 2014. The results of the surveys form the first year will be provided to the Transportation Advisory Committee early in the New Year. If you haven’t gone to our www. bowenlift.com recently, take a look for a description of all the elements of the LIFT program. Islanders interested in volunteering for LIFT events, surveying, working on the BowenLift.com website or possible work on smart phone integration please contact DG Blair, project coordinator at dg@blairwhitehead.com or 604-947-0134. “I remember when you walked down a road on Bowen and the first passing car offered you a lift: let’s just start giving each other rides again!�
TI D E S HIGH FEET Fri.
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Kristin Jarvis, photo
The Making of a Bowen Island Community Choir Christmas Concert CHERYL HUTTON SUBMITTED
“Blast this Christmas music. It’s joyful and triumphant.� — The Grinch, How the Grinch Stole Christmas On Saturday, December 14th, the Bowen Island Community Choir (BICC) will host their 22nd annual Christmas concert at Cates Hill Chapel. The choir offers you the choice of two concerts: one at 2 pm and one at 7:30 pm. Some say the festivities and preparations leading up to Christmas are as much a part of the joy as the actual day. The same could be said for the preparation of a BICC Christmas concert. Without knowing what blend of voices she will have to work with, Musical Director Ellen MacIntosh chooses and orders the music mid-August to ensure it arrives in time for the first rehearsal. The selection is a wonderful collection of traditional sounds (some with a twist), as well as contemporary pieces. In September, approximately 55 Bowen Islanders register for the choir and begin attending weekly practices. During the following three and half months, Ellen uses her superb talent to teach, coax and magically sculpt these Bowen voices into beautiful blended harmony. It’s interesting to note that not all choir members read music. No problem. The ever-efficient BICC Board of Directors has a solution. Choir member, Bonney McDowell, utilizes a special program to play and record each song with the various individual sections (soprano, alto, tenor, bass) highlighted. Thanks to Google Drive and Communications Director Davina Haisell, the music can be downloaded so it’s
REGULAR SCHEDULE
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BOWEN ISLAND Snug Cove
5:30 am # 6:30 am 7:30 am 8:30 am 9:30 am 10:30 am 11:30 am 12:30 pm 3:00 pm 4:00 pm †5:00 pm 6:00 pm 7:00 pm * 8:00 pm 9:00 pm 10:00 pm
VANCOUVER Horseshoe Bay
6:00 am 7:00 am 8:00 am 9:00 am †10:00 am 11:00 am 12:00 pm 2:25 pm 3:30 pm 4:30 pm 5:30 pm 6:30 pm 7:30 pm * 8:30 pm 9:35 pm
Distance: 3 NAUTICAL MILES Crossing Time: 20 MINUTES
Leave Horseshoe Bay
H: 6 L: 4
0348 1356 Sat. 0442 1436 Sun. 0526 1515 Mon. 0605 1553 Tue. 0640 1629 Wed. 0714 1705 Thurs. 0746 1743
LOW FEET
Ellen MacIntosh directs the Bowen Island Community Choir during a 2012 concert.
In Effect October 14-December 19, 2013
Leave Snug Cove
BOWEN LIFT
#
DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAYS AND STATUTORY HOLIDAYS
*
easy to sing along with, as well as learn the rhythm and timing connected with the lyrics. Members burn their own CD and practise anywhere they can – in the car on the ferry is a particular favourite. In addition, a rotating schedule is arranged, whereby every week one of each of the soprano, alto, tenor and bass sections meets prior to the regular rehearsal to review and practise their specific parts. Behind any successful musical director is a skilled rehearsal and performance accompanist. The choir is fortunate to be working with uber-talented Sheilagh Sparks. After eating dinner on the run from ferry to chapel each week, Sheilagh sits at the piano and assists the musical director, playing anything from straight through a song, to repeating specific bars or individual notes. The musical accompaniment can be challenging on some songs, but not for Sheilagh, whose playing and sight-reading ability is legendary. The concert date approaches. The Board has met to tie up loose ends. Risers, stage platforms, lighting, sound and recording of the concert have been organized. A home baking sign-up sheet has been circulated to prepare for the concession. Tickets are on sale at Cates Pharmacy ($15 for adults, $12 for seniors/students, and $5 for children 6-12) and posters are up. Ellen chooses the final sequence of songs and the program goes to designer Janis Treleaven for layout (she did the poster too) and then to print. On Friday, there will be a dress rehearsal that will include guest soloist - Lynn Williams and bass/percussionist Brian Hoover. In the background, Master of Ceremonies Graham Ritchie looks over the program lineup and starts to formulate his ever-witty jokes and stories. And tomorrow‌showtime! The Bowen Island Community Choir invites you to join us for song and celebration as we take the stage for our 2013 Christmas concert. Who knows... now that you’ve had the backstage tour, you may even consider signing up for our spring season!
Places of Worship Welcome You BOWEN ISLAND UNITED CHURCH Rev. Shelagh MacKinnon
Service and Sunday School: 10:30 a.m. Collins Hall Bookings: Helen Wallwork Minister of Music: Lynn Williams
FOOD BANK DROP-OFF
BOWEN ISLAND COMMUNITY CHURCH Pastor Clinton Neal 1070 Miller Road 604-947-0384 Service 10:00 a.m. Sunday School 10:30 a.m.
DAILY EXCEPT SATURDAYS
ST. GERARD’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH
â€
604-988-6304
THE WEDNESDAY SAILINGS WILL BE REPLACED BY DANGEROUS CARGO SAILINGS. NO OTHER PASSENGERS PERMITTED.
Mass: 10:30 a.m. Priest: Father James Comey
CATES HILL CHAPEL www.cateshillchapel.com 604-947-4260
(661 Carter Rd.)
B N 8PSTIJQ r 4VOEBZ 4DIPPM 5PUT UP 5FFOT 1BTUPS Dr. James B. Krohn
4 t FRIDAY DECEMBER 13 2013
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EDITORIAL
A season for peace MERIBETH DEEN EDITOR
You don’t need to be reminded that we find ourselves, like it or not, Christian or not, in the full swing of the Christmas season. Whether or not you’re into the religious side of things, its nice to imagine that there might be such a thing as a season of peace and goodwill and that we might just be smack in the middle of it. That said I would like to note that I have chosen to assert my meager powers as editor of The Undercurrent to create more peaceable editorial pages in this paper. In the past month or so these pages have been
come to terms with the true course of events in the previous mayoral administration. The political battles of this island will continue despite whatever editorial decisions I make. I know, also, that there will always be people more than happy to launch their missiles my way, and that’s fine, do what you must to work through whatever it is you’re feeling. For now, at least I’ll be enjoying the long, dark, nights of this season, faux-reindeer horns, eggnog and gooey cake with weird-coloured dried fruit.On another note: please submit your ads and articles for the December 27th paper by the 20th, as this paper will be published on the 24th. The deadline for the January 3rd paper is December 27th.
filled with accusations and anger slung back and forth like a ping-pong ball. Each letter begs for a retaliatory response, and sure enough they just keep coming. I will admit to being nervous about letting one side have “the last word,” but any point at which I might have stopped publishing the letters would have had the same effect. I would be thoroughly pleased if an agreed-upon version of the truth could be found by the various parties asserting their own version on these pages, but who are we kidding? More than 2000 years following the birth of Jesus, a large swath of humanity continues to squabble over how he was born, who he was and how he died. Maybe it’s small potatoes in comparison, but it doesn’t give me much hope that this community can
The Write Stuff. The Undercurrent encourages reader participation in your community newspaper. You must include your full name and a daytime phone number (for verification only). The editor reserves the right to edit for clarity, legality, brevity and taste. Here’s how. To submit a letter to the editor, fax 604-947-0148 or mail it to #102, 495 Government Rd., PO Box 130, Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G0 or email editor@ bowenislandundercurrent.com. B.C. Press Council. The Undercurrent is a member of the British Columbia Press Council, a self-regulatory body governing the province’s newspaper industry. The council considers complaints from the public about the conduct of member newspapers. Directors oversee the mediation of complaints, with input from both the newspaper and the complaint holder. If talking with the editor or publisher does not resolve your complaint about coverage or story treatment, you may contact the B.C. Press Council. Your written concern, with documentation, should be sent to B.C. Press Council, 201 Selby St., Nanaimo, B.C. V9R 2R2. For information, phone 1-888-687-2213 or go to www.bcpresscouncil.org.
The Undercurrent is published every Friday by Black Press Group Ltd. All Advertising and news copy content are copyright of the Undercurrent Newspaper. All editorial content submitted to the Undercurrent becomes the property of the publication. The undercurrent is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, art work and photographs. We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund (CPF) for our publishing activities.
Enjoy and protect Fairy Fen Dear Editor, We read with interest the article by Ken Beatty about the Outside 45 environmental learning experience for the grades 6/7 students at BICS. Thank you to the author for explaining the sensitive ecology of a fen and emphasizing how important it is to protect special places. We wish to add a few important points about Fairy Fen. The article mentioned a student using the GPS to learn to create a trail with bushwacking. It is very important to follow only the marked trails at the Fen because of these very sensitive wetlands. From the comment in the article, it sounds as though this bushwacking took place outside the 18 hectare Fairy Fen Nature Reserve. We wish to emphasize to all Bowen Islanders who visit the Fen that damage to this area can occur very easily. There have been instances men-
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tioned in previous articles/letters about the destruction caused by off-road vehicles entering the area close to the marshland and the concerns we have about this activity. We encourage any who visit the Fen to report any sightings of such activity to the Conservancy Board. Fairy Fen is described by biologists as one of the most undisturbed, biologically diverse, and ecologically rare fens in southern British Columbia. Fairy Fen Nature Reserve is owned by the Islands Trust Fund (ITF) as one of the many nature reserves protected on the islands within the Islands Trust (the other two on Bowen are Singing Woods and David Otter Nature Reserves). The Bowen Island Conservancy has the responsibility for managing the Fairy Fen Nature Reserve and a management plan was completed in 2011 for this purpose. The creation of Fairy Fen Nature Reserve in 2011 is due largely to the untiring efforts of
Peter Drake, former chair of the Bowen Island Conservancy. There are many reasons for the Fen’s reserve status. It lies within the only undeveloped water shed (Huszar Creek) in the Lower Mainland. The Fen stores a large amount of water which is slowly released during the dry season keeping Huszar Creek from drying-up. The deep (up to 3m) Sphagnum moss serves as a colossal carbon sink. The varied fauna and flora are of great interest to many and make this area a truly magical place. For more information on the Fen and the work of the Bowen Island Conservancy, please go to our website. http://bowenislandconservancy.org/our-work/ fairy-fen-nature-reserve/ Thank you and please continue to enjoy visits to the Fen on the marked trails.
Light up Bowen Fundraiser for BC Children’s Hospital Dear Editor, On behalf of the Sauder JDC West team, I want to heartily thank everyone who helped us fundraise for BC Children’s Hospital at Light Up Bowen. Together we raised more than $380 to help sick kids in need! A big thank you to Basia Lieske and the USSC for inviting us out, to Doc’s for supplying the space and (more importantly) the mulled wine, to Miksa for the hot chocolate, and the Snug and Tuscany for the baked treats. And a huge thank you to everyone who came and welcomed Santa with us in the pouring rain! It was amazing to see that Bowen spirit put to good use. We’ll see you next year! In the meantime, we wish you peace and joy this holiday season. Sincerely, Margaret Gray
Bowen Island Conservancy Board members
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Working with the Orchard to fight prescription drug abuse Dear Editor: It all begins at home – mine and yours – when it comes to making strides to combat prescription drug abuse, an issue I know affects this community. In November, our home riding of West Vancouver – Sunshine Coast – Sea to Sky Country, a group of engaged community members came together in their capacity as pharmacists, police officials, addiction recovery experts and physicians to brainstorm about ways to bolster National Prescription Drug Drop-Off Day. Representing the Orchard Recovery Centre on Bowen Island at the discussion, AnnMarie McCullough commented saying: “There was a sense that this small group of people had truly gained insight and would be making a difference though education and awareness.” I could not agree more on the impressive impact engaged constituents can make on their communities by shaping initiatives such as National Prescription Drug Drop-Off Day. National Prescription Drug Drop-Off Day is an initiative to encourage people to clean up their medicine chest and return unused medications to their pharmacies or local police station for safe destruction. After much insistence and over twelve months of my advocacy, last May then Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq announced National Prescription Drug Drop-Off Day, with me at her side. The event successfully collected nearly 2 tons of medications. The benefits of the initiative are twofold. First, National Prescription Drug Drop-Off Day gives people an opportunity to dispose of their drugs in an environmentally sound manner. Many may be unaware that disposing of medications by flushing them down the toilet is environmentally degrading, and this campaign serves as a tool to remind people of the importance to keep medications out of our water systems by returning them to professionals for proper destruction. Second, it helps make our community safer by making sure medications don’t fall into the wrong hands. “How does prescription drug addiction affect our community?” you may ask. The Medical Health Officer for British Columbia has reported that to this day in 2013, 23 deaths in this province were associated to Fentanyl, a powerful prescription opioid that is sometimes traded illegally and used for non-therapeutic purposes. This is up from 8 in year 2011. The BC Adolescent Health Survey shows 15% of BC students in grades 7 to 12 had taken prescription pills without a doctor’s consent in the previous year, up from 9% in 2003. According to Michel Perron of the Canadian Centre for Substance Abuse, for the vast majority of youth who abuse prescription drugs, the source is the medicine cabinet – yes, that’s at home. Prescription drug abuse is an unfamiliar issue for most people. With the above facts in mind, I hope you will join with me to make sure prescription drugs are used in accordance with medical advice, not in ways that threaten people’s safety or cause environmental harm. I will keep you informed as we near National Prescription Drug Drop-Off Day, but you can also act now as most pharmacies accept unused or expired prescription drugs year round. Returning those drugs is a small step that can make a big difference – and it starts in our homes. Thank you for your support and advice. With your help, I hope to contribute to the health and safety of Bowen Island.
FRIDAY DECEMBER 13 2013 t 5
Santa Cawes Bring your pet to take a photo with Santa Cawes and receive Christmas cookies for pets. Guests can donate pet food or money. Donations will benefit CAWES a local animal welfare charity. Santa Cawes will be on hand for photos with your pet in
Studio B in Artisan Square. Sponsored by Studio B and Bowen's Little Pet Shop. Joldine Lee
Seven sustainable, local, joyful ways to give this holiday season (and all year round). 1. Avoid the manufacture of yet more stuff: By giving something old, made new again. Shop at the KnickKnackNook, or in vintage/thrift stores, or online at Craigslist or eBay, and help save the planet. Give your purchase special thought - what could your gift recipient really use? And then give your purchase some love, to make it like new again -- clean it up, refurbish it, add a personal touch. Think: vintage comic books, books signed by the author, an autographed hockey jersey, buy wool and knitting needles for a child’s beginner knitting kit (or a sewing kit). Look out for craft items that can be repackaged ie: fimo, beads, friendship bracelet makings. Find two so-so necklaces, ‘edit’ and restring them into one great gift. Restore an old photo and frame it in a second hand frame.Refinish a spice rack or jewellery box. Make a shirt, scarf or sweater into a cushion cover or bag. A sweater that has accidentally felted can be made into warm slippers.A nice second hand sweater will make 2 beanies, use the arms to make fingerless gloves. Find everything you need second hand to make a dress-up kit for a princess or knight. Look out for a pretty ceramic flower pot and gift it together with some bulbs. 2. Make It Yourself: Craft your own wine or beer, make bread or special candies or a garden bench (from local reused wood). Make a window-ledge herb garden, or spice rack. Write a story about something special that you and your child did together, or might do in the future. 3. Support local businesses and crafts-people Buy handmade arts, crafts and household items from the many artists and craftspeople on Bowen. Or have something made especially for your recipient by a local artist, seamstress, potter or jewelry-
maker. Look for ideas on Etsy.com. 4. Give the Gift of Learning: Give someone a ticket to an upcoming local workshop you know your recipient would enjoy but might not buy themselves: permaculture, dancing, filmmaking, wildcrafting. Or 'swap skills' with someone you know and give each other's recipients the gift of your knowledge: Teach their loved-one how to crochet while they teach yours how to play the flute, or to give a massage. 5. Organize Something: Organize an event you know your recipient would especially enjoy: night fishing, wine tasting, ghost hunting, hot-air ballooning, a museum trip, a murder mystery party, a historical battle re-enactment, and invite others whose company they love. Give it as a joint gift and split any costs among you. 6. Be of Service: Offer coupons to do something for your recipient that will save them doing it themselves: Walk their dog on Thursdays, cut and deliver firewood for them in the fall, do their filing or shopping for them, wash their car the first of each month, research their family tree for them, or do some work at their favourite charity. 7. Give a Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience: Things grow old and dull, experiences are burnished with age. For a special gift, think up a local experience that your recipient will never receive twice and never forget: a ride in a horse-drawn carriage, lunch with a favourite author, a racing car lesson or falconry lesson. And, of course, pick your recipient up and go with them to share the experience! Bowen in Transition
Your Member of Parliament, John Weston
BC Ferries cuts: the Sweet Spot While the Ferry Advisory Committee Chairs have not yet succeeded in figuring out how the provincial government's ferry cuts will safeguard the coastal ferry system, they do think they've found the sweet spot for the least painful possible service cuts. "If the government's goal is to find the biggest savings for the smallest traffic loss and least hardship, then we suggest it looks harder at the major routes, and at the big money-losing route hiding behind the profit-makers," says Brian Hollingshead of the Southern Gulf Islands. The three major routes (from the Lower Mainland to Vancouver Island) are the giants of the system. Yet they're facing the slimmest of cuts compared to the 22 smaller routes. The three major routes are considered the ferry system's profit makers. Yet one of those routes is one of the system's biggest money losers. The Tsawwassen-Duke Point route has been losing money for at least ten years. In each of the last five years it has lost somewhere between $24 million to $30 million a year. The route has an average capacity utilization of 48%. It could stand to lose one of its four shifts on weekdays for ten months a year and still have room for all its traffic. A combination of consultation and
A lack of snow didn’t stop Bowen Islanders from celebrating last week’s cold snap. Kids enjoyed ponds frozen over and backyard rinks across the island. This photo was taken on the pond near Twiggleberries, and is known by some, as Cates’ Arena. Tina Overbury photo
a revised reservation system could produce a schedule to accommodate the freight and commercial carriers who use the route heavily. These cuts to Tsawwassen-Duke Point alone would save $9.6 million. The two profit-making major routes also could be trimmed more. With their massive scale, they can absorb cuts without the drastic impacts and community hardship that will be felt on the smaller routes The government could use these savings from the major routes to buy time: to develop a business case for cuts to the smaller routes; to conduct social and economic impact assessments on the communities for which they're lifeline transportation; and to reverse any cuts that don't make sense. While the government considers this suggestion, the FACC will continue to ask them for the detailed information they have used to develop the current cuts plan. The FACC also continue to ask Transportation Minister Todd Stone to explain to ferry-dependent communities how the current cuts plan will fix the current barrier of the high fares, and how it will advance the government's goals for jobs and the economy.
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Lights bring out the Christmas spirit
Yvonne McSkimming sits in the midst of the half-acre field of lights outside her home. Stop by and check them out yourself, 855 Captain’s Way. Meribeth Deen, photo
MERIBETH DEEN EDITOR
“I’m not big on presents, but I do think that Christmas is the one time of year that people are a little nicer to each other, and little less aggressive and I feel like the lights bring that out in people,” says Yvonne McSkimming. The lights she’s referring to are the ones on her house, and this year there are 52 thousand of them. Last year, there were just 50 thousand. “I started collecting Christmas lights about 10 years ago, when I was still living in Vancouver. Every year I buy new ones to replace the ones that have burned out, and then I add more,” says McSkimming. McSkimming spends weeks putting up all of these lights, which she says go up in order of which Rubbermaid container happens to be opened first. “I don’t use any big plastic decorations or anything like that,” she says. “I like the lights to accentuate the beauty of the natural environment. I like
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to think of this as a big Monet painting that you can walk right in to.” Last year McSkimming put a sign outside her house inviting people to pop in for tea. She says that 50 people accepted her invitation, but she thinks just about everyone from the Bluewater/ Bowen Bay neighbourhoods stopped to gawk at the lights. “I figure between 4 and 5 hundred people stopped to take a look,” she says. “People would drive by, and stop, then back up, really, they would.” McSkimming said people were telling her to use the lights to fundraise for their upkeep. Instead she’s decided to fundraise for local charities. This year, her charity of choice is the Bowen Island Children’s Centre. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings until Christmas, she’ll be welcoming people to visit the display and also for hot chocolate and candy canes. Just up the driveway to the left there is a stand with the treats and a donation box. McSkimming’s address is 855 Captain’s way.
DOC MORGAN’S NYE EXTRAVAGANZA BUFFET DINNER 7PM-10PM • 25$ 10$ cover without Buffet Live music featuring “The Rob Bailey Jazz Trio” Party Favors, Decorations, and Dancing
TUESDAY, DEC. 31ST, 6PM-1AM Please call ahead to reserve your table. 604-947-0808 www.docmorgans.com www.facebook.com/docmorgans | Twitter & Instagram: @docmorgans
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FRIDAY DECEMBER 13 2013 t 7
The Spirit of Solstice, Dec 28 BOWEN ISLAND ARTS COUNCIL SUBMITTED
The annual 'Spirit of Solstice' concert, presented by the Bowen Island Arts Council, is back for its second year, building on its resounding success last year. It was launched on the night of the winter solstice of 2012, when a packed Cates Hill Chapel audience enjoyed performances from Deer In The Headlights, Pauline Le Bel accompanied by Teun Schut, Adam Morton, Doug Stepple with Sarah Haxby, Bob Doucet, and the Bowen Island Community Choir with their special guest Shari Ulrich. The event was derailed in the most delightful way by an unannounced visit from the Mummers. This year the event will take place on the evening of Saturday 28th December at The Gallery @ Artisan Square, to avoid clashing with another event on the solstice itself. Our line-up includes traditional-style music from Chris Corrigan
and his daughter Áine Corrigan-Frost, pianist Marc Gawthrop with one of his own compositions called 'Arts Council Boogie', talented actress Heather Hodson delivering a dramatic reading, the versatile Terry Mancini, our poet of nature Lisa Shatzky, the rich voice of Doug Stepple, and the vivacious vocal ensemble 'Once Again', featuring Lorraine Ashdown, Earl Jenkins and Cindi Keep. A particular treat will be the reading of an excerpt from Charles Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol' by Tina Nielsen and Graham Ritchie. Since there will be no full performance of 'A Christmas Carol' this year, the Spirit of Solstice event will be your only chance to hear these seasoned performers evoke the spirits of Christmas past, present and future. Cro Lucas and Doug Fleetham will again keep us on the rails in their roles as MC and sound man respectively. Bowen Island Arts Council is providing the venue and the volunteers; Jacqui Massey and Tina Nielsen along with musical directors Susanna Braund and Doug Stepple are the organizers.
Lorraine Ashdown says of her group, 'Once Again': "Our music features a tribute to the darkness and light of winter. We are happy to add our voices to this annual winter event as we create warm harmonies and play our favourite music of this deep and mystical season." Chris Corrigan explains his enthusiasm to participate: "I love the darkness of deep midwinter, because it makes the light that much sweeter, whether it is the sunrise on a solstice morning or a cozy and warm community event on a dark winter night." Local musicians and organizers are donating their time and talent to creating this fundraising event in support of a performing arts space on Bowen. Please come out and support the arts and have yourselves a lovely evening in the process. Doors open at 7pm and the show starts at 7.30pm. Tickets, priced $20 ($12 for seniors and students), are available from Phoenix and from The Gallery.
May your holiday season be merry & comfy. M We invite you to consider Movement Global eco fashion for one of your top 10 Uniquely Bowen Gifts this season.
59 Artisan Lane (Artisan Square) 590 Tuesday-Sunday 11-5 •11-5 Monday 10-2 until Dec. 24 We Wednesday - Sunday Before and after-hours shopping by appointment Be 77 778-863-7770 • www.movementglobal.com
Sophie Bragg, photo
Real Illusions BY ROB WALL 7 Musical/Art Performances - 31
Opening Evening: Dec. 13th at 7pm Matinees: 14th, 15th, 21st, 22nd, 28th, 29th at 2pm
DEC. 13
robertwallstudio.com
Featuring digital music/art animations by Rob and Travis Wall to original music performed by Rob and Rose Wall.
TH
ST
AT THE ROB WALL GALLERY
SEE SAMPLE ANIMATIONS AT
Show includes 16 digital works on giclée which are vector art constructions from layered patterns creating secondary disruption patterns or “Moire patterns”. These originals are the source of the awesome animations that accompany the show. Opening Reception on Friday December 13th at 7pm starting with an artists talk by Rob Wall. Show runs until Dec. 31st. Book your tickets early as space is very limited at 604-288-0787 or email rwstudio@telus.net. Free between shows with lots of art to look at. Show admission $10 - Children $5.
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Real Illusion
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ROB WALL SUBMITTED
I’ve been very busy developing new art which I am calling “Moireism” for my gallery at Artisan Square. These pieces have been created by uniting computer vector art with scientific color theory (moire patterns) and flash animation and then combining it all with original music written by Shael Wrinch and Wall. There will be 7 performances involving an artist talk with projected graphics followed by myself and Rosemary Wall performing along with the art animations. There is also a free 2D giclee exhibition of 16 beautiful moireist pieces for sale that were the inspiration for the animations. Performances - Dec. 13th, 7pm (the opening) and Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2pm for the next 3 weekends (something to do over the holidays) ending the 29th. Catch the demo animation with music at robertwallstudio.com. Seating is very limited (40) so book your ticket early. $10 (children under 12, $5). Call 604-288-0787 for credit card payment or email rwstudio@telus.net to reserve.
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VILLAGE SQUARE CONSTRUCTION REPORT DK Harris Properties along with all of Bowen realize the revitalization of the Cove and particularly Village Square is important to all of us therefore, we will from time to time, post a progress report. Here’s our update after one week of construction: 1) Our first step was to remove the propane tank and roasting stack from the Dorman Road side of the property. Gino’s great coffee is still available please drop in and try some! 2) We relocated the compressors on the Ruddy Potato’s side roof to ensure we kept their great selection of cheeses and deli items at the right temperature. 3) Last Friday while trying to isolate the water supply to the square, an old shut valve cracked and we managed to produce an unintended water fountain before it was finally shut off. 4) The large cedar tree, which we had hoped to turn into rustic seating became instead a safety hazard due to an insecure root structure. We are looking at alternative areas of the island to contribute to Bowen’s tree canopy. 5) This week we are starting to install the footings before we start framing. Your ongoing support of the merchants at Village Square is greatly appreciated! Please remember they are open during construction and ready to fill all of your Christmas wish lists.
Sun Run clinics on Bowen JOANNA QUARRY SUBMITTED
Are you looking for company and expert advice in your build up to the Vancouver Sun Run? Come and join the Bowen Sun Run clinic with Joanna Quarry (clinic coordinator) and the six keen, enthusiastic and experienced returning leaders to help you accomplish your goals in a safe, fun and guided journey. Starting on Saturday January 25th, 2014 the Bowen Island clinic will take place each Saturday at 8:30am through 13-weeks to the Vancouver Sun Run on April 27th. This is a great way to prepare you for the event. This clinic caters to runners of all abilities. Using a graduated training program, people who take part in the clinic will be guided through the basics of starting an exercise program through to increasing their fitness level gradually and safely in
order to cope comfortably with tackling the 10K distance in Canada's largest running event. Education topics covered in each of the clinic will include footwear, clothing, nutrition, hydration, injury prevention and cross training. Registration for the clinics is $139 plus GST ($145.95) and includes: - Entry to the Vancouver Sun Run and commemorative T-shirt - 13-week training program - "InTraining” technical training shirt - Sun Run InTraining Logbook - Group support - Expert advice Contact Bowen Island Community Recreation in person or call 604-947-2216 to register or for more information.
Climbing for Social Justice
EMILY McCULLUM SUBMITTED
On January 1st, Emily and Ben McCullum of Bowen Island fly off to Tanzania to join a group of Canadian mothers and their sons in climbing through five climate zones to summit Uhuru Peak on Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest point in Africa at over 19,000 feet. This group of Mothers and Sons Against Violence Against Women is climbing to support the Engaging Men and Boys program of Women at the Centre (http://womenatthecentre.com/), an organization developed by and for women survivors of abuse. Engaging men and boys in conversations about how they can help end gender-based violence will raise awareness and help to redefine men’s attitudes and behaviours regarding violence against women. The
money raised by this climb will be applied to two specific projects: 1. A documentary produced by Tony Browne featuring conversations with young men on the roles they do and could play to end all forms of violence against women and girls. This film is part of a series of educational materials and resources Women at the Centre is creating in partnership with the White Ribbon Campaign (http://www.whiteribbon.ca/). 2. A Public Service Announcement (PSA) featuring high profile mothers and sons talking about how to raise kind and compassionate sons who respect women. If you’d like to support this program, you can donate money to Women at the Centre Kilimanjaro Climb at Phoenix Photo or online at http://womenatthecentre.com/initiatives/kilimanjaro14/emily-benjamin/. 100% of all donations go directly to Women at the Centre.
BOWEN BUSINESS BULLETIN BOARD To Advertise on the Bulletin Board, Call 604-947-2442
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FRIDAY DECEMBER 13 2013 t 9
This East Van gem will enslave your tastebuds ROB BAILEY MY FAVOURITE THINGS
Why do I like Asian food so much? The roots of my obsession lie in early childhood. I grew up in Burnaby in the ‘60s, when it was still almost as wild as Bowen Island. Back then, the occasional deer could be spotted on our street, as well as the odd pheasant and grouse. It was the best of times. It was the worst of times. My mother was never a fabulous cook. Her favourite thing to make for dinner was reservations. A monthly ritual evolved, whereby my mother would put the back of her hand to her forehead, and with her best Scarlett O’Hara sigh, pronounce, “I’m far too tired to cook”. We kids soon learned that this was our cue that we would be getting “Chinese” food delivered to our door that night. Yay! Dad would pick up the phone, and order up chicken chop suey, sweet and sour pork, shrimp egg foo yung, and fried rice in his thick Yorkshire accent that no doubt confused the heck out of the poor fellow on the other end of the line. After an hour or so of excruciating anticipation, the doorbell would ring and damned if there wasn’t an actual Chinese person at the door! In the white suburban wilds of Burnaby, it was as exotic as if a herd of elephants had just charged down Halifax Street. Looking back now, the food was, shall we say, less than optimum. It was neither authentic, nor particularly good. Nevertheless, a lifelong fascination with all things edible and Asian was born. I took my first trip to Asia soon after meeting my wife, Laurel. Together, we explored new culinary horizons that a 10 year old Burnaby boy could not have dreamed of.
Dusty, noisy markets redolent of unknown tropical fruit, diesel fumes, and dried seafood that I could not recognize. Chili, garlic, shallot, dried shrimp, all mixed with spice combinations we had never experienced. In Singapore, we wandered into a food court for the first time, unsure as to the wisdom of eating in such a “questionable environment”. After my first taste of a clam Laksa, I was instantly hooked, like one of those poor unfortunate teens in that Reefer Madness movie. Instead of one puff, it was one taste. I’ve been a slave to Malaysian food ever since. Tell your children! This week I want to share an amazing gem of a place that we found in East Vancouver. It’s a nondescript little restaurant on a Hastings Street business/residential block called Bo Laksa King Bubbles and Bits. Don’t let the cheesy sign, thrift store furniture, or cash-only policy throw you. This place is the real deal. They make what are in my opinion the finest roti canai in the city. Amazingly fine layers of pastry come steaming to your table with a truly excellent spicy curry chicken gravy for dipping. This is a “must-have” appetizer, and when we make our regular visits, it’s always the first thing we order. I’ve eaten this dish all over, and Bo’s roti are better than the ones we have eaten in Malaysia. They are simply the best! In my last column I mentioned that a laksa is interpreted differently by every cook who makes it. At Bo Laksa King, their version has chunks of chicken done in an interesting marinade, big juicy shrimp, slices of hard boiled egg, tofu puffs, bean sprouts and noodles in a really great coconut chicken broth that has traces of peanut and dried shrimp in it. It’s a wonderful thing, and can be ordered in a variety of shades of hot. Bo Laksa King does an amazing job of the “yams”, or salads,
that are such a part of the Thai, Malaysian, and Burmese cuisines. As Bo, the owner and chef, is Burmese, there are some interesting things that have crept onto the menu. One of these is a fermented tea leaf salad, which we find to be delicious, but may be for the more adventurous. Our favorites are the green papaya salad and the green mango salad. Lime juice, dried shrimp, chili, onion, peanuts, fish sauce, sugar, and cilantro are mashed into shreds of the unripe fruit with a mortar and pestle to create a brilliantly balanced and nuanced salad that is at once cool and refreshing and spicy hot. It’s like vegetable crack, and it’s very difficult to stop eating once you start. If you’ve had something like this at the Banana Leaf, trust me: it doesn’t come close to Bo’s version. Best in town, hands down. Other things are on the menu as well, such as the usual beef rendang curry and rice, noodle dishes, and those odd red bean canned drinks that I’ve never really developed a taste for. To be honest, we never seem to get past our favourites in order to explore other parts of the menu. The roti, laksa, and salads are just so darned good that driving off into the wilderness seems completely unnecessary. On top of all this yumminess, it must be said that the people who run this place are incredibly nice, and they are glad to help you with menu items you might find unfamiliar. They don’t take credit cards, but they do take reservations, which would have pleased my mother greatly. Bo Laksa King is at 2546 East Hastings Street, and it’s closed on Mondays. NOTE: The author is not responsible for any addictions that may result from reading this column. And please, don’t tell anybody else about it after you visit. I still want to be able to get a table next time I go.
Bowen In Transition invites you to consider these ideas, if you are giving gifts this holiday season... • The Gift of your time: Can you offer an hour of your time to do a service (dog walking, babysitting, weeding)? and perhaps create a uniquely crafted “gift certificate” to give?
Time
Re-Gift
Shop Locally
• The Gift that’s already been given: Do you have an object that you no longer need, that your friend or loved one would find useful and beautiful, knowing it was once yours? Do you have objects that you can recycle? Upcycle? Re-create into something new? •The Gift of our Bowen Island Businesses: Can you find the gift you wish to give from one of the many businesses on Bowen Island... including the artists, performers, healers, shops, B&Bs, and many others? Or make a contribution to a local charity in that person’s name? Every dollar we spend on Bowen supports our local economy!
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And can you find sustainable ways to wrap or present your gifts, that don’t add to the waste stream?
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We wish all Bowen Islanders a healthy, happy, resilient Holiday!
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www.bowenintransition.com
d n e o r f u W l A L s i ’ f e t I Welcome to beautiful Bowen Island Potter sville Where everything is for sale
For more information and great holiday viewing go to: www.youtube.com/watch?v=frXklECPkD0
10 Friday December 13 2013
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HELP WANTED
BUSY CONSTRUCTION Co. in Trail, B.C. is searching for an experienced Accounting clerk/ bookkeeper. Candidate is expected to be a self-starter and to be able to work independently in a fast-paced environment. Knowledge of Conac Pivot System is an asset and the ability to take on multiple roles is looked at positively. Main responsibilities include: Accounts Payable - invoice transactions for goods received and prepare cheques when due; Payroll - collect payroll data daily and convert into daily tracking sheets, submittals and weekly payroll run. Please send resume to: johnwkm@shawcable.com or call (250)364-1541 for further details. Experienced parts person required immediately for James Western Star in Williams Lake. Full time, competitive wages, benefits and signing bonus. Fax resume to 250-398-6367 or email: nwejr@jamesws.com
Please call Annemarie 1.800.661.6335 email: fish@blackpress.ca
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HOME/BUSINESS SERVICES 356
P/B GERMAN ROTTWEILERS 3 female pups. Vet ✓. Ready to go. $500/each. 778-899-3326
Running this ad for 8yrs
PAINT SPECIAL JUNK REMOVAL By RECYCLE-IT! 604.587.5865 www.recycleitcanada.ca
374
HOME/BUSINESS SERVICES 245
TREE SERVICES
TREE PRUNING Best done in Dec. or Jan. while dormant for optimal health!
BRO MARV PLUMBING 24/7 Plumbing, heating, plugged drains BBB. (604)582-1598, bromarv.com
• Tree Trimming • Christmas Lights Installation • Snow Removal
CRESCENT Plumbing & Heating Licensed Residential 24hr. Service
www.treeworksonline.ca
PLUMBING
604-787-5915
Need CA$H Today? Own a vehicle? Borrow up to $25,000 Snapcarcash.com 604-777-5046
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• Hot water tanks • Furnaces • Broilers • Plugged Drains 778-862-0560
CONTRACTORS 356
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477
PETS
Blue Italian Mastiff & Matiff/Boxer X pups, ready for good homes, view parents, vet checked/1st shots, $500. Text to view (604)819-2697 CATS GALORE, TLC has for adoption spayed & neutered adult cats. 604-309-5388 / 604-856-4866
FLAGGERS NEEDED. No Certification? Get Certified, 604-575-3944
CATS OF ALL DESCRIPTION in need of caring homes! All cats are spayed, neutered, vaccinated and dewormed. Visit us at fraservalleyhumanesociety.com or call 1 (604)820-2977
GENERAL LABOURERS OIL & GAS INDUSTRY GUARANTEED Job Placement
CHIHUAHUAS, tiny tea cups, ready to go now, 2 males. $650. Call 604794-7347 • Labourers • Tradesmen • Class 1 Drivers
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DRIVERS/COURIER/ TRUCKING
HIGHWAY OWNER OPERATORS $3500 SIGNING BONUS Van Kam’s group of companies req. Highway linehaul owner operators based in our Surrey terminal for runs throughout BC and Alberta. Applicants must have winter and mountain driving experience/training. We offer above average rates and an excellent employee benefits package. To join our team of professional drivers, email a detailed resume, current driver’s abstract and details of your truck to: careers@vankam.com or Call 604-968-5488 or Fax: 604-587-9889 Only those of interest will be contacted. Van Kam is committed to Employment Equity and Environmental Responsibility.
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DISPOSAL BINS By Recycle-it 6 - 50 Yard Bins Starting from $99.00 604.586.5865
PROFESSIONALS/ MANAGEMENT
THE Sea to Sky Clean Air Society, an environmental charitable Society, is seeking an experienced individual to fill the role of Executive Director (p/t, 1 yr., mat. leave cover). For complete job details, visit: www.seatoskyairquality.ca. Please submit CV and cover letter to: seatoskycleanair@gmail.com before Dec. 20th, 2013.
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TRADES, TECHNICAL
EXCAVATOR Operator with experience in Residential Exc. for Lower Mainland job sites. Good wages, benefits. E-mail: wmader@telus.net or fax 604-460-7853.
260
ELECTRICAL
Lic. Electrician A+, BBB member Expert trouble shooter, All types of Electrical work 24/7 604-617-1774
287
HOME IMPROVEMENTS
GPRC, Fairview Campus, Alberta needs Power Engineering Instructors. No teaching experience, no problem. Please contact Brian Carreau at 780-835-6631 and/or visit our website at www.gprc.ab.ca. HD MECHANIC. Noble Tractor & Equip. is seeking a Journeyman or 4th year apprentice Service Technician for our Armstrong location. A self-starter with Ag tech background is desired. Interested candidates send resume to: nobletractor@telus.net, or mail: Noble Tractor & Equip, 4193 Noble Rd, Armstrong, BC V0E 1B4, fax: 250-546-3165 JOURNEYMAN AUTOMOTIVE Service Technician(s) in Hanna Alberta. Hanna Chrysler Ltd. offers competitive wages from $32/hour, negotiable depending on experience. Bright, modern shop. Full-time permanent with benefits. Friendly town just 2 hours from major urban centres. More info at: hannachrysler.ca. Fax 403-854-2845; Email: chrysler@telusplanet.net.
PERSONAL SERVICES 182
Deck Experts Specializing in all Decking, Railings & Outdoor Living GVHBA Member 604.626.7100
FINANCIAL SERVICES
If you own a home or real estate, ALPINE CREDITS can lend you money: It’s That Simple. Your Credit / Age / Income is NOT an issue. 1.800.587.2161.
320
MOVING & STORAGE
MOUNTAIN MOVERS- Your trusted choice for residential moving services. (778)378-6683
TOY POODLE PUP 7 weeks old. Male, white with black markings $700. 604-820-4230, 604-302-7602
TOY YORKI-POOH, 2mos old. Paper trained, shots and dewormed, 2 lbs. Mom & Dad - 5lbs ea. $700. 604-351-3347
YELLOW LAB PUPS. 1 female. Ready to go. Vet checked. $500. 604-852-6176 Abbotsford.
YORKSHIRE Terrier Puppies. 2 males, ready to go. Shots, dewormed. $1200 ea. (604)304-1131
MERCHANDISE FOR SALE 520
PETS
353 ROOFING & SKYLIGHTS GL ROOFING. Cedar/Asphalt, Flat roofs, WCB Clean Gutters - $80. 1-855-240-5362. info@glroofing.ca
PETS
NEED A GOOD HOME for a good dog or a good dog for a good home? We adopt dogs! Call 604856-3647 or www.856-dogs.com
604.339.1989 Lower Mainland 604.996.8128 Fraser Valley
338
477
LAB GERMAN Shepherd Rottie pup, male, 12 wks old, vet check, $495; Call 604-864-1004.
www.paintspecial.com
3 rooms for $299, 2 coats any colour
PETS
GERMAN SHEPHERD Pups & young adults. Quality German & Czech bloodlines. 604-856-8161.
329 PAINTING & DECORATING
(Ceiling & Trim extra) Price incls Cloverdale Premium quality paint. NO PAYMENT until Job is completed. Ask us about our Laminate Flooring & Maid Services.
188
RUBBISH REMOVAL
1PRO MOVING & SHIPPING. Across the street - across the world Real Professionals, Reas. Rates. Best in every way! 604-721-4555.
GET BACK ON TRACK! Bad credit? Bills? Unemployed? Need Money? We Lend! If you own your own home - you qualify. Pioneer Acceptance Corp. Member BBB. 1-877-987-1420 www.pioneerwest.com
CRIMINAL RECORD? Don’t let it block employment, travel, education, professional, certification, adoption property rental opportunities. For peace of mind & a free consultation call 1-800-347-2540.
The most effective way to reach an incredible number of BC Sportsmen & women. Two year edition- terrific presence for your business.
bcclassified.com reserves the right to revise, edit, classify or reject any advertisement and to retain any answers directed to the bcclassified.com Box Reply Service and to repay the customer the sum paid for the advertisement and box rental.
DISCRIMINATORY LEGISLATION
EMPLOYMENT/EDUCATION
Chocolate Labradoodle Puppies non-shedding, multi generation. Ready soon! $995. 604-355-9881.
BURIAL PLOTS
FOREST Lawn, West summit. $16,000. Selling 1 Dbl depth Ground Burial Plot, (holds 2 coffins & 2 urns) Includes 1 Open/close fee ($1600) 604-789-3999 hounds21@shaw.ca
560
MISC. FOR SALE
HOT TUB (SPA) COVERS. Best price. Best quality. All shapes & colours available. 1-866-652-6837 www.thecoverguy.com/newspaper?
STEEL BUILDINGS/METAL BUILDINGS 60% OFF! 20x28, 30x40, 40x62, 45x90, 50x120, 60x150, 80x100 sell for balance owed! Call 1-800-457-2206 www.crownsteelbuildings.ca
VIAGRA 100mg or CIALIS 20mg. Generic. 40 tabs + 10 FREE all for $99 including FREE SHIPPING. Discreet, Fast Shipping. 888-8360780 or metromeds.net
WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM
On the Calendar FRIDAY DECEMBER 13
UPCOMING SUBMISSION DEADLINES
Christmas Jazz Concert TirNaNog Theatre 2pm Tickets $15 in advance, $20 at the door
Youth Centre 6pm-9pm Snacks, video-games, Movies, Food and Fun! Ages 12 +
Friday December 13 2013 11
If you wish to run an advertisement or article in the December 27th edition of The Undercurrent, please submit by December 20th. If you wish to run an advertisement or article in the January 3rd edition of The Undercurrent, please submit by December 27th.
MONDAY DECEMBER 16
Operation Red Nose will drive you and your vehicle home. Phone 604-619-0942
S.K.Y. - (Seniors Keeping Young) 10:00 to 10:45am: Exercises followed by singing to Christmas Lunch, (potluck) 11:00am to noon -bring your gift for the Foodbank -
Artisan Eats Long Table Dinner Asian street food theme Tickets $39 including gratuities and taxes
Holiday Teddy Bear display at the Bowen Island Museum and Archives, 1 - 3pm
Bowen Island Municipality Movie Night “Elf ” 6:30 - 9:30 at Tunstall Bay Clubhouse $7 per person, pre-register by Dec 11
Dr. Dana Barton
Victorian Candlelight Christmas 7pm at the Little Red Church
SATURDAY DECEMBER 14
596 B. Artisan Square
604-730-1174 Natural Family Medicine
Pet photos with Santa Cawes Studio B Hair Salon Artisan Square 12 - 4pm
S.K.Y. - (Seniors Keeping Young) December Adventure: Bus trip with 3pm ferry to Burnaby Village, followed by dinner:To register phone 604-690-9010.
Bowen Island Community Choir Christmas Concert Cates Hill Chapel, 2pm and 7:30pm
Holiday Teddy Bear display at the Bowen Island Museum and Archives, 1 - 3pm
SAF Jewelry Showcase with ‘art by eryn’ 600 Berry Rd, 2pm-5pm
WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 18
Diana Romer MEd, RCC
Drop-in knitting Bowen Court 2 to 5 p.m. Update your skills, begin from scratch, share your expertise
COUNSELLING THERAPIST Bowen and West Van offices
Youth Centre 6pm-9pm Snacks, video-games, Movies, Food and Fun! Ages 12 +
REIKI
Cheryl Ackerman
604-947-2057
560
MISC. FOR SALE
TRANSPORTATION 810
AUTO FINANCING
FOR SALE. My Piano accordion collection of 16 piano accordions. Priced from $190. to $1500. (604)853-7773
REAL ESTATE
jsarowa@shaw.ca or 604-897-1546
566 MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
627
HOMES WANTED
845
Need A Vehicle! Guaranteed Auto Loan. Apply Now, 1.877.680.1231 www.UapplyUdrive.ca
SCRAP CAR REMOVAL
58
UNCLASSIFIED
Bowen Island Upholstery New Number 604-908-0950 Specializing in sprung chairs and sofa’s from late 1800s to 1950s. Dave McKay, certified upholsterer since 1983. On Island ref.’s available. 604-908-0950
The Scrapper
WE BUY HOUSES! Older House • Damaged House Moving • Estate Sale • Just Want Out • Behind on Payments Quick Cash! • Flexible Terms! CALL US FIRST! 604-657-9422
Christmas trees for sale at Bowen Island Nursery 1084 Grafton rd. 11-5 Wed through Sun 604-947-9329
639 REAL ESTATE SERVICES • DIFFICULTY SELLING? •
Difficulty Making Payments? No Equity? Penalty? Expired Listing? We Buy Homes! No Fees! No Risk! www.GVCPS.ca / 604-786-4663
AAA SCRAP CAR REMOVAL Minimum $150 cash for full size vehicles, any cond. 604-518-3673
Auto Financing 1.800.910.6402
Dec. 14 & 15 Come enjoy some Christmas cheer & tasters and check out our selection delicious and crafty gift ideas. Open Wed-Sun 10 am-5 pm 1351 Adams Road- 947-9434
Dr. Traditional Chinese Medicine/Acupuncturist u
MARY MCDONAGH Registered Massage Therapist
SANDY LOGAN
Registered Physiotherapist
Horseshoe Bay • 604-921-8522
ROBYN IZARD RMT
www.bowenislanddental.com
Registered Massage Therapist
BLOOD TESTS, URINE TESTS OR ECGS
6:45 - 9:00 A.M. EVERY THURSDAY DR. ZANDY'S OFFICE
u u
(Available Thursdays through Sundays)
Dr. Susanne Schloegl M.D.
Open Mon. Wed. Thurs. Fri.
Call for an appointment CLOSED JULY 25-30
Artisan Square
604-947-9986
To advertise on the Health Page call 604-947-2442
821 CARS - SPORTS & IMPORTS 2007 MERCEDES. A luxury car like no other. This fully loaded Mercedes S550 4-Matic S class. Premium and comfort package includes - navigation, voice command, heated and cooled seats, power rear shades and blinds, premium sound system, panoramic roofs both front and rear. Absolutely has it all. Very clean inside and out. No accidents. 150,000 km. Asking $29,500 OBO. Contact me via email for further information at:
CATHERINE SHAW
Artisan Square • 604-947-0734 Alternate Fridays 10am-4:30pm
TRANSPORTATION
STEEL BUILDING...”THE BIG YEAR END CLEAR OUT!” 20X22 $4,259. 25X24 $4,684. 30X34 $6,895. 35X36 $9,190. 40X48 $12,526. 47X70 $17,200. One End wall included. Pioneer Steel 1-800668-5422. www.pioneersteel.ca
604-947-9755
(Available Mondays through Fridays)
Deromer@shaw.ca www.clearhorizon.ca
Holiday Teddy Bear display at the Bowen Island Museum and Archives, 1 - 3pm
MERCHANDISE FOR SALE
BOWEN ISLAND WELLNESS CENTRE
Family Dentist
604.290.6407
Last Weight Watchers Meeting Collins Hall. 6:15 to 7:15 p.m.
SUNDAY DECEMBER 15th
Dr. Gloria Chao
Registered Practitioner
Holiday Teddy Bear display at the Bowen Island Museum and Archives, 1 - 3pm
Operation Red Nose will drive you and your vehicle home. Phone 604-619-0942
Dr. Utah Zandy 604-947-9830 CALL FOR APPOINTMENT OPEN MONDAY, WEDNESDAY & FRIDAY
Naturopathic Physician
TUESDAY DECEMBER 17
Knick Knack Nook Christmas Shopping Day Ages 3 -12, 1:30 - 3:30pm
HEALTH & WELLNESS
58
UNCLASSIFIED
For Rent 1 bdr apartment Between Village Square & Municipal Hall. Available Jan.1 Ref. required Sorry no pets Contact: 604-947-2944 Garden suite, Deep Bay, 1 Bdr, full kitchen. Walk to everywhere. $725 + 1/3 utilities, free wifi, 1 parking spot, shared laundry. Greg - 778-846-1933 Home For Rent: newly renovated, family home in Tunstall Bay, 3 bedrooms + den/office on the main floor, master bedroom with en-suite and walk-in closet, 2 1/2 bathrooms, lots of storage. The house is in a sunny lot close to beach and has a membership in Tunstall Bay Clubhouse. $1800/month available NOW Contact: rebec63@hotmail.com Office/studio space available at Artisan Square. 604-329-5643 or dberry@shaw.ca
58
UNCLASSIFIED ***MOVING SALE***
Everything must go!! Pics at Bowen buy/sell FB page Sat. Dec. 14, 10 - 4 1298 Scarborough Rd. (park on Hillcrest) Christmas gifts, ethnic items, paintings, beautiful books, toys, art items, clothes, furniture, unusual sundry items (gifts)
UNICEF Cards at VONIGO & Antique Emp. Open 7 days a week 11-5 pm Gifts Galore
12 • FRIDAY DECEMBER 13 2013
WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM