FRIDAY AUGUST 29 2014 VOL. 41, NO. 34
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Gillian’s gift
Smooth sailing
Death opens the door to tough conversations about life’s end
A report from the BC Ferries AGM
Bowfest
More news and photos from the best day of summer
Congratulations to the Korean dancers representing the Snug Cove General Store, the overall winners in this year’s Bowfest Parade! For more parade photos see the online version of this story at www.bowenislandundercurrent.com Meribeth Deen, photo
Bowfest 2014: Yet another community effort we can be proud of •
BOWFEST BOARD SUBMISSION
Bowfest 2014 enjoyed fabulous weather and an estimated attendance of over 2,000 people. The day kicked off with thirty-one excellent parade entries, making it difficult for the judges to choose the winners, but here they are:
• • • •
Best Commercial Float: Union Steamship Company Marina Best Community Float: Snug Cove House Best Individual (s): the Three Clowns/Jugglers Best Theme: Evergreen Best Overall: Korean Dancers
Many thanks to the parade judges: Barbara Wiltshire, Nancy Lee, Hans Behm, Alethia, Paulina and Suzannah Koeplin, Kieran and Riley Culver. A community event like Bowfest is the result of collective contributions by many organizations. continued, PAGE 5
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Located just above the Cowan Point light house. Situated on Bowen’s sunny south shore between Alder Cove beach and the strata’s private beach at Union Cove. This home was lovingly built as an oasis from the bustle of the city. Large over-height windows to emphasize the panoramic views across the Straight of Georgia to Vancouver and beyond. Watch sea lions, whales and cruise ships floating by. Close to the Bowen Island Golf Course.
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2 • FRIDAY August AUGUST 29 2014 2014
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Death of Gillian Bennett sparks conversation about planning for life’s end MERIBETH DEEN EDITOR
We do NOT talk much about how we die. Yet facing death is thoroughly interesting and absorbing and challenging. I have choices which I have reviewed, and either adopted or discarded. I think I have hit upon the right choice for me. I have talked it over with friends and relatives. It is not a forbidden topic. Anything but. -Gillian Bennett, www.deadatnoon.com Last week, following Gillian Bennett’s very public death, a number of the seniors at Bowen Court who knew her gathered together with a bottle of sherry (Gillian’s favourite drink) to toast her life and share memories of her. The conversation turned, as might be expected, to discussing the manner of her death (she took her own life) and her wish to not go on living in a physical body while her mind deteriorated. The group also discussed their own futures, should the quality of their lives deteriorate. “We talked about how brave she was, and how hard it must have been for her husband and children to deal with her death,” says Louise Ferguson. “We talked about the places where assisted suicide is legal and discussed how long it will take to become legal here. But whether it should be legal, that is something I have concerns about. Like a lot of people I swing from one side to the other on this topic.” On the topic of creating a living will in case something happens and she is not able to communicate the care, or lack of care she wants to receive, Ferguson says that this is something she believes is important, but she has not yet done. “The paperwork from Caring Circle has been on my desk for months, but I don’t know what I should be asking for and that’s why I haven’t completed it,” she says. “Answering those questions requires having more conversations with friends and family. Recently, I got together with a group of old friends – we all turned 75 within a few months of each other, and we’ve known each other since grade one – and it was definitely a topic we touched upon.” Ferguson says what she hasn’t done is breach the topic with her stepsons. “I know how bad things can be when people don’t prepare, and leave behind a mess – they’ve been through that with their father’s death,” she says. “But it is a hard subject.” Paul Fast says that he views Gillian’s death, and her very public explanation about the choice to take her own life, as a gift. “I really think we need to de-stigmatize conversations about death, and death itself,” he says. Fast adds that while he has yet to fill out the paperwork for a living will, he has spoken to his children about his wishes for the end of his life. “I don’t want any IV feeding, or any extra measures taken to prolong life. I have the do-not-resuscitate order on my fridge,” he says. Carol Fancy was not at Bowen Court to share memories of Gillian Bennett, and did not in fact know her. “But I feel like I do, though,” she says. “I get it, why she did what she did. I wouldn’t necessarily do it the way she did, I’d like to think there might be some other method. Sacagawea, the woman who led Lewis and Clark across North America, she knew when her time had come. She made her offerings, and like Gillian, went to her special place, and then just shut down. That would be nice but I guess no one knows exactly what they would do, until they actually get there.” Fancy adds that she has made her wishes entirely clear to her children. “I’m very straightforward about this, if I’m in a lot of pain, or if I can’t move and my quality of life is gone, I’d want to off myself. If it happened and I was incapable of doing that myself, I know I can’t count on them because they would be charged for it. That to me is very wrong and I want the Canadian
Government to know that.” Guy Bennett, Gillian’s son, says that she would be happy to know that these conversations are taking place. “She was not an activist, she had one clear idea and she strived very hard to articulate it,” he says. “I don’t think my mother would have ever expected to change legislation, but I think she would be superhappy to have known she at least got people talking.” A living will: ensuring you are in charge of the health care decisions that will affect you
Gillian Bennett with her husband, Jonathan, in 2010. Guy Bennett, photo
In an effort to create one standardized way for people in B.C. to document their wishes for health care treatment in situations when they are no longer able to communicate, the BC Ministry of Health, in conjunction with other health care organizations created a booklet called, “My Voice: Expressing My Wishes for Future Health Care Treatment.” This booklet is available at the Caring Circle for $5 or on the ‘My Voice’ website in a downloadable pdf format. Colleen O’Neil, Executive Director and Health Navigator for the Caring Circle, says much of the booklet is straighforward, but other parts require a bit of guidance. “Caring Circle hosted two public workshops on Bowen to help guide people through the document. But despite an expert leading us through the more legal issues in the guide, there is a philosophical component that requires deeper thought i.e. “My beliefs - what gives your life meaning”, “My values - what I care about in my life” A group of about eight of us got together a few times and worked through the booklet over a bottle of wine. I would highly recommend this approach. We took turns reading parts of the first drafts of what we had written and that kind of brainstorming with friends helped round out what we may have come up with on our own. O’Neil adds that in if you are unable to articulate a decision about health care yourself - say, to be given more pain medication if you’re in pain , even though it might slow down your breathing, and make you sleep more - your health care providers or perhaps an uninformed but caring family member, will make that decision for you. “This might work for you because you trust your spouse or health care provider to do what’s best for you. On the other hand, perhaps there is someone else in your life who you feel knows you more intimately and would understand what it is you might want when you can’t speak for yourself. The My Voice document allows you to specifically name that person who you would like to speak on your behalf. Caring Circle is going to organize another info/work session on the ‘My Voice’ document in late September.
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MOIRA GREAVEN R001853725 BI03
Greaven, Marjory
Marjory Greaven saddled up and rode off, al galope of course, across her beloved pampas into a lovely dawn on July 26, 2014. She died peacefully at home on Bowen Island lovingly cared for by her daughter, Moira and son, Walter. Our sincere appreciation to Dr. Schloegl, Katy, Sally and Jane for their wonderful care, compassion, love and support. Predeceased by her husband, Dr. Walter Francis Greaven (October 1971), and three of her six siblings, she is survived by her much loved grandson Lucas, and daughter-in-law, Liza, and her siblings in Australia, England and in Argentina. Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina on November 25, 1919 to an estancia family, she trained as a nurse at the British Hospital in Buenos Aires. She volunteered for the War and served from July 1941 – January 1947 as a nurse in England and Scotland, in India and, after peace was declared, in Singapore. In December 1948 she married Dr. Walter Francis Greaven in the Argentine and they immigrated in August 1956 with their young family to Canada where her husband practised as a physician in Vancouver. They made their home in North Vancouver before retiring to the Argentine in 1971. After her husband’s death, she returned to Canada in 1978 in order to be close to her two children. A resident on Bowen since 1979, Marjory will be remembered for her walks with her dog, Hippy, for rescuing and nursing injured birds, and for her love and knowledge of nature. Marjory was a woman of great verve and sparkle who gave much pleasure to all who knew her. She will be much missed.
BOWEN ISLAND HOUSE ACCOUN R005834042 BI03
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The Gallery @ Artisan Square Presents
Faces & Places Featuring work by Diana & Raf Izdebski 20 Aug – 14 Sep
Stonework & Landscape
Insured and WCB coverage
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No more dulldrum moNdays!
open Drumming at paraDise grill Bring your drums/ bongos / tamberines/ cha cha’s/ spoons / moroccas and join in the oPeN drummING beat.
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BC Ferries sails along: An update from Bowen Islanders for ferry fairness of home-porting options, sent it to MLA Jordan Sturdy, and copied it to our mayor and members of BIMTAC. Given no response, BIFF planning group members Melissa Harrison, Melanie Surtees Mason, and Maureen Nicholson reworked the report to focus more specifically on the BCF mandate. BIFF then forwarded the report directly to BC Ferries and, along with invited guest Alison Morse (chair of the Bowen Island Ferry Advisory Committee), met on July 23 with David Hendry (director of strategic planning), Colin Harris (executive director of employee relations), and Peter Simpson (director of fleet operational strategy). BC Ferries’ response was thoughtful, respectful, and detailed. Although home-porting is the practice in a number of other communities, there are barriers to its introduction on Bowen, including disrupting the workforce elsewhere in the organization. In the short run, it does not appear to be an option for our community, but in the longer term, it may be feasible. Others share BIFF’s interest in home-porting. Ferries
MAUREEN NICHOLSON SUBMISSION
Over the summer, Bowen Islanders for Ferry Fairness (BIFF) continued advocating for and facilitating change in transportation services on Bowen Island. The focus this season shifted from protest to conversation. In July, Melanie Surtees Mason of BIFF was appointed by mayor and council to the Bowen Island Municipality Transportation Advisory Committee (BIMTAC). We were also invited to meet with BC Ferries (BCF) to discuss home-porting, we are helping to promote two-lane loading of the ferry during the midlife upgrade (MLU) of the Queen of Capilano, and we attended the BCF annual general meeting. What is home-porting? Simply put, it’s when a vessel is docked overnight in the community it serves, a practice that could offer significant cost savings and therefore fewer service cuts. Earlier this year, Gordon Ganong (also chair of the BIM Economic Development Committee) prepared an analysis
TIDES LOW FEET
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H: 22 Wed. 14:32 L: 12 Thurs. 00:23
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BOWEN ISLAND Snug Cove
Leave Snug Cove
HIGH FEET
In Effect May 15 to October 13, ** 2014
5:30 am ** ** 6:30 am 7:30 am ** 8:35 am 9:35 am # 10:35 am 11:40 am 12:45 pm 3:10 pm 4:15 pm † 5:15 pm 6:20 pm 7:20 pm ** 8:15 pm # 9:10 pm 10:05 pm
VANCOUVER Horseshoe Bay
6:00 am 7:00 am ** 8:00 am 9:05 am# † 10:05 am 11:05 am 12:10 pm 2:35 pm 3:45 pm 4:45 pm 5:50 pm 6:50 pm 7:50 pm ** 8:40 pm # 9:40 pm
Distance: 3 NAUTICAL MILES Crossing Time: 20 MINUTES
Leave Horseshoe Bay
Cloudy chance of showers
continued PAGE 5
REGULAR SCHEDULE
BOWEN ISLAND HOUSE ACCOUN
R009820043 weekend BI03 weather
Commissioner Gord Macatee recently identified home-porting as one of four areas to be examined in this fall’s series of BC Ferries performance reviews. BIFF’s time with BCF senior management also allowed for conversation about communication, passenger ferries, and electric ferries. We offered to help get news out to the community and to our membership (now nearing 300). BCF confirmed it is looking into potential passenger-ferry service providers for the MLU. And we told BCF about Norway’s innovative electric ferry, a ferry that can carry 360 passengers and 120 vehicles on runs of up to 30 minutes. Both parties came away from the meeting with a number of follow-up items. BIFF is also helping to promote a marshalling proposal intended to deal with overloads during the MLU of the Queen of Capilano. The proposal was written by two Bowen parents who are concerned about their children’s safety.
BOWEN ISLAND GOLF ASSOCIA R001853444 BI03
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daily except DAILY EXCEPT saturdays SUNDAYS # daily except DAILY EXCEPT suNdays SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS daily except saturdays & suNdays DAILY EXCEPT SAT, SUN & daily MAY 19,except JUL 1, sat, suN &1 & AUG 4, SEPT MayOCT 19, 13 Jul 1, auG 4, sept 1 & Oct 13 † tHe WedNesday THE WEDNESDAY sailiNGs Will SAILINGS WILL Be replaced REPLACED ByBEdaNGerOus BY DANGEROUS carGO sailiNGs. CARGO SAILINGS. NO OtHer NO OTHER passeNGers PASSENGERS perMitted. PERMITTED.
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MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS 2014 The Municipal Election for Bowen Island Municipality will be held on Saturday, November 15, 2014 (8 am – 8 pm) at Bowen Island Community School Nomination packages will be available for pick‐up beginning: Friday, August 22, 2014 AT Bowen Island Municipal Hall Offices 981 ARTISAN LANE, BOWEN ISLAND, BC During regular business hours 8:30 am – 4:30 pm Monday to Friday Nomination period begins on September 30, 2014 at 9:00 a.m. and runs through to Friday, October 10, 2014 4:00 p.m. For further information regarding the upcoming 2014 Municipal Election, please see the Municipal website at: http://www.bimbc.ca/content/government‐elections Kathy Lalonde Chief Election Officer
Bowen Island Municipality 981 Artisan Lane, Bowen Island 604‐947‐4255/bim@bimbc.ca www.bimbc.ca
Parade your plaid, sport your sporran, and get back to the Scottish roots of golf as we raise much needed funds to keep our wonderful community amenity afloat.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Saturday, September 6th 2014 2:30pm - 9 Hole Shotgun 4 person scramble
Entry Fees:
$60 - Members, $90 - Non Members, $40 - Dinner Only
*Includes 9 holes of golf, dinner reception, prizes, 2x $10,000 hole in one holes, live/silent auction, and much more*
Dr. Dana Barton
Dinner to be served at 6:30pm with prizes, a live auction, and other festivities to follow golf.
Naturopathic Physician
Not a golfer, but wanting to lend your support the club?
604-730-1174
$50 - Patron Donation
Includes your name on the master Patron Donor Sign at the Clubhouse
$300 - Joint Hole Sponsor
Includes your name on a Hole Sponsor Sign, the master Joint Hole Sponsor sign at the Clubhouse, and a post event thank you in the Bowen Island Undercurrent.
To register or for more information, please contact the Pro Shop, by email at proshop@bowengolf.com, by calling 604.947.4653,or by visiting www.bowengolf.com
Casey Grundy Deputy Election Officer
596 B. Artisan Square
Natural Family Medicine
Chiropractor
Dr. Susanne Schloegl M.D.
Open Mon. Wed. Thurs. Fri.
Call for an appointment Artisan Square
604-947-9986
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Dr. Utah Zandy 604-947-9830 CALL FOR APPOINTMENT OPEN TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS
Diana Romer MEd, RCC
Dr. Gloria Chao
Bowen and West Van offices
Health Page
Artisan Square • 604-947-0734 Alternate Fridays 10am-4:30pm
call 604-947-2442
Horseshoe Bay • 604-921-8522
Dr. Tracy Leach, D.C.
595B Artisan Lane Tuesdays Call for an appointment
(778) 828-5681
ToCOUNSELLING advertiseTHERAPIST on the 604.290.6407
Deromer@shaw.ca www.clearhorizon.ca
Family Dentist
www.bowenislanddental.com
BOWEN ISLAND WELLNESS CENTRE 604-947-9755 CATHERINE SHAW
Dr. Traditional Chinese Medicine/Acupuncturist ❦
MARY MCDONAGH
Registered Massage Therapist (Available Mondays through Fridays)
❦
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4 • FRIDAY AUGUST 29 2014 4 • FRIDAY AUGUST 29 2014
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viewpoint
Quick response and AED save a life on the Government Dock BOWEN ISLAND RCMP SUBMISSION
Bowen Island RCMP received information of a male in full cardiac arrest on the government dock in Snug Cove. Cst. Mulrooney was on scene within 2-3 minutes and brought the AED (Automated external defibrillator) to the dock. A doctor and nurse were perform-
ing CPR on the patient, a 70 year old male visiting Bowen Island for the day with family and friends. Upon Cst. Mulrooney's arrival the patient did not have a pulse and was in full cardiac arrest. The AED was instrumental in reviving the male, shocking his heart on at least three occasions. The patient was flown to Vancouver General Hospital where he is expected to make a full recovery.
From left: Julia Courtney, Paul Rickett, Cherie Westmoreland BIAC photo
A little red, a little white and lots of poetry Dear Editor,
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.
Everyone waxed poetic at the August 9 wine tasting at the Bowen Beer & Wine Cellar, sponsored by the Bowen island Arts Council. BIAC received more than 20 entries to its Wine is Poetry Bottled contest, in which words about BC wine flowed eloquently. Congratulations to Julia Courtney and Cherie Westmoreland who won the most votes for their poems. Julia, the first place winner took home a lovely gift basket donated by Stoneboat Vineyards, while Cherie received glasses from the BC Wine Institute and a bottle of wine donated by the Bowen Beer & Wine Cellar. Thanks to Jay Martinuk and Stoneboat Vineyards for the tasting, hosted by Paul Rickett and his son David. The arts council also applauds members of the public who donated more than $100 to the organization throughout the afternoon event. Thanks again Stoneboat, for donating the silent auction prize, which raised an additional $65 for the nonprofit. Finally, a toast to the Bowen Beer & Wine Cellar for organizing the event, and to all those who participating in the poetry contest, whether as scribes or fans.
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.
Jacqueline Massey Bowen Island Arts Council
What a great Dog Days day... Dear Editor, This year’s Dog Days of Summer was a fantastic event, well attended by both pooches and their masters. The Fierce Flyball Club came all the way from the valley and entertained us with their trained dogs running various agility courses. Canadian K9 Services owner, Dale Crump, brought a number of dogs to demonstrate how their dog teams conduct security sweeps of buildings, cruise ships, commercial trucks and anywhere illegal drugs or explosives might show up. There were all kinds of fun games and contests for the dogs and their owners, with great prizes, donated by our local businesses, and wooden dog bone ribbons for first, second and third place winners. Artisan Office Services sponsored the costume parade and contest and the winners were Tuna & Kalyn, Speedo & Margaret, Max & Ellen. Everyone fueled-up on hotdogs, smokies & chips, donated by
All Advertising and news copy content #102–495 Bowen Trunk Road, are copyright of the Undercurrent PO Box 130, Bowen Island BC, V0N 1G0 Newspaper. All editorial content submitted to the Undercurrent becomes Phone: 604.947.2442 Fax: 604.947.0148 the property of the publication. Deadline for all advertising and editorial: The undercurrent is not responsible Monday, 4:00p.m. for unsolicited manuscripts, art work and photographs. We acknowledge the www.bowenislandundercurrent.com financial support of the Government of Bowen Island Undercurrent Canada through the Canada Periodical Subscription Rates: Fund (CPF) for our publishing activities.
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Sysco, and cups of cold draft beer donated by Howe Sound Brewery. The volunteers kept the event running smoothly and sold a lot of raffle tickets and tennis balls for the 50/50 draw. It was a very successful event! and with the support of all our sponsors: Bowen Vet, Bowen Island Dog Ranch, Bowen Island Pub, Bowen Pet Supply, Cormorant Marine, Cormorant Tug and Barge, Cranimals, Dee Elliot for MacDonald Realty, the Irly Building Centre and the Snug Cove General Store Dog Days of Summer raised more than $5000 for B.C. Guide Dog Services. A special thank you to Artisan’s Pet Shoppe for donating some special prizes to the dogs that won the largest and smallest dog contests. They also ran raffle draws all day long at their booth to raise money for B.C. Guide Dogs. This event could not have happened without the generous support of a such caring community. Thank you to ALL the volunteers, the vendors who
came to demonstrate their products, the sponsors, the food & beverage donors, Artisan Services for all the printing, the judges; Nancy Joyce, Dee Elliot, Tim Hausch, Kelly Miller and Paul Lieske, our sound man, Alex Torok and all the business who donated fantastic prizes for our raffle draws: Alderwood Farm, Artisan Eats, Artisan’s Pet Shop, the Bowen Island Pub, the Bowen Island Golf Club and the Cup Cutter Cafe, the Bowen Island Vet, Cates Pharmacy, Cocoa West Chocolatier, Gilt Studios, Movement Global, Nature Encounters Pheonix on Bowen, the Snug Coffee House, the USSC Gift Shop and the Village Baker. Basia Lieske, Canaan Purcell on behalf of B.C. Guide Dog Services
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In memory of Bob Clark
Beach babies
Ramona de Graaf teaching Bowen Islanders to take a beach sample. Will Husby, photo
PAULINE LE BEL COMMUNITY CAULDRON
Bob Clark passed away on Tuesday, August 19th, 2014 with his loving family by his side. Bob fought courageously and taught us about the true meaning of strength and perseverance. He will be deeply missed by all of us. Bob was a free spirit with a kind heart and gentle soul. His beautiful smile and fun loving personality drew people to him. He had so many friends he loved and respected on Bowen and beyond. To his family Bob was an incredibly devoted son,
brother, cousin, uncle, husband, and father. He lived each day to love and care for his family. Bob was one of Bowen’s originals who touched many people, his spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. Bob was happiest when he was spending time with friends and family. To honour Bob there will be a celebration of life at the Bowen Island Legion on Sunday, September 21st, 2014 from 1:00 - 3:00. - Angie Clark
BC Ferries Annual General Meeting from PAGE 3 While the proposal was warmly received by many in the community, by Cove businesses open during morning peak sailings, and by some members of council, BIMTAC chair Adam Holbrook did not permit one of the parents to attend a meeting to present the proposal more fully and to answer questions. A delegation to council is now being pursued to allow the parent to make his presentation. Both the home-porting report and the two-lane loading proposal are posted in our Facebook group (“BIFF: Bowen Islanders for Ferry Fairness”) and on our website (https://sites. google.com/site/biffonbowen/). As well, BIFF attended the BCF annual general meeting on Friday, August 22, at SFU at Harbour Centre. For BCF, the financial news is good: net earnings are $18 million, up $2.5 million over the prior year. “Customer satisfaction” is reported at 87%. And while BCF president Mike Corrigan mentioned “affordability” on a few occasions, he distinguished what he saw as the mandates of BC Ferries, the provincial government, and the ferry commissioner. His message was essentially to take concerns about rate hikes and community impact to the provincial government and the ferry commissioner. There was no mention of Bowen Island in the formal presentation, though one Islander asked about poor TransLink connections.
Adam Holbrook followed up on that question, along with complimenting BCF on providing an opportunity to meet with local FACs before the AGM each year. So, the business is thriving, even if the coastal communities are not, with ridership at its lowest level in 23 years. Also on Friday BCF released its first quarter report (April to June 2014) showing that net earnings have tripled, increasing from $4.3 million to $13.9 million. The Vancouver Sun characterized this accomplishment as “sailing through smooth seas.” NDP ferries critic Claire Trevena had another take on the AGM and the increased earnings. In response to an online question from BIFF, she wrote in the Facebook group “Our Marine Highway” that there was “little scrutiny [at the AGM]. Interesting first quarter earnings with profit for BC Ferries thanks to the fares...exploiting users of the marine highway!” Gabriola Ferry Advisory Committee Chair John Hodgkins added, “It’s the highlights that feature, with little being said about the underlying concerns that we hear from ferry users all year. More scrutiny to come, according to the ferry commissioner.” (For Hodgkins’s excellent summary of the year ahead, see http:// gabriolafac.com/2014/08/23/year-ofscrutiny-ahead-for-bc-ferries/.) With the launch of the BCF performance reviews this fall, BIFF and other coastal community groups are anticipating moving back to protest mode.
I’m one of those people who never see anything in a microscope. Others get to ooh! and ahh! at a speck of something I never get to observe. So it was with low expectation that I peered into the microscope to look at the surf smelt embryos at Ramona de Graaf ’s Forage Fish Workshop on August 11th. I saw them! Little round pearls with eyes and squiggles. Ramona, also known as Queen of the Smelts, said it was her favourite microscope. Maybe that had something to do with it. Or perhaps it was Ramona’s enthusiasm and passion for forage fish. Now I could see what all the fuss was about: a new community on Bowen to discover. So I joined a team – Bowen Island Friends of Forage Fish – dedicated to surveying and mapping the beaches where these fish spawn. About a dozen of us are about to become Citizen Scientists. Forage fish are not the kind of fish you are likely to see on posters, nor are they listed in Canada’s Food Guide. But they’re tasty and they used to be plentiful. They are the foundation of the food web on the west coast. Just about everybody eats them. These wiggly fish – surf smelt, sand lance, herring and others – are a major source of food for sea birds, salmon, lingcod and rockfish, which in turn, feed whales, sea mammals, and humans. If we want the big fish in our waters, we have to set a nice table for them. Ramona, who gave up a successful law career to become a marine biologist, has worked with over 30 communities in B.C. teaching them about forage fish and training them to find embryos on local beaches. The coast of B.C. once had millions of forage fish; today, the populations are in dramatic decline. Qualicum Beach is one of the last commercially viable herring areas in the Salish Sea. As a result, many of the birds, fish, and mammals that rely on them are also in decline. “It’s more than just a pretty beach,” says Ramona, which inspired me to write a song with the same title. Stop me on the street and I’ll sing it for you.
“That’s where the forage fish spawn,” she adds. The sand lance spawn from November to February. The surf smelt were once thought to spawn only in the summer. Ramona is now discovering that they spawn all year round. The female surf smelt swims onto the shore, and when she feels the pea-sized pebbles on her body, she lays her eggs in the sand and the male lays his sperm on top of the eggs. Once the egg is fertilized, it forms a suction cup that attaches to a pebble for safety. For Pacific sand lance (otherwise known as needlefish) procreation is a community effort. The females, in a group, swim up the beach. Together they make a dinner-plate sized depression, lay their eggs in it and await the attention of the males. The embryos will stay for a couple of weeks before they hatch and swim out into the big world. Not that long ago, so the old timers tell me, one could go to Sandy Beach and easily gather a bucket full of smelt for a mighty tasty supper. That’s where we’re headed, on a clear bright morning, in search of embryos. We measure off 30 metres in between the high tide and the low tide where they are likely to spawn. Ramona tells us to have faith even if we don’t understand all the data and the science stuff. I don’t. “Fish don’t spawn according to the literature,” she reminds us. We shovel gravel. We sieve. We add more sea water. We sieve. We sing. We winnow – much like a belly dance motion as you shake and stir the pan. Ramona compares it to panning for gold but the treasure we seek is smelt embryos. Ramona says, “keep doing it as long as you’re having fun.” So far so good. Every two weeks our teams will go to the same beach, take samples, winnow, winnow, winnow, gather data, and send it off to Ramona. Bowen is in a good position, says Ramona. “Your neighbour, West Vancouver, has plenty of surf smelt caught commercially.” We don’t know for sure if they’re here on Bowen beaches but we’re going to do our best to find out. Next time you go to your favourite beach, be aware of the community of forage fish that may just be in search of a nursery.
Bowfest thank yous from PAGE 1 A big thank you goes out to the following groups for making Bowfest 2014 such a great day: Hilary and Robin Butler for Run for Rwanda; David Smith for organizinge the community photo; every business and organization that put together a parade float; all the vendors and community groups; the Community Choir at the gates; the Legion at the Beer Garden; the Young Farmers of Bowen and the Farmers Markets at the Country Fair; the Volunteer Fire Department for filling the dunk tank, BC Ambulance Service, all the great musicians, Flowriders, Bowen Gymnastics, The Edge Climbing Centre and Par-T-Perfect. Bowfest would not be possible without the contributions of so many great individuals; Rob Bailey, Martin Beck, Tony Beck, Beth Cole, Bruce Culver, Meribeth Deen, Oscar KnowlesDekkers, Milo Knowles-Dekkers, Sam Evans, Jim Gibson, Brandon Goth, Richard Goth, Bill Granger, John Green, Casey Grundy, Spencer Grundy, Doug Haas, Mike Hartwick, Teagan Hartwick, Sarah Haxby,
George Helenius, Suki Kaiser, Mike & Jill Kenney, Virginia Keyton, Jeremy Keyton, Jonathan Keyton, Annabel Keyton, Jonas Kinakin, Sonja Kristinsson, Tom McComb, Matt Mathewson, Katy Michener, Teresa Plowright, Bill Pocklington, Maureen Sawasy, Anne Smitton, Janice Skeels, Murray Skeels, Tom & Denise Smith, Julian Stevenson, Michelle Taylor, Theresa Taylor, Turtlebox Productions, Dave Vance, David Wrinch And last but not least a big thank you to our sponsors for both financial and in-kind contributions; Artisan Office, Bowen Biffies, Bowen Building Centre, Bowen Island Municipality, Bowen Island Properties, Bowen Island Pub, Bowen Waste Services, First Credit Union, GoQuote.ca, Knick Knack Nook, Metro Vancouver, North Construction, Orchard Recovery, Phoenix, The Merchants of Village Square, and Twin Island Excavating. Sincerely, Pam Culver, Tony Dominelli, Linda Henfry, Nairn Knipe, Andrew Stone, Adam Taylor
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Run for Rwanda: results and thank yous HILARY BUTLER SIBMISSION
The start line at this year’s Run for Rwanda. Hilary Butler, photo
Bowfest day dawned bright and sunny, and there was a robust turn-out for this year’s Run for Rwanda. A record number of kids (fifty) signed up for the 1.5 km run that started at 8:30 a.m. There were plenty of newcomers participating in the adult runs, as well as many participants who haven’t missed a year since the inception of Run for the Ferry Congratulations to the younger runners who took up the challenge for a longer run and did a great job. Many thanks to our volunteers who are so critical to the success of this event. Special mention should be made of Roger McGillivray who works very hard every year in setting-up and dismantling the finish line. Also a special thanks to Barry Adams and Heather Coulthart who manage the race course and the marshals, to Lisa Brougham for organising the kids’ race, and finally Peter Baumgartner who is responsible for our art work and many other chores. Our major sponsor is North Shore Athletics who provide our bibs and also donate substantial gift certificates and water bottles, besides attending the event to support us. Our financial sponsors are vital to the run: Paragon Financial, Frits de Vries Architect, Dr. Gloria Chao, Mary Letson of Positively Fit, Chilliwack Ford and Barbara Wahler Interior Designer. Donors of good food, drinks and water are
McTaggart Water, Artisan Eats, Ruddy Potato, The Snug and Savary Island Pie Co. We received awesome prizes from Artigiani Milanesi, a fabulous box of wine from Peller Estates and prizes for the kids from Union Steamship Marina. Artisan Office Services and the Undercurrent do our printing and publish our articles respectively. First Credit Union, Bowfest and Phoenix on Bowen also help us out. Our grateful thanks go to all of the above. Here are the results of the adult runs: • 5K Women: 1st, Taylor McIntosh (20:55); 2nd, Zoe Neish (21:15); 3rd, Lisa Brougham (22:26) • 5K Men: 1st, Daichan Shibata (20:00); 2nd, Nicholas Belluk (23:16); 3rd, Braeden Waters (23:21) • 10K Women: 1st, Callie Brougham (48:42); 2nd, Alicia Hoppenrath (50:28); 3rd, Jill Kenney/ Kim Juneja (57:07) • 10K Men: 1st, Colin Kerr (39:51); 2nd, Bjorn Knutson (40:53); 3rd, Cam McIntosh (41:73) Complete results for these runs can be found on our website rotaryrunforrwanda.com. This is a community fun run and walk. We have very low overheads as we try to send the maximum amount possible to our charity, Komera Canada (komeracanada. ca) that supports girls at high school in Rwanda. We hope that any glitches in our results and our timing will be forgiven! Many thanks to our supporters and donors. We look forward to seeing you all next year, plus those who couldn’t make it this time around.
The winners of the Bowfest Country Fair contests! SARAH HAXBY SUBMISSION
The 2014 Bowfest Country Fair Tent was hosted by the Young Farmers of Bowen Program and the Bowen Agricultural Alliance Farmers' Markets. These programs work in partnership with the Bowen Island Community School Garden Program and Vine and Garden Catering. The Country Fair tent included eight Country Fair Contests, the Slug Races, garden-fresh vegetables for sale, seeds saved by BICS students by donation, a how-to make risotto using fresh Bowen ingredients by the Young Farmers and Vine and Garden catering’s Matt Matheson and information on how to grow an edible garden. Announcing the Bowfest Country Fair 2014 contest winners: • Tallest Sunflower or Hollyhock Adult winner: Jim McConnan`s 129” Tournesol sunflower; Youth winner: Michaela S. for her 72`sunflower. • Biggest Zucchini grown on Bowen Adult winner: Vivian Pearce; Youth winner: Levi S. • Strangest Looking Root Vegetable grown on Bowen Youth winner: Alissa S. • Best Photo of a Bee Adult winner: Patti Ivankovic; Youth winner: Nicholas B. • Best Photo of a Bowen Island slug Adult winner: Davina Haisell. • Favourite Farm Animal Youth winner Aoife for her story about her lamb. • Lego Contest (create a farm or garden-inspired lego creation, explain how you were inspired to create it.) Youth winner: Kevin H., Honorable Mentions: Josh Y., and Sabrina and Duncan G. • Fiber Arts Finest Adult winner: Lois Belluk Youth winner: Carmen S.
The Zwanenberg family and their two, proud, slug-race winners: Sofia and Isabella. Bowfest, photo
For the 39th year at Bowfest the Slug Races were a favorite for locals and visitors. Adults and youth were welcome to bring their racing slug and slug race bribes to the race track. We held four races, with all eight lanes filled for each race. As usual Sarah Haxby was the Slug Race Official. Although some slugs refused to move, went backwards, or climbed off the track, some slugs were ready to slime down the track rapidly to get to the lettuce and cucumber slices at the end of the track. The fastest race was completed in under ten minutes and the longest race took over an hour. The first two races went quite quickly, with the slugs being alert and ready to 'run', with an exuberant crowd of children and adults cheering them on! Official 2014 Slug Race ribbon winners: the winner of Race One: a racing slug named `Banana` raced by Sofia Z., The winner of Race Two: a racing slug named `Jet` raced by Isabella Z., The winner of Race Three: a racing slug named `Slugworth` raced by Ryan H.. By the fourth race, the race track activity had slowed down, and the winner of Race Four was an unnamed racing slug that suddenly woke up after sleeping through the first three races! As the unnamed slug jockey was nowhere to be found, the win, by default, went to TJ`s Neo, the second slug to cross the finish line! Congratulations to all of the Country Fair winners. Thank you to all of the enthusiastic participants, the Bowfest Board and the volunteers who helped make the annual tradition of the Country Fair Tent happen at Bowfest 2014!
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And here we are....
The Bowen Island Community photo, 2014. Rudi Kovanic, photo
Help Lorraine on her path to ordination in 2018
GOAL $
5K
RAISED $
630
Over the years, Lorraine Ashdown’s call to ministry has been heard at a whisper and at times a roar. She has decided she’s no longer going to ignore the “Tap, tap, tap. Bang, bang, bang.” The Bowen Island resident has been accepted into the Master of Divinity degree program at Vancouver School of Theology this fall. “I am moving forward through that open door. I am committed to becoming Reverend Ashdown by 2018.” She has started a crowdfunding campaign on FundAid to help her cover the costs.
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Summertime inspires young entrepreneurs
From left: Martha, Fleur and Henry Sinclair sell cupcakes, “made with love” with the help of their babysitter, Sarah Holm (behind Martha). For more photos of young Bowen entrepreneurs, check out the on-line version of this story at www.bowenislandundercurrent.com Meribeth Deen, photo
MERIBETH DEEN EDITOR
When both the sun and school are out, Bowen Island’s young entrepreneurs hit the streets. Most often, they have handmade signs and big grins. While the standard offering for the roadside stall is lemonade, young business people on Bowen seem to make a somewhat wider variety of offerings. A few weeks ago, Ella and Amelia Sorrentino spent a day selling flowers on the side of Grafton Road. “They’ve tried the lemonade thing but didn’t get many customers,” says their mom, Tanya. “With flowers they’ve sold out, and they’ve tried rhubarb and zuchinnis too.” Inspired by other roadside stalls, Hannah and Abbie Florendo recently made their foray into the business world with a sale of home-made cookies and pickles. “We didn’t sell anything, but we will try again,” said Hannah. Briar Blomberg, Shelby Murphy and Gabby Lalonde stopped traffic with their exuberant sale of lemonade and kale at the corner of Miller Road and Melmore. As I drove away and told them I had more kale then I could handle, Gabby yelled out, “When you run out of kale, be sure to come find us!” Twelve-year-old Jayden Serna is preparing to launch a business that evolved out of his hobby collecting amphibians and reptiles. Serna used to spend money on buying crickets to feed his lizard, but then learned how to breed them. “You just stuff these little cups full of dirt and moisten them with a bit of water, then you put them in with the crickets, and they lay eggs,” he explains. Jayden’s cricket breeding operation is set up in his bedroom, alongside his pet snake and pet lizard. He says he will launch his business selling them when he gets back from a holiday with his mom. Fifteen-year-old Sarah Holm started her first business this summer out of necessity. “I have back problems and other jobs I’ve had – like working at Tuscany – have made them worse because I need to be on my feet all the time. So I decided to come up with my own business.” Her idea, which she’s carried out through the summer, has been to purchase wholesale fruit and berries and vegetables from farms in Langley, and delivers them to the doorsteps of her customers on Bowen. Sarah says she has on average 40 customers per week. As she’s only 15, Sarah does rely on her parents to drive her to the pick up and drop off locations. BOWFEST R001853663 BI03
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Fairy Tales
“I really appreciate their help,” she says. “But I do pay them for gas, and cover the ferry costs.” Sarah says she’s made some money from the venture, and learned a lot. “I used to think you needed a job to make money, but I realize now that you really can just make up your own.” Rob and Laurel Bailey were motivated to help their sons, Miles and Isaac, to set up a business so that the boys could earn money for the things they wanted. “We used to do allowances, but we stopped doing that. The boys were not interested in doing extra chores around the house to make money, so we encouraged them to start a business making and selling Rob’s killer salsa,” says Laurel. Laurel says that at first, there was a lot of parental involvement in the enterprise, but the second year in to the business, the division of labour has changed. “This year we’re playing to each kid’s strength,” says Laurel. “Miles is not so into sales and it shows, but Isaac is really great at that part. So Miles makes the product, and packages it while Isaac spends time selling down at the summer market.” Also, the second year in to the business, Laurel says Miles and Isaac are not only gaining a better understanding of profit margins (“Isaac complains if Rob eats too many of his chips while he’s hanging around the market,” says Laurel) but also, their making more money than either one of them could at this age working a regular job. “Sometimes I worry that if this takes off, Miles will never get an actual job and learn the very important skill of working for someone else,” says Laurel. Kristin Jarvis, says that Laurel has no need to worry, because every business will teach a kid something and lead to the next step. Jarvis organized a course called Workplace Skills for Teens, to help them tap into their interests, creativity, and find their place in the workforce and economy. (Unfortunately, due to the teacher’s strike, the class never actually ran.) “There are two very important skills that will result in success in just about any job: the ability to work independently and make decisions, and customer service, which is about relationships. If you can set up and run a business, you’ve proven that you have these qualities.” Jarvis says that on a personal level, she relates strongly to the kids on the side of the road selling whatever it is they can get their hands on. “When I was 14, my uncle planted an acre of corn for me on our farm in Manitoba. It was my job to pick it and sell it at a roadside stand. I made several thousand dollars those summers, which was a lot of money at that time.”
A huge thank you to the volunteers and our sponsors that made BOWFEST happen and be the success it was.
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The offerings of the Daffodil Queen BOWEN ISLAND GARDEN CLUB SUBMISSION
The B.I Garden Club’s daffodil queen, Sheila Webster, is once again offering great deals for your spring bulb collection. On offer are the following varieties. All prices are for 100 bulbs. King Alfred at $27;tete a tete at $20; Tahiti at $42; Suzy at $38; Minnow at $20 ;and not forgetting snowdrops at $35. This year the Club includes in its wholesale bulb collection the opportunity to purchase the successful
deer repellant, Bobbex, at $12.74 per spray bottle. To place an order go on-line to Sheila Webster at: sheilawebster@shaw.ca. Orders will be available for pick-up in mid October but must be placed before September 15th. The Garden Club’s spring bulb planting program has been in operation now for 7 years. It is offered, along with other beautification projects (for example the maintenance of the Library garden), as a as a service to the community with no profit accruing to the Club. Prices are wholesale. Over this time period Islanders have planted over150, 000 bulbs, both on their own properties and alongside the highways and byways of our Island. Get your orders in pronto!
Worries go down better with soup... RENATE WILLIAMS SUBMISSION
…or so the proverb goes. S.K.Y. (Seniors Keeping Young), in partnership with the CARING CIRCLE, plan to prove that this proverb still holds. Both organizations have worked hard to get a “Soup-and-a Bun” lunch program underway for Bowen Islanders 55 years old of age and older. Before you jump to conclusions when you read “bun”, you should know that this will be a specially baked delicacy, not your run-of-the-mill roll…. Mark your calendars for Monday September 22nd, 12:00 noon, bring your mate, partner/special friend or neighbour and come to Bowen Court Hall (1070 Miller Road) to enjoy the first “Soup-and-a-Bun” lunch, for a mere $5.00/person. You will probably meet old friends or make new ones. Lunches are planned by a professional (and enthusiatic) chef, assisted by volunteer ‘kitchen staff ’. If transportation is a problem, please let us know the week before and we shall try and help out. (see contacts, see below).
S.K.Y. weekly programs will begin on Monday, September 8th, at 9:30am, again at Bowen Court. Continuing the tradition of caring for both body and mind, members can join an exercise class, a yoga session tailored to mature adults, attend the speaker series and enjoy the week’s refreshments. Memberships cost $10 and a small donation ($2/ pp) helps defray the meeting costs. S.K.Y. is grateful to have some funding from both the Bowen Island Municipality, as well as the Smooth Stones Foundation. It is planned to continue the popular monthly ‘adventure’ trips to various places of special interest. Donations are always welcome and tax receipts issued as requested. Please check the Undercurrent and/or the Bowen Island Forum online, for specifics each week.
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Call for Registration!! Bowen Island Community Choir (Director Ellen Macintosh) All are welcome to come out and register for our 2014 Fall Season Date: September 3rd & 10th Time: 7p.m. Location: Cates Hill Chapel Cost $85 No experience necessary Practices: Held every Wednesday evening 7:30-9:00 p.m. starting Sept.3 Performances: November Coffee House and Concert in December
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B.C.Guide Dogs Services
would like to thank the sponsors of this years
For more information on S.K.Y. programming, please phone 604-947-0235 (Renate) or 604-9479190 (April). For information on The Caring Circle please call 604-947-9100.
Get Back To Your Scottish Gailf Roots BRUCE RUSSELL SUBMISSION
As per our tag line for this year’s Bowen Island Golf Club Annual Fundraiser, we invite members of the community to “Get Back To Your Scottish Gailf (Golf) Roots”. There is still time to do so as we near a full entry for the Texas Scramble, 9-hole shotgun start. This promises to be one of the most exciting course fundraising events ever with a great number of fun contests within the tournament, including four (4) $5,000 hole-in-one prizes. Limited space is available for entries and the $40
for dinner only, the latter of which will also give participants a chance for some great auction prizes. Non-attendees are encouraged to make a bid on the online auction (see www.bowengolf.com <http:// www.bowengolf.com> for details) or check with the pro shop. While the tournament is not until September 6th we thank the members, non-members, joint hole sponsors, Patrons, prize donors and the many volunteers who have come together to make it possible to host this fundraising event which helps our public golf course meet its operating expenses. On behalf of the 2014 BAF Committee, I thank you.
On the calendar FRIDAY AUGUST 29
Youth Centre drop-in 6 - 9 p.m.
SATURDAY AUGUST 30
Bowen Island Summer Market Boardwalk in Snug Cove, 10 a.m. -5 p.m. Youth Centre drop-in, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 1
Bowen Island Summer Market Boardwalk in Snug Cove, 10 a.m. -5 p.m.
TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 2
AA Meeting Collins Hall 7:15 p.m.
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 5 Bowen Island Community Medical Clinic Society monthly meeting
Contact Bud Massender 947-2977 Everyone welcome
SEPT 6
Bowen Island Golf Course Annual Fundraiser For details contact the Pro shop at 604-947-4653 UPCOMING SEPTEMBER 8 S.K.Y. (Seniors Keeping Young) Start of fall programs, 9:45am to 12:30 - Exercises, Yoga, Refreshments, Speakers Bowen Court Hall - For details phone 604-947-0235 If you are 55-plus, join us, for all or part of program. SEPTEMBER 11 Rotary Meeting at Collins Hall Sept 11th 7:30pm speaker: Nat Animist Ritual
Kerrisdale Antiques Fair 250 tables & booths of Antiques and Collectiblesunder under one one roof! roof! & Collectibles
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 10:30 a.m. Sunday School 11:00 a.m.
ST. GERARD’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH Mass: 10:30 a.m. Priest: Father James Comey
604-988-6304
CATES HILL CHAPEL www.cateshillchapel.com 604-947-4260
(661 Carter Rd.)
AUG21 30 & 31 Apr 22 • 10am-5pm
10:00 a.m. Worship • Sunday School: Tots to Teens
5670 East Blvd. at 41st Avenue Vancouver • Admission $6 7 604-980-3159 • 21cpromotions.com
Pastor: Dr. James B. Krohn
Kerrisdale Arena
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Chai Graham: Bowen’s newest black belt MERIBETH DEEN EDITOR
Chai Graham and his family are celebrating the hard-won recognition for the past six and a half years of work and dedication he’s put into learning taekwondo – on Saturday, he was awarded his black belt. Chai says becoming a black belt was his goal from the very start, but his biggest challenge came with the fact he had to switch Masters several times along the way. “There was one point along the way where he actually quit because he just wasn’t having a good experience with it anymore,” says his mother, Rebecca Salmon. “That was really heartbreaking. But when Scot Strachan and Michelle Park took over the studio here on Bowen he got back into it.” At the age of 11 and one level below black belt, Strachan and Park urged Chai to take a position as an assistant instructor for the junior students. “I really like getting to know the younger kids,” says Chai. “There is one kid named Hugo who really looks up to me, and I think maybe he is a lot like I was when I was little. He has tons of perseverance.” Rebecca says that the experience of instructing helped Chai mature and gain confidence. That, along with some extra, private instruction in Squamish during the teacher’s strike, she says, gave him what he needed to try for the black belt this past weekend. When asked about the most difficult part of the taekwondo promotion test, Chai says he was most nervous about the board breaking test. “I got to choose the kicks, and set up their positions,” he says. Michelle Park says that this exercise is a test of creativity. “He has to tell the instructor where to stand with the boards and visualize how much power he has to generate within a certain amount of space in order to break them,” she says. “This really takes a lot of skill.” Park says that to be awarded the black belt is a big achievement, but working as an assistant instructor points is equally notable. “Not only does an instructor need to demonstrate skill and a knowledge of the subject, but he needs to demonstrate exemplary leadership and understand that he is a role-model.” Chai says his goal is to put himself through university by teaching taekwondo, a prospect his mother says she is very excited about.
Chai Graham with his brothers Bret (left) and Jay (right). Rebecca Salmon, photo
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