Friday, October 10, 2014

FRIDAY OCTOBER 10 2014 VOL. 41, NO. 40

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In the neighbourhood

Meet Casseopia, humpback in our waters

The dream board

Ideas and dreams for Bowen Island

MERIBETH DEEN EDITOR

continued, PAGE 10

And skunk truths

Bowen pitched for trial of community paramedics

BC Ferries commissioner talks subsidies At a gathering of hundreds of delegates representing ferry systems from all over the world, BC Ferries CEO Mike Corrigan stated that the event offered an opportunity to promote the industry and enhance safety, and also boasted t=offerings of more than 130 vacation packages by his company. The third session of the conference featured BC Ferries Commissioner Gord Macatee alongside representatives from ferries organizations in Croatia, Denmark, Norway and Washington State, discussing the tricky business of governing and subsidizing ferries systems.

One point the panelists seemed to agree on is that the businesses of politics and operating ferries need to be kept at a healthy distance from one another.

“Islanders tend to have very strong opinions of what they need,” said Alan Klanak, CEO of Croatia’s ferry operator, Jadrolinija. “Politicians should stick to politics and stay out of operations.”

John Steen-Mikkelsen, the CEO of the Danish ferry operator Danske Færger, explained that for the eight ferry routes his organization operates (two of which are international, travelling to Sweden and Germany), some of the companies that run the route are private and others are partially state-owned.

“Having come from a system where the government is a full owner of the company running the ferry, I feel better in a position where it is not,” he said. “In previous times, we spent too much time answering to too many different people.”

Gord Macatee added that part of the reason the Ferries Act was restructured, in 2003, to create an independent commercial company, was to create a greater separation between politics and the operation of ferries. The other reason was to create the possibility for more long-term decision-making in the running of the ferry system.

“It is the job of the Ferry Commission to balance what the company needs in order to run a good business, with the needs of the customers, and the needs of the taxpayers,” said Macatee. “But the ferry commission is actually just two people, so the amount of regulating we can do is quite limited.”

Skunk myths

MERIBETH DEEN EDITOR

Cooper Wright was one of thirty enthusastic grade six students who helped harvest apples for this year’s Applefest.

A new program proposed by the Ambulance Paramedics of British Columbia has received funding and approval for 80 full-time equivalent positions and $15 million in start-up costs. Aimed at filling in the gaps in community healthcare, the program is looking for up to four trial communities before rolling out across the province. Councillor Tim Rhodes and Municipal Chief Administrative Officer Kathy Lalonde met with the author of the report that explains the program while attending the recent Union of British Columbia Municipalities meeting.

“The communities that step forward will undergo an assessment, and I think acquiring one of these spots will be a competitive process,” says Rhodes.

“And we wanted to put our faces, and our community’s dilemma forward right off the bat.”

The dilemma, as Rhodes describes it, is that Bowen Island is a community with extremely limited medical resources and a high number of seniors, some of whom have been known to hitchhike to get to appointments.

The solution, or part of it at least, is the implementation of a community paramedic.

“This is not a one-size fits all type of program,” says Cameron Eby, the provincial executive officer with the Paramedics of BC. “We would look at what the service gaps are in a particular community and work to try and fill them in. In a place like Bowen, for example, you might be looking at having a paramedic acting as a primary care provider, and that person might require some additional training.”

A community paramedic would be mobile and visit patients as necessary.

“Think about the old days of house calls done by general practitioners,” says Eby. “We want to bring the service to the patients, instead of the patients to the services. In a small community, you normally can’t hire full-time paramedics because there just isn’t enough work.

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2 • FRIDAY OCTOBER 10 2014

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Jazz trio seeks a new home for Friday night gig

Casseopia, spotted and identified in waters off Bowen Island

Casseopia the humpback.

Jamie Franklin, photo

MERIBETH DEEN EDITOR

From left: Buff Allen, Rob Bailey and Tuen Schut.

Meribeth Deen, photo

MERIBETH DEEN EDITOR

For almost a year, Rob Bailey, Teun Schut, and Buff Allen knew what they’d be up to on Friday nights: playing their favourite tunes at Doc Morgan’s Pub. They were joined by a handful of dedicated regulars, plus, a handful of other musicians from both on and off-island, who joined them in their music-making.

However, in September Howe Sound Breweries, the company that re-opened Doc’s in the spring of 2013, announced that they were closing the pub for the winter bringing Friday night jazz on Bowen to an end.

“I’m really sad,” says guitarist Teun Schut. “I felt like towards the end of this run, the crew of regulars who came out to support us seemed to be growing.”

Bass player Rob Bailey says that he feels that the management of Doc’s took a chance by staying open all last winter, and keeping Friday night jazz running.

“It is the best venue on the island,” says Bailey.

DEPARTS SUN to THURS FRI & SAT SNUG COVE 11:15PM 12:15AM HORSESHOE BAY 11:30PM 12:30AM

“And I’m really going to miss the social aspect of our Friday nights. It was so great to chat, between sets, with the people who took time out to come and see us. Also, it was just so great to have the opportunity to play with so many people who I consider to be brilliant musicians.”

Among those musicians who played alongside the trio (and sometimes in their place) included locals Steven Fisk, John Stiver, Mary Kastle, Sue Schloegel, Matt Van Dyke and Chad Ruloff.

Ruloff, a student of Schut’s, is not actually old enough to enter a bar, but with management’s permission and his parents in the audience, he was allowed to play one Friday night.

Drummer Buff Allen says that R uloff was not the only minor to join them on stage at Doc’s.

“One day I got a call from a woman I know who had rented a place on the Island, and she has two sons in high school,” says Allen. “I knew for sure that the older one, a trumpet player, was a really good musician because I’d seen him play in the A band at Capliano College. Anyhow, both of those boys played with us one night, and they knew every song and played them perfectly.”

Schut also recalls a young man in his early twenties, who stepped on stage one night from out of the audience.

“I was watching him and you could tell he was just listening to the music so intently, you know, most people are talking but he was just sitting there listening and had a little trumpet case between his knees and I motioned to him to come up with us and he did. In fact, he came back to Doc’s to play with us a few times.” continued, PAGE 7

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On October 6, the sound of a humpback breathing somewhere off the shore near September Morn beach cued Michelle Taylor to pull out her telescope. Once spotted, Taylor followed the whale as it slept, floating along with the current towards Whycliff park. Taylor says the whale was woken up by the ferry heading to Nanaimo.

“After that, it swam around the bay for about an hour,” says Taylor.

That’s when her friend Jaimie Franklin snapped the above photo.

Taylor sent the shot in to the Vancouver Aquarium’s Cetacean Sightings Network.

Coordinator Caitlin Birdsall told her the whale is known as Casseopia, because the “w” shape on the right fluke resembles the constellation.

Casseopia was first spotted in 2008, of the north coast of Vancouver Island, and has also been spotted near the north arm of the Fraser River and near Campbell River last year.

Community paramedic would bring services directly to patients from PAGE 1 “...With this model, a paramedic could continue to do emergency work as necessary but work on non-emergency medical calls at other times.”

Eby also stresses that this program is about preventative healthcare instead of emergency healthcare.

We are hoping that if someone calls the ambulance a paramedic can arrive and make the judgement call that instead of going to the hospital a community paramedic should come by later and make regular visits. It is with this kind of thing where other places in Canada are seeing major cost savings. One dollar spent on this will often result in five dollars saved.

“We’re looking into regulatory changes that would give paramedics the power to say someone does not need to go to the hospital,” says Eby. “We are hoping that if someone calls the ambulance a paramedic can arrive and make the judgement call that instead of going to the hospital a community paramedic should come by later and make regular visits. It is with this kind of thing where other places in Canada are seeing major cost savings. One dollar spent on this will often result in five dollars saved.”

Gayle Little, a Bowen Islander who worked locally for six years as a paramedic but now works in Vancouver, says that this kind of program sounds like it holds a lot of promise.

“In the city, we get so many calls from people who are told to call the ambulance in cases where it is not actually necessary. I really see the importance of reducing trips to the hospital,” says Little. “I also really like the idea of giving paramedics more training. People go to the hospital for things like minor sutures, or to get IV anti-biotics. These procedures are fairly straightforward, and could be taken on by a paramedic.”

Eby says that he hopes the process of selecting trial communities will be underway by the new year, but cautions, the community with the biggest need is not necessarily the right place to start.

“Where these programs have failed elsewhere are places where they’ve tried to rush the implementation, or where they’ve tried to use it to make up for a lack of other services,” he says. “What we need to do is find very specific gaps in community healthcare, and work to provide specific solutions.”

WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM FRIDAY OCTOBER 10 2014 • 3

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4 • FRIDAY OCTOBER 10 2014

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Published by Bowen Island Undercurrent a division of LMP Publication Limited Partnership, #102 - 495 Government Rd. Bowen Island, B.C. V0N 1G0

viewpoint

EDITORIAL

The dream board MERIBETH DEEN EDITOR

In my house, if you want to pitch an idea about something but are unsure about how it will be recieved or if it the idea seems to crazy to truly make happen but you’ve just got to put it out there, here’s what you say: Now, don’t shoot me down, this one’s for the dream board...

Now, I think we can blame the fact that there is in fact, no physical “dreamboard” for our failure to pursue steps that might make these dreams a reality. But it feels good, at least, to express your kooky ideas.

So, I thought that before I start writing about municipal candidates, their visions, and planned undertakings for the island, I should try to create that safe space here in the Undercurrent. I want to know what people want for this place - and maybe these are projects they are working already. Maybe the job of getting these things done requires municipal help - or maybe it doesn’t. However, I would

editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com

Please make TransLink aware of your concerns

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.

Dear Editor, We are part of Metro Vancouver but with over 1300 conventional buses TransLink won’t provide even one for Bowen Islanders to commute directly downtown.

The organization refuses to fully explain prioritizing customers from non-TransLink communities (Nanaimo and Sechelt for example) who don’t pay into their system with tax dollars. Nanaimo passengers tend to be infrequent TransLink customers while the Bowen rider is more likely a regular commuter.

In a letter to me, a TransLink official stated that Bowen’s “unique development patterns and hilly topography make it difficult to meet the transportation needs of the island.” I find this quite strange.

These particular geographical challenges make getting around Bowen on foot or by bicycle almost impossible. Even the main roads lack shoulders.

Translink suggests residents of Bowen start hitchhiking – sighting Bowen Lift as an alternative.

Bowen Lift has near zero usage and no guarantees, anyways. Bowen Lift has not been forthcoming with statistics on usage, which I’ve requested. Many women are, understandably, hesitant to use it.

Surely TransLink is not suggesting residents should be picking up individual vehicles to drive themselves to their destination? Is this not the exact thing TransLink is mandated to alleviate? We should realize Bowen Lift is being used as justification for substandard service and may be funnelling funding away from better transit.

I would like to invite other Bowen Islanders to please write TransLink to express your own concerns with its lack of regular service.

Thank you,

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.

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about any time we want.

Don’t shoot me down... but it would be really amazing if there could be public kayak racks where us non-waterfront property owners could keep our boats, on various parts of the island.

In my dream-world, I take this vision a step further, and set-up kayak stations around our shoreline that function something like Car2Go, or like bike sharing systems that have been set up all over the world. Now, don’t shoot me down, Brent O’Malley of Bowen Island Sea Kayaking, I have no desire to put you out of business, but it could really be great.

It could make our shoreline truly accessible to the public, and it could really put Bowen on the map.

So there we have it, my idea for the dream board - one (or two, maybe) of them at least. I want to hear yours. So if you’ve got an idea to share, get in touch and we’ll get it out there, and see what happens.

like to think that by putting out the random, sometimes whacky, sometimes straightforward dreams about what would make Bowen a better place maybe some balls can get rolling, or maybe we can just take the opportunity to view our community and its needs with a little creativity.

Personally, I have very long list for the Bowen dream board.

For example, being the owner of a new kayak I’ve realized that simply owning a boat doesn’t mean it’s actually easy to get out on the water. It involves hoisting the kayak on top of a car, finding a beach access that isn’t too steep or too long or doesn’t have a treacherous staircase and then hauling the boat down, then back up again when we get back from our paddle. (Thank you, to Scott Slater who saved me from severely damaging myself on one such return journey from Cates Beach.)

This is not the worst thing in the world. I feel super-fortunate to even live close to the ocean, and also to have a kayak that my family can use just

Andrew Pietrow

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Happy birthday to Bowen’s oldest new Canadian

An update from the Bowen Island Transportation Advisory Committee Dear Editor,

JULIA MCCAIG SUBMISSION

As Dorothy Lawson prepares to celebrate her upcoming 90th birthday next week, she decided to cap it off

with a trip to citizenship court to get her Canadian Citizenship - congratulations Dorothy!

With Love - your family, friends and of course, Poppy and Murrh!

Back to school nutrition tips LISA MARIE BATTACHARYA SUBMISSION

As we settle back into a school routines, the question always seems to come up; “How can I feed my kid(s) better this year?”

I’ve put together a few ideas for getting more healthy yummies into your kids’ tummies. Here are a few great snack/lunch ideas you may not have thought of yet: 1. Kale, apple and/or root veggie chips – just slice thinly and either dehydrate or low temperature roast them at low temperature (about 200 degrees) on a cookie sheet in your oven until thoroughly dried. Before cooking, add unrefined salt, and/or herbs/spices your child likes. You can make loads at a time and keep them sealed in the cupboard for easy access.

2. Smoothies – just throw a few fruits/veggies with some milk/yogurt/ alternative in the blender and viola – a great snack or small meal. Pack in a wide-mouth thermos or water bottle.

3. Homemade trail mix – raw nuts, seeds, dried fruit. Easy-peasy. Change it up if they get bored of it and use things like (unsweetened) coconut/ mango/banana chips, dried blueber-

ries/cherries, dark chocolate chips (just a little), pumpkins seeds. (Note: always buy nuts & seeds raw and if you prefer the roasted flavour, do it yourself at a lower temp and without the refined salt and cheap vegetable oils. Much healthier for you!)

4. Homemade parfait in a mason jar – layer plain yogurt, low sugar jam or pureed fruit, whole fruit, chia seeds, apple sauce, pumpkin puree, etc. Have fun creating new ones with each season. Your child will feel like they’re getting a special treat Note: You can put a sleeve or sock over it to protect it from breaking in their school bags.

5. Apple or pear ‘sandwiches’ spread nut butter between and sprinkle with coconut or oat flakes and/or fresh fruit (ie: pomegranate, sliced grapes, kiwi) Please avoid including anything with white sugar (or high fructose corn syrup), white flour, food colouring, artificial sugar/flavouring in your child’s lunch. These all impede optimal learning and can lead to poor immune health if eaten regularly.

All the best from my family’s kitchen to yours.

FRIDAY OCTOBER 10 2014 • 5

Our ferry service, and its many failings, will come up during the Council election campaign. Bowen’s problems (and indeed the system’s problems) comes from two quite separate sources, Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure on the one hand and BCFerries itself, on the other. The Minister, in reflecting his government’s focus on the provincial deficit, has categorically refused to consider the economic and social consequences of increased fares and reduced ferry service. Although the government tries to maintain the fiction that BCF is an independent corporation, it is not, and its levels of service are dictated by the Ministry. Thus we should be considering how best make use of our limited influence in trying to improve the level of our ferry service, particularly the number of sailings and fare increases.

BCF itself is a totally separate problem. It was through lack of foresight on their part we are stuck with a reduction in vehicle capacity during the midlife upgrade (MLU) of the Queen of Capilano. Its operating policies favouring the Nanaimo route sailings results in our tangled service schedule. The list of problems creating by their operational insensitivity goes on and on. Unlike the political intransigence of the Minister, there is scope for some improvement, but usually only after prolonged and often unnecessary wrangling.

The failings on the part of BCF over the MLU (or mid-life crisis, as one observer has put it!) has given the BIM Transportation Advisory Committee (BIMTAC) a window of opportunity to develop recommendations to Council for actions to mitigate some of the effects of the MLU on island life. At its last meeting some significant progress was made.

The overall objective during the MLU is to present alternatives to putting cars on the ferry and thus reduce overloads. Ken Simpson, a member of BIMTAC, developed a questionnaire on ferry usage the results of which he presented at the meeting. The results indicate there is a clear, and almost equal, preference for three types of commuting mitigation during the MLU: enhanced water taxi service to downtown Vancouver, a dedicated bus service to

downtown Vancouver and reduced parking fees at the BCF parkade in Horseshoe Bay. BCF have indicated they are working on these initiatives; we expect to have definitive solutions from BCF by the end of October.

Ken also did an analysis of the potential overloads we could experience with the Bowen Queen if the traffic volumes were to be the same as those seen between January and April of this year on the Queen of Capilano. It is no surprise, of course, that virtually every morning run to Horseshoe Bay will be overloaded, as will every run to Bowen in the afternoon.

What was surprising, and is of real concern, is the forecast overloads for the last evening sailings on some weekdays, implying that islanders will not be able to get their vehicles home at the end of the day.

We have raised this issue with BCF and expect to see some action on it, again before the end of Octobers.

A recommendation has gone forward to Council recommending a trial of the two-lane loading scheme during the morning runs (5am to 10am), every day of the week. Outside that period, the regular parking and marshalling arrangements will apply.

Other parking changes have also been recommended to clear up the mix of regulation and non-regulation of parking in the Cove; Council has already approved a policy to allow the municipality to enforce and collect parking fines.

One theme that ran through the entire meeting was the need for communication. BIMTAC has created a two-person sub-committee (Melanie Mason and Ken Simpson) who will explore all of the options for getting timely information out to everyone on Bowen. They will look at all forms of electronic media as well as hard copy and signage. We hope to have a plan in place by the end of the month for immediate implementation.

Finally, BIM has hired a new planner, Cari St.Pierre . One of her first tasks will be to develop a transportation plan, in conjunction with BIMTAC, that will take a longer term view, rather dealing just with the MLU crisis. BIMTAC welcomes this initiative; we have to look to the future beyond the MLU! Adam Holbrook, Chair, BIMTAC

Quality education doesn’t come cheap MAI YASUE SUBMISSION

Both kids and teachers are back in school and for the next few years at least, it looks as though that will be the status quo. This is no-doubt a relief to all parties, including the government. However, I am hoping that parents realize that while their protests made an impact, their children’s education still hangs in the balance, and now is no time for complacency.

Every day, when we put our kids on the school bus we need to remember that public-school education is not simply a glorified free child-care facility that ensure our children stay safe and secure while we work. Education in its best form provides vertical mobility within a society, a population with the broad range of skills to participate fully in a democracy -- and it also enhances the well-being of children. From my perspective, the reduction of class sizes is critical to these goals.

I have never taught in the public school system (I did attend, but about 20 years ago) but I am a teacher, and have had many conversations with other teachers working in the public school system. From what I’ve learned, it seems like even the most motivated teachers in this system face major obstacles to meeting the goals listed above.

As a professor at Quest University Canada, I feel extremely fortunate to teach in an environment with only a maximum of 20 students per class. Each class runs for 1 month and focuses one subject at a time.

We meet for 3 hours of a day in class and additional individual meetings outside of class. In contrast to juggling 6 different classes with 30 different students each in the public school system, we only need to focus on this one group of 10-20 students each month. Given the necessary small size of Quest (only

about 200 students per year), this type of education is only available to a very small fraction of student.

The experience of teaching in this environment provide me with insight about what we need to create a school system that promotes the well-being individuals and with that, vertical mobility in a society.

Recent research in positive psychology has indicated that well-being is influenced by four factors: safety and security, a child’s sense of self-efficacy, his or her sense of autonomy, and finally the child’s feeling of connectedness with other people. In my experience, having small class sizes greatly contributes to a teacher’s ability to create an environment that contributes to these factors.

Still, with twenty students, even twenty students who are between 18 and 28 years old (who have much greater behavoioural control than school-aged children), delivering the quality of education I aspire to is a huge challenge that requires an enormous amount of hard work on my part. To think about the challenges that our public school teachers face on a day to day basis makes me weary.

Perhaps it is overly idealistic to think that we can offer a universal primary and secondary education system with class sizes small enough that teachers can effectively tap into the needs of each child - it is far more expensive, after all. But if we care about the future - not just of our own kids but of society and our planet as a whole - I’m not sure we can afford not to invest in more in education.

So while breathing a sigh of relief about the longawaited return to the classroom is absolutely legitimate, I think the next breath we take should be taken in preparation for all the hard work that lies ahead.

Let’s make sure that schools not only stay open, but also deliver and give our children the education they deserve.

6 • FRIDAY OCTOBER 10 2014

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Climate essay #3: Overcome feelings of powerlessness MARY ELLEN DEGRACE SUBMISSION

It is twenty-five years since I was first alerted to our changing climate temperature and rising sea levels.

Then, living a few blocks up from the shoreline in West Vancouver I frivolously said, “Oh good we’ll be waterfront.�

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SATURDAY OCTOBER 18

Lifelong Learning Society) we began to look at our carbon footprint and how our behaviours today would impact the climate in the future. We looked at the impact in the area of the Salish Sea. It was enlightening to see how, when we make small changes in our lifestyle these changes can lead to reducing our carbon footprint resulting in more positive outcomes in the years to come.

Feelings of powerlessness can be overwhelming and lead to inaction. It is important to get past the inability to do anything to a place were we must do something to make a difference. Even a small change can make a big difference. In 2008 I joined a team that would change how things are done on Bowen.

Knick Knack Nook was then but a dream. The dream has become a reality that has assisted in decreasing household items and clothing from ending up in the landfill. But it did more than that – it created a gathering place, a place of community connection. It became all and more than was envisioned.

Interesting, again, how making a small change can lead to a big change.

To be good stewards of the monies raised at the Nook the goal was that the profits should go to composting on Bowen. We would be able to decrease our carbon footprint by keeping our organics on-island. On first moving to Bowen it seemed crazy to live on ‘a rock’ and put kitchen waste into the garbage. This was when I realized of the importance of composting. Why not take kitchen and yard waste, add a few red wigglers and voilĂ soil to add to ‘the rock’. Now we have an opportunity to do this on a larger scale on Bowen.

We can make a difference - each in our own way. It can be living like my grandparents generation lived, by “doing with what we have�, recycling, reusing, restyling new from old, buying only what is needed, reducing when we can and by making organics into precious soil. If each of us takes action in something we believe in, we are no longer powerless.

Those thoughts didn’t last for long as I reflected on the fact that my generation would not be leaving a liveable planet for my grandchildren and their children and their children’s children. It’s not a legacy anyone would want to hand down to future generations.

Moving to Bowen twenty-three years ago was a game changer for me. In association with BILLS (Bowen Island

ISLAND PACIFIC SCHOOL R001882188 BI03

Running time: 84 min

3:30pm

6

$

Running time: 142 min

6:30pm

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT IPS, PHOENIX, AND AT THE DOOR

Presented by Island Pacific School, Bowen Island

OPTOMEYES R001882193 BI03

Enhancing Lives Through Innovative Vision Care

Missing the “Bowen Unclassifieds� section?

Look to the Bowen Bulletin for short, strictlylocal classified-type advertizing.

Suite 210 - 1555 Marine Dr. West Vancouver, BC V7V 1H9 Tel: 604-922-0413 Fax: 604-922-7065 www.optomeyes.ca

If you are interested in placing such an ad, please contact The Undercurrent directly at: ads@ bowen island undercurrent.com Advertizing prices in this section start at $9.80

Follow us on

MODERN HOME FURNISHINGS

Q u a l i t y F i r s t • S u p e r b S e l e c t i o n • Yo u r S t y l e Bedroom, Living Room, Childrens & Office Furniture ~ Real Wood Furniture, Real Investment

SALE MHF ON NOW

GRAND RE-OPENING in our new location.

Customer parking at rear of building, access off Bewicke Ave.

700 Marine Dr., North Vancouver (corner of Marine Dr & Bewicke Ave.)

604-904-3939

WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM

Pull out your pie plates and get baking, Applefest is this weekend!

BOWEN ISLAND HERITAGE SUBMISSION

Applefest is this weekend, and this year’s apple-pie

contest judges are preparing their palates for the best pies Bowen Islanders have to offer, so get baking!

Last year, three contestants submitted their pies to our contest, and the winner was Burle Konopa.

FRIDAY OCTOBER 10 2014 • 7

Bowen Island dream board

Movie Day at the Chapel Coming Soon!

DEANNA ADAMS SUBMISSION

Island Pacific School students and parents are gearing up to show two movies on Saturday, October 18th at Cates Hill Chapel. First off, for the younger set, we will show a pre-release of the animated movie, PLANES: Fire and Rescue at 3:30 pm.

Then, at 6:30, we are showing the movie Forrest

Gump. In honor of Forrest Gump’s 20th anniversary, we will raffle off a box of delicious Cocoa West chocolates just before the movie begins. After all, "Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get."

We hope you can join us, young and old alike.

We’ll have an amazing assortment of concession items available. Tickets are $6 and will be sold at Phoenix, IPS, and at the door.

Weekly jazz night on pause from PAGE 2 Bailey says that he feels it is the responsibility of older jazz musicians to offer a place on stage for younger musicians.

“There is no school that can teach what you gain from actually playing live,” he says. Bailey adds that the ever-changing dynamic of the band is what jazz

Robert Ballantyne Meribeth Deen, photo

I’d like to have a permanent location (ideally on the south side of the island, which is the best area for star-gazing) to set up my Dobsonian telescope - which is the size of a coffin. With that, I’d like some kind of astronomy club to come together and actually use it. Just don’t ask me to organize it.

Andrea Bastin

is all about. “When random people show up, sometimes it can be really terrible. Other times, life long friendships are formed.”

Members of the trio say that they are looking into possible alternative venues for the winter, and have their fingers crossed that Doc’s will re-open in the spring and re-instate Friday night jazz.

Debra Stringfellow, photo

I would love to see a cultural shift and it starts with language. A simple change of tone and inclusiveness is important allow people the freedom to voice their opinions.

We are not a two sided community, we live here because we want to live here and everyone has a valid voice.

BOWEN ISLAND VET R002877043 BI03

DIANA JENNINGS R001877558 BI03

BI VET

Johanna van Strien

March 23rd, 1948 - September 24th, 2014

It is with great sadness to share with all the passing of Johanna. She spent her last days very comfortably at the North Shore Hospice surrounded by loving friends and family where she had a view of the gardens from her room and was able to enjoy the early autumn air and the antics of the local flickers and squirrels.

She is survived by Clement her loving husband of 45 years, son Edwin (Ashley), daughter Diana (Daron), and grandchildren Bailee, Malia, Savary, Cohen, Taven, Sam and Shelby; and brother Bert (Lia) van’t Nedereind.

Johanna was born in Maarssan, Holland and emigrated to Canada with Clement and their young family in 1975. Bowen Island became home in 1979 and has been the place of generational family inspiration ever since. How lucky she was to have so many loved ones so close. She was blessed to receive all of her grandchildren back to Bowen and watch them grow and flourish on her shores.

Always an illuminating presence at the Bowen Island Nursery, Johanna helped spread beauty across the island one garden at a time. Many new friendships where formed and much laughter and joy was shared during the operating months of the nursery. Come Winter, Johanna revelled in preparing for the Christmas festivities - another welcomed opportunity to spend time with family and to spoil her grandchildren!

We would like to extend our deepest thanks and appreciation to Dr. Paul Sugar and the staff at Lions Gate hospital and the North Shore Hospice for the exemplary care given to Johanna. We are eternally grateful. There will be a celebration of life for Johanna on Sunday October, 19th from 1-3pm at the Royal Canadian Legion, Bowen Island branch. In lieu of flowers, please donate the the Paul Sugar Foundation (www. paulsugarfoundation.com). There will be a donation box at the celebration. Finally, to all of our dear friends - thank you for your cherished support over the past weeks - we are so fortunate to be a part of this wonderful community.

DIANA

8 • FRIDAY OCTOBER 10 2014

WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM

Emergency prep for when the earth moves AMANDA OCKELOEN CONTRIBUTOR

With the Great BC Shakeout earthquake drill coming October 16, it seems pertinent to learn a little about earthquakes and have fun with a Home Hazard Hunt.

The danger of an earthquake should be a real concern for British Columbians. Every year BC is subject to over 800 earthquakes - 200 of which occur on Vancouver Island and the Lower mainland. With more than 70 percent of our population living in the southwest corner of the province, concern about earthquakes is well founded! If we take the time to prepare ourselves, though, the possibility of injury and property damage will be considerably reduced.

It might help to first look at what an earthquake is and what to expect when it occurs: The earth’s surface is made up of huge plates of rock that gradually move over, under and past each other. Over time, accumulated stress causes the rock to suddenly break or slip along a fault. This sudden movement and release of energy causes the ground to shake, pitch, and roll as seismic waves move through the earth.

As you might expect, this sudden , rapid shaking can collapse buildings , bridges, tunnels, disrupt utility services (phone, water, sewer, and gas) and trigger landslides, fires, and floods. As frightening as this sounds, it has been proven that when a community is prepared, the impact of an earthquake can be drastically reduced.

Before an earthquake: • •

• • • • •

as by windows, swinging doors, tall or hanging objects, chimneys or near gas appliances practice your family emergency plan consider purchasing earthquake insurance to defray costs of any damage use the home hazard hunt checklist to help prepare your home (coming up) review earthquake procedures at your workplace discuss the earthquake plan at your children’s school.

The Home Hazard Hunt:

Preparing your home for dangerous situations such as earthquakes is well worth your time and financial investment. This doesn’t have to be a restrictive process: be creative!

For example, if you’re in an earthquake zone and need to remove heavy pictures from above your bed or couch, replace them with “soft art” like tapestries.

The ground movement that accompanies earthquakes is seldom the cause of property damage. Homes that are structurally sound with their internal contents properly secured generally come through earthquakes with relatively little damage. On the other hand, unprepared homes are unsafe and their contents will be vulnerable to the shaking motion of an earthquake.

Using this as your guide , walk through your home and identify the hazards that exist in each room.

Public Notice - Bowen Island Municipality Special Waste Fees Bylaw No. 370, 2014 User Fee Implementation for Special Waste Drop-off Days Next Dump Day scheduled Saturday October 18th Pre-Paid Receipt will be required to drop off Household Waste

No Payments will be Accepted On-Site by Bowen Waste

WASTE

Pay Dump Day Fees in advance at: Bowen Island Municipal Hall 981 Artisan Lane M-F from 8:30-4:30

Snug Cove General Store Starting on October 10th right up to and including Dump Day October 18th

Fee Schedule Load Size

Description

Cost

Small Load

Approximately 10 Garbage Bags, or the contents of trunk of Sedan-type automobile

$12

Medium Load

Approximately 20 Garbage Bags, or the contents of an SUV-type vehicle or minivan

$22

Large Load

Approximately 30 Garbage Bags, or the contents of a level Pick–up truck load

$32

Per Mattress or Appliance

$22

Mattress or Appliance Fee

Free Hazardous Waste Drop off Day OCTOBER 25, at the Bowen Building Centre No Fees are levied for this service.

BOWEN ISLAND MUNICIPALITY R001882989 BI03

2014 ELECTION INFORMATION

*A quick rule of thumb: If it’s taller than it is wide , secure it!*

identify safe places in each room of your house identify the danger zones, such

KNOW THE NEW RULES

2014 GENERAL LOCAL ELECTIONS - THIRD PARTY ADVERTISING

BOWEN ISLAND MUNICIPALITY

Third party advertising is any election advertising not sponsored by a candidate or elector organization.

Request for On-Call Ice Patrol/Snow Removal Services

If you advertise as a third party from September 30, 2014 to November 15, 2014 in the 2014 Local Election you have new rules to follow under the Local Elections Campaign Financing Act.

Bowen Island Municipality is requesting applications for interest in the following: 3:30 am start or as required Ice Patrol (Temperature Dependent)

Monday - Saturday

PLOUGH

Snow Removal (Weather Dependent)

4:30 am start or as required Sunday & Holidays

Anytime, as required

RULES

 You must register with Elections BC as a third party sponsor before conducting any advertising.  You must include your name and contact information on all advertising  You must not sponsor advertising by or on behalf of a candidate or elector organization.

Those interested in either or both of these services are asked to provide a driver’s licence abstract directly from ICBC to BIM by fax at 604 947 0193 and to provide a written response by email, regular mail or in person before Friday, October 24, 2014 at 4:00PM to:

More information on the new rules is available at elections.bc.ca/lecfa.

Registration forms and the Third Party Sponsor Guide to Local Elections in BC can be downloaded at the Third Party Sponsors Page.

Rachel Pryce-Jones, Public Works Clerk Bowen Island Municipality 981 Artisan Lane Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G2 EMAIL: rpryce-jones@bimbc.ca

Media outlets cannot publish or transmit election advertising on General Voting Day, Saturday, November 15, 2014.

A one day paid training will be provided upon acceptance. Thank you.

For information call 604-947-4255

For more information, please contact Elections BC: at 1-855-952-0280 www.elections.bc.ca/lecfa

FRIDAY OCTOBER 10 2014 • 9

WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM

The misunderstood skunk The KKN and Library SUSANNA BRAUND ANIMAL AFFAIRS

In recent weeks, I've heard many stories of skunks on Bowen. It's clear that skunks live here. It's also clear that we need to find ways to live alongside skunks.

Why? Catching and killing skunks is unlawful in British Columbia unless you have a permit to do so.

There are many myths about skunks. One common myth is that skunks kill chickens. In fact, skunks are not fast movers–they have very short legs and very poor vision–and cannot catch chickens, unless they are injured. If a skunk can get inside a chicken-house, it will certainly eat eggs and slowmoving chicks, though. Mink are much more likely the culprit in cases of chicken-slaying. (We certainly have mink on Bowen. And it is just as illegal to kill mink without a permit.)

What do skunks eat then? They are actually rather beneficial to us, for the most part. They eat all kinds of garden pests including snails, insects and grubs, as well as roots, fungi, berries and fallen fruits. They will also eat snakes, small mammals and bird eggs.

Their taste for earthworms and for honey is less wonderful. But of course, if we leave tempting food around, in the form of compost heaps or pet food or ill-secured garbage cans, we should not blame them for their opportunism.

It's the same opportunism that sees them making their homes close to us. Skunks are burrowing animals that like to den in the foundations of buildings, under porches, decks and sheds, or in wood piles.

REGULAR SCHEDULE

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

Leave Snug Cove

BOWEN ISLAND Snug Cove

#*

daily except DAILY EXCEPT saturdays SUNDAYS # daily except DAILY EXCEPT suNdays SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS daily except saturdays & suNdays DAILY EXCEPT SAT, SUN & daily except MAY 19, 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.

*

*

**

**

†

When I lived in Connecticut, I had a momma skunk raising a family under my front porch for months.

During that time, there were no odorous encounters between the skunk family and my two lively dogs.

Happily, everyone respected everyone else's space.

But I'll assume that you don't wish to live in such close proximity to these stripey nocturnal creatures.

What should you do? Poisoning is of course illegal and inhumane and can easily harm other wild animals and domestic pets. There is no point in trapping and relocating them or in killing them (likewise illegal): it won't be long before another stripey tenant moves into the skunk-friendly territory under your porch that you have just rendered vacant.

What you need to do is remove the sources of food that are attracting them and make sure they can't get under the building to make their dens there. You can deter them by hanging rags soaked in vinegar in the area. Loud noise and bright lights are also deterrents. Ideally, you will close in your decks and close up any holes that give them access to your buildings or woodpiles. There is great information about this on the websites of the SPCA and the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies (http://cfhs.ca/wild/ skunks/), including excellent advice on how to avoid shutting animals in. (You will definitely not want to deal with rotting skunk carcasses.) Experience has shown that preventive measures are much less costly and less stressful for both wildlife and homeowners in the long run.

The fact is that skunks are mild-mannered creatures and go about in their bumbling way until and unless they are cornered or defending their young.

A skunk that feels threatened will usually give plenty of warning by fluffing her fur, stomping her feet and growling. Only then will she lift her tail up and spray.

The spray, which is a sulphur compound, is produced in the anal scent glands and is squirted from two small openings near the anus. I think we should regard it as one of nature's miracles that an adult skunk can spray with great accuracy up to twelve feet.

And what should you do if you or your overinquisitive doggie is sprayed by a skunk? You can use diluted vinegar, tomato juice, carbolic soap or commercial products designed to remove the smell.

Remember to keep these substances away from the eyes. But of course it is better to try to prevent the encounter in the first place.

And what of the phrase, 'drunk as a skunk'? I never understood that until, one night in Connecticut, I looked out the window to see a large skunk lurching across my neighbour's lawn. His uneven gait really did remind me of how inebriated humans stagger around. And, given that there aren't many words that rhyme with 'drunk', it's easy to see how the phrase has stuck.

HEALTH & WELLNESS Dr. Susanne Schloegl BOWEN ISLAND WELLNESS CENTRE M.D. Naturopathic Physician 604-947-9755 Dr. Dana Barton 596 B. Artisan Square

604-730-1174 Natural Family Medicine

Chiropractor

Call for an appointment Artisan Square

604-947-9986

www.leachchiro.com

Diana Romer MEd, RCC

Dr. Gloria Chao

Bowen and West Van offices

Artisan Square • 604-947-0734 Alternate Fridays 10am-4:30pm

595B Artisan Lane Tuesdays Call for an appointment

(778) 828-5681

ToCOUNSELLING advertiseTHERAPIST on the Health Page 604.290.6407

Deromer@shaw.ca call 604-947-2442 www.clearhorizon.ca

Advanced bids will be accepted until 7.00pm on the 16th of October.

Remember that in all there are in excess of 250 items in the auction.

It is as eclectic a collection as you could imagine. There is sure to be something for everyone: the collector, the Christmas shopper, the dealer, but most of all the bargain hunter.

Be sure to take a look at the auction website just to get a feel for what’s on offer even though you may not want to make a bid.

JOHN LAWRENCE SUBMISSION

The auction website kknauction. ca, has now been in action for several days and advanced bidding is generating lots of good energy. At the time of this post there are in excess of 30 items up for sale. Stay tuned as there will be more to come!

Work by Bowen Island artists Ron Woodall, Pauulet Hohn, and Sam Black are featured on the website. The auction will also include pieces by Sue Clark and David Graff.

Places of Worship Welcome You

Above photos, works

by Sam Black (top) and Ron Woodall that are currently up for auction.

Knick Knack Nook, photo

BOWEN ISLAND UNITED CHURCH Rev. Shelagh MacKinnon

FOOD BANK

Service and Sunday School: 10:30 a.m.

Collins Hall Bookings: Helen Wallwork Minister of Music: Lynn Williams

DROP-OFF

Open Mon. Wed. Thurs. Fri.

Dr. Utah Zandy 604-947-9830 CALL FOR APPOINTMENT OPEN TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS

Dr. Tracy Leach, D.C.

Auction Website is now up and running!

Family Dentist

Horseshoe Bay • 604-921-8522 www.bowenislanddental.com

CATHERINE SHAW

Dr. Traditional Chinese Medicine/Acupuncturist ❦

MARY MCDONAGH

Registered Massage Therapist (Available Mondays through Fridays)

❦

SANDY LOGAN

Registered Physiotherapist ❦

ROBYN IZARD RMT

Registered Massage Therapist (Available Thursdays through Sundays)

BLOOD TESTS, URINE TESTS OR ECGS

6:45 - 9:00 A.M. EVERY THURSDAY DR. ZANDY'S OFFICE

BOWEN ISLAND COMMUNITY CHURCH

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.)

10:00 a.m. Worship • Sunday School: Tots to Teens Pastor: Dr. James B. Krohn

The first official candidate in the 2014 Bowen Island municipal election, Yvette Gabrielle, signing nomination papers.

10 • FRIDAY OCTOBER 10 2014

WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM

How BC, and other governments, view ferries subsidies

On the calendar FRIDAY OCTOBER 10

THURSDAY OCTOBER 16

Youth Centre drop-in 6 - 9 p.m. (Saturday, same times) SATURDAY OCTOBER 11 Last farmers market of the season!

Come buy special Thanksgiving weekend locally made baked goods, pies, jams, bread, coffee, hot appetizers, preserves, meat and eggs as well as the bounty of the fall harvest grown in local farms and gardens.

9:30 a.m. - noon at the undercover area at BICS

SUNDAY OCTOBER 12

Applefest!

Dozens of delicious, perfect-for-Thanksgiving apple pies made with locally grown heritage apples, an old fashioned apple cider press, a mini Farmers’ Market, as well as apple displays, apple tasting, the applepie baking contest, music, a collaborative painting activity (apple-themed of course) with artists Rebecca Smith and Sarah Haxby, and more 11 a.m - 3 p.m. at Davies Heritage Orchard

MONDAY OCTOBER 13

S.K.Y. Seniors Keeping Young No Program - Happy Thanksgiving!

OCTOBER 24

Duplicate Bridge every Thursday at Bowen Court Contact Irene @2955 Rotary Meeting at 7:30pm at Collins Hall, all are welcome – Soren Hammerburg from the BI Community Foundation discusses The Role of Philanthropy in Community Building

OCTOBER 25

Halloween at the Legion More details to follow

UPCOMING OCTOBER 18

Kid and Kaboodle Sale at Bowen Island Montessori School Island Pacific School Movie Day at Cates Hill Chapel 3:30 pm - PLANES: Fire and Rescue 6:30 pm - Forrest Gump Tickets are $6 - at Phoenix, IPS, and at the door. Great concession available.

Emergency Child First Aid 8:30 - 3:30 at the BICS library $69, register through Bowen Rec ages 12 +

JOIN THE CALENDAR! Please send a brief description, date time and location of your upcoming event directly to The Undercurrent at: editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com

OCTOBER 20

TUESDAY OCTOBER 14 AA Meeting Collins Hall 7:15 p.m.

Bowen Island Yacht Club AGM 7 p.m. Cabin 20 in the Davies Heritage Orchard

WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 15

OCTOBER 23

Knitting Circle 2 - 5 p.m. Bowen Court - All levels welcome!

Who We Are - book launch with Elizabeth May, 7 p.m. at the Gallery at Artisan Square Tickets on sale now at Phoenix, the Gallery at Artisan Square and the BI Public Library

Dementia Caregivers Support Group 7:30 – 9 p.m. at Cates Hill Chapel.

To register, call 604-984-8348.

For further assistance in scheduling events, check out: /www.tourismbowenisland. com/#!community-calendar/c19hl If you have something to add email: visitorcentre@biac.ca

from PAGE 1 On the matter of subsidies, Macatee said he did not much like the word, and prefers the term “service fees.” He added that government subsidies currently support capital costs for BC Ferries, but covering 100 percent of BC Ferries operating costs through the fare boxes would be a “good goal” to have.

Conversely, David Moseley, the former Director of Washington State Ferries said that the ferries have received $1.3 billion in state subsidies over the past 14 years because they are considered to be a part of the state’s transportation infrastructure, and a part of the highways system. If the free market were left to its devices and there were no subsidies, Mosely said, only three out of the ten existing ferry routes would be able to cover their operating costs.

The representative from Norway added that there, ferries are considered to be a part of the country’s infrastructure, with this in mind, keeping the system running requires it to be accesible so that people continue to use it.

Macatee said that while fares on BC Ferries have risen significantly since 2003, based on research he conducted in 2012, the user-costs associated with BC Ferries were not on the extremely high end of the spectrum – or on the extremely low end.

Members of the audience raised a number of questions directed at Macatee which the moderator called inappropriate and political.

Macatee responded to these questions generally by stating the successes of BC Ferries in recent years which include a great safety record, increased revenues from restaurant and retail sales, stable labour relations, the implementation of ferry technology such as the cable ferry and the development of LNG ferries, and improved bond ratings for the company.

BOWEN ISLAND HOUSE ACCOUN R001881493 BI03

Bowen Bulletin Board

Brannon Brothers

Storage units available.

7 X 14 & 5 X 10 roofing & at very reasonable rates. sheet Easy access, metal on-site security.

Call Mike at We also store Boats, 604-338-2516 Cars , Motorhomes.

604-947-0282 604-830-9391

Helping Hands Call Val Gooch 604-947-2640 or

604-802-4365 • Personal care, • Cleaning, • Cooking, • Shopping, • Appointments, • Transportation, • Gardening, • Companionship, etc.

4 Bedroom Country home with large Studio/ Den available for November 1.

Gorgeous mountain views, quiet neighbourhood, on 4 acres.

Rent $1685/mo

Call IRa

604 638 9880

BUSINESS FOR SALE SMALL-MART Turnkey operation-fully stocked.

Includes all equipment. $10,000

BB

Please call

604-765-7983 Serious enquiries only

Bowenshire Stonework & Landscape

Insured and WCB coverage

Phone Andy 604-947-0674 Cell: 778-231-7283 www.bowenshirelandscaping.com

LANCE’S RECYCLING I’ll pick up your recycling and deliver to BIRC for $25/load Kindling $20/box at Building Centre

CALL 947-2430

Gallery @ Artisan Square Presents “Patches of Colour” A show of paintings by Andrew Plewes 19 Sept - 13 Oct

WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM FRIDAY OCTOBER 10 2014 • 11

12 • FRIDAY OCTOBER 10 2014

WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM

International Breastfeeding Day on Bowen Island

SOCIALSHOPPER.COM - GLACI R002868912 GD23

Bowen Island moms and their little ones at Family Place on Saturday, October 3, were joined by guest speaker Shahrzad Tayebi who is a midwife, lactation consultant, doula and childbirth educator.

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Meribeth Deen, photo

49

Lunar eclipse October 8, 2014

One-Night Stay for Two People in Ocean View Room with Beachfront Access at Best Western Tin Wis Resort

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Lester Wong’s story is one of strength, determination and the importance of having a goal.

In 2009, he suffered devastating burns to 33% of his body as the result of a car accident. After months in the hospital, he finished his BCIT studies as an aircraft engineer, got his private pilot’s licence and was awarded the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Award.

His sister has started a crowdfunding campaign to fund his next goal: becoming a commercial pilot.

Help his dream take flight at FundAid.ca.

Firefighters are also raising money for the Burn Fund, which helped Lester and his family after his accident. You can donate to their campaigns on FundAid.ca

As viewed from Bowen Island just before 3 a.m.

Emily van Lidth de Jeude, photo