Friday, November 21, 2014

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 21 2014 VOL. 41, NO. 46

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The new council

Out of six, four women will take their place

They’re back

After four years in the open sea, Chum make their way back to Bowen

The painted anenome

A sticky, colourful friend in local waters

Students at Island Discovery Learning Centre got a lesson in Fire Safety from members of the Bowen Island Fire Department and Chuck Venhuizen. Saffron Gurney’s kindergarten class enjoyed checking out a fire truck. From left: Hugo, Zoe, Hugo, William, Abigail, Ezra, Arjun, and Beatrice. Fire fighter Ian Brown stands above them.

Meribeth Deen, photo

After recount, Skeels confirmed as Mayor-elect MERIBETH DEEN EDITOR

The official and final results of the mayoral race on Bowen Island did not come in until noon on Tuesday, following a re-count. According to the results of the ballot counting on Saturday night, Murray Skeels won with 664 votes. Tim Rhodes followed with 649 votes and Stacy Beamer came third, with 589 votes. Tuesday’s official recount found only one error in the previous count, and that shifted one vote from Beamer to Rhodes.

Given these results, Skeels told The Undercurrent that he sees the job of mayor as one that will require him to align himself with a broad demographic of Bowen Islanders.

“No matter which one of us won, we would see two-thirds

of the island not being represented by the mayor,” said Skeels.

“I think in order to be successful I will have to work hard to represent the two-thirds of people who did not vote for me. I don’t think it will be that hard. I think that if, as a council we stick to the issues we generally agree upon, and take on some low hanging fruit, we’ll be successful. The Mayor sets the tone.

That’s my challenge.”

Skeels said he has started his work in this role by conducting one-on-one meetings with each member of the new council in order to get a feel for what committees they want to work on, where their passions lie and what they see as being good process.

“This is a crew of strong, bright, people with very definite ideas,” said Skeels. “If we can get the teamwork thing happening quickly we will be awesome. I’ve got a few test proposals

for them that I am using to see how they feel about new things, whether or not they will just stick to their respective ideas.”

Skeels says he has thought-out his approach to a number of issues the new council will likely have to deal with in the near term.

“When it comes to Tunstall Bay, I just want to get that boat ramp built,” he says. “We need to bring in fill and gravel and start working on it. You can spend a million bucks in a heartbeat, but I just want to get that ramp built. We’ve already spent $77 thousand on it and haven’t even done anything.

The other things that need to happen at Tunstall Bay, like slope stabilization, parking and moving the youth sailing club, they can happen later.”

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2 • FRIDAY NOVEMBER 21 2014

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Women make up majority on new council MERIBETH DEEN EDITOR

“It could change things,” says Bowen Island Councillor, Alison Morse, when asked to comment on the fact that four of the six members of the new council are women. “Women think differently, and while we’ve had a woman as mayor, this has never happened before.”

Morse has been on council since 1999. At an election event at Tunstall Bay, she promised to mentor the rookie female candidates who got elected.

“I look forward to her following through on that,” says Melanie Mason, who, with the support of 1,155 Bowen Islanders, obtained the most votes of any female candidate to ever run in a municipal election on Bowen.

Mason says she sees this group of women as being particularly dynamic, and bringing something entirely new to Bowen’s council.

“There’s a really broad skill-set among these women. We have Alison’s extensive experience on council; Maureen’s communication and research skills, as well as her strong sense of impartiality; and then with Sue Ellen, she’s got this talent for community engagement, her passion for the environment and her in-depth knowledge of the OCP.” Mason says that she is excited to be a part of such a group, and is in awe at her own success in the election.

Sue Ellen Fast, who received the support of 996 voters and will work alongside Morse as an Islands Trust trustee, says that the success of women in this election is connected to the calls for balance and civility by the voters.

“Of course, there’s more to people whether they are male or female,” says Fast. “And this is definitely an interesting and energetic group.”

Maureen Nicholson won a total of 1024 votes.

2014 Election Results: Bowen Island

“I think the conversation will change at council, it will be more open, and I think we’ll reach some conclusion,” she says, considering the gender dynamic.

“Also, Sue Ellen, Melanie and I have worked on a number of things together in the past, and we’ve worked well together. Ultimately, though, I think we genuinely have a divers council this time around.”

Former councillor Peter Frinton says that having three women on council between 2005 and 2008 (Lisa Barrett, Lisa Shatsky and Alison Morse) changed things dramatically.

They approached the issue with compassion. In the end, their approach won.

“The two Lisa’s started to back each other up, and we saw things start to go in very different directions,” says Frinton, pointing to the decision to legalize secondary suites as a case in point. “When the decision was made, the men at the table started coming up with all kinds of rules around it – for example, making people pay for a second set of garbage stickers. Then the Lisas started asking, what’s the point of legalizing suites anyways? The point was to make things easier for people in a financial sense, to make it more economically viable for people to live on Bowen. So if we were going to put up all of these road blocks, then why bother legalizing suites in the first place? They approached the issue with compassion. In the end, their approach won.”

Frinton adds that the presence four women on council will create enduring and positive change.

“They will rule the roost,” he says.

BOWEN ISLAND MUNICIPALITY R001915157 BI03

Results from the Bowen Island Municipality website, www.bimbc.ca

INAUGURALMEETING MEETINGOF OFTHE THE INAUGURAL

2014-18 BOWEN BOWEN ISLAND 2014-18 ISLANDMUNICIPAL MUNICIPALCOUNCIL COUNCIL

BOWEN ISLAND MUNICIPALITY R001915159 BI03

You are invited to attend Inaugural Council to be You are invited to attend thetheInaugural CouncilMeeting, Meeting, toheld: be held:

BIM

Monday, 2014 Monday,December December1st, 1 , 2014 7:15p.m. p.m.

7:15 Location: CatesHill HillChapel, Chapel, 661 Carter Location: Cates CarterRoad Road st

The agenda for for thethe Inaugural will posted The agenda Inaugural Meeting Meeting will be be posted the Bowen Island Municipal website www.bimbc.ca on theonBowen Island Municipal websiteatat www.bimbc.ca the week prior to the event. the week prior to the event.

We hope to see you there!

We hope to see you there!

For information, call 604-947-4255

The Knick Knack Nook and the Bowen Island Library would like to thank the following individuals and organizations for their generous contributions to the success of our Auction held October 18th. The Auction raised $12,153 for the library’s Annie Laurie Wood Annex project.

• Alderwood Farm • Andrea Little • Artisan Eats • Body Vitality • Bowen Island Legion • Bowen Little Pet Shop • Bowen Sushi • Cocoa West • David and Shirley Wrinch • Diana and Michael Kaile • Digitally Hip • Dominique and Francoise Kluyskens • Gordon and Joyce Ganong • Jane Kellett • John Willis • Judith Young • Judy Taggart and the Doll House Team • Knick Knack Nook Volunteers • Leanne Romak • Leslee and Tim Wake • Leo Pedersen

• Marc Gawthrop

LIBRARY • Maria Steernberg

• Marolyn and Gordon Anderson • Mary Poittier and Warren Franklin • Marysia McGillvray • Opus Framing

• Pernille Nielsen

• Phoenix on Bowen • Sam Knowles • Sophie Taylor • Susan Geist • Ted Benson • The Flower Shop • The Ruddy Potato • Tiffanee Scorer • Tim Rhodes • Tom and Katherine Selpzer • Vikram Dua

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Bowen Islanders are hostages ADAM HOLBROOK SUBMISSION

Now that our elections are over, we must return to the transportation issues that will affect our economic and social future. The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI) has put out a Discussion Guide and Survey with respect to B.C. on the Move, A 10- Year Transportation Plan; and the BC Ferry Commission has invited public comment on BC Ferries’ Submission for the next performance term (PT4), their 10 year Capital Plan and their Efficiency Plan for PT4 and beyond. These are all major documents that will impact the accessibility and cost of living on Bowen. Both documents are convoluted and both have very short timeframes for comments.

Having read them (yes, some people do read these things) one realizes that Bowen islanders are hostages to a number of vested interests over which we have little control. A good example, is the $200M Horseshoe Bay terminal (HSB) upgrade that Michael Chapman discussed in last week’s Undercurrent.

There is little doubt that the terminal structure needs upgrading – the simple questions are “how much” and for “how many ferry arrivals and departures.”

BCF proposed (in its efficiency plan) to cut the number of Nanaimo sailings from HSB thus reducing the need for the expensive upgrades to the transfer deck. The Minister of Transportation, Todd Stone, first supported the idea and the next day reversed his position. Shrinking the level of traffic from HSB could save money and in doing so reduce pressure on ferry fares. So why did MOTI change its mind and not want to look at that option? Where are the savings going to come from now? There are many other capital items planned including the replacement of the aging minor route fleet. There is currently no debate about the collateral effects on island communities in general or on Bowen in particular.

The actual work for the $200M upgrade to HSB will take several years. For Bowen that means years (not months) of berth closures and the related inconvenience. Why? To support what is currently excess capacity on the Mainland to Vancouver Island routes.

Who benefits? Not Bowen Island.

The Minister has ordered a study of the feasibility of a bridge to Gabriola which will include an examination of the costs of a bridge versus a ferry. continued, PAGE 10

Not welcome at the ballot box Election season forces non-citizens to contemplate their status MERIBETH DEEN EDITOR

Susanna Braund hasn’t had a vote in 14 years.

“I consider myself a community minded person, and I pay property taxes, and I feel a sense of frustration not only because I didn’t get to vote in this election, but also because I couldn’t run,” says Braund.

Braund says that regardless of her inability to vote, she did get involved in the municipal election.

“The community gives a lot back to me,” she says.

“So during this election, I hosted one meeting for a candidate and offered to host another - but it fell through. Also, I gave money to a campaign.”

Braund says that she would like to be a Canadian citizen, even if that meant giving up her other citizenship (English), and she’s working on the process as fast as she can.

“I became a permanent resident at the earliest possible opportunity, two and half years ago,” she says.

“The earliest I can even apply for citizenship is some time next year.”

Here on Bowen, Braund is not alone in her frustration with her voting status. There are many engaged citizens who did not get a chance to go to the ballot box on Saturday, even if they wanted to.

Euan and Alex Sinclair are in the same boat.

“We’ve been in Canada for four years now, and we might be eligible to apply for citizenship in August of 2015, but there is a piece of legislation that will likely go into effect in July - and if it does, our eligibility will be pushed back,” says Euan Sinclair. He adds that once they do apply, actually achieving citizenship could be a long road. “It’s like a piece of string, it could go on and on.

He adds that until coming to Canada, he hadn’t missed the opportunity to vote once since he turned 18.

“We feel very disenfrachised. We’re paying taxes, why can’t we have a voice? Maybe if we were living somewhere else it wouldn’t feel as bad but here on Bowen it is different. Every vote really does count.”

Thank-you Four hundred and fifteen times for MICHAEL supporting democracy one hundred percent. www.michaeldchapman.ca

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 21 2014 • 3

As of Tuesday, 14 votes short of the Mayor’s seat

A letter from Tim Rhodes Just back from the recount: a due diligence exercise which, as I expected, was like watching last week’s football game – without the beer. I want to express special thanks to all the volunteers from election night and double thanks to those who stepped up again to repeat the exercise in the recount. It was my first glimpse at the impressive fail-safes built-in to the ballot counting process. Very special thanks to the staff at the municipality who, under the guidance of Kathy Lalonde, and as is their custom with good humour and grace, went above and beyond to ensure a fair and orderly process.

I also want to thank the many people who supported my campaign: those who gave financial support, moral support, advice, time and energy, those who stood up to be counted and those who were counted in the polls. I will single out Michael Cornelissen, my financial agent, whose efforts allowed me to concentrate on the ideas rather than the dollars, and my wife Darcie Buzzelle, for her long hours, moral support, marketing skills, strategic thinking and ability to laugh and joke through the less than pleasant bits.

To Stacy Beamer, Michael Chapman, Marcus Freeman, Yvette Gabrielle, Peter Williamson and George Zawadski who did not prevail: I have heard from so many people on the island, regardless of how they may have voted, of the utmost respect and admiration they have for you and the commitment you have demonstrated to Bowen Island by standing for election. I was proud to be included in your company. Please know that your contribution to the island and the discussions over the last few weeks have been significant and noted.

Congratulations to Murray Skeels, our mayor-elect, and to the successful candidates for the next council: Gary Ander, Sue Ellen Fast, Michael Kaile, Melanie Mason, Alison Morse, and Maureen Nicholson. What these councillors lack in experience (except for 6-term councillor Alison Morse!) they more than make up for with the commitment, intelligence and fair-mindedness we need in our leaders over the next 4 years.

I can’t help but offer the new council a little unsolicited advice. Remember that two-thirds of the community voted to continue with the rezoning of Lot 2; to expand the Cove Bay Water District so that Snug Cove House can proceed; to build a new water treatment plant so the water district expansion can proceed; to enable the private sector to build the diversity of housing needed for renters, seniors and young families; to build a new fire hall; to build a community centre; to enable the private sector to create economic vitality; and to attract the range of health care services, facilities and practitioners needed on Bowen Island so that never again should a senior be forced to move away from their island home. No pressure!

I have spent a tremendously rewarding decade on Bowen Island. The things I will remember most are the strength I gained from the love of my family and friends I have made here, and the inspiration I took from the courage, the remarkable effort and the support of those who believe so selflessly in Bowen.

Thank you for the opportunity to work with you.

Tim Rhodes

continued, PAGE 10

Mayor-elect Skeels looks ahead from PAGE 1 Council recently passed re-zoning plans for the community lands Lot #2, and is waiting on approval of OCP amendments by the Islands Trust before taking the plan through fourth reading. There is one council meeting remaining with the current council, but Skeels says he’s certain the final approval of this particular plan will be left up to the new council to decide.

“Portions of this plan are just fine,” he says.

“Others will need to be revisited and refined. I’m going to ask a traffic engineer if we can in fact put an intersection below the soccer field, and also we should know for sure where the sewer pick-up lines go. I wouldn’t want to sell land with very liberal rezoning because council has no input once the rezoning has been completed, I’m afraid it could be many years before we actually develop it.”

As for plans for a water treatment plan to service the Cove Bay Water System, Skeels says he does not like the current planned location.

“The current location is too small to incorporate lagoons into the system,” he says. “Without using lagoons to treat the waste product of the treatment process, you require extra equipment, and the cost of that is currently slated at $800 thousand. Back

in 2004, I was the chair of the Cove Bay Water Committee and we were negotiating for lands behind what is now Belterra for a water treatment system, and out costs were significantly lower than the current projection of $7 million or more.”

Skeels says that he sees the lands around Grafton Lake, which amount to some 350 acres, present the municipality with an opportunity to build a water treatment plant that includes lagoons.

Municipal staff and contracted engineers are currently working on a grant application in order to receive funds to help pay for the proposed plans.

“I believe the closing date for the first round of applications is December 1,” says Skeels. “If we get the grant, and then come up with a cheaper way to build a treatment plant, I can’t imagine we’ll be turned down.”

As for major development plans, such as Wolfgang Duntz’s proposals for Parkview Slopes and Seymore Landing, Skeels does not see these as the priority of his council.

“We will have a strategic plan and will be very busy in our first year, so a proposal is going to be really remarkable, it will have to have a lot to offer, in order for us to spend any time on it.”

4 • FRIDAY NOVEMBER 21 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

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EDITORIAL

A new council, new Bowen, moving forward MERIBETH DEEN EDITOR

On Saturday night, and since then, I’ve felt extra proud of Bowen Island. Not because so many of you turned out to vote (high voter turnout is an old story on this rock) but because we had so many people who willingly stepped up to the plate knowing the stresses, the emotional rollercoaster, and the slings and arrows that are likely to be endured before even getting the job.

Much has been said about the improved level of dialogue seen over the course of this election as compared to others. I think we have Stacy Beamer, Melanie Mason and Maureen Nicholson to thank for that. These three refused to be pigeonholed, and worked hard to change the conversation.

I’ve heard many people say that it’s too bad Stacy didn’t run for council, because then he’d definitely have a seat. While I would like him to be there, I don’t agree with this sentiment. I think that even if he didn’t win, by running for mayor Stacy gave Bowen Islanders the opportunity to vote for what they really want: a different kind of politics.

Congratulations, Bowen Island, on picking a strong new set of leaders to help us forge through the next four years. Congratulations to our new mayor-elect, Murray Skeels. Your new role will require patience, an open mind, and a great deal of fortitude. Congratulations to members of our new council. Walking the line between co-operation with your fellow council members, and staying strong and independent will not be easy, but you can do it.

Tim, I believe you would have made a great mayor. Getting to know you over the past year has been a pleasure and I have seen you work very hard for our community. Thank you for all of your efforts as a councillor, and for stepping into the ring as a potential mayor.

Thank you to the candidates who did not get a seat on council. I’ve enjoyed getting to know you and your ideas, I hope we will still see you put those forward.

And finally, thank you to the previous council.

You’ve worked hard and helped Bowen move forward on a number of important projects. I hope the next council can build on your accomplishments.

Through that, Stacy not only proved that Bowen has changed, but also, he changed Bowen.

That said, I think it must be acknowledged that this election simply marks the official beginning of this new way of doing things. I was a bit surprised to see tow-truck driver Bill Pocklington driving around with Stacy’s signature checkmark on the back of his truck. I wasn’t surprised, necessarily, because I thought his leanings might be elsewhere, but because I rarely encountered people who openly declared their support for him. More often I encountered people speaking in hushed tones, saying things like, “Don’t tell anyone, but I’m voting for Stacy.”

I respect the fact that nearly a third of the voting population would rather hold their cards close to their chest than wear a button and shove their choice into their neighbours mailboxes, but I do hope that next time around, we can stop feeling the need to whisper. Yes, people, it is okay to not agree all the time with your friends and neighbours.

In any case, it’s time to march forward and embrace our new leaders - just for a little while, then we can start pushing them to live up to our expectations.

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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.

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No more two-way divisions in Bowen Elections Thank you Dear Editor, Except for the first municipal term, which was kind of a honeymoon, Bowen’s political climate has been somewhat bifurcated. There has been the “whoa! Let’s not change too quickly, if at all” branch and there has been the “surely we can move forward, I mean change is normal” branch.

Over time the polarization devolved into Heron Huggers (HH) and Evil Developers (ED). This divisiveness caused great consternation among the natives, who in many cases felt that this dualism had led to a sort of political constipation. It turned out that this was not the whole spectrum of native feelings, as was clearly demonstrated, when The Artist With No Fear of Scale (TAWNFOS) threw his hat into the mayoralty ring.

Clearly the HH and ED camps held equal sway, but only among two thirds of the voters. However, when TAWNFOS came along and rattled our cages, he pointed out that we were strangling each other #102–495 Bowen Trunk Road, PO Box 130, Bowen Island BC, V0N 1G0 Phone: 604.947.2442 Fax: 604.947.0148 Deadline for all advertising and editorial: Monday, 4:00p.m. www.bowenislandundercurrent.com

and there was a transcendent possibility. And lo, one third of the populace removed the scales from their eyes and agreed with their votes.

Even mayor of the moment in his acceptance blog said: The very high level of support he (referring to TAWNFOS) received reminds us that there are a lot of islanders (the third with cajones) hungry for a new style of politics and a more dynamic approach to our challenges. The lesson is not lost on me.

Hopefully there’s some truthiness in what he typeth!

Governing a large county is like frying a small fish.

You spoil it with too much poking.

---Lao Tzu Sincerely, Richard Best

Dear Editor and Community, Thank-you for your tremendous vote of confidence in what I stand for and where I want to see Bowen Island in the future. I am humbled by your support and I will not let you down.You have also chosen a remarkable, diverse group of committed individuals who will come along on this four year journey. Thank-you to the dedicated out-going council that did so much to lay the foundation for Bowen going forward. And most of all thank-you to you, fellow Bowen Islanders, for being truly engaged in the welfare of our wonderful home. But, also remember, your responsibility does not stop at the ballot box.

We are only your representatives and it will take the community and council to get to where we want to be. Please continue to be involved.

Sincerely, Gary Ander

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Cheers to a better conversation Dear Editor, I wanted to put out a call of thanks to all the folks who hosted all kinds of news and information during the election campaign. From the online spaces such as Barbara Wiltshire’s Bowen Island Online Forum and the Facebook AllCandidates Forum George Zawadzki and I created, to the numerous face to face public meetings, speed dating sessions and conversations with candidates and beyond. There were a myriad of ways that people could participate, engage and make decisions during this election cycle. I think it helped us all to learn as much as we needed to cast our votes, and I also think it set a tone of diverse ways to engage that the new Council can continue to develop.

I also want to acknowledge our own local paper. Being the paper of record for such a small and opinionated community is no mean feat, and Meribeth and Maureen do amazing work fitting in all the viewpoints and opinions that Islanders try to share. Having worked in newspapers, I know the challenge of balancing fairness, brevity and diversity. They did a terrific job.

We are lucky to have a real newspaper on Bowen Island, and not an advertising circular with a couple of press releases. It reflects the quality and care we put into civic discourse here. Let us never take it for granted. Long may it continue to reflect us to ourselves.

Chris Corrigan

Unsung heroes Dear Editor, That was quite an election for us all and I, like all the other candidates, am proud to have been a part of it.

It would not have been the same though, without the unsung heroes that did their jobs so well, regardless of weather, timing or political affiliations.

Next time you see these people on the street, say thanks! They all did their part for our precious local democracy, and did it well.

My thanks go to: Meribeth and Maureen and The Undercurrent, Margaret and her crew at The Office, all our hard working and professional Municipal staff and of course, everybody at Canada Post. All of them worked hard and had as many long days as the candidates and their supporters.

Many thanks to all,

The Future of Snug Cove PAULINE LE BEL COMMUNITY CAULDRON

During the sixteen years I’ve lived on Bowen, there’s been plenty of talk - and more than enough plans - to try and gussy up Snug Cove. The idea is to make it more appealing to tourists, and create an ambience that is more in keeping with the kind of island we like to think we are. The first chapter of my most recent book is devoted to story and how the stories we tell shape our way of perceiving the world.

So I thought it might be fruitful to ponder a few of the stories I’ve heard about Snug Cove, the gateway to our island home.

Snug Cove is the entrance to an island, so we already have a story right there. “A piece of land completely surrounded by envy,” is how Vancouver humorist, Eric Nicol, defines the word “island.” And the visitor, having spent 20 minutes or so on the ferry to get here, is already under the mythic spell that islands cast. When they get off the ferry, they are probably not expecting what they experience in the city – Starbucks, Timbits, Whole Foods, and street lamps. They are prepared to be enchanted. So we give them The Snug, Rustique Bistro, The Ruddy Potato, and the night sky - a nice exchange I’d say.

Snug Cove is a small, protected harbour inside Mannion Bay. Chris Corrigan calls it “a deep round sanctuary that serves as a channel into the island, and a kind of birth canal when you leave it.” That’s a good story. And for many visitors, that’s exactly what they experience as they go back home renewed, refreshed and re-invigorated. I remember what Bob Turner told me about the first time he entered Snug Cove. As the Queen of Capilano snuggled smoothly into the dock, he felt the long arms of the island embracing him, welcoming him home.

Nice. But what about those stories we keep hearing about the Cove being an eyesore that doesn’t represent the energetic, smart, artistic people who

live here? I brought this up with award-winning architect, James Tuer, who has spent a lot of time and energy thinking about this. In 2011, he gave us comprehensive designs with several options for a revitalized Snug Cove, which included a south-side village as well as a traffic circle at the intersection of Miller Road and Cardena Road. While there are a few things he would change, Tuer told me he admires Snug Cove as a “classic 1920’s American beach town main street.” Now there’s a good story with plenty of nostalgic appeal.

Ron Woodall agrees. Ron was the Creative Director for Science World and Expo ’86, as well as other major World Fairs. He also created the A&W Root Bear character. So he knows about creating stories that engage people. Those “who see the Cove as a malaise to be cured,” says Ron, “have each time encountered a sustained passive resistance to changing the entrenched natural order. A probable explanation is that Snug Cove has simply found its groove and embraced its comfort zone… It is instantly appealing because it has evolved in so organic and random a manner that the authenticity is unmistakable.” No theme park for us, thank you very much.

Speaking of organic, how about an organic solution to cover the formidable and less-than-welcoming concrete block wall along the north side. Why not plant ivy on top and let Nature do the work?

Ron encourages us to resist the urge to “Dundaraze” the entrance to our village. “We have the last surviving genuine main street through a maritime village,” he says. “But these charms can be easily overlooked and undervalued by those keen for change. Personally I would use the money to seriously leverage the charm of the status quo.”

Unless our new council has dreams of grandeur for the Cove, it seems the future of Snug Cove may continue to look a lot like its past: a genuine main street through a maritime village. A very nice story with a gentle tug at the heartstrings.

Stacy Beamer

New leadership brings balance Dear Editor, The desire of the Bowen community seeking balance in its governance is abundantly clear this election.

A balance in genders, three new women for a total of four out of seven, compared to one out of seven in last council. A balance of Bowen-size development initiatives and preservation/protection of the natural features that, for many, was the reason we came and settled here with an eye for the long term. A balance of priorities and representation of a broader diversity of voices in the community. A balance of new and established citizens. A balance of young and older. A balance of skills, experience and passions brought to the table to work on the issues and challenges that we have in common.

A hopeful promise of mutual respect, listening and accommodation among those around the table. It will be up to the new council to make this happen. And, please make no mistake, we want and are expecting you to make this work, for your own sake and for ours. May I suggest a large oval or round table in chambers bringing people closer to each other and to the work.

We hope for more openness and transparency, and expect less secrecy, closed meetings or "surprise" decisions made without meaningful public participation.

We hope for more public outreach in multi-faceted and meaningful ways using both old and new ways of communicating, and a council chamber that feels welcoming to the public and that encourages citizens to engage and speak up. We want a council culture with equal amounts of both IQ and EQ that will try its best to address and acknowledge differences and concerns in the community.

And, we want a better and more rigorous process for balancing of the "public interest" with "private interest" so that the broader public interests, (like parks, trails and public beaches) are protected as the essential, finite and precious assets they are. Parks and waterfront need to be accessible and free/affordable for those who are not able to buy a waterfront lot or acreage. That is what the "public interest" is. Everyone, no matter income, has access to the beautiful places where they live. It's important.

The community has made its choice. It is now the job and responsibility of those who received our trust to work together as a our community resource on our behalf. No one will get everything they want but none of us should feel excluded or dismissed. Otherwise your job is not done.

We thank you and we watch in hope, in awe of your personal commitment and in appreciation. Well done, Bowen.

Wynn Nielsen

Let the good work continue Dear Editor, Thank you to all those candidates who allowed their names to stand for election and their committees who assisted on the campaigns. Congratulations to Mayor-elect Murray Skeels, the six councillors, our two Islands Trustees and the School Board Trustees.

While campaigning was a demanding and exhausting task, the real hard work has now just started.

There is no need to roll call the extensive agenda which was thoroughly discussed over the past four weeks. The gauntlet has been thrown down as to the progress the fresh, new-faced council will achieve under Mayor Murray’s leadership which can only be achieved with an open-minded, balanced, cohesive council collectively working for the best interests and wellbeing for the majority of the community.

Progressing within our means while taxes only increase by the CPI is a much desired objective. I suggest broadening our tax base is/should be upper-

most in the council’s mind.

Thanks to the vision and commitment to the revitalization of Snug Cove, our present council has a ready-made project that deserves prompt approval by the new council, which will quickly demonstrate their commitment to Cove improvements, employment and broadening the tax base: the Bowen Island Pub redevelopment. Let it start at the top of the hill and work its way down to the ferry. Maybe Lot 2 can be next? The owners of Village Square gave revitalization a kick start, so let’s keep it going. I see the Pub project as a bellwether project for our new council to get off on the right foot.

In conclusion, my thanks to those current council members, who for one reason or another, have hung up their council shingles. We appreciate your dedication, hard work and efforts to make ours a better community.

Bruce Russell

A few words from a former councillor Dear Editor, I wish to congratulate our successful candidates in the election and to also say thank you to all who offered themselves for public service. It was a great campaign in so many ways. I believe our new Council represents the diversity on Bowen and I am personally thrilled to see three new women on Council, all of whom bring tremendous skills that will benefit our municipality. And I hope those of you who did not make it onto council will offer your services to our community through council committees or other organizations.

A few words from a former councillor: enjoy this time and have fun and don’t take each other too seriously. You will need the humour as you wade through minutes (oh right, Alison is there to do that!), budget documents and planning reports. Remember to debate

openly at the table. Our community is enriched by hearing this debate and learning about our councillors’ views and seeing democracy in action. Maybe expanding the venue for such debates and discussions might be an idea to consider – to something like the All Candidates Facebook forum – so people can read about your views, especially on issues of major significance to the community.

It is my sincere hope that with this new diverse and representative council, Bowen will move forward with less acrimony and that we will see a tone of mutual respect between the Council and the public, regardless of the difference in views on some issues.

Good luck and don’t forget to laugh lots! Our island is lucky to have you all.

Sincerely Nerys Poole

6 • FRIDAY NOVEMBER 21 2014

WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM

A Stinging Flowery Animal in our waters DENIS LYNN CONTRIBUTOR

The anemone - a name the Greeks used for windflowers pictured here is the Christmas Anemone or Painted Anemone.

There is some dispute over its scientific name. Some scientists call it Urticina crassicornis while others call it Urticina grebelnyi. Anemones, like the corals, are anthozoans or flower-animals (anthos, Greek for flower). Both anemones and corals are placed in the Phylum Cnidaria (knide, Greek for nettle), along with the jellyfish, because, like nettles, they can “sting” you if touched.

Painted Anemones can reach 20 cm in diameter and up to 30 cm in length and may be 80 years old. They are commonly attached to rocks in the lower tidal and subtidal zones in the North Pacific. Anemones have a muscular “foot”, called a pedal

disk, which they use to attach to rocks. Like snails and slugs, they can use the foot muscles, along with sticky mucous, to very slowly move along the rocks from one place to another.

Anemones, in turn, are eaten by some starfish and snails.

The anemone’s “petals” are actually tentacles that may number as many as 100 arranged in 3-5 circular rings around the mouth. If you quickly touch the tentacles of an anemone, you will sense that they are sticky. This stickiness is caused by thousands of nematocysts that are ejected and stick to your finger.

Nematocysts, which are ejected when prey is encountered or when an enemy attacks, show great variety:

some can be harpoon-like, tipped with highly poisonous toxins that kill prey or even us – Beware the Box Jellyfish! The Christmas Anemone uses its nematocysts to immobilize and kill crabs, sea urchins, mussels, snails, chitons, barnacles, and even small fish.

An anemone can contract all its body muscles flattening itself against a rock, perhaps to avoid a predator or to remain in place in rough waves. When it is ready to extend itself again, it “inflates itself ” very slowly by beating the cilia that line the siphonoglyphs and drawing water into the body.

B.I.COMMUNITY SCHOOL ASSO R003887644 BI03

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A Painted Anenome, sometimes known as a Christmas Anenome, photographed in the depths of King Edward Bay. Adam Taylor, photo

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BICS Gym

Light up Bowen

Surf on Bowen

& Lantern Parade

Saturday December 6th ARTISAN SQUARE

3:00 pm Artisan Eats - warm mini donuts & hotdogs for sale Artigiani Milanesi - open house & sale 5:00 pm Artisan Square Christmas Tree Light-up Black Sheep dancers & The Penrhyn Carollers Artisan Eats - open house with Mulled Wine & Christmas Treats 5:40 pm Lantern Parade to Village Square, lead by the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Bowen Island Black Sheep

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CHECK OUT: DAVIES ORCHARD - Bowen Heritages Museum Cottage open for viewing Connie Wright & Nature Encounter Tours - Eggnog & Cookies

LOWER COVE / DOC MORGANS 7:00 7:00 7:30 7:45

8:30

Canon Fire signals Light Up of the Cove and FESTIVAL OF TREES Light Up Live Nativity production, with caroling - Rotary Stage USSC Marina - Santa arrives by Cormorant Marine Water Taxi Doc Morgan’s Patio: Meet Santa. Christmas music by the Lorraine Ashdown band of Carolers. Hot Chocolate, Mulled Wine & Goodies served.

Bowen Island Community Recreation will be hosting Santa’s Workshop with activities for kids & Santa’s Post Office Santa departs to the North Pole on a Bowen Island Fire Truck

Thank you to our Sponsors:

ARTISAN OFFICE, BOWEN ISLAND PUB, BOWEN HERITAGE, BI COMMUNITY REC, FIRST CREDIT UNION, THE UNDERCURRENT and the USSC MARINA

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Surfer Murray Warren catches a wave at Sealeigh beach on November 9. photo submitted by Murray Warren

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 21 2014 • 7

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Spawning season in Bowen’s waterways MERIBETH DEEN EDITOR

Tim Pardee, Martin Clarke, and volunteers with the Bowen Island Fish and Wildlife Club have seen several chum salmon preparing to spawn in Davies Creek and the Lagoon this year. The Club has also received numerous other reports of salmon sightings and are optimistic that this will prove to be a good year for salmon returns.

“Rod, who works with Metro Vancouver Parks, told us he saw six chum spawners in the Lagoon,” says Pardee. “Looking at the very positive results in the streams in West Vancouver, Squamish and on Gambier, I think we can feel some optimism that we¹ll have good results overall this year, too.”

In West Vancouver, streamkeepers are celebrating the fact that Chinook have returned to spawn in two creeks where they have not spawned before: Hadden Creek and Brothers Creek. Pardee says that this news is encouraging for the efforts of Bowen¹s streamkeepers.

“It gives us hope that we’ll actually see results in the creeks that we¹ve been working to rehabilitate,” he says.

The salmon that have been spotted in the lagoon, Pardee says, are all Chum and are now four years old.

He adds that there have been no Coho sightings yet, but they may start to appear in early December.

Travis Netzlaw caught this Chum in the lagoon two weeks ago while fishing for trout.

He released the fish immediately after this photo was taken.

Meribeth Deen, photo

Off to Vanuatu, and collecting supplies FINEEN DAVIS SUBMISSION

TECH

Have you heard of Vanuatu? It’s a smattering of more than 80 islands found in the South Pacific Ocean, inside an imaginary triangle formed by the Solomon Islands, Fiji and New Caledonia. Ninety percent of Ni-Van children complete primary education, but few will continue beyond this: there is meager funding, few supplies, and teachers are scarce.

In January I will be crossing the globe to work with Lattitude Global Volunteering to teach in a school in Vanuatu. I will abandon the luxuries of life here in Canada, such as hot water, showers, toilets and internet access. I will eat a basic diet of rice, root vegetables, cabbage, fruit and tinned meat. Most importantly I will take this opportunity to use my knowledge to teach, improve and expand the lives of

Ni-Van children. The hope is that with a higher level of education, the children will have more opportunities as they mature.

In order to accomplish this goal, I must bring the majority of my teaching supplies with me as they simply do not have them there. I need everything from pens and pencils to Math and English exercise books. The little things are equally as importantstickers, chalk, rulers and coloured markers. Ni-Van children also enjoy volleyball and soccer, but don’t have good equipment or pumps.

I am asking the generous community here on Bowen to help me collect these items to take with me to Vanuatu. Anything- big or small- goes a long way. I will also be selling greeting cards made from my photography at the Collins Hall Craft Fair on December 13 to purchase any remaining supplies.

For more information, contact me at neenif66@ hotmail.com

MOVEMENT GLOBAL DESIGN IN 8TH AR001915154 N NBI03 U Sat., Nov. 29th • 2-4pm A The Gallery L D B D:  G T  P F -       E A. www.pamoja.org

Bamboo is the cashmere of the vegetable world “It’s like wearing a HUG!”

Melany Dawn - Eco-Warrior

join us as familiar faces in the bowen island yoga, dance, pilates and fitness community come together to showcase “moVement” in Various forms.

Contact: movementglobal@gmail.com Movement Global Design Inc. www.movementglobal.com

Fineen Davis.

Meribeth Deen, photo

8 • FRIDAY NOVEMBER 21 2014

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FOBILs need your help! Book launch: Storms and Stillness by Alejandro Frid GRETA SMITH SUBMISSION

The Friends of the Bowen Island Library who bring you the huge annual book sale face a big dilemma and need the community’s help to solve it. We are unable to c sorting books throughout the winter and spring in our current location and need to find an alternative space for sorting and storing books until the sale in May.

We need approximately 400-500 square dry space, electricity and some heat. Would prefer to not have to carry boxes up stairs but are willing to consider any suggestions. All the funds raised through the sale of books are poured back into the library programs but we are willing to pay a nominal fee to cover the costs of heat and light.

Can you help? Have you a suggestion we can pursue? Please email me at gretasmith@shaw.ca or Anna Marie Atherton at auntiema@shaw.ca

Places of Worship Welcome You 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

CHURCH

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

ALEJANDRO FRID SUBMISSION

Storms and Stillness is about a search for hope irrevocable changes that humans are forcing upon the Earth including the loss of ancient forests, the demise of pollinators and large predators, shifts in the chemistry and circulation patterns of the atmosphere and sadly, so much more.

Written as a series of letters to the young Twyla Bella, this work of non-fiction leads readers through intelligible scientific fact to adventures around the globe: studying marine predators thirty metres below the surface of high-current pinnacles in Haida Gwaii, observing Dall’s sheep in the rugged mountains of the Yukon, and researching relationships between sea turtles and tiger sharks in Western Australia. The letters also speak of a connection with food from the forest and sea, and therefore a connection with the Earth that transcends anything scientific. The dipping of cold hands into the steaming, open cavity of a freshly hunted deer. The experience of standing with a six year-old Twyla Bella beside ceremonial fires, as members of the Stó:lō, Squamish and Musqueam First Nations sing to the wild salmon that have sus-

(661 Carter Rd.)

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

Legion Dinner Doors open at 5 p.m. dinner starts at 6:30 Circus Show featuring Vancouver Circus performers: jugglers, acrobats, dragon act, contortionist and Bowen gymnasts BICS gym, $5 entry, starts at 7 p.m.

Gymnastics silent auction opens

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 22

B.C. Licenced Home Inspector Conveniently Available Online Ready for a career change? If you are transitioning from a building related field, your skills are valuable and transferable.

The Home Inspection Certificate will prepare you for a booming industry and lay the foundation for building your own business.

Participants who complete the entire program will receive a certificate of completion.

Registration in progress.

Ashton is a proud partner of CAHPI (BC)

Learn more about our online 7-module course Home Inspection program. Contact a program adviser at 604.899.0803 or email info@ashtoncollege.com.

ashtoncollege.com/HIC

Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) Meeting of Worship Rivendell, starting at 11 a.m.

For more information call Bev Rogers (604) 947-2681

Rotary Variety Show 7 p.m. Cates Hill Chapel Funds raised go to the Africa Village Project and the Bowen Island Firefighters Movember Tattoos available at In the Flesh Tattoos

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 23

Bowen Island Legion, Craft Fair Home made lunch and snacks for your enjoyment 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., proceeds go to CAWES

MONDAY NOVEMBER 24

9:00 to 9:45am: Exercises 10:00am to 11:00am Refreshments, Socializing 11:00am: Speaker: Erwen Smith: Reminiscences 12:00 noon: ‘SOUP-and-a-BUN’ Luncheon $5.00/person - Bowen Seniors are welcome!

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 25

AA Meeting Collins Hall 7:15 p.m.

604.899.0803 | 1.866.759.6006 www.ashtoncollege.com

Self-Regulation Workshop for Parents Child Care Available 6:30 p.m. at BICS, entry by donation

Ashton College

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 26

we build careers

Excerpt: It was the austral autumn of 1989. I was gliding in my kayak, surrounded by tidal glaciers, alone in the channels of Tierra del Fuego. I came here because I wanted a glimpse of my non-human kin and origins.

I watched the vertical granite face of Cerro Yagán appear through a gap in the clouds. The mountain is namesake to a culture that for eons coexisted with the forest and the sea. That culture is dead. Yagán Indians, the original inhabitants of the Beagle Channel andCape Horn Islands of southernmost Tierra del Fuego, no longer paddle their canoes hunting sea lions. They no longer gather chaura berries in the forest. Those not killed by European settlers quietly wasted away in Christian missions. Lakutaia Le Kipa, the last member of the Yagán race, died in 1983. In her own words, “[Yagáns] stopped wandering naked and obtaining their own food and got sick. Civilization attacked their lungs and stomach and they began to die.”

On the calendar FRIDAY NOVEMBER 21

CATES HILL CHAPEL www.cateshillchapel.com 604-947-4260

tained them for millennia.

Join Alejandro Frid and friends at the Gallery at Artisan Square on Sunday, November 30 for a journey through readings, images, and life music - with a little wine too.

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

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 26

Sit, Stay, Ride: the story of America’s Sidecar Dogs Documentary showing at the Gallery at Artisan Square Fundraiser for CAWES and the Kerry Blue Terrier Foundation

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 27

Duplicate Bridge @ Bowen Court Call Irene @ 2955

UPCOMING NOVEMBER 30

Booklaunch at the Gallery at Artisan Square Storms and Stillness: An ecologist’s search for optimism through letters to his young daughter Starts at 5 p.m.

DECEMBER 1

Inaugural council meeting 7:15 p.m. at Cates Hill Chapel

DECEMBER 4

Festival of Trees, Union Steamship Lawn

DECEMBER 6

A Celebration of Life for Mayor Jack Adelaar 2 p.m. at the Royal Canadian Legion

Light Up Bowen See Undercurrent ad for details Jazz at Tunstall 8 p.m Tunstall Bay Clubhouse, tickets at the door

DECEMBER 7

Community School Association Craft Fair 10 a.m. - 3 p.m at the BICS Gym

DECEMBER 9

Bowen Agriculture Alliance public meeting Proposal to build a pollinator demonstration garden in the Killarney Meadows 6:30 - 8:30, BICS Multi-Purpose Room

DECEMBER 11

Kerri Sutherland of the Alzheimer Society of BC presents a workshop entitled “Understanding Dementia” to the Rotary Club. 7:30 pm, Collins Hall, all are welcome, no charge.

DECEMBER 12

Sarah Jane Scouten Potluck starts at 7 p.m., 1567 Tunstall Blvd.

Suggested entry $15

WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM

Bowen artists recognized by Fund for Arts on the North Shore MERIBETH DEEN EDITOR

Fund for the Arts on the North Shore Society, otherwise known as FANS, honoured Bown Island singer-songwriter Shari Ulrich with a Distinguished Artist Award alongside sculptor and designer Brent Comber last Friday at the Gordon Smith Gallery in North Vancouver. The organization also awarded another Bowen musician, Christie Grace, with a grant towards the production of her new music video, “One of a Kind.”

The president of FANS, Lori Philips, told the North Shore News that the Distinguished Artist Award is bestowed upon local artists who’ve been nationally, and often internationally, recognized for achievement in their particular discipline.

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 21 2014 • 9

Get your jazz on!

“There are not that many awards that are given from the outside of the commercial music business, so it was really nice,” says Ulrich. “Also, I am really glad that Bowen Island was considered a part of the North Shore.”

Grace says that she is grateful for the support of FANS. “I had a ball debuting my song on Friday, and overall it was an awesome night,” she says.

The event kicked off with a live performance of a song written by Grace and her producer, Christ Gestrin. The evening ended with Ulrich performing three of her songs.

Next week, Ulrich will be heading to the Canadian Folk Music Awards where she has been nominated for the Songwriter of the Year award.

Come raise awareness at In The Flesh Tattoos!

From bottom right: Rob Bailey, Teun Schut and Mary Kastle.

David Dagoli, photo

ROB BAILEY SUBMISSION

Good news for live music lovers! After being without a venue since the closure of Doc Morgan’s, the trio of Teun Schut, Buff Allen, and Rob Bailey have secured the Tunstall Bay Clubhouse for a series of monthly jazz shows that will take place over the coming winter. Beginning on Saturday, December 6th at 7 PM, the trio will be once again performing their renditions of jazz standards for the faithful.

The Tunstall Bay Clubhouse is perhaps the most acoustically pleasing venue on the island to hear live music in, and the trio has plans to record a live album in the space over the next few months and hopefully release it on vinyl. For one night a month, the Clubhouse will be transformed into a jazz club, with candles on tables, ambient lighting, and a cash bar serving beer and wine.

The trio has enjoyed a dedicated and loyal following over the last few years on Bowen, with residencies at Doc Morgan’s, and The Snug. Jazz Fridays have become somewhat of an institution on Bowen! There is some talk of reviving the Friday night tradition at the Bowen pub over the winter, but no firm plans are set yet.

Please come out and support live music on Bowen. Tickets are 15 dollars at the door, and drink tickets are 5 dollars. Doors open at 7PM, with music starting around 8PM. Yes, it is on the same night as Light Up The Cove, but there is time to enjoy both. Besides, as one of the band members has said, “anybody who wants to have a couple of drinks and listen to live jazz could give a hoot about Santa anyway…”

SHIFTING INTO HIGH GEAR: S.K.Y. SENIORS KEEPING YOUNG KELLY MILLER SUBMISSION

Elizabeth Burdock and Kelly Miller will be offer-

ing Movember themed tattoos at a flat rate of 60$.

They will be donating all profits towards the aid in research to end prostate cancer. You can see what they have designed at In the Flesh Tattoos located in artisan square, 565 Artisan Lane.

DOG

SUBMISSION

Playing to a full house, this Monday's concert of romantic, evocative songs, performed by Susanna Braund, Doug Hillhouse and Doug Stepple set the pace for S.K.Y. activities in the weeks ahead. Where else can you have supervised exercises to begin your week, enjoy a coffee/tea break, followed by a speaker or other program, then wind down with Seniors Yoga? (A small contribution of $2.00 minimum helps offset meeting expenses.)

Behind the scenes, volunteer members of this 55-Plus group are busily preparing for the Legion Christmas Fair (November 23) where traditional S.K.Y. Christmas cake and other popular treats will be for sale.

Monday November 24 offers another "Soup-and-a-Bun" Luncheon. For a mere $5 per person, you can enjoy a bowl of delicious home-cooked soup, a bun and a small dessert with your coffee. This is an event held in partnership with Caring Circle, for all seniors living on Bowen.

On November 25, the first off-island trip will take members to a bistro lunch, followed by a visit to the Vancouver Museum's exhibition "From Rationing to Ravishing."

Look out for the sales table of raffle tickets for the Christmas Hamper on Saturday November 29, between 11:00am and 3:00pm, in front of the General Store. The Draw will follow that very day.

December will see the regular Monday programs plus a sing-along with BICS students (Dec 8); a Christmas pot-luck luncheon (Dec 15); and a trip to see the Christmas lights in town (Dec 16).

Not a Member? Join us for all or part of our Monday program, sign up ($10/ year) and offer your help as a volunteer. S.K.Y. meets at Bowen Court, 1070 Miller Road (parking in Seniors Lane) - for more information, please call 604-947-0235 (Renate) or 604-947-9048 (Louise) or 604-947-9190 (April).

Guests are always welcome.

10 • FRIDAY NOVEMBER 21 2014

WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM

Big issues affecting BC Ferries will affect us, too from PAGE 3 A bridge would free up an existing ferry into what is currently a fleet running without any spare capacity. One assumes that the study will also consider possible one-time gains through the closure and disposal of the two terminals concerned: one in downBOWEN ISLAND HOUSE ACCOUN R001916016 BI03

Non-citizens on voting

town Nanaimo, and the other on Gabriola. Such a change would undoubtedly change the nature of life on Gabriola, although there would likely be a substantial increase in real estate prices.

Should Bowen get involved in these discussions? On the one hand yes – anything we can support that reduces overall BCF costs will impact fares and thus benefit Bowen, but equally who are we to get involved in major social and economic decisions affecting Gabriola islanders or travellers to the northern half of Vancouver Island?

All residents of BC are being asked to comment on these documents. Bowen Island must make submissions, within the short timeframes open to us.

BIMTAC will have a special meeting on Nov. 26th at the municipal hall at 7:15pm to review and discuss these proposals so we can prepare submissions for our new Council to make to the powers that be. We need your inputs. The answers are not clear. But in the meantime Bowen Islanders are hostages to much larger political and economic forces that may well roll over us, without any reference to how they might affect us. I hope to see you at the meeting.

HEALTH Naturopathic Physician 596 B. Artisan Square

604-730-1174 Natural Family Medicine

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604-376-9801

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REGULAR SCHEDULE REGULAR SCHEDULE October to15 December 20,2014 2014 In Effect14 May to October 13,

Open Mon. Wed. Thurs. Fri.

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BOWEN ISLAND Snug Cove

604-947-9986

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

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Maureen to advertise in this space.

604-947-2442

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5:30 am am** ** ** 6:30 am am 7:30 am am*** 8:35 am 8:30 am 9:35 am 9:30 am## 10:35 am 10:30 am 11:40 am 11:30 am 12:45 pm 12:30 am 3:10 pm 3:00 pm 4:15 pm 4:00 pm†† 5:15 pm 5:00 pm 6:20 pm 6:00 pm 7:20 pm 7:00 pm** 8:15 pm 8:00 pm## 9:10 pm 9:00 pm 10:05 pm 10:00 pm

VANCOUVER Horseshoe Bay 6:00 am 6:00 am 7:00 am*** 7:00 am 8:00 am 8:00 am 9:00 am††# 9:05 am# 10:05 am 10:00 am 11:05 am 11:00 am 12:10 pm 12:00 pm 2:35 pm 2:25 pm 3:45 pm 3:30 pm 4:45 pm 4:30 pm 5:50 pm 5:30 pm 6:50 pm 6:30 pm 7:50 pm 7:30 pm** 8:40 pm # 8:30 pm# 9:40 pm 9:30 pm

Distance: 3 NAUTICAL MILES Crossing Time: 20 MINUTES

#*

FERRY Leave Horseshoe Bay

Psychologist

Dr. Susanne Schloegl

Leave Snug Cove

Dr. Dana Barton

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 Nov 11 OCT 13

*

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† tHe WedNesday sailiNGs Will THE Be WEDNESDAY replaced SAILINGS WILL By daNGerous BE REPLACED carGo sailiNGs. BYNo DANGEROUS otHer CARGO SAILINGS. passeNGers NO OTHER perMitted.

PASSENGERS PERMITTED.

†

from PAGE 3 Both Sinclair and Braund point to the fact that the rules for voting are different in the UK: you simply have to be a resident.

“Even in the recent Scottish referendum, residents had the power to vote,” says Sinclair.

For Dionne Finch, the desire to vote is not quite enough of a motivation to get on the path to citizenship.

“I’ve lived in Canada 16 years but I still feel British,” she says. “And I might go live there again one day. But I’ve lived on Bowen for three years, and I feel like this is home. I feel like a British Bowen Islander.”

She says that her kids are Canadian citizens, and that during this election particularly, she would have liked to have cast a vote for Stacy Beamer.

“I saw him as a candidate who would get things done, and who understood the recreational needs of my kids - particularly the older ones.”

She says that despite her inability to vote, she still watched the question and answer sessions when they were posted online and kept up to date on the daily flow of information.

“I can accept not being able to vote, but I would really like it if everyone who could, actually did so.”

Coming from Australia, Damien Bryan says that he feels at home in a place with such a spectacular record of voter turn-out.

He adds that while he is married to a Canadian and has Canadian children, he does not yet have his citizenship.

“When I came here in 2006 I was surprised to find out I couldn’t vote by virtue of living here,” he says.

“But I’m not upset about it, those are just the rules.

And it takes time to become a citizen. Hopefully, by the next election I will be Canadian, and have the opportunity to cast a ballot.”

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Bowen Bulletin Board

MOVEMENT GLOBAL DESIGN INC

8th Annual Eco-Fashion/ Movement show Join us Sat Nov 29 @ 2pm at the Gallery in Artisan Sq as familiar faces in the Bowen Island MOVEMENT/Fitness Community showcase “Movement” in its various forms.

Door by donation to the Pamoja Foundation www.pamoja.org supporting grassroots entrepreneurs in Africa.

Contact movementglobal@gmail.com or 778-863-7770

“Gifted 2014” Featuring art and giftware from over 30 Bowen artists, writers and musicians

21 Nov – 23 Dec

Storage units available.

7 X 14 & 5 X 10 at very reasonable rates.

Easy access, on-site security.

We also store Boats, Cars , Motorhomes.

604-947-0282 604-830-9391

ISO nanny/caregiver for our two little boys, 3 days a week in January and then two days starting in April.

Please be in touch by phone or email if you are interested.

Reception: Fri 21 Nov 7-9pm

Bowenshire

Helping Hands

The Gallery @ Artisan presents

Call Val Gooch 604-947-2640

Stonework & Landscape

or

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

B BOARD

Lee - 778-863-5330

Andrea - alayzell@sd45.bc.ca

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Insured and WCB coverage

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

Merry Merry!

It’ that time of year again!

It’s Contact Maureen to get started with your Christmas advertising campaign! ads@bowenislandundercurrent.com

LANCE’S Brannon RECYCLING Brothers I’ll pick up your roofing& sheet metal

Call Mike at

604-338-2516

recycling and deliver to BIRC for $25/load Kindling $20/box at Building Centre

CALL 947-2430

WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM

FRIDAY November 21 2014 • 11

12 • FRIDAY NOVEMBER 21 2014

WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM

CSA Christmas Craft Fair: A tradition for Tiny Bubbles Soap Works TANIA WEBB SUBMISSION

The aromatic offerings of Tiny Bubbles Soap Works.

The 29th Annual Bowen Island Community School Association (CSA)Christmas Craft Fair is set to showcase an abundance of creative, decorative, delicious and delightful local fare on December 7!

The vendors are polishing and preparing their wares for this island tradition which is the feature fundraiser for the CSA in providing financial support to Bowen community initiatives as well as supporting PAC and BICS related projects. The fun meter is set for ‘fantastic’ with the return of the Cake Walk, the Craft Fair Raffle baskets, and over fifty vendors offering plenty of variety this year.

There will also be loads of treats to tempt your taste buds at the CSA concession served direct from the BICS kitchen.

As the preparations continue, we checked-in with long standing vendor, “Tiny Bubbles Soap Works,” to see what magical homemade crafts they have earmarked for the event this year - here’s what we found out: Tiny Bubbles Soap Works has been producing quality handmade soaps on Bowen Island since 2003, and is the beloved product of the Rose Family - Katrina, Kevin, and their three daughters Gemma, Charlie, and Ginger Rose. The original recipe was the brainchild of Amanda Rose many years prior, who passed on to her sister Katrina to perfect. The result are the beautiful vegetable-based bars available

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today. The technical chemistry of soap creation is fabled to be a finicky, fickle friend as the cooking process requires a safety protocol with temperatures reaching higher than 200 degrees Fahrenheit – the process is involved, particular, and can be dangerous so this business is not for the faint-hearted; it is however a labor of love and joy as Katrina regales her love of turning out a batch with comparison to opening gifts on Christmas morning.

Tiny Bubbles Soap Works has a proud line of products that boasts a veritable smorgasbord of sudsy delight with over 20 different fragrances that range from the popular Lavender, to the sharp fragrant notes of ‘Citrus Serenade’ and Lemongrass, then sweeping onto the sweet treat bars of ‘Vanilla Pudding’, ‘Ginger Snap’, and ‘Wicked Licorice’.

Without a doubt, this reporter’s favorite bar in this range is the Tiny Bubbles Soapworks ‘Gardeners Bar’ which has all the aromatic notes you would experience from dancing in your herb garden after a warm summer sun-shower. The addition of other scents such as ‘Bengal Spice’ and ‘Coffee bar’ will have any soap aficionado in agreement that it is hard to choose a single bar for every occasion and easy to choose an assortment to place beside the tub for the next scrub-a-dub-dub or candlelit soak session.

Be sure to come out for this year’s CSA Christmas Craft Fair at BICS on Sunday, December 7th between 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. The beauty of being a part of this island community is that events like this really do become tradition!

give

Do you believe it’s better to

VET

than to receive?

FUND

This Christmas, why not consider raising money for your favourite charity or cause in lieu of Christmas gifts.

You can do it as an individual, a familiy or as a party host or hostess. Crowdfunding makes it easy.

• choose a charity • go to FundAid.ca and start a personal crowdfunding campaign • send a link to your family and friends to let them know that their gift can be a donation to your campaign • donate the proceeds to your charity

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

MHF

Real Wood Furniture Real Investment 700 Marine Dr., North Vancouver

corner of Marine Dr & Bewicke Ave. Customer parking at rear of building, access off Bewicke Ave.

604-904-3939