Friday, December 19, 2014

FRIDAY DECEMBER 19 2014 VOL. 41, NO. 49

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Principal Pardee

Five years at BICS, heading into retirement

Good news on Ferries?

Sky watching

Just a little

The Geminid meteor shower

Developers of The Cape discuss bulk sale of property MERIBETH DEEN EDITOR

Endswell farm is all lit up for the holidays. More on page 6.

Debra Stringfellow, photo

Bowen weathers storms and extreme tides MERIBETH DEEN EDITOR

Last week, Environment Canada issued a rainfall warning for the Metro Vancouver region, and offered a prediction of sub-tropical storms for three days. This coincided with extreme high tides, and here on Bowen, the Union Steamship lawn turned into a swamp.

Storm surges crested over the causeway and four vessels were torn from their moorings in Mannion Bay. Three of these boats ended up beached on or near Pebbly Beach.

Brian Biddlecombe, owner of Cormorant Marine, towed one of the dislodged boats from Mannion Bay to the Government Dock.

“This was really a typical winter storm,” he said. “And the boats that ended up on the beach, well, that is a typical case where someone puts a boat in the water on a nice day and thinks it is going to

stay there. Things can get a lot worse. If it were colder, then there could be sea-ice and it would be a lot more miserable to deal with things.”

Senior Bylaw Services Officer Bonny Brokenshire agrees with Biddlecombe. Similar storms happen every winter, she says, and no matter how well secured, a boat can become unmoored in severe weather and tidal event.

“There is some concern though, because one of the boats that landed on the beach had an exposed motor and so it is possible that deleterious substances could leak into the marine environment,” says Brokenshire. “And that particular piece of shoreline has been identified as a potential spawning ground for forage fish, so protecting it from contamination is a priority.” continued, PAGE 3

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There are two lots with homes built and occupied and five lots under construction at The Cape On Bowen. The developers of the 350 acres formerly known as Cape Roger Curtis say that the decision to sell the remaining lots comes now because they want to focus on other business priorities.

“Our heart and soul is in the industry of providing living accommodations for seniors,” says Don Ho, president of the Cape on Bowen Community and Element Lifestyle Retirement.

Candy Ho (Don’s daughter, who works alongside him) adds that after the family sold their first retirement business in 2005, the plan was for The Cape to be her father’s retirement project.

“The model for seniors living we developed as CPAC (Care) Holdings was one where older people could move in to a home while still healthy and active, but stay there and receive the necessary care as they aged,” says Ho. “Our model has been very successful, and in the past number of years, we’ve been consulting in Europe and Asia. Now, with our new company we want to expand and start providing this service overseas. This is the perfect opportunity for me to build my career. My father’s retirement is on hold, we want to go full throttle on this.”

The Ho’s add that they’ve accomplished what they wanted on the land.

“We’ve completed phase one and two far better than we expected to,” says Don. “The community, linked by the waterfront trail, is already taking shape and all of the lots that remain unsold are ready to be built on. Each has its own deep water well, driveway, electricity, and connection to fiber optic stations.”

He adds that what people may not know is that in developing the Cape on Bowen, many new trails have been added which connect to the Cross-Island Greenway and the Huszar Creek waterfall. continued, PAGE 3

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2 • FRIDAY DECEMBER 19 2014

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BICS says good bye to Principal Pardee Under Jennifer’s leadership, BICS has been an amazing place to work and learn, and I’m incredibly honoured to succeed Jennifer as the principal after she retires. She leaves the school well-positioned for success: We have the support of a terrific parent group and the community of Bowen Island, talented students and a dedicated and innovative staff. I’m excited and confident that BICS will continue to flourish.

Scott Slater, Principal of BICS starting in 2015

I can see the change in the culture and climate of BICS since Jennifer took over. There is a greater understanding of the common graciousness kids need to have when dealing with one another, and that helps them to feel comfortable in their own skin. When things like virtues are being taught every day, they start to sink in. Kids start to problem solve instead of picking on somebody. They’re more inclined to talk about things, and they really do become critical thinkers.

Yvonne McSkimming, parent

Community School Co-ordinator Sarah Haxby (left) and Principal Jennifer Pardee and members of the student council making popcorn to sell for the annual “Project Popcorn,” event.

Meribeth Deen, photo

CORBY BERNARD R001938664 BI03

The Virtues Project is an international initiative to “inspire the practice of virtues in everyday life.” The project offers a guide for educators on how to create a culture of caring with guidelines for restorative After 34 years working as an educator in the pubjustice, and on how to transform bullying behaviour lic school system and five years as the principal of and initiate peer mentoring.

Bowen Island Community School [BICS], Jennifer At BICS, the project is visible on the walls of the Pardee is retiring. On Thursday, the school held a school with posters describing each of the 52 identispecial assembly to honour her, complete with a celfied virtues. Pardee says it is also reflected in what it ebratory flash mob and a plaque presented to Pardee means for the students to be sent to the principal’s by a group of parents. office.

Prior to taking over as principal at BICS, Pardee “I don’t want going to the principal’s office to be worked at École Pauline Johnson, and also Chartwell a bad thing,” say Pardee, reflecting on the fact that Elementary in West Vancouver. Each school, she being sent to the principal office is typically a form says, has its own particular identity. At Chartwell, of punishment. “I like to think of myself as a probthe school identity was influenced by the fact that lem solver, so if a kid is in my office I can find out the neighbourhood is incredibly multicultural. On what the problem is and help resolve it. The Virtues Bowen, she says, the obvious influence is the fact that Project is related to this in the fact that it provides a it is a rural community, but also the fact that almost language for talking about how we want people to be everyone who is here really wants to be here. with one another.”

Pardee says the role of principal is best described Pardee says one of the projects she is most proud as that of a “lead learner.” of, what she would call her legacy, is the establish“I’ve worked continuously with teachers and parment of a student’s council at BICS. ents to look at student learning, and find ways to “Student representatives from all of the classes enhance it,” says Pardee. “In our strategic meeting, between grades 3 and 7 meet every few weeks to we identified two learning goals: the development of discuss ideas, and then bring them back to their the head and the heart. The latter goal is about supclasses for feedback,” explains Pardee. “I really like porting social and emotional development, and also this because I feel it gives students a voice. It teaches enhancing the climate of the school. Implementing them how to set an agenda, and also, it is a great way the Virtues Project has been a big part of that.” to create a two-way conMOVEMENT GLOBAL DESIGN IN versation between myself R001931991 and the students.”

BI03 Pardee points to an occasion where members of student’s council brought up problems on the playground at recess, in one of their meetings.

“From that meeting, we worked to develop a set of Playground movementglobal@gmail.com Guidelines, the basis of which are: Be Fair, www.movementglobal.com Be Safe, Be Kind,” says Pardee. She also points to the establishment of school spirit days and last year’s creation of a “kindness quilt” for Pink Day (the International Day Against Bullying).

MERIBETH DEEN EDITOR

CORBY

Happy 70th Pops!

Love Kevan, Corby & Kat JOHN WESTON MP R001933325 L700

Wishing you Happy Holidays and Best Wishes in 2015!

WESTON

John Weston, MP

West Vancou ancouVer–sunshine coast–sea to sky country

www.JOHNwESTON.CA JOHNwESTONMP 604- 981-1790

778-863-7770

Do Your Christmas Shopping Early For Best Selection Christmas Hours: Wed. - Sun. 11-5

continued, PAGE 3

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FRIDAY DECEMBER 19 2014 • 3

Trip to Bowen $1.45 TransLink expansion to have cheaper as of December 17 minimal impact on Bowen MERIBETH DEEN EDITOR

This week, BC Ferries announced its decision to remove the 3.4 percent fuel surcharge added to all ferry fares. The decision came into effect on Wednesday December 17.

“The price of fuel is coming down,” says BC Ferries spokesperson Deborah Marshall. “The price of diesel is not dropping as much, but we’ve purchased our fuel at a cost that is lower, and are locked in at that price.”

BC Ferries President and CEO Mike Corrigan said in a press release that

this is great news for holiday travellers.

“We know that fare affordability is an issue for our customers and we are pleased to be able to reduce the cost of ferry travel, as every bit helps.”

For travel to Bowen, the surcharge amounts to $1.45.

While BC Ferries will be increasing the number of sailings to Vancouver Island over the holidays, route 8, between Horseshoe Bay and Snug Cove, is back on to the summer schedule until December 29.

The Bowen bus service has adjusted to this temporary change, and is not offering any service on Christmas Day.

MERIBETH DEEN EDITOR

Bowen Island residents will get the chance to vote on whether or not to add a 0.5 percent increase to the provincial sales tax in the region to support the expansion of TransLink, but the results of the referendum will have a minimal impact on their travel to and from the island says Mayor Murray Skeels.

As a member of the Metro Vancouver mayor’s council, Mayor Skeels attended a meeting in New Westminster last week and voted on whether or not to put the question to a referendum.

“There was a package outlining all the impacts of this on every region of Metro Vancouver, except

Bowen,” says Skeels. “We are not a part of this 7.5 billion dollar vision.”

Skeels said that despite this, he voted in favour of the referendum.

“As a member of the mayors council, it is not my job to advocate solely for the interests of Bowen Island,” he says. “I need to consider what’s best for all of Metro Vancouver, and this expansion is certainly needed. It is necessary to find a way to fund transit.”

Skeels says the first phase of the expansion plan would bring 220 new buses to metro Vancouver, and possibly the North Shore.. North Vancouver would also likely benefit from a new Sea Bus.

Strong winds and tides bring vessels onshore

BOWEN ISLAND MUNICIPALITY R001938328 BI03

Bowen Island Municipal Hall Office Closure Bowen Island Municipal Hall will be closed for the holiday season from: 12:00 noon on Wednesday, December 24, 2014 and will re-open at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, January 2, 2015.

XMAS

December 31, 2014 is the deadline for paying outstanding property taxes. Payments dated December 31, 2014 that are in our mail or our drop box by 8:30 a.m. on January 2, 2015 will be accepted as December 31, 2014 payment.

Happy Holidays from Mayor Skeels, Council and BIM staff Prior to the storm on December 9, the Municipality removed and dismantled a large dock that washed up on Cates Beach in order prevent environmental damage from debris and styrofoam.

Bonny Brokenshire, photo

from PAGE 1

BOWEN ISLAND MUNICIPALITY R001927782 BI03

Bowen Island Volunteer Fire-Rescue has

OPENINGS FOR NEW MEMBERS If you…

• Are over 19 years of age; • Live and work on the island; • Have a valid B.C. drivers license; • Are willing to undergo a criminal background check; • Are available and willing to be called out at any time; • Are willing to undergo training for 1st Responder Medical situations, as well as firefighting, …then you may be interested in joining our team and serving your community.

FIRE DEP

Applications may be obtained by dropping in at the Municipal Hall, or by calling 604-947-4255, or may be downloaded from the BIM website at www.bimbc.ca Completed applications can be dropped off at the Municipal Hall, or mailed to:

Fire Chief, Bowen Island Volunteer Fire-Rescue, 981 Artisan Lane, Bowen Island B.C. V0N 1G0.

Applications must be received by 4:30p.m. January 2, 2015.

Ian Thompson, Fire Chief Only those applicants selected for interviews will be contacted.

Brokenshire adds that, while the work done to reduce the number of derelict vessels in Mannion Bay can not necessarily prevent boats from washing ashore, it is getting easier to ensure that when they do, they are cleaned up.

“Most of the mooring buoys are now marked with the names and phone numbers of the boat owners,” says Brokenshire. “We also do an inventory every six months of all of the vessels in the Bay and we know whose boat is whose. Owners are not anonymous any longer, so we can hope that this will encourage people into taking more responsible precautions.”

Developers address sale of Cape on Bowen from PAGE 1 There is no set price for the Cape on Bowen, but Don Ho says the listing agent has created a full report on the property and its potential.

“The buyer will make an offer based on his or her projections and plans,” he says. “We want to leave it to someone else to complete the project as they see

fit. They could either simply sell the lots, or maybe they have a longer term vision and this would change the price. In any case, this property is now being showcased to a global market.”

The Ho’s say that it is still their intention to build a family retreat on Lot 13 of the Cape on Bowen, but even that project is on hold for now.

Principal Pardee retires from PAGE 2 “I was a teacher for decades and I loved being in the classroom; so as principal I wanted to stay connected to the students,” says Pardee. “Programs like students council have been a big part of that.”

Pardee says that it’s the relationships she’ll miss most about the job.

“There’s a feeling at school that we’re all in this together - especially with my close team made up of

Scott, Sandy and Sarah. We are like a machine,” she says. “And I am so grateful to be here. But with more time on my hands I am looking forward to finding other ways to connect with the Bowen community, and I know that plenty will come up.”

Pardee is the first BICS principal in many years to actually live on Bowen, but she won’t be the last as her successor, Vice Principal Scott Slater, is also a Bowen resident.

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EDITORIAL

Solstice surprise MERIBETH DEEN EDITOR

It’s all too easy to feel down in the dumps when the non-working hours in the day are spent in the dark. My mind tells me constantly that it’s bed time.

My child, however, reminds me that it is not.

And I am very glad that he did on Saturday evening. I’m glad that my husband and I decided to stuff him also into a car seat and drive to the entrance of Crippen Park, then walk into the meadow. If not, I would’ve never remembered to appreciate these long dark nights.

I didn’t know about the Gemenid meteor shower (an annual event that occurs each year when Earth passes through a cloud of debris created by the extinct comet 3200 Phaethon). But I couldn’t help but notice all the stars (or what looked like stars)

He also told me that some friends of his were keen daytime watchers of meteors. By tuning an fm radio to a station just a little too far away, they could detect meteors by listening for the seconds when the fuzz of the radio cleared up. This works, he says, because meteors ionize the atmosphere.

All of this information (plus one more tidbit: the earth gains about a ton of mass every day from debris that comes off of meteors) made my experience even more amazing.

So Saturday I was reminded that long, dark and cold nights are not all bad.

And if you missed the Geminid meteor shower, you haven’t missed your chance to appreciate the night sky: Ballantyne says that on your average clear night, you should be able to count roughly 7 meteors per hour.

Happy Solstice, everyone.

shooting around the clear night sky. While perhaps there are places in the world where people could see the meteors flashing through the sky more clearly than I could, the view from the meadow was nothing short of spectacular.

The next day, I called up former planetarium director Robert Ballantyne and he told me that at one time, people were so keen on getting a count of the number of meteors that shot through the sky on such an occasion that they would form teams of eight, with each person watching a certain segment of the sky, and someone timing intervals and recording how many meteors each person saw at each interval. As Ballantyne was in Montreal at this time, the cold weather made the job particularly tough. The National Research Council in Ottawa, he told me, made it easier by providing “heated coffins” for sky watchers to lie in.

Thank you reindeer!

Dear Editor, Sporting fashionable felt antlers, 29 Reindeer pranced across our fair isle Saturday morning via the lesser known cross-island trail raising over $2000 for the Bowen Island Christmas Hamper. Extraordinary!

Well done Reindeer!

Positively Fit’s almost annual (I missed a few years there!) Reindeer Event clearly resonates with our community as it combines fitness, reindeer cross dressing, the spirit of giving all wrapped up in Christmas cheer. How can you go wrong? How can you resist those adorable, ill-fitting antlers? Thank you Susan Lucas for Reindeer Refreshments, Reidun van Kervel, Diana Romer and Joanna Quarry for assisting with leadership. Thanks Reidun for the great photography. And mostly, thank you dear Bowen Island for always coming through with such heart. Such generosity. My Christmas has arrived.

The Write Stuff.

The Undercurrent encourages reader participation in your community newspaper. You must include your full name and a daytime phone number (for verification only). The editor reserves the right to edit for clarity, legality, brevity and taste.

Here’s how.

To submit a letter to the editor, fax 604-947-0148 or mail it to #102, 495 Government Rd., PO Box 130, Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G0 or email editor@ bowenislandundercurrent.com.

Mary Letson Reindeer Wrangler

B.C. Press Council.

The Undercurrent is a member of the British Columbia Press Council, a self-regulatory body governing the province’s newspaper industry. The council considers complaints from the public about the conduct of member newspapers. Directors oversee the mediation of complaints, with input from both the newspaper and the complaint holder. If talking with the editor or publisher does not resolve your complaint about coverage or story treatment, you may contact the B.C. Press Council. Your written concern, with documentation, should be sent to B.C. Press Council, 201 Selby St., Nanaimo, B.C. V9R 2R2. For information, phone 1-888-687-2213 or go to www.bcpresscouncil.org.

A welcome from the Wellness Centre Dear Editor, The Bowen Island Wellness Centre, located at 597 Artisan Lane, is pleased to announce the addition of Courtney Morris, Registered Acupuncturist, homeopath, to our Traditional Chinese Medicine team.

Courtney will be available at the clinic on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Welcome Courtney!

Catherine Shaw

BEARS correction Dear Editor, The email address to contact BEARS about joining at the bottom of the copy should have read: va7bfh@gmail.com Bruce Steele

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The Gift Circle PAULINE LE BEL COMMUNITY CAULDRON

How often do you ask for what you need? And how often are you invited to offer your gifts? That’s what happened at the Bowen In Transition meeting last week. The focus for the evening was a Gift Circle.

But we didn’t come bearing gifts.

In the first round, we shared what we might offer as gifts – gifts of time, expertise, goods, and handson help. This was followed by a round of asking for what we’d like to receive - assistance or advice, or things we needed. Once we had our list, we approached those with whom we wanted to share the giving and receiving and made it happen - without an exchange of money.

The idea for Gift Circles came out of the Gift Economy experience in Eugene, Oregon, and economic initiatives around the world put forward by visionaries, such as Lewis Hyde, Charles Eisenstein and Riane Eisler. Sometimes called the Caring Economy, this approach to the economy focuses less on money and more on relationship. And that is what we discovered at the Gift Circle. We gave and we received because we cared, not because we were being paid.

Many of us were reticent at first. It’s not easy to ask for what you need. And at this busy time of year, one gets concerned about doing too much. The hardest part was thinking about what we might give – something we’re good at, something we have too much of, something that others might value. The selection of gifts was varied and generous: offers to do personal income tax returns, to share expertise about bookmaking, to give massage, to teach meditation, offers of rides, typing from a fast typist, garden veggies from an abundant garden, cooking classes, Healing Touch, Tai Chi classes, networking advice, listening, accommodation for guests, and the loan of a painting from someone who has too many.

Asking for help builds our muscle as a community The second round was where we got to ask for what we needed. “Asking for help builds our muscle as a community,” said Dave Pollard, and we boldly went forth and made our requests. The wants includ-

ed: a partner to attend yoga classes, a partner for fast walking, help learning garage band (a few people wanted to do this and they’re going to learn together) composting advice, help with window cleaning, help with house painting, help with a business strategy, and social visits to someone who is recuperating.

Jackie Bradley told me she was nervous about going to the Gift Circle. “Saying what I had to give and wanted to receive felt difficult to do. But I went and I loved it. Everybody sharing their gifts and wants was heartwarming and it felt like the whole experience brought us all closer. I got the satisfaction of being able to contribute to others, and as if that wasn’t enough, I came home with a wonderful gift that I hadn’t even known I wanted: Pauline is going to write a song for me and my garden. I am thrilled.”

Writing songs is something I’m compelled to do, and I had offered to write someone a song and sing it on their birthday. When Jackie approached me and said her birthday had come and gone, I suggested we think of another event. Jackie is an avid gardener so she imagined a tea party, during raspberry season: friends will come by, pick raspberries, have tea, and enjoy the song. I look forward to visiting her garden often for inspiration.

One of the other gifts I offered was to show someone how to make chèvre – a wonderful soft cheese made from goat milk. Shasta Martinuk came dashing over to tell me she had always wanted to make goat cheese and she also secretly wants to own a goat.

This could lead to much adventure. For Shasta, the circle was “a deeply satisfying exercise in community building. There was such a happy and purposeful buzz in the air as people went around connecting needs with requests, and I felt as if I knew everyone better by the end of the circle. This is a perfect example of the sharing economy at work!” she declared.

Bowen In Transition is one of 450 officially accredited Transition Town initiatives committed to making the world more resilient and sustainable, starting at the local level. As a group, we had been talking about the Gift Economy; last week we had the opportunity to experience it first hand, just before the commercial onslaught that accompanies this time of year. We went home with smiles, newly begun friendships and treasured gifts. I look forward to Tai Chi lessons in the winter, a new painting, and a caring person to listen to me whine/plan/dream.

Merry Solstice/Christmas/Hanukah!

A message to Bowen Islanders from the Adelaar family With his Celebration of Life just behind us and Christmas drawing near, there is no better time to express our family’s gratitude for the loyalty, encouragement and love shown to our husband and father (Mayor Jack) by his treasured friends here on Bowen.

We gained strength and comfort from the many Islanders who rallied around him during his illness, and from those who reached out to us, sharing their thoughts and memories after his passing.

The outpouring of good wishes he received from his fellow Islanders made a huge difference in Jack’s battle. It was your understanding, compassion and honest conversation that buoyed his sense of humour through the most difficult days and sustained his fighting spirit as long as possible.

Jack was always a fighter – and as Bowen’s Mayor, our community became his all-consuming cause and passion. People called him “brave” some four years ago, when he decided to run for office. But for Jack it seemed a natural step, driven by his limitless optimism and a deep desire to give to the community. To put it simply -- Jack loved Bowen. Once in office, he was totally engaged, occupied with Bowen business and inter-government networking literally 24/7. As our son Jay remarked at the Celebration of Life, Jack’s service as Mayor became his raison d’etre.

We were very much aware that his commitment to Bowen provided the motivation that kept his mind from his illness, and likely extended his life.

Among his many blessings, Jack valued friend-

ships first. He would have been deeply moved to see such a large circle of friends gathered to celebrate his life in early December at the Legion. We, his family, were particularly touched by those who shared their memories.

Special thanks to Bill Pocklington, Jack’s friend and confidante, who insisted on planning the celebration to ensure he would have a proper Bowen send-off. Our sons, Alex and Jay, were given a very warm welcome by the community. We all appreciated the recollections of long-time friends Bob Bagshaw, Ian Townsend-Gault and Bruce Russell, each of whom captured a distinct aspect of Jack’s personal legacy. We’re especially grateful to MP John Weston, who made a special trip from Ottawa to Bowen for the occasion, and whose praise of Jack’s civic performance was a unique accolade from such a senior politician. But Jack would likely be proudest of the heartwarming tribute from Kathy Lalonde, who spoke of the loyalty, camaraderie, and productive teamwork he cultivated at Municipal Hall, and the esteem in which the entire staff held him.

In closing, we extend our thanks to all Bowen Islanders whose concern and unwavering support gave Jack the courage to face his illness. Your friendship inspired him in countless ways and continues to comfort our family, knowing that he will always be part of this community.

Maryon Adelaar

A Tale of Two Votes The binary voting system “support/oppose”, though essential to our Parliament, often obscures the true nature of debate in our democratic institutions.

For instance, I voted against Bill C-603 last Wednesday in the House of Commons, a measure that would have required new or imported large trucks to have sideguards.

Did that mean I opposed the motive of the Bill? No, I support the motive, to cut down on cycling and pedestrian fatalities caused when truckers unwittingly crush cyclists.

Did the vote signify a disinterest in cyclists? Ironically, I’ve championed active transportation, including cycling. I created Bike Day on the Hill and worked with cycling groups across Canada last year to launch Bike Day in Canada. Annually, I “Ride my Riding”; participate in the Vancouver-Whistler Gran Fondo, Rotary Ride for Rescue, and other cycling events. I also commute to work on a bike. I love cycling.

Did my vote against C-603 signal my stance about health and fitness generally? In fact, only minutes before the vote on 603 MPs had stood unanimously to pass Bill S-211, the Bill crafted by Senator Nancy Greene Raine and me to create National Health and Fitness Day in Canada. Many of the MPs were wearing a bicycle lapel pin I had provided.

Did my vote reflect an opinion on the mover of the 603? In fact, I respect NDP MP Hoang Mai (Brossard – La Prairie), among other things, for the way he has stimulated debate about the importance of cycling safety in Canada.

Is the vote on a bill the end of the discussion? No, in fact, the vote may trigger a discussion whose results accomplish more than would have been accomplished by passing the Bill.

Is the vote on a bill the end of the discussion? No, in fact, the vote may trigger a discussion whose results accomplish more than would have been accomplished by passing the Bill. In my case, I have communicated with my Bike-Partisan Steering Committee, a group of cycling advocates who help inform me about bike-related issues. We are more dedicated than ever to accomplish our goals, such as advocating for healthy physical exercise and safe cycling; promoting the economic and tourism aspects of cycling; and advocating for fiscal incentives for cycling.

So why did I oppose C-603? I wanted to support Mr. Mai’s motives in promoting safe cycling but opposed the Bill for its cost and ineffectiveness. I learned that, although tragic, the true number of annual mortalities is extremely low in the type of event targeted by C-603; and the measures proposed might not be as effective as other measures to prevent such horrible incidents; and that the measure would have cost the trucking industry half a billion dollars, over a period of several years.

So there were two developments on December 10th relating to C-603: the formal vote in the House that defeated the measure, and, arguably more important, the beginning of a discussion that will spur on events that may ultimately enhance bike safety.

John Weston is the Member of Parliament for West Vancouver – Sunshine Coast – Sea to Sky Country.

CAROLINE PARKER R001937507 BI03

Terri Luanna da Silva Niantic, CT- Terri Luanna da Silva, passed gracefully and in peace at the tender age of 40, on December 5, 2014, surrounded by her loving family and best friend. Born in Nova Scotia and raised on both coasts of Canada, Terri was the daughter of author, Spider Robinson, and the late dancer, choreographer and author, Jeanne Robinson.

Well known for her blog, gracefulwomanwarrior.com, Terri bravely chronicled her openhearted and courageous three-year battle with Stage 4 Metastatic Breast Cancer, inspiring people all over the world with her unique voice and indomitable spirit.

PARKER

A self-proclaimed world traveler, Terri’s true home was New York City. She was an amazingly gifted and inspirational writer, social worker and activist, but Terri was first and foremost a devoted wife, mother, daughter, niece, and friend.

Terri Luanna will be remembered most for her voracious and passionate love of life, her boundless compassion, and deep and abiding faith in the innate goodness of human kind. The world is a better place because of Terri’s legacy of strength, hope and living life to its fullest which will flow on in the lives of all those she touched.

Terri is survived by her husband, Heron da Silva, daughter, Marisa Alegria da Silva, father, Spider Robinson, maternal grandmother, Dorothy Rubbicco, paternal grandfather, Charles Robinson, numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins, and her Chatham Corrigan family who all loved her dearly.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the gracefulwomanwarrior Memorial Fund, http://www.gofundme.com/icqknk.

6 • FRIDAY DECEMBER 19 2014

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Lights and much more at Endswell Farm Donkeys, pigs, horse and hot chocolate... what else could a kid ask for? Kids of all ages enjoyed the Christmas spirit at Endswell Farm on Sunday.

Meribeth Deen, photo

UNION STEAMSHIP CO.MARINA R001938503 BI03

15%

is here at the USSC Marina Gift Shop

Christmas Ornaments, Wreaths, Boughs, Santa Stockings, Advent Calendars, Table Linens, Soap, Chocolates & Fudge Sauces. Lots of fun stocking stuffers & gifts for everyone in your family!

UNION

MERIBETH DEEN EDITOR

Last Sunday’s open house at Endswell Farm offered a daytime showing of the light display, visits with the animals, delicious treats and crafts.

The lights are the project of Yvonne McSkimming, who, over the years, has collected 50 thousand Christmas lights. Normally the lights go up on her home, but this year they are adding a splash of colour to nights at Endswell.

McSkimming says that she only managed to incoporate 40 thousand of her lights into the display at the farm.

“It is a completly different landscape, so I just couldn’t quite make them all fit,” she says. “Next year I’ll try for more.”

On Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings, anyone who stops by Endswell to see the lights can help themselves to a hot chocolate. Collected donations go to the Christmas Hamper fund.

OPEN 7 DAYS a WEEK on Bowen’s Boardwalk

Ask about our Christmas PANDORA Specials 947-0707 #2

Bring in this ad & receive 15% off your entire purchase

Christmas at the Ruddy

RUDDY POTATO, THE R001935386 BI03

Festive Foods:

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• Organic fair trade chocolates • Stollen, panettone & Christmas cakes • Ruddy Kitchen baked treats • Party Platters from our deli

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FRIDAY DECEMBER 19 2014 • 7

WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM BOWEN ISLAND VET R003925989 BI03

A cornucopia of Christmas magic

VET Barb Weismiller in the “doll house.”

Meribeth Deen, photo

MERIBETH DEEN EDITOR

Barb Weismiller loved dolls as a little girl and never quite let go of her passion for them. Seventeen years ago, she started collecting dolls in earnest, and now has more than 250 of them.

Included in the collection is a 120 year-old corncob doll that belonged to Barb’s mother, and the single remaining doll from her own childhood.

Barb’s husband Lance has an equally

impressive collection of toy cars.

Add to that a vast array of moving Christmas toys and you have a home overflowing with delight. Last weekend, Barb and Lance opened their home to the public to check out their collections, and are at it again this weekend.

As one young visitor said, “It is a really awesome house.”

Voluntary donations made to Barb and Lance will be passed on to the Bowen Island Paramedics.

Happy Holidays

LIVING BOWEN R001935889 BI03

Wishing you and your loved ones all the best for the festive season and a healthy, happy & prosperous 2015!

A Year in Review...

An truly incredible unfolded with the promise of an 2015 amazing A truly incredible yearyear unfolded with the promise of an amazing year 2015 ahead.year With ahead.

17 home With in 172014, home itsales it was an ultimate assisting new comers to Bowen Island of sales was in an2014, ultimate pleasure assistingpleasure new comers to Bowen Island with the purchase purchase dream homes.

As well aiding long with time moving residentsonmove onnext to the next chapter their new their homes as well as aiding longas, time residents to the chapter of their of lives their lives by selling muchproperties. beloved properties. by selling their muchtheir beloved

LIVING

1641 Adams Road

My first listing of 2014 sold in 11 days

321 Salal Drive

My most recent listing of 2014 sold in 1 day

Average days on market for my 2014 sold listings: 65 days at an average of 97% of asking price.

Giving Back to Bowen Island...

Our resulted in ain$3000 contribution to the Bowen Island Arts Council in in OurCommunity CommunityOffer Offerinin2014 2014 resulted a $3000 contribution to the Bowen Island Arts Council the name of satisfied clients!

Additionally, I’m proud to have facilitated the union of Macdonald Realty the name of satisfied clients! Additionally, I’m proud to have facilitated the union of Macdonald Realty Ltd. B.I.A.C., produce 2015Macdonald MacdonaldRealty RealtyCalendar Calendarfeaturing featuringour ourlocal localartists. artists.Over Ltd. and andthe B.I.A.C., to to produce thethe 2015

Over 10,000 calendars distributed throughout the province, showcasing artistic talent and 10,000 calendars werewere distributed throughout the province, showcasing the the artistic talent and beauty beauty of this wonderland we all call home. of this wonderland we all call home.

2015 Community Offer A $500 contribution to the Bowen Island Community Foundation will be made for each new listing signed with me between January 1st - March 31, 2015.

This is not intended to solicit properties already listed.

bt@livingbowen.com livingbowen.com

604 947 9738 604 803 0 012

®

®

8 • FRIDAY DECEMBER 19 2014

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Opting out of insanity this year TINA OVERBURY CONTRIBUTOR

With less than ten days left until the big day, whatever you do, just don’t panic. It’s totally unnecessary and will zap the joy out of all things festive during these final countdown days.

I said to Bonnie Wright, fellow mom and our local toy store owner, “I’ve had it with myself, I’m not doing the crazy mom thing this time. Every year we seem to be on a tight budget yet every year presents are always under the tree and a turkey is reliably on the table. So what’s to get crazy about? This whole stressed out thing is totally made up and I will not do it anymore”. She smiled at me. She’s good like that. I was just picking up my kid’s hockey gear from her but ‘tis the season so I took these stolen moments to ramble off some inner thoughts and pick up a few things too. Yes, shopping and talking, that’s what this week is all about.

You know what it’s like: you’re half way done with your shopping, meaning if you’re like me, you’re now counting BOWEN ISLAND ROASTING CO. R001939673 BI03

what’s left to spend and making deals with yourself about how you’re going to go about it. “So I have $400 left for them.

That’s twenty $20 gifts, or ten $40 gifts, or forty $10 gifts.

With three kids, that means I can…” I always hated word problems in school but now I get their relevance. It’s nice to shop local and from people you see regularly and might even know well. Bonnie has four children so her smile was a knowing one that made me feel pretty normal about the whole thing. This holiday crunch week can be exhausting if we sign up for that. I for one am opting out of insanity this year and that seems to be the conversation I keep finding myself having.

I posted a meme on my Facebook page last week that received multiple likes and shares. It said: I think as you grow older your Christmas list gets shorter because the things you want can’t be bought. Considering what it’s like at our local toy store vs. a mall, I totally get it, because we have it here. You know what I want? No traffic. I want businesses who know me by name. I want pricing that makes sense. I want kid friendly stores with a toddler table, I want one where customers and staff don’t look at you weird if your child has a melt-down or better, needs to count out forty nickels to buy a bouncy ball for his brother for Christmas. I want wooden things, not just

plastic. I want local things, not just famous (although here, sometimes they’re both!), and as unorthodox as it sounds, I want stores that have limited hours on Sundays, who close at 3pm on Christmas Eve, who are NOT open on Boxing Day, and are run by real people with real families, who take real holidays. I want that. Wait a minute, I have that here, and you do to.

This last week before the big day, give yourself a pre-Christmas gift of shopping local and get to know your neighbourhood business owners. While just doing what I usually do, my weekly hockey gear pick-up turned into a visit which turned into shopping. Sweet. You can’t do that on the mainland.

Oh, lastly, while I was hanging out I noticed Phoenix’s ‘North Pole Direct’ mailbox. Whewwwf, I always miss that.

The letter which was burning a mindless hole in my bag was then sent, and another holiday countdown panic attack was averted.

Take a load off and shop local. Hug your friends or make some new ones! Just remember, we’re all likely carrying the same to do list for the next few days, so be mindful that some stores may be closing early for their own much deserved together time. Happy holidays. No need for madness here.

Introducing AGORA HANS BEHM SUBMISSION

The Community School Association CSA is launching a discussion cycle of common interest topics in the new year under the title AGORA. The themes for the spring of 2015 will be: Community, Education, The Right to Die and Democracy with a special focus on Bowen Island.

Following the ancient Greek teaching method of open circle discussions around a teacher in a public space the group will arrange itself around a discusCANDY IN THE COVE R001938669 BI03

ASHTON COLLEGE R001915093 L753

sion leader. Unlike in a Philosophers' Café, where an audience listens to the learned dialogue of great thinkers, Bowen's AGORA hopes to tap into the intelelctual riches and life experience of our community with lively input. Participants as young as 12 years old are invited to participate.

AGORA will meet approximately every six weeks on a Thursday evening from 7:00 to 8:30 pm, location to be announced. The planned dates are: January 15, (Community); February 26, (Education); April 9th, (The Right to Die) and May 28, (Democracy).

More details about each topic will be published in various Bowen media prior to the AGORA. For inquiries contact Hans-Christian Behm at hcbehm@haw.ca and/or 604 947 9447.

Candy in the Cove

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

604.899.0803 | 1.866.759.6006 www.ashtoncollege.com Ashton College

we build careers

open from Dec. 19th to Dec. 23rD 11:30am - 5pm Dec. 24th 11am - 2pm Lots of great stocking stuffers!

All craft vendors please join us on Miksa's patio to sell your wares, Sat., Dec. 20 to Tues., Dec. 23 11:30 - 5 Come on down for last minute gift buying.

For more information call Jan at 2877

BOWEN ISLAND FUELS R001937503 BI03

Happy Holidays from Bowen Gas station

FUELS

Hours for CHristmas and new year Christmas EvE 9 to 4 Christmas Day ClosED Boxing Day ClosED nEw yEar's EvE 9 to 4 nEw yEar's Day ClosED

Counting birds on Bowen PAM DICER

SUBMISSION

The 115th Christmas Bird Count season has started. Bowen’s count will be on Sunday, January 4, 2015 and on behalf of the Bowen Nature Club I am organizing the count. Since the Christmas Bird Count began, it has relied on the dedication and commitment of volunteer citizen scientists. In other words, it all starts with you. If you would like to take part, please contact me soon at 605-947-9558 or bobandpam@shaw.ca. There will be a postcount get-together at my home.

There is a specific methodology to the CBC but anyone can participate with a little help. Bowen is part of the “Howe Sound Count Circle” and all data gathered will be submitted, through Bird Studies Canada, to the Cornell Lab for Ornithology. If you are a beginning birder, I will try to put you with a group containing a more experienced person.

Alternatively, you can stay home and record the birds that visit your feeder on January 4. It is free to participate.

Please phone Pam Dicer and visit http:// www.bsc-eoc.org/volunteer/cbc/ and http://birds.audubon.org/faq/cbc to learn more.

FRIDAY DECEMBER 19 2014 • 9

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Kids day at Knick Nack Nook

Come and visit the Christmas bears BOWEN ISLAND MUSEUM & ARCHIVES SUBMISSION

The fab four are strutting their stuff and Mary and Bert are up on the rooftop! The “reinbear” is pulling a full sleigh and Gandolf is hiding in the forest.

There are bears cooking breakfast, visiting school, having a tea party and mouse hiding under the table.

Once again Shirley Wrinch has created a special holiday treat for the community with her handmade bears and costumes! There are bears, bears and more bears. Come join us at the museum on Sunday, December 21, from 1:00 – 3:00 for a special opening with treats and hot apple cider. The display will be up over the holiday season Dec 22-24, 27-31, Jan 3-4 from 11-3. 1014 Millers Road (across from the RCMP). 604.947.2655

DONNA SCORER SUBMISSION

BOWEN ISLAND HOUSE ACCOUN R002928941 BI03

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

Knick Knack Nook recently held it’s third annual Christmas shopping time for children. The store closed at noon last Saturday and then opened at 1 o’clock just for the children. Volunteers were on hand to help them find the perfect gift for their families.

Meanwhile their parents gathered outside for warm drinks, cookies, and Bowen-style socializing while they waited for their children to appear with big bags of treasures and huge smiles on their faces!

CATES HILL CHAPEL R001939670 BI03

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 BOWEN ISLAND HOUSE ACCOUN R001935298 BI03

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Dr. Dana Barton

Naturopathic Physician

Dr. Susanne Schloegl M.D.

HEALTH

596 B. Artisan Square

604-730-1174

Natural Family Medicine

Contact Maureen to advertise in this space.

604-947-2442

ads@bowenislandundercurrent.com

Open Mon. Wed. Thurs. Fri.

Call for an appointment Artisan Square

604-947-9986

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

CATHERINE SHAW

Dr. Traditional Chinese Medicine/Acupuncturist ❦

MARY MCDONAGH RMT, DCH Registered Massage Therapist (Available Mondays through Fridays) ❦

SANDY LOGAN

Registered Physiotherapist ❦

ROBYN IZARD RMT Registered Massage Therapist (Available Thursdays through Sundays) ❦

COuRTNEY MORRIS R.Ac, DCH

Cates Hill Chapel

CHAPEL Christmas Eve Warmly invites you to our

Candlelight Service

5:30 at Cates Hill Chapel Everyone is welcome!

The Beatle bears are making a fist time appearance at the archives. The rain bears are a tribute to our West Coast winters.

Museum & Archives photo

ST. GERARD’S CATHOLIC CHU R001938506 BI03

St Gerard’s Mission Invites you to join in our Christmas Celebrations

GERARD

Christmas Eve:

with Father Jude from Nigeria confessions from 6:45 PM Carols from 7:00 PM Mass at 7:30 PM

Christmas Day: with Father Rey Mass at 10:30 AM

Edward Wachtman on his way to the Reindeer Trek.

Mary Letson, photo

10 • FRIDAY DECEMBER 19 2014

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On the calendar FRIDAY DECEMBER 19

SATURDAY CONTINUED

Legion Dinner Doors open at 5 p.m. dinner starts at 6:30 Christmas Dance at the Bowen Youth Centre Ages 12-16. Please try to bring a donation to the Food Bank. 7 - 9:30 p.m.

Operation Red Nose offered by Rotary Club of Bowen Island - call 604-619-0942 between 9 PM and 1:30 AM Mumming on the Ferry with the Black Sheep, 4 p.m

SATURDAY DECEMBER 20

Crippen Stewardship Group Weed Warriors We will meet by the bridge at the mouth of Davie’s Creek (at nearby picnic table in field). Everyone welcome. Tools and gloves provided. Dress for the weather and bring your water supply.

10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

REGULAR SCHEDULE REGULAR SCHEDULE

December toOctober December 29 In Effect May21 15 to 13, 2014

▼

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

Leave Horseshoe Bay

Leave Snug Cove

BOWEN ISLAND Snug Cove

Distance: 3 NAUTICAL MILES Crossing Time: 20 MINUTES

Barb and Lance celebrate the Magic of Christmas on Bowen with treats an amazing model car collection, christmas figures and live music 3 p.m. - 7 p.m. - 1161 Adams Road Donations go to Bowen Island Paramedics

SUNDAY DECEMBER 21

Teddy Bear exhibit opens at the Bowen Island Museum & Archives

Barb and Lance celebrate the Magic of Christmas See information above (Saturday)

MONDAY DECEMBER 22

Seniors Keeping Young Merry Christmas - We’ll be back

Leah Cline, photo

TUESDAY DECEMBER 22

AA Meeting Collins Hall 7:15 p.m.

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 23

Knitting Circle 1 - 4 p.m. Bowen Court - All levels welcome!

THURSDAY DECEMBER 24

#*

Duplicate Bridge @ Bowen Court Call Irene @ 2955

*

UPCOMING

daily except saturdays DAILY EXCEPT # SUNDAYS daily except suNdays DAILY EXCEPT SATURDAYS & daily except SUNDAYS saturdays & suNdays DAILY EXCEPT SAT, & daily SUN except MAY JUL&1, sat,19, suN AUGNov 4, SEPT 11 1 & OCT 13 † tHe WedNesday sailiNGs Will Be replaced THE WEDNESDAY By daNGerous SAILINGS WILL carGo sailiNGs. BE NoREPLACED otHer BY DANGEROUS passeNGers CARGO SAILINGS. perMitted.

NO OTHER !

PASSENGERS No sailiNGs PERMITTED. dec 25

*

**

**

†

Christmas is always Dickensian at the Little Red Church. Graham Ritchie (far left), Tina Neilsen (second from right), Martin Clarke (far right) and Angie McCulloch all read in the annual performance of a Christmas Carol last weekend. Mark Gawthrom (second from left) played piano.

SUNDAY JANUARY 4

Christmas Bird Count Open to anyone keen on birds Get-together afterwards.

Contact Pam Dicer at 9558 or bobandpam@shaw.ca

Members of the Bowen Island Community Choir sang their hearts out, yet again, during their ever-popular annual Christmas Concert at Cates Hill Chapel on Saturday. Going into their 24th season registration for BICC Spring session begins January 7th, 2015 at Cates Hill Chapel 7 pm.

Kristin Jarvis, photo

BOWEN ISLAND HOUSE ACCOUN R001935287 BI03

BOWEN BULLETIN BOARD The Gallery @ Artisan presents “Gifted 2014 ” Featuring a rt and giftware from over 30 Bowen artists, write rs and musicia ns 21 Nov – 23 Dec

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

Helping Hands Call Val Gooch 604-947-2640 or 604-802-4365

Bowensndhscirapee Stonework & La

es,

• Personal care for all ag • Cleaning, • Cooking, • Shopping, • Appointments, • Transportation, • Gardening, • Companionship, etc.

Brannon Brothers roofing & sheet metal

Call Mike at

604-338-2516

B BOARD Insured and WCB coverage

Phone Andy 604-947-0674

Cell: 778-231-7283 ing.com

www.bowenshirelandscap

6745

Got a great photo?

Got a great story or story idea?

Please get in touch with us!

Contact Meribeth Deen at the Undercurrent editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com

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FRIDAY DECEMBER 19 2014 • 11

12 • FRIDAY DECEMBER 19 2014

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Artisan Square in the Christmas spirit

FF O

57 UP T % O

SOCIALSHOPPER.COM - GLACI R003920395 GD23

GLACIER COMMUNITY PROMO R002855011 L781

Left: Jane Holland and her dog Otis with Santa Right: Tyler Matzen Emmet Sparling, photos

MERIBETH DEEN EDITOR

Car Seat OR Car Seat Covers for Pets - 4 Colour Options

FF O

$19

SHOPPER

REdEEm OnlInE

55 UP T % O

Value $43.95

Give babies a healthy start

and up

Burnaby Family Life had to turn away 58 women from its pregnancy outreach program last year.

$

GOAL

50K

$

RAISED

4.5K

Turn the Front Porch light on Touchstone Family Association offers barrier-free counselling to families who say, “We need help.”

Trappers Trail Snowshoe Experience Tour for 2 OR 4 People, Taxes Included

WhISTlER, BC

Value $186.90

$89 and up

Visit www.socialshopper.com for more local daily deals.

Raise a litter of Guide Dogs

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A new litter of heroes-inthe-making has arrived at BC Guide Dogs. Help pay for their special training.

$

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RAISED

$1.8K

Caring for Kids in TriCities SHARE’s food bank shelves are getting alarmingly bare.

TriCities Now expands its annual campaign to help.

RAISED

$800

To donate to these campaigns or to start your own, go to FundAid.ca.

It’s that easy.

Both children and pets got time with Santa at Artisan Square last weekend. One of Santa’s elves, Tyler Matzen (above) was also at the Square playing tunes including the March and Dance of the Reed Flutes from the Nutcracker, Let it Snow, Deck the Halls, Snowfalling, Silent Night, a jazz version of Jolly Old Saint Nicholas, Rudolph, Up on the Housetop, We Wish You a Merry Christmas, Dream Catcher and Beethoven’s Romanza.

Under the guidance of piano teacher extraordinaire Elaine Taylor, Tyler is working on his grade four piano.

He loves to perform, and you can catch him play (elf suit and all) again this weekend: Saturday at the General Store between 2-4 p.m.

Sunday at the Little Red Church 3-5 p.m.

Solstice Yuletide Celebration Tuesday December 23 at the Ruddy 11:301 p.m.