FRIDAY DECEMBER 26 2014 VOL. 41, NO. 50
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For the love of the Cove
Guest editorial by Ron Woodall
Even on Bowen
Addressing isolation during the holiday season
A cook’s kitchen
Becky Dawson on best utensils and her biggest culinary influences
Saving lives in 2015 Now that we have more AEDs
on-island, the Municipal Emergency Planning Co-ordinator says they need to be registered MERIBETH DEEN EDITOR
The stars of the Bowen Island United Church Christmas Pageant. Front row from left: Bernice Lever, unknown, Don Nicholson, Lilliana Belluck-Orlikow, Sophie Walters, Ellie Walters, Katie Parker, Abbey Walters. Back row: Nicholas Belluk, Lois Belluk, Maggie Menzies, Helen Wallwork. Donkies are Fredo and Sonny. Lorraine Ashdown, photo
Belterra comes alive just in time for Christmas MERIBETH DEEN EDITOR
There are still dirt roads, pieces of heavy machinery and on weekdays, up to sixty construction workers on the Belterra site, but there are now actual residents of Bowen’s first co-housing development. The Yamashita family has moved four times since departing their last “home” in July. The family of five couldn’t find a place to live on Bowen in the summer, so found two temporary accommodations on the mainland until September, when they had to be here for the kids to start school. Since then, they’ve lived at Artisan Square and Miller’s Landing. The family’s 1200 square foot, three bedroom unit is not a COAST MODERN FURNISHINGS R001937480 BI03
“downsize” for the family, whose last home was 1000 square feet, but with three kids, a dog, musical instruments, toys and a miniature trampoline, it appears tiny. “I am thrilled with the storage, especially in the kitchen,” say Carmen Yamashita, pointing to the pantry, the island, and the cupboards that stretch all the way to the ceiling. “But I expect as we unpack, we’ll be downsizing a lot, getting rid of a lot more stuff.” For Katy Michener, one of the other new occupants to Belterra, the move to a 706 square foot one bedroom unit is a huge move. “I was renting a three bedroom, two story house, and this is absolutely wonderful,” says Michener. “And I love it because this is mine, and I am paying less in mortgage payments now than I was in rent.” continued, PAGE 2
In the past year, the number of Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) on Bowen Island has exploded, and with that, the chances that someone who’s heart has stopped will have a second chance at life have also increased dramatically. The Municipality’s Emergency Planning Co-Ordinator, Amanda Ockeloen, says there are now at least fifteen AED’s on-island, and she’s hoping that the owners of these lifesaving devices will register them with the BC Emergency Health Service’s (BCEHS) provincial database for AEDs. “I had been planning to create some kind of map, showing where all the AED’s are on the island,” says Ockeloen. “But I couldn’t figure out where the map should go, in order to be most accessible to people who find themselves in an emergency situation. This database really makes a lot of sense, and will work better than a map.” The BC AED registry will be integrated into the Computer Aided Dispatch system used by dispatchers to direct emergency services throughout the provinces. The dispatchers can advise callers of the closest AED, and provide instructions on how to use it until paramedics arrive. On Bowen, one life has already been saved because of an AED. In August, the RCMP responded to a call about a man in full cardiac arrest on the Government Dock. A doctor and nurse were performing CPR on the man, and Constable Brian Mulrooney brought an AED within three minutes of recieving the call. The man survived and was airlifted to Vancouver General Hospital. In these situations, the use of an AED is said to greatly increase the chances of survival over Cardiopulmonary recusitation (CPR) alone. Ockeloen says that while she is very pleased to see that the life-saving devices are much more accessible on Bowen than they were a year ago, she would still like to see them available on some parts of the island including Tunstall Bay, Bluewater, and Hood Point. She also says that more people need to get trained on using AEDs, and this requires just four hours at a CPR/AED First Aid course.
Coast Modern furnishings, gifts and aCCessories Closing sale starting Dec 26th through to Dec 31 @ 566 Artisan Square
For future furniture needs, please get in touch through our website, email or phone. We can offer furniture at a great discount!
www.coastmodern.ca • 604-947-9077 • margit@coastmodern.ca
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Help the Black Sheep Dance Chi Kung = energy Belterra: off to England management Community comes JAMES MCCONNAN together well BOWEN ISLAND REC before completion So what exactly is Morris Dancing anyway? It’s simply a display dance perThe term energy management translates in formed at festive occasions. “As with many folk customs, the origins are hidden of buildings Chinese as chi kung. The term includes awareness in the mists of time and coloured by later perceptions, which may or may not SUBMISSION
SUBMISSION
have been correct,” says University of Sussex Professor of history, Alun Howkins. One thing is for sure, William Shakespeare mentioned Morris dancing in five of his plays. Morris troupes choose which of the main styles to dance in - there are perhaps five or six. The Bowen Black Sheep dance only in the “Border” style which originates from the English counties bordering Wales. Originally performed by out of work farm labourers (we think) the dancers wore black clothes decorated with strips of coloured cloth, bells from their farm animals and pheasant feathers. They also smeared coal dust on their faces to avoid recognition. There was a great deal of grunting and other uncouth behaviour followed by the consumption of ale. No wonder the Victorians disapproved of Morris dancing! Our humble beginnings on Bowen go back to 2001 thanks to “Squire” Bob Doucet. By May 2002 we were performing at the Northweast Folklife Festival in Seattle. From then on it’s been a seemingly endless voyage of fun. Since those early days the Sheep have grown quite unexpectedly. Who would have thought that after two trips to California, Vermont and many appearances in Washington we are now booked for a return to the UK in 2015 repeating our 2009 success? Closer to home the Sheep regularly dance in and around Vancouver. The annual St Patrick’s Parade has always been a favourite. For ten years we’ve danced the Wine Festival in Penticton and Naramata. Who are we? Professionals, artists, and youth, ranging in age from 15 to 72. Most sheep come with some desire to perform in costume, dance in the streets, play music, the connection of the Morris community, or simply for the clashing of the sticks or jingling of bells! We are again looking for your support, Bowen! We’ve raised more than half the costs needed to subsidize our troupe of dancers and musicians. If you love your Bowen Black Sheep, you can help by: • Purchasing one of our new T-shirts, buttons, or playing cards! See the Bowen Black Sheep Facebook page for details, or the sales desk in Cates Pharmacy. • Attend our variety show at the Bowen Island Pub, Saturday January 24th – a range of musical acts, theatre and burlesque, and your Bowen Black Sheep! Happy New Year!
of what you are. The growth of your consciousness is something that you have control over. What this means is that you are in control of your way of feeling, thinking and acting. The practice of chi kung has been given to those of heart who can maintain a conscious relationship with themselves as well as their environment. In the ancient system of chi kung these are inseparable. So the practitioner of chi kung is environmentally aware and actively working to know and protect their community and surroundings. The Chi Kung offered at Bowen Community Recreation is for the sensitive and originates from the weidan consciousness. Meaning, that a person learns how to manage themselves and the energetics of their environment more effectively. This way the body can rest and regenerate even within stressful and challenging situations and environments. Bowen Community Recreation is offering three types of weidan chi kung. For beginners who are looking for better grounding and stability. We recommend the flying crane chi Kung. In this practice you learn to connect and let the consciousness of body and mind lighten up. For the 55 plus, there is gracefulness in motion chi kung. This is a combination of postures and soft movements that bring mindfulnessness and grounding to the distribution of chi throughout the body. For those who are enrolled in either of these there is also the community chi Kung that serves to open up issues of energy management at the community and environmental levels. www.Bowencommunityrecreation.com or 604947-2216 for details. UNION STEAMSHIP CO.MARINA R001944164 BI03
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from PAGE 1
One of the casualties of Michener’s downsizing is her 24 year-old son, who said he didn’t want to live at Belterra. “He’s got his own place now,” she says. As for material possessions, Michener says that getting rid of the furniture she’s had her whole life has been a liberating process. “I’ve kept some plates and dishes,” she says. “Small things that have meaning, but that’s it. I’m really looking forward to getting some new stuff. And I can actually afford that now.” The other thing Michener says she loves about her new home is that, although her son is not with her, she does not live alone. “There are tons of kids around here, there’s a newborn living right above me, and there’s an 80 year old who’s going to be living here as well,” she says. “And also, I won’t be eating alone all the time.” Michener’s latter point refers to shared meals at the future Common House, which will include a dining room and kitchen for shared meals. This is a building that currently has a foundation, and will have its walls and roof put on after the final residential building is complete. “The Common House will be the glue of this community,” says Stephanie Legg, one of the creators of Belterra. “And the members of this community will finish it once everyone’s moved in. We want it to be a really nice space, because all of our homes are so small, the Common House will be an extension of all our living space. Also, there will be a lot of art and furniture that people donate to this space as they downsize and move into their new units. Some people have really nice stuff they’re going to be giving.” Legg says despite the fact that this focal point for community has yet to be built, the community feeling of Belterra is already tangible. “There are Christmas lights up, and when a moving truck pulls in to one of the units, there will be a handful of people there to help them unload. So far, everyone’s working together. The little village we dreamed of is starting to take shape.” CORMORANT MARINE R001933370 BI03 PU
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EDITORIAL
A love letter to Snug Cove RON WOODALL GUEST EDTORIALIST
Oh! There must be a word for it. That instant when the opinion you hold very dearly suddenly turns dubious. For years, I have regarded Snug Cove as an historic site. The epicenter of Bowen life. Randomly evolved. Organic. Enduring. Most important, It seemed absolutely authentic and a place which I have come to love very much. Many islanders think just the opposite. They see a shabby eyesore, a malaise to be cured. Strangely, the zeal of decades of planners and visionaries, there has been virtually no perceptible change in the cove for well over two decades. I have an old Undercurrent from the year 2000 which announces the formation a Snug Cove Task Force to review all the earlier Snug Cove Plans. The meetings asked for written comments to be dropped off
to assist finalization of a Snug Cove Village plan. This seemed a threadbare process even then. Did every effort for change succumb to a mysterious passive resistance? And if so, why? If stagnation was seen, it should have resulted in pro activity. More likely, I suspect that Snug Cove simply found its groove and embraced its comfort zone, Think of it this way: What we have in Snug Cove is a genuine rural main street running through a genuine seaside village. It is the last of its kind that you’ll find in close proximity to the urban sprawl. That has always seemed somehow significant to me. Here we have this easily reachable hidden anomaly that is such a delight to discover so nearby. For visitors, it is a perfect point of decompression from city to country. It is unique precisely because it is the way it is. Not just another revamped Dundarave but someplace truly rural and rooted, instantly appealing because its authenticity is unmistakable. The warmth and funkiness cannot be fabricated. This village was never artifi-
Snug Cove Improvements
The Write Stuff. The Undercurrent encourages reader participation in your community newspaper. You must include your full name and a daytime phone number (for verification only). The editor reserves the right to edit for clarity, legality, brevity and taste.
Dear Editor, Kudos to the Bowen Island Community Foundation for the three community projects chosen that will receive grants from the Foundation’s Community Impact program. Two of them directly respond to the “vision” our new council was asked by keynote speaker, Joyce Ganong, to share at their inaugural meeting. The Bowen Island Garden Gateway Initiative and the joint Library and Arts Council Cove Culture Corner project will be a nice step toward the revitalization of Snug Cove and betterment of our community. A “more welcoming experience” is very much needed. While perhaps difficult to replicate the beautiful seating and arbours that were a part of the waterfront walkway in Mannion Bay many decades ago, along the front of the old Union Steamship Hotel, the new stone seating, native plants and pavers at the entrance to the island will be a much welcomed addition near the ferry. What a great “1st step” for tourists and locals. The BICF is to be commended for their vision in making these grant monies available and choosing projects that respond to the conclusions of their earlier Vital Conversations workshop. Just think of the respectful discourse that can take place on the new seating at the entrance to the Cove. That would be a great place for Council to sit while consuming Joyce’s chocolates as that would give them a perfect look up our main street to better understand and appreciate what other “welcome mat” shaking is needed.
Here’s how. To submit a letter to the editor, fax 604-947-0148 or mail it to #102, 495 Government Rd., PO Box 130, Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G0 or email editor@ bowenislandundercurrent.com. B.C. Press Council. The Undercurrent is a member of the British Columbia Press Council, a self-regulatory body governing the province’s newspaper industry. The council considers complaints from the public about the conduct of member newspapers. Directors oversee the mediation of complaints, with input from both the newspaper and the complaint holder. If talking with the editor or publisher does not resolve your complaint about coverage or story treatment, you may contact the B.C. Press Council. Your written concern, with documentation, should be sent to B.C. Press Council, 201 Selby St., Nanaimo, B.C. V9R 2R2. For information, phone 1-888-687-2213 or go to www.bcpresscouncil.org.
All Advertising and news copy content are copyright of the Undercurrent Newspaper. All editorial content submitted to the Undercurrent becomes the property of the publication. The undercurrent is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, art work and photographs. We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage.
cially themed like so many revitalized retail strips. Even now, it is free from gentrification or gridded uniformity. It just grew there like a wild garden. I doubt anyone would suggest letting the cove decompose. But there does seem no way to to preserve the fragile essence except to leave it alone. It has no real style to protect except the lack of style. It is a place you can like very much. If it goes, we will be watching the paradox of what happens to things quirky. The word that changed my mind is “Oh!” I saw James Tuers’ drawings for the pub and I said, “oh.” There they are. New buildings, not as authentic and not as rural as the village but great. So this is the beginning, it is probably good for the cove to change. Maybe I was wrong. Maybe they’ll keep one eye on the soul of the old cove. One last thing. I don’t know what I’m talking about and look forward to hearing the 101 goofy and byzantine reasons that nothing happened.
Weston takes a stand?
Bruce Russell
Dear Editor, Our MP penned a couple of hundred words explaining the burning question of why he voted against Bill 603. He took a courageous stand against his caucus on a bill that, if implemented, would have seen new trucks be required to install side guards. In doing so he saved the trucking industry “half a billion dollars.” I am at a loss as to why he explained this inconsequential act of dissent to us all. I would have been far more interested if he had voted against the government on legislation such as the Fair Elections Act (that isn’t fair at all) or the omnibus budget bill (that stripped federal environmental protection from all but an handful of lakes) or any number of acts and bills and decisions that have eroded democracy and privacy, gutted our census, taken the teeth from #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.
our Fisheries Act, muzzled scientists, deported legitimate refugees to dangerous situations, embarked on a new war and otherwise added to our $1 trillion plus federal debt. And that doesn’t even include all the things the government HASN’T done such as ratifying international climate agreements, inquiring into missing and murdered indigenous women and addressing the gaming of National Energy Board hearings that resulted in senior government scientists resigning in protest. It would be far more interesting to know about Mr. Weston’s nuanced discussions on these truly game changing acts rather than why he took a principled stand against side guards for new trucks. Chris Corrigan
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All you ever wanted to know YOU MATTER: Coping with holiday isolation about reindeer, but were The Undercurrent who helped to choose this topic. TINA OVERBURY afraid to ask... Also, you matter to your community here on Bowen CONTRIBUTOR
SUSANNA BRAUND ANIMAL AFFAIRS
The reindeer has been given many different names by different cultures. The name 'rein' has its origin in the Old Norse word for a horned animal, hreinn. The various words for reindeer used by the Sami peoples of Northern Europe (formerly referred to as the Lapps), poatsoj, boazu, boatsoj, båtsoj and bovtse, all seem to derive from the Proto-Indo-European root *peku, which denotes cattle. The name of its relative the caribou came through French from the Mi'kmaq word qalipu, which means "snow shoveler,” a reference to its habit of pawing the snow to find food. ANTLERS: Both male and female reindeer grow antlers each year. When
they are growing, the antlers are soft and rubbery, with a furry skin, hence reindeer are said to be "in velvet" at this time. When the antlers finish growing, in August, they harden and the reindeer rub off the "velvet". Male reindeer drop their antlers after the autumn rut, while the female reindeer keep their antlers until the time of calving, which is in May. HOOVES: Reindeer hooves adapt to the season: in the summer, when the tundra is soft and wet, the footpads become sponge-like and provide extra traction. In the winter, the pads shrink and tighten, exposing the rim of the hoof, which gives better purchase in the ice and snow and allows them to dig down through the snow to their favorite food, a lichen known as reindeer moss. continued, PAGE 6
BOWEN ISLAND HOUSE ACCOUN R002928941 BI03
Places of Worship Welcome You
This is the article that doesn’t usually get written. Especially not here in our idyllic island home, a place where we’re known to take pride in our active sense of community, we might even brag a little (modestly of course) about the friendly goings-on in our neighbourhood. I do it. God forbid I am proud of where I live and I’m willing to say so. However, that said, please note that this article is not about apologizing for how connected we are, nor is it about undercutting our community, it is about the reality that the holidays can be an incredibly lonely time for many people. They can be a field of isolation for some and can even trigger a downward spiral into something that is more than just the Christmas blues. Islander Carolyn Nesbitt is a psychologist with a keen desire to help kids and adults who suffer with anxiety and depression. She has a gift and a calling to work with people who have experienced trauma. With close to thirty years in the field and a professional tool-kit that’s a combination of traditional therapy, brain science, and meditation added to her personal creative and spiritual life, I thought she would be the perfect person to help anyone who might be struggling with feelings of emptiness and not belonging. Her main message for all who dance with the dragon of depression is YOU MATTER TO ME, and by me, I mean to me, Tina who is writing this article, to Carolyn who helped to inform it, to
Island who lives with you, sees you, and values your place in our island home. You matter. You truly do. I came into the world with a happy pill permanently planted inside me. Yes I have danced with the dragon at times too, and yes, I have experienced grief and loss as well. All that being said, I am blessed with a somewhat ‘happy’ disposition. I can be painful to be around for some because I’m just so damn positive most of the time. I’m 44 (well in a few days), and as Carolyn says so beautifully “no one gets to mid-life without a few scars. Mid-life is the great equalizer for all of us.” In the past few years I’ve found that I, too, have the wall of futility more than once, and seen and my inner happy pill failing me. At those times I’ve found myself at a loss as to what to do about it. Now imagine being in this place during the holidays. It’s human nature to want to avoid it in ourselves, and with other people, after all, we’re not therapists. We’re not family, we might not even be friends, but we are community. We are in each other’s back pocket at the General Store, at Irly, at the Gas Station. We are connected. So what can we do? This is where I defer back to Carolyn: “The gifts we give over the holidays are meant to convey that you matter to me. When we give from that place, we ignite our own life-force and open up the possibility of firing up theirs. We experience belonging. continued, PAGE 8
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
Bowen creations, made with love
BOWEN ISLAND COMMUNITY CHURCH Pastor Clinton Neal 1070 Miller Road 604-947-0384 Service 10:30 a.m. Sunday School 11:00 a.m.
Shirley Wrinch and her handcrafted “Reindeer Bear” with a Santa Bear (made by Eaton’s, Santa’s outfit made By Shirley) in riding the sleigh.
ST. GERARD’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH Mass: 10:30 a.m. Priest: Father James Comey
604-988-6304
Meribeth Deen, photo
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 R001944168 BI03
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Dr. Dana Barton
Naturopathic Physician 596 B. Artisan Square
604-730-1174 Natural Family Medicine
Chiropractor
Dr. Tracy Leach, D.C.
595B Artisan Lane Tuesdays Call for an appointment
(778) 828-5681
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Dr. Susanne Schloegl M.D.
Open Mon. Wed. Thurs. Fri.
Call for an appointment Artisan Square
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Dr. Utah Zandy 604-947-9830 CALL FOR APPOINTMENT OPEN TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS
CATHERINE SHAW
Dr. Traditional Chinese Medicine/Acupuncturist ❦
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Registered Massage Therapist (Available Mondays through Fridays) ❦
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Registered Physiotherapist ❦
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Registered Massage Therapist (Available Thursdays through Sundays) ❦
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MERIBETH DEEN EDITOR
The teddy bears on display at the Bowen Island Museum and Archives are snuggly, furry, funny and above all, unique. Many of them are also made from scratch, by life-long sewer and teddy bear-lover Shirley Wrinch. Wrinch says making the bears, with moveable limbs and uniquely expressive faces is a labour of love. “Don’t ask a craftsperson how long it takes,” she says, when asked how long it takes to make a bear. Wrinch says she made her first bear roughly 26 years ago, with the arrival of her first grand child. She started collaborating with the Museum and
Archives in the early 2000s, and then started up again with the teddy bear exhibit last year. “I love working with Cathy Bayly,” she says. “I make the dolls, she sets the scenes and we work really well together. And we’re both huge Tolkein fans.” This year, there is one Lord of the Rings Scene, with Frodo, Gandalf and an Elf. Next year, Wrinch and Bayly want to delve into their passion for both Tolkein and Bears and create a much larger scene. “We’re thinking about a three layer scene,” says Bayly. “With more characters, elves and maybe even some cute Orcs.” And if anyone has a stuffed dragon around, she adds, they’re looking for a Smaug. This year’s teddy bear exhibit is open until January 4.
FRIDAY DECEMBER 26 2014 • 5
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Through the kitchen window with Becky Dawson MERIBETH DEEN EDITOR
There are so many people on Bowen who not only love to eat, but love to cook. While some our foodie friends kindly offer us the opportunity to taste their food by opening up restaurants, there are so many others whose food-lives are unknown to us. This column is an attempt to pry open the kitchen windows of our local friends and neighbours who have a passion for cooking. Some of them are trained chefs, some of them make a living from cooking, and others are self-taught, excellent, passionate home-cooks. If you know of a foodie who needs featuring, please contact: editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com
What’s your favourite kitchen utensil? (of all time, or maybe of the moment)
I love my grandmother’s potato ricer, but then again I have this fantastic pepper mill. Finding the right pepper mill is like finding the right relationship, it can take a lifetime. This one’s a Peugot, and I bought it from Ming Wo.
What’s your comfort food?
Poached eggs made with eggs hatched fresh from Black Cat Farms on Taylor Road.
Who’s your biggest culinary influence, and what did they teach you?
TUESDAY DECEMBER 30
AA Meeting Collins Hall 7:15 p.m.
When did you realize you loved to cook?
Duplicate Bridge @ Bowen Court Call Irene @ 2955
Owning a restaurant was extremely challenging. It’s hard to please everyone, and I am my own toughest critic. After selling Leftbank I rested and have finally started to feel better. I really like cooking for a few good friends now!
WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 31
Knitting Circle 1 - 4 p.m. Bowen Court - All levels welcome!
THURSDAY JAN 1
Annual Polar Bear Dip 2 p.m. at Bowen Bay Beach
Last chance to check out 40,000 lights at Endswell Farm Village Song Circle Family New Year’s Eve Celebration Collins Hall, Potluck supper starts at 5 p.m., celebration goes until 8:30 p.m Admission by donation to the food bank
WELCOME TO 2015!!
What are you cooking/eating lately?
BOWEN ISLAND VET R004925989 BI03
Seniors Keeping Young Merry Christmas - We’ll be back
UPCOMING
Tell me about a culinary challenge, and how you overcame it.
Meribeth Deen, photo
MONDAY DECEMBER 29
Chef Cyril Nytard in Lyon. I spent a year cooking beside him in France and Italy, he challenged my knowledge, speed, and character in cooking. I worked for him in three restaurants on many classic and modern French and Italian dishes. He taught me, for instance, adding stock to risotto is done to make the rice to rise to the heavens, not for it to be absorbed into the Arborio rice. Also risotto is not to be stirred much and is to be served on a plate and gently shaken to be within the rim of the plate. He trained from Gualtiero Marchesi in Milano who founded modern Italian cuisine. I realized I loved to cook when discovered I could use all my senses in the task. I also realized I could create, give recipes away, and always try something new.
Becky Dawson in her kitchen with her pepper mill and potato ricer.
On the calendar
I’ve been making lemon curd, baked chocolate mousse, and crème brulee for friends. My cholesterol dropped as I do not eat pommes frites and mayonnaise on a daily basis. I love kale, collards, broccolini, fish or rib-eye steak and Saint Agur compound butter. Oops. I joined Weight Watchers on the north shore and lost twenty pounds too! To check out Becky’s fabulous recipe for quinoa salad (which recieved 31 immediate likes on Facebook, and rave reviews from the Bowen Island Fibre Arts Club) see this article online at www.bowenislnadundercurrent.com in the lifestyles section.
SUNDAY JANUARY 4
Christmas Bird Count Open to anyone keen on birds Get-together afterwards. Contact Pam Dicer at 9558 or bobandpam@shaw.ca
MONDAY JANUARY 5
Queen of Capilano midlife upgrade period begins During this period, the Bowen Queen (smaller than the Queen of Capilano) will serve Route 8 between Snug Cove and Horseshoe Bay. Look up “Service upgrade for Queen of Capilano” on the BC Ferries website.
WEDNESDAY JANUARY 7
Registration open for Bowen Island Community Choir - Cates Hill Chapel at 7 p.m
BOWEN ISLAND HOUSE ACCOUN R001944165 BI03
Happy Holidays from the Undercurrent! All the best to you in 2015!
6 • FRIDAY DECEMBER 26 2014 2014
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BOWEN ISLAND MUNICIPALITY R001937478 BI03
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE is hereby given that Bowen Island Municipal Council will hold a public hearing for the purpose of allowing the public to make representations on the following proposed bylaw: •
Bylaw No. 372, 2014 cited as “Bowen Island Municipality Land Use Bylaw No. 57, 2002 Amendment Bylaw No. 372, 2014”
The Public Hearing will be held on: Monday, January 12, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. at Municipal Hall, 981 Artisan Lane, Bowen Island, BC. At the public hearing, all persons who believe that their interest in property is affected by the proposed bylaw shall be afforded a reasonable opportunity to be heard or to present written submissions respecting matters contained in the proposed bylaw. Subject Property: Lot 8, Plan 45767, District Lot 489 – 973 Captain Cates Walk and Lot 5, Plan 44190, District Lots 489 and 490 – 505 Bowen Island Trunk Road
Reindeer fun facts from PAGE 4 EYES: According to a study at the University of Tromsø, Arctic reindeer eyes change in colour through the seasons from gold through to blue to help them better detect predators, by sharpening up their ultraviolet perception in the dark months. STOMACHS: Reindeer are ruminants, with a four-chambered stomach. They mainly eat lichens in winter, especially reindeer moss. They have a unique adaptation among mammals which enables them to break down lichen to glucose.
NOSES: Reindeer, like moose, have specialized noses featuring special nasal bones that hugely increase the surface area within the nostrils, allowing incoming cold air to be warmed by the animal's body heat before it enters the lungs. KNEES: Reindeer knees produce a clicking sound as they walk that can be audible from ten metres away. Apparently, loud knee-clicking, which reflects large body mass, is one indication of high status among reindeer.
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. 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
Purpose: The purpose of Bylaw No. 372, 2014 is to rezone a 5 meter wide, 139 square meter strip of land from Cates Hill Comprehensive Development Zone 2 CD Zone 2, Area 2, to CD Zone 2 Area 1. This will provide for the consolidation of 5 meter wide strip of Lot 5, Plan 44190 to be consolidated with Lot 8, Plan 45767 (973 Captain Cates Walk). The zone, which permits detached residential dwellings, will resolve current encroachments, and will allow the owner of 973 Captain Cates Walk to construct an addition on to the northern side of the existing dwelling. A copy of the proposed bylaw and any background material that may be considered by Bowen Island Municipal Council in respect of the proposed bylaw, may be inspected at Bowen Island Municipal Hall, 981 Artisan Lane, Bowen Island, BC between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, inclusive, excluding statutory holidays, or on the BIM website at www.bimbc.ca commencing Friday, December 19, 2014 Written submissions may be delivered to: • Bowen Island Municipal Hall in person or by mail to 981 Artisan Lane, Bowen Island, BC, V0N 1G2 or by fax: 604-947-0193 prior to 7:00 p.m., Monday, January 12, 2015; or • to Bowen Island Municipal Council at the Public Hearing at 7:00 p.m., Monday, January 12, 2015. Inquiries regarding the proposed bylaw may be directed to Judy McLeod, Planning Consultant at 604-947-4255 or by email at jmcleod@bimbc.ca. NO REPRESENTATIONS WILL BE RECEIVED BY THE BOWEN ISLAND MUNICIPAL COUNCIL AFTER THE CONCLUSION OF THE PUBLIC HEARING.
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. 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.
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FRIDAY DECEMBER 26 2014 • 7
8 • FRIDAY DECEMBER 26 2014 2014
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Pitch for foraging show gets funding for pilot episode MERIBETH DEEN EDITOR
For Bowen Islander Lisa Marie Bhattacharya, foraging for wild foods is a hobby, a passion. Mushrooms, she says, is what’s she’s really into. Medicinal mushrooms, Turkey Tails, for example, are abundant on Bowen and have been used for medicinal purposes for hundreds of years, but have also been proven to be a beneficial immune booster to people undergoing cancer treatment. Hearing Bhattacharya’s foraging stories peaked the interest of her filmmaker step-sister, Deborah Burns-Johnson. “I always knew I wanted to do something with Lisa Marie on foraging, but I wasn’t sure what,” says Burns-Johnson. “And then this competition, the Telus Storyhive came up, and I thought this was our chance.” The idea Burns-Johnson (director), her husband
Rich Johnson (producer) and Bh attacharya (host) came up with is called Found + Foraged, a video series to highlight the abundance of natural foods on British Columbia’s coast, and to tap into all the local expertise on these foods. Filmed partially on Bowen, the pitch won one of fifteen $10,000 prizes to make a pilot episode, the Found and Foraged crew is getting ready to shoot their first actual episode of the show. The challenge, says Burns-Johnson, is finding the abundance their looking for in January. If they win the next round of competition and get the funding to do five episodes, that challenge will continue through the winter. Whether of not they win, both Battacharya and Burns-Johnson say that the experience of putting the pitch together has got them excited enough about the idea to pursue it, whether or not funding from Telus pans out. To check out the pitch for Found and Foraged, go to www.storyhive.com
Tools to overcome feelings of isolation during the holidays I’m struggling right now, but we’re at a party and I’m not up to talking about it... That honours what is true We feel loveable. We feel worthy. The gift can be as but also respects the context of where you are.” Okay, I say, but what if you’re the person on the simple as making eye contact at a party and sharing receiving end? I don’t know about you, but I want to a smile. It sends the message that you matter, and for someone dealing with depression, this can be the dif- avoid those awkward moments as much as possible. “Again, you can give the gift of you matter to me ference maker.” by simply holding eye contact and listening. You She also said something that really changed the rules for me. She said, “We must bring our whole self might offer ‘I’m sorry to hear this. Do you have to every social engagement. When we hold on to the someone you can talk to? Are you alone for the holidays? You can check in without taking-on becoming belief that only our ‘best side’ is what is appropriate, their caretaker.” we start to believe that it’s also the only side that’s If you are beginning to experience the overwhelm ever wanted which then becomes proof that who we of isolation here are some suggestions from Carolyn are is un-loveable.” to help you reconnect with your life-force. But surely sharing a long list of what’s wrong isn’t - Get outside and breathe in some fresh air. appropriate either. Is it? - Make eye-contact with someone today. “You can bring your whole self to the holidays - Pick up the phone and keep dialing until somewithout losing yourself in the process. When someone picks up. You only need to say hello to get a one asks how you are doing you can say: honestly, conversation started. If you have some energy to pull yourself up a few more rungs of the ladder, try: - Writing down 3 things you are grateful for. Read them and reread them. - Give to someone else that which you crave. Choose to smile at a few people and receive their smile that comes back. It feels good to donate to charity. There can also be tax benefits, - Meditate on a phrase especially if you’re a first-time donor. If you make a donation to a that creates a sense of registered charity by December 31, you can submit your receipt for peace in your body. It 2014 tax purposes. might be “I matter and I am loved.” We live in community. FundAid.ca has 16 crowdfunding campaigns for registered charities. In doing so, we don’t A tax receipt will be automatically issued, by email, as soon as you have the luxury of expemake your donation. riencing only the more desireable situations. We get them all. It’s dauntIf you want your donation to count on your next ing to step into the arena of connection and risk tax return, please consider donating to dueling with the dragon of depression, but if we are the community we • FundAid.ca/touchstone wax on about, then sure• FundAid.ca/burnabyfamilies ly, this is part of how we hold each other together. • FundaAid.ca/bcguidedogs If you are reading this • or any of the Hall of Flame (firefighters’ calendar) and feeling completely at a loss, know that you campaigns matter. In light of opening up for this article, Dr. Nesbitt is available by phone to anyone who is in dire need of connection over the holidays. You can reach her on her business line at 604-376-9801.
from PAGE 4
Lisa Marie Battacharya holding clover leaves and flowers. Found + Foraged, photo
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