FRIDAY JANUARY 2 2015 VOL.41 , NO. 51
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The Bowen Queen
Surviving the small boat and medical assured loading
Kayak
The Jessie Award winning play with the Bowen-lead hits the stage, again
Digging deep
Resolutions from the couch
Sean Delaney and Louise MacIntosh work hard on dealing with all the post-Christmas recycling at BIRD. Maureen Sawasy, photo
A constitution to create an even “happier” isle? MERIBETH DEEN EDITOR
Gustaaf Tasseron considers himself a mere visitor to Bowen Island. He has been traveling around the world for 35 years, and has a base here because of the presence of his daughter and four grandchildren. With this in mind, he has an idea for creating a happier, more peacable island, which came to him in October upon return from his last journey (to Denmark, the Republic of Djibouti, and Kenya). Tasseron says that he attended a series of dinner parties at which the subject of conversation was Bowen politics, community and of course, divisions within the community.
“It occurred to me that by proclaiming democracy, we are in fact splitting up people into different groups, instead of building community as we always claim to want to be doing here,” says Tasseron. “Democracy is not a guarantee that everyone will be listened to or even that we will have outcomes that reflect our values.” Tasseron says that as he followed the developments and the conversations surrounding the municipal election, he began to see this separation more deeply. “This division between developers and environmentalists,” he says. “To me it seems an irrelevant difference. You can not develop without taking care of the environment, and you can not, as an environmentalist, simply attempt to keep people out
in the effort to keep things clean.” With this in mind, Tasseron started looking for a goal or a word that might unite the community of Bowen Island, instead of divide it. “What came to mind was the word HAPPINESS: happiness for my self, my family and my community,” says Tasseron. This conclusion led him to investigating the Kingdom of Bhutan, a constitutional monarchy that uses “happiness” as opposed to economics, to determine the success of its governance. continued, PAGE 8
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Ensure your spot on the ferry for medical purposes
Smaller ferry survival guide
Look for the Permitted Medical Assured Loading sign by the yellow hatched area in front of the General Store. Alison Morse, photo
ALISON MORSE SUBMISSION
The Bowen Island Health Resource Guide produced by the Caring Circle describes the process whereby a patient can get a “medical assured loading letter.” This system is presently in place for travel on BC Ferries from the Horseshoe Bay Terminal. BC Ferries will issue the medical assured loading letter if requested to do so by a physician or hospital when a patient is compromised by waiting extended periods of time to travel. To get the letter a medical practitioner must email a request to customer.relations@bcferries.com. This letter and the TAP form are then presented to the toll booth. A marshalling area has been signed on the Bowen side for those patients with the BC Ferries medical assured loading letter, it is the yellow hatched area in front of the General Store. As it is illegal to park on the yellow hatched areas a dashboard card must be displayed in order to park there to wait for the ferry. To get the dashboard card please take your BC Ferries medical assured loading letter that BC Ferries has issued you to either the Bowen Island Municipal Hall or the Caring Circle. To access the Bowen Island Health Resource Guide please go to the Caring Circle website www.caringcircle.ca
2014-2015 Classical Concert Series Presents
DANIEL BOLSHOY BOWEN ISLAND ARTS COUNCIL R001946298 BI03
Tickets available in advance at the Gallery or at the door
Sunday, January 11, 2015 Gallery @ Artisan Square
Adult: $45 Doors open: 3 p.m. BIAC Members: $35 Concerts begin: 3:30 p.m. Students: $20 Classical Concerts Series on Bowen Island are hosted by the
Bowen Island Arts Council (BIAC)
www.biac.ca
Call for Registration!! Bowen Island Community Choir (Director Ellen MacIntosh) BI COMMUNITY CHOIR All are welcome to come out and R001946379 BI03 register for our 2015 Spring Season
Date: January 7th & 14th Time: 7 p.m. Location: Cates Hill Chapel Cost: $85 No experience necessary Practices: Held every Wednesday evening 7:30-9:00 p.m. Performance: Concert in May
Public Works Superintendent Bob Robinson overseeing the preparation of the lot below the General Store for additional parking during the Midlife Upgrade of the Queen of Capliano. Robinson says he predicts up to 25 cars will be able to fit in the lot once the work is completed. Meribeth Deen, photo
MERIBETH DEEN EDITOR
Starting Monday January 5, there’s a new boat in town. The Queen of Capilano is heading to the Esquimalt Drydocking Company for an upgrade. The process is scheduled to take four months, during whch time the Bowen Queen will be making the trip between Horseshoe Bay and Snug Cove. With the capacity for approximately 15 fewer vehicles, there exists the potential for some major overloads, particularly during commuter runs. To assist Bowen Islanders in coping with this situation, the Municipality has released the following survival guide: If you can avoid taking the ferry during rush hours for the next four months, you don’t need to read this guide. If you walk on the ferry and aren’t going downtown, you don’t need to read this. If you usually drive on the ferry at 6:30, 7:30, 8:30, 9:30, and maybe even 10:30, you need to read this. Start thinking now about how you can avoid the uncertainty and frustration of being caught in ferry overloads. You’ll be glad you did. Walk on the ferry instead of driving if you can possibly do so. To make it possible, the following mitigation strategies are being put in place by BC Ferries and the municipality: - FREE PARKING in Snug Cove in the parking lot next to the General Store (in front of the baseball field). - REDUCED-FEE PARKING in Horseshoe Bay
(HSB) in the BCF lot for $100 a month or surface parking for $10 for 24 hours. (See www.bcferries. com/files/AboutBCFprojects/BCF_Park_QCap_ Nov14.PDF) -SUPER-EXPRESS BUS to downtown Vancouver. Driver Peter King says you can get from Bowen to downtown Vancouver in 42 minutes for $4. Tickets must be purchased in advance at the General Store. (See www.bcferries.com/about/projects/queen-ofcapilano-mlu.html) Other mitigation strategies include: -ADDITIONAL SAILINGS on Sunday mornings and Wednesdays (for the duration of the MLU) and on Thursdays and Fridays (early March to the end of the MLU). (See www.bcferries.com/schedules/mainland/biva-current.php?scheduleSelect=sch01051501. html) -ASSURED LOADING for High-Occupancy Vehicles (4 people or more) on peak afternoon sailings from Horseshoe Bay. (See www.bcferries.com/about/projects/queen-ofcapilano-mlu.html) - MEDICAL PREFERRED LOADING for appointments, treatments, or surgery. Contact the municipality during business hours, or the Caring Circle at 604-947-9100 or info@caringcircle.ca - BOWEN LIFT for ride-sharing. (See www.bowenlift.com or www.facebook.com/ groups/bowenislandrideshare/) Don’t block the road. If the ferry line-up is Sfull when you arrive, please leave and return after the ferry has loaded. Any car sticking out from the end of the line-up and blocking traffic on Grafton Road will be ticketed.
Secrets to aging well, a workshop HomeWork Club Facilitator Wanted Bowen Island Community Learning has a part time, contract service agreement, position available for a HOMEWORK CLUB Facilitator. This position is for 5.5 hours per week and occurs on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 2:45-5:15pm. The position begins Jan. 27, 2015 and BI COMMUNITY SCHOOL COORD runs until Apr. 30, 2015. Remuneration is $17.50/hr. R001946382 Duties include supervising students in an after school BI03 Homework program, providing guidance as needed, preparing snack, and supervising Youth mentors. The ideal candidate for this position has previous experience working with children, is self-motivated, able to work under limited supervision, and has experience supervising Youth volunteers. Current First Aid, CPR training, Foodsafe and a Criminal Record check is required. We thank all applicants but advise that only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Please submit your cover letter and resume to Sarah Haxby via email to shaxby@ sd45.bc.ca or drop it off at Bowen Island Community School 1041 Mt. Gardner Rd by Jan. 16th 2015 at 3:00pm. For more information about the position please call Sarah Haxby at 604-947-0389 or Shauna Jennings at 604-947-2216 Thank You
DAVID SHADBOLT SUBMISSION
Know anyone in their 50s, 60s or older who looks fabulous for their age? Has the energy of someone much younger? Seems more at ease and exudes an aura of confidence and serenity? How do they do it? Here’s your chance to find out. The workshop “Secrets to Aging Well” at the Bowen Island Yoga Studio will increase your knowledge of how to live a healthy, active, confident and pain free life. Who wouldn’t be happier knowing that? The three hour bydonation event starts
at 2 p.m. on January 10 at Bowen Island Yoga Studio and includes: Reversing Your Biological Clock, David Shadbolt; Healthy Feet and Ankles, Physiotherapist Sandy Logan; Inflammation: Causes for disease and aid in healing, Holistic Nutritionist Lisa Marie Battacharya, and Yoga for Seniors, Diana Kaile. The event takes place at Bowen Island Yoga between 2 - 5 p.m. on January 11. For more information on this event visit: www. bowenislandyoga.com or phone David at 778-8358236.
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EDITORIAL
Getting off the rock MERIBETH DEEN EDITOR
In the months ahead, our collective vehicle to the broader world will be the Bowen Queen. Smaller and somewhat shabbier than the Queen of Cap, commutes and lives will be re-jigged in order to avoid potential delays. For months now I’ve been thinking, sounds as though winter 2015 is going to be as good a time as any to see how long I can go without leaving this rock. This idea goes back a few years, to when I was new(er) to Bowen and my husband came home one day from the IRLY with a story about some guy who hadn’t left the island in three years, or something to that effect (there was a dentist once every week on Bowen at that point.) I started cre-
ating a mental checklist of all the things a person really needed to leave the island for: giving birth? Absolutely, but only a select part of the population can use this excuse, on occasion. Passport office? Well I guess if you’re not planning on leaving Bowen, who needs a passport? I thought it would be fun to learn about any potential perspective shift that might take place following a truly extended period on Bowen. Maybe I could even experience that shift myself, by staying on Bowen as long as I possibly could. But alas, not this winter. Christmas 2014 brought me a bad case of itchy feet, a desire to be surrounded by a new pallet of colours, to breath in different air, even if it’s not quite as fresh as our cedar and woodstove smelling stuff. I’m not sure I’ll be able to make it too far off the rock, but for those of you who do – this Undercurrent editor wants to live
More than a job, a life Dear Editor, I am deeply grateful for all those who were involved in my recent retirement celebrations. BICS is indeed a special school and it has been my honour and privilege to serve as the BICS principal these past five years. With the support and contributions of many in our school community, I believe that BICS is a better school now than when I arrived and I feel confident that under the leadership of Principal Scott Slater that the school will continue to thrive; BICS is in good hands. While I am proud of what we have been able to achieve together, it is not how I want to be remembered. I have always tried to remember and act in a way that demonstrates my strong conviction that my work is really all about relationships. My work has been about supporting, nurturing and inspiring the hearts and minds of those I serve. I honestly can’t think of a more important job – one that I have been privileged to hold over the past 34 years in various capacities as an educator. I believe that the success of our work is measured by the quality of our human interactions. It is foundational to everything we do. I hope that others will remember me as someone who cared deeply and that I made people feel respected and valued regardless of their role, position or perspective and that I was someone who encouraged them to live with an open heart and mind. So when asked about – what will I miss when I retire? This is what I will miss – the daily human interactions and the challenge of working to help others realize their potential – to learn from mistakes – and to dream big. I have often felt that being a principal is not a job, it’s not even a career - it is a life. So as this chapter comes to an end, I will look forward to a new life - new opportunities and new ways to engage in the Bowen community. Special thanks to Scott Slater, Sandy Bristow and others for spearheading my retirement celebrations. And thanks to the BICS staff and students for a wonderful final assembly and for acknowledging that I always believed in you. The Vimeo “BICS Snippets” tribute was priceless! I felt very honoured and humbled by the wishes and gifts from so many. And thank you to our PAC who honoured me with a tree for my garden and the beautiful wooden plaque that will be permanently displayed in our new Learning Commons. The quote about leadership from John Quincy Adams engraved on the plaque has always inspired me and may it continue to inspire others in years to come.
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. 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.
vicariously through you. Fortunately, we’ve still got a ferry, albeit a smaller shabbier one. And the fabulous small ferry survival guide, just in case anyone needs a little extra help getting to the other side. And it seems the midlife upgrade is no match for those of us born to wander. I received a note from John Lawrence, of Garden Club fame, who mentioned that he’s living on the cheap in South America. Becky Dawson mentioned to me she was heading off somewhere delicious in Uclulet. I look forward to hearing from them, and all other Bowen adventurers, about the best of their trips off the rock in 2015. All the best to all of you in the New Year. Write me at: editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com
With gratitude, Jennifer Pardee
#102–495 Bowen Trunk Road, PO Box 130, Bowen Island BC, V0N 1G0 Phone: 604.947.2442 Fax: 604.947.0148 Deadline for all advertising and editorial: Monday, 4:00p.m. www.bowenislandundercurrent.com
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A second chance to see climate change play, Kayak MERIBETH DEEN EDITOR
If you missed it the first time around, you’ll get another chance to see the Jessie Award winning play Kayak starring Bowen Islander Susan Hogan starring on January 7. Hogan plays the lead, Annie, and spends the entire hour and a half of the play suspended in mid-air, in a kayak. It is a love story, says Hogan, between a mother and son, and also one woman’s journey through the turbulent waters of culpability. “Annie realizes that she is as responsible as everyone else for environmental destruction,” says Hogan. “The dawning of her understanding of culpability, of everyone’s culpability, is through her son.” Hogan says that in the two years since the play ran, she has had time to reflect not only on the play’s script but also on the main subject matter: climate change. “I recently workshopped a new play about wind turbines in Southern
Ontario, and with the play there were a thousand pages of interviews with people both for and against them,” says Hogan. “And as I read those, I thought about climate change and the central problem being that everyone is willing to pay lipservice to the problem, but no one actually wants to change their lifestyle.” Hogan says that acting in Kayak feels like a rare opportunity to do meaningful work that can actually make an impact on the audience and change the way they think – or act. She also says the play has changed her. “I’m not on any specific committees, but I am getting closer to it all the time,” she says. “I think it is challenging to know how to act in the face of these things, unless we are given a really clear action. Like recycling, we can feel good about ourselves at the end of the day, but it really helps to have someone at the helm, telling us how to separate our plastics.” Kayak will run at the Firehall Arts Centre in Vancouver between January 7 – 17.
Library and Arts Council looking for answers JACQUELINE MASSEY SUBMISSION
As we round up a year and look forward to 2015, the Bowen Island Arts Council and Bowen Island Public Library sometimes wish they had a crystal ball. That would be helpful in answering questions regarding our proposed Cove Culture Corner (C3) project. As you may have heard, BIAC and BIPL are Susan Hogan (centre) with her Kayak co-stars exploring the concept of sharing a building in Snug Sebastian Kroon (left) and Marisa Smith Cove on property where the current library is situ(right). ated. Earlier this year, the Library was planning the Annie Laurie Wood Annex, when members of the community approached both organizations to ask them to consider a joint initiative. An enhanced gathering space in Snug Cove, a collaboration that would create a hub of energy and activity, spark ecoBOWEN IN TRANSITION nomic opportunities and celebrate the artistic and intellectual life of Bowen Island – how cool would SUBMISSION You were born into this (beautiful Earth) that be? An attractive proposition yes, but is it one that “The world will be saved by beauty,” wrote Dostoevsky, who is and you are here to love it and to see makes sense for each of the organizations and for the quoted in the prophetic film, The Wisdom to Survive, the latest film community? That is the question that BIAC and in the Forward Focus Series to be screened on Saturday, January 10 that it goes on. entire BIPL are seeking to solve. And they are doing this, at 7 PM at the Gallery. not by dreaming of miracles or flashes of insight, but A stirring call-to-arms, The Wisdom to Survive juxtaposes the The visuals are stunning. The message is clear: we are connected through due diligence and careful analysis. stunning beauty, diversity and inter-connectedness of the natural by our shared grief at what is happening to the Earth and by our BIAC is investigating the value, costs and benefits world, with the soulless, perpetual growth machine of capitalism. shared hope and commitment to the future. “If you want an adven- of moving the Gallery into a new space and estabIt explores how unlimited growth and greed are destroying the life ture,” says Joanna Macy in the film, “what a time to choose to be lishing a secure home in which the arts umbrella support system of the planet, the social fabric of the society, and alive. Don’t waste time in self-pity over darkness. Don’t waste time nonprofit can continue to deliver its various prothe lives of billions of people. It asks the question; “Will we have trying to figure out better circumstances that you might like. You grams and services. The Library is also assessing its the wisdom to survive?” were born into this (beautiful Earth) and you are here to love it and needs and requirements to meet current and future The film is compelling and hopeful at a time when we are bomto see that it goes on.” demands of the community it serves. Both are eager barded by dystopian visions of the future. Thought leaders and There promises to be a thoughtful discussion after the film led to determine whether the cost of a building that activists in the realms of science, economics and spirituality discuss by Gertie Jocksch, a Sister of Charity, with a Doctor of Ministry. accommodates both organizations will be affordable how we can evolve and take action in the face of climate disruption. Her passion has been her concern and care for Mother Earth. She and attainable. Bill McKibben, Joanna Macy and others are featured in this deeply teaches in the areas of Ecotheology and Ecofeminism and works Numerous stakeholders and individuals with promoving and profoundly engaging documentary, which provides for the Living Language Institute developing programs in Earth fessional expertise and knowledge about designing visions of how we could live in the midst of massive environmental Literacies. She will be coming from Victoria to show the film. and funding capital projects are assisting them with challenges. Donations to Earth Literacies will be gratefully accepted. this work. Also helping to move things forward is the Doors open at 7 pm. Film at 7:30 pm. Discussion Bowen Island Community Foundation, who recently at 8:30 pm. announced that it will fund the C3 project proposal for a feasibility study and potentially, the development of a capital campaign fundraising strategy. BIAC and BIPL BOWEN ISLAND UNITED CHURCH thank the Foundation Rev. Shelagh MacKinnon Dr. Dana Barton FOOD Dr. Utah Zandy for this support, enthusiService and Sunday School: 10:30 a.m. BANK asm and encouragement. Naturopathic Physician 604-947-9830 Collins Hall Bookings: Helen Wallwork DROP-OFF BIAC and BIPL Minister of Music: Lynn Williams 596 B. Artisan Square CALL FOR APPOINTMENT CATHERINE SHAW believe that taking one Dr. Traditional Chinese OPEN HOUSE TUESDAYSACCOUN & 604-730-1174 BOWEN ISLAND Medicine/Acupuncturist careful step after another ❦ BOWEN ISLAND HOUSE ACCOUN R001946318 HEALTH DIRECTORY THURSDAYS Natural Family Medicine will lead to clarity on MARY MCDONAGH RMT, DCH BOWEN ISLAND COMMUNITY CHURCH CHURCHES DIRECTORY BI03 Registered Massage Therapist decision-making, and potentially a case for Dr. Susanne Schloegl (Available Mondays❦ through Fridays) Pastor Clinton Neal SANDY LOGAN support that earns the M.D. 1070 Miller Road 604-947-0384 Registered Physiotherapist backing of the entire Open Mon. Wed. Thurs. Fri. ❦ Service 10:30 a.m. Sunday School 11:00 a.m. ROBYN IZARD RMT Call for an appointment community. We think Registered Massage Therapist that’s a good way to (Available Thursdays through Sundays) Artisan Square ❦ embrace a New Year. 604-947-9986 COuRTNEY MORRIS R.Ac, DCH And we’re looking forward to 2015 being a Mass: 10:30 a.m. Priest: Father James Comey year of positive action for Bowen Islanders. 604-988-6304
The Wisdom To Survive: a film to lift your mind and heart
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Contact Maureen to advertise in this space.
Places of Worship WelcomeYou
ST. GERARD’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH
604-947-2442
ads@bowenislandundercurrent.com
CATES HILL CHAPEL www.cateshillchapel.com 604-947-4260
(661 Carter Rd.)
To advertise on the Health Page call 604-947-2442
10:00 a.m. Worship • Sunday School: Tots to Teens Pastor: Dr. James B. Krohn
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FRIDAY JANUARY 2 2015 • 5
I’ll tell you mine if you tell me yours: Permanent Full-time Deputy Corporate Officer Bowen Island Municipality seeks a qualified permanent full-time INAUGURAL MEETING OFDeputy THE Corporate Officer. This is a 35 hour/week position that; in addition to regular office hours, will require attendance at evening meetings. Reporting directly to the Chief Administrative Officer, the Deputy Corporate Officer (DCO) performs a variety of supervisory and administrative duties. The DCO works within the defined limits of the Local Government Act, Community CharterBOWEN and the ISLAND MUNICIPALITY You are invited to attend the Inaugural Council Meeting, to be held: Municipality’s Policies and Procedures, and acts on behalf of the CAO in R001946296 dispensing routine information, answering general inquiries and preparing, BI03 assembling and distributing Monday, Council agendas and minutes.1st, 2014 December
2014-18 BOWEN ISLAND MUNICIPAL COUNCIL
7:15 p.m. The applicant should have a strong Municipal administrative background, have excellent computer skills using Location: MS Word and Cates Excel, and have a sound knowledge of theRoad Local Government Act Hill Chapel, 661 Carter and Community Charter, as well as working knowledge of the Municipality’s Policies and Procedures. This is a permanent full-time position. We thank all applicants, but advise that only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
The agenda for the Inaugural Meeting will be posted onyour thecovering Bowenletter Island website www.bimbc.ca Please submit and Municipal resume via e-mail, fax oratmail by Thursday, January 15 at 4:00 p.m. theto:week prior to the event. Christine Walker, Human Resources Manager Bowen Island Municipality We hope to see you there! 981 Artisan Lane Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G2 FAX: 604-947-0193 EMAIL: hr@bimbc.ca WEBSITE: www.bimbc.ca
For information, call 604-947-4255
BOWEN ISLAND VET R001946385 BI03
New Year’s resolutions from the couch CAROLYN NESBITT SUBMISSION
Here we are, New Year’s Eve, and many of us find ourselves contemplating our New Year’s resolutions. It’s a good time to take stock of where we have been and where we want to go. Tonight we indulge in the last sugar/ alcohol/cigarettes of 2014 while making plans to head out to the gym tomorrow after the Polar Bear Swim. We may be setting goals for being more organized, spending time with friends and family or learning to play the guitar. Teens and university students may be deciding to study differently, while others are setting concrete financial goals. Whether or not we are successful in the realms of family, friends, work, hobbies or health, our enjoyment of life is more a reflection of our internal well-being. And so it is the internal world to which I turn if I want to make changes. It is the inner work that matters if I want to make lasting change on the outside. But how do you set inner goals? How do you set a personal development action plan? How do you track and measure the quiet progress of inner growth? Last year, at about this time, I signed up for Leah Serna and Kim Howden’s WAVE course on creating a vision board. We started by painting one word in giant letters across the entire canvas. This power word underlay all that we were taking on. I was into my third week of the six sessions when I realized that each of my dreams was coming true. Every commitment to myself was bearing fruit. I get that energy flows to where our attention goes. I get that if I focus on something, I am more likely to put in the necessary effort and so more likely to see results. I just didn’t expect it all to come so fast. And I attribute it to my inner goal setting, my inner New Year’s Resolution. My power word for 2014 was Generosity. On a daily basis, I just tried to be generous. Whether it was in my work or in my home, with people I was meeting for the first time or with my 86-year-old mother, I reached further and deeper than I would have a few years ago. And I expanded my use of the word to include being generous with paint, with food, with time, with gratitude, with smiles, with touch. I look for ways to be generous. I am generous with myself when I look in the mirror. And more than ever, I notice the incredible generosity of those around me. This past week, I witnessed the generosity of Shasta Martinuk as she invited people into her Song Circle with what can only be described as love. I saw Reverend Shelagh MacKinnon wholeheartedly extend her arms to those seeking community and peace. I heard Colleen O’Neill, Maureen Whitney, and Maureen Mackey speak of how they could once again support lonely people through the Caring Circle. The Food Bank was
filled for the holidays through the generosity of Bowen Islanders. Volunteers kept our streets safe and saved lives by driving home those who had been having fun at the pub. The lights in the Cove, the music, the smiles and the hugs - I see generosity everywhere, and it is a beautiful thing. For New Year’s, I encourage you to shift your goal setting so that it matches what you really crave. Take on your own power word, your own inner challenge to which you want to commit. Where is it that you really want to expand? What do you want to invite into your life? Do you want more joy? More connection? More peace? Do you want to have a sense of belonging? For what do you want to be known, if only to yourself? Courage? Kindness? Optimism? Setting up an action plan can take some creativity when it comes to inner work. First, you want to focus on your goal on a daily basis. Whether you draw it, write it or sing it, you want to remind yourself of your commitment. Then read about it, contemplate it and practice it. Be aware of your momentto-moment choices. At the end of each day, take time to reflect. What is it you are grateful for? What is it you needed to learn? There are many ways to track your inner progress. If you like to write, use a journal. Keep track of three things a day that match what you are striving for. Write down small successes. As well, journals are a great place to explore feelings and thoughts surrounding your goal. What inner changes are taking place? How is it all playing out in your life? Take the opportunity at dinner to say grace - it is a beautiful thing to hold hands, to find that still place inside and to reflect on what we are grateful for. Focus on the good that surrounds you.
Your relationships will deepen as your inner world shifts. Your inner change will be mirrored in the people around you. You will see yourself reflected in their eyes. Your relationships will deepen as your inner world shifts. Acknowledge your own progress and smile at yourself in the mirror. This year, I have a new power word, a new inner growth challenge for my New Year’s Resolution. I am taking it on and ready to start. If you see me in the street, stop me and share your word with me. (I’ll tell you mine if you tell me yours…) We can start an inner growth resolution revolution for 2015. Happy New Year! Dr. Carolyn Nesbitt can be found at www.CarolynNesbitt.com .
6 • FRIDAY JANUARY 2 2015 2015
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Free On-Island Hearing Screening Tests CARING CIRCLE 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
SUBMISSION
Mainland Hearing will be on-island on Friday, January 16 to offer free Hearing Screening tests at the Bowen Island Caring Circle. The test will take about 20 minutes. About 20 percent of people have some degree of hearing loss, and over the age of 65, one in three people have hearing difficulties. For many people, hearing loss is a natural part of the aging process, and the onset is so gradual that they aren’t aware their hearing is deteriorating. The good news is that about 90 percent of people with hearing loss can be helped by wearing
Daniel Bolshoy and his guitar come to Bowen MARIANA HOLBROOK SUBMISSION
The final classical concert of Bowen Island’s 2014-2015 Classical Concert Series will be played by internationally renowned guitarist Daniel Bolshoy on January 11. Daniel is one of Canada’s most successful solo concert artists . He has also performed with both the Vancouver and Toronto Symphony Orchestras and toured every province and territory in Canada. He has appeared with orchestras, chamber ensembles and in festivals in Russia, China, the United States and Israel. Daniel was born in Moscow and lived for a while in Israel, where he discovered his passion for the classical guitar. He soon dedicated himself to the pur-
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.
hearing instruments. Modern hearing aids are inconspicuous and are programmed to suit a client’s particular hearing needs. Recent studies have found that untreated hearing loss can affect brain function and structure. Recommended preventative strategies to protect against Alzheimer’s now include regular hearing tests and treatment of hearing loss to guard against social isolation. If you, or someone you care about, would like a hearing screening test or more information, please phone Colleen O’Neil at the Bowen Island Caring Circle, 604-947-9100, to make an appointment.
suit of classical music on the guitar. He and his family immigrated to Canada in 1993. He finished high school in Ottawa’s Canterbury Arts High School (making him the first guitarist to do so) and went on to study at Carleton University and afterwards at the University of Toronto. Daniel is currently the head of the Guitar Division at the University Of British Columbia School Of Music and the head of the Guitar Department at the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra School of Music. The concert will be held in the Gallery at Artisan Square. Doors will open at 3 o’clock and the concert will start promptly at 3:30 p.m. People wishing to attend the concert can purchase tickets at the door.
On the calendar WELCOME TO 2015!! THURSDAY JAN 1
Annual Polar Bear Dip 2 p.m. at Bowen Bay Beach
Duplicate Bridge @ Bowen Court Call Irene @ 2955
WEDNESDAY JANUARY 7
Knitting Circle 1 - 4 p.m. Bowen Court - All levels welcome! Registration open for Bowen Island Community Choir - Cates Hill Chapel at 7 p.m
Last chance to check out 40,000 lights at Endswell Farm
UPCOMING
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
The Wisdom to Survive, documentary film screening 7 p.m. at the Gallery at Artisan Square A presentation by Bowen in Transition
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
TUESDAY JANUARY 6
AA Meeting Collins Hall 7:15 p.m.
JANUARY 10
JANUARY 11
Classical Concert Series Guitarist Daniel Bolshoy Doors open 3 p.m. at the Gallery at Artisan Square The Secrets to Aging Well Workshop at Bowen Island Yoga
JANUARY 16
Free Hearing Tests Contact Colleen O’Neil at Caring Circle to make an appointment 604947-9100
WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM
FRIDAY JANUARY 2 2015 • 7
8 • FRIDAY JANUARY 2 2015 2015
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Bowen Island, in and around the tail-end of 2014
Far left: Bo sits by the ferry line-up. Meribeth Deen
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Centre: Carol Fancy in camouflage. Right: Deer takes a stroll on Miller Road. Emmett Sparling, photos
A constitution for a happier Bowen Island from PAGE 1 Within their constitution, Tasseron saw many points that would be easily applicable and relevant to Bowen Island. Point three, for example: •
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Create space for the responsibility of our religious institutions and personalities to promote the spiritual heritage of our island, while also ensuring that they remain separate from politics. Religious institutions and spiritual personalities shall remain above politics and contribute through advice and mediation in Bowen Island affairs.
Tasseron took the liberty of re-fashioning the Bhutanese constitution, taking out the irrelevant bits, and adding “Bowen Island” instead of “Bhutan” where necessary. Concerning the above chunk of the Bhutan/Bowen Island constitution, Tasseron says that Bowen Island is in fact, a spiritual place, but people do not often discuss this aspect of the island. “Two years ago, I helped to put on a piano concert with one of my young friends at the recycling depot,” says Tasseron. “I am just one of many people on this island who wants to create beauty. There is a spirituality in that.” Here’s another point Tasseron chose from the Bhutanese constitution: •
Support the fundamental duty of every Bowen Islander, each a trustee of Bowen Island’s natural resources and environment for the benefit of the present and future generation, to contribute to the protection of the natural environment, conservation of the rich biodiversity of Bowen Island and prevention of all forms of ecological degradation including noise, visual and physical pollution through the adoption and support of environment friendly practices and policies.
Tasseron adds that of course, even if a constitution were adopted, the community could not be forced to follow it. However, having a set of guiding principles hanging in council chambers, he says, would serve as a reminder to our elected leaders and to those who get involved in the political process, of the values that unite the community. “Having a constitution could improve the way we interact politically,” says Tasseron. As an example of this in practice, Tasseron points to the rules of communication posted within the Island Discovery Learning Centre, which he attends with his grandson several days per week. “Before a student speaks, he or she must ask if the thing they are about to say is kind, if it is necessary and if it is true,” says Tasseron. “These rules are written, but they are also ingrained in the students.” Tasseron goes on to explain how, at the meeting he attended in Dijbouti before coming back to Bowen in October, a delegate from the European Union who was sitting beside him was about to make a statement. “I saw what he was about to say, because it was on his laptop,” says Tasseron. “It wasn’t very nice, and so I reminded him of the rules. When I did, the delegate stopped. He re-evaluated. When he did stand up to talk a little while later, his words helped move the conversation forward. Politics shouldn’t be about scoring points. And we all need to be reminded of that.” Gustaaf Tasseron will be discussing his reframing of the Bhutanese constitution for Bowen Island at further length at the Community School Association ANGORA (place of gathering) initiative on January 15, at 7 p.m. at the Gallery at Artisan Square. For more information, contact Hans Behm at hcbehm@shaw.ca or 604 947 9447.