FRIDAY FEBRUARY 20 2015 VOL. 42, NO. 07
75¢
including GST
Watch for more online at: WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM
Sandy Beach
Beer cans and diesel slicks
Meet your municipal planner
Cari St. Pierre talks sustainability, docks and more
Sun Run fun
Checking in on an aspiring runner
Ideas fly for Parks and Trails Masterplan MERIBETH DEEN EDITOR
From left: Sam Knowles, Oscar Knowles-Dekker, Rex Heath and Dan Dekker. Meribeth Deen, photo
A Valentines Day gift to Bowen’s roadsides MERIBETH DEEN EDITOR
On Saturday, a group of Bowen Islanders spent their day picking up plastic, cigarette packages, candy wrappers, and empty beer cans (mostly Budweiser) from the shoulders and ditches of several of the islands main roads. Sam Knowles initiated the clean-up, she says, “because the rubbish was becoming so pervasive and really bugging me. I wanted to make it an island-wide exercise.” Her family, with the help of Karen Heath and her son Rex, started at their task at 9:30 a.m. from Adams Road travelling down Grafton and reaching Charlie’s Lane by 1 p.m. Knowles and her son
Milo continued picking up garbage along Mt. Gardner Road from BICS to the gas station, wrapping up at 5 p.m. Publicized on the Bowen Island Phorum and Facebook, a number of other islanders joined in the clean-up as well. Tom Carchrae and his family took on Adams Road and found, among other things, a pair of waterproof overalls with a bottle of wine in each leg. Brenda McLuhan also cleaned the ditches on Adams on both Saturday and Sunday. Sigurd Sabathil collected 50 lbs of debris from the ditch along the road from Charlie’s Lane down to the ferry line up. Knowles says that for her, the best part of her day was realizing that her husband Dan was totally accepting that his Saturday was being dedicated to picking up garbage. “That is love manifest,” she says.
FIRST CREDIT UNION R002974656 BI03
FIRST CU
Roughly 30 people from various groups considered to be active stakeholders in Bowen Island’s parks and trails gathered at the Municipal Hall on Tuesday in order to begin fleshing out the parameters of a new Parks and Trails Master Plan for the island. The last master plan for Bowen’s parks and trails was created in 1994. The 21 page report provides an inventory of park land (land not privately owned) on Bowen Island, and suggests strategies for the acquisition of more land. “A lot has changed since then,” says Jeremy Howe, the chair of the Bowen Island Parks, Trails and Greenways Committee. “We’ve seen Cowan Point develop, and Cape Roger Curtis. And since the mid1990s I would say there is a much greater awareness and interest in our island’s trails. This is something like creating an Official Community Plan - it will lay out our expectations when it comes to parks and trails.” As a beginning point to updating this plan, Municipal Planner Cari St. Pierre asked for feedback on Parks Master Plans from six other communities to review, and also asked participants to draw “maps” on four themes with veins symbolizing their concerns and priorities for Bowen’s parks. During the second part of the exercise, the four groups of participants took turns drawing maps on future priorities for Bowen parks (looking ahead 50 years), what’s happening now in Bowen’s parks and trails, what has happened since 1994, and connecting parks and trails to beaches and waterways. On this final subject, a seemingly endless flow of ideas poured onto the map. Concerns about accesibility led to an idea to implement a system ofbeach classification; a desire to prioritize viewscapes connected to concerns about ecological integrity; the protection of watersheds connected to storm water maagement, and so on. When each group had a chance to work on each map, all four were placed together on a wall. St. Pierre says that given an appropriate online tool, the mass of information will be redrawn in a single, coherent map that will connect the issues.
2 • FRIDAY FEBRUARY 20 2015
WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM
Sandy Beach get trashed 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. 367, 2014 cited as “Bowen Island Municipality Land Use Bylaw No. 57, 2002 Amendment Bylaw No. 367, 2014” The Public Hearing will be held on: Wednesday, February 25, 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:
Garbage piled up outside the trash cans at Sandy Beach. Bowen Island Municipality, photo
The applicant is proposing the rezoning and development of the two adjacent properties as shown on the location map below: • 993 and 995 Dorman Road and 479 Bowen Island Trunk Road, a 0.1 ha (.25 acre) parcel described as Lot A, Block A, District Lot 777, Plan 5523. • 477 Bowen Island Trunk Rd., a 0.03 ha(0.08 acre) parcel, described as Lot 5, Block A, District Lot 777, Plan 5523 Purpose: Bowen Island Municipality Land Use Bylaw No. 57, 2002 is amended by adding Section 4.31 to the bylaw to include the following zone:
PUBLIC
4.31 COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT 20 (CD 20) ZONE (BOWEN INVESTMENTS LTD.)
The purpose of the CD-20 Zone is to create a comprehensive new zone for the subject lands based on the Village Commercial 1 and the Village Commercial 1 (a) zones, but including the following uses and bylaw changes: The CD 20 mixed use village zone will allow for: • 12 residential units, including 15% of the gross buildable area for affordable staff housing; • The height on Trunk road to change from 9m to 11m; • The height 20m back from Trunk Road to change from 9m to 13m; • The parking from the current one space per 40m² to one space per 60m² floor area for commercial and pub areas, excluding storage space, in addition to the current 1 parking stall on site, for every residential unit, as per the current bylaw; • A ‘0’ interior side setback; while increasing the exterior setback from 1.5m to 2m setback. 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, February 13, 2015. 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., Wednesday, February 25, 2015; or • to Bowen Island Municipal Council at the Public Hearing at 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 25, 2015. Inquiries regarding the proposed bylaw may be directed to Cari St. Pierre, Senior Planner by email at cstpierre@bimbc.ca, or through the Planning Clerk, Sandi Laudrum, slaudrum@bimbc.ca. NO REPRESENTATIONS WILL BE RECEIVED BY THE BOWEN ISLAND MUNICIPAL COUNCIL AFTER THE CONCLUSION OF THE PUBLIC HEARING.
MERIBETH DEEN EDITOR
The remnants of bon fires, bottles, beer cans, oyster shells and random home appliances piled up outside the garbage can at Sandy Beach are a frustrating problem for local residents who make continuous efforts to keep the beach clean. Senior Bylaw Officer Bonny Brokenshire says that despite the work of the community stewards and seasonal parks crew taking care of the beach, the removal of this garbage is costing taxpayers. She also says it is only one of the problems plaguing Sandy Beach. “On February 11, Bylaw Services was notified by an Island resident that a visible sheen was evident in Mannion Bay close to Sandy Beach. Upon investigation it was evident that diesel fuel was leaking from a capsized vessel,” says Brokenshire. “A citizen had already contacted the province, but there was no response. I called the Spill Reporting line and stated the urgency of the matter as Sandy Beach has been identified as a suitable forage fish spawning area. Surf smelt and
Pacific sand lance spawn during this time of year.” The Coast Guard arrived two days later soon after a tide change. At that time a sheen was no longer visible. “They said sorry, but there’s no leakage now it must all be drained out,” says Brokenshire. “They did tour around Mannion Bay afterwards, taking photos of all the boats, writing down names and the k-numbers on the hull. I appreciate the fact that they came out.” Bowen Island Municipality is now working with Transport Canada to obtain removal authorization of this vessel. The estimated cost will be approximately $2000 which does not take into consideration the environmental costs of the spill. Brokenshire says that while much will be determined with the unveiling of councils strategic plan, the revitalization of the beach could go a long way in protecting it. “We need the community to want to use this area again” says Brokenshire. “Ideas like bringing in picnic tables, building a play structure, and sea wall restoration like they’ve done along the shoreline in West Vancouver could be a big help.”
Bowen Island Library Foundation & Bowen Island Arts Council Request for Expressions of Interest to Provide Architectural Services for an Addition to the Existing Bowen Library Building Bowen Island Public Library Foundation (the Foundation) and the Bowen Island Arts Council (BIAC) are seeking the services of an architecture firm registered in B.C. to provide architectural services for an addition of approximately 2800 square feet to the Bowen Island Public Library building. The architect will work with the project Steering Committee (6 members) as well as a facility subcommittee (4 members) during the design, permitting and construction processes. A concurrent fundraising program may impact design considerations. The project will provide a dedicated library space for events, programs and study, as well as a separate and dedicated art gallery space. Related support spaces will also be included. A design requirement is that the library and gallery spaces can be shared and combined to form one larger event and gathering space. An outdoor gathering space/public plaza is also a key component of the planned project.
LIBRARY
A schematic design has been generated in order to study program, function, floor area and cost issues. The architecture firm hired will not be bound to this design but will be required to work within the general parameters of the defined program, cost estimates (project budget) and square footage. Design work is expected to begin no later than April 2015 and permits to be in place by October 2015. Interested registered architecture firms should submit 3 hard copies and one pdf of a maximum three page letter outlining experience on Bowen Island, work with non-profit clients, public consultation processes, and meeting budget objectives. Local references and firm websites should be noted. Expressions of interest should be submitted to the address below by February 27, 2015. Interviews and selection will be complete by March 27, 2015. Bowen Library & Gallery Committee –EOI Tina Nielsen Bowen Island Public Library 430 Bowen Island Trunk Rd. P.O. Box 10 Bowen Island, B.C. V0N 1G0 e-mail: tnielsen@bowenlibrary.ca
FRIDAY FEBRUARY 20 2015 • 3
WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM
Meet your Municipal Planner: Cari St. Pierre engagement workshop for Bowen Island’s Parks Master Plan. Q. When you say this is an “interactive” engagement, what do you mean by that? A. The most common way to conduct an engagement is an open-house, but this tends to not be very effective in terms of getting feedback from the people who show up. This engagement is based on similar events I’ve hosted in other communities. I try to tailormake engagements for each community or meeting, using what I have learned and what has been successful previously. The aim with this process is to get everyone working together and sharing ideas.
Cari St. Pierre in her office at the Municipal Hall. Meribeth Deen, photo
MERIBETH DEEN EDITOR
Hired at the end of the summer, Municipal Planner Cari St. Pierre has settled in with a Bowen address and is, as she says, is getting her feet on the ground, literally. With a background planning for First Nations, sustainable planning, community planning and engagement, and development planning, St. Pierre brings both a breadth and depth of experience to her (relatively) new job. I sat down with St. Pierre to chat about her background and her experience on Bowen Island so far. When I entered her office, she was wrapping up work on Tuesday’s stakeholder
Q. I understand you’ve had experience working with the Islands Trust… A. I was a Trustee for Hornby Island although I didn’t get to finish my term. I had been struggling for a long time to stay on Hornby and manage my career consulting as a planner. For family and career reasons I could no longer live on Hornby full time, which meant I could not finish my term as Trustee. I hope that having lived and worked on Hornby, as a single mom and without a lot of money, does give me a more wellrounded perspective on island life and planning than the average urban planner.
municipality for more than a decade now? A. I think we are very lucky to be in the unique position of benefiting from both the Municipal and Islands Trust systems and staff. I have always liked and respected the Islands Trust staff and am happy to work with them and our two Trustees. I am also really enjoying working with the great team of Municipal staff on Bowen as well as our new mayor and councillors. Q. Your PhD was based on a comparative analysis of rural and remote BC communities, including island communities. Based on that research do you see a particular trend that binds the islands? A. I should note that did I not finish my PhD thesis for financial and family reasons. I needed to begin a fulltime job as Planner for the City of Surrey. Island communities are all very diverse. There are obvious overlapping issues such as ferry prices, the challenges of aging, the challenges for the 20-30 age group to stay on the islands and make or find jobs, and when they leave the challenges this can create for the older population that lose their support and service sector. These are just some of the more obvious trends I saw through my research. Q. Would you say that regulating docks is an issue that all the islands grapple with? A. Geography, landscape, community history and priorities determine a lot in terms of a community’s perspectives on docks and moorage. A community’s Land Use Bylaw helps define its unique approach with regards to docks and moorage. Working for Port Metro on the Land Use Plan, gave me the unique opportunity to hear different Municipal leaders and community members speak about their diverse perspectives and approaches in regards to docks throughout the Port Metro jurisdiction. Being new to Bowen and given the complexities of this issue, I am still listening and learning from Council and the community about the many variables surrounding docks and moorage here.
continued on PAGE 9
Q. What do you think Islands Trust has to offer a community such as Bowen, especially considering we have been a
BOWEN ISLAND HOUSE ACCOUN R001978559 BI03
BOWEN BULLETIN BOARD Gallery @ Artisan Square Presents
The Mini Gala
6 Feb - 22 Feb Featuring mini masterpieces by over 60 Bowen artists gallery@biac.ca
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
Annie’s House CleAning serviCe Don’t spend your retirement cleaning Relax while Annie does it for you Annie has 2 openings for regularly scheduled service
Temporary office relief Are you looking for some extra work? Do you have amazing organizational skills and are you a good multi tasker? You should help out at the Undercurrent office! We’re looking for someone to fill in throughout the year for vacation relief.
B BOARD
You’ve got better things to do!
604 947 2212 604 910 0822
Please send resume and cover letter to: Maureen Sawasy ads@bowenislandundercurrent.com
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
Randall Brannon Brothers Yip,
CPA Accounting, tAx, consulting
tel: 604 -817-9536 Email: randallyip@shaw.ca
roofing& sheet metal Call Mike at
778-829-2516
Waterfront House for rent over spring Break
4 bdrm, 2 bth east-facing, low bank waterfront. Available Mar 8-19. $275\night. 7 night minimum. Pictures available at Air BNB, Bowen Island, Waterfront home Call or text Ted Spear at
604-782-7005.
4 • FRIDAY FEBRUARY 20 2015
WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM
Published by Bowen Island Undercurrent a division of LMP Publication Limited Partnership, #102 - 495 Government Rd. Bowen Island, B.C. V0N 1G0
viewpoint 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.
Niche market
Keep the Express Bus rolling Dear Editor, It has been over ten years since I have written to The Undercurrent and council, but reading the various articles regarding Peter King’s downtown bus service has compelled me to compose a letter of support for this wonderful service. I hope that in doing so it will help build support in the community and on council for what should become a permanent part of our transportation and environmental stewardship strategy. I have been living on Bowen since 1997 and commuting probably for a total 13 of those years. I cannot say enough about how wonderful this service is and the impact it will have on me and so many other Bowen commuters. I have already given up my Horseshoe Bay parking spot for the duration of the refit and now use the bus rather than driving. I know this is an anecdotal statistic but with a small population such as ours, I strongly feel that we will only get a true picture of the impact of this service through anecdotes like this. I understand that council seems to be more focused on statistics than the stories of their community, so perhaps I can throw in some numbers to assist with the stories. How about 20 minutes a day per person spent waiting for a 257 in Horseshoe Bay that is not synchronized with the Bowen ferry? Or on the return journey from May to October: 30 minutes per day as our ferry times shift but the bus does not. At this point perhaps we have to dream a little or at least take a leap of faith about the impact of convenience and efficiency. If we saved people nearly an hour a day what do we think they would do with that time? Maybe they would be home earlier to enjoy Bowen events or attend activities with their children that are currently too early in the #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
evening. Maybe the combination of savings in time and money will provide an opportunity to spend more money in the Bowen economy, or at least keep this important segment of the island community (the commuters) in the community. Or do we think some of our niche stores like the Ruddy Potato, Cocoa West, Phoenix Photo and others (all wonderful services) would manage just fine with an economy dependent on island based incomes? Of course I haven’t even touched on the additional opportunities/benefits if Peter’s service is integrated with Translink through transfers. This would open up the service to those connecting with transit in Vancouver and maybe even encourage visitors to use this service to visit Bowen affordably. Perhaps using available advertising space on the side of the bus to showcase the scenery of Bowen, as is currently done on buses advertising the Capilano Suspension Bridge. This council has its first chance to make a lasting impact on Bowen that will benefit everyone. This is something (putting my neck out here) that I would think would have unanimous support. We say we are an environmentally aware group of people. If this is so, why do we have such a high carbon foot print with families owning 2, 3 and even 4 cars to get them around the island and into the lower mainland in a reasonable time? Council, please show us you will focus on what is important. Throw your support behind one of the best community contributors we have. Support Peter King and his wonderful vision. He has done most of the hard work for you. Thanks for your attention.
Dear Editor, Your article on the Bowen Video Store (13 February 2015) described the Netflix danger to video stores, including the Bowen store. There is an obvious niche in which independent video stores can survive: Netflix and other large services do not have good catalogues of films in languages other than English, low-circulation indie films, and films off the narrow mainstream interests. Could our store survive by developing such a catalogue? It depends on whether we are really a community of artists and independent thinkers, or simply the outer limit of West Van. Adam Morton
HAVE YOUR SAY! Please submit your letters to the editor to editor@ bowenislandundercurrent.com
Damian Leverton
Editor
Advertising
Contributor
Publisher
Meribeth Deen
Maureen Sawasy
Pauline Le Bel
Doug Foot
Bowen Island Undercurrent Subscription Rates: Mailed 1 year Subscription (With in Canada) $65.00, including GST Newsstand (Single Copy) 75 cents per copy, including GST
editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com
ads@bowenislandundercurrent.com
publisher@bowenislandundercurrent.com 2011 CCNA
CANADIAN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER AWARD 2011
WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM
Motherhood, Mentorship and The Circle of Community TINA OVERBURY CONTRIBUTOR
Whether we like it or not, the river of mentorship that runs through us is changing. Currently, our silent and trusted tradition of telling family stories while changing tires, flipping pancakes and breaking bread together has morphed into on purpose, scheduled activities to foster a ‘healthy attachment’ with our spouse and children. We may be gathering together but usually it’s around the coffee table, or on high stools at the family ‘bar’ instead of around a table, and when we take on togetherness, it’s as a mindful task to become a “successful family.” FYI, I’m a huge attachment parenting fan, in fact I use a lot of the principals in both my life and work, because to me, it’s all the same pot of stew. I’m not knocking Gordon Neufeld and his still hugely popular approach, but rather bringing our attention to the need for it in the first place. From my own experience, mentorship has been something I’ve fallen into and received easily because my life required it. My mom died when I was eight, and as a result, our family of five kids, some adopted, some not, fractured in to what seemed like a zillion pieces. My dad, god bless him, never recovered. He did marry again, and we blended with another previously blended family of six grown boys. Yes, that’s four blends, and yes, I’m telling you that I was the youngest of eleven children of which eight were my brothers. It was a gong-show as we were all the blind leading, ignoring, blaming and running from the blind. Why do I tell you this? Because as a result of this gobbledy life-goop, I can get drunk with being and giving mentorship. It’s the only thing I’ve ever known. On to the Bowen part of this story. Mentorship thrives here. Upon my first few weeks on Bowen, my neighbour, Corrina Headley of Home Farm Gardens came over and walked me through the property I live on. She smiled and pointed at various leaves and shrubs, telling me what they are and how they grow, and how I can use them. I had no idea. My mom had a garden, but we never had a chance to work in it together. Then I met Suzan Philippe who introduced me to the Little Red Church and Shelagh MacKinnon at a time when I was feeling really restless but also awkwardly tentative about embracing the whole ‘faith’ thing in my life. Last June, Todd and I were invited to our first Summer Solstice Soiree. We laughed really hard when we realized there were dozens happening across the island and we had never heard of such a thing before. I would call that ‘cultural mentorship’. A few weeks ago I posted a question on Facebook about switching to organic milk and butter, and “What was the best and most economical way to do that?”. In just over 48 hours, the conversation, full of answers and suggestions had extended to over 67 comments, half of which were from our neighbours here on Bowen Island. Yes we’re a Facebook community, but not because we love to be online, rather because we love to be connected. Our schools are fueled with a men-
torship and stewardship mindset. BICS focuses on virtues and has ‘big buddy’ practice of connecting the young ones with the more mature ones. Their grade seven ceremony sees each graduate leave the stage while holding hands with a kindie as both students step bravely in to a new stage of their education. IPS raises the bar of professional promise for their grade nine graduates with Masterworks, a mentorship program connecting adult professionals with fourteen year old passionate teens. The end result is a “Ted Talk” of sorts presented by the graduating students after a year of inquiry, focus and practice as their mentors guide them. With our Island Discovery School, mentorship IS the heartbeat as their very focus is to ‘preserve and enrich the central role of family in children’s learning’. Again, brilliant, mindful, and deep with roots of life stewardship. Mentorship isn’t just for kids either. In this place called home, I’ve learned about love, deepened about marriage, expanded on children, dialed down on divorce, shared secrets, exchanged tragedies, celebrated births and made promises. I have done most of these things with people, half of whom I may only know by face, and not by name. As of late I find myself leaning on the families who have already been through ‘the teenage years’, have dealt with the ‘professional angst’ of our forties and who frankly, and quite simply, know how to make bread without using wheat.
...perhaps the new family unit is a wider circle that is enriched and strengthened by the roots of our community... The other day, I reached out to my friend, Cindi Keep, a long time Bowen Islander who is also a mom to three grown children, musician and a working professional who commutes daily on the shuttle to downtown Vancouver. Our lives are quite different, but still we seem to be mentoring each other these days. In the next little while she’s going to have me over to show me the difference between various grains and teach me how to cook and bake with each of them. I know that my mom would’ve loved to have done that, and while I may have missed out on what I imagine would’ve been her kind and gentle mothering mentorship, her voice is still coming through the hearts of my friends, neighbours and community. Yes, the role of ‘family mentorship’ may be changing, and yes, attachment to our peers may not be ideal, but perhaps the new family unit is a wider circle that is enriched and strengthened by the roots of our community, and although this article isn’t about this, I suspect our First Nation neighbours might agree. Many thanks to this family of mine called Bowen Island. This daughter is grateful for your mentorship.
FRIDAY FEBRUARY 20 2015 • 5
The art of conversation PAULINE LE BEL COMMUNITY CAULDRON
I am preparing to go into a ten-day silent retreat. There will be no access to email, no phone chats, no opportunities to pop into The Undercurrent to see what the illustrious women of the press are building for the next issue; no impromptu conversations on the ferry, in front of the library, or in the meadow at Crippen Park; no deep conversations over meals with friends. Instead I will be taking a deep look at the conversations that go on between myself and my Self. As I begin to move into this silent world, it motivates me to think about the importance of conversation. So I look to my friend, Chris Corrigan, who knows more about the art of conversation than anyone else I know. He makes a living hosting highlevel conversations with all kinds of people from all over the world. A few months ago, he told me: “conversation softens us.” His words made me wonder about some of the conversations I’ve been involved in, where I came out feeling actually less than soft. Clearly, something was missing. I phoned him to get some clarity.
In real conversation, we are sharing our stories. When you’ve heard someone’s story, you soften toward them, you can’t demonize them. Chris begins by quoting his friend, Christina Baldwin, another conversation specialist: “The shortest distance between two people is a story,” is how Christina frames it. “In real conversation,” adds Chris, “we are sharing our stories. When you’ve heard someone’s story, you soften toward them, you can’t demonize them.” This helped me recall an experience I had over 30 years ago when I was a volunteer with the Distress Line in Edmonton. Halfway through my first shift, I received a call from a drug dealer who was suicidal; he wanted to jump off the High Level Bridge because of all the suffering he had caused other people by selling them drugs. I have never listened so hard in my life, keenly aware of the fact that the telephone was his tenuous hold on life. Over the next, intense hour, he told me his story, and we both came away changed. This was a human being, deserving of love and attention, no matter
what he had done. “You can discuss facts, you can argue about them,” says Chris, “but a story is someone’s experience of something. You can’t argue with that.” He looks at the etymology of the word discuss: from the Latin discutere, dis, meaning apart, and cutere, meaning shaking. So a discussion is literally “a shaking apart.” The origin of the word conversation, on the other hand, literally means “to keep company with,” “to turn about with.” “Not every talk is a conversation,” Chris admits. Debates, for example in parliamentary procedure, take the emotion out of the exchange; they take the human part out of it. He calls debate “ritualized warfare” – it removes the violence from the confrontation, and it also removes the heart. So a discussion or debate cannot be transformative in the way a real conversation can. Conversation implies a connection between you and someone else, something more than just reporting on your activities, what you did, what you’re going to do. You are present to each other, listening to each other’s story, and you feel grateful and connected. “Discussion is rational,” he says. “Conversation is an emotional experience.” Your heart is fully engaged. This is where the softening enters; to have a true conversation, one must allow oneself to become vulnerable. Two years ago, I was part of a Suzuki Elders group engaged in Reconciliation Dialogues with Chief Robert Joseph. It was a privilege to hear the stories of the Coast Salish people who had survived residential school. They, in turn, listened to our stories of loss, and together we discovered our common humanity. John Niles, in his book, Homo Narrans: The Poetics and Anthropology of Oral Literature, suggests that oral narrative is, and has long been, the chief basis of culture itself, that the need to tell stories is what distinguishes humans from all other living creatures. Maybe so, but if you’ve ever listened to two ravens prawking and glooing together, it sure sounds like a conversation. There is so much heart in it. They may even be telling stories. I’ve learned a few of their vocalizations so I’m ready if the opportunity occurs. I will think about these things as I enter the silence. Perhaps I will rediscover that silence and conversation are one thing, and that silence is never empty. It is, rather, a preparation for conversation; and if the silence is deep, and the heart engaged, the words that come forth will not break the silence, they will continue it.
This week in Undercurrent history MAUREEN SAWASY UNDERCURRENT HISTORIAN
25 years ago in the Undercurrent
Mid-February 1990 brought weather-woes to Bowen Island. Snow, wind and freezing temperatures wrought havoc on the power (or lack there of) and on commuters. On Friday February 16 as the 5:55 ferry rounded the point and came in for a landing commuters were aghast to see it pull out again and sail away – just far enough to turn around and come back again. Because there was no power, the crew were required to use the ship’s electrical system but the power cord was frozen solid to the wharf, making it too short ot reach the engine room. So the captain turned the boat around, shortening the distance required, thus allowing the ramp to be lowered. Passengers (still a bit sleepy), shuffled aboard and as usual, headed for the stern of the boat and the stairs to the passenger quarters, much to the delight of the crew. One crew member in particular who laughed at the befuddled commuters saying “gotcha! The stairs are that-a-way,” and steered them to the temporary prow which is normally the stern.
20 years ago in the Undercurrent
A runaway dump truck crashed through a building known at the time as ‘ArtHouse’. The driver lost control of the vehicle while attempting to make a right hand turn onto Dorman Rd. The building was being used by the Bowen Island Arts Council for their workshops and classes and as studio space for a
number of local artists. The accident occurred while one of these classes was taking place but thankfully no one was injured in the accident.
15 years ago in the Undercurrent
The province wide, Workers Compensation Boardenforced smoking ban finally caught up with Bowen Island. After ignoring the ban for a week, Pub owner Terry Cotter and Doc’s owner Rondy Dyke were warned they would be facing fines if the ban was not adhered to. Both owners then made their establishment smoke free and noticed a slight drop in business. “Guys who used to sit here and have five or six pints are now drinking two pints before going home to smoke,” said one of the servers at the Pub. Cotter’s reaction to the ban was to focus more on the food aspect to the Pub, treating it more like a restaurant. At least one patron was thrilled with the change. “I’ve been to the bar three times in the last two weeks. I hadn’t gone for almost a year but I’ll keep coming for dinner now that the smoke is gone.” Bowen Island Botanicals Ltd. was a family owned and operated medicinal herb farm located on the corner of Grafton and Cowan Roads. The business had been building since 1995 with the first crop of Echinacea purpurea cut, dried and stored in 1997. By 2000, the business had safely and effectively (with the help of the University of Saskatchewan) developed Echinacea Tincture and 4 other products for the every growing medicinal herb market.
6 • FRIDAY FEBRUARY 20 2015
WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM
BOWEN ISLAND VET R003969415 BI03
VET
Olivia with her TNT, getting ready for the Youth Curator exhibit. Story on page 8. Sarah Haxby, photo
EVERGREEN PROPERTIES R001977996 BI03
EG PROP
FRIDAY FEBRUARY 20 2015 • 7
WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM
Aspiring Bowen runners train together for Sun Run
Members of the Bowen Island Sun Run training group outside of BICS, just before heading out on their week 5 run. Meribeth Deen, photo
MERIBETH DEEN EDITOR
After enduring cold, dark, winter mornings, Bowen Islanders training for the 10 km
Vancouver Sun run were treated to a taste of spring during last Saturday’s week 5 run. The Undercurrent will be checking in with at least one local runner for updates on progress. Sun Run diaries, so to speak.
Bowen lsland Business Showcase
Stefania Short volunteered to track her progress for us, but with a bummed-hip in week 5, she’s not sure how long she’ll be able to continue her training. “It’s kind of a silly injury, actually,” Short explains. “A few months ago, a friend of mine was complaining of tight hips and asked me to show her some yoga moves to loosen them up. Maybe I showed off a little, now that’s coming back to haunt me.” Short says she is happy to be supported by the Sun Run training group in all kinds of ways - including through advice on healing her hip. “It’s the hip flexor, and I’ve been told to keep icing it and
make sure the strain does not spread into the IT muscle,” says Short. Short says that she’s attempted to do the Sun Run twice before, and never reached her goal - and that is her motivation for joining the training group. “I know I wouldn’t be getting up on rainy Saturday mornings without the group,” says Short. “And the runs go by quickly, because being with people, you just keep chatting.” Short also explains that the training regimen, which in week 5 required runners to run for 3 minutes and walk for 1 minute, nine times over, works because it forces a slow pace. “This has left me riding high, because every time a run is finished I feel like I haven’t quite gotten what I wanted out of it. Basically, it leaves me wanting more.”
PAUL HOOSEN R001978545 BI03
Saturday, February 28, 2015 • 10:00 am to 2:00 pm Bowen Island Community School Gym 1041 Mt Gardner Road, Bowen lsland
FREE ADMISSION TO THE PUBLIC
PAUL
FOOD DEMONSTRATION 11:30 am to 1:00 pm by Chef Matt Matheson’s VINE & GARDEN Visit 30+ tables on display featuring Bowen lsland and West Vancouver businesses. Food Demo Sponsor
Presenting Sponsor
Media Sponsor
West Vancouver Chamber of Commerce • 2235 Marine Dr., West Vancouver, V7V 1K5 • 604-926-6614 info@westvanchamber.com • www.westvanchamber.com
MODERN HOME FURNISHINGS
Q u a l i t y F i r s t • S u p e r b S e l e c t i o n • Yo u r S t y l e Bedroom, Living Room, Childrens & Office Furniture
HOME
SPEC IA on B L PRICI Livin edroom NG g Dini Room , ng R & sets oom !
Real Wood Furniture Real Investment
700 Marine Dr., North Vancouver
corner of Marine Dr & Bewicke Ave. Customer parking at rear of building, access off Bewicke Ave.
604-904-3939
8 • FRIDAY FEBRUARY 20 2015
WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM
Come out to the Scottish Kaboom! It’s going to be a dynamite exhibit created by the Family Dance on Saturday! BICS Youth Curator Program This year’s theme: Our Main Street: at the heart of the community is a very inspiring topic for the youth curators who are researching the local history of not one, but two of our island’s main streets. Their research has lead them in an exciting direction and their exhibit is called: “Bowen’s Main Street and other main street” which looks at the main street from the ferry to the school, as well as Tunstall Bay which used to have its own main street which included boat and barge docking facilities, a store, an electricity generating station, a dynamite factory, houses, a post office and more. Youth Curators have been researching the original location of the two historic post offices on Bowen, the history of the Public Library, how homes were moved to Tunstall Bay by barge and how the dynamite factory blew-up more than once. As the curators have been saying: “it’s going to be a dynamite show!” The Youth Curator program was created in order to get students interested in their local history, and over the last five years we have seen that youth are very interested and engaged by an exhibit created by youth for youth than by exhibits created ‘just by adults.’ With the help of the Museum and Archives curator and archivist the youth curators create an exhibit based on their own research which celebrates BC Heritage Week by looking through their own community’s lens to directly explore, research and share Bowen Island history in a hands-on fashion. History presented by youth for youth creates an exhibit that all the classes at BICS look forward to visiting. The exhibit and the interactive guide to the exhibit are accessible for public viewing 3-8pm Monday-Friday in the BICS display case Feb 18th -April 15th.
SARAH HAXBY SUBMISSION
Thanks to generous funding from the Knick Knack Nook and ongoing support from Decoda Literacy Solutions and the Bowen Literacy Task Group, the BICS Youth Curator program is running again this year (and next year,) to promote connections between youth and local history. The program is facilitated by Sarah Haxby, Community School Coordinator, in partnership with the Bowen Island Museum’s Curator, Archivist and support from the Museum and Archives Board members. The program, now in its sixth year, gives youth the experience of visiting the museum and archives and learning how to be curators of their own exhibition. Youth Curators select a topic that interests them that is inspired by the BC Heritage Week’s theme. Eight youth curators have been going to visit the museum and archives weekly to research and curate their exhibits. Students have been learning about archives and artifacts, how to access photos in the archives and from the online database.
Youth Curators have been researching the original location of the two historic post offices on Bowen, the history of the Public Library, how homes were moved to Tunstall Bay by barge and how the dynamite factory blew-up more than once.
Avoid Overloads on the Little Ferr y
SARAH HAXBY SUBMISSION
There are many events that happen on the island for a variety of reasons that are sometimes mysterious… however it’s no mystery why I’ve been working with the Community Recreation programmers to help create a Scottish Family Dance on Saturday Feb. 28th in the BICS gym. The goals are simple: to create a fun, affordable, community and family-friendly, allages event! The doors will open at 5:30 and the BICS PAC Friday Lunch volunteers are helping out by creating a pizza concession which is a mini fundraiser towards the purchase of a screen and projector for the school gym that will be of benefit to students and the community. The Royal Scottish Dance Team of over a dozen dancers is coming to perform for the community at 6pm. How did this happen? Well, I bought the show at a silent auction for a very good deal! I’ve been going into Vancouver once a month to dance at the Scottish Ceilidhs and having fun learning the Scottish folk dances which are simple
and easy to learn. You don’t have to do any of the fancy stepping that the dance team will be doing, and you don’t have to dress up. Just wear comfortable clothes and shoes with low or no heels. After the show, from 6:308:30 pm, the fantastic dance teacher and caller Duncan Mackenzie will teach everyone some simple dances, and the Royal Scottish dance team will join in to help everyone learn the dances. These are social dances created for all ages and if it falls apart, well that’s part of the fun too! So: Let’s dance! This is the sort of fun event that I remember from when I was a kid growing up on Bowen, and I wanted to share with the island and the next generation the fun of Scottish folk dance. Community Recreation is helping to make this happen by hosting the event, and we hope you will come out to see the show, try the dances and to have fun with your neighbours. Advance registration is $5 per person at www.communityrecreation. com, or cash at the door $8 per person, under three is free. Anyone who chooses to dress up will be entered into a special prize draw, so bring out your kilts or plaid and come join in the fun!
HOME FARMS GARDEN R001978470 BI03
Share rides with other Bowen Islanders
Try Bowen LIFT’s Free Online Ride Share App app.b owenlif t.com Ride Sharing
Ferry Sailings
This project was undertaken with the financial support of: Ce projet a été réalisé avec l’appui financier de:
Bus Shedules
Local, family owned and operated, Landscape Company are now hiring Lawn Maintenance Crew and Landscape installation. Please send resume to rosie@homefarm.ca or call
FARMS
604-947-6995
We look forward to hearing from you.
Spring has Sprung!
FRIDAY February FEBRUARY 20 2015 • 9
WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM
More than poetry:
Quiet Coming of Light Comes to Tir-na-nOg MERIBETH DEEN EDITOR
Bowen Island Poet Jude Neale’s Quiet Coming of Light event aims to appeal to a wide audience through not just poetry but also music and dance. The afternoon will be piped in by Chris Corrigan. Other musicians fea-
tured include Ian Cameron who will be bringing his stand-up bass, and Teun Schut on guitar. Dancer Su-Lin Tseng, dancing five months pregnant, has choreographed her dances to Neale’s poems. Poet Kevin Spenst, who just finished a tour of 100 cities in Canada, will be reading and singing alongside Neale.
Don’t miss Karen Savõca and Pete Heitzman SHARI ULRICH SUBMISSION
Those who have heard the remarkable music of Karen Savõca and Pete Heitzman will be excited to hear they are returning to play a concert at Tirna-nog on Friday, Feb. 27th at 7:30 pm. I first shared a stage with Karen and Pete at a festival on Vancouver Island in 2000. I fell in love with their music form the first note. Like many great artists, their appeal is not just the captivating songs, although Karen’s voice, percussion and compelling lyrics, along with Pete’s unparalleled guitar work is enough to fill concert halls. It is who they are - their disarming warmth, humour, spontaneity and authenticity, all of which are infused into their performance. From upstate New York, Karen and Pete tour extensively throughout the U.S. and Canada. They have appeared
on Good Morning America, Prairie Home Companion, and pretty much every major festival in North America including Vancouver. They are loved wherever they go and Bowen Island is no exception. We’re so lucky to have them come right to our door. Though anyone who loves to hear a great singer /songwriter will want to hear Karen, I also encourage the many guitar players on the island to come and experience Pete Heitzman’s mastery of the instrument. The range of colours and sounds that man can get out of six strings is jaw dropping. I will be joining them on some select songs on violin, mandolin and vocals. Tickets are $20 and available at Pheonix (with cash or a cheque). And please do pick them up early. If it turns out you can’t make it I will arrange for a refund, so there’s no risk involved. It spares those of us who present music a lot of stress knowing there will be an audience before the doors open.
ASHTON COLLEGE R001978697 L753
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.
ASHTON
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
Interview with planner Cari St. Pierre from PAGE 3 Q. What do you think makes Bowen particularly unique? A. For one, its history which I am really enjoying learning about. The fact that the Union Steamship Company brought such vitality and vibrancy to the Cove is very fascinating, as is the fact that many of the original Bowen families still have many relations living here, on some of the same properties. The feasibility of being more sustainable as an island while considering the size, lakes, and protected greenspaces, is exciting as a new planner. The other unique element is the proximity to Vancouver, West Vancouver and North Vancouver; specifically the unique challenges this makes in regards to transit, and the commuting culture on Bowen, which is not as prevalent on other islands. Q. What do you think needs to happen on Bowen to make it a more ecologically sustainable community? A. Let me get back to you on that in a year, I really have so much to learn about Bowen I don’t feel like I know enough yet to answer the question. My experience on Hornby was very influential, but I try not to let it colour my perspective too much as I learn a
new community. Still, it does seem apparent right off the bat that Bowen is MUCH more sustainable than Hornby, which has major problems with water shortages, draughts in the summer and a population that nearly quadruples every summer. Also, the approach to sustainable planning that guides my planning perspective is more of a fourpillar approach, and it strives to encourage an equal balance between the social sphere, the cultural sphere, the ecological and economic concerns. This is just one of models that guides my overall planning. I hope it will be of benefit when working with the Bowen community. Q. You said you’ve recently been working on getting your boots on the ground here, where have you been? A. I’ve walked from the bottom of the Cove all around Killarney Lake; climbed to the South Peak of Gardner and have explored most of the Island’s south shore, from Seymore Bay all the way around. When issues come up in different places, I’ve asked applicants, stakeholders and Councilors to take me out to the different sites, so that I can see things through their eyes. I like doing site visits so I can understand all the intricacies as well as the beauty Bowen has to offer.
Participants in Tuesday’s Parks and Trails Masterplan workshop beginning to map out their vision for the future of Bowen parks. Meribeth Deen, photo
Understanding Medical Assured Loading CARING CIRCLE SUBMISSION
The Medical Assured Loading Program, recently being implemented on Bowen, needs another explanation as there seems to be quite a bit of confusion. It is NOT assured loading for medical appointments, no matter how important they may be to you. You will still have to make sure to get into the line up as early as you think necessary for critical medical appointments, as we have all done for years. Perhaps the phrase that B.C. Ferries uses is not descriptive enough and has led to some erroneous assumptions B.C. Ferries has offered this service at all their ferry terminals for a number of years but we have not implemented such a program on Bowen, as it seemed fraught with complications. But with the long ferry refit, the BIM Transportation Committee and Caring Circle decided to look into a way to implement this service on Bowen. Given that our ferry line up is on municipal land, it was up to us to figure out a way to make this work locally. So B.C. Ferries has some criteria and we have added our local criteria to make sure there is no abuse of this service. Here is how it works: Your physician is the gatekeeper of this program. It is up to him or her to decide if you need a “medical assured loading letter,” with this one underlining principal in mind: your health would be compromised by waiting in a line up in your car for an extended period of time causing you unnessary suffering. It is NOT for important medical appointments or procedures. It is not for any particular diagnosis or treatment regimen. Just because you’re going through chemo or radiation or have had recent surgery does not automatically make you eligible for assured load-
ing. But if your health is so fragile that sitting in your car in winter wrapped in a blanket, perhaps nauseated and in pain, adds to your suffering, you might be the perfect person for an assured loading letter. How do you get one? • • •
•
Discuss with your doctor why you feel you need assured loading If he/she agrees, your doctor has to email B.C. Ferries and ask for an assured loading letter Once you get the letter, you take it to either BIM office or Caring Circle (only Mon/Wed/ Fri) and we will give you a red card to put in your front and back window with name/dates You park in the “medical assured loading” area in front of the General Store where it is cross hatched.
• Apparently there have been some angry knocks on car windows when someone has pulled into the lineup in this cross hatched area. Feel free to have a look at the car windows: there should be a red card in both the front and back windows signed by either Caring Circle or BIM with particular dates allowed for parking in this area. But also please be compassionate and caring towards your neighbours - they are clearly feeling very poorly. B.C. Ferries staff at the terminal generally don’t know the details of this program so please either look at the Caring Circle website (caringcircle.ca), click on the link to “Bowen Health Resource Guide” and then press the link to Transportation at the right hand side of the page or the BIM website and go to the search box at the top of the page and type in “medical assured loading”. Or you can call BIM office or Caring Circle (9100).
10 • FRIDAY FEBRUARY 20 2015
WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM
Big Hero 6 screening at the Gallery at Artisan this Saturday, 4:30pm
On the calendar FRIDAY FEBRUARY 20
Legion Dinner Doors open at 5 p.m., dinner starts at 6:30 Shakespeare’s Cymbeline Directed by Graham Ritchie 7:15 Cates Hill Chapel Tickets $20 from the library
Ready, Set, Learn 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. in the BICS Primary Wing
SUBMISSION
Island Pacific School students and parents are screening the pre-release of Big Hero 6 on Saturday, February 21st at 4:30pm at the Artisan Square Gallery. We decided to try an alternate location this time. The Gallery has a
wonderful movie screening system already setup; large screen that pulls down out of the ceiling, projector, dvd player, and a speaker system. The space has a slightly smaller capacity than the Chapel, so get your tickets early. Savory foods will be available as well as the regular concession items. Tickets will be sold at Phoenix, IPS, and at the door.
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
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
Crippen Stewardship Group Weed Warriors 10:00 a.m. - 1 p.m. 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. Movie Matinee pre-release screening of: BIG HERO 6 4:30 p.m. at the Gallery at Artisan Square $6 tickets at Phoenix, IPS and at the door. Concession of popcorn, cupcakes, savory treats, and coffee and tea. Youth Open Gym: 6 - 8:30 p.m. at BICS Shakespeare’s Cymbeline Directed by Graham Ritchie 7:15 Cates Hill Chapel Tickets $20 from the library
(661 Carter Rd.)
10:00 a.m. Worship • Sunday School: Tots to Teens Pastor: Dr. James B. Krohn
REGULAR SCHEDULE BC Ferries REGULAR SCHEDULE January 5 to 31, In Effect May 15 March to October 13,2015 2014
▼
5:30 am** 5:30 am 6:30 am** 6:30 am 7:30 am** 7:30 am 8:30 am * 8:35 am 9:30 am 9:35 am 10:30 am# 10:35 am 11:30 am 11:40 am 12:30 pm 12:45pm^ pm 1:30 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# † 10:00 am 10:05 am 11:00 am 11:05 am 12:00 pm 12:10 pm 1:30 pm^ 2:35 pm 2:25 pm 3:45 pm 4:45 pm 3:30 pm 5:50 pm 4:30 pm * 6:50 pm 5:30 pm 7:50 pm 6:30 pm * 8:40 pm 7:30 pm*# 9:40 pm 8:30 pm# 9:30 pm
Distance: 3 NAUTICAL MILES Crossing Time: 20 MINUTES
Leave Horseshoe Bay
Leave Snug Cove
BOWEN ISLAND Snug Cove
MONDAY FEBRUARY 23
Seniors Keeping Young 9 a.m. exercises followed by personal readings celebrating life and nature by Don Erickson (11 a.m) Noon: Soup and dessert
FERRY
Body Vitality Massage therapy Now 7 days a week! James Goldfarb RMT Fri, Sat, Sun, Mon 604-288-2860 Jenni Griffiths RMT Tue, Wed, Thur 604-240-6485 www.bodyvitaliy.ca
InHabit
Somatic Centre
566 Artisan Square
# DAILY EXCEPT daily except SUNDAYS suNdays
Somatic Patterning Massage Craniosacral Therapy
#
**
DAILY EXCEPT daily except SATURDAYS & saturdays SUNDAYS & suNdays
** **
DAILY EXCEPT daily except SAT, SUN sat, suN && MAYFeb. 19, JUL 9 1, AUG 4, SEPT 1 & OCT† 13 tHe WedNesday sailiNGs Will be replaced by daNGerOus THE WEDNESDAY carGO sailiNGs. SAILINGS WILL NOREPLACED OtHer BE passeNGers BY DANGEROUS perMitted. CARGO SAILINGS. NO OTHER ^Wed & Mar. PASSENGERS 5-6,PERMITTED. 12-13, 19-20 & 26-27 ONly
†
WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 25
Knitting Circle 2 - 5 p.m. Bowen Court - All levels welcome!
THURSDAY FEBRUARY 26
Duplicate Bridge @ Bowen Court Call Irene @ 2955
UPCOMING FEBRUARY 27
Bowen Island Montessori Open House 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. AGORA Forum on Education 7 p.m. at the Gallery at Artisan Square Karen Savoca, Pete Heitzman and Shari Ulrich 7:30 p.m. Tir-na-nOg
FEBRUARY 28
Scottish Family Dance Doors open at BICS Gym at 5:30
MARCH 1
A Quiet Coming of Light An afternoon of poetry, music and dance 1:30 p.m. at Tir-na-nOg Theatre, tickets $20
BOWEN ISLAND HOUSE ACCOUN R001978804 BI03
* daily except saturdays
AA Meeting Collins Hall 7:15 p.m.
The Future of God Panel Discussion Bowen Island Yoga, 7:30 - 8 p.m.
1 - 2:15 p.m. Jane’s Walk around Snug Cove Meet in front of the Library
604-988-6304
CATES HILL CHAPEL www.cateshillchapel.com 604-947-4260
Musical Family Fun Bowen Island Yoga, 11 a.m. Olè Noos, a Bowen island alt-country & blues singer who will have you grooving along and tapping your toes to old fashioned ditties.
TUESDAY FEBRUARY 24
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 21
ISLAND PACIFIC SCHOOL
MONDAY FEBRUARY 23
HEALTH & WELLNESS Dr. Utah Zandy 604-947-9830 CALL FOR APPOINTMENT OPEN TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS
M.D.
Open Mon.Wed. Thurs. Fri. Call for an appointment Artisan Square
604-947-9986
Chiropractor
Dr. Dana Barton
595B Artisan Lane Tues. & Fri. Call for an appointment
(778) 828-5681 www.leachchiro.com
604-947-9755 Ext #1
At entrance to Artisan Square Suite #597
OPEN 7 days a week!
CATHERINE SHAW
MARY MCDONAGH RMt
Dr. Traditional Chinese Medicine/Acupuncturist
TexT: 604-653-9755
HARMONY SHIRE RMt ALICIA HOPPENRAtH RMt
❦
Celebrating 27 years
MARY MCDONAGH
778-996-5911
Community Healthcare
HEALTH
Dr. Susanne Schloegl
Ball Rolling Classes T’ai Chi Chih (778) 952-3757 Breathe Move Touch
Dr. Tracy Leach, D.C.
BOWEN ISLAND MASSAGE THERAPY @ #597 Wellness Centre & #595 next door!!
Naturopathic Physician 596 B. Artisan Square
604-730-1174 Natural Family Medicine
Psychologist
RMT, DCH Registered Massage Therapist
❦
Dr. Carolyn Nesbitt PhD, R.Psych #1484
SANDY LOGAN
604-376-9801
❦
Registered Physiotherapist
COuRTNEY MORRIS
www.CarolynNesbitt.com
R.Ac, DCH Acupuncturist / Homeopath
Dr. Gloria Chao
BLOOD TESTS, URINE TESTS OR ECGS
Family Dentist
Artisan Square 604-947-0734 Alternate Fridays 10am - 4:30pm Horseshoe Bay 604-921-8522 www.bowenislanddental.com
6:45 - 9:00 A.M. EVERY THURSDAY DR. ZANDY’S OFFICE
WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM
FRIDAY February 20 2015 • 11
12 • FRIDAY FEBRUARY 20 2015
WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM
This year the Canadian Flag turns fifty, and the Grandfriends program turns twenty! personal experiences that cover decades of historymaking events.” A grade two student in 1994 commented “I can always count on my grandfriend On Thursday February 12th the Grandfriends to listen to me and talk to when she comes to my program was hosted by the grade five students of class,” and students today feel the same way. The division five. This day was carefully selected to comGrandfriends program makes important social conbine the themes of celebrating Valentine’s and Flag nections between the younger and older citizens Day in advance of the two special days. Students of our community. There is much to learn from made the Canadian flag their valentine for the year each other, and much to share. Many youth living as we are all celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of on Bowen do not have the opportunity to see their the Canadian flag and the celebration of Flag Day. grandparents, and many seniors living on Bowen Students shared skits about how flag etiquette dos have limited opportunities to socialize with youth, or and don’ts, and presented an essay about the history to see their grandchildren. It’s an important skill to of the Canadian flag. Grandfriends were invited to be able to socialize and empathize in and intergenintroduce themselves and to share their memories of erational context, and an important building-block of when the Canadian flag was adopted in 1965. Stories having a healthy, friendly community. that were shared included a military perspective, The Grandfriends program has always welcomed coming back to Canada to finding out the flag had people in the community 55 plus, who are old changed, and the European perspective on the matenough to be grandparents, but do not necessarter, from grandfriends who were living abroad at the ily have to be grandparents. Off-island grandpartime the maple leaf flag was adopted. Grandfriends ents are welcomed to visit Bowen and participate in and students sang Oh Canada together and then Grandfriends, and last week one stalwart grandfather shared activities and show and tell which included made his way to Bowen on his own vessel, all the knitting, kinetic sand and creating a glass mosaic way from Pender Island. The program has evolved of the flag, which will remain in the classroom as a from classroom visits-only to a mix of days at BICS memento of the day. and students going out into the community to visit The Grandfriends Program at BICS is celebrating with Grandfriends at S.K.Y. (Seniors Keeping Young) twenty years of creating inter-generational connecat Bowen Court. This year’s program consists of tions in the community. In the 1994-1995 school two classes singing Carols at SKY, two SKY story year Mrs. Yvonne Woodhouse and then Community exchanges, and two Grandfriends events at BICS School Coordinator Gail Gallander stated: “Senior hosted by grade five students. citizens also enrich children’s learning by sharing The next Grandfriends Program at BICS is scheduled for Thursday April SOCIALSHOPPER.COM - GLACI 2nd at 1pm. Please signR003957777 up with Community GD23 School Coordinator .com Sarah Haxby at 604 9470389 if you are interGet exclusive access to the best offers in the city ested in attending. SARAH HAXBY SUBMISSION
U -9 P T 4% O
GLACIER COMMUNITY PROMO R006965159 L781
Top: Grandfriend Martin Clarke and Xelan. Bottom: the mosaic created by students and their grandfriends to celebrate the anniversary of the Canadian flag. Sarah Haxby, photos
Five, Six or Seven-Night Stay for 2 or 4 People in a Luxury Boutique Hotel The Hacienda Cerritos Todos Santos, Mexico
$2,243.75
From
$199
FUND
-5
8%
WANTED: Two Black-Sheep-Free Weeks on Bowen Island
Valentine’s Essential Oils Gift Package Featuring 3 Essential Oils, 3 Fragrance Oils & Sweet Almond Massage Oil Sunrise Botanics Redeem Online
$92.93
$ 39
Get these and other exclusive offers at SocialShopper.com Visit us online
Find an offer you like
Buy it
Enjoy it!
Help us get The Flock Off the Rock! Donate to the Black Sheep Morris Dancers’ crowdfunding campaign to help pay for their upcoming trip to England at
/blacksheep
Bowen Island
Undercurrent ad deadlines: The FRIDAY before you want the ad published!
Please send your requests to Maureen Sawasy at: ads@bowenislandundercurrent.com THANK YOU! The Undercurrent