Friday May 9, 2014

FRIDAY MAY 09 2014 VOL. 41, NO. 18

75¢

including GST

Watch for more online at: WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM

Moving forward

Gambier logging

A story of heart and lungs

Snug Cove House goes it alone to bring supported living to Bowen

Trees will stay standing, for now

Island women bond by bike and raise money for cancer research

Artisan Square business owners gather for a dose of sunshine and a group shot.

Debra Stringfellow, photo

Artisan Square businesses embrace change, co-operation MERIBETH DEEN EDITOR

Since January, two new businesses have opened up at Artisan Square, and one business, Bowen’s Little Pet shop, has changed hands. As a result of these and other changes in the past year, Artisan Square has become the domain of, for the most part, female business owners. While all the Artisan Square entrepreneurs work hard for the success of their individual ventures, they have also embraced a spirit of co-operation and successfully created a warm, neighbourhood atmosphere.

Last summer Vikki Fuller and her daughter Brit moved into the space they call the Juniper Gallery.

“It was meant to be a mother-daughter studio, but then she moved,” says Fuller, who has taken over the running of the gallery on her own.

“It has been a big personal challenge for me to get here everyday and paint,” she says. “But the space is perfect, and so many interesting people walk through here, both locals and visitors.”

Fuller equates the community at Artisan Square to a family. She says her relationship with Amrita Sondhi at Movement Global Clothing, is an indication of that.

“I open up Amrita’s store when she’s not there,” says Fuller, pointing to the sign on Movement’s door telling people to just knock on the door of the Juniper Gallery to be let in.

Margaret Miller is not new to the Square, having worked at The Office since 2006. Having purchased her former place of employment, though, makes her a new business owner. Miller says that in her eight years at Artisan Square she’s seen a lot of businesses come and go, but the character and the community of the place has remained a constant.

“We all talk, and we all know what the different businesses are up to. I always try to recommend other Bowen businesses to customers if I don’t have what they’re looking for, but up here, it is particularly convenient.” continued, PAGE 8

Take a peek at island life THE PEOPLE, PLANTS AND PLACES (PPP) TOUR THIS YEAR IS JULY 19 & 20.

Don’t be disappointed – get your tickets early!

Tickets go on sale May 13th and can be purchased:

x Online at bowenislandmuseum.ca x At the Bowen Island Museum & Archives (1014 Miller Road) across from the RCMP from 10-4 daily

All tickets must be picked up at the Museum & Archives

Call 604.947.2655 or email bihistorians@telus.net for more information All proceeds from this tour go to our community museum and archive.

2 • FRIDAY MAY 9 2014

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Conquering cancer one hill at a time

Team Sweet & Salty from left: Carolyn Nesbitt, Sue Scrivens, Mary Ann Zakreski, Ellie Mackay, Tiffanee Scorer Unknown passerby, photo

MARCUS HONDRO CONTRIBUTOR

PHOENIX BOOK FAIR BICS LIBRARY Monday, May 12th -- 12:00 to 4:00 Tuesday, May 13th -- 8:00 to 4:00 Wednesday, May 14th -- 8:00 to 7:00 BOOK PRIZE DRAWS! $15 primary student • $15 intermediate student $15 volunteers • $15 staff $50 (half for student and half for class library) Contact Bonnie Wright phoenixbonnie@hotmail.com

BIAC Seeks Gallery Host & Special Project Assistant Are you a student returning to post-secondary studies in the Fall who would like to work in a creative and inspiring environment? If you have great communications skills and an interest in the arts, we invite you to apply for the summer position at the Gallery @ Artisan Square. The Bowen Island Arts Council (BIAC) is seeking an enthusiastic, efficient and responsible individual to assist the Gallery Curator and Executive Director in the coordination and presentation of exhibits, special events and other projects. The job runs from Wednesday – Sunday, beginning June 11 – August 31 (12 weeks).

The successful applicant will have an interest in the arts and in developing community connections through the arts, a high degree of computer literacy, ability to problem-solve, excellent oral and written communication skills, and effective organizational skills. The position requires a self-motivated individual to take initiative, multi-task and prioritize.

Remuneration: $14 per hour + 4% vacation pay Please note: This position is subject to funding under the Canada Summer Jobs programme.

To be considered for this position, students must be between 15-30 years of age at the start of employment, registered as a full-time student during the preceding academic year, intend to return to school on a full-time basis next year, is a Canadian Citizen, permanent resident, or person on whom refugee protection has been conferred.

HOW TO APPLY: Please submit resume and cover letter by email (indicating Gallery Host & Special Project Assistant in the subject line) to admin@biac.ca no later than May 20, 2014.

Bowen Island Arts Council

This is a story about heart and lungs but really, mostly about heart. Susan ‘Sue’ Scrivens, Mary Ann Zakreski, Ellen ‘Ellie’ MacKay, Carolyn Nesbitt and Tiffanee Scorer have taken up a new sport and a serious challenge to show their gratitude for lives cut short, and to help raise money for a cure for cancer so that other lives, hopefully, will not be. On June 14th, the group, who've named themselves Sweet & Salty, will take part in the annual Ride to Conquer Cancer from Vancouver to Seattle, with an overnight stop in Mount Vernon, Washington.

Between the five of them, these women have nine boys and two girls and a whole lot of experience raising kids. Experience riding bikes, up and down and back up hills and on and on? Well that’s another matter.

They’re hoping that continuous training, which they began in January, will help them overcome that lack of experience.

“To get ready, we ride 20-25 km twice on our own during the week and one 'long' team weekend ride,” said Scrivens. “When we started out in late January our first long weekend ride was only to Xenia and back from the Cove, and most of us couldn't ride all the hills without a break. Week by week, we've increased distance and time, so we can now ride the hills to Cape Roger Curtis lighthouse. Since March we've been going off Bowen to ride 40-50 km around Steveston, or from West Van to UBC and back. In May, we take it up another level and we’ll ride 75-100 km on one or both days of the weekends.”

The challenge of this training is made easier by the motivation.

"My sister has breast cancer, and she doesn't have a choice about all the gruelling treatments she's had to endure since her diagnosis," says Scrivens, who adds that her sister seems to be doing well after surgery, six months of chemotherapy, and now, radiation treatment.

Zakreski says that when Scrivens asked her to do the ride, it was her sister she was thinking of.

“Sue’s little sister is only 43, and Sue is a really good friend so if she asks me to do something I’m going to do it,” Zakreski says. “But going through this training week after week, we all think of the people we’ve lost.”

For Zakreski, her mother, who died at the age of 51 of breast cancer comes to mind. So do the

many women she knows on Bowen who have had breast cancer.

MacKay also thinks of her mother, who she lost four years ago to pancreatic cancer.

“It was very sudden,” she says. “My mother died three weeks after diagnosis. Then, just three weeks after I said yes to doing this ride, my mother in-law was diagnosed with breast cancer. So, for me this is about the strong women in my life and I’ve known this group of friends for a long time, so this is an opportunity to bond with them over something really challenging instead of a coffee shop in Vancouver.”

Scorer nearly lost her husband to cancer.

“He was diagnosed with a brain tumour fifteen years ago, when I was pregnant with our first son. It was malignant and inoperable, but almost by chance he found a surgeon in North Carolina who could perform the operation and he did, successfully.”

She adds that the road to recovery was a long one, but her husband is now cancer-free and the couple have two sons.

All the women say that the experience of training for this ride has been far more enjoyable than they expected, and it has given this group of old friends a chance to re-connect at a time in their lives when they don’t get to spend much time together.

The now-cyclists say Bowen’s hills don’t look quite as intimidating as they used to. For Tiffany Scorer, who lives at the top of Seven Hills, a bike ride to the Cove and back has become a reasonable expectation.

Bowen Bay road, however, is another story.

Still, they are pressing forward with new challenges all the time. This weekend, team Sweet & Salty is heading to Victoria for their first 100km ride.

Beyond the training and the epic ride itself, each rider needs to raise $2,500 in pledges prior to June 14.

If you want to help, make sure to donate to team members who have yet to reach the fundraising goal. There are also a number of other riders from Bowen taking on this challenge: Qurban Khalsa is a part of Riders for Ryders, Gil Yaron is with Paladino. To sponsor any of these individuals go to the website conquercancer.ca, click on ‘BC’ and then on donate and then punch in the team name.

Donating, of course, is about more than helping Bowen Island's cyclists in this event, it’s about to conquering cancer right alongside them.

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Snug Cove House prepared to sell land on Miller Road

FRIDAY MAY 9 2014 • 3

Gambier logging on hold MERIBETH DEEN EDITOR

The creation of two additional woodlots on the North-East corner of Gambier Island has opened up 25 percent of the island to active logging, anticipated to begin within the next year. To protest, numerous petitions have been created and signed by more than 1200 people. The Islands Trust trustee for Gambier Island, Kate-Louise Stamford says that these petitions and the participation of people within the greater community of Howe Sound on the issue has made an impact, and led the Minister of Forests and Lands and Natural Resource Operations (FLNRO), Steve Thomson, to pause the process that will lead to logging on the newly created woodlot.

Stamford and the Islands Trustee from Keats, Jan Hagedorn met with Minister Thomson last week and asked him to pause the bid process. They also requested that a meeting between the Ministry and key individuals and groups on Gambier.

“This is just a step in the right direction,” says Stamford. continued, PAGE 6

Bowen group remains united in fighting for ferry service MERIBETH DEEN EDITOR

A conceptual drawing illustrating the proposed development of Snug Cove House lands on Miller Road.

Don Nicolson. drawing

MERIBETH DEEN EDITOR

The dream of Snug Cove House, a supported living residence for Bowen’s seniors, has been twenty years in the making. Now, following a name change, a successful fundraising effort, the purchasing and subdividing of land, and attempts to cooperate with various on-island parties, the organization has decided to sell the land along the bottom half of its property in order to fund the construction of the residence.

“We started twenty years ago because something had to be done to stop the export of seniors from Bowen Island,” says Graham Ritchie, the chair of the Snug Cove House board. “From the standpoint of the health authorities, the body of water between Bowen and the mainland is irrelevant, so there is no funding aimed directly at our community. But for the one-hundred and seventy or more people living here that are more than 75 years of age, that body of water will force, at some

point, a decision to move away from this community. We keep having to say goodbye to our seniors, and it is heartbreaking.”

In 2004, following a successful fundraising campaign, the board of what was then known as Abbyfield purchased the lands below Bowen Court Seniors Housing Co-op from Metro Parks for $150 thousand dollars.

The organization applied for funds from an organization called Independent Living B.C. to help fund the costs of constructing a facility, but monies which, until that time, were devoted to helping seniors were redirected to help the homeless.

“We were forced to look at other options,” says Ritchie, explaining that the organization tried to form various partnerships, but ultimately decided they needed to find someway to move forward independently. “The plan that ultimately made the most sense was to subdivide and sell-off the lower half of our property, in order to raise the funds we needed.” continued PAGE 8

T IDES

REGULAR SCHEDULE

In Effect April 1, 2014 to April 27, 2014

Leave Snug Cove

5:30 am # 6:30 am 7:30 am 8:30 am 9:30 am 10:30 am 11:30 am 12:30 pm 3:00 pm 4:00 pm † 5:00 pm 6:00 pm 7:00 pm * 8:00 pm 9:00 pm 10:00 pm

VANCOUVER Horseshoe Bay

6:00 am 7:00 am 8:00 am 9:00 am † 10:00 am 11:00 am 12:00 pm 2:25 pm 3:30 pm 4:30 pm 5:30 pm 6:30 pm 7:30 pm * 8:30 pm 9:35 pm

Leave Horseshoe Bay

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BOWEN ISLAND Snug Cove

Distance: 3 NAUTICAL MILES Crossing Time: 20 MINUTES

HIGH FEET Fri.

#

DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAYS AND STATUTORY HOLIDAYS

* DAILY EXCEPT SATURDAYS

**

DAILY EXCEPT JAN 1

†

THE WEDNESDAY SAILINGS WILL BE REPLACED

BY DANGEROUS CARGO SAILINGS. NO OTHER PASSENGERS PERMITTED.

H:16 L: 9

0222 1520 Sat. 0259 1622 Sun. 0333 1713 Mon. 0406 1758 Tue. 0439 1842 Wed. 0514 1926 Thurs. 0550 2011

13.8 10.5 13.8 11.5 13.8 12.5 13.8 13.1 13.8 13.8 14.1 14.4 14.1 14.8

LOW FEET 0929 2025 1004 2129 1038 2224 1113 2312 1149 2357 1227

6.9 7.9 5.9 8.5 4.9 8.9 3.9 9.2 3.0 9.5 2.3

0042 1306

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The group Bowen Islanders for Ferry Fairness (BIFF) will continue to work toward better ferry services and lower fares.

“We came together in order to organize protests,” says BIFF organizer Maureen Nicholson. “Going forward, we don’t see more protests as the best use of time, but there is a lot of other work to be done. We want to keep Bowen Islanders informed about what’s happening in other communities, for example.”

Nicholson says that as an example of important action in other communities, on Gabriola Island and Quadra Island, the ferry advisory committees are soliciting information from local residents about the real impact of cuts and rate hikes on their lives. They have also asked the provincial Minister of Transportation, Todd Stone, and all Islands Trust area MLAs for an economic impact study relating to the changes to BC Ferries.

Nicholson says that members of BIFF are also gearing up to launch a campaign to highlight the impact of high fares and service cuts on families.

Other BIFF members are continuing research into the possibilities of home-porting the Queen of Capilano on Bowen.

The group also wants to encourage the Bowen Island Municipal Transportation Advisory Committee to broaden its membership to include members representing daily commuters or young families.

Nicholson says that the latest traffic statistics for BC Ferries indicate that rising fares are having a major impact, and that impact is likely to result in further changes to service down the road.

“Ridership keeps dropping. The number of people taking vehicles back and forth between Snug Cove and Horseshoe Bay is down almost two percent from last year. This is a trend on all routes,” says Nicholson. “This leaves us in a situation where we are going to be told, I think, that the ferries are underutilized and we’re likely to see a continued downward spiral: more service cuts, more rate hikes. With this in mind, I think it’s important that we continue to fight against that.”

Places of Worship Welcome You BOWEN ISLAND UNITED CHURCH Rev. Shelagh MacKinnon

Service and Sunday School: 10:30 a.m.

Collins Hall Bookings: Helen Wallwork Minister of Music: Lynn Williams

FOOD BANK DROP-OFF

BOWEN ISLAND COMMUNITY CHURCH Pastor Clinton Neal 1070 Miller Road 604-947-0384 Service 10:30 a.m. Sunday School 11:00 a.m.

ST. GERARD’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH Mass: 10:30 a.m. Priest: Father James Comey

604-988-6304

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

(661 Carter Rd.)

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

4 • FRIDAY MAY 9 2014

WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM Published & Printed by Black Press Ltd. at #102, 495 Government Road, Bowen Island, BC V0N 1GO

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EDITORIAL

The Library lawn MERIBETH DEEN EDITOR

If I’ve heard it once I’ve heard it a thousand times: the library lawn is a mess, and it’s all the fault of the herons. Never mind the hard work of the Garden Club volunteers whose efforts have brought colour and vitality to the library grounds by the planting of flowers, tourists don’t like messy lawns and that’s the first thing that they see when they walk off the ferry - at least until the end of June when nesting season wraps-up.

Sue Ellen Fast (of Bowen Heron Watch) presented another perspective to council a few months back: tourists love herons!

Of course, neither perspective takes into account the truth of the matter, which is that some tourists will love herons while others will

hate shaggy lawns. I believe, however, that if we are just a little bit creative we can come up with a solution to satisfy all parties, decrease fossil fuel consumption, and keep the library lawn kempt at the same time: goats.

Or maybe just one goat, we’d probably have to conduct a research study before actually getting going on this but… there are plenty of goats-on island who I have no doubt would happily munch away on the grass at the library once or twice a week. To ensure that the goat doesn’t destroy the Garden Club flowers or eat one of those lovely cherry trees, the municipality could hire a charming and livestock savvy high school student to keep it in line. The high school student, or who ever it was that took on the job, would have to be charming because they would be acting not only as a goat keeper but also as a guide to the many, many people walking off the ferry to check out

this scene.

Would people come all the way to Bowen just for the goats? Well that might be a stretch, but those who did come here would certainly have something to talk about when they got home, even if they didn’t explore beyond Cardena Road.

Thanks to goats (on the roof, no less) the Old Country Market in Coombs, B.C., is known to just about everyone who’s ever driven to Tofino.

The Google Campus has employed goats to clear brush, and at a park called Angel’s Knoll in Los Angeles they were used for several years running instead of lawn mowers. The idea is not that far out there.

It would be too much to ask of our local goats to end conflict about herons, but on the library lawn they just might do the trick.

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Mayor’s Message

A postcard from Kenya

Dear Bowen Islanders,

Alexander and Declan Morris-Schwarz at Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage in in Nairobi National Park.

Madeleine Schwarz, photo

Dear Bowen Island friends and Neighbours, including Outside 45 and BICS students: We hope you are all well and that summer has cometo Bowen Island. We are well, and settling into Nairobi where the weather is lovely and usually warm, though we do have power failures and sometimes have no electricity for a while. Nairobi is an interesting place to live, but you can't imagine how bad the traffic is. There are plenty of drivers here who would be kicked off Bowen in no time at all.

We've been busy getting used to Nairobi and a new school (Braeburn Garden Estate - the boys say they like both BICS and Braeburn and would have trouble picking one over the other), making new friends, missing old friends in Canada but also visiting old friends in Tanzania, snorkling and scuba diving on the Tanzanian coast and doing safaris where you can see lions, elephants, giraffes and all kinds of other animals running free.

Today was Labour Day in Nairobi and we went to visit Barsalinga and Kibo at the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage (those in Outside 45 and Grade 3 at BICS will know who we mean), which

is just on the outskirts of Nairobi in Nairobi National Park. Kibo is well, but we didn't get to see him as he now lives in one of the orphanage camps in Tsavo National Park and is beginning to get ready to go back to the wild - which is exactly where he belongs. Kibo should find new friends and be able to live his life as an elephant in a park, protected, we hope, from poachers.

Barsalinga is still at the orphanage and the elephant keepers say he is doing great. He's now 3 or 4, so may start getting ready to return to the national parks soon too.

Last week we went to a giraffe centre, and Declan made very good friends with one of them.

We miss Bowen, but are enjoying life in this part of the world. Karibu! (The Swahili word for “welcome”) to any who are heading this way.

Take care all, Alexander, Declan, Madeleine and Dave The Morris-Schwarz family departed for Kenya from Bowen in late 2013.

A big “thank you” from Bowen Island Montessori School Dear Editor, We want to thank everyone who came out in support of the Bowen Island Montessori Spring Kid and Kaboodle Sale Saturday April 26. There was lots of great clothing, gear and baked goodies.

We are grateful for help from the preschool parents, and we certainly could not do it without all of the fabulous donations and support we receive from the community at large.

FRIDAY MAY 9 2014 • 5

A special thank you to the Little Red Church for the use of their tables, The First Credit Union for use of their tent, and Dave McIntosh for quickly removing the really well loved donations.

Sincerely, Ann Walters

From the time we took office in 2011, this Council has been unwavering in its efforts to foster an environment that would welcome and sustain independent small businesses, research facilities, and other entrepreneurial enterprises on Bowen Island. Faced with the realities imposed by our geography we see the need to create a culture that promotes local economic activity and manageable growth as essential to our community’s future.

In my January message, I confirmed that we would produce a Strategic Plan for Economic Development on Bowen Island to define opportunities and obstacles and outline priorities for action.

Our Economic Development Action Committee (EDAC), has worked for over a year to develop this Plan and establish a framework for its implementation. The Strategic Plan is now being activated. Its three main goals are as follows are to enhance our local business climate, to create a welcoming community and to enhance tourism and the artisanal economy.

Some residents might question why we feel it’s critical to boost growth opportunities for existing businesses and promote new economic activities on Bowen. My response is simple: these efforts are vital to sustaining the present Island economy.

The most important priority at this time of the year (if not all year long) is our tourism industry.

With continuing guidance from the EDAC, we are working to build Bowen’s “brand” as a tourist destination, as well as a mecca for artists and craft-based industries.

However, as we focus on pushing for greater activity within our tourist and artisanal sectors, it is equally important that we become more aggressive in attracting educational industries and scientific research based on our unique position in the Salish Sea. We need a mix of trades people, service industry workers and young professionals living and working on our island. Without a viable local economy for these people and their families, we would have major problems in many areas -- such as having a supply of volunteer firemen to staff our fire department, for one example.

To lay the groundwork for improving economic opportunities on Bowen in a way that promotes both business and environmental sustainability, we are moving forward on the long-awaited rezoning of community lands. The rezoning and subdivision of Lot 2 of the community lands will be a major step toward future development of a Community Centre and associated community amenities. Lot 1 of the community lands (also known as function junction) will be dealt with after the Lot 2 rezoning is completed.

Despite Council’s commitment to stimulate our economic climate and signs of healthy activity, the recent actions taken by BC Ferries pose significant and serious obstacles to progress.

I want to assure Islanders that the transportation issues confronting Bowen Island today are currently my top priority. Working with the Chair of our Municipal Transportation Committee (BIMTAC ) I am in contact with all levels of government.

My aim is to generate response to our concerns over the unique problems that came to a head with BC Ferries’ latest mandate, but which also include the need for improved commuter services from Translink.

On April 4, the Chair of BIMTAC and I met in Vancouver with Provincial Minister of Transport Todd Stone, his deputy minister, and our MLA Jordan Sturdy to discuss BC Ferries and Translink.

Generally speaking, we had been informed prior to the meeting that the Provincial Government (read BC Ferries) would not change its position on the present areas of concern to our Island and BC Ferries intransigent treatment.

What we did get is this: they will consider our uniqueness in the Metro Vancouver landscape, in that we are a commuter community and, unlike other coastal communities dependent on BC Ferries, subject to Metro Vancouver taxes. They will continue to consider some of our ideas (such as the possibility of home porting.) They will consider imposing no further fare increases on Bowen for two years (even though there is a legislated fare increase in April 2015). Our discussion also covered future areas of concern including the mid-life refit of the Queen of Capilano, passenger-only ferries for commuter runs, possible Translink involvement in the passenger ferry scenario and more efficient co-ordination with Translink on bus service.

In the very near future, Metro Vancouver Chair Greg Moore and his CAO will be meeting with me here on the Island to discuss approaches to the immediate issues affecting Bowen.

I am extremely grateful for the terrific co-operation and assistance the Island is receiving from the North Shore mayors and others on mutual areas of concern. I continue to foster close co-operation with all of the mayors in the Lower Mainland, especially with regard to our issues with Translink services.

In that regard, the Chair of BIMTAC and I expect to meet shortly with senior members of Translink to discuss both the on-Island and off-Island concerns of our citizens.

Due to the focus of this message on the prospects and obstacles related to Bowen’s economic activity, there are certain topics that I have not covered here, such as seniors housing, affordable housing and the revitalization of the Lower Cove. I want to assure all readers that these issues are still priority items on Council’s agenda. With the actions underway, I believe we will start to see a clearer picture of these issues very soon, and I look forward to discussing them in the next Mayor’s Message.

Sincerely, Mayor Jack Adelaar

6 • FRIDAY MAY 9 2014

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A world of adventure in our own backyard EMILY HAUNER SUBMISSION

Growing up on Bowen, I must admit, living on here has had its challenges: missing that incorrigible ferry has got my mood down more times that I care to admit. However, growing up with the forest and the ocean as my backyard has provided me with more entertainment and adventures than any child could ever dream of.

The summers my brother and I turned 10 (we are three years apart) my parents enrolled us in summer sailing lessons with the Bowen Island Yacht Club Learn to Sail Program. We got to spend our days playing games on the beach, sailing in the bay, and even venturing out to near islands for picnic lunches. It was the adventure I always wanted and dreamed of. I fell in love with sailing and spending my summer days out on the ocean. I couldn’t get enough of it: the sun, the ocean, the sailing, and the thrill of the experience.

Once I completed all my levels of sailing lessons, all I wanted to do was to return back each summer to keep sailing, and that is what I did. Every July and August, I came back as a volunteer coach. I worked along side the amazing instructors who had taught me all my years of lessons. They mentored me into becoming a coach myself. Not only did I get to continue sailing and learning, but I got to carry on with my summer adventures that I loved so much. I watched my older brother become a sailing coach and spend his days out in the sun and on the water all summer long. I knew this was how I wanted to spend my summers, too. Now I am a sailing instructor and I could not ask for a better summer job. What else would allow me to spend my days playing games on the beach or on the water, and exploring or picnicking on islands like a true swashbuckler?

Now as a sailing coach, I get to share this incredible experience with the young members of this island as well. I get to spread my love for sailing and simultaneously explore the environment around me. As someone who grew up on this island, with the ocean as her playground, I am proud to call myself a sailor, and I am incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to share this experience with others growing up here too. We live on an island, why not take advantage of it? I encourage everyone to enroll their child in the BIYC Learn to Sail Program.

Become a sailor, an adventurer, and an explorer of this little West Coast Island we call home.

Bowen kids learn to sail in Tunstall Bay. Bowen Island Yacht Club, photo

Widespread support helps put plans to log one-quarter of Gambier on hold from PAGE 1

Bowen Island Volunteer Fire-Rescue has

OPENINGS FOR NEW MEMBERS If you…

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

Applications may be obtained by dropping in at the Municipal Hall, or by calling 604-947-4255, or may be downloaded from the BIM website at www.bimbc.ca Completed applications can be dropped off at the Municipal Hall, or mailed to: Fire Chief, Bowen Island Volunteer Fire-Rescue, 981 Artisan Lane, Bowen Island B.C. V0N 1G0.

Applications must be received by 4:30p.m. May 23, 2014.

Ian Thompson, Fire Chief

Only those applicants selected for interviews will be contacted.

Stamford says that Gambier’s Official Community Plan does support small-scale sustainable logging, but that the Island’s residents were not consulted on the decision to open up these two new community woodlots.

“We are not sure what the province means when it says small scale sustainable logging –25 percent of our island does not look like small scale to us, and it will make a major impact. We also need to know that the Ministry (FLNRO) understands that logging activity is different in the context of an island.”

The area of a single woodlot is 600 hectares (about 3000 acres) and on Gambier one such woodlot already exists, alongside numerous private woodlots. There are other areas of the island that are zoned for forestry, but are not currently being logged.

While a report by Global Television estimated that the Province would make $9000 per year in revenue for the operations wheras the Gambier Conservancy estimated an that the revenue would be $1500 per year.

“I don’t know which is more accurate,” says Stamford. “But either way, it is ridiculous.”

The two new woodlots are considered to be mature growth forests, with some old growth trees still standing, and were last logged about 100 years ago. These lots also surround the community watershed and the main hiking destination on the island, Gambier Lake. Logging these lots will also cut off the communities of Etkin’s point and Douglas Bay from the rest of Gambier.

Stamford says that the petitions against logging reflect the fact that there is a strong appreciation for the value of these lands from people throughout Howe Sound.

“Since this issue came up, I think the local yacht clubs have recognized the importance of Gambier in terms of contributing to the scenery of Howe Sound,” she says. “Another really important recreational use comes from the children’s camps. Whether kids come for an overnight stay or just a day hike, Gambier offers a real wilderness experience that can be accessed by public transportation. Because it is an island, it is safer in a way than the North Shore, you really can’t get too lost here.”

8 • FRIDAY MAY 9 2014

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BICS Learning Commons Radical Read- Snug Cove house lands ence and at least one meal a day – A-Thon (May 15 - June 15) & book fair from PAGE 3 we need to house a minimum of ten PENNY NALDRETT SUBMISSION

In conjunction with the Phoenix Book Fair at BICS, May 12-14, BICS Student Council is launching a Radical Read-A-Thon to raise awareness and money for renovations to transform the worn and tired BICS library into a Learning Commons- a space that will support student love of reading and provide “a Window to the World from our Tiny Forest School”.

Based on the theory that it takes 21 days to make or break a habit, students are challenging each other to “Recharge the whole school’s home reading habit.” Over the next few weeks they will be seeking sponsors to pledge at: • • • •

the Bronze (.25c/day) Silver (.50c/day) Gold (.75c/day) or Platinum ($1/day) level for each day they read 21 minutes for 21 days.

All proceeds from the Read-A-Thon will support the Learning Commons project. BICS new Learning Commons will transform the library into a bigger, brighter, flexible space where stu-

dents and community are welcomed to research and exchange ideas. Moveable furniture and equipment will allow for collaborative learning, presentations and quiet spaces for individual reading. A large and varied book collection, along with new technology, will connect our school and community beyond the walls of the school and island to the world. While fundraising for the Learning Commons is just getting underway, Phase 1 of the project was completed in December 2013 with the installation of a Burns Jennings designed circulation desk. The goal is to complete the transformation over the next two years.

Please support student readers and the Learning Commons project by sponsoring a BICS student, and stopping by the Pheonix on Bowen Book Fair at the BICS library on May 12, 13 and 14.

Last year the profits from the Book Fair sales were split evenly with the library and the librarian, Mr. Marquis was able to purchase over $1000 worth of new books for the students of BICS to enjoy.

We would love to meet or beat that amount this year so come and buy some books to support reading and the great library at BICS.

In 2008, the Municipality awarded Snug Cove House the requested rezoning of their land, allowing the construction of fifteen housing units that would be considered “affordable” on the basis that they would be under 1500 square feet.

“We have never felt entirely comfortable with this plan,” says Ritchie.

“We want to build a home for seniors, not go into the development business. So we kept trying to find other routes.”

Last May, it looked as though another route might just be made available when council passed a resolution stating that it would consider Snug Cove House as one of the potential users of the Community Campus Lands.

“It was suggested to us that four seniors housing units could be made available above the medical clinic,” says Ritchie. “But if we’ve crunched the numbers, and in order to provide supportive housing – which means a round the clock staff pres-

seniors. Without that element we’re not even a charity, we’d just be in the business of renting to seniors. That is just not what we’ve been working for all these years.”

Having not heard any further details from the Municipality about how Snug Cove House might be incorporated into Lot 2 plans, Snug Cove House has decided to go back to the plan made possible through rezoning.

“We had a strategy session in March and we’ve decided to go it alone,” says Ritchie. “In the past 20 years, a great many Bowen Islanders have worked with us at some point, and it can be very disheartening when there is no horizon in site for the completion of your project.”

Ritchie says that on April 11, Snug Cove House applied for subdivision and is waiting for a letter from the Municipality stating all of the logistical and legal boxes that need to be sorted out prior to putting its land on the market.

The Artisan Square community from PAGE 1 Miller says that if someone is printing photos, for example, she’ll suggest they go to Bell’Occhio for a frame; and she sees a lot of collaboration between The Gym and Sandy Logan’s physiotherapy clinic.

This kind of collaboration is precisely what motivated Margit Griffiths to open up her new shop, Coast Modern Furnishings.

“When Murray [Skeels] would sell flooring at his shop, people would often ask him for carpet, as well. I’ve been working for a long time as a broker selling interiors for condominiums and hotels – I’d sell them things like blinds and area rugs. So the idea with my store is that people

could come to me for these things, good quality at reduced prices. The shop is more something to attract people so that they know I’m here, a way to put myself out there on Bowen.”

Griffiths says now that Skeels’ shop has closed, there is no one to direct traffic her way, but when people do come into her shop she makes sure they know about her new downstairs neighbours.

“I literally push people into the cashmere shop,” says Griffiths, referring to Artigiani Milanesi, which has moved into the former home of Bowen Island Taekwondo.

This family business produces bespoke pieces made from Italian cashmere, and moved to Bowen from Milan in March.

“Europe is overcrowded and cut-throat,” says Rebecca Bizzari. “We started looking for a change five years ago, and I’ve been obsessed with B.C.” Bizzarri explains that originally, they had planned to set up shop in Whistler, but couldn’t find people interested in making the commitment to work for them. They then looked into setting up in Vancouver, but made a random visit to Bowen.

“It was the rainiest, most horrible day,” says Bizzarri.

“But I fell in love with Bowen all the same, and we came up to Artisan Square and I knew for sure this was the place for us.”

For more photos, see page 12.

Bowen Island Fish & Wildlife Club volunteers shovelling gravel from the climbing pools at the mouth of Explosives Creek. The Tunstall Bay habitat rehabilitation project was completed last weekend and there is now a channel between the creek and the ocean which will allow coho salmon to access 500 metres of excellent spawning habitat in Explosives Creek above the culverts.

Cam Hayduk, photo

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The many talents of Paul, the juggler

Paul Stewart teaching kids at the Montessori school to balance plates.

Ann Walters, photo

ANN WALTERS SUBMISSION

A quiet man sits at the front of the ferry on his way to work. He always has a big smile, and is almost always juggling something or other attracting and engaging kids of all ages from all corners of the ferry.

When I first met Paul Stewart we were still summer visitors to the island, and my family would always look forward to a chance encounter with “the juggler.” Little did I know at that time the impact that Paul and his juggling has on Bowen Island as a community.

I have always been fascinated by the generosity of people living on Bowen, and Paul adds a whole new dimension. He gives his time, patience, expertise, and shares a lot of cool juggling toys he has collected along the way. Paul visited BICS on Wednesday and the Bowen Island Montessori School last Thursday, and I was lucky enough be there to observe him in action at the Montessori School.

The moment he arrived, the kids were engaged and excited to see what he brought. Like a magician, Paul kept pulling new things out of his bag to the amazement of the children. The kids were

ages 2.5 to 5 years old, and Paul kept them mesmerized for quite a long time. When one thing fizzled out, he quickly moved on, from balls to scarves, to spinning plates, to devil sticks, and finally the pinnacle of the experience for the kids - the peacock feathers.

From balancing the exotic feathers on their fingers, they quickly moved to trying to balance feathers on their noses, thanks to a great tutorial from Paul. Throughout, he includes all the kids and makes sure they are all having fun. I am not sure how he does it, but his gentle, guiding nature and patience draws kids in.

Paul’s passion for juggling has taken him all over the world to attend juggling conferences, and he started the Bowen Island juggling club with his kids, which has since dissolved due to lack of time and regular attendees. Occasionally he teaches adults to juggle balls in seminars designed to free their inner children and play for fun. Luckily he still offers free juggling instruction and playtime at Bowfest, and will also be once again volunteering/teaching in the juggling tent at the Granville Children’s Festival in a couple of weeks.

We are all so lucky to have this quiet, gentle man amongst us. His juggling helps build the strong sense of community that we are so blessed with here on Bowen Island.

Scaling to Bowen’s highest point, again BOWEN ISLAND GIVES SUBMISSION

It is once again time to get out those hiking boots, to climb our spectacular Mt. Gardner.

On Saturday June 21, 2014, Bowen Island Gives (BIG!) will be organizing this 3rd annual fundraising hike.

Over a hundred people have participated in this event in each of the last two years by hiking the mountain. Both young and old have participated, from all walks of island life. “It was fantastic to experience it last year: my three-year old heroically made it most of the way up, and my eight-year old almost covered the route twice,” says event organizer Natasha LaRoche.

The annual hike is organized with the goal of raising money for a worthwhile charitable cause.

Funds raised this year will support the Bowen Island Community Foundation (BCIF). The mandate of the BCIF is to support the artistic, cultur-

al, educational, recreational and social well-being of residents on Bowen Island.

“We wanted to do this because the Foundation has such an incredible reach on Bowen,” says LaRoche. “People don’t realize it, but the Foundation plays a role in so many of our vital community organizations on Bowen – it has given support to everything from the food bank to the library to the fire department.”

The event’s organizers suggest that people participate in the hike with a donation of $40, or $100 for a team of four.

After the hike, there will be a celebratory party held at Doc’s, featuring live music by local Bowen musicians David Graff and the Continental Grifters, and the Fatback Players. BIG! organizers hope that a great crowd will come out for both the hike and the party to join in the fun.

People are encouraged to visit www.bowenislandgives.com for more information and to register.

FRIDAY MAY 9 2014 • 9

Offering help with mental health CARING CIRCLE SUBMISSION

The Caring Circle is pleased to report hat there was such a robust response to our mental health survey. We would like to thank those who attended the Forum and also thank those who filled out the survey.

Based on the answers to the survey, we have decided to begin our outreach with four education and skills building sessions, offered once weekly, starting the week of May 26th. They will be facilitated by one or more of the professionals who spoke at the introductory meeting. The sessions will be free of charge.

They are intended for those personally struggling with mental health issues and/or their friends and families. Perhaps you might just want to learn more about issues like anxiety and depression in order to better reach out to support a friend or family member.

Please call ‘Caring Circle’ and ask to speak to Colleen for more information about dates, times, location and whether this might be a good fit for you. We are working very diligently to respect people’s privacy and as an organization we understand that confidentiality is critical to this kind of programming.

We anticipate that after the four week education and skills building sessions, a support group will evolve.

We would also like to let you know that the Canadian Mental Health Association has created the “BounceBack” program which is designed to help adults with mild to moderate depression, with or without anxiety. It provides two forms of support: a free DVD (available at Caring Circle) which outlines skills and techniques to help people combat low mood and worry and one-to-one phone sessions with a Bounce Back Coach. You need a referral from your physician for this program.

While many people have asked for more education and resource information, a number of other people have asked that Caring Circle organize a walking group for those who are perhaps getting the professional support they need, but would like to spend time with others who have similar struggles in a social setting. To that end, we have simply set aside 10 a.m. on Monday mornings, starting May 12th. Once again, call Caring Circle and ask for Colleen, to let her know if you’re interested in participating, and she will let you know where to meet. This will not be “led” by anyone in particular.

It is very organic and peer led.

B.C. Licenced Home Inspector Courses Registration is now open for the above series of online courses leading to licensing as a Home Inspector in British Columbia.

Contact a program adviser at (604) 899-0803 or register online at www.ashtoncollege.com

10 • FRIDAY MAY 9 2014

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Attention gardening enthusiasts BOWEN ISLAND GARDEN CLUB SUBMISSION

Saturday May 10th is the B.I. Garden Club’s annual Plant Sale and Raffle. As usual it will take place at BICS, for one hour only starting at 11a.m.

Patrons are reminded that this event is a fundraiser, which supports Island beautification projects such as daffodil plantings on our highways and byways; invasive plant eradication; monthly open gardens and a monthly-speaker program.

Twenty-four donors have generously supported our raffle and most of the prizes will make excellent Mothers’ Day gifts! Tickets will be on sale during the Plant Sale for those who haven’t already invested. The draw will take place just before the sale closes.

Our donors are: Anne Davidson, The Flower Shop, Bowen Gardening, Bowen Island Home Maintenance, Irly Bird Building Centre, The General Store (all on Bowen Island); Art’s Garden Centre, Van Noordt Bulbs and Linnaean Nurseries (Langley); Atlas Pots, Dykhof Nurseries, Garden Works (North Vancouver); Home Depot, Lee Valley Tools, Leong’s Nursery, Northwest Landscape and Stone, The Natural Gardener, West Vancouver florists (Vancouver); Maple Leaf Gardens (West Vancouver); Pharmasave (Caulfeild Village); Phoenix Perennials (Richmond); Canada Safeway, Your Dollar Store With More (Caulfeild Village); West Coast Gardens (Surrey)

Bowfest theme, 2014

On the Calendar TUESDAY MAY 13

FRIDAY MAY 9 Youth Centre drop-in 6pm - 9pm ages 12+

AA Meeting Collins Hall 7:15

Dinner at the Legion 5pm open, 6:30pm dinner

Phoenix on Bowen Book fair at BICS Fundraiser for BICS LIBRARY 8am-4pm

SATURDAY MAY 10

WEDNESDAY MAY 14

Youth Centre drop-in 6pm - 9pm ages 12+ Bowen Children’s Centre Clothing Sale, Cates Hill Chapel 10am - 4pm Bowen Island Garden Club Annual Plant Sale and Raffle 11am at BICS

SUBMISSION

Tir-nanOg Theatre School’s 26th Annual Youth Festival of Plays May Opening with Castle Mountain. 7p.m.

Ladies League Golf every Thursday morning. Arrive at 8:30 am for 9a.m. shotgun start. Please contact susanalex@shaw.ca or kathyclarke60@gmail.com. All levels of play welcome.

SUNDAY MAY 11 Tir-nanOg Theatre School’s 26th Annual Youth Festival of Plays May Opening with Castle Mountain. 2p.m.

Naturopathic Physician 596 B. Artisan Square

M.D. Open Mon. Wed. Thurs. Fri.

604-730-1174

Call for an appointment Artisan Square

Natural Family Medicine

604-947-9986

Chiropractor

www.leachchiro.com

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

Diana Romer MEd, RCC

Dr. Gloria Chao

Dr. Tracy Leach, D.C.

595B Artisan Lane Tuesdays Call for an appointment

(778) 828-5681

COUNSELLING THERAPIST Bowen and West Van offices

604.290.6407

Deromer@shaw.ca www.clearhorizon.ca

Family Dentist Artisan Square • 604-947-0734 Alternate Fridays 10am-4:30pm Horseshoe Bay • 604-921-8522 www.bowenislanddental.com

S.K.Y. (Seniors Keeping Young) 9:00am to 9:45 Seniors Yoga w. Lois McLaren followed by exercises w. Ali Hartwick 10:30am to 10:45am singing w. Rob Wall 11:00 to 12:00 noon: Allie Drake speaks on travelling to the Arctic Refreshments will be served - everyone welcome.

MAY 17 Bowen Island Green Man Festival Children’s face painting begins at 11:30am outside Tuscany Bowen Island Golf Club Community Challenge, a competition for bragging rights!

For more info call 604-947-4653 or email proshop@bowengolf. com

MAY 24 & 25 Friends of the Library BookFest, Annual Sale of Used Books BICS gym 10 am- 4 pm For info or volunteering see gretasmith@shaw.ca

BOWEN BUSINESS BULLETIN BOARD Local • Professional • Reliable

“Handyman Services”

BOWEN ISLAND WELLNESS CENTRE

Quality repairs, reno’s, carpentry or maintenance for: Home • Yard • Property

604-947-9755 CATHERINE SHAW

Dr. Traditional Chinese Medicine/Acupuncturist

Chris Weyler The “Handy Man” Can!!

u

MARY MCDONAGH

Registered Massage Therapist

D-136 Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G0 604-947-2501 the_handyman_can13@hotmail.com

(Available Mondays through Fridays)

u

SANDY LOGAN

Registered Physiotherapist u

ROBYN IZARD RMT

Registered Massage Therapist

Brannon BBrothers

(Available Thursdays through Sundays)

BLOOD TESTS, URINE TESTS OR ECGS

6:45 - 9:00 A.M. EVERY THURSDAY DR. ZANDY'S OFFICE

Karolina

To advertise on the Health Page call 604-947-2442

BICS Read-A-Thon begins Sponsor a student you know

UPCOMING

MONDAY MAY 12

HEALTH & WELLNESS Dr. Susanne Schloegl

THURSDAY MAY 15 Bowen Island Black Sheep practice.

7:30 – 9pm at the Bowen Legion

Phoenix on Bowen Book fair at BICS Once upon a time...

Fundraiser for BICS LIBRARY In a land called Bowen, the citizen gathered to 12-4pm choose a theme for their upcoming summer festival and they chose: FAIRY TALES Swing Dancing 7pm - 8:30, to June 2 A magic day is sure to follow. So dust off yourawww.bowencommunityrecreation.com mulets, wands and family spells, gather your gnomes, your pixies and creatures alike and join together on August 23rd for an enchanted parade down the main street!

Dr. Dana Barton

Knitting Circle 2 - 5pm at Collins Hall All levels welcome

Steamship Days Fundraiser Bowen Island Pub, 8pm $10 at the door. Live music, live auction, live people.

Caring Circle walking group 10a.m. contact the Caring Circle at 604 - 947-9100 or info@ caringcircle.ca

BOWFEST BOARD

Phoenix on Bowen Book fair at BICS Fundraiser for BICS LIBRARY 8am-7pm

Massage | Energy Healing —— T H U R S D A Y S ——

778.927.9098 Spiricahealing.com

I cut grass.

One easy call: Jaime

h 604-947-0383 c 778-868-1471

roofing & sheet metal

Call Mike at

604-338-2516

Ian Cameron Musician Guitar/Bass iancameron402@gmail.com

To Advertise on the Bulletin Board, Call 604-947-2442

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FRIDAY MAY 9 2014 • 11

12 • FRIDAY MAY 9 2014

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Newcomers to Artisan Square

Davide Bizzarri, Rosetta Feroldi and Rebecca Bizzarri are Artigiani Milanesi Cashmere Taylors. Feroldi started the company in Milan in 1959. Since coming to Bowen, the company has hired three local women who they are currently training at their workshop at Artisan Square.

Debra Stringfellow, photo

Margit Griffiths (Coast Modern Furnishings) and Vikki Fuller (Juniper Gallery) are both relative newcomers to Artisan Square, and often carpool to work.

Debra Stringfellow, photo

SQUARE VILLAGE rchants Welcome You!

Me

Mother’s Day Special Crunch Roll & Miso Soup $6.99

Happy Mother’s Day Monday to Saturday 9:30-5

Matthews IT Consulting Ltd

Sunday 11-4

604-947-2793

Spring Computer Cleanup! x FREE Malware Removal! with a Full Tune-up!

SPECIAL $99! *Complex infections not included.

FREE, DELIVERY

x “SSD” Upgrade = 4x faster Premium quality, 5yr warranty Solid State Drive, & labour included! **Starting at $200! (128gb model)

Open: 9:30-7:30, Sun 10:30-5:00

Mastering your technology, in shop & on site! Ź

Next door to the UNDERCURRENT

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604.970.2245

Village Square 778-873-3125 bowenpetsupply@gmail.com

604.947.6806 | Eat In | Take Out

Bowen Pet Supply

Pet food, Toys, and Supplies

Call your Guru today!

Bowen Sushi