Bowen Island Undercurrent May 29 2015

FRIDAY MAY 29, 2015 VOL. 42, NO. 18

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Bowfest

Organizers fear for this year’s festival

The dog files

Crippen Park bites; stinky facts from Metro Van

Customer service

The story of a commuter turned skipper

Council passes bylaw banning docks at Cape Roger Curtis MERIBETH DEEN EDITOR

Students at BICS celebrated Bike to Work Week this week by pedalling to and from school every day. These grade 6 and 7 students got to brush-up on their skills by riding alongside instructors from Cycling BC for three days this spring.

From left: Marie, Sam, Kevin, Miranda, Madison and Sarah.

Meribeth Deen, photo

Longer loading times result in 5-minute cut-off for pedestrians boarding ferry in Snug Cove MERIBETH DEEN EDITOR

O

n May 20, a post on the Bowen Islanders for Ferry Fairness Facebook page described an incident where three foot passengers attempting to walk onto the Queen of Capilano got into an argument with a BC Ferries worker because they were not allowed to load. According to Councillor Melanie Mason, scenarios such as this may become more common as BC Ferries works to keep loading times down and the ferry running on time.

“BC Ferries is quite concerned about the time it’s taking for pedestrians,” Mason told council on Monday evening. “They know they’ve got a timing issue, that it’s taking time to load and it’s down to minutes. I haven’t checked this week, but last week I checked and the afternoon runs are starting to slow down, and they’re slowing down by 8, 10 minutes. And it’s a close enough gap now that BC Ferries is saying they’re running on time but… they’re going now for quality over quantity. So they’re not going to be hanging around

for stragglers or trying to squeeze on as many cars as possible.”

Mason added that BC Ferries is going to start implementing the existing 5-minute cut-off rule for pedestrians boarding from Snug Cove. She added that in the most recent meeting with BC Ferries, the municipal transportation committee (BIMTAC) said they would take on some of the responsibility for educating the community about this rule.

“The problem is,” said Mason. “When we as a municipality post things about BC Ferries, we tend to get a lot of the flack.”

Councillor Sue Ellen Fast says that the experience of being turned away will be the most effective way for Bowen Islanders to learn about the new rule.

“It happened to me,” says Fast. “I was being dropped off by a vehicle and there were several other foot passengers trying to load.

I had assumed there was a 3-minute cut-off, but I was wrong. I was turned away, but it was my fault. Everybody’s got to get used to this new arrangement: with more cars to fit on, they need more time to load. If you’re a walk-on, you just need to arrive a few minutes earlier.”

During the public comments period regarding proposed Bylaw 381, which effectively bans docks on the shoreline of Cape Roger Curtis, the Municipality received 102 comments in support of the bylaw, and 121 comments and signed petition letters against it.

With this information in mind, councillors proceeded to express their own thoughts and sentiments on the bylaw, and then vote in favour of it by a margin of 4 - 3.

Councillor Michael Kaile urged his fellow council members to vote against the bylaw for the sake of respectful community dialogue, and not regressing into “the politics of old.”

He said that while he recognized, without reservation, the need for island-wide standards that all docks must conform to, this particular bylaw unfairly targets the four dock applicants on Cape Roger Curtis whose projects have already been approved by the Province. These property onwers, he said, have faced deliberate delay on those approvals by the municipality.

“This bylaw amendment was described by Mayor Skeels as being prepared with legal advice,” said Kaile.

“The direction of Bylaw 381 is a dock prohibition, specific only to the area of Cape Roger Curtis. Lawyers don’t decide direction. That is the perogative of Mayor and Council. 381 offers no compromise. A challenge made as I reviewed these submissions focused on the subject of openness and fairness and whether those council members actively involved and committed to the Stop the Docks movement should excuse themselves from voting on this question.”

Councillor Gary Ander proceeded to re-iterate his concerns, voiced prior to earlier votes, about the process of creating this bylaw.

“I believe that we should have gone to the proponents and said, look, we have a problem here – nobody wants to see all of those docks out at Roger Curtis, nobody wants to see 29 docks. I also disagree with the idea that you should get to build a dock without a house. These are issues that we should have addressed, but instead we have this blanket – no docks at Roger Curtis bylaw, which appears to be blatantly unfair.” continued PAGE 3

CALLING ALL GRADS! It’s time to start thinking about being part of our 2015 It’

SALUTE TO GRADS ISSUE

To be published June 12

Email a short bio and your favourite high-resolution grad pic by 4:00pm on June 1 to editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com

2 • FRIDAY MAY 29 2015

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→ BOWEN ISLAND

P R O P E R T Y TA X E S

Property Tax notices have been mailed to all home owners as of May 29. If you have not received your notice by June 5, 2015, please contact Bowen Island Municipality at 604-947-4255 or bim@bimbc.ca.

Property tax payments for 2015 are due by Thursday, July 2, 2015 at 4:30 pm.

A 5% penalty will be added to total outstanding current 2015 taxes after the due date. An additional 5% penalty will be added to all unpaid current taxes after August 1, 2015.

NEW! Bowen Island residents eligible for the Home Owner Grant can claim their grant through the BIM website at www.bimbc.ca.

→ ARE YOU SPEEDY OR SLOW?

Bowen Internet Speed Test In today’s digital economy, Canadians live in an increasingly connected world where access to the Internet is essential to create jobs, realize economic opportunities and link Canadians to online services. How does Bowen’s connectivity compare to the rest of BC? BIM is interested in receiving information from the community on the upload and download speeds we are currently receiving across the Island from our internet providers.

Once the levels of service have been established, a report will be prepared and presented to Bowen Island’s MLA Jordan Sturdy, as requested, and shared with the service providers for their information.

Test Option 1: Weeknight between June 1 - 5 at 8:00 pm Test Option 2: Weekday between June 1 - 5 at 10:00 am Test Option 3: Sunday, May 31 or June 7 at 2:00 pm Do one or all three tests.

Please submit your test results immediately following tests.

Please go to www.bimbc.ca to find the link to participate in the Bowen Internet Speed Test.

Please note: Responses will be aggregated and will not be attributed to individuals. Summary data only will be reported.

→ BOWEN ISLAND

VOLUNTEER FIRE D E PA R T M E N T OPEN HOUSE Join us!

BIVFD would like to invite you and your family to the Annual Open House Saturday, June 6, 2015 10:00 am – 3:00 pm Satellite Fire Hall 1421 Adams Road ● ● ● ● ●

Automobile-extrication demonstration Fire extinguisher use and service presentation Bowen Emergency Amateur Radio Service (BEARS) exhibition Fire safety and emergency preparedness information Hot dogs, snacks and refreshments

Fun for the whole family - meet your BIVFD members and check out the Fire Hall, trucks and equipment!

→ CONTRACT OPPORTUNITY Community Profile Writer/Editor The Economic Development Committee (EDC) is seeking an experienced writer/editor to prepare a short Bowen Island community profile. The community profile will include information about the location, demographics, community amenities, business opportunities and transportation options for Bowen Island. Some research materials and a template for the finished document will be provided.

The value of the contract shall not exceed $1,500. The project is expected to take approximately 40 hours of work and must be completed by Friday, July 31, 2015.

Please submit your cover letter outlining your writing and editing experience, a brief resume and writing samples via e-mail to sstevenson@bimbc.ca by Monday, June 1, 2015 at 4:00 pm.

→ EMPLOYMENT

OPPORTUNITIES

Casual Youth Worker Bowen Island Community Recreation (Youth Services) is seeking a Casual Youth Worker. This is a casual part-time position supporting the Youth Services Coordinator in the running of the Bowen Youth Centre. The Youth Worker primarily responds to the needs and interests of young people who frequent the Youth Centre by providing a variety of recreational activities for youth.

The ideal candidate will have at least one year’s experience working with youth in a recreational/drop-in setting. Additionally, the candidate will have completed, or be in the process of completing, their post-secondary education.

Hours may range from 3-11 hours per week, covering Thursday, Friday and/or Saturday night drop-ins.

Please submit your cover letter and resume via e-mail, fax, or mail by Thursday, June 4, 2015 at 4:00 pm.

Full-time Utility Operator Position Bowen Island Municipality seeks a qualified Utility Operator. Working in the Public Works Department, the successful applicant will be required to work on the maintenance, repair and operation of municipal water and sewer systems and facilities including the investigation and resolution of trouble calls and emergencies. The individual will also assist in labour tasks associated with the maintenance of roads, docks, trails, parks and buildings.

The applicant should have considerable experience in the maintenance, repair and installation of water and sewer facilities and systems, or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Certification for BCWWA Small Water Systems is desirable; however if the individual does not hold the certification, they must be willing to complete it within the first six months of employment.

This is a permanent full-time position working 35 hours/week. Days of work will include weekends and will interchange with the other Utility Operators.

Additional work will be required outside of regular hours, including nights, to respond to emergencies.

Please submit your cover letter and resume via e-mail, fax or mail by Thursday, June 11, 2015 at 4:00 pm.

Please send cover letters and resumes for all opportunities to: Christine Walker, Human Resources Manager Bowen Island Municipality 981 Artisan Lane Bowen Island, B.C. V0N 1G2 TEL: 604-947-4255 FAX: 604-947-0193 EMAIL: hr@bimbc.ca WEBSITE: www.bimbc.ca

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FRIDAY MAY 29 2015 • 3

Bowen realtors continue to enjoy Mayor on CRC docks: Bylaw 318 may be hottest market in a decade challenged, but won’t be set-aside MERIBETH DEEN EDITOR

In April, 15 homes sold on Bowen making it the busiest single month for real estate on the island since 2005.

Realtor Frazer Elliott said on May 27 that things are looking equally good for sales in the month of May. “So far 10 homes have sold this month, and there are a number of accepted offers that are currently pending,” he says. “Ten homes, though, still counts as a very good month, and

there are still four days left. Things are changing day by day.”

So far this year, a total of 42 homes and 4 lots have sold on Bowen. Last year by the end of May, 19 homes and 5 lots had sold. The median price for homes on Bowen is currently $645,000.

Elliott says that with 35 homes on the market, inventory is still considered low. However, he is hopeful that more listings will come online andprices will remain stable, keeping the market steady.

Happy commuters...

On Monday, riders of Peter King’s ‘super bus’ got a lift home to Snug Cove on Cormorant Marine’s water taxi - for the same price as the ferry, but saving 45 minutes.

Ken Simpson, photo

ONE HOUR A WEEK IS ALL YOU REALLY NEED FOR A HEALTHY LAWN

LAWN SPRINKLING REGULATIONS 2015 Lawn sprinkling allowed 4 am to 9 am June 1 to September 30 Even-numbered addresses mon | wed | sat Odd-numbered addresses tues | thurs | sun

from PAGE 1 He added that the “Roger Curtis situation came out of left field,” because no one had ever dealt with anything like it before. Ander’s opposition, he said, is based in the belief that it could have all been handled better.

Councillor Alison Morse also voiced her opposition to the bylaw, saying she too is concerned about a the bylaw being “rushed” and the fact that while the proponents offered a compromise, there was no conversation on that possibility.

Councillor Sue Ellen took the position that this bylaw has been anything but rushed, pointing to the 1994 Official Community Plan that identified Cape Roger Curtis as a community asset.

So, far from being fast-tracked I see this as sort of high-time…

“As council, we are elected to be stewards of community assets. The foreshore of Cape Roger Curtis is public land, and also there is a conservation covenant that runs back from the high tide line to protect ecological values there, and the OCP speaks to public access and trails and views and the public benefits of those,” said Fast. “So, far from being fast-tracked I see this as sort of high-time… and I think the proponents have had many opportunities over a number of years to put forward ideas or approach the municipality with options for different kinds of docks, and I’m thinking that hasn’t happened and its time for council to make decisions to protect that parcel of land…”

Mayor Murray Skeels wrapped up the discussion by directly challenging points made by Councillor Kaile. He said that saying the province has approved an additional four docks is false statement. Provincial approval is simply a pre-requisite to applying for a

municipal dock-building permit, he explained, and that nobody has offered up that permission beyond “the fourth dock from the first permissions from years ago.”

He added that this bylaw is part of an incremental approach to protecting Bowen’s shoreline, and that what exists for Cape Roger Curtis is “excellent, excellent environmental reports.” With this documentaton, he said there is now a process in place for looking at the rest of the island’s shoreline and deciding, area by area, about environmental impacts and the suitability for dock construction.

Skeels also objected to Kaile’s statement about the bylaw having been prepared with legal advice.

“I said at an open meeting that we have been very careful to ensure that this bylaw will not be set aside, and that it will not, successfully, be challenged.

Anybody can challenge it, such is the rule of the land, but I did not say this was upon legal advise.”

Skeels went on to say that he had done his due-diligence in approaching the public meeting and public comments with an open mind.

“I sat here and wanted somebody, to tell me, that they liked those docks, that they wanted to have more of them, that this is what Bowen Island needs.

No one did,” said Skeels. “People said we want the right to have docks, but nobody said to me, we want to have docks. And I was sitting here waiting for people to say how nice they were, what a good idea they were, how much they enhanced our lives and we would like to have more of them elsewhere on the island – but nobody did. So I did approach that meeting, I believe, with a very open mind.”

Finally, he said that the divisiveness of this issue was the exact reason why it came up as a priority in this council’s term.

With this week’s vote, Bylaw 381 is official. The bylaw’s adoption will be followed by a staff report on how docks should be managed on the rest of the island’s shoreline.

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viewpoint

Thank you from Bowen Court!

An Inconvenient truth Dear Editor,

Dear Editor,

A group of eager volunteer Grade 5 and 6 students, assisted by parents, youth program leader Matt Matheson and Community School Coordinator Sarah Haxby, swept through Bowen Court grounds and performed heavy duty mulching, clearing and planting tasks, accompanied by peals of laughter and bursts of energy. A warm thank you, on behalf of all residents at Bowen Court, for this truly community spirited help with our garden.

Renate Williams, President, Bowen Court: Bowen Island Seniors Housing Cooperative

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.

Goze Vlasblom Sechelt

Book Fest, success!!

Dear Editor,

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.

While we do not have the final figures yet we are declaring the 2015 book sale a big success.

On behalf of Friends of the Bowen Island Library I would like to extend our deep appreciation to the many Bowen Islanders who volunteered their time and energy for the sale but also to the volunteers who worked so diligently sorting and boxing books over the months prior to the sale.

To all those who helped move the 400 boxes of books, set up in the gym on Friday and then during the sale Saturday, Sunday and Monday a huge THANK YOU! Our very deep appreciation to Farron who helped load up the boxes on Friday and then turned up on Monday to load up the leftovers. Whatever would we have done with out his help and expertise in loading trucks. To the Building Centre a big thank you for loaning us the truck.

And then to all the avid readers who turned out to purchase books and in doing so support the library, many thanks for making this a successful sale. We also want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the generosity of Glen Cormier of the Bowen Island Pub who provided space for us to store the sorted books until sale time.

All funds raised by the Friends support our local library and the programs they provide.

So that’s it until October when we start the whole process again.

We are unable to accept any book donations until October.

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.

Last week there was a meeting in Roberts Creek Community Hall, organized by the Alliance for Democracy. About the next federal election. There was a lot of Harper bashing. Everybody could vent his/her distaste for the Conservative Party.

There were a few suggestions about strategic voting, without explanation how that would work. It made me think.

Strategy is something that is decided by the leadership. If it is decided by the individual soldier (us) than chaos will result. A flock of chicken trying to scare a fox. The enemy has a strategy. It is called “divide and conquer.” or ”Vote Splitting”, whatever name you prefer.

Kathryn Thomson said on May 14 that vote splitting is a myth. I could show her the 55 ridings where in 2011 the Conservatives won by no other means than a very real vote splitting, our riding one of them.

The enemy has it easy. The dividing is done for him. The more parties to fight him, the better. They keep competing with each other and he will walk away with the trophy. That is the ugly truth about the “First Past the Post” electoral system.

Our strategy has to be to unite behind that party that has the best chance to beat the Conservatives. I cannot see that to be the Green Party, unless Kathryn Thomson has some solid evidence, not hope and belief, that the Green Party can muster 20 to 30% of popular vote all by itself. This not Saanich-Gulf Islands.

This is West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country. On top there is the “Orange Wave” That leaves the Liberal Party and the NDP. It is not sure yet which one, but do not ask their candidates, they are in campaign mode for themselves. It will take time and some polling to make the final decision.

If we in our riding can come to an agreement about this and understand the nasty workings of our system, then we can make it work for our purpose. Get the Conservatives out of their majority position and get a motion in parliament to change our outdated electoral system.

The inconvenient truth is that a vote for the Green Party is a vote that cannot be given to the party that can defeat the Conservatives and therefore is a vote for Stephen Harper.

Greta Smith Chair, F.O.B.I.L.S.

THANK YOU’S ARE WELCOME!!

To submit a letter to the editor, please contact the Undercurrent at: editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com

#102–495 Bowen Trunk Road, PO Box 130, Bowen Island BC, V0N 1G0

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2011 CCNA

CANADIAN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER AWARD 2011

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This week in Undercurrent history

FRIDAY MAY 29 2015 • 5

Authentically Aboriginal

MAUREEN SAWASY UNDERCURRENT HISTORIAN

25 years ago in the Undercurrent •

The headline from the May 25, 1990 edition of The Undercurrent read, “Snug Cove concept planners need input.” The article outlined how a group of 11 dedicated Bowen Island residents were hard at work trying to develop a Concept Plan for Snug Cove to address the current problems, and reserve enough space to deal with future commercial use and traffic needs. These issues included community uses such as the library, community centre, more playing fields and baseball diamonds, and a centre for the performing and visual arts as well as space for commuter parking, future transit vehicles and taxis.

20 years ago in the Undercurrent •

The Cruisers had two 7-run innings as they romped to a 29 – 13 victory over the error-prone Diggers in Bowen Men’s Fastball League Tuesday. The Diggers actually out-hit the Cruisers but were charged with eight errors in the game, while the Cruisers made only three.

10 years ago in the Undercurrent •

•

The Queen of Capilano and her crew performed a rescue at sea just after departing Snug Cove on the regularly schedule 10:35 a.m. run. Instead of heading to Horseshoe Bay, the ferry’s route was diverted north up Howe Sound towards Hood Point. Two men were in a 16-foot skiff that had been overcome by choppy waves and winds. With quick action, the rescue team on the Queen of Capilano lowered a zodiac into the water just as the aluminum craft sunk. Neither of the men sustained any serious injuries.

Lucky the dog was lucky indeed. Granted special permission from BIM, Lucky would be able to act as ring bearer at Shane Tweten and Julia Philpot’s upcoming August wedding. Tweten explained: Through my bachelor years, he was my best buddy….He’s been such a crucial part of our lives.

Photo submitted by Simon James

PAULINE LE BEL

5 years ago in the Undercurrent •

Ian Reid, one of the featured artists in the show, was a singer and speaker after the feast.

In what was predicted to be a long and complicated process, the municipality started taking steps to have more control of the waters off some of its beaches. Council asked staff for, “community and institutional use Crown land tenure,” over the foreshore of Sandy Beach and Pebbly Beach. Once attained the permit would allow the municipality to control the anchorage of vessels close to shore and create safe swimming areas.

Councilor Peter Frinton stressed that any action council takes should not deny people anchorage; it’s to control anchorage.

The kids’ table at Book Fest.

Susan Geist, photo

COMMUNITY CAULDRON

The more I experience aboriginal culture, the more I appreciate how the dancing, drumming, singing, and carving are very much about transformation. And for a few hours on May 16, Simon Daniel James, guest curator, and his fellow artists and dancers transformed the Gallery at Artisan Square into a Longhouse. At the Grand Reception, over 130 of us were welcomed, offered a culinary feast of salmon, bannock, clam fritters, canoe potato, elk meatballs (more about those later) and drummed into a world beyond the boundaries of our island.

Not since 2006, the second year of the Voices in the Sound Festival, have we enjoyed such a public presence of aboriginal artistry. The gallery walls displayed the spirit, ingenuity and skill of carvers, jewelry makers, and painters. From massive pieces

by Bowen Islander Gerald Morisseau, a Cree artist, and Ray Natraoro, a Coast Salish carver, to the delicate silver pendants made by Rory Dawson of the Kwakwaka’wakw Nation.

Last week, Simon and I chatted in his home studio, to the lively musical accompaniment of two-yearold Mizuki on drums, train whistle and tambourine. Before he began carving, painting, sculpting, and animating, Simon was a commercial fisherman.

Normally, says Simon, he does everything himself.

For this event, “I had to learn how to delegate – even the cooking.” His relatives recommended Jason Elias, a graduate of Vancouver Island University Culinary Arts program. Simon created the menu, including the above-mentioned elk meatballs. He had tried

On the calendar FRIDAY MAY 29 No Legion dinner!

Wine Tasting at the Beer and Wine Store 3 p.m. - 6 p.m., 8th generation wines from Summerland

SATURDAY MAY 30

Mad Hatter’s Tea Party Bowen Island Community School PAC Learning Commons Gala, Cates Hill Park, 7 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Ruth’s Big Plant Sale Corner of Creek Road and Lower Oceanview 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

SUNDAY MAY 31

Visioning session on Grafton Lake Lands RSVP John Reid at isldpark@telus.net

TUESDAY JUNE 2

– unsuccessfully - for years to get his wife, Naomi, to enjoy elk, enhancing them with various spices.

He met Naomi in Fukushima where he was carving totem poles. For the feast, he decided to sweeten the elk with a Saskatoon berry glaze. Naomi liked it. And so did the feasters.

Despite best intentions, Simon got involved with the cooking and serving up. “If I hadn’t taken over there would have been no food.” He was still cooking when Naomi told him to go home and get dressed.

He was wearing his pajamas from the night before.

Simon raced home, washed up, changed and came back twenty minutes later in time for the dancing.

He quipped about the lateness of things: “We’re on Bowen time and Indian time.”

Simon is a powerful dancer. “Dancing has been a big part of my life. When I was seven, I danced for Queen Elizabeth at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre.”

When he was 17 he started a dance troupe in Campbell River. He was pleased when his cousin, Sammy Dawson, agreed to dance with the Echo Mask Simon had carved with his grandfather. It was sold to a gallery and the owners allow him to borrow it for special events – such as Simon’s wedding. It was moving to hear Simon speak about his grandfather.

“I was with my grandfather since the day I was born and was with him when he died.” When they carved together, Simon’s grandfather would ask him to do the mechanics. “That’s how my brain works,” he said.

“I prefer to do transformation masks using ancient, simple ways – the fulcrum, the screw.”

The Echo Mask, a way for the elders to explain how sound reverberates off a hard surface, has interchangeable beaks – all birds - including Eagle, Kolus (like an eagle with teeth), and an articulated Raven beak which opens and closes when the dancer pulls the string.

There was also some assured impromptu dancing provided by Simon’s five-year-old son, Ryuki.

Other artists in the exhibit included islander, Dawn Smoke, a Mohawk artist, who offered jewelry as well as unusual larger pieces, Debra Sparrow, a renowned Musqueam weaver, and Ian Reid, a Heiltsuk artist, who engaged in some reverse “cultural appropriation” by including images of the Dalai Lama in his paintings Descending into Mindfulness and Raven obtains en-LIGHT-enment, suggesting a similar consciousness in Indigenous and Buddhist teachings. Dzunokwa, whose name means Wild Woman of the Woods, a terrifying creature who eats young children, was represented in Lou-Ann Neel’s acrylic piece, and Simon’s powerful mask – guaranteed to keep any child out of the woods.

Many thanks to Janet Esseiva and Jacqueline Massey of the arts council for supporting this exhibit. May they build on this success and invite more aboriginal participation. How about an evening of traditional aboriginal dance and storytelling? In conversation with Rory Dawson, Simon’s cousin from Kingcome Inlet, I learned he has a dance troupe that shares songs/dances to educate people about the Kwakwaka’wakw Nation’s world view, history & culture.

If you haven’t yet seen the exhibit, I encourage you to drop by the Gallery and allow yourself to be transformed.

Pauline Le Bel is an Emmy-nominated screenwriter, award-winning novelist and the author of Becoming Intimate with the Earth.

THURSDAY

AA Meeting Collins Hall 7:15 p.m.

Rotary presents Walt Ruloff discussing his latest venture, Amicus. 7:30pm, Collins Hall

WEDNESDAY JUNE 3

UPCOMING

Knitting Circle 2 - 5 p.m. Bowen Court - All levels welcome!

IPS Arts & Humanities Open House: Walk Through Time: This annual exhibit includes the Twins Project - 6:30- 8:00 pm

THURSDAY JUNE 4

Acupuncture for Nepal with Courtney Morris 9 a.m - 3 p.m by donation, for Doctors Without Borders Duplicate Bridge @ Bowen Court Call Irene @ 2955

SATURDAY JUNE 13

Round Bowen Sail Boat Race Taste of Bowen Tourism Bowen Island Pancake Breakfast

SUNDAY JUNE 14

Aaron’s Run 8km Run (Aaron’s Field-9:00am) and 2km Walk/Run (Fire Hall-9:30am)) register at www.aaronsrun.com

6 • FRIDAY MAY 29 2015

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Mad Hatter’s (not just tea) party: an adventure in Wonderland PENNY NALDRETT SUBMISSION

Come play under the stars and experience a magical evening that will fill your senses - a world filled with music, delectable treats, fire, drama and prize filled tea cups!

Traveling to Bowen on their yellow submarine will be the hugely popular Beatles tribute band The Day Trippers. They will transport revelers back to the touring days of the early 1960s.

The band embodies the exuberance of the early 1960s spirit that the Beatles brought to the

stage. Inspired by mod culture and a love of blues and pop music, The Day Trippers deliver the incredible music of The Beatles at their energetic peak.

A bevy of delectable sweet and savory fare from the finest of Bowen Island’s culinary masters including Chef Matt Mattheson, Erin Naismith, Cocoa West Chocolatiers, Artisan Eats the Ruddy Potato will tempt the revelers to “eat me.”

The world of Alice in Wonderland will be filled with entertainment including theatrical performances from Martin Clark and his talented mostly Mad Hatters, fire juggling by the amazing Sherry Matthew and the Great Mysteria with her eerily insightful medicine card readings.

Revelers may choose to follow Alice and the caterpillar as they disappear into the magical hookah tent...

Finally, the sale of magical tea cups will give revelers the chance to win some incredible prizes including 2 nights accommodation at the luxurious Poets Cove Resort & Spa on Pender Island, a hockey jersey signed by Vancouver Canuck Alex Burrows, and a family pass for the Sea to Sky Gondola.

The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party is a BICS PAC sponsored event to raise funds for the BICS Library to Learning Commons renovation. The new Learning Commons will transform the BICS library into a bigger, brighter, more flexible space where students and community are welcome to research and exchange ideas.

Tickets are available at Phoenix on Bowen Island or online athttp://bicsmadhatter.bpt.me.

Many thanks to our event sponsors including: Turtlebox Productions, The Bowen Building Centre, The General Store, JWT Architecture and Planning, Dee Elliott and Frazer Elliott-MacDonald Realty, Artisan Office Services.

Small by design. Distinctly different.

Middle school matters most

MASTERWORKS PRESENTATIONS

and kids like it here.

Grade 9 students publicly present the results of self-directed study projects to their panel of advisors.

Come learn with us.

Congratulations to Charlotte Townsend-Gault

June 8 - 11, 2015 Cates Hill Chapel

For winning the Canada-Prize in Humanities

islandpacific.org/masterworks

MERIBETH DEEN EDITOR

Bowen Islander Charlotte Townsend-Gault will be off-island until the end of the summer, however, when she does return she’ll be bringing home the prestigious Canada-Prize in Humanities for her work as chief co-editor of the book, Native Art of the Northwest Coast: A History of Changing Ideas.

Published by UBC Press, the book take the form of a comprehensive ‘archive’ of historical documents and has been described by the Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences (which awards the Canada Prizes) as “a treasure trove of information on Northwest Coast Native art. It will be essential reading for all future work on this topic.”

The book is now available at major bookstores as well as the sales outlets of the Vancouver Art Gallery and the Museum of Anthropology.

2015 METRO VANCOUVER

C Return Envelope 2015 Metro Vanc

ouver Transporta tion and Trans it Plebiscite

3027-C (15/01)

MUN

Municipality Name

TRANSPORTATION AND TRANSIT PLEBISCITE

CLOSE OF VOTING 8 P.M. FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2015

Elections BC must receive your completed ballot package before the close of voting at 8 p.m. on Friday, May 29, 2015.

Voters are reminded to allow enough mailing time for their ballot package to reach Elections BC before the close of voting or drop off their ballot package at one of the nine Plebiscite Service Offices listed below.

Plebiscite Service Offices are located at:

■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Capilano Mall, North Vancouver Central City Mall, Surrey Chinatown Plaza, Vancouver City Square Shopping Centre, Vancouver Coquitlam Centre, Coquitlam Haney Place Mall, Maple Ridge Lougheed Town Centre, Burnaby Richmond Centre, Richmond Willowbrook Shopping Centre, Langley

For more information, call 1-800-661-8683 or visit elections.bc.ca.

ele c tio n s . b c .c a 1- 8 0 0 - 6 61- 8 6 8 3

Above: Charlotte Townsend-Gault.

Ian Townsend-Gault, photo

WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM

FRIDAY MAY 29 2015 • 7

Summer Rhapsody

A concert to fund the expansion of the Bowen Island Library

SQUAMISH + SHIMIZU SISTER CITIES WITH A LOT IN COMMON

THOMAS BECKMAN SUBMISSION

Bowen Island resident and poet, Jude Neale, Vancouver Laureate poet Rachel Rose, and myself, composer and violist Thomas Beckman, will be giving a special concert on the 19th of July at the Tir Na Nog Theatre, as a dedication to the Bowen Island Public Library. As a tribute to them we will be handing over several hundred copies of a new album, composed chiefly of my own original music and with poetry by Jude and Rachel. Directly after the concert these albums will be stocked at the Library, the gallery as well as several other businesses on the island such as Cocoa West, Phoenix, Cates Medicine Pharmacy, and the Marina Union Steamship Co, for sale. Several other businesses including Zulu Records in Vancouver will also be selling the album. In this manner, sales of the album will go directly towards to the expansion costs of the library.

It is my belief that music can and ought to play a pivotal role in community life. Too often, music gets regulated to mere entertainment or made for purely egocentric purposes. But music can be so much more than this. I want music to serve and transform the community by aligning disparate groups of people along progressive trends and towards common goals. In this case, the album, once done will be at the disposal of the Bowen Island Arts Community as a means to generate an extra source of funding for the expansion of their library.

Miraculously, we have already raised the target that was set on the Indiegogo campaign to fund the album. And yet, we still have 3 weeks left. Jude and myself are now asking that people continue to contribute so that we may afford 2 more days of studio time, as well as make a direct donation to the library itself on the night of the concert.

To contribute to our Indie-Go-Go Campaign, go to Indiegogo.com and search: Music for Bowen Island Library.

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The scoop on dog poop Off-leash dog bites

joggers in Crippen Park

MERIBETH DEEN EDITOR

This bucket for dog-poo bags appeared on the side of Oceanview Road a few weeks ago, and seems to be getting good use.

Meribeth Deen, photo

MERIBETH DEEN EDITOR

Bowen Island is a dog-lovers paradise. Dog owners on Bowen seem to love their pets so much that they forget, all too often, to clean up after them. Below are a few interesting facts from Metro Vancouver Parks which may inspire a little more vigilance:

MYTH BUSTER Dog poop is not fertilizer. It’s full of bacteria, nitrogen and salts which don’t dissolve and can be harmful to plants, aquatic life and people.

Since dogs are meat eaters, their feces can carry pathogens including coliform bacteria, salmonella and giardia which can contaminate soil and water (and make people sick). Some parasites can linger in soil for years.

This can put young children at risk if they inadvertently eat contaminated dirt or grass. Persons confined to hand-activated wheelchairs and active sports participants may also be at risk.

WHAT ABOUT HORSE POOP? Horses are herbivores (eat grasses, plants). Their manure (in small amounts) is organic and biodegradable, and tends to dissolve quickly.

Horse manure does not contain the contaminates, bacteria and salts that dog poop does.

IT ADDS UP! In 2010, 10 million visits were made to Metro Vancouver Regional Parks.

It’s estimated that 24% (2.4 million) of these visits included a dog. A medium sized dog (e.g. cocker spaniel) discharges 0.34 kg of feces and about 720 ml of urine each day. Using these averages, that means about 961 halfton truckloads of feces and 513 oil drums of urine are deposited in Metro Vancouver parks each year. ... AND IT GETS AROUND Dogs typically defecate along the first 100 to 150 metres of a trail. Two or three days’ worth of poop from about 100 dogs can contribute enough bacteria to temporarily close a bay to swimming and shellfishing.

REGULAR SCHEDULE BC Ferries REGULAR SCHEDULE March 12, In Effect14 Mayto15October to October 13,2015 2014

▼

BOWEN ISLAND Snug Cove

Leave Snug Cove

6:00 am * 6:00 am 7:00 am* 7:00 am * 8:00 am 8:00 am 9:05 am†† 9:05 am# 10:05 am 10:05 am 11:05 am 11:05 am 12:10 pm 12:10 pm 2:35 pm 2:35 pm 3:45 pm 3:45 pm 4:45 pm 4:45 pm 5:50 pm 5:50 pm* 6:50 pm 7:50 pm 6:50 pm * 8:40 pm 7:50 pm*# 9:40 pm 8:40 pm# 9:40 pm

Distance: 3 NAUTICAL MILES Crossing Time: 20 MINUTES

Leave Horseshoe Bay

5:30 am** 5:30 am 6:30 am** 6:30 am 7:30 am** 7:30 am 8:35 am * 8:35 am 9:35 am # 9:35 am 10:35 am 10:35 am 11:40 am 11:40 am 12:45 pm 12:45 pm 3:10 pm pm 4:15 pm pm†† 5:15 pm pm 6:20 pm pm* 7:20 pm 7:20 pm** 8:15 pm 8:15 pm## 9:10 pm 9:10 pm 10:05 pm 10:05 pm

VANCOUVER Horseshoe Bay

*

DAILY EXCEPT SATURDAYS # DAILY EXCEPT DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAYS SUNDAYS DAILY EXCEPT SATURDAYS & DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAYS & SATURDAYS SUNDAYS DAILY EXCEPT DAILY EXCEPT SAT, SUN & SAT,19, SUN MAY JUL&1, MAY 18,SEPT JULY1 1, AUG 4, & AUGOCT 3, SEP 13 7 & OCT 12

#

*

*

**

**

††

THE THE WEDNESDAY WEDNESDAY SAILINGS WILL SAILINGS WILL BE BE REPLACED REPLACED BY

BY DANGEROUS DANGEROUS CARGO SAILINGS. CARGO SAILINGS. NO OTHER NO OTHER PASSENGERS PASSENGERS PERMITTED. PERMITTED.

In the past month and a half, two habitual Crippen Park joggers who happen to be married, Sue Hern and Jerry Hern, had the unfortunate experience of being bitten by a dog in the park. As it was a black and white Collie on both occasions, they believe it was the same dog. Sue Hern says that while she spoke with the dog’s owner, she did not get the owner’s name.

Sue reported the incident to Bylaw Services, who proceeded to put her in contact with Metro Vancouver Parks - as Crippen Park is technically their jurisdiction.

Tom McComb, the Acting Area Manager for Regional Parks, West Area, says that Metro Parks investigates reported incidents and deals with them on a case by case basis.

“We do fine dog owners but we prefer an educational approach,” says McComb. “Dog management and making sure dog owners get the message about how they need to behave is one of our biggest challenges at Metro Parks. However, since setting up the off-leash area in Crippen Park in 2013, there does seem to be more compliance with our leash-laws.”

McComb says that since 2013, there have been roughly 2 – 3 reports of encounters with aggressive

dogs in Crippen Park each year.

Bonny Brokenshire, Bowen’s Senior Bylaw Officer, says that while this average seems accurate, there have been 6 reports of encounters with aggressive dogs in Crippen Park since the beginning of 2015.

Four of those have resulted in harm to either another dog or a human.

“Often people report these incidents to us first, even though it is not Municipal land,” says Brokenshire. “I will pass them on to Metro Vancouver to make a report but I also follow up on the incident by contacting Metro Vancouver staff who work on Bowen - sometimes they will be familiar with the dog or owner on the basis of description.”

Brokenshire adds that being aware of these incidents is important to the Municipality because most often, the dogs involved reside on-island.

“We want to know if there is a dog on-island that we should be deeming as dangerous,” says Brokenshire. “And we like to work with Metro Vancouver on this kind of thing, we have a good working relationship.”

In the cases of Sue and Jerry Hern, Brokenshire says that Metro Vancouver Staff were not familiar with either the dog or the owner, based on the descriptions provided.

Metro Vancouver Parks Canine Code of Conduct • Keep your dog under control in all places at all times. Dogs must be leashed, unless in a designated off-leash area or on a designated leash-optional trail.

• Scoop your dog’s poop and deposit the bag in a designated container (not the forest). Leave all trails as clean—or cleaner—than when you arrived.

• Respect wildlife and their habitat—you and your dog are in their home.

• Keep your dog out of streams, creeks, ponds, wetlands and shorelines. A variety of wildlife lives in these areas including fish, frogs, salamanders and birds.

• Keep your dog from digging or causing damage.

• Yield the right-of-way to other hikers. Keep your dog close and under control as others pass by. Yield the right-of-way to equestrians. Say hello so riders know you are there, and keep your dog close, quiet and under control as horses pass by.

• Always be courteous. Don’t give other trail users any reason to complain.

Set an example by being a conscientious owner with a well-behaved dog enjoying the trails.

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

GRADS DON’T FORGET YOUR DEADLINE:

Get photos and submissions in to the Undercurrent

by Monday June 1.

send to: ads@bowenislandundercurrent. com

WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM

FRIDAY MAY 29 2015 • 9

Dedicated water taxi customer steering the Bowen Island needs you! ship (one of them) across Howe Sound

Vince Knudsen docks The Guardian in Snug Cove.

Meribeth Deen, photo

MERIBETH DEEN EDITOR

It is not uncommon when reading through a council meeting agenda to find, in the letters at the very bottom, to find a plea or two from a customer of the English Bay Launch water taxi service asking for municipal support to keep the service running. This week, the municipality recieved two such letters, one from Tara Kane‐Vaziri and another from Andrea Derban. English

Bay Launch customer Vince Knudsen says he too considered writing a letter, or joining a committee in order to support the service, but in the end he found another way to help out: he’s taken on the job of Skipper for one of the company boats.

“I could see that Mike [Shannon English Bay Launch owner] was having a hard time finding reliable drivers so it seemed like a good way to help make the business more stable,” says Knudsen. “I consider myself a reliable, thoughtful person and I have to go in every day anyway,

so why not? Also, because I live on Bowen, it saves Mike a couple of deadhead runs every day.”

Originally from Ontario, Knudsen says that prior to taking this job as skipper, he had driven a 16-foot aluminum boat while on vacation, on a lake. In order to drive a water taxi across Howe Sound, Knudsen had to take a week off work to take Transport Canada’s Marine Emergency Duties course and Small Vessell Operator Proficiency Course.

To assist with the learning curve in his first weeks on the job, Mike Shannon copiloted alongside Knudsen. Since he’s been on his own, however, Knudsen has switched from driving the Bowen Belle, which seats 12 people inside, to the slightly smaller Guardian.

“One of the things to get used to is dealing with the wash from the ferry,” says Knudsen. “It can really push a small boat around. I’m facing a learning curve, of course, but it’s a good time of year for it.”

When asked if he intends to keep driving the water taxi into the winter season, Knudsen says yes, in fact, he sees himself skippering for years to come.

“In my field, the work will always be in Vancouver which means I will likely be commuting for the next 20 years or so,” he explains. “With the water taxi running, I can travel between Bowen and my office near Granville Island in less than 50 minutes. This means I can actually have dinner with my family, and without this, the commute would be unbearable. I would likely move off Bowen. So, if I have to drive the boat to keep the service going, then that’s what I will do.”

To save Bowfest ADAM TAYLOR SUBMISSION

Despite the success of Bowfest, it struggles with a chronic shortage volunteers to organize the event.

Requests for volunteers last year secured much needed help for the day of the event, but requests to the broader community for new board members in 2014 and 2015 have been unsuccessful.

When I became involved in Bowfest 2013 an old family friend handed me an Undercurrent with a list of volunteers for Bowfest, 1978. This was the first year it was held in its current location and the names mentioned were a Who’s Who of Bowen in the Seventies. Among the gems was mention of Ellen Dorman, my Great Aunt, who was the recipient of the first “Citizen of the Year Award,” and who famously stated she couldn’t ride in the parade as she would be too busy cooking chicken for everyone at Bowfest.

With over 200 listed volunteers from an island population of less than 1,000 the community participation was impressive. It truly was a celebration for the community and by the community. How the times have changed. The island population has nearly quadrupled but the number of Bowfest volunteers has decreased by 70 percent.

Bowfest, our end-of-summer tradition does not happen overnight. It is the result of the efforts of volunteer teams and community groups, many of which rely on participation in the event to help raise much needed funds for their programs. Unfortunately we seem to have a short memory because the lack of volunteers has become a perennial theme for Bowfest.

At our 2014 AGM two board members stepped down, later in the year a third member moved offisland for personal reasons.

continued PAGE 12

Doc Morgan’s Pub Fresh Made Great Pub Fare!

Daily Specials!

Open 12 noon to close every day.

Come enjoy the best deck on Bowen!

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

You are Cordially Invited to Attend The Board of Directors of the Bowen Island Community School Association hereby give notice that the Annual General Meeting of the Association will be held at Bowen Island Community School Library on Monday the 8th of June, at the hour of 7:00 pm for the following purposes: • To receive the financial statements of the Association • To receive reports of Board Members • To elect Board Members of the Association to fill required vacancies on the board

WELCOME TO KINDERGARTEN Invitation for parents with children born in 2010 Bowen Island Community School is pleased to invite parents and their children to join us for Welcome to Kindergarten, a free Kindergarten orientation session offered on Tuesday, June 2 from 1:00-2:30 pm.

The West Vancouver School District (WVSD) works with early learning professionals to deliver high quality education the empowers students, taps unique potential and builds a solid foundation for leadership, achievement and success.

To register for this event, please call the school at 604.947.9337. www.sd45.bc.ca

10 • FRIDAY MAY 29 2015

InHabit

Somatic Centre

566 Artisan Square Somatic Patterning Massage Craniosacral Therapy Ball Rolling Classes T’ai Chi Chih (778) 952-3757 Breathe Move Touch

Chiropractor

Dr. Tracy Leach, D.C.

595B Artisan Lane Tues. & Fri. Call for an appointment

(778) 828-5681

WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM

HEALTH & WELLNESS Dr. Utah Zandy 604-947-9830

CALL FOR APPOINTMENT OPEN TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS

Dr. Susanne Schloegl M.D.

Dr. will be away June 3 - 5.

Call for an appointment Artisan Square

www.leachchiro.com

604-947-9986

Dr. Gloria Chao

Dr. Dana Barton

Family Dentist

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

Naturopathic Physician 596 B. Artisan Square

604-730-1174 Natural Family Medicine

BOWEN ISLAND MASSAGE THERAPY @ #597 Wellness Centre & #595 next door!!

604-947-9755 EXT #1 TEXT: 604-653-9755

By Appt. 7 days a week

MARY MCDONAGH RMT HARMONY SHIRE RMT ROBYN IZARD RMT ALICIA HOPPENRATH RMT

Celebrating 27 years Community Healthcare

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

Psychologist Dr. Carolyn Nesbitt PhD, R.Psych #1484

604-376-9801 www.CarolynNesbitt.com

At entrance to Artisan Square Suite #597

CATHERINE SHAW Dr. Traditional Chinese Medicine/Acupuncturist

❦

MARY MCDONAGH RMT, DCH Registered Massage Therapist

❦

SANDY LOGAN Registered Physiotherapist

❦

COURTNEY MORRIS R.Ac, DCH Acupuncturist / Homeopath

Life Labs Tue @ Dr. Schloegl Thur @ Dr. Zandy 6:45am - 8:45am

For routine lab tests.

Specialized tests & children may be referred to the mainland.

Bea, a student at BICS, weilds her shovels for hard work in the garden at Bowen Court.

Sarah Haxby, photo

BOWEN BULLETIN BOARD Doc Morgan’s is open run by original owners. Located on the boardwalk at Union Steamship Marine Resort located in Snug Cove. Doc’s is very busy with great tips, kitchen is tipped on percentage of food sales!

WE ARE LOOKING FOR

FRIENDLY CUSTOMER SERVICE ORIENTATED STAFF. • Line cooks • Prep cooks

• Hostess • Dishwashers • Bussers

• Servers • Bartenders

Please fill out an application at Doc Morgan’s. Contact Oydis at 604-947-0808

SEEKING HOUSESITTER/ CARETAKER POSITION I am an exp. house-sitter and property manager having cared for up to 22,000 sq ft. facilities.

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Sat. May 30th • 10am - 3pm Corner of Creek rd. and lower Oceanview

LANCE’S RECYCLING

Gallery @ Artisan Square Presents I’ll pick up your Authentically recycling and Aboriginal deliver to BIRC for on Bowen Presents $25/load the work of Kindling $20/box at Building Centre 12 indigenous artists CALL 947-2430 15 May – 21 June

Brannon Brothers

BOWEN PRO-PAINTING Any paint job big or small Pro-Painting is the one to call For your free estimate call Steve @

604-970-0433

Call RCMP at 604-947-0516

ALL BOWEN GRADS! Send in your photo and write up to be a part of our Grad 2015 issue.

Deadline June 1

ads@bowenislandundercurrent.com

604-947-2442

WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM

FRIDAY MAY 29 2015 • 11

12 • FRIDAY MAY 29 2015

WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM

Bowen tradition in peril due to lack of volunteers

Flamenco comes to Bowen MONICA LAUREN SUBMISSION

“SOLO FLAMENCO” presents flamenco in its purest traditional form, The Cuadro. A “cuadro” is a flamenco group that includes a flamenco dancer, guitarist & percussion. This show features the Kasandra Flamenco Ensemble which includes Vancouver flamenco dancer, Kasandra “La China” (bailaora), in a fiery dialogue with

Korean dancers brought to last summer’s Bowfest Parade by the Snug Cove General Store.

Meribeth Deen, photo

from PAGE 9 We did bring in a fabulous new Treasurer but the vacated roles were never filled.

Bowfest 2014 was a success with possibly the longest parade yet with had 31 entries. Fourteen acts entertained us on the main stage, presentations by the Gymnastics Club, Flowriders, Country Fair, assorted competitions, games and rides filled out a day enjoyed by an estimated 2000 locals and visitors. The Choir who ably manned the gates, and the Legion who once again ran the beer garden raised funds for their organizations. Financially the Bowen Island Community Fair Association (Bowfest) is in great shape, there are adequate funds in reserve to cover all costs should there be a rain-out year.

Anyone who has been on the Bowfest Board understands the importance of this.

Now we find ourselves in mid-2015, and requests for more volunteers have gone largely unanswered.

At our recent AGM one member stepped down due to work commitments, three of our members have

expressed a desire to mentor replacements as two of them are now part-time residents, and as for myself, I need to spend more time with my elderly father, as well as build my business, and not have to postpone the Annual Nature Dive which I have run for the past eight years.

For Bowfest to continue we need people to step forward and fill the following roles; Chair, Secretary, Vice-Chair, Volunteer Co-ordinator, Field Co-ordinator (Rides, Community Groups and Vendors), Marketing & Fundraising Director and Food Vendor Co-ordinator. We are also seeking someone assist the Parade Co-ordinator this year with the goal of assuming the role in 2016. If this additional help materializes then Bowfest 2015 will be as fun and successful as it has in the past.

Please come to the community meeting being held at the Bowen Island Legion, 10:30am on Saturday June 6th. If the various roles are not filled then a long-standing summer tradition will unfortunately will not continue for 2015. Hope to see you there.

Liron Man (guitarist), Jafelin Helten (singer) & Davide Sampaolo (percussionist). Monica Laurin from Bowen Island joins as guest dancer. The show celebrates virtuosity and expression through colourful, vibrant dances with castanets, Spanish fans and rapid-fire footwork!

The show features the innovative lyrical music of guitarist, Liron Man, who has toured Spain, Germany, China, Israel and Canada. Davide Sampaolo, flamenco percussionist from Rome, adds energy and soniquete (groove) with the flamenco box drum, cajon and percussion.

Adding the lyrical cante of Jafelin Helten, the finest cantaora from Vancouver, the show has an avante-garde, spicy twist with many surprises.

Here is a sneak peek behind the curtain at some of the pleasures that await: Contemporary flamenco dance by Kasandra “La China” with rapid-fire footwork to Davide Sampaolo on cajon.

Haunting dance solo

by Monica Laurin, the Seguiriyas, one of the deepest profound song forms in flamenco.

Left: Bowen Island’s Monica Lauren.

Tobyn Ross, photo