FRIDAY AUGUST 14, 2015 VOL. 42, NO. 29
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Remembering Claus
Hans Behm pays tribute to one of the founders of BICS, Claus Spiekermann
How I Got Here: Dee Elliott Realtor’s tale is much like the ones being told by her clients
Dog Days
Bowen Island went to the dogs on Sunday in celebration of all things canine
Spear sisters win Twilight contest David and MARTHA PERKINS EDITOR
Bowen Island’s Kailey and Sam Spear were catapulted into a whole new universe of fandom after their film won the grand prize in The Storytellers: New Voices of the Twilight Saga. The Mary Alice Brandon File has been viewed more than three million times by Twilight fans (and, undoubtedly, every single person on Bowen Island.) Their screenplay is based on The Twilight Saga: The Official
Illustrated Guide by Stephanie Meyer. “I’m really proud to celebrate a new generation of female filmmakers. Keep telling your stories,” says judge Catherine Hardwicke, the director of the first Twilight Saga film, in a video announcing the winners on Friday. As part of their prize, they won a XC90 from Volvo, the film competition’s sponsor. The identical twins, who have BFAs from Simon Fraser University, grew up on Bowen Island and called upon several islanders to help with The Mary Alice Brandon File,
including their producer, Natasha Wehn. (Their laudatory thank-you letter is on page 4.) The haunting story, filmed in soft, moody greys, is about a young woman whose ability to see into the future — and discern who murdered her mother — is punished by having her memory striped from her through a series of electroshock therapies. During each treatment, she has flashbacks which piece together why such a bright, beautiful young woman disappears before the viewers’ eyes.
After a 14-2 mercy win for the Cruisers on Saturday afternoon, the Twins’ Julian Stevenson, Kevin Toews and Matt Gildersleeve congratulate their opponents. For details of the tournament, plus a list of trophy winners in the 2015 regular Men’s Fastpitch League, please see story on page 3. Martha Perkins photo
Island pitches in to help family after devastating fire on Hood Point MARTHA PERKINS EDITOR
The island is banding together to help a family whose house burned down on Wednesday morning. Susanne and David Koeplin and their two children were away when a neighbour in Hood Point heard the smoke alarms in their house go off around one in the morning. Fire Chief Ian Thompson says that the neighbour went over to the house to see if everything was okay. When she opened the door, letting oxygen, or fuel for the fire, into the house, “it blew her back.”
The neighbour suffered a fracture in her arm and burns to her face. Thompson got the call at 1:28 and was there about 15 minutes later, with the first fire engine arriving five minutes later. It was quickly discerned that the house could not be saved because the fire was so advanced. Concern then focused on preventing ash and sparks spreading the fire elsewhere. One fire truck focused on dousing the flames while another sprayed water on brush and trees in the neighbourhood. Thompson and neighbourhood volunteers went door to door to let neighbours know
what was happening. The fire chief praises the 18 volunteer firefighters who responded, not leaving until about eight in the morning. “The guys did an unbelievable job containing it to the one area.” Thompson says the cause of the fire is undetermined — and likely to remain that way. The fire started somewhere in the middle of the 70-year-old building. In the meantime, friends have kicked into high gear to help the family, who, while insured, lost everything in the fire. continued PAGE 9
Shirley Wrinch are Citizens of the Year
SELECTION COMMITTEE CITIZEN OF THE YEAR
Out of all the wonderful Bowen individuals who have been granted the annual Citizen of the Year award, two couples have previously won: Ross and Lois Meyers-Carter in 2007, and Don and Dianne Marshall in 2013. Among the flurry of submissions this year, another pair have shone through: David and Shirley Wrinch. The couple, who have spent countless hours donating their time and costumes to previous Bowfest parades, will now get to join the floats themselves. David and Shirley have David Wrinch volunteered on an ongoing basis at a variety of organizations on the Island. David has provided technical support for seasonal exhibits at the Museum, including the yearly Teddy Bear Christmas exhibit. He has volunteered for numerous Bowen festivals, Tourism Bowen, and with the Royal Shirley Wrinch Canadian Legion. From Friday Night Dinners to Community Lunches, David and Shirley have both devoted numerous volunteer hours to the Legion, where David served as president for the 20132014 term. As Chair of the Eagle Cliff Water System Local Advisory Committee and president of the recycling depot, David has strove to maintain the community’s sustainable connection to the island and its resources. Many visitors who stopped by the vintage photo booth during Steamship Days at the Bowen Island Museum and Archives can boast that they wore a variety of Shirley’s fine creations. Calling her on short notice, Museum staff had to plead that “we may prove to be worse than actors” when it comes to schedule changes and costume requests. While recently working on the new documentary for our exhibit, we arrived at her home hoping for four dresses and a few shirts: we came out with 12. To any occasion, Shirley arrives full of enthusiasm, warmth, and a hint of theatricality. Well known for her costuming talents and the ability to transform simple bedsheets into a fabulous gown, Shirley is not sparing when it comes to loaning out her creations. Tir-nanOg Theatre School, Theatre on the Isle and Green Man Festival would not have the same magic without her vast collection of pleated, beaded, hemmed and pressed costumes. continued PAGE 6
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Islands Trust Council Wednesday, September 16, 2015 1:30 – 2:30 pm Bowen Island Cates Hill Chapel Hall, 661 Carter Road This session is an opportunity for members of the public to discuss issues, ask questions and make suggestions with trustees from the entire Islands Trust Area. Deadline for Delegation request is August 19, 2015. For more information on the Town Hall Session, contact Jas Chonk, Acting Executive Coordinator, Islands Trust (toll free at 1-800-663-7867 or direct 250-405-5164) (email: jchonk@islandstrust.bc.ca)
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Brewers pitcher Brian Thompson, above, fires the pitch in. Daniel Martin photo Left: A Diggers’ batter is safe at first as the Firemen’s Ewan McEachern waits for the ball. Martha Perkins photo
Diggers dig deep to win fastpitch title MARTHA PERKINS EDITOR
A broken nose didn’t stop him. The absence of three of his team’s three key players didn’t stop him. In Sunday afternoon’s championship baseball game, Charles Chandler contributed seven points to the Diggers’ scoreboard, earning his team the tournament title and him the coveted Most Valuable Player trophy. “Charles was key on how to suck it up and pull it together,” Men’s Fastpitch League president Glen McGregor says. “He broke his nose early in the final game when he crashed into home plate and hit his nose against the back catcher’s pad. Can you imagine the pain? He pushed his nose back and kept playing. That’s the commitment to the team.” All told, Chandler’s prowess at bat led to seven players crossing home plate, including two home runs of his own. The Diggers won Sunday’s championship game 7-6 against the Twins. It might have had a different ending if Julian Stevenson hadn’t been caught out on what he had hoped would be his game-tieing run home. “For a final game, you can’t get much more exciting than that,” McGregor says. While it’s not surprising that the Diggers did so well, especially after winning the league title the week before, all bets were off on Sunday morning. The team’s powerhouse is pitcher Adam Woodward and his twin Tom as back catcher. They share a Sedin-like ability to read each other’s plays. However, back in January they learned that they’d have to be at a wedding on
Vancouver Island on the Sunday of the tournament. Their play helped get the Diggers to the semi-finals but what would happen then, especially since Aaron Johnstone was also off to a wedding on Sunday and the Diggers were up against a very strong Cruisers team? “The rest of the team pulled it together and made it happen,” McGregor says, giving a shout-out to relief pitcher Dan Guillon. “Ninety-five per cent of people would have thought they couldn’t do it without their key players.” In the semi-final game against the Cruisers, the Diggers won 4-3. In the other semi-final game, after winning first place in round robin play, the Shakers lost 11-9 to the Twins in the semi-finals. The trophy for the tournament title and MVP are named in honour of Scott Helenius, a young player who died in a house fire in 1986, the year the league started. The league also presented its trophies for this season’s league play. The Glen Cope Most Sportsmanlike Player trophy went to Brewers coach James Strang. “He’s put a team of young guys together who come down to practice just because they love the game. The team’s loving him, loving coming down to play,” says McGregor, noting that the Brewers were second in the league this year. The Coach of the Year trophy, named in honour of the late Bill Taylor, went to the Shakers’ Paul McGillivray, who started playing as a 16-year-old and has been coach for the past five years. “He’s done a phenomenal job of keeping it fun and everyone happy.”
The complete list of 2015 league trophies: MVP: Eric Hunter-James Top Batting Champion: Eric Hunter-James Rookie of the Year: Adam Framklin Coach of the Year: Paul McGillivray Home Run King: Derek Sinke Top Pitcher ERA: Adam Woodward Pitching Strike Out King: Adam Woodward Greg Cope Most Sportsmanlike Player: James Strang Most Dedicated Athlete: Derek Sinke Most Improved Pitcher: Pete Scott Most Outstanding Outfielder: Lee Pretious Electrifying Base Runner: Clayton HunterJames Most Improved Player: Iishan Cruz Most Outstanding Infielder: Doug Durrant Most Outstanding Utility Player: Spencer Grundy Outstanding Senior Player: Rick Sinke 2015 League and Tournament Champions, the Diggers: Adam Woodward, Tom Woodward, Dan Guillon, Dan Cowper, Matt Cowper, Ross McCorquodale, Paul Whitecotton, Charles Chandler, Aaron Johnstone, Charlie Barbour, Dave Hilborn, Justin Byers, Leyland Briscoe, Matt Lazsuk, Mike Langley and Matt Harrison. Although the annual tournament is a huge amount of work, it’s a labour of love for McGregor, who was still out on Monday doing a final clean up. “When you put an event together with help and smiling faces, and then there’s all the fun ruckus of the weekend, it makes it all worthwhile.” He gives a shout-out to Molly Montgomery who volunteered as scorekeeper for more than 40 games during the regular season.
Tom Woodward sits on first while the other team changes pitchers. Martha Perkins photo
The Brewers’ backcatcher Scott Miller and umpire John Hall keep their eye on the ball. Daniel Martin photo
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Take a bow, Bowen Spear sisters thank the many islanders who helped them make their prize-winning Twilight Saga film We want to thank the wonderful Bowen community for your continued support of us and our film, The Mary Alice Brandon File! It was the most amazing experience walking around the Cove and Artisan as we waited for the final announcement — everywhere we went we heard “I saw your film”, “I voted for you”, “Have you heard who won yet?” Your love and support help give us energy to get through rough patches (and, as filmmakers will know, there’s not a film made without at least one “rough patch”) and to keep on creating. A large number of Bowen people were actually involved directly with the making of the film. Natasha Wehn was our producer extraordinaire. We really couldn’t have done the film without her! Michael Hogan lent his brilliant acting skills to the role of the Doctor. Silvaine Zimmermann was
The sisters shot the asylum scenes at Riverview Hospital in Coquitlam.
on set every day doing crafty and set stills. Susan Alexander, Katalina Bernard, Susanne Martin, Nina Elliott and Frazer Elliott can be seen as background performers. Carrie Thiel did stunt choreography and appeared as one of the attendants dragging Alice away. Heike Brandstatter and Coreen Mayrs were extremely supportive throughout not only giving us casting consultation but also providing us with a production office. Agent Carrie Lloyd represents our lead actor, Paloma Kwiatkowski, and helped negotiate her booking on this project. Kat Hayduck helped review our budget. Jack and Julie Headley, along with Michelle Harrison, helped supply us with some last-minute wardrobe pieces. Libby Osler typed pages for the file on her typewriter. Libby, Danielle Allan, Mary Pottier and Ted and Dyan Spear helped by giving feedback at the rough cut stage of the film. Lauren Spear co-wrote and performed the credits song ‘We have it all”. Warren Franklin was the person who first told us about the competition and mentored us throughout. These incredible people, and many more, helped make The Mary Alice Brandon File a reality. Thank you to everyone who supported us by watching/sharing/voting for the film! From the response we have had when back on the island, we’re getting the sense that that’s most of Bowen! Bowen Island is an extremely special place with an amazing community of talented and supportive people. We are honoured to be part of this incredible community and are overjoyed that we can bring the good news of the win back to you! Kailey and Sam Spear
Charbonneau photo
What do you think about more parking near library?
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.
On September 14, Bowen Island council will discuss the addition of 10 to 12 parking spaces on Cardena Road near the library. The work consists of infilling the ditch. Organic material removed from the area will be placed beyond the parking spaces and remediated as green space. If approved, work is anticipated to begin in late September. People are asked to send comments and/or questions by September 11. Email comments to bim@bimbc.ca or mail them to 981 Artisan Lane, V0N 1G2.
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.
The red carpet at Arclight Cinemas in Hollywood is a long way from Bowen Island but it’s part of the new world that Kailey and Sam Spear inhabit now that their film, The Mary Alice Brandon File, has had such huge success with Twilight Saga fans. Eric
Calling all faiths I know it is strange to be thinking about Christmas when we are basking in mid-20s temperatures in August, but this year the Bowen Makes Music Children’s Choirs will be doing a multi-faith Christmas concert and I want to see if it’s possible to include music from all the faith and belief systems represented by Bowen Island. So far I know we have Sikh, Buddhist, Jewish, Christian and Humanist. I know I’m missing lots. Please feel free to give me a call at 778-668-2912 to add to my knowledge. I would be very grateful! Alison Nixon
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Remembering Claus Founder of BICS was one of Bowen’s best community builders HC BEHM CONTRIBUTOR
Claus Spiekermann passed way in Kamloops on August 5 after a long battle with severe diabetes and Parkinson’s disease, nearly four weeks short of his 74th birthday. In 1974 he moved to Bowen with his wife Lorraine and small sons, Collin and Wesley. By then he had been a very young principal in Boundary Community School in North Vancouver. With the rapidly increasing settlement of young families on Bowen and an inadequate local school, Claus’s call for a “re-think” of the educational structure on the island prompted him to interest parents and community members at large in the Community School Concept. Having moved my family permanently to Bowen Island in 1977, I received a phone call one day from Caroline Headley. She invited my wife Marianne and me to participate in the formation of the Bowen Island Community Association. After listening to several of my “ifs” and “buts”, she said : “You have four children who will go through our school. Now you have a chance to help shape the community’s involvement in school life. If you don’t participate and don’t like it later, don’t complain!” I did participate and thus began for me one of the most rewarding learning processes in democracy, thanks to Claus’s fair and thorough exploration of the concept. Claus was born in Hamborn, Germany, “the Ruhrgebiet”, in 1941. He survived the horrific ravages of the bombing raids, chaos and starvation, but his parents’ mar-
riage did not. In 1951 his mother and he immigrated to Canada and he grew up in Prince George, BC. His critical mind brought him the encouragement of teachers to go to university. He studied education. During those years he met Lorraine, a beautiful, warm-hearted woman, a wonderful counterbalance to his temperament. From a young age he was sensitive to social justice and eventually became an outspoken defender. At 6-foot-plus and more than 300 pounds he presented an imposing figure. Having moved his family to Bowen Island in 1974, he offered his services as a school trustee from Bowen Island, then part of the Sunshine Coast School District, #46 and later as Islands Trustee from 1992 to 1996. In the 1983 provincial election, he stood as the NDP candidate for West Vancouver/ Howe Sound, a riding reaching up to D’Arcy. He knew it would be an uphill battle and didn’t win, but he doubled the vote from the previous election. He asked me to be his aide and I learned what it takes to be on the hustings. Another team member was the legendary Squamish Chief in North Vancouver, Philip Joe. Claus was principal of Queen Mary Community School by then, situated close to the Reserve and thus it had a sizable number of native students. As a CSA member Philip became so taken with Claus’s “same rights for all” attitude that he offered to introduce him to the various Nations in the riding. At a later date he was made an honorary member of the Squamish Nation, given a name and a talking stick. Together with Gail Taylor and the support of a referendum Claus initiated the process for BICS, a new school, which had to be expanded twice since its inauguration in 1980. Lorraine supported his community involvement and became BICS secretary and CS Coordinator from 1982 to1983. With Georg Helenius Sr. and his backhoe, John Rich and others, they participated in weekend volunteer
work groups building a septic field or a foundation for a needy family. Thanks to Claus and Lorraine the earliest Bowfests 1977 to 1979 were great successes including hot air balloon rides from the festival field. All the while giving generously of his free time, he was a dedicated teacher and effective principal joined for many years by colleague and friend Brian Hodgins and Bowen Islanders Ira Appelbaum and Horst Mann. However, as a gardener, kayaker and brew master he showed lesser talents. Lorraine, who was a skilled woodworker, had just completed their new kitchen cabinets when Claus decided to make some home brew, which he stored in the new drawers after bottling. One sultry summer night a “popping noise” could be heard coming from the kitchen and then “the hiss” of escaping liquid under pressure and then another pop and another. Anxious to stop the artillery barrage in the cupboards Claus was about to pull the drawers out but then thought it to be best not to be hit by flying bottle caps. The kitchen floor was awash and the new cabinets were coloured in an unusual aromatic stain ever afterwards. The Spiekermann and Behm families shared many adventures such as walking the tunnels , trestles and bridges of the Kettle Valley Railway in the early ’80s or visiting the cowboy poet and story teller, Corky Williams, on his swamp ranch 60 km north of Anaheim Lake. On that trip, the Behms lost the engine in their VW Crew Cab. Claus returned to Vancouver, bought a rebuilt motor and drove it back up, 1,000 kilometres each way. After retirement in 1996 Claus and Lorraine left Bowen Island and settled in Grand Forks. In 2002 cancer took Lorraine. A few years later Esther came into his life. Yet, while under treatment in Israel, she too succumbed to cancer in her home in Jerusalem. Claus then left Grand Forks and moved to Kamloops to be closer to son Colin and his family. Parkinson’s and severe diabetes had already taken their toll on
Lorraine and Claus Spiekermann not only loved Bowen Island, but they worked hard to enrich the lives of everyone who lived here. She passed away in 2002; he died on August 5. him. In 2009, he hired me to plan and take him on a month-long trip around the Baltic, Denmark, Germany and to Austria by cruise ship, plane and car. He was now constantly dependant upon his wheelchair. He needed assistance with his medications. His bed had to be adjusted to 75 cm height and this very specific requirement needed to be negotiated in each hotel. He enjoyed the comforts of the “Eurodam”, sights of the Amber Coast of Mecklenburg, St Petersburg, the Sarinnen estate in Helsinki and a visit with an old friend from Bowen Island, Kurt Larsen, in Denmark. Rolling through the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, listening to a concert
On the Calendar The Adventures of Piratess Tilley Original artwork by Karen Watson Runs until August 16 Gallery @ Artisan Square Wednesdays to Sundays 10am to 5pm
The Glass Menagerie August 13-22 at Tir Na Nog Starring Frazer Elliott, Bronwyn Churcher, Andrew Cameron and Jackie Minns. Show times and tickets at bowenglassmenagerie. brownpapertickets.com and Phoenix. Kingbaby’s heartfelt production of Tennessee William’s classic drama, The Glass Menagerie, opens this weekend. Show times this week are Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30pm with a 2pm Sunday matinee. The play ends in time for the last ferry. Jackie Minns and Frazer Elliott pictured. Lorraine Ashdown photo
Farmers Market August 15 10am to noon BICS undercover area Tables, kids activities and buskers
FRIDAY AUGUST 14 2015 • 5
Fix-It Fair August 15 10am to 1pm BICS gym foyer Free fix-it advice for small appliances, clothing, computers, etc.
Vanishing: Impressions of our Vanishing Coastal Legacy Opens August 19 Opening night: August 21 7 to 9pm Gallery @ Artisan Square Exhibit features the work of distinguished local artists Marc Baur, Georgina Farah and Janet Esseiva. Tailgate Market August 22 BICS parking lot Local producers share bounty
in the newly re-built Frauenkirche in Dresden and watching the white Lipizaner stallions in Vienna going through the moves of a dress performance gave Claus a vivid historical perspective. In Bavaria he visited with his favourite uncle for the last time. During our journey together I experienced his deep humanitarian commitment, zest for life and sense of humour. Behind all this also lived a lonely man, with pain and doubts. Above all, he was a most loyal friend. After returning to Canada his health gradually descended and on August 5 he left us. He was one of Bowen’s greatest community builders.
of their garden from 10am until they sell out Bowen In Transition Potluck 5 to 7pm Whole-group meeting: 7pm Please RSVP to carolmackinnon@gmail.com Rotary Run For Rwanda August 29 8:30am Ferry dock 10k and 5k run, a 5k walk and a 1.5k kids’ run Register at RotaryRunForRwanda.com Bowfest August 29 Parade theme is Mythical Creatures From Around the World Country Fair competitions Bowfest.org
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Humpback whales visit Howe Sound MARTHA PERKINS EDITOR
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It was the loud sound of a blowhole that first alerted Steve Rosell to the fact that the channel between Galbraith Bay and Hutt Island had an unusual visitor — a humpback whale travelling north to south. Rosell, who lives on Mount Gardner Road near the Government Dock, grabbed his camera but missed getting a shot of its flukes, which he spotted once it went down for a deep dive. Steve Rosell photo
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Earlier this week, Mike Shannon might have been tempted to hang a “whale watching” shingle on the windows of his English Bay Launch water taxis. On Sunday and twice on Monday, passengers were treated to the sighting of humpback whales off Atkinson Point.
Wendy Szaniszlo is a marine mammal biologist and research associate with the Vancouver Aquarium. In the 10 years she’s been monitoring humpback and gray whales in Barkley Sounds, she says she’s seen an increase in the number of humpbacks. “Increased sightings are attributed to the species’ recovery, and humpback abundance and distribution in BC is influenced by
their prey — small forage fish and krill. With increasing populations, coupled with prey sources close to shore, our chances to observe humpbacks increases.” She says the boating public can help protect these magnificent animals by keeping their eyes open for whales and their blows, slowing down in the presence of whales and observing the Be Whale Wise guidelines.
BC Ferries REGULAR SCHEDULE REGULAR SCHEDULE March 12, In Effect14 Mayto15October to October 13,2015 2014
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Andy Johnston, the owner of Averill Creek winery in Duncan, pours a glass for James Topham and Lyn Krutzfeldt at Saturday’s informal fundraiser for the Bowen Island Community Foundation. The wine tasting at the Beer and Wine Cellar was in support of Helping Hands, a Foundation program that provides emergency funding for families in need. Martha Perkins photo
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How I Got Here: Dee Elliott
Realtor’s story is one that’s shared by many
Like many people, Dee Elliott came here because of the island’s affordability. Martha Perkins photo the age of Frazer and Bryn when the Elliotts first arrived here. The ferry is still the biggest concern for people trying to decide if Bowen is right for them. Many people now rent for a couple of months or spend a couple of weeks as cottagers to see if island life is for them. “It’s not for the A-type,” Elliott says.
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tour of Bowen Island. A realtor doesn’t work nine to Elliott knows she’s selling lifefive so that career was out of the style as much as she is houses. question until the boys left for The ferry ride is the first release university. Bryn is an engineer in of the tension of city life and she Ottawa; Frazer was a teacher and watches it melt away even more as lived in Australia. When Frazer she takes them to the beaches, the and his wife moved back to the forested roads, the school, and all island so he could join her as a realtor, it validated every thing she the social amenities. It’s surprising how many of them are young cousays about Bowen being a great ples with children right around place to raise a family. That last sentiment is what draws most of the prospective home owners who get picked up in her Volkswagen Tiguan at the Get exclusive access to the ferry and set off for their
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Rarely a day goes by that Dee Elliott doesn’t get a chance to tell her How I Got Here story. Since it has a happy ending — yes, there are ways to cope with the ferry; yes, it’s an amazing place to raise children – it’s the perfect story for the Bowen Island realtor to tell people as she drives them to see the houses that may one day be their new island home. She’d grown up in West Vancouver and, for some reason, Bowen Island wasn’t on her radar. When her father, an engineer, got transferred to Ontario for five years, she remembers getting on her bike to explore southern Ontario and yet it wasn’t until she was in her twenties that she and her sister ventured across the Howe Sound. “I remember how pooped I was,” she says of her tour around the island by bicycle. After she married, she and her husband knew they couldn’t afford a home in West Van but with her sales job requiring her to be on the road a lot, Bowen was simply not feasible either. It wasn’t until their sons, Frazer and Bryn, were aged two and 10 months that they finally took the mortgage plunge. It was either Bowen Island or Maple Ridge. Peter Dive, who is still a Bowen realtor, sold them a 1970s Panabode in
Tunstall Bay 28 years ago. “It was supposed to be our starter house but it will be my finishing house,” she says of the home that’s still her refuge and joy. Those early years weren’t easy. She became BC Guide Dogs’ first employee, which meant a daily commute to Richmond. Then, when her marriage dissolved, she needed to find work on Bowen so she could be close at hand for her sons. Necessity is a single mom’s mother of invention and Elliott thinks she had 15 to 20 jobs before she became a realtor 10 years ago. She delivered the Undercurrent, keeping a barf bucket in the car in case Frazer and Bryn got car sick as they accompanied her across the island. She worked at what’s now the Ruddy Potato, drove a truck to pick up nursery supplies — “Frazer called me Mother Trucker” —, owned her own landscaping business, was the island’s animal control officer and then assistant bylaw officer. “When I had the landscaping business I had the boys work for me so I could have them right under my thumb,” she says. “The only thing I haven’t done, and still want to do, is drive the bus.” There were some tough financial years but she worked hard and did what it took to make those mortgage payments.
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Wrinches deeply involved in community from page 1
From left to right: Detail from the works of Marc Baur, Georgina Farah and Janet Esseiva.
Exhibit explores the art of protest BI ARTS COUNCIL CONTRIBUTOR
Howe Sound is at a crossroads it is facing unprecedented pressure from reindustrialization, development and climate change. Three local artists have come together in an attempt to create an artistic dialogue on the pressure mounting in the Salish Sea and BC in general. “Vanishing” is an upcoming art exhibition showcasing the works of Marc Baur, Janet Esseiva and Georgina Farah. “We hope to use our work and love of the west coast landscape to promote discussion in our community, on the future of
Howe Sound. We want people to consider their relationship to the landscape in the context of climate change and loss of biodiversity.” Marc Baur is a contemporary Canadian Chigiri-e artist, who creates his abstract impressionist images with exotic paper instead of paint. Janet Esseiva paints in acrylics, pushing the boundaries of how this medium can be used to reflect her love of the West Coast landscape. Georgina Farah paints in oils and explores the notion that we are intimately linked to the landscape, and that ultimately, we return to it. For her, she feels
CALL FOR APPOINTMENT OPEN TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS
Psychologist Dr. Carolyn Nesbitt PhD, R.Psych #1484
604-376-9801 www.CarolynNesbitt.com
Dr. Gloria Chao Family Dentist
Artisan Square 604-947-0734 Alternate Fridays 10am - 4:30pm Horseshoe Bay 604-921-8522 www.bowenislanddental.com
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Submitted by The Citizen of the Year Selection Committee and the Bowen Island Museum & Archives
that we belong to the land and it’s an illusion to think we are separate. “It has never occurred to me that the land belongs to us and we can do what we want with it. We belong to it and we have look after it.” Art has always been a reflection of the decisions we make as a society. This exhibition aims to motivate the audience to reflect on their own relationship to the land and water and to contemplate the decisions we are making as a community. The exhibition runs August 19 to September 21. Meet the artists: Friday August 21 from 7 - 9pm at the Gallery in Artisan Square.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Dr. Utah Zandy 604-947-9830
Running a hand down the lines of colourful outfits hung in Shirley’s walk-in wardrobe transports you from era to era. Shirley’s fairy-tale world of attire is matched by her love for this community; she also volunteers at the famous Knick Knack Nook and the Friday Lunch Program at BICS. David and Shirley are a wonderful team who continuously bring light to the community through their services, commitments, and overall love for the Island. The Citizen of the Year award is a merely a way for the community to formally recognize the countless – and ongoing – hours that both of them have contributed to local projects, organizations, and to the arts and cultural community on Bowen. The selection committee would also like to acknowledge all the other nominees for their outstanding contributions to our community, in particular, Peter King, who has almost single-handily transformed transportation on this island for commuters that goes well beyond what would be expected of a local business to improve the lives our citizens.
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The Rev. Shelagh MacKinnon gives her blessing to Marilyn Harris’s Nele at the Little Red Church on Sunday. Lorraine Ashdown photo
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SQUAMISH + SHIMIZU SISTER CITIES WITH A LOT IN COMMON
Shimizu is Squamish’s sister city in Japan. It’s famous for being one of Japan’s most scenic ports
and is home to Sodeshi Shimizu LNG Terminal.
It didn’t take long for this house on Hood Point to become completely engulfed by flames. While some firefighters worked on the fire, others fanned into the neighbourhood to water down bushes and trees to prevent sparks or ash spreading the fire. Aaron Hanen photo
Family needs home to rent from page 1 Tanya Voormeij-de Zwart, a friend of the family, writes, “the Koeplin family would like to say a heartfelt thank you for your outpouring of love and deep concern. They applaud our local firefighters for their incredible work containing the fire. “Although their home is a total loss, it could have been so much worse! The lightning-quick response of observant neigbours in the early hours saved
both their two cats as well as their neighbourhood.” The family’s most pressing need is finding a place to rent. Right now neighbours are graciously sharing their home but the family would like to find a three-bedroom house, whether short-term or long-term, as soon as possible. People who know of a potential rental accommodation have been asked to contact the Undercurrent, which will pass on the message.
IS MORE THAN
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Theft a reminder to keep valuables secure: RCMP CPL PAULO ARREAGA BI RCMP
Bowen Island’s reputation as a safe place to live and visit is largely due to neighbours, businesses, and visitors helping each other out. Unfortunately, the Bowen Island RCMP have investigated a few isolated thefts this summer, including a theft of and from a motor vehicle during the baseball tournament. Some valuables were stolen from the
vehicle along with the ignition keys. Although there are fewer incidents of crime, Bowen Island is still susceptible to thefts, break and enters, and other offences. We are all reminded to keep our valuables secure and out of sight especially when they will be left unattended for a lengthy amount of time. Opportunistic crimes are preventable when simple safety measures are taken.
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Thomas Britton and his dog Charlie might have both been on the Canucks’ injured list but they won the costumed dog prize. The costume parade gave the afternoon’s event at USSC Marina a colourful start on Sunday afternoon.
Dog Days of Summer!
Photos by Martha Perkins
Ellen Nickle, aka Tinkerbell, and Sparrow relax in the shade after the hot competition in the costume parade.
A lot of dogs apparently don’t like to kiss in public... Amanda Ockeloen, left, coaches Buddy as he and Emily give it their best shot in the kissing contest; the winning smooch, centre; and a very affectionate border collie.
The Fierce Flyers competitive flyball team from Abbotsford delighted the crowd (especially when the dogs had plans of their own.)
Kaelen and her mastif Tuna race again Jean Coker and her family team in the weiner-eating competition.
Carol Petersen makes sure her wolfhounds are well nourished as they prepare to compete. Belle won the longest tail contest.
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FRIDAY AUGUST 14 2015 • 11
BOWEN BULLETIN BOARD Gallery @ Artisan Square Presents
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Movie Under the Stars makes magic First Credit Union’s mandate is to give back to its shareholders and on Monday night, that included hosting the free annual Movie Under the Stars at Crippen Park. The all-ages evening was the perfect opportunity to gather with friends, enjoy a picnic and lie back and enjoy the film, Home. First Credit Union also presented Tourism Bowen Island $500 for co-ordinating and volunteering at the concession stand.
Bronc Stark, who is heading off to UBC Okanagan to study science and literature, is presented with his $1,100 scholarship by Kevin Manning and Murray Atherton. Returning law student Jeremy Bally was also awarded an $1,100 scholarship.
Photos by Debra Stringfellow
Bowen Island Restaurants Doc Morgan’s
11:30 am - 10:30 pm Sun - Thurs 11:30 am - Midnight Fri & Sat
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The Ruddy Potato 996 Dorman Rd.
The Ruddy Kitchen 511 Sunset Rd.
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604-947-0665
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THE SNUG CAFE
BEST BREAKFAST ON THE ROCK!
Bowen’s Favourite Meeting Place
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Tuscany Restaurant
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Sun –Thurs 11:30am – 12:00am • Fri – Sat 11:30am – 1:00am
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AT THE BOWEN ISLAND GOLF COURSE Monday - Wednesday 11:00-4:00 Thursday - Sunday 11:00-8:00
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Bowen Island Marina Pier Thurs - Sun 11am – 7pm www.shikabowen.com • contact: hello@shika.ca Thurs. - Sun. 11:30 - 8:30 Monday Noon - 6:00 Wednesday 4:30 - 8:30
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Step up to the plate for Colin This past weekend, Colin Thompson umpired at the Bowen Island fastpitch tournament. On Thursday morning, he got on his bicycle and started his 3,000 km ride to the Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Colorado Springs. Why? He wants to raise $70,000 to fund an innovative online therapy program through Vancouver Coastal Health. It will help First Responders across British Columbia cope with the devastating impact of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. There is a cure for PTSD. You can help Colin make sure therapy is available to our frontline emergency responders by contributing to his crowdfunding campaign at
/ptsdfireride