FRIDAY OCTOBER 9, 2015 VOL. 42, NO. 37
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How I Got Here: Mark Groen
Professional housesitter says he’s found the key to life on Bowen
Slug power!
10-year-old’s crosswalk design a reminder to drivers to slow down at BICS
Write on
Lisa Shatzky launches new book of poetry; Edye Hanen wins contest
Skunks causing a big stink LOUISE LOIK CONTRIBUTOR
There’s much to be thankful for on Bowen Island. The bounty of the gardens and the forest are being celebrating this weekend, especially at Applefest in Davies Orchard on Sunday. Young Ella Moore was also grateful for summer’s long goodbye embrace as she explored the wonders of to be found on Pebbly Beach. Louise Loik photo
Conservative Party throws support behind abandoned vessel legislation MARTHA PERKINS EDITOR
When the federal election was called, John Weston’s Private Member’s Bill to make abandoning a boat a criminal offence was thrown overboard. In the final weeks of his bid to retain his seat as the Conservative MP for West VancouverSunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country, his party threw it a lifeline. On Tuesday, federal ministers James Moore and Stockwell Day stood next to Weston on the shores of the Burrard Inlet to announce that Weston’s bill was now part of the party’s election platform.
As well, the Conservatives say that if they are elected to govern Canada on October 19, they will allocate $1 million a year, beginning in 201617, to cover one-third of the cost of removing derelict vessels and improve tugboat capacity for the West Coast. Their plan also includes a Canadian Coast Guard Environmental Response Office and Pollution Response Vessel in Vancouver. Weston says he was first made aware of the issue during a visit to Mannion Bay with islander Bruce Russell, who has long lobbied for rules to govern the use of Bowen Island’s waters. When the NDP put forward a bill on the subject, Weston went against his party by supporting it.
Happy Thanksgiving We are thankful for our contributors, advertisers and the Bowen community. We hope that you enjoy this time with your family. Just a reminder that like you, we enjoy spending time with our families. We will not be in the office on Monday. Please let Maureen know of your advertising needs by Friday Oct. 9 at 4pm.
When that bill was defeated, he drafted his own. It passed first reading but died on the table when the election was called. “Addressing the issue was not a popular or high priority item with most elected officials but at least John gave it the attention it deserved,” Russell said in an email. “While somewhat of a voice in the wilderness he stuck with it for which we are most appreciative. “He had a first-hand knowledge of the significance of the problem in such a highly occupied, popular iconic area as Mannion Bay which is of significant economic importance to our community. He understood, he cared and he acted. Good on him.”
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Some people think the situation really stinks but there’s no denying that Bowen Island has a slowly growing population of skunks. Ellen McWilliams, a groomer at the Dog Ranch, says that in her 30-plus years here, she first heard of a skunk on the island nine years ago. Back then, there was just the odd spraying. Now she’s bathing two to three dogs, as well as the occasional cat, a week. McWilliams‘s experience is that “It’s the hunting breeds“ of dogs that get into trouble the most. “It’s usually the Golden Retrievers, or Labradoodles, or a few Huskies. It’s just brutal,” she says referring to the stench. While there is debate about how long skunks have been living on Bowen, Iris Carr from CAWES notes that “three skunks and three raccoons were reported eight years ago in the Miller Road/Miller Landing area,” One raccoon seemed to have disappeared. The remaining two raccoons were probably of the same gender. “No raccoon kits have been reported in the past eight years,“ she adds. “If they are the very same raccoons, they probably won’t live for much longer.” Skunks, on the other hand, have increasingly left their scent all over the island. A shy, slow-moving animal with a small range, skunks have only one defence. If threatened, they have little recourse but to diffuse their signature scent to dissuade anyone, or anything, from getting closer. Continued page 6
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2 • FRIDAY OCTOBER 9 2015
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→ SNUG COVE
B E A U T I F I C AT I O N CONTINUES
Please join the Bowen Island Garden Club and Bowen Island Municipality at our first community daffodil bulb planting event in Snug Cove. Bulbs will be supplied. Please bring your gloves, hand fork/trowel and good cheer. When: Wednesday, October 14, 2015 Meeting Place: Library North Lot Meeting Time: 9:30 am With your help, springtime in Snug Cove will be blooming for years to come!
→ B I M P E R M I S S I V E TA X EXEMPTION BYLAW NO. 394, 2015
Pursuant to Section 224 of the Community Charter, Bowen Island Municipal Council intends to adopt a bylaw exempting from property taxation for four years (2016-2019) the lands and improvements or both that are owned or held by charitable, philanthropic or other not for profit organizations and that Council considers are used for a purpose that is directly related to the purposes of the Corporation. The properties being considered at the Council meeting of October 26th, 2015, and the estimated total property taxes that would otherwise be imposed if they were not exempt are:
→ EXPRESSION OF
INTEREST mEOIl B I M PA R K P L A N U P D AT E
Bowen Island Municipality (BIM) seeks a qualified consultant to take part in updating its Park Plan. For more information regarding this EOI, please visit the BIM website at www.bimbc.ca.
→ BC HYDRO
WOOD POLE TEST AND T R E AT P R O G R A M
BC Hydro plans to test and treat wooden power poles on Bowen Island between October 15 and November 15, 2015. As permitted under their approved Pest Management Plan, BC Hydro may apply wood preservatives to the poles to prevent decay from wood rot or structural damage from insects. Members of the public with concerns or questions about the wood pole test and treat program are encouraged to call BC Hydro directly. The contact for this program is Raymond Irving, BC Hydro Field Manager, 1-250-755-4798. Information about BC Hydro’s pole maintenance program including the wood preservatives to be used is available at: http://www.bchydro.com/ safety-outages/stay-safe/safety-outside/trees-power-lines/managing-weedsinsects/wood-pole-treatment.html
Public Participation in Flagging Areas of Concern
BC Hydro has provided metal pig-tail pins and orange flagging tape for the Bowen Island Municipality to distribute to the public. Please call 604-947-4255 to request your flagging materials by October 14, 2015. Bowen Island Municipality encourages residents to use the pins to identify wells (registered and non-registered), waterbodies or adjacent organic farms. Bowen Island Municipality has been informed that the BC Hydro field crew will respect all flagged areas and will utilize treatment methods that are appropriate for the marked sensitive areas.
→ M U N I C I PA L
WAT E R M A I N F L U S H I N G
As part of the regular municipal water system maintenance program, Bowen Island Municipality (BIM) will be flushing water mains in all municipal water systems; Cove Bay, Eagle Cliff, Hood Point, Bowen Bay, Blue Water Park, King Edward Bay, and Tunstall Bay from October 3 – November 13, 2015. For more information, please visit the BIM website at www.bimbc.ca. Reminder: It is recommended that water users with compromised immune systems ensure their drinking water is boiled, filtered or distilled.
→ OUTDOOR BURNING BEGINS OCT 15
The outdoor burning season goes from October 15, 2015 - April 15, 2016. Please ensure you get a burning permit from the Bowen Island Volunteer Fire Department by calling 604-947-9324 prior to planning your burn.
→ MY BOWEN ISLAND STORY r
O C T. 1 r 3 1
If you’re 15 years of age or older, and live on the island full-time or part-time, please take 10 minutes to share your story. Please visit www.bimbc.ca to complete “My Bowen Island Story”. This is your opportunity to focus on what’s right about Bowen by sharing your story. Your stories will help support and sustain the values of our community, assist in municipal communications and provide input for the Bowen Island branding initiative.Don’t have a computer? Please go to the Bowen Library or contact municipal staff at 604-947-4255 for a printed copy. We need to hear from you. Please share your story today.
→ EMPLOYMENT
OPPORTUNITIES
Bowen Island Municpality is seeking applicants for Temporary On-Call Ice Patrol/Snow Removal Operators. For more information, please visit the BIM website at www.bimbc.ca.
→ REQUEST FOR QUOTES Bowen Island Public Library Exterior Re-Painting
Bowen Island Municipality (BIM) is requesting quotes for the provision of supplying materials, equipment and labour to complete the proposed exterior re-painting of BI Public Library. For more information regarding the RFQ, please visit the BIM website at www.bimbc.ca.
From Your Mayor, Council and Staff!
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FRIDAY OCTOBER 9 2015 • 3
How I Got Here: Mark Groen
A nomad finds his place(s) on Bowen Island MARTHA PERKINS EDITOR
Four or five times a year, Mark Groen packs up and moves — all so he can stay in the same place. He could be what’s called a professional housesitter on Bowen Island. He has a rotation of regular clients who pay him to stay at their house and take care of their pets while they are away for extended periods of time. So, one month he might be staying in a $2-million house high atop the clouds in Valhalla and the next in a rustic cabin on the shores of Killarney Lake. “I’ve cracked the code,” he says with a smile during an interview at the Snug Café. Without a mortgage or rent to pay, he doesn’t need to work full time in order to afford a pretty sweet life doing what he chooses to on an island he loves. “I’m debt free, I haven’t had a credit card in 25 years and I have time to do what I want. Time means freedom. If you control your time, you’re free.” For a man so rooted to place — both Bowen Island and BC — he’s a nomad at heart. His ancestors were among some of the earliest settlers in the Caribou-Chilcotin; there’s even a town, Hanceville, named after one of them, Tom Hance, who’d come north from Oregon to make his fortune. Another ancestor used horses to help build the roads that opened up northern British Columbia. His mother was born in an outpost hospital in Alexis Creek and his father emigrated from Holland after the Second World War. Mark himself owes his existence to Daylight Savings Time. On the Sunday morning of the springforward time change, his mother and his father, who didn’t know one another, arrived at the Catholic church in Kamloops an hour early. “The bishop said, ‘Why not go for a coffee and come back in an hour?’” The coffee led to marriage which led to three sons: Mark, John and Richard, who enjoyed what Mark remembers as a pretty idyllic childhood. The marriage, however, did not last. His mother’s second husband was a chemical engineer and the
family went where his job took them, including Washington State, Kentucky and New Brunswick. “That’s when I learned to go to new schools and stay out of the wrong cliques,” Mark says. A brother David was born before that marriage ended and Mark’s mother found her third husband. “He was a head-turner type of guy,” Mark says of husband number three: good looking but bad hearted. Mark lived with his dad for part of this time, grew his hair long and ran away a couple of times — “teenaged stuff ” — before his mother married “the best one of all.” Husband four sold Cadillacs so they always had nice cars and all the toys at their place in Kennewick, Washington. “I milked it for all it was worth,” Mark says. “Life was pretty easy. I was half rebellious, half not.” His father and step-mother adopted a son, also named David, which is why Mark has two brothers named David. For all the upheaval, Mark learned to enjoy all the new experiences and, when he left home at 17, he chose to continue his nomadic lifestyle, never staying at one place for very long. “Something would always happen — the lease would end and the rent went up, or a job would end, or a girl….” He was working at a mine in Williams Lake when he befriended a stripper and they decided to move to Phoenix, Arizona. They broke up a week after they arrived but Mark stayed in Phoenix for 10 years. He married but, sadly, his wife died in her early 30s from complications from MS and epilepsy. Mark moved back to Kennewick before pushing on to Seattle where one of his brothers lived. To try to follow what happened next is too complicated; suffice to say that wherever he’s moved, he’s always been able to find a job within a day or two. In 2002, he was living in a house in Dunbar, where another tenant was Dr. Stephen Kiraly, a Bowen Island-based geriatric psychiatrist whose work required him to stay in town occasionally. When Dr. Kiraly needed some help with his website, Mark stepped in and they became friends. “He said, ‘Come to Bowen for a visit’ and I never left.”
“I’ve cracked the code,” Mark Groen says. As a professional housesitter, he’s found a way to live on Bowen and have the time to do the things he enjoys, such as read the Undercurrent at the Snug Cafe. Martha Perkins Mark loved the island and was able to find work immediately. However, it’s not the easiest place in the world to earn a living. During one of his father’s visits, Mark was feeling sorry for himself and lamenting how broke he was. His father looked around and said, “If you’re going to be poor, I don’t know a better place. It’s better than being poor in East Van.” Mark thought, “He’s right.” But then what happened? Mark got island fever. In 2005 he moved off the island and started managing a West End apartment building. The guy he was working for was a bit crazy so Mark moved back to the island and lived in his car. He knew
of someone who was housesitting so he put an ad in the Undercurrent, offering his services. Good with pets and highly responsible, he soon had a steady roster of clients. “When you find a way to make a living on the island, you tend to stay,” he says. He rarely goes to town unless there’s something he needs to buy — note to men: The Knick Knack Nook could do with some donations of men’s jeans — or there’s a concert or special event. He’s got a part-time job at the Bowen Building Centre which fills in the financial cracks and other than that, loves the freedom of his life, especially since it leaves him time for one of his favourite pas-
times — golfing at the Bowen Island Golf Club. Local actor David Cameron once told Mark that he thinks of Mark as a contented person. Contentment is the perfect word, Mark says. “I’m happy with my lot; I shaped it myself.” He adds that, “you can’t be content if you’re judgemental. You have to see someone else’s story, even someone you don’t like — they probably have a back story.” As to Bowen politics, Mark says he doesn’t bother himself with them. “What I care about is that the dogs [I’m dog-sitting] have a couple of good walks today. That’s what I care about.”
It’s time to share your story with the municipality and CBC Vancouver It’s not just the municipality that wants to hear your story. CBC Vancouver is inviting Metro Vancouver residents to share pitches for original stories highlighting their local communities. Successful #MyLocalStory ideas will be covered and aired on the newly re-
launched CBC Vancouver News at 6 p.m. In addition to creating pitches on-site, the public is invited to send in their video pitches via CBC Vancouver’s social media channels using the hashtag #MyLocalStory, or via email to mylocalstory@cbc.
ca. The What’sYour Story? portable “sound booth” will be stationed in different locations throughout the city until November 30. For full activation schedule, please visit cbc.ca/bc. In the meantime, don’t forget to go to https://www.surveymonkey.
com/r/MyBowenIslandStory. As part of its branding strategy, Bowen Island Municipality wants to ask residents a few questions about your Bowen experience. The open-ended online questionnaire will take about 10 minutes to fill out. “The most important contribu-
tion you can make is just be yourself, addressing each question from your own perspective, using your own words and expressing your own feelings,” the municipality says. You have until the end of October to fill it out.
4 • FRIDAY OCTOBER 9 2015
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viewpoint
Don’t tar all Mannion Bay boats with the same brush
The Write Stuff. The Undercurrent encourages reader participation in your community newspaper. You must include your full name and a daytime phone number (for verification only). The editor reserves the right to edit for clarity, legality, brevity and taste. Here’s how. To submit a letter to the editor, fax 604-947-0148 or mail it to #102, 495 Government Rd., PO Box 130, Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G0 or email editor@ bowenislandundercurrent.com. B.C. Press Council. The Undercurrent is a member of the British Columbia Press Council, a self-regulatory body governing the province’s newspaper industry. The council considers complaints from the public about the conduct of member newspapers. Directors oversee the mediation of complaints, with input from both the newspaper and the complaint holder. If talking with the editor or publisher does not resolve your complaint about coverage or story treatment, you may contact the B.C. Press Council. Your written concern, with documentation, should be sent to B.C. Press Council, 201 Selby St., Nanaimo, B.C. V9R 2R2. For information, phone 1-888-687-2213 or go to www.bcpresscouncil.org.
All Advertising and news copy content are copyright of the Undercurrent Newspaper. All editorial content submitted to the Undercurrent becomes the property of the publication. The undercurrent is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, art work and photographs. We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage.
John Weston played pivotal role in Mannion Bay resolution The only point missing from your excellent coverage of council’s unanimous approval to undertake the long-awaited clean-up of Mannion Bay was the unwavering support that our MP John Weston has given over the years to those tireless community members who sparked this action. Bruce Russell, the initiator and main spokesperson for the Friends of Mannion Bay, says John Weston’s resolute leadership from a federal perspective was instrumental in encouraging our provincial government to work with BIM in jointly attacking the problem. These critical connections eventually resulted in approval of Senior Bylaw Officer Bonnie Brokenshire’s remediation plan, which involves all government jurisdictions in responsibility for Mannion Bay and its beaches. John Weston was somewhat a voice in the wilderness over the years, when all parties seemed lax about the issues surrounding ocean and lake front usage. But he stuck with it, even breaking with the Conservative Party to support an opposition MP’s motion, demonstrating independence and championing constituents’ interests ahead of party priorities. Further, he introduced a Private Member’s Bill to make it a criminal offence to abandon a boat, subject to jail time and fines of up to $100,000. Because John has spent so much time on Bowen, he had first-hand knowledge of the problems in our iconic Mannion Bay and the economic, environmental and recreational impacts of its abuse on our community. He understood, he cared and he acted, for the long-term benefit of our island. MP John Weston deserves our recognition and gratitude for his contribution to this milestone achievement for Bowen. Gayle Stevenson #102–495 Bowen Trunk Road, PO Box 130, Bowen Island BC, V0N 1G0 Phone: 604.947.2442 Fax: 604.947.0148 Deadline for all advertising and editorial: Monday, 4:00p.m.
Praise for council from Friends of Mannion Bay Dear Mayor and Council: On behalf of the Friends of Mannion Bay, similar likeminded members of the community and tourists, I thank you for your unanimous support at Tuesday’s council meeting, by way of the resolution approving Bonny Brokenshire’s 5-Step Mannion Bay Remediation Plan. With the resolution in place we are now on our way to taking the necessary steps to “reclaim the bay” for the safe and enjoyable use by everyone, rid ourselves of the abusers and eyesores and shirk our community’s reputation as being a welcome haven for live-aboards, illegal long-stay anchorages, derelicts and the unsavory conduct that accompanies the foregoing. Here’s to the return of the bay and beaches we once knew, admired, used and enjoyed. R.B. (Bruce) Russell Friends of Mannion Bay spokesperson
I believe concerned citizens and town council are doing the right thing by deciding to clean up several issue in Deep Bay. I know about these problems firsthand because my partner and I live on Bowen and own a sailboat anchored there. I don’t let my son swim in that water because I know it is virtually a boat toilette. And I know of far too many boats that have sunk, along with all their toxic fuels, due to careless ownership. However, punishing the whole lot for the actions of a few seems quite unjust. Sure, I would prefer to keep our boat in the marina, but my partner and I work and live on Bowen, so we are not making the kind of money to afford such luxuries. To me, it makes more sense, on an ethical level, to have strict rules to which all boats and owners must comply. Those who do not comply can be evicted. I plead for this because I know of a few very decent men who live on their boats because they have jobs on Bowen. If affordable rental spaces existed they would be living on land. As is the story of late, the house my family rents is up for sale, and when it sells we have two months to move out. The fact that we have a two-bedroom sailboat in Deep Bay that we can temporarily move to when it happens helps ease our anxiety over having to move and find new jobs all at once! Is there a problem that needs to be fixed in Deep Bay... YES!!! But a “not in my back yard unless you own a yacht” mentality will only make us all losers in the end. Bowen Island is, and should be, made up of people from all socioeconomic backgrounds. Those of us on the lower side of the scale provide all your local services and build your homes. A much bigger picture needs to be looked at here. Together we make this community great, and if we don’t support each other, we crumble. Carina Basile
Captain explains cancellation of sailing In regards to the sailing that was cancelled on Saturday, September 26, I would like to provide a few details. The Queen of Capilano was running late due to busy traffic compounded by the paving project in the traffic staging area. We were adding two to three tandem dump trucks on each sailing, requiring additional loading time. The 4:45 p.m. sailing left 30 minutes late due to accumulated loading delays and a stalled hybrid vehicle on the gallery deck that required a tow truck. The crew attempted to make up time but
unfortunately we were unable to get back on schedule. Due to this combination of events, we decided to cancel a round trip sailing between Snug Cove and Horseshoe Bay. We apologize to our customers for this cancellation and any inconvenience it caused. We would like to thank our customers for their patience during the heavy traffic associated with the paving project. Captain Joachim Ruether Senior Master, Queen of Capilano BC Ferries
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FRIDAY OCTOBER 9 2015 • 5
Why I am voting strategically in this federal election I believe that this federal election is the most important in my lifetime. Given what Stephen Harper has done to Canada in four years, I am certain that four more years of a Harper government will do irreparable harm to Canada’s democracy, its institutions, and its environment. Canada just has to have a new government after this election. As a voter, I have always wanted my vote count. Over the years, I have variously voted Green, NDP, and Liberal in provincial and federal elections. My decision has always been a personal struggle between my desire to support the party and candidate I most identify with, and the practical issue of which candidates have the best chance of winning. But I have always been reluctant to vote for a candidate that is unlikely to win. This is because my highest obligation is to do my very best to make my vote matter. So as this federal election approached, I paid close attention to organizations such as the Leadnow/Votetogether initiative (www. votetogether.ca) that actively propose strategic voting to defeat Stephen Harper’s government. Their goal is to provide polling in ridings where the Conservatives were in close races with opposition parties, and to encourage people to vote for the opposition party best able to defeat the Conservatives, be that Green, NDP or Liberal. I embrace this strategic voting because the downside of another Conservative majority government vastly outweighs the upside of any particular opposition party winning. For our riding of West Vancouver – Sunshine Coast – Sea-to-Sky Country, the non-Conservative candidate and party most likely to win is Pam Goldsmith-Jones of the Liberal Party. Leadnow/Votetogether and the Dogwood Initiative, two non-profit groups with no alignment with any particular opposition party, have conducted three polls of our riding over the last several months www.votetogether.ca/riding/59042/ west-vancouversunshine-coastsea-to-skycountry. These are the only credible polls for our riding I know of that are open to public scrutiny. The Liberals have consistently led these polls. In the most recent poll conducted in mid September, on a sampling of 300 people, voter support in our riding was Liberals 34 per cent, Conservatives 30 per cent, NDP 22 per cent, and Greens 11 per
cent. This is a race too close to call between Liberals and Conservatives, given the margin of error in the polling, and the proven ability of the Conservative Party to get their vote out on election day. For me this makes my vote clear. Pam Goldsmith-Jones, the Liberal candidate, is someone I greatly admire. I was mayor here on Bowen during the period she was mayor of West Vancouver and I was so impressed with her intelligence, her commitment to environmental issues, and her capacity to bring diverse groups together to develop a consensus and then get things done. So I am voting for Pam. That said, when I look at my own values, I closely align with the Green Party platform and sensibilities. In my opinion they have the most credible leader in Canadian politics, and an excellent local candidate for our riding. But they have polled in last place in the three successive polls over the last three months in our riding. Nothing tells me they can win our riding. The Greens’ great weakness is that they are competing in an electoral system that ensures that they will remain a marginal political player for the foreseeable future. For the Greens to become a force in Canadian politics they need reform of the Canadian electoral system. And here is the key for me: both the Liberals and NDP have committed to proportional representation. So as a latent Green Party supporter I am taking a two-step approach: elect a coalition Liberal-NDP government that completes the badly needed electoral reform, and open the door for Greens to make a difference on our national stage. It’s my view that the biggest potential impact of voting Green in our riding is vote splitting that will increase the chance that the Conservatives win our riding. In an election way too close to call, where a Conservative majority government remains a possibility, the thought of providing one more seat to the Conservatives is unacceptable. It is just way too big a risk. In last year’s municipal election on Bowen, Murray Skeels won the mayor’s job by a mere 14 votes. Seven voters, voting differently, could have changed the result. The memory of that election will forever remind me that every vote counts. Bob Turner
Bowen Island is a little bit cleaner thanks to these Grade 6 and 7 Island Pacific School students who participated in Shoreline Clean Up. They walked the meadow and then the Grade 6 & 7 classes split off in either direction to go to the Cove, part of Crippen Park and the lake. Kristin Jarvis photo
Caring Circle offers education sessions on anxiety and depression COLLEEN O’NEIL CARING CIRCLE
We’ve had a glorious sunny summer and fall. For many of us, that means having fun with family and friends. For some of us, however, witnessing all that connectedness makes us feel even more alone. Depression can come over you and take you down, especially at times when many others seem to be thriving. When you feel low, you may tend to stop doing things. You may stop going out and avoid seeing friends. As a result, you may feel even worse, and then feel like doing even less. It can turn into a downward spiral. Similarly, anxiety can disable you from doing what you really want to do, building upon itself, reducing your ability to get out and BE yourself. If these scenarios sound familiar, consider getting help right here on Bowen. For the fourth time, in response to Bowen Islanders’ requests, the Caring Circle is offering a skills group for adults experiencing depression and anxiety. This group is also suitable for those who are simply having trouble managing their stress and for those who have a history of depression and anxiety and want to prevent
On the Calendar Have a birthday coming up? Email Catherine Bayly at bihistorians@ telus.net.
Out of the Attic to Oct. 12 Gallery @ Artisan Square Long-forgotten attic masterpieces by various artists uncovered. Rotary Club October 8 Collins Hall, 7:30pm Guest speaker: Gino Rutigliano on the art of wine making No charge, all are welcome Jake’s Gift October 8 7:30pm (doors open 6:30) BI Legion Julia MacKey returns in one-person play about a Canadian veteran’s reluctant return to Juno Beach for the 60th anniversary of D-Day. Tickets at brownpapertickets.com or cash only at the Pharmacy.
Book launch When The Colours Run By Lisa Shatzky October 10 Doors open at 7pm; event begins 7:30 Gallery @ Artisan Square Girl Rising October 10 7pm Bowen Island Yoga Studio Details of film on page 8 of this week’s Undercurrent Applefest, (and mini Farmers’ Market) October 11 Davies Orchard Details at BowenHeritage.org Community Lunch October 13 11:30am to 1pm Legion $5: adult event
Rotary Club October 15 Collins Hall, 7:30pm No charge, all are welcome Friday Dinner October 16 6:30pm BI Legion Vicki Noble will prepare chicken breast baked in orange mustard sauce; with basmati rice; autumn vegetables roasted in olive oil and balsamic vinegar, toasted pine nuts.
EcoBlitz October 17 10am to 1pm Crippen Park Help the Weed Warriors pull out invasive plants. Part of the Metro Vancouver Regional Parks’ ecological restoration celebration. Gather at festival field at the mouth of Davies Creek. Tools, gloves, snacks and refreshments will be available. Info: 604-947-9240
recurrences. Those who have completed the group series before have identified that the group experience was highly healing and helpful — although naturally a bit nerve-wracking on the first day! The facilitators will welcome you and help you feel comfortable in taking that first step. We are offering a six-week group program facilitated by Maureen Mackey (psychiatric nursing instructor) and Dr. Carolyn Nesbitt (registered psychologist). The six skills-building sessions are designed for those personally experiencing depression or anxiety. The Wednesday evening sessions are free and start October 14, continuing until November 18. Confidentiality is a critical issue here on Bowen. Caring Circle and the facilitators involved are committed to respecting the privacy and anonymity of all who call in and who attend the meetings. Rivendell has generously offered space for our education sessions, which offers us a very private gathering space. If you are interested, please call Caring Circle by October 12 at 604-947-9100 and ask to speak to Colleen O’Neil to find out whether this would be a good fit for you. This program is starting in a week and may fill up quickly. Registration is limited to eight people.
Songs of the Moment October 17 7pm Cates Hill Chapel Stephen Fisk, Buff Allen and Simon Fisk explore a broad spectrum of song form, drawing on original material, jazz standards, improvisations and contemporary songs. Tickets: $25 at the door. Kid & Kaboodle Sale October 17 10am to 1pm Bowen Island Montessori School, Artisan Square Kids clothing/shoes /toys/ equipment etc. Admission $2, children free All proceeds support the school SKY: Seniors Keeping Young October 19 Bowen Court 9am Exercises with Ali Hartwick 10am Speaker 11am Yoga
Floorcloth Workshop October 20 Gallery @ Artisan Square Kathleen Ainscough teaches you how to design and paint a canvas floor cloth. $146 fee includes all required supplies Rotary Club Social October 22 6:30pm See Piers at Snug Café for location For Bowen, For Ever October 20 7 to 9pm Cates Hill Chapel Launch of Bowen Island Community Foundation’s 2015 fundraising campaign, introduction of community ambassadors and announcement of this year’s grant recipients. Please rsvp info@ bowenfoundation.com by October 15. Details at BowenFoundation. com.
6 • FRIDAY OCTOBER 9 2015
We might have to learn to live with skunks from page 1
While the BC Wildlife Act prevents the trapping and removing of wildlife without a license, stories abound regarding the deliberate transport of skunks and raccoons to Bowen. McWilliams and Carr agree that someone probably came over with a litter that has since multiplied. Bylaw officer Donna Bottay says that her office has followed up on one rumour that a pest control company brings the animals over. “I’ve definitely heard the rumours but there is nothing to substantiate any such thing.” Aside from the potential clash of dogs and skunks, some people worry about skunks as predators. Billi Gowans, wildlife ecologist, says that mink, eagles, hawks, crows, dogs, cats and owls are more of a threat to a chicken than skunks whose natural diet is bugs, mice and little animals. She adds that she has seen raccoons on Bowen off and on for years. You may have to hold your nose at the idea, but both Carr and Gowans suggest that a community so close to the mainland could learn to live with wild native species like skunks and raccoons. Gowans points out that some animals get to Bowen by mistake, trapped in a truck transporting goods to the island. Other regional natives naturally come and go to and from
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To prevent skunks and other unwanted wildlife from living around your house, keep pet-food indoors, secure garbage, and access to possible denning sites like a crawl space under the house. Skunks are nocturnal. The chance of your dog or cat tangling with a skunk increases in the evening. If you encounter a skunk, it will give you warning signs before it sprays, and generally only spray if they can’t escape or their young are threatened. They will raise their tail, stamp their tiny front feet, hiss and do little charges before they twist their backside into spraying position.
the island such as mink and otters. In either case “we don’t have the right to control native species.” She also points out that people may not realize that we are surrounded by many species that are non-native, from black slugs to grey squirrels. Each nonnative arrival has had varying levels of impact on the island. Gowans, advises islanders that the BC Wildlife act strictly prohibits nonpermitted trapping, handling, harassment and killing of any native wildlife. “This includes neutering and removing scent glands.” Iris Carr says research proves that “skunks can be very beneficial” in a community. McWilliams, is one person who doesn’t disagree. “It works for me,” she says referring to the growing need for deodorizing dog baths. “Every cloud has a silver lining.” McWilliams says that in the past she used all the odour-destroying dog shampoos on the market. One day, her son had her watch a TV show called Mythbusters, which put all the shampoos to the test in a lab and found that “the only thing that works is a mixture of peroxide, dish soap and baking soda. “The problem,” she adds, is that “the dog is usually upset from being sprayed, and then the dog has to keep the solution on for 15 or 20 minutes” before rinsing off.
Land Act Notice of Intention to Apply for a Disposition of Crown Land
Make your own de-stinker
Moira Steward, out walking in the mid-day sun with Jared Washam and their three dogs — Sjofn, Feyja and Maya — , doesn’t mind sharing an island with skunks. After living here two years, Moira’s already “seen a couple skunks and raccoons.” Jared, with a Mohawk haircut suggestive of a skunk stripe, is amused at the suggestion that he might feel a natural affinity to the little creatures. They support the idea of co-existing with wildlife — even skunks. Louise Loik photo
Take notice that Bowen Island Wellness Centre, Bowen Island Lodge, has applied to the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resource Operations (MFLNRO), Surrey for a water lease for existing wharf situated on Provincial Crown land located adjacent Lot 37, Block 3, DL 490, Plan 11088 the File Number for this application is 2411572 Comments on this application may be submitted in two ways: 1) Online via the Application and Reasons for Decision Database website at: www.arfd.gov.bc.ca/ApplicationPostings/index.jsp 2) By mail to the Senior Land Officer at 200 - 10428 153rd Street, Surrey, BC V3R 1E1. Comments will be received by Ministry of Forest and Lands and Natural Resources until October 30, 2015. Comments received after this date may not be considered.
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The Knick Knack Nook Re-Use It Store Society is calling for tenders for the construction of an addition to its existing facility at 1063 Mt. Gardner Road. The addition is to be a 475 square foot, one and a half story framed structure on pad on grade with footings, to provide receiving, sorting and storage space with bathroom facilities for volunteer staff.
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FORESHORE APPLICATION LOCATION 648.80 SQ. M. SUBJECT PROPERTY LOT 37, BLOCK 3, DL 490, PLAN 11088 PID: 009-163-433
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Plans for the building may be viewed Tuesdays to Fridays in the Building Inspectors office at the Municipal Hall or by notifying David Manson, Building Committee Chair at (604) 947-2825 or (604) 828-2413(Cell)
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On Monday night, Rebecca Salmon’s dog got sprayed by a skunk in Deep Bay. It was, as she says, a yucky experience for everyone. She now recommends that everyone has a bottle of skunk destinker on hand. Here’s her homemade version. Apply liberally! Skunk scent-remover shampoo 32 ounces hydrogen peroxide ¼ cup baking soda 1 tsp dishwashing liquid Mix ingredients together in a large bottle with cap. Use as shampoo on humans and pets. Rinse well.
CALL FOR TENDERS
Be advised that any response to this advertisement will be considered part of the public record. For information contact Information Access Operations at the Ministry of Technology, Innovation and Citizens’ Services in Victoria at: Www.gov.bc.ca/citz/iao/.
Co-existing with skunks
Please respond in writing no later than October 21, 2015 to David Manson c/o Knick Knack Nook or by email (adcm@telus.net) or Fax (604-947-2826)
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FRIDAY OCTOBER 9 2015 • 7
Satsang Speakers Series invites you into genuine conversation SOORYA RAY RESELS SPECIAL TO THE UNDERCURRENT
Sometimes I like to imagine how it was for our ancestors when we women huddled around the fire pit, talking and singing while cooking and raising children, singing songs, making loud noises and our men were out hunting, silent and intent on capturing the prize: food for our empty stomachs. I then contemplate the time when agriculture took hold and we had some time to sit together after the sun goes down in some warmer shelter. What did we think? What stories did we tell? At many points throughout, we had people break away to go and contemplate in caves and forests and mountaintops about the meaning of life. A voice within a few must have started to grow with questions about life, its purpose, our interconnection with the earth and the sky and the stars. And answers came from who knows Slugs are a part of Bowen Island, says Oscar Knowles-Dekkers, who spent Tuesday afternoon painting his slug design on the where. It must have been from out of crosswalk in front of BICS. Maybe these slugs are taking the slow route to next year’s Bowfest slug races, he says. silence. Martha Perkins photo The fact that suffering comes along with existence, I believe, was always a given. In our human evolution, in the midst of life’s unfoldment, some people began to question and look within for guidance. Others looked outside for answers. The big questions of life—Why am I here? Who am I? What is suffering? Can suffering be avoided? Can we free ourselves from suffering? What is the purpose of life?—stirred the human soul then, as they do now. Today we are inundated with change and speed. There are many teachings, many paths, BICS learned that he had to skip class early on are doing and are turned around. This makes MARTHA PERKINS many means. But I believe that the pulse Monday to paint the crosswalk, a cheer went it more interesting than all of them lined up of evolution that moves from within us is EDITOR up. Slug power! facing the same way. Some of them are a bit calling upon us to gather in community to If there’s one place on Bowen Island where “There are a lot of slugs on Bowen,” ahead of the others, not all in line which is heighten our collective capacity to bring a little slug-like behaviour is called for, it’s in Oscar wrote when he entered the Snug Cove just what happens at the slug race! One or two in more light, more awareness, more joy, front of BICS. Beautification Committee’s crosswalk compeof them have gone ahead of the line-up.” more peace, more creativity, more truth So it seemed fitting for Bowen Island tition as part of the paving project. “It’s part of Oscar’s design was one of the three final- in our ever increasing / decreasing uniMunicipality to use Oscar Knowles-Dekkers’ living here and going slow…. ists and the online voters’-choice competition, verse. slug design for the crosswalk in front of the “The slugs could be getting ready for the which was won by Diana Izdebski’s salmon Meeting in this way is called ‘satsang’ in school. annual slug race at Bowfest, heading up the design. The other finalist was Burle Konopa’s Sanskrit, derived from ‘sat’ which means Oscar is 10 and when his fellow students at Cove, but some of them don’t know what they tree design. truth, and ‘sangha’, which means assembly or community. We are four teachers coming with our BC Ferries REGULAR SCHEDULE LONG FORGOTTEN ATTIC MASTERPIECES UNCOVERED resourceful backgrounds. March 12, In Effect14 Mayto15October to October 13,2015 2014 Here is our offering: A Distance: weekly satsang speakers series to both soothe and 3 NAUTICAL MILES inspire the community Crossing Time: of Bowen Island. We are 20 MINUTES in this together. We have much to offer each other ^ 5:30 am** 6:00 am as we grow ourselves DAILY EXCEPT * 5:30 am 6:00 am SATURDAYS from within to create 6:30 am** 7:00 am* spaciousness and open# * DAILY EXCEPT 6:30 am 7:00 am * 7:30 am* DAILY EXCEPT 8:00 am SUNDAYS ings in our bodies, hearts, 7:30 am * 8:00 am SUNDAYS and minds. Let us meet 8:35 am † 9:05 am †# DAILY EXCEPT 8:35 am 9:05 am# together to discover what *EXCEPT& SATURDAYS 9:35 am# DAILY we create. 10:05 am 10:05 am 9:35 am # SUNDAYS & SATURDAYS The Satsang Speaker 10:35 am SUNDAYS 11:05 am 10:35 am 11:05 am Series happens on DAILY EXCEPT 11:40 am 12:10 pm 11:40 am Sunday nights, 7-8:30pm DAILY EXCEPT 12:10 pm SAT,** SUN & through December 13 at 12:45 pm SAT,19, SUN MAY JUL&1, 2:35 pm 12:45 pm 2:35 pm MAY 18,SEPT JULY1 1, Bowen Island Yoga (585 AUG 4, & 3:10 pm pm 3:45 pm AUGOCT 3, SEP 13 7 & Prometheus Place, lower 3:45 pm OCT 12 4:15 pm pm†† road of Artisan Square). 4:45 pm Visit BowenIslandYoga. 4:45 pm † 5:50 pm 5:15 pm pm com for more details, * * THE WEDNESDAY 5:50 pm 6:20 pm 6:50 pm THE WEDNESDAY pm including dates, speakers, SAILINGS WILL SAILINGS WILL and topics. 7:20 pm * 7:50 pm * BE 6:50 pm BE REPLACED REPLACED 7:20 pm^
Slow as a slug, please 10-year-old student’s crosswalk design is a reminder to slow down when you’re near BICS
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8 • FRIDAY OCTOBER 9 2015
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Dealing with the dark to get to the light Lisa Shatzky launches book of poetry Saturday night
There will be a screening of the film Girl Rising on Bowen Island on October 10.
Girl Rising: a film of hope and inspiration KAMI KANETSUKA CONTRIBUTOR
We are fortunate to live in the part of the world where every girl has the opportunity to be educated. When, at the age of 15, Malala Yousafzai of the Swat Valley, Pakistan was shot by the Taliban, for going to school, the world became aware of the dire circumstances for many girls in the developing world. The Taliban did not succeed in shutting Malala down, and now she has become an international hero and spokesperson for the education of girls. But there still is a long way to go. You are invited to see the film, Girl Rising, which shows the plight
of girls from nine countries, (Sierra Leone, Haiti, Ethiopia, Afghanistan, Peru, Egypt, Nepal, India and Cambodia). Each girl had her story written by a writer from her country and voiced by renowned actors. Their stories reflect their struggles to overcome societal or cultural barriers, which include arranged marriages as young as age 10 and slavery. This film of hope and inspiration is receiving accolades around the world. Go to girlrising.com for an opportunity to donate or become involved. The film showing is at Bowen Island Yoga Studio, 585 Prometheus Place, Saturday, October 10 at 7pm.
Edye Hanen wins short story contest Congratulations to Bowen Island’s Edye Hanen, whose short story, Lonesome, won first prize in a Canadian Authors writing contest. The short story will be published in the National Voices 2016 Anthology and she will be invited to read her story at the Canadian
Authors Vancouver annual general meeting and social in December. The winning stories will be posted on the Vancouver branch website after the December meeting. This follows on the heels of her success with another short story, The Season of Grace. It won first prize in the Federation of BC Writers’ 2014 contest. Hanen will read from The Season of Grace at the November 9 meeting of SKY at Bowen Court at 10am.
On October 10, Bowen Island resident Lisa Shatzky is launching her new book of poetry, When the Colours Run at 7:30 pm at the Gallery @ Artisan Square. In addtion to poetry readings by Shatzky and friends, there will be music by Ruta Yawney. The evening is sponsored by the Bowen Island Arts Council and 100 per cent of the proceeds from books sold at this event will be donated to the Sea Sheppard Conservation Society. Undercurrent: What is your motivation for writing the new poems? Lisa Shatzky: Sometimes I think I write because I must, because it is my way of making some small sense of the world, of pressing the pause button and being fully present to the moment. Poetry is like meditation. If I can sit still long enough, or allow there to be some moments of stillness and pause in each day, it’s as if the words already exist and somehow they find me. Or perhaps I am more open to them. I am never quite clear how a collection comes together. I just write every day. The poems arrive like butterflies. Or dreams. You must move slowly so not to lose them. In the blink of an eye, they are gone. Undercurrent: Is there a common theme or question you want to resolve in writing these poems? LS: The poems in this new collection emerged over the past year and I had been thinking a lot about the idea of transformation, meaning, how things are always in flux so to speak, like the seasons, everything is always reinventing itself. All of the poems speak in some way to our relationship with ourselves and the various inner and outer seasons of our lives. What was and still is important to me is how we all in some way must deal with the “ dark” to get to the “light” in ourselves and ultimately in our relationship with other people and our fragile planet which depends so much on our ability to bring increased consciousness into our lives. Undercurrent: What happens in life when the colours run? LS: Perhaps a few sentences from the lead poem in this new book answers this question best. “....... when the colours run, it’s because the sun changes directions. Even when the sun disappears, the colours do not disappear. There is an ebb and there is a flow, all things being and becoming, moment to moment
Bowen Island’s Lisa Shatzky gave impromptu poetry readings from her new book, When the Colours Run, along the Camino de Santiago. from eye to breath and breath to light and here you are - the temple, the wonder, the breath, the sight. So open your windows and open your doors and do not fear the colours of night. For sometimes you must face the storm, lean into the exquisite wild wind with your aloneness and emptiness so you may dance again. And when the light returns, (and it will), notice how the geese also come back, even the daffodils push through the dark and every blade of grass sings if you have the ears to hear it.......”
Places of Worship Welcome You BOWEN ISLAND UNITED CHURCH Rev. Shelagh MacKinnon
FOOD BANK
Service and Sunday School: 10:30 a.m. Collins Hall Bookings: Helen Wallwork Minister of Music: Lynn Williams
DROP-OFF
This election, there’s a clear
BOWEN ISLAND COMMUNITY CHURCH
ST. CATHOLIC CHURCH CHURCH ST. GERARD’S GERARD’S ROMAN CATHOLIC Mass: 10:30 a.m. Priest: James Comey Sunday Mass:Father 10:30 a.m.
604-988-6304 Administration Office: 604-682-6774
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10:00 a.m. Worship • Sunday School: Tots to Teens Pastor: Dr. Phil James B. Krohn Pastor: Adkins
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Join Larry’s team larry.koopman@ndp.ca LarryKoopmanNDP @KoopmanLarry
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Kindergarten students wear red and white to show they support Terry Fox, giving the thumbs up as they get ready to run in BICS Terry Fox Run. The entire school was involved in the annual tribute to Terry Fox and his Marathon of Hope for cancer research. Sarah Haxby photo
FRIDAY OCTOBER 9 2015 • 9
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Paterson Cup honours ‘epitome of professionalism’ SPENCER GRUNDY B I G O L F A S S O C I AT I O N
Two things were absent from this year’s Paterson Cup matches at the Bowen Island Golf Club on September 26 and 27. The first and foremost being Herb Paterson, the man whose named is etched into the coveted Paterson Cup. Unfortunately for us, Herb Paterson passed away earlier in the year. For those of you who did not know Herb, he was the first sales rep for Titleist, Footjoy and Bagboy in North America, among many other countries. He was the epitome of professionalism within the golf industry and was an icon to all
young golf professionals. He made a lasting impression on all the members and management of our golf club. Each year Herb would grace us with his presence at the first tee to shake every competitor’s hand and wish them the best of luck. He would be there at the end to congratulate the winning team, with dinner and drinks. Gin and tonic, no doubt. Herb will be greatly missed by all golfers who ever get the chance to play in the great event. Fortunately for those who played this year, we did get an appearance from Emilie Paterson (Herb’s lovely wife) to carry on the great tradition. The second absence was the torrential downpour that we usually see for the annual event which involves 32 golfers
divided between two teams competing over two days in various styles of match play. Each year we play towards the middle of October amidst rain and wind; this year we bumped up the event and got absolutely perfect weather. This year’s tournament was won by Team Black. Team Black, led by Captain Peter Clarke, and co-captains Dave Bellringer and Derek Puri, came from behind on the last day to beat Team Blue. Many thanks go out to the Peter Clarke and Bill Keller for organizing a great event, and a special thanks to all the staff at the Bowen Island Golf Club for the great course, the announcing and the food and drinks. Thanks again, Herb.
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Dr. Utah Zandy 604-947-9830 CALL FOR APPOINTMENT OPEN TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS Dr. Gloria Chao Family Dentist
Artisan Square 604-947-0734 Alternate Fridays 10am - 4:30pm Horseshoe Bay 604-921-8522 www.bowenislanddental.com
www.bodyvitaliy.ca
Dr. Dana Barton
Naturopathic Physician 596 B. Artisan Square
604-730-1174 Natural Family Medicine
Psychologist Dr. Carolyn Nesbitt PhD, R.Psych #1484
604-376-9801 www.CarolynNesbitt.com
BOWEN ISLAND MASSAGE THERAPY 604-947-9755 EXT #1 @ #597 Wellness Centre & #595 next door!! TEXT: 604-653-9755 By Appt. 7 days a week MARY MCDONAGH RMT
At entrance to Artisan Square Suite #597
Dr. Traditional Chinese Medicine/Acupuncturist
❦ MARY MCDONAGH RMT, DCH
ROBYN IZARD RMT
Registered Massage Therapist
ALICIA HOPPENRATH RMT
❦
Community Healthcare
SANDY LOGAN Registered Physiotherapist
DID YOU KNOW THAT YOU CAN TALK TO A NURSE ANY TIME OF DAY OR NIGHT IN B.C.?
Life Labs Tue @ Dr. Schloegl Thur @ Dr. Zandy
Just Call 811
6:45am - 8:45am
for non-emergency advice and help.
As part of the regular municipal water system maintenance program, Bowen Island Municipality is flushing water mains from now until November 13. Flushing will take place seven days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Every effort is made to ensure water quality is not affected but some turbidity and higher than normal chlorine concentrations may be present.
CATHERINE SHAW
HARMONY SHIRE RMT
Celebrating 27 years
Water systems get a good flush
For routine lab tests. Specialized tests & children may be referred to the mainland.
DEPARTS SUN to THURS FRI & SAT SNUG COVE 11:15PM 12:15AM HORSESHOE BAY 11:30PM 12:30AM
OPERATING 7 DAYS A WEEK
Proudly Celebrating Over 36 Years of Trusted Transport for Bowen Island & Howe Sound Telephone: 604-947-2243 Cellular: 604-250-2630 24 Hour Service Special Event Cruises PRIVATE CHARTERS AVAILABLE ANYTIME
email: cormorantmarine@telus.net web: cormorantwatertaxi.com
604-947-2243
Since 1978
WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM
FRIDAY OCTOBER 9 2015 • 11
BOWEN BULLETIN BOARD Gallery @ Artisan Square Presents
Gary Charette Roofing Inc. Free Roof Inspections and Accurate Quotes Professional Installation of all Types of Roofing Systems Material Warranty and Workmanship Guarantee Valid WCB #527667 Current Liabitlity Insurance BBB A+ Rating Recycle Program 604 947 2267
Out of the Attic
Featuring long forgotten attic masterpieces uncovered 18 Sept. – 12 Oct.
LANCE’S RECYCLING
I’ll pick up your recycling and deliver to BIRC for $25/load Kindling $20/box at Building Centre CALL 947-2430
GARYCHARETTEROOFING@HOTMAIL.COM
604.349.7402
info@bowenconcrete.ca
FOR ALL YOUR
CONCRETE NEEDS We Dig it, Form it, Mix it, Pump
FREE
Hearing Tests Hearing Aid Clean and Checks
Caring Circle, Bowen Island
Thursday, October 22nd
Ellen can help! (604) 349-6745
Window Washing Gutter Cleaning Roof Moss Control Soft/Pressure Washing & More....
BOWEN PRO-PAINTING
Jordan Goodbrand
Any paint job big or small For your free estimate
Call 604-281-3691
grooming@bowendogranch.com
for appointment
778.998.7873
Contact Steve Baskerville sdbaskerville3@gmail.com
Mainland Hearing West Vancouver
it
Your ON-ISLAND Home Maintenance Expert!
604-970-0433
Your Community
MARKETPLACE Book your ad ONLINE:
Or call to place your ad at
bowenislandundercurrent.adperfect.com
604-630-3300
Email: classifieds@van.net
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All advertising published in this newspaper is accepted on the premise that the merchandise and services offered are accurately described and wil ingly sold to buyers at the advertised prices. Advertisers are aware of these conditions. Advertising that does not conform to these standards or that is deceptive or misleading, is never knowingly accepted. If any reader encounters non-compliance with these standards we ask that you inform the Publisher of this newspaper and The Advertising Standards Council of B.C. OMISSION AND ERROR: The publishers do not guarantee the insertion of a particular advertisement on a specified date, or at all, although every effort wil be made to meet the wishes of the advertisers. Further, the publishers do not accept liability for any loss of damage caused by an error or inaccuracy in the printing of an advertisement beyond the amount paid for the space actually occupied by the portion of the advertisement in which the error occurred. Any corrections of changes wil be made in the next available issue. The Bowen Island Undercurrent wil be responsible for only one incorrect insertion with liability limited to that portion of the advertisement affected by the error. Request foradjustmentsorcorrectionsonchargesmust be made within 30 days of the ad’s expiration. For best results please check your ad for accuracy the first day it appears. Refunds made only after 7 business days notice!
ANNOUNCEMENTS CANADA BENEFIT GROUP Do you or someone you know suffer from a disability? Get up to $40,000 from the Canadian Government. Toll-free 1-888-511-2250 or www.canadabenefit.ca/ free-assessment
STEEL BUILDINGS... “ MADNESS SALE!” All Buildings, All Models. You’ll think we’ve gone MAD DEALS. Call Now and get your DEAL. Pioneer Steel 1-800-668-5422 www.pioneersteel.ca
COMING EVENTS
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BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES DO YOU HAVE 10 HRS/WK to turn into $1500/mth using your PC and phone? Free info: www.BossFree123.com
TRUTH IN EMPLOYMENT ADVERTISING Glacier Media Group makes every effort to ensure you are responding to a reputable and legitimate job opportunity. If you suspect that an ad to which you have responded is misleading, here are some hints to remember. Legitimate employers do not ask for money as part of the application process; do not send money; do not give any credit card information; or call a 900 number in order to respond to an employment ad. Job opportunity ads are salary based and do not require an investment. If you have responded to an ad which you believe to be misleading please call the: Better Business Bureau at 604-682-2711 Monday to Friday, 9am - 3pm or email: inquiries@bbbvan.org and they will investigate.
MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION! In-demand career! Employers have work-at-home positions available. Get the online training you need from an employer-trusted program.Visit:CareerStep.ca/MT or 1-855-768-3362 to start training for your work-athome career today! GET Free Vending Machines. Can earn $100,000.00 + per year. All Cash-Locations provided. Protected Territories. Interest free Financing. Full details, call 1-866-668-6629 or www.TCVEND.COM
FINANCIAL SERVICES HIP OR KNEE Replacement? Arthritic Conditions/COPD? Restrictions in Walking/ Dressing? Disability Tax Credit $2,000 Tax Credit $20,000 Refund. For assistance! 1-844-453-5372.
FINANCIAL SERVICES
RECREATIONAL PROPERTY
LARGE FUND
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Celebrate with a Birthday Greeting in the classified section!
604-630-3300
Build Results
12 • FRIDAY OCTOBER 9 2015
WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM
At the Undercurrent, we understand the value of a dollar.
Two plastic animals at Phoenix: $1
10 Dubble Bubble at USSC Marina: $1
Large BC Nicola apple at the Ruddy Potato: $1
Can of cat food at the General Store: $1
FRIDAY SEPT. 4, 2015 VOL. 42, NO. 32
$1
including GST
Watch for more online at: WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM
Bowfest, Bowfest, Bowfest!
Parade page 3; Logger Games page 6; Bowfest page 12; Run page 7
Meet the Green candidate
Ken Melamed wants people to vote for their values, not as strategy to oust MP
Get arty
Bowen Island recreation teams up with arts council on exciting fall program
Attempted break-ins indicate local knowledge MARTHA PERKINS EDITOR
There was a lot of brawn on display at Bowfest’s Logger Games, and not just among the male competitors. Women such as Alicia Hoppenrath (who created a new yoga move called The Axe Throw) thrilled hundreds of spectators with their strength and determination to win. Story on page 6; more photos and video online at BowenIslandUndercurrent.com. Martha Perkins photo
Why the healthcare survey matters MARTHA PERKINS EDITOR
It was two in the morning and Colleen O’Neil’s five-month-old daughter was gasping for each breath. As O’Neill paced through the night trying to comfort the baby, she wondered whether to call the island’s emergency’s services. She hesitated. Should she bother the paramedics in the middle of the night, and what about the driver of the water taxi who would have to take them across to Horseshoe Bay?
Birthday candles at Cates Hill Pharmacy: $1
No, she decided, she’d wait for the 5:30 ferry. When she got to the hospital she discovered her daughter had pneumonia. “I should have taken her right away,” she says today. How many times have people on Bowen Island hesitated to call 911 or seek their doctor’s help because of how complicated it is to get off the island? That’s exactly the sort of information O’Neil, and other members of the Community Medical Clinic Society of Bowen Island, want islanders to provide.
continued PAGE 7
The Bowen Island RCMP are investigating two attempted break and enters and one break and enter which have led them to believe that the culprit(s) have familiarity with the neighbourhoods. One was on Dorman Road. The owners were away for a few days and the suspect attempted, but failed, to gain access by forcing open a rear door. No entry was gained during an attempt on Hummingbird Lane, either. Although the property might have appeared vacant, the suspect was scared away from trying to open a lever-operated window when the owner turned the lights on. In the third incident, the suspect cut through the screen of a window that was left open to gain access to a home on David Road that, once again, appeared vacant. The suspect had rummaged through the master bedroom, opening drawers, but was scared away by resident’s dog. The RCMP says two of these incidents occurred after midnight and access was via the rear of the residence. Tips on deterring thefts
Artists don’t usually like people trampling all over their work but when it comes to a new creative idea for the streets of Bowen, they’d be thrilled. The Bowen Island Municipality is inviting artists to submit designs for new painted crosswalks in Snug Cove. The timing is perfect with the paving of Bowen Island Trunk Road this month. The Bowen Island Arts Council has teamed up with BIM to ensure that the new cross-
The RCMP reminds residents to walk around their homes to assess ‘weak points’ during the day and in the evening. Look for objects that might be used for access such as ladders, stumps, and rocks. People should also assess the visibility of items of value that can be seen from the outside. “Criminals tend to be opportunistic,” says Bowen Island RCMP Cpl. Paulo Arreaga. “Mainly small items that are left in the open and are quick to grab will be targeted (phones, laptops, money, wallets, purses). These items should be kept out of plain view. If they are going to be in plain view, consider your surroundings before you leave them unattended. At home or in a vehicle, close and lock windows and doors. Out in the town, don’t leave items of value on a table or in a shopping cart for even a few seconds.
continued PAGE 9
continued PAGE 8
Artists bid on crosswalk design MARTHA PERKINS EDITOR
A sense of community at The Undercurrent: $1
When it comes to creating a strong, sustainable economy on Bowen Island, every dollar counts.