FRIDAY DEC 11, 2015 VOL. 42, NO. 46
$1
including GST
Watch for more online at: WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM
Power outages
Where to get information when you need it.
Documenting wildlife
Jeff Morales talks about time in the wild
Finding ways to feeling fine
How accupuncture can help you
Light up the Cove draws hundreds of wet revellers
Heavy rainfall was no deterrent to upbeat island crowd LOUISE LOIK EDITOR
The night was pitch black and the rain was hammering down with wind that threatened to blow down trees and disconnect the Christmas lights. If you didn’t know better, you would think that staging an outdoor event on a night like this would be an act of abject futility. Perhaps it was due to the lack of options for celebrational activities on a small island, or perhaps the locals are just optimistic and unstoppable. Whatever the case, Light Up Bowen, drew throngs of revelers. Up at Artisan Square, the carolers began caroling, faces shiny wet even under umbrellas. The homemade rice paper lanterns began dissolving, and children made the most of the moment, waving glow sticks and splashing in the deep-
est puddles. Like the Whos down in Whoville, the voices still rose in song. Peter King helped out, picking up and dropping off with a bus lit up like a disco, strings of coloured lights all around the vehicle as he tried getting around the Square. The group walked down the trail guided by lanterns to the lower part of the cove where more merchants gave out hot drinks. Children up on a balcony over a clothing store enacted a nativityscene while keeping watch over the bone-soaked audience. Santa made an appearance for the sticky handed candy-cane carrying kids. Somehow, it was as if the rain had given the water-logged crowd a feeling of “being in this together.” There was a shared experience of disbelief and victory; island folks standing together and singing in the rain.
Soaking wet but still having fun, Hannah holds a home-made lantern beside sister Abbie, and with mom Micaele and dad Michael Florendo.
The marina shed gets the go-ahead
LOUISE LOIK EDITOR
Rondy and Dorothy Dike, owners of the USSC marina have received a permit for a variance to build a structure for boat storage and maintenance along with space for indoor repair of the marina docks. There will also be space for coffee roasting and a coffee kiosk. The Municipality received letters of both support and dismay with regard to the variance. According to the official records, letters of support “favourably mentioned improve-
ments to the Cove area, and specifically the entrance to Bowen. Several letters expressed the connection to the Garden Gateway project as a benefit. Letters also supported increased employment opportunities on island.” Concerns expressed include “loss of, or negative impact on, views in the Cove, negative impact on entrance “ As well, there is concern by some about impact of the buildings to ferry traffic and water runoff and increased industrialization of the area. All of the proposed uses comply with current zoning, and bylaws. In response to concerns expressed, staff made comments
A
VERY BOWEN
Christmas! Saturday December 19th at 9pm
addressing the concerns, stating that “The building will be constructed in area behind fence along Trunk Road, in land that is currently unavailable to ferry traffic.“ Construction of ramp on SE side of building will allow pedestrians to access marina parking lot from ferry property.” The marina is allowed to do maintenance and repair of vessels and marine equipment within an enclosed building, subject to installation of an oil/water separator for the shop drain and a spill and storm water management plan. The marina will have to ensure that all runoff associated with the con’t pg 7 building is captured on site
Come and celebrate the holidays with all your Bowen friends and neighbours
10 BOWEN ATTIRE IS REQUIRED
$
COVER CHARGE
Featuring Bowen’s own
ADAM WOODALL BAND
(including: new ugly sweaters I favourite flannel one-sey I anything really comfy)
EGGNOG on Special...MISTLETOE will be everywhere! Happy Holidays!