Bowen Island Undercurrent December 23 2016

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FRIDAY DEC 23, 2016 VOL. 42, NO. XX

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Happy holidays to all, from the team at The Undercurrent. We’ll be back with more news in 2017.

Early assessment letters hint at overall climb in property values MERIBETH DEEN EDITOR

After a more than a week of cold temperatures and snow, Killarney Lake turned into a hockey rink last Sunday. Robert Clayton handles the puck (front) and Paul Whitecotton stops behind him. Rob Wynen, photo

The Orchard makes donation of kits to prevent overdose deaths

MERIBETH DEEN EDITOR

One day after the news that 13 people in British Columbia died from Fentanyl overdoses in one night, the Orchard’s Lorinda Strang called up fire chief Ian Thompson and gave him six Narcan kits and had a discussion with him on the need for all Island first responders to have these on hand. Each kit has a nasal spray with the drug Naloxone, which temporarily reverses the effects of opiods and can save the life of someone who has overdosed. “This crisis just keeps ramping up,” says Strang. “And I

feel a real sense of urgency with Christmas and New Years coming. The message I want people on this island to have, is regardless of your drug use history or if you consider yourself a recreational user of cocaine or other club drugs, you are at risk. It is a myth that drug fatalities are happening only on the Downtown East-side, people are dying in their bedrooms, and it is happening across the province. Almost all drugs are cut with something - the issue now is what are they cut with? More often than you may like to think it is fentanyl or carfentanyl. So it is not a stretch to say an overdose could happen here.” continued P3

In North and West Vancouver, many owners of single family homes have received letters warning them that they will likely see increases of between 30 - 50% on the value of their properties when their assessment is delivered in January. Home owners in Squamish are being delivered similar letters, and here on Bowen, notices have been delivered to 197 properties. The Municipal Manager of Finance, Kristen Watson says that a letter from BC Assessment mentioned that property values across the island will see average increases of between 20 - 25% in value. “In all likelihood, Council will approve a nominal property tax increase, all things being equal, everyone will prob pay a bit more than last year,” says Watson. “But for those who are seeing the larger increases in assessed value, the tax increase will be larger.” Beyond the strain of higher taxes, Councillor Melanie Mason says that she is concerned about this year’s assessments making Bowen Island even more unaffordable for young families and people on fixed incomes. “I’m worried that property prices will rise and make it harder to live here than it is already,” says Mason. Realtor Frazer Elliott says that he has been shocked to see how much a few of his client’s assessments have gone up, but that in general, the tax-assessed property values don’t reflect the market. “In the past year, the property on Bowen has sold for 136% of its tax-assessed value, and that has been true for a while now,” says Elliott. “While it is something we follow closely, it is not an accurate reflection.” He says that if someone is seeing a really dramatic jump in their assessed value, there is always the option of appeal it. “If you do appeal, it is important to do your homework and have a strong case as to why the assessment may be inaccurate,” he says. “Your realtor can help, or help you decide if this is a good route to go.” Realtor Frances Frost says that while she understands that the increases in assessed values are tied to this 2016’s increased sale prices, she is not confident in BC Assessment’s process. “Fifteen years ago, the assessor would come over here and actually peek into windows, but now they just call up realtors,” she says. “They’ve called me wondering why I sold a property for significantly less than the assessed value, and I’ve had to explain that the property was steep, it didn’t have a septic system, and was generally very complicated. In order to understand what a property is worth, you really need to do the leg-work.”

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Request for Proposals: Prime Consulting Services

Meeting Calendar January 9, 2017 7:15 pm Regular Council Meeting

All meetings are held in Council Chambers at Municipal Hall unless otherwise noted.

We are celebrating the news that the Cove Commons project will be awarded federal funding in the amount of $254,000 from the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund. This amount, added to the funds already raised means that the project is very close to hitting the fundraising target for the construction of the Cove Commons building in Snug Cove in 2017. Read more about the project at www.annexgalleryproject.com

Season’s Greetings From Mayor Skeels, Council and all of us at Bowen Island Municipality, we wish you and your family a safe and happy holiday season and all the best in the New Year.

Bowen Island Municipality is embarking on building a Community Centre with Municipal offices. BIM has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the purpose of inviting proposals from qualified Architectural proponents to undertake the Prime Consulting Services with respect to the Project. The deadline to submit proposals is January 17, 2017 at 2:00 pm. For full details about the RFP, please visit our website at www.bimbc.ca.

Snow clearing

Municipal Hall Holiday Hours Municipal Hall will close at 12:00 pm on Friday, December 23, and will remain closed until we return to our regular hours of operation on Tuesday, January 3, 2017. To report an emergency in roads or water, please call the public works after-hours line at 604-834-0770.

Christmas Tree Disposal Bowen Waste will have a bin for your Christmas tree self-disposal located across from the gas station on Mount Gardner Road from December 27 until January 16. Please ensure that you remove all tinsel, garland and other decorations before putting your tree into the bin.

Municipal snow plowing crews are on call 24 hours a day during winter weather conditions. Once snow fall commences, trucks are dispatched as needed. Plowing will continue throughout the day and night as needed. The Municipality clears public roads from snow and ice according to a road maintenance priority plan: all main roads/bus routes are cleared first, followed by secondary roads after the snow fall has ceased. Tertiary roads are cleared after the snow event and all other main and secondary roads are passable. The Municipality does not clear private or strata roads. Please note that cars left and/or parked at the sides of roads, cul-desacs, etc., make it very difficult for snow plows to effectively clear the area and result in roads being left uncleared and/or unsalted. The trucks require adequate room to maneuver. If possible, please do not park your vehicle at the sides of roads. Please note that business owners are responsible for the removal of snow from sidewalks/entrances.

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

2017 Garbage Collection Schedule The 2017 Garbage and Organics collection schedule has been mailed to all Bowen Island households. You can also download the schedule from our website at www.bimbc.ca, or pick one up from Municipal Hall.

General Enquiries

Contact Us

Phone: Fax: Email:

Bowen Island Municipal Hall 981 Artisan Lane Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G2

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FRIDAY FRIDAY DECEMBER DECEMBER 23 23 2016 2016 •• 33

Mental health on the curriculum for grade nines on the North Shore JANE SEYD NORTH SHORE NEWS

Grade 9 students in North and West Vancouver schools will have mental health education added to their curriculum starting in the new year. The mental health literacy program, developed on the North Shore, is the first of its kind in provincial public schools. The idea is to de-stigmatize mental illness, let teens know the difference between normal adolescent anxieties and more serious problems, educate students about their brains and offer tools and resources to help when there are problems. “It’s something we should be talking about,” said Jeremy Church, Bowen Islander and district principal with the North Vancouver School District. Church, who is also principal at Mountainside secondary, home to the North Vancouver School District’s alternative programs, said he thinks teens are eager for information on the topic. “I think that they really do want to learn about it,” he said. “They see it happening.” The unique educational program is the result of work done by a collaborative local action team made up of mental health and social service workers, doctors, North and West Vancouver school staff, police and First Nations who have been working to address youth mental health needs on the North Shore. Teachers will use curriculum developed by mental health expert Dr. Stan Kutcher of Dalhousie University to provide between six and 10 hours of mental health education to Grade 9 students between February and April of 2017, in classes like PE or career and personal planning. Students will learn what kind of stress is normal, techniques like mindfulness to manage anxiety, what kinds of symptoms can signal deeper problems as well as normal development of the teenage brain and how substance use can contribute to the development of mental health problems. The task force has chosen to target Grade 9 students because that’s a typical age for the onset of mental health disorders, said Church. Experts say that makes it an ideal time to get information to those students. Church said it’s also important for kids and their parents to know that some stress and anxiety is normal. “It’s not terri-

ble for kids to manage some levels of stress,” he said, adding that’s what most adults have to learn to do during the course of everyday life. It’s also important for teens to know the signs that an issue like depression is more serious, he said, and where to turn for help. Just educating students about the issues can help destigmatize mental illness, he said, “So people don’t feel like they have to hang their head in shame” because Dr. Hayley Broker and Bowen Islander Jeremy Church, co-chairs of a North Shore local action they themselves team that has helped bring mental health education into local public schools. or a family mem- Mike Wakefield, photo ber is dealing with that. until those problems have reached a crisis, she said. Dr. Hayley Broker, a North Shore physician and co-chair Teens also need to know that certain drugs can increase the of the youth mental health action committee, said those who tendency to develop mental illness among those who are suswork with youth at local clinics are seeing a need for help with ceptible, she said. issues like eating disorders, anxiety and depression. If the program on the North Shore is successful, there’s no Those are the most common mental health problems but reason similar programs can’t be developed for other areas of can impact a teen’s ability to go to school, hold a job, and genthe province, said Church, adding he’s already received emails erally have a happy home life, she said. from other school districts and youth mental health nurses If problems can be flagged and help offered early on, the expressing interest in the program. outcomes will be better than they would be if everyone waits

Donation will help ensure island is prepared, if faced with an overdose from PAGE 1

“Our hearts are in our pocket,” says Lorinda Strang about the decision to donate nearly $1000 worth of Narcan kits to Fire Chief Ian Thompson for local use. photo submitted

The paramedics on Bowen do carry Naloxone, in an injectable form. The nasal spray Naloxone Kits are easier to use, however they are more expensive than the injectable version, costing $150 each. Thompson says he is happy to have the overdose kits on-hand and that Bowen Island Firefighters received training on how and when to use them this week. Thompson adds that he gave a kit to the RCMP, as they were looking into getting them, and would like to make sure a kit is available in Snug Cove. “We were one of the first treatment centres to get Naloxone, and it took us almost a year to get our hands on the nasal spray,” says Strang. “The government is continuing to make changes so that these kits much more accessible.” Strang says that if someone is concerned about a family member’s drug use, they should get informed so they can have open and honest communication with them, and they should have a kit on hand. The pharmacy on Bowen does not carry Narcan kits yet, but lots of pharmacy’s in

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Vancouver do. Strang adds that if there is someone who is concerned, and for whatever reason can not get a hold of a kit, the Orchard has more available and can help. “It’s Christmas and this is a time when many people overindulge, including recreational drug use at parties. You hear people saying, it’s ok, I know the dealer. But do you know your dealer’s dealer? This is not about scaring you straight - this is real. I hope we never have to use these kits here on Bowen Island, however being prepared can save a life.”

Narcan kits: the basics

How do you know if someone is overdosing? Strang says to look out for a few signs such as pinpoint pupils, lips turning blue and the person has stopped breathing. Spray the Naloxone into the persons nose immediately and call 911. The person may pass out again. And one very important point: you can’t hurt someone by giving them the Naloxone spray. For more information, check out the following training video on delivering this life-saving drug: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=hGVSaO1oxpg watch?v=hGVSaO1oxpg

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viewpoint 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. National NewsMedia Council. The Undercurrent is a member of the National NewsMedia Council of Canada, which is an independent organization established to deal with acceptable journalistic practices and ethical behaviour. If you have concerns about editorial content, please email editor@ bowenislandundercurrent.com or call 604-947-2442. If you are not satisfied with the response and wish to file a formal complaint, visit the website at mediacouncil.ca or call toll-free 1-844-877-1163 for additional information.

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.

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Farewell, 2016 Welcome to the final issue of the Undercurrent for 2016, a year which can broadly be summed up as having been a brutal one – at least from a big picture perspective. As January approaches, I expect we will be seeing lots of ugly footage recapping the past year’s celebrity deaths, mass shootings, “terrorist” attacks, incidents of police brutality and a few notably shocking decisions made by angry voters. The Internet, however, has told me that 2016 did bring the world some good things. The population of wild tigers has gone up from 3,200 to 3,890 since 2010 and giant pandas are not longer considered an endangered species. A recent HIV study in the U.K. has yielded positive results, with a man who was treated showing no signs of the virus. The “icebucket challenge” funded a breakthrough in ALS. Child mortality rates are down everywhere, and keep going down. A solar-powered plane circumnavigated the world. Coffee consumption has proved to curtail both suicide and cancer. There’s more, you can

Google it. With that, let’s end this year with a commitment to optimism. Not the, “everything will work out I can just rest on my laurels” kind of optimism, but the kind that

remembers that our efforts count. If in 2017, you find yourself in a moment of despair I offer you the pages of this newspaper. Every week, you will find

the stories of your friends and neighbours here on Bowen working to make things better in whatever way they know how. If their stories are not enough to lift you up and into action, then

reach out and ask for what you need because I am sure that the generosity of this place does not stop at pushing cars out of snow-banks. See you at the polar bear dip.

Dear Bowen, I love Hikers need some daylight and foresight you even more in Dear Editor, I am sure the two stranded hikers up Mount Gardner on Dec. 12 were very happy to see the firefighters who hiked up to them and helped them find their way down. Thank you to the Bowen firefighters who participated in this rescue. I wish to add a little more information about the comment in the article about North Shore Rescue’s response to the call for help. NSR received the call at 4:15 p.m., requesting they come over in a helicopter to rescue the two. As it is dark at 4:45 p.m., the timeline for flying at that time was very tight. As the article noted, NSR offered to come over by ferry, but our fire chief took the initiative to send up several of our firefighters in order to reach the hikers more quickly. The firefighters then walked the hikers down safely to their car and the ferry. Two hikers set out to climb Mt. Gardner on a snowy winter day, with limited hours of

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daylight. Instead of doing the sensible thing and allowing themselves plenty of daylight to descend, they apparently proceed to the top and by all accounts are then too tired to walk down. And it is getting dark. They see the helicopter pad and decide to ring for a helicopter. As the mother of a hardworking dedicated NSR volunteer, I am continually astonished at the lack of foresight of those who head out into our mountains and assume that, with a cellphone, a rescue is only minutes away. On the day of the Mt. Gardner rescue, my son had participated that morning in the rescue of two out-of-bounds skiers at Cypress, hanging from the long line of the helicopter to rescue them from a dangerous avalanche gully. The NSR provides a very valuable – and free – service to our communities. They put their lives at risk every time they head out to a call. And they do rescue “tired people” but not necessarily by helicopter! Sincerely, Nerys Poole

the snow Dear Editor,

I really appreciate living in this community, more so when it snows. Yesterday while shovelling a parking place for North Shore Home Support (my sister and brother-in-law have arranged for the driveway to be ploughed regularly but when there us a big snowfall it doesn’t help), constable Paulo stopped and helped me shovel. Thank you Paulo! Thank you also to the home support team, Sally and Jan, who come regularly to help my brother with his meals, medication, and eye drops which prevent him for going blind from glaucoma. Sally makes her way into the house with two poles, pack on her back and a small shovel to get herself out after each job. Jan had to abandon her car in my driveway and walked to my brother’s to help him befor calling her husband to pick her up. These people help us so much and are an asset to our community. I am wondering about the islanders who live alone, without family nearby ... who shovels the snow so the home care team can get to them? Diane Buchanan

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Respecting child rights builds healthy kids none exists: “Would you like to go to bed now?” Instead, offer choices that balance your child’s right to be heard with your responsibility to keep them healthy and safe: “It’s bedtime. Would you like to wear your dinosaur or your fairy pyjamas?” ! Discuss real-life situations where you or your child has noticed a disrespect of child rights. Help younger children place issues such as bullying into the context of child rights. With older children and youth, encourage them to understand and advocate for themselves within a rights framework when dealing with friends, romantic partners, teachers and employers. ! Include your children’s input into decisions that directly affect them. Listen to your children’s input and work to understand their point of view. Remember, the goal is for children to have their say, not necessarily get their way. ! Stand up for children when you see their rights being ignored and advocate for children and youth voices to be included in community planning and decision making. In recognizing the importance of a parent’s job, UNCRC also charges governments with the task of providing resources and support. Parents, your job is a big one. Be sure to take the time to celebrate all of your success and hard work in the holiday season.

We invite you to create a mini-masterpiece for the Mini Gala Fundraising Event! The Mini Gala Exhibit is the Gallery @ Artisan Square’s biggest fundraiser of the year. Monies raised contribute to the ongoing operation of the public gallery. Artists are invited to participate by creating and donating a minimasterpiece. Participating artists will receive a ticket to the Mini-Gala on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2017. Thanks to our donor, Opus Framing & Art Supplies we have available blank canvasses and a limited number of watercolour frames for pick-up. Gallery hours are Wednesday – Friday, 10 am – 5 pm, until December 31. Please note we are not open on December 25 or 26. Art deadline and drop off is Sunday January 29th, from 12:00-4:00 pm. If you have any questions re the Mini Gala, please contact Emilie Kaplun, Gallery Curater at gallery@biac.ca. We appreciate your support!

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

BOWEN ISLAND COMMUNITY CHURCH www.bowencommunitychurch.org Pastor Clinton Neal 1070 Miller Road 604-947-0384 604-947-0441 Service 10:30Service a.m. Sunday 11:00 a.m. 10:30 School a.m.

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

604-988-6304 Administration Office: 604-682-6774

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

(661 Carter Rd.)

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

REGULAR SCHEDULE BC Ferries REGULAR SCHEDULE DecMay 22 15 to to Jan 2, 2016 In Effect October 13, 2014

BOWEN ISLAND Snug Cove

TASTY TREAT

Greta contemplates a gingerbread cookie at the Bowen Island Gymnastics Club Tumbling with Santa event. photo Catherine Rolfson

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

VANCOUVER Horseshoe Bay

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9:40 pm

Distance: 3 NAUTICAL MILES Crossing Time: 20 MINUTES

Leave Horseshoe Bay

In case you missed it, National Child day was on Nov. 20 and throughout the week community organizations across the country took the opportunity to share information about the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). In 1991, Canada ratified this international human rights framework, which celebrates kids’ rights to be treated with dignity and respect. As we look ahead into the new year, why not consider what it means to better respect the rights of our youngest community members? The UNCRC contains 54 articles that can be broken down into four key tenants – every child has a right to: be healthy and provided with their basic needs; be safe and protected from harm; have a voice and be heard; and be themselves and provided the opportunity to reach their full potential. It asserts the rights of children to be active participants in their own lives and in their families and communities. As parents, keeping our kids safe and healthy seems like a no-brainer, but if we truly want to respect child rights in keeping with the UNCRC, we should also be acknowledging and valuing our children’s capacity to be actively and authentically involved in the decisions that impact them. Article 12 states: “When adults are making decisions that affect children, children have the right to say what they think should happen and have their opinions taken into account.” This doesn’t mean your five-year-old gets to rule the roost and make carte blanche decisions. It’s about inviting children into the decisionmaking process in a way that is developmentally appropriate and reflective of both their best interests and the family’s needs. For example, when we were considering the move to Bowen, we gave my oldest daughter (11 at the time) veto power over the decision. That’s a lot of responsibility for an 11-year-old but we had recently been through a lot of changes as a family, including some big, international moves. We were concerned about the impact of another significant upheaval in her life and were in a position where moving to Bowen was a choice rather than a necessity. She was also emotionally mature enough to understand the pros and cons of such a move. Luckily, she was thrilled at the idea and the rest is history. Not every family can or should turn over major life decisions to a pre-teen, but allowing kids

a strong and meaningful voice in those decisions where there is room for discussion and deliberation goes a long way in respecting their right to be heard. Remember that respecting your child’s right to be heard is not about being a pushover, it’s about acknowledging that your child has a voice worth listening to. That said, if it is a situation where your child’s perspective will not make an impact either way, just refrain from asking. These conversations starting from a young age can go a long way to building healthy patterns of communication as your kids grow into adulthood. They help children develop a sense of efficacy, they are a starting point for distinguishing between needs and wants, and as children enter into their middle school years, can lay the groundwork for conversations about topics such as bullying, consent and privilege. Some more tips on being a rights-respecting adult: ! Have conversations with your child about their rights and their responsibility to respect others’ rights. The Society of Children and Youth of BC suggests that as soon as a child is old enough to utter the phrase “that’s not fair,” they are old enough to learn about children’s rights. ! Whenever possible, provide choices to your child rather than commands. However, don’t provide choice where

Calling all visual artists

Leave Snug Cove

KERRY WATTS CONTRIBUTOR

FRIDAY FRIDAY DECEMBER DECEMBER 23 23 2016 2016 •< 55

#*

DAILY EXCEPT DAILY EXCEPT SATURDAYS

SUNDAYS

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DAILY EXCEPT SATURDAYS & DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAYS SAT, SUN &

MAY 19, JUL 1, AUG 4, SEPT 1& † OCT 13 THE WEDNESDAY

SAILINGS WILL BE REPLACED BY DANGEROUS CARGO SAILINGS.WEDNESDAY NO OTHER THE SAILINGS WILL PASSENGERS BE REPLACED PERMITTED.

BY DANGEROUS CARGO SAILINGS. > NO OTHER DAILY EXCEPT DEC 25 PASSENGERS & JAN 1 PERMITTED.


6 FRIDAY DECEMBER DECEMBER 23 23 2016 2016 6 •< FRIDAY

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Gratitude is my prayer: Patti DeSante MERIBETH DEEN EDITOR

If you sit down and ask Patti DeSante what she’s been up to for the past seven years, be prepared for a long story. “What haven’t I done,” she’ll say, and proceed to tell you about the amazing people she’s met and the moments that have been simultaneously excruciating and joyous: like the time when she was interrogated by eight machine-gun toting Malawian police officers, or the time she visited a maternity ward and looked into the eyes of babies unlikely to survive. DeSante is an ordained Zen Buddhist minister and calls herself a radical peacemaker. She says that she wanted to go to Africa ever since early childhood, and in the past month she returned to Bowen Island after being in Malawi for almost a year. “Maybe a better question for me is not where have I been but what am I doing here,” she says. “I’m here to reconnect with my family and my children, and I’m here to launch a business.” The business, which she hesitates to describe as a

social enterprise, involves the sale of textiles, clothing and pottery made by young women in Malawi. “If I make money, I’ll just end up giving it away,” says DeSante. “Malawi is ranked as one of the poorest countries in the world, their maize crops have failed because of climate change and there is not enough to eat. Still, they are taking in refugees from Mozambique, Malawi is the warm heart of Africa.” The aim of the business is not so much to make money (DeSante says she has $56 to her name), but job creation, and it stems out of a connection to Chief Theresa Kachindamoto. “When I was in Southern Malawi, I posted that I wanted to meet the chief on Facebook. Two days later, I met a mzungu (white person). We were talking and joking and he told me he was taking a film crew up to meet her, and asked me if I wanted to come,” she says. “So I went to meet her. Ten days later, I got a call from the chief. She asked, ‘Can you help me find work for these girls?’” “These girls” are the first wave of those pulled out of forced marriages

and put into school by Kachindamoto. A bit of background is necessary here: Kachindamoto is the youngest of 12 siblings in a family of traditional rulers and is the mother of five boys. Before being made paramount chief for the Dezda District in 2003, she worked as a secretary in a local college. She now has informal authority over roughly 900,000 people. “When she took the chiefdom there were some things she wanted to put an end to, and childhood marriage was one of them,” explains DeSante. “Kachindamoto threatened to strip other chiefs of their power if they did not end marriages involving young girls. She sent the girls to school and promised their parents that they would be more valuable to their families with an education than if they were simply married off. Really though, there is no money to be made in Malawi. If these girls emerge from school and cannot find jobs, all the work that has been done to stop child marriages will fall apart.” Chief Kachindamoto is credited with having broken up 850 child marriages, and also bringing in a law

Patti DeSante wearing and surrounded by some of the Malawian goods she is selling and marketing in the lower-mainland. Meribeth Deen, photo making it illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to marry unless they have parental permission. Along with starting the business to employ the young women who will soon be finishing school, DeSante says she will be launching a crowd funding campaign on

DeSante says the official launch of NkaziMoto will be Feb. 14, to coincide with the One Billion Rising Campaign’s day of action (this is a mass action to end violence against women). She says she intends to host a dance party, and bring both Chief Kachindamoto and Lady Pace to British Columbia for a speaking tour. In the meantime, DeSante is doing odd jobs around Bowen to earn the money to get her back to Malawi. She can be contacted through Facebook.

their behalf alongside her friend Lady Pace (Mwayi Mphande) a hip hop artist. The business, the campaign and Lady Pace’s recently recorded album have all been named NkaziMoto “women of fire.” “The First Lady of Malawi is very supportive of women’s rights, and she has said that women must support each other. That is what we are doing,” says DeSante. “When I introduced Lady Pace and the chief I knew my work was on the right track.”

Correction:

In the Michaels ad starting on December 16, 2016, “Frames starting at 4.99” was stated in error on page 2. Based on the images shown in the ad, the statement should have read “Frames starting at 9.99”. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.

Super fun, reliable and reasonable rates. Group and private walks, hikes and swims, relief breaks for puppies and senior dogs.

Call Lead Dog Walker Steph Directly: (778) 955-9414

hikeswim@bowendogranch.com

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FRIDAY DECEMBER 23 2016 • 7

BOWEN BULLETIN BOARD LEGION CARETAKER/MANAGER Call Ellen Direct:

(604) 349-6745

604.349.7402

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info@bowenconcrete.ca

FOR ALL YOUR

CONCRETE NEEDS We Dig it, Form it, Mix it, Pump it

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The Gallery @ Artisan Square Presents

Insured and WCB coverage Phone Andy 604-947-0674 Cell: 778-231-7283 www.bowenshirelandscaping.com

Art and Giftware Show and Sale

Stonework & Landsc

It’s a Wrap

November 24 - December 31

The Legion is looking for a committed and energetic person interested in working up to 12 to 15 hours a week, at $18/hour, set days to be determined, with the goal of increasing hours when the legion is opened more to care for the Legion. Under general supervision of the Board of Directors, this person will perform a variety of tasks in regards to the general care and management of the legion, and will perform other related duties as assigned by the Board of Directors. Specific skill-based competencies that are required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: rental bookings, event and Friday night dinner management, bar management including booking and supervising volunteer bar tenders, ordering kitchen supplies, some housekeeping and bar needs i.e. beer, etc., completing regular inventory, reporting to the board any issues or needs i.e. equipment break down / repair needs, being available to open and close the legion when necessary, must adhere to work safe safety practices etc. We are looking for someone that can communicate in a courteous and friendly manner with our members, the public and board of directors and act on behalf of the Legion. If this is a job that sounds interesting or speaks to you, please send in your resume to rcl150secretary@gmail.com

WE ARE LOOKING FOR SOMEONE TO START IN THE NEW YEAR.

Your Community

MARKETPLACE Or call to place your ad at

604-630-3300

Email: classifieds@van.net

Phone Hours: Mon to Fri 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Office Hours: 9 am to 5 pm

BC WIDE CLASSIFIEDS

ADVERTISING POLICIES

All advertising published in this newspaper is accepted on the premise that the merchandise and services offered are accurately described and willingly 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 will 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 will be made in the next available issue. The Bowen Island Undercurrent will be responsible for only one incorrect insertion with liability limited to that portion of the advertisement affected by the error. Request for adjustments or corrections on charges must 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 DENIED CANADA Pension Plan disability benefits? Under 65 and want to apply for CPP disability benefits? Disability Claims Advocacy Clinic can help. Call 1-877793-3222 www.dcac.ca

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BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES 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!

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8 •< FRIDAY DECEMBER 23 2016

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Calling all visual artists! We invite you to create a mini masterpiece for the 2017 Mini Gala fundraising event. The Mini Gala Exhibit is our biggest and most successful fundraiser of the year. Monies raised contribute to the ongoing operation of the Gallery @ Artisan Square. Our sponsor, Opus Framing & Art Supplies, generously donates 8x8-inch canvasses and a limited num- This mini masterpiece by ber of frames for watercolour Marc Baur raised more than $700 at last year’s work. Artists are invited to participate by creating a mini gala. photo supplied masterpiece and donating it to the Arts Council. The Gala is set for Feb. 18, when the gallery will host the spectacular event and annual live auction. Bidding is brisk as art lovers vie to take home coveted treasures. Our theme this year will be Mardi Gras with the gallery decorated in vibrant colours, so start thinking about your costume for this affair is not to be missed. Blank canvases and frames are now ready for pick-up at the gallery awaiting the creative touch of Bowen’s talented artists. We ask that you fill in the Mini Gala Artist sheet with contact info when you pick up a canvas or frame. Gallery hours are Wednesday to Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. until Dec. 31. Participating artists will receive one non-transferable complimentary ticket to the Mini Gala Party when their artwork is dropped off. The art deadline and drop off is Sunday, Jan. 29, from noon-4 p.m. If you have any questions regarding the Mini Gala, please contact Emilie Kaplun, gallery curator, at gallery@biac.ca. We appreciate your support.

HEALTH & WELLNESS Dr. Susanne Schloegl

NexGen Hearing

Open Mon.Wed. Thurs. Fri. Now accepting Bowen patients. Artisan Square

604-281-3691

M.D.

604-947-9986 Bowen Island Chiropractic

Dr. Tracy Leach, D.C.

Bowen Island Naturopathic & Acupuncture Clinic #201 - 566 Artisan Square

Certified provider of Active Release Techniques

Natural health solutions for the whole family

Artisan Square Tues. & Fri.

draleabell@gmail.com

778-828-5681

www.drtracyleach.ca

BODY VITALITY MASSAGE THERAPY James Goldfarb RMT BC#05279 Fri, Sat, Sun, Mon Call 604-288-2860 text 250-726-8080 www.bodyvitality.ca

Dr. Alea Bell, ND Naturopathic Doctor

778-891-0370

Courtney Morris, R.Ac Registered Acupuncturist, Doula, Homeopath

604-338-5001

courtneykmorris@gmail.com

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

Call us at

FREE

Hearing Testing On Bowen Island @ Caring Circle West Vancouver

Dr. Dana Barton

Naturopathic Physician 596 B. Artisan Square

604-730-1174 Natural Family Medicine

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 HARMONY SHIRE RMT ROBYN IZARD RMT ALICIA HOPPENRATH RMT

Celebrating 27 years Community Healthcare

Mary Coleman

Dr. Gloria Chao

778-233-4425

Artisan Square 604-947-0734

432 Cardena Road (behind the Library)

Alternate Fridays 10am - 4:30pm

604 947-9100 caringcircle.ca info@caringcircle.ca

MSW, RSW

Docs on the Bay and Bowen Island Compassion minded counselling to grow wellbeing in the midst of serious illness, loss and grief.

Family Dentist

Caring Circle Health Resource Centre

Open M-W-F - 10-4

Horseshoe Bay 604-921-8522 www.bowenislanddental.com

“We connect individuals on Bowen Island to health services, social programs and each other - for free."

At entrance to Artisan Square Suite #597

CATHERINE SHAW Dr. Traditional Chinese Medicine/Acupuncturist

MARY MCDONAGH RMT, DCH

Registered Massage Therapist

SANDY LOGAN Registered Physiotherapist

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

604-376-9801 www.CarolynNesbitt.com


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