What awonderful holiday weekend itwas hereonBowen! OurLight Up Festivalwas one for thehistory books,and therewas a double doseofCraft Fair funatBowen Island CommunitySchooland the Little RedChurch. Kudos to everybodywho volunteers their time to puttheseeventson, not only arethey expertly executed buttheyalsomeansomuch to the community. And are very funtoo!
Aquick thank you to everyone who eagerly agrees to have their phototaken whenI (and ourcommunityphotographers) come around with the camera. Forfestivals and fairssuch as theseIbelieve photos tell astory that words nevercould -inthis case the countless smiling faces enjoyingthe Christmascheerall weekend showusbetterthananythingthatBowen is basking in the magic of the holidays. Capturing thesemoments is my favouritepartofthe job, and Ihopeeveryone enjoysseeingtheir photo in thepaper as much as Ienjoy snapping them. Thankstoall of you for helpingmakethese memories,and seeyou at thenextevent! And just becausetheydid such agoodjob, belowisone morephotoofour ownMr. &Mrs. Claus, Tim&Helen, courtesy of BasiaLieske.
-AlexKurial, Editor
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CARTOONIST
Little Red Church Craft Fair
Craft Fair Season is not complete without the Little Red Church Craft Fair at Collins Hall. The intimate event took place last Saturday and, along with the tables of local crafters, also showcased a popular cafe with a variety of refreshments, homemade baked goods, and homemade chili too in both meat and vegetarian form. The good times also sent people into a festive mood for Light Up later that night.
Honour A Life
LORRAINE ASHDOWN, LIZ WATSON & SUZANNE ALLAN
It’s the most wonderful time of the year - well, not necessarily. Grief and loss are a very real component of many people’s lives at this time of year.
As the lights are twinkling and sparkling around us, some folks are having a hard time as they remember loved ones who they have lost recently, or in years gone by Grief has no timeline and as author Jaime Anderson says, “grief is love with nowhere to go.”
On Sunday, December 15 at 4 pm at Collins Hall, all are invited to come and provide your grief with some space to simply Be. We are holding an Honour A Life ceremony featuring readings from a variety of faith traditions, songs from The Threshold Singers and a chance to place a blue ribbon in memory of your loved one on a tree as we process outside in the chilly and dark night air.
The Threshold Singers are a small group of singers who sing at bedsides - to the bereaved, to those going through cancer treatments or recovering from surgery, to those who are ill or palliative, or to anyone who is simply in need of a soothing “song bath.”
We invite you to take a step away from the bright lights and intensity of the season and come to a place where you and the memories of someone you have loved and lost will be felt and honoured. We look forward to spending time with you, your tears, your memories, and your tender heart
Heather Doherty photos
Conservancywelcomes the public back on theCape lands
BOWEN ISLAND CONSERVANCY
You may have noticed some new signs on the conservation lands at Cape Roger Curtis, acquired by the Bowen IslandConservancy atthe end of October.
We’ve replaced the previous signsbarring public access with more welcoming Conservancy designs that remind everyone that the lands are open again for access by themarked trails and driveways. It’s an important step in the process of taking over management of thearea and putting the Conservancy’sfootprint in place.
Work on the new signshas been spearheaded by Allie Drake (pictured), a Conservancy Director who looks after allof our sign needs. If you havevisitedthe Wild Coast Nature Refuge you will have seenher handiwork, from the large welcomesignat the entrance, to the smaller trail markers inside the Refuge.
Allie spearheads designwork,arranges production, and coordinates installation of our signs with ateam of enthusiastic volunteers. It’s alot of work and Allieisone of the people working behindthe scenestomake it allhappen!
Please remember that camping andfires areprohibited on the conservationlands, and there is nomotorized accessbydirt bikes or vehicles. Visit the Conservancy website if you have questions about the area, https://bowenislandconservancy.org
Children’s Shopping Dayatthe Nook
NOOK ELVES WILL BE ON HANDTOHELP
JOHN LAWRENCE KnickKnack Nook
The Children’s Christmas Shopping Day has becomeanannual event now, and this yearitisscheduledfor Saturday, December 14 fromNoon until 2pm.
Children aged between 3and 12 are invited to comeshop for their lovedones, accompanied by an adult ‘elf’volunteer,
who will provide sageadvice and encouragement as the young people struggleto make their decisions
Parentsare requested to remain outside and take advantage of ahot beverage and shelter in the warmth of aheated canopy, as theywait.
It wouldbeveryhelpful forour volunteersifthe childrenarrive with awishlist prepared in advance and restricted to ahalf dozen close family members.
QUEEN OF CAPILANOFERRY SCHEDULE
BAY 5:50 am 6:50 am 8:00 am 9:05 am -exceptWednesdays. 10:15am 11:25am 12:35pm 2:20 pm 3:30 pm 4:35 pm 5:45 pm 6:50 pm 8:00 pm -exceptSaturdays 9:00pm 10:00pm
Santa’sElves wait to help BowenkidspickChristmas gifts. /Submitted photo
Allie Drakeisthe driving forcebehind new welcoming signsatCape Roger Curtis. /Submitted photo
Bowen Island RCMP Stats - November
BOWEN ISLAND RCMP
There were 51 files in November:
3 Abandoned 911’s/Alarms - Attended and determined no emergency.
5 Assist General Publics - Issues ranged from mental health to vehicles blocking roads.
3AssistotherPolice–WestVancouverPoliceDepartment, North Vancouver RCMP, and IHIT all requested assistance.
3 Assist other Agencies – Requested assistance by BC Ambulance.
2 Noise Complaints
2 Frauds – Both phone scams, $300 total lost.
3 Harassments/Threats – Parties known to each other.
5 Traffic/Vehicle Related - Included a driver seen using drugs, a single vehicle rollover where alcohol was a factor, and an intoxicated driver stopped by friends from driving
2 Marine Incidents – Both involved the sunken vessel off of Eagle Cliff Beach. Police liaised with the Canadian Coast
Guard and the boat owner to limit environmental damage.
3 Mischiefs - Including the spray painting of Crayola Beach signposts and the Bowen Island Community School (BICS) storage shed being damaged.
2 Special Events – RCMP attended the BICS and Community Remembrance Day ceremonies.
8 Suspicious Circumstance – Issues ranged from found bones (animal), people trespassing, and strange vehicles.
2 Thefts – Theft of bike (recovered) and an internal business theft.
3 Property – Found wallet, lost wallet, lost licence plate.
Files of note:
Bowen Island RCMP assisted the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) cold case team with further investigation into the disappearance of Jodi Henrickson. As the investigation is active, please contact the IHIT Information Line at 1-877-551-4448 or Crimestoppers BC if you have any further information.
Come One & Come All to Community Choir Christmas!
JANET ROSS
Bowen Island Community Choir
The Cove is sparkling once again (Thanks! You know who you are!) and the winter festivities seem suddenly upon us... are you ready?
Feel the full glow of the festive season in full swing! The Bowen Island Community Choir has been polishing up their program of seasonal music, so get ready, mark your calendar and be sure not to miss the annual Christmas choral concert happening on Sunday, December 15 at Cates Hill Chapel. You will not regret it.
The choir has been working hard, guided by our wonderful guest Director, Kip Johnson, on music chosen by
Ellen MacIntosh, and we are excited to entertain you with a fabulous mix of folk, jazz, traditional and classic tunes. Sheilagh Sparks accompanies us on the piano, and several talented local guest musicians will feature in selected songs.
Do come and see and hear your friends and neighbours sing their hearts out for you. If you weren’t in the spirit of the season yet, this will put you there! Refreshments will be available by donation.
The choir will perform two concerts on Sunday, December 15 at Cates Hill Chapel. The first is at 2:30 pm and the second is at 7 pm. Please join us.
Tickets are: Adults $25, Seniors and Youth (12 - 18) $15, and free for kids under 12. They are available at Cates Pharmacy or at the door. See you there!
The Community Choir, under the direction of Kip Johnson, have been busy rehearsing at Cates Hill Chapel ahead of their Christmas Concert later this month. / Submitted photo
Light Up Bowen
Saturday night’s Light Up Festival was oneofthe best and brightesteverashundreds of Islanderseager to kick offthe holiday season made their wayintothe Cove.After about of ChristmasCarolingatUSSCMarina, thefestiveSanta Claus Parade made its waydown theBoardwalk featuring many colourful winter charactersand of course Mr &Mrs Claus - played joviallybyTim Hausch &Helen Platts-Johnson -as the bigfinale.Following the parade Santachecked hislist andlistenedtothe Christmaswishesofbothkidsand adults as thecelebration continuedintothe night
Alex Kurial & Basia Lieske photos
Elsa walked into the vetclinic recently for her Annual Wellness Exam with her tail wagging and enjoying the treats! She is known for her beauty andthe joy she spreads with the people shemeets. Sheloves running for her dinner and going out for car rides with her owner.Weat Bowen VeterinaryServices are glad to support the wellbeing of your pets and seeingthem runwith vitality andgood health.
reception@bowenvet.com
604.947.9247
When youdonate to theBowen Island Community Foundation, you support the BowenBirth Collective anddozensofother worthwhileBowen causes!
#CommunityGrowsHere#ForBowenForEver
BICS Craft Fair
The Bowen Island Community School PAC presented the Craft Fair of the season on Sunday with their Christmas Craft Fair at BICS. Dozens of vendors packed into the gymnasium, selling everything from clothing to woodworks, crocheted figures to candles, cards to glassware, and much, much more. The cafeteria crew was also hard at work offering drinks and snacks to the constant crowd, allowing them to power through a second (or more) tour of the fair Upstairs Bowen’s young entrepreneurs had plenty of their own crafts and treats for sale at the Youth Craft Fair Santa Claus, fresh off his big evening the night before at Light Up Bowen, also made an appearance. Overall the event delivered on its tradition of fulfilling holiday shopping needs while also serving as one of Bowen’s largest social events of the year.
Woodfibre LNGhouses non-localworkers ona floatel, reducingpressureonlocalhousinginSquamish.
woodfibrelng.ca@woodfibreLNG
Alex Kurial photos
3-4PMSaturdayDec.14th| Collins Hall
Amonthly open house sponsored by Judi Gedye, BIM councillor and Islands Trustee.
CALENDAR
Friday, December 6 to Saturday, December 28
December Art Market at the Hearth
The 5th annual December Art Market at the Hearth gallery Featuring gift items from local artists and artisans. More info can be found at thehearthartsonbowen.ca
Fridays, December 6, 13, & 20
Julefest Happy Hour Fridays
Come celebrate at Bowen Cider House in our new lounge with home baked Christmas treats, festive appetizers, hot cider glögg, and new Christmas Hindbaer cider! 5 to 8 pm
Saturday, December 7
Food Bank Fundraiser
Come by the Ruddy between 10 am and 3 pm to support a fundraiser for our local Food Bank.
Saturday, December 7
Men’s Shed Gathering
Bowen Island Men’s Shed meets at the Blue Cottage on Cardena Drive (behind Tourism Bowen) for coffee & snacks between 10 to 11:30 am. Guys of all ages welcome. Write to bowenislandmensshed@yahoo.com for more info.
Saturday, December 7
Daddy and Me
We’re excited to announce the relaunch of Daddy and Me from 10 am to 12 pm at Bowen Island Children’s Centre (downstairs). This event is for dads, uncles & grandads and their 1-6 year olds We’ll have coffee and treats on hand, free Saturday, December 7
French Connections at the Library
Drop in and join us to practice your conversational French, and get to know other French language learners on Bowen Island! The focus is on beginner and intermediate
speakers. From 10:30 to 11:30 am. bipl.ca/French
Sunday, December 8
Last Minute Christmas Gift Sale
Russell Hackney Ceramics & products from the Bowen Arrow Trading Company. Join us from 1 pm to 5 pm at 1587 Tunstall Boulevard. Enjoy some mulled wine & Christmas treats while you shop Write basialieske@gmail.com for info
Sunday, December 8
A Christmas Carol Reading
The 26th annual dramatic reading of Charles Dickens ‘Christmas Carol’ Takes place 7:30 pm at Collins Hall.
Sunday, December 8
Julefest Danish Sunday Roast
Sunday Pork Roast at Bowen Cider House in our new lounge including pork crackling and all the trimmings! Everyone welcome, limited quantities available 1 to 8 pm
Sunday, December 8
Shari Ulrich’s Trust Me Series Concert
John Reishman & the Jaybirds with their stylish take on bluegrass. Tir-na-nOg, visit trustme.tickit.ca for tickets.
Monday, December 9 to Sunday, December 15
Shop Bowen Island
A week of festive cheer and support for our local businesses. Win week-long giveaways! See all the details online at shopbowenisland.com
Tuesday, December 10
Speak the Spark Storytelling Night
Bowen’s own storytelling night, where Islanders come to tell and listen to each other’s stories The stories must be true, about the storyteller, and 10 minutes max! Bring a drink or snack to share if you like. These evenings are by donation. At Evergreen Hall, 464 Melmore Road.
Tuesdays, December 10 & 17
Makers and Bakers
Takes place Tuesdays from 3 to 4 pm Register to show and
share your baking on bowenrecreation.com
Tuesday, December 10 to Tuesday, December 24
Winter Magic at the Museum & Archives
Wander through a magical winter outdoor exhibit at the Bowen Island Museum & Archives, at 1014 Miller Road.
Friday, December 13
Holiday Murder Mystery Dinner
A four-course meal with unique holiday characters and a murder to solve! From 7 to 10 pm at Doc Morgan’s, downstairs. Open to Adults 19+, registration open to December 6, visit bowenislandmunicipality.ca/recreation/ Saturday, December 14
Artisan Square Holiday Market
An outdoor event celebrating local Bowen Island businesses, and featuring a curated selection of Artisans from the Lower Mainland. At Artisan Square from 10 am to 5 pm
Saturday, December 14
Children’s Shopping Day at the Nook
Come to the Knick Knack Nook! More info on Page 6.
An annual festive event features live music and the Jolly Old Elf himself 7 to 10 pm Adults only.
Sunday, December 15
Community Choir Christmas Concert
‘Come All Ye’! Full details on Page 7.
Wednesday, December 18
Holiday Wine Tasting
Six wine tasters accompanied by charcuterie from Artisan Eats hosted by sommelier Karen Mooder. From 6:30 to 9 pm at Artisan Eats Cafe Adults 19+, registration thru December 13. Visit bowenislandmunicipality.ca/recreation/
