SOARING INTO2025 These Barrow’sGoldeneyes have their sights set on the 365 days ahead astheytook off fora NewYear’s Dayflight. 2025 will hopefully be ayear whereweall fly high in allthe different endeavours we choose to pursue./ Haig Farrisphoto
ACut AboveNewButcher Shop opens in theCove
ALEX KURIAL Editor
There’sanew space on the island to scoreall your favouritecutsofmeat.
Miller’s Meatcraft openedin Snug Cove thisfall,with asteadystreamofcustomerspassing through itsVillage Squaredoors since.Inside visitors arewelcomedbya familiarface on the Bowenfoodscene,butcher and chef Erik Miller.
“Peoplehad no ideawhatwecould do in here,”says Miller of thebutcher shop’s location betweenthe Ruddy Potato andMossHair Studio.Previously the Ruddy Emporium,Erik– along with some helping hands –spent severalweeks completelyrevitalizing the storefront before opening it to thepublic.New freezers,sinks, lighting,food preparationareas,and of course decorationsbroughtthe newbusinesstolife–one Miller hadlongdreamedoffor the small town
CONTINUED ON PAGE 8
Events
AllCouncilmeetingsareopen tothepublictoattendin personorelectronically,unless notedotherwise.
January 13, 2025
1:00 pm RegularCouncilMeeting
January 20, 2025
1:00 pm CommitteeoftheWhole MeetingreBudget
CapitalProjectUpdate: Multi-Use Path
Thenext300metresfromArtisanLane
ThetendersubmittedinSeptemberwasawardedtoNorth Construction.Theircrewsbeganconstructionontheoff-roadportion westofArtisanLaneonJanuary7,andwillcontinueuntilMarch31,2025.
ThisisthefirstsectionoftheMulti-UsePaththatisnotcompletely roadside.The300metresectionmeandersthroughtheforestbelow GraftonRdandcrewswillbeclearingandgrubbing,excavating,placing gravel,installingretainingwalls,improvingdrainage,placingasphalt andsignage.Thisforestrouteispossibleasthissectionrunsthrough Municipalproperty.
ConstructioncrewswillaccessthepathjustwestofArtisanLaneon GraftonRd.Residentsmayencountersinglelanealternatingtrafficat thatpoint.
www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/multi-use-path-project/
2025 Property Assessments
2025PropertyAssessmentsarenowavailableonline.Allyouneedisa propertyaddresstolookupthevalue.Todisputeyourpropertyvalue, pleasecontactBCAssessmentbeforeJanuary31,2025.
www.bcassessment.ca
Business licence renewal payments
TheduedateforallbusinesslicencerenewalpaymentsisJanuary31. www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/2025-business-licence-renewal/
SeekingPublicComment
CLR-01-2024-479BowenIslandTrunkRd
1:00pmonMonday,January13,2025 RegularCouncilMeeting
PROJECTDESCRIPTION:BIMhasreceivedareferralfromtheLiquor andCannabisRegulationBranch(LCRB)aboutanapplicationfrom theBowenIslandPub,at479BowenIslandTrunkRoadforanew OutdoorPatio.ThereferralseeksforBIMtoprovideacommentonthe application.
TheBowenIslandPubreceivedtemporaryapprovalunderCOVID-era regulationstoconstructanewpatioextensionadjacenttotheexisting patio.Thisapplicationwouldmakethepermissionpermanent.
Thepatioextensiondoesnotincreasetheoveralllicencecapacityof theBowenIslandPub.Whenthepatioisinusethepubisrequiredto lessentheirinsidecapacitybyanequivalentamount.
StaffarepreparingtopresentthisapplicationattheRegularCouncil MeetingheldonJanuary13,2025.Inordertoprovideinputonthe referral,Councilmustgatherinputfromthecommunity.Staffwill recommendthatCouncildirectstafftogathercommunityinputto presentattheRegularCouncilMeetingheldonFebruary24,2025. Councilwillthenconsidermakingarecommendation.
YOURCOMMENTSAREWELCOME:
WrittensubmissionsmaybedeliveredtoMunicipalHallbefore11:00 amonMonday,January13,2025: ByE-mailtomayyorandcouncil@@bimbc.ca,inperson,bymailto981 ArtisanLane,BowenIsland,BC,V0N1G2orbyfax604-947-0193
Toensureafairprocess,writtensubmissionscannotbeacceptedafter thedeadline
VerbalsubmissionscanbemadetoMayorandCouncilatthemeeting.
Questions?PleasecontactDanielMartin,ManagerofPlanningand Development,at604-947-4255ext230orbyemailat dmartin@@bimbc.ca
www.bowenislandmunicippalityy.ca/pplanningg/
Phone:
Bowen IslandRCMP Stats- December
A REMINDER TO BE EXTRACAUTIOUS WHEN MANAGING CRYPTOCURRENCY PORTFOLIOS
BOWEN ISLAND RCMP
There were 45 files in December:
5Abandoned 911’s/Alarms -Attended and determined no emergencies.
3Assist General Public –Neighbour disputes, downed trees.
2Assist other Police –AssistedVancouverPolice Departmentwith gathering astatement, missingperson from Mission.
5Check Wellbeings –Wellness checks requested on behalf of the Health Centreand relatives.
4Assist other Agencies –Assisted bylaws with adog bite, parole boardchecks,assist BowenIsland Fire Department.
2Frauds –Cryptocurrency scam/hacks
5Harassments/Threats – Parties known to each other, one involved charges being recommended.
3Motor Vehicle Collisions –1involveda singlevehicle hitting apower pole, speed and impairment not afactor.
4Parking –Abandonedvehicles.
2IRP’s –‘3day’ Immediate Roadside Prohibitions issued to impaired drivers.
1Suspicious Occurrence –Vehicle entered and slept in byanunknown person.
4TrafficComplaints -Erratic drivers, impaired driving intell.
2 Special Events – National Impaired Enforcement day, BICS speed enforcement
3Property –Found credit card, found phone, found wallet.
Filesofthe Month:
BowenIsland RCMP areinvestigating2 incidents of Fraud involving cryptocurrency. Please get yourcryptocurrency from well-known andreputable exchanges.Purchase any hardware walletsdirectly from themanufacturer.Fraudsters use fake online tradingplatforms and convince victims to transfer funds or cryptocurrencyintotheir trading account In most cases, victimsrealize they havebeendefrauded when they try towithdraw their funds and are unable to.
spring
TheBowen Island RCMP Detachmentislocatedat 1017 Miller Road./AlexKurial photo
Meet Moka,whosebeautiful colours arereflected in her name. She is over eleven years old, but still brings her toys into theroom to play.She loves popsicles, so she naturally needs herteeth to be in topform. She recentlycame intoBowen Veterinary Services for her sedated dental cleaning and the extractionofone toothfor which she didnot even need sutures.She is wise tokeepcozy andwarm in this wintery season!WeatBowen Veterinary Services lovetotakecare of your paw-some family members andare happy when they are.
VIEWPOINTS
EDITORIAL
HappyNew Year!
Welcome back everyone!Hopeyouall had an amazingHolidaysand achance to refresh forthe newyearwith family andfriends.This year Ihad the pleasureofspendingtimeinSan Francisco with my Sister,wherea California Christmasconsists of double digittemperatures, afair bit of sun(at leastwhen Karl the Fogisnot blockingit) and even afew shorts sightings around the city. SinceI’venever been through awinterbreak withoutsnow, and Bowenand certainlythe BayAreaweren’t delivering anypowder,wealsospent some time at scenic and winteryLakeTahoe to completethe seasonal experience
Tahoeishometomanybeautiful skiing opportunites,includinglongCross Country trails we hadthe pleasureofexploring. It was my first time tryingout this moreleisurely form of skiing(though make no mistakeyou’restill puttinginplenty of work)and Ican nowsafely sayIprefer it to the downhill equivalent. While ripping down amountaincertainlyhas its perks, Ienjoyed the pace of gently glidingalong the groovedtracksand beingable to observe all thenaturearound me.And whiletherewere still some falls (I’veyet to master theperfect ‘pizza’technique) they aremuchlessofan impact when you’renot hurtling around.Cross Country is whereit’satinmy book,and I’m lookingforward to checking outwhat our local mountainshavetooffer on that front.
Januaryand February, in my observations, tend to be quietermonths on Bowenfollowing the excitementofthe Christmasand Holiday season. Butthat doesn’t meanthereisn’t still agood deal happening, as evidenced by our stories and calendar this week.Hopeyou enjoy checking it all outasour island wakesupto another new and excitingyear ahead!
-AlexKurial, Editor
THE WRITE STUFF. TheUndercurrent encourages readerparticipation in your community newspaper.You must include your full name and adaytime phonenumber(forverification only). The editor reservesthe righttoeditfor clarity,legality,brevityand taste. Please limit to under500 words. HERE’S HOW:Tosubmit alettertothe editor,fax 604-947-0148 or mail it to PO Box 130,Bowen Island, BC, V0N 1G0 or email editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com
#102–495 BowenTrunk Road, POBox 130,Bowen Island BC,V0N 1G0
Phone: 604.947.2442 Fax: 604.947.0148
including GST Newsstand (Single Copy)$1.50 per copy,includingGST ISSN 7819-5040
All Advertising and newscopycontent arecopyrightof the Undercurrent Newspaper.All editorial contentsubmittedtothe Undercurrent becomes the property of the publication. TheUndercurrent is not responsiblefor unsolicited manuscripts,art work and photographs
National NewsMedia Council.
TheUndercurrent is amember of theNational NewsMedia Council of Canada, which is an independentorganization establishedtodeal with acceptable journalistic practices and ethical behaviour.Ifyou have concerns about editorial content, please email editor@ bowenislandundercurrent.com or call604-947-2442. If youare not satisfied with the response and wishtofile a formal complaint, visit the websiteatmediacouncil.ca or call toll-free 1-844-877-1163 foradditional information.
CARTOONIST
VIEWPOINTS
Judi Gedye Open House - January
JUDITH GEDYE
Bowen Island Municipality Councillor
Typing 2025 is still a novelty but here we are! Happy New Year. I hope most of your resolutions work out well Housing dominated the discussion at this Open House. I was very happy that Councillor Tim Wake showed up and could help with this discussion as this is his area of interest
We started with a question about the proposed MRDT (Municipal & Regional District Tax). This is a tax collected by operators of tourist accommodations It’s worth emphasizing that the Province limits what municipalities can collect as taxes and often how that money can be spent
There are very few options for revenues: 1) property taxes, 2) permit fees (business, building, infrastructure users) and 3) successful grant applications. Bowen has insufficient savings for infrastructure maintenance, and at the same time has some major new projects funded, in part, with property taxes. That’s resulted in increased property taxes.
Permit fees are designed to cover the cost of those services. Grant applications are a mixed blessing: they depend on the priorities of the funding source, with massive competition, and ultimately unreliable funding (in the sense that you cannot count on winning it). The province allows for an MRDT focused on tourist accommodation
Tourism, once embraced, more recently has shown the other side of its shiny, attractive “coin”. Expo ‘86 and the 2010 Olympics successfully marketed this region to the world and tourism growth since has been exponential. Uncontrolled advertising on social media and the pandemic’s travel restrictions made Bowen an easily accessible and attractive destination for both overnight and day-trippers. Our numbers spiked which emphasized the limitations of BC Ferries’ services.
Much lobbying is needed for coastal communities to collect revenue from BC Ferries toll-booths, and such relief will not be happening soon. That leaves few options: the MRDT is one. This tax has many regulations set by the Province, and for whatever reason, only larger (4 rooms or more) sites decide the matter. The amount collected (up to 3%) and its uses will be determined by council, with oversight by the Province.
Allowable uses are tourism management and affordable housing (eg. supporting workers housing in the community). Community discussion is just beginning and good ideas of how the money could be best spent to help justify and support the proposal are welcome. Assuming tourists come here with good intentions, and we all benefit in a variety of ways, let’s avoid demonizing anyone in our discussions
The conversation moved into affordable housing. There was one person who bemoaned the Residential Tenancy regulations that made it impossible to rent a suite for 6 months and leave it open for family use the remainder, without renting it as a B&B, which was untenable. I don’t know rental regulations well enough to comment but if anyone can help there, let me know.
Habitat For Humanity, and praise for Jimmy Carter, came up. The need for builders who specialize in sound, not
flashy, units was mentioned several times, in the context of Habitat For Humanity, Bowen Island Resilient Community Housing (BIRCH) and successful projects in California.
One workable combination in these expensive times is for low cost land, longer term mortgages at reasonable rates, and prefab or low cost, but sturdy, design and materials. There are several people and groups on Bowen, including BIRCH and Snug Cove House, who are working within these parameters to build “affordable” housing on Bowen. The concept of “affordable” was discussed: it has many different interpretations, and at this time in our history with supply chain interruptions and high costs and high profits, is more elusive.
There was a specific question about Grafton Lake’s Phase 1 affordable housing proposal and whether it would survive the spike in costs. One problem for private developers is their lack of access to CMHC (Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation) federal funding of long term low interest mortgages. The proposal has not been forgotten but the elements included in the plans have changed and may need to be reconsidered.
There was another question about the prospects of changes to regulations to allow for tiny homes on wheels. Toby Elliott, a Trustee on Gabriola Island, has been working with provincial housing and health officials to develop workable situations for such structures. With better technology for hydro, septic and water purification she is hopeful there is room to allow such alternatives. Land tenure is another fac-
tor that has been a problem in the past, and needs careful consideration.
Zoning for clustered housing was mentioned as another option, followed closely by a very brief mention of the Westside Housing Project. There’s been advertising and talk in the community but no formal proposal on the table for consideration. Such a process makes it very difficult for politicians to discuss it.
There were questions about the Multi-Use Path (MUP). There are pegs in place on the S-curve on the north side of Cates Hill. It’s an unfortunate reality that while that corner has proven very difficult, the grant cannot be moved to any other easier section, so some progress will be made but that corner will not be completed as originally planned.
There was also a concern about parking at the Library frequently spilling over onto the MUP and a suggestion to install a curb to keep the spaces separate. The latter will get mentioned to Public Works.
There was a question about a bike rack at the Wild Coast Nature Reserve, and other sites on Bowen. That concern can be passed on to our Parks manager. And speaking of bikes, I made brief mention of a young Bowen artist’s proposal for the bike shed that will be discussed at an upcoming council meeting.
We ended on that happy note. The next Open House will be February 1, 2025 at 3 pm at Collins Hall. Everyone is welcome. And thanks for your encouragement in writing these notes after each meeting. Much appreciated.
Ron Paley
Caring forNature: Photoofthe Month -Last OneStanding
Yellow water lilies, like this beautiful one, are more than just aserene and photogenic part ofthe naturallandscape —theyare important ecological engineers thatimpact lake and pond biodiversity acrossBowen Island.
This water plant has spongy roots, often as thick andlong asanadult human arm imbeddedinthe lake sediments. Connected to theseroots arelong spongy stems extending as longas1.5 meters.They are connected to single 15-centimeter diameter oval shaped leaves (lilypads).
Spread across theshallows of Bowen’s lakes andponds each summer are entire floating worlds, each builton alily pad. Flip over alily padand you’ll findafloating hatchery holdingthe eggs of mites,snails, whirligig beetles, caddisfliesand others. Freshwateralgae, sponges, microscopic tube-dwelling rotifers and bryozoans colonize the surface. Snails crawl alonggrazing on this rich microscopicsmorgasbord.
Lily pads create shade, keeping thewaters beneath them acool oasis forfish, tadpoles, andaquaticinsectson hotsummerdays. They also blockmost sunlight entering the water column below them making the zone beneath them unsuitable for most other water plants and algae to grow.
Unlike most aquaticplants,yellowwater lily leaves release most of the oxygen they produce into the air ratherthan into the water. The result ofthis is thatthe waters
“KillarneyLake.Thisphotoshows
thesimplebeauty of BowenIsland’s aquatic plant life. Asingle lily stands tall among asea of lily pads,reflectingthe peaceful balanceofnature. Thecalm water and the vibrant lilyhighlightthe diversity of lifethatexists in even the quietest places,reminding us how importantitistoprotect thesenatural habitats.” –JuliaLisboa
below water lily leaves arefairly lowinoxygen, where only specialized low-oxygen species of beetles, snailsand midges arepermanent residents in the watersbelow stands of water lilies.
The spongy stems of theyellow water lilytransport some of theoxygen produced by the leaves tothe roots which is releasedintothe lakesediments creating ideal conditions for several species ofaquatic insects and worms.
Yellowwater lilyflowers release an odor similartothe smell of wineor brandythat attracts specialistpollinators includingseveral species of beetles, flies and somenative bees. Leaf beetles in thegenus Donacia spendtheir entire
lives on thisplant.Theirlarvae eatthe roots and the adults eat the leavesand pollen in the flowers.
Next time you admire ayellow water lily, remember its quiet yet profound contributions tonature’s biodiversity. These plants are importantcomponents of Bowen’s freshwaterhabitats.
*This is amonthly series of photographs submitted for the BowenIsland Conservancy’s 2024 Bowen Biodiversity Photo Contest. The Bowen Island Conservancy is aland trust and registered charity,thatworks to protect and preserve the naturalenvironment of the island —from endangered coastal bluffs, to inlandlakes, to wetlands andfens.
DEPART BOWENISLAND
5:20am- except Sundays 6:20 am 7:30 am 8:35 am 9:40 am 10:50am 12:00pm 1:10 pm 2:55 pm 4:00 pm -exceptWednesdays 5:10 pm 6:15 pm 7:25 pm -exceptSaturdays 8:30 pm 9:30 pm 10:30pm DEPARTHORSESHOE BAY
JULIA LISBOA PHOTO
All are welcome at the Death Café
EVENT HELD BY NEW GROUP BOWEN DEATH CARE
LORRAINE ASHDOWN
Bowen Death Care
There’s a new energy on the island. As a result, there’s a lot of life being generated by the subject of death.
Back in June 2024, Bowen Death Care (BDC) had our first gathering to sit together and begin to form ideas about who we are and what we hope to offer. We are now a collective of women who are passionate about supporting individuals and families through end of life education as we offer home support, death care and examine our lives in order to live fully and die well.
On January 5 at Belterra Common House, BDC hosted A Death Café There is no set agenda at a Death Café. The idea is to create a safe space to hold anything that may be on your mind and heart around the topic of death Death Cafés are open to, and respectful of, people of all belief systems and faith traditions.
On Sunday, A Death Café welcomed close to 40 Islanders who were open to sharing their thoughts, their experiences and their ideas about the reality of our mortality. Along with tea and coffee and amazing treats, tables were set for small groups to engage in intimate and meaningful conversation.
The response to the Death Café was overwhelmingly
positive. It was clear there is a need and a hunger for these conversations. Participants described the event as “open”, “healing” , “enlightening”, “safe” and “loving”.
One participant wrote, “Although death is a topic I am comfortable talking about, death/mortality is an ongoing journey and unfolds all through life. To be able to explore this topic with others in Community is a gift and has re-grounded me in ways I didn’t realize I needed.”
The work of Bowen Death Care has begun. The conversations around death and dying are alive and well. Bowen Death Care looks forward to bringing more events to the Community and to hearing from any Islanders who may be curious about who we are and what we can offer.
We are currently constructing a website for our collective which will give you more information. For now, please feel free to contact us at bowendeathcare@gmail.com if you have any questions or thoughts that you would like to share.
Thank you to everyone who came out last Sunday and for your willingness to share your ideas, your feelings and your experiences around the heart felt realities of our mortality. Thank you for your openness and wisdom, and for your donations to our collective which will go towards building our website and offering more community events.
Together, we are off to a wonderful beginning as we focus on our endings.
www.tippys.ca
Bowen Death Care held a Death Café at Belterra Cohousing last weekend. / Sarah Taylor photo
Butcher seeks to challenge conventional cooking
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
“Planning a butcher shop actually started when I first came to Bowen Island,” explains Erik “I started putting those manifestations out to be like, how can I make this happen?”
Miller pursued this quest for some time at Meadowbrook Market, located at the Bowen Cider House. The agricultural land provided a pipeline for the farm-to-table products which stocked the market’s freezers But the dream of his own butcher shop in Bowen’s commercial core persisted.
“Everybody has to come through here. Whether you’re out in Hood Point, you’re out in Bluewater, if you’re coming off the ferry, you’re shopping here,” says Erik of the Miller’s Meatcraft setting. The arrangement to use the Ruddy’s space came about through discussions with the grocery store’s owner, who was excited at the prospect of a butcher shop as a new neighbour
“The exposure here is infinite, you’ll always have foot traffic,” adds Miller on the reality of being next door to one of the island’s grocery stores Their agreement also sees Miller’s Meatcraft providing stock for the Ruddy meats section, another method of expanding the new butcher’s reach.
If you’ve dropped into the new location you’ve likely also met James Pelletier busy at work behind the counter. Pelletier had worked with Miller at Meadowbrook Market, and as the new shop came to life he was eager to come along for the ride.
“I’ve always loved food my whole life Growing up my Mom used to take me to really cool restaurants and it really expanded my palette,” says James on his entry to the culinary world.
Pelletier has been learning from Miller for about two years, and now comes up with his own creations too. At Miller’s Meatcraft this is mostly in the world of sausage, where he’s concocted a range of flavours from Korean Barbecue to Jalapeno Bacon Cheddar. “It allows for a lot of really cool creativity with your flavour profiles,” says James of the freedom to experiment in your own space. “There’s
endless possibilities of stuff we could do.”
The product at the butcher is currently sourced from several B.C. locations, including pork from Nanaimo, lamb from Salmon Arm, chicken from the Fraser Valley, and even pâté from Vancouver Miller speaks highly of all his suppliers, but still envisions a day where more food can be sourced right here on Bowen – including a longer-term dream of an on-island abattoir
“There’s still a lot of potential for people to raise and have more awareness of a food hub on Bowen Island, especially a closed system that allows us to protect our own local economy,” says Miller. He’d like to see “ways that we can raise food and then a sustainable place to take it, and then absolutely we can put it into the (butcher) shop… I would love people to raise chickens for us, or lamb. It would be incredible.”
“It’s a long way out, we’ll take it step-by-step I’m a very ambitious person, but I don’t want to overextend at this point,” he says
That isn’t stopping Erik from doing everything he can in the meantime to teach Islanders about unlocking the full potential of the meat section. This includes a pair of workshops this month dedicated to learning how to process whole pigs and chickens. Participants will go home with a healthy stock of supply from either session.
“I really want people to get excited and to shop more sustainably for themselves To buy a whole chicken and take the parts, that can be four meals instead of buying just boneless skinless breasts because you don’t have the time,” explains Miller “The more you can learn now, the more you can save a bit of money.”
Along with the practical side of mealtime, Erik hopes to unlock the creative juices of island diners. “We try to give you unique things to come and specifically buy for a recipe, and then make at home like a Sunday project,” noting a
recent effort to introduce shoppers to the Bavette, or flank steak. “That’s a good way for people to get educated on different cuts that aren’t just the ones that everybody knows.”
“We’re all about trying to push people’s boundaries,” says Miller, pointing out that as people’s palettes expand the butcher shop can consistently offer a wider range of meats too. “Let’s challenge people to learn how to do some different cooking.”
As Erik reflects on the whirlwind which has been the past few months, he is incredibly proud of the undertaking - yet always keeping an eye on the future. “I don’t think it’s quite real yet. I have my Grandfather’s name on the logo, it’s an honour and it’s great.”
“But there’s still pieces at play that we want to push for, some bigger things It’s getting there,” says the butcher
You can find Erik Miller (right) & James Pelletier ready to talk about creative cooking and much more at Miller’s Meatcraft in Village Square. / Alex Kurial photos
A new Season of Song
JANET ROSS
Bowen Island Community Choir
And so it begins! Another Spring session of choral music is about to take off on January 15, to gather our collective voices, practice, and sing together in May for our community.
If you were lucky enough to attend the
Christmas concerts, you will know the energy and fun that goes into preparing for these events, and if you are ready to join in with the choir and are 18 or older, we’d love to see you at Cates Hill Chapel on Wednesday, January 15, or the following Wednesday, January 22 at 7 pm for registration.
Registration for the season is $150, with practices running from 7:15 to 9:15 pm
Hope to see you there!
MarketingSpecialist
One year Contract Position (mayberenewed upon review) –Approximately 48 hours per month
We areseeking acreativeand strategic Marketing Specialist to join our team to help usamplify our reach and impact. This position reports to the ExecutiveDirectorofthe HearthArtsonBowen and isresponsible forthe deliveryofContractservices in support of Hearth marketing,communications and promotions of Hearth and partner events
Please find moredetails on the Job Description and howtoapply at thehearth.ca
Live Arts Coordinator
Five-month Contract Position –Approximately 10-12 hours per week
Weare seeking acreativeand strategic LiveArtsCoordinator to join our team to help usamplify our reach and impactfor the BowenIsland CommunityCentreBowen Theatre. This position reports to the Hearth Arts on BowenExecutiveDirectorand the Performing Arts Committee (PAC). This role is responsible forthe deliveryof Contract services in supportofperforming and liveart programming.
Please find moredetails on the Job Description and howtoapply at thehearth.ca
About us:the Hearth Arts on Bowenisavibrant localartsorganization on BowenIsland, dedicated tofostering creativity and culturalenrichmentinour Bowencommunity. We host avarietyofevents, exhibitions, programs aimed at celebratingthe arts in allits forms.
Fixing the Food System
ELAINE CAMERON
Bowen Island Food Resilience Society
This week I met with Charles McNeill for a chat about his talk at the Bowen Library coming up this Sunday, January 12 at 1:30 pm.
We had a wide-ranging conversation that I found fascinating. Charles has returned to Bowen after participating in the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) COP 16 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia last month and before that the Climate Week NYC in September, full of ideas based on cutting-edge research
Charles reflected that, paradoxically, our food system is undermining our ability to feed humanity now and into the future. It is changing the climate, destroying biodiversity and depleting the world’s water resources, but it’s not delivering the nutrition people need It makes no sense and needs to change.
Charles is encouraged that the importance of transforming the global food system is finally receiving the attention it deserves in critical international environmental forums As we are poised to blast past 1.5 degrees of warming, attention is finally turning to the fact that what we eat and how we produce
it is generating nearly 1/3 of all greenhouse gas emissions – and could instead be part of the solution.
Charles’ talk will explore why we need a ‘plant-rich’ food system, the benefits it will bring to planetary and individual health, and what will make this shift possible He’s convinced it’s possible and that the food that’s good for the planet is also good for our bodies (and can taste great too) His talk will also review other levers of transforming the food system: improving farming production practices and reducing food waste.
His talk is titled, ‘Innovative Solutions to the Global Food System: Protecting the Climate and Biodiversity.’ And while the context is a critically warming planet and mass extinctions, the good news from Charles’ perspective is that we can do something about it.
This talk is the third in a series of four presented by the Bowen Island Public Library and Bowen Island Food Resilience Society. The talks offer different perspectives and possible solutions on food-related issues from personal diet and health to climate change Come join us at 1:30 pm this Sunday for Charles’ talk followed by questions and discussion. Drop in, no registration required. Find out more about this series at bipl.ca/food
Our own Ron Woodall is a big fan of the local community chorus.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Sunday, January 12
Rollerblade Skills Workshop with Bowen Rec
Join coach Sam Morse for an exciting 2-hour workshop designed for kids ages 9-14. At the Bowen Island Community School Gym from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm, costs $20. Please bring your own rollerblades and helmet.
Sunday, January 12
Food Matters Talk at the Library
Dr. Charles McNeill presents on Innovative Solutions to the Global Food System: Protecting the Climate and Biodiversity One of a series of Food Matters talks by the Bowen Island Food Resilience Society and Bowen Library. Free, drop in. Find out more at bipl.ca/food and on Page 9. (Please note this event has been rescheduled from Jan. 19.)
Monday, January 13
SKY Mornings
Stretch and Strength at 9 am followed by speaker John Turner on Cold Weather Preparedness for the Home. Takes place at Bowen Court, 1070 Miller Road.
Monday, January 13
Rotary Speaker Series
This week’s speaker is Brad Carter, head of Island Pacific School. Brad, a former Apple executive, has spent 25 years exploring technology’s impact on communities, partially from the perspective of his four-year residence in Japan. Deeply committed to preparing students for an uncertain future, Brad’s topic is Building Community Through Story. Everyone is welcome at Artisan Eats at 7:30 pm.
Tuesday, January 14 (& other dates)
SKY Hangouts
Drop in at the Seniors Cottage on Cardena Drive. We will
Attention Caregivers:
be offering a welcoming place to stop in for a drink & visit with friends Hangouts also Jan. 15 & 17. All from 1 to 3 pm
Wednesday, January 15
Community Choir Sign-Up
Our spring session is starting, we hope to see many of you there! Please arrive at 7 for registration and a 7:15 pm practice start. Once again this session, we are fortunate to have Kip Johnson as our musical director. More info on Page 9.
Thursday, January 16
Tree of Life Workshop with TAG
Watercolour and Ink Creation - no experience necessary. Workshop is free to active Thursday Art Group members - others are welcome to join for $15. See the TAG Facebook page for details or RSVP to marie@marieneys. com. Maximum of 15 artists, runs 9:30 am to 12:30 pm.
Saturday, January 18
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. Runs 10:30 to 11:30 am. bipl.ca/French
Sunday, January 19
Baseball Workshop: Hitting with Bowen Rec
Join Dr. Nic Lendvoy to master the art of hitting. In this clinic, participants will learn essential techniques to improve their hitting. Bowen Island Community School Gym from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm, costs $40. For ages 10-18.
Thursday, January 23
Movie Night at the Library
Showing Weird: The Al Yankovic Story (2022). Comedy Runs 1 hour, 48 minutes Rated TV-14/PG-13. Drop in, no
registration required, starts 6 pm. “Explores every facet of Yankovic’s life, from his meteoric rise to fame with early hits like ‘Eat It’ and ‘Like a Surgeon’ to his torrid celebrity love affairs and famously depraved lifestyle.” Spot the cameos and decide what’s true in this hilarious parody of the biopic Starring Daniel Radcliffe and Evan Rachel Wood
January 26 to February 2
Family Literacy Week at the Library
This year’s Family Literacy Week theme is “Learn to be Green, Together!” Come play Be Green Family Bingo and our Critter Scavenger Hunt at the Library this month, and find out more about Family Literacy Week at bipl.ca/flw
Sunday, February 9
Food Matters Talk at the Library
Dr. Hyunjoo Lee presents on Your Everyday Meal: A Recipe for Health and the Environment. Final of a series of Food Matters talks by the Bowen Island Food Resilience Society and Bowen Library. Free, drop in, starts 1:30 pm. Find out more at bipl.ca/food
MONDAYS
Meditation Mondays
Happy Mondays! Buddhist teachings and meditations to awaken the heart. Your journey to inner peace begins here! 7 to 8 pm at the Library Annex, side door direct from car park. Runs through February 10. Payment by cash ($12 drop in) or online: meditateinvancouver.org/bowen-island
THURSDAYS
Thursday Art Group
Join the Thursday Art Group (TAG) at Collins Hall to see what’s new. Meetings from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm For further information please contact shannonrondeau@shaw.ca
