Bowen Island Undercurrent December 20 2018 by Bowen Island Undercurrent

THURSDAY DECEMBER 20, 2018 VOL. 44, NO. 49

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BOWEN’S 2018 YEARBOOK Where did the year go and what happened? We’ve got the details

The cast of Graham Ritchie, Susanna Braund, Marc Gawthrop, TIna Nielsen and Martin Clarke pause for the camera during the annual reading of a Christmas Carol at Collins Hall Dec. 16. Ritchie and Clarke have been constant castmates for the Dickens classic’s 20-year Bowen run. The event is a Snug Cove House fundraiser.

Preschool says it will go on following Human Rights Tribunal ruling

BRONWYN BEAIRSTO EDITOR

The BC Human Rights Tribunal’s decision to order the Bowen Island Montessori School (BIMS) to pay $12,000 to a local family in a discrimination case is causing shockwaves across the island. BIMS board chair Maria Turnbull said that though it is facing financial hardship, the school does not intend to close. “The board is committed to doing whatever it can to meet that remedy payment to ensure that the school continues the operations,” she said. “The community support that has come in since the public announcement of the decision on Wednesday is certainly going to support us to get there.” Although the school did have

some insurance, it ran out in October 2017, even before the hearing process. “The complexity of the case did mean that time in hearing for both sides was longer than anticipated, resulting in higher legal costs,” said Turnbull. There will be no insurance coverage for the remedy payment or remaining legal costs, but the school’s lawyers and the school are looking to make sure the fees are manageable. “Norton Rose Fulbright, are working with the board of directors to ensure the school’s operations are unaffected by the case,” said Turnbull. The final amount of legal fees will substantial for the organization said Turnbull. A GoFundMe was set up by a

former Montessori parent to cover legal costs and has already raised nearly $7,000. Shura Lee Keith, who set up the GoFundMe, has two children who’ve attended the preschool and has another set to attend next September. “It’s the least I could do,” said Keith. “They need to know the community still supports them. “There’s not a lot of options for childcare,” she said. “[BIMS closing] would be a loss for the community, definitely.” But when it comes to the controversy, Keith is looking to the future, “I just want people to be happy,” she said. In the 2016 census, Bowen had 375 children between the ages of 0 and 9. The loss of BIMS’s 15 to 20 spots would be significant.

Turnbull said that BIMS is immensely grateful for the community support. “There are many important community efforts that are happening currently and always happening on our island. And I think that the community gives a great deal to the variety of priorities,” she said. On the topic of BIMS’s future, while noting that the tribunal finding wasn’t about the curriculum, Turnbull acknowledged that there’s always room for growth. “The complaint itself and then the healthy conversations that have taken place within the school since, have pushed the school to, I think, look deeply at its values and what’s most important to the school and ensuring truly strong multicultural programming,” she said. To that effect, the school received

a $2,500 grant from the Bowen Island Community Foundation in 2018. “Because we think of our community as generally welcoming and inclusive, a sensitive subject like diversity can be uncomfortable to discuss,” reads the grant description on the foundation website. “Addressing these issues candidly and openly could be transformative. The grant from the Community Foundation will enhance the school’s programming toward building a curriculum that provides more opportunities to dive deeper into cultural exploration through cooking, arts, training and educational resources that foster an outward approach to the world at large.” Continued on page 5

$65.95

Dinner & Dance

4 course plated a la carte dinner w/ VIP party tickets (includes champagne toast and party favours) {reservations required} {limited seating available}

$20

Dance Party Ticket party access at 9pm

HOLIDAY HOURS

closed christmas eve and christmas day open (regular hours) Boxing Day and New Years Day

bowenpub@gmail.com | 604-947-bpub

2 • THURSDAY DECEMBER 20 2018

Event Calendar

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Municipal Hall Holiday Hours

Business Licences on Bowen

Jan 3 2019 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Business Licence Application Workshop

Effective January 1, 2019, businesses operating on Bowen Island need a business licence.

Jan 3 2019 1:00 pm

Do you have questions, or need assistance applying for your Business Licence?

Community Centre Select Steering Committee Meeting

Holiday Garbage Collection

Jan 4 2019 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm

• • • • • • • •

Business Licence Application Workshop

Jan 7 2019 9:00am - 1:00 pm Business Licence Application Workshop

Jan 10 2019 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm Business Licence Application

We’ll pickup up your garbage during the holidays but on a different day. West-side non-organic pickup Wednesday, December 26, 2018

Workshop

East-side non-organic pickup

Jan 14 2019 6:15 pm Regular Council Meeting All meetings are held in Council Chambers unless otherwise noted. Council and Committee meetings are open to the public. We encourage you to attend in person or watch online.

We will be holding drop-in workshops at Municipal Hall to assist with applications and answer questions:

Wednesday, January 2, 2019

Organics Collection Thursday, December 27, 2018 Thursday, January 3, 2019

Christmas Tree Recycling Christmas tree disposal: BIRD will once again provide a bin for free disposal of trees. All decorations must be removed prior to drop off. The bin will be located outside of BIRD on Mt Gardner Road and will be accessible anytime from Friday, Dec 28 to Friday, Jan 4

Thursday, January 3, 9 am - 12 pm Friday, January 4, 2 pm - 6 pm Monday, January 7, 9 am – 1 pm Thursday, January 10, 2 pm - 6 pm Tuesday, January 15, 9 am – 1 pm Thursday, January 17, 2 pm – 6 pm Monday, January 21, 2 pm – 6 pm Wednesday, January 23, 9 am – 1 pm

For more details about the Business Licence Bylaw and program, please visit our website at:

www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/licences

First Aid with Amanda CPR/AED Training Saturday Jan 19, 12:30 am - 4:30 pm Municipal Hall Learn the skills needed to recognize and respond to cardiovascular emergencies and choking for adults. Learn to use an automated external deﬁbrillator (AED).

Rapid Damage Assessment Post-Disaster Building Damage Assessment Training Friday Jan 18, 8:30 am - 12:30 pm This 4-hour course teaches advanced skills to identify unsafe conditions in wood frame, masonry and concrete construction caused by floods, earthquakes or windstorms. Contact Jennifer McGowan at jmcgowan@bimbc.ca to register.

2019 Collection Schedule Check your mailbox for the 2019 garbage collection schedule or on our website www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/garbage-collection-schedule

General Enquiries

Phone: Fax: Email:

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

604-947-4255 604-947-0193 bim@bimbc.ca

The Economic Development Committee and the Public Art Advisory Committee are seeking new members. For more information please go to our website www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/committees or contact Stef Shortt, Committee Clerk at sshort@bimbc.ca for an application form. Applications must be submitted to the Committee Clerk by January 7, 2019.

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On-island shopping is about more than money changing hands argues Mary Letson MARY LETSON CONTRIBUTOR

It’s the small things done consistently that make the difference in life and the daily shopping experience on our fair isle is no exception. The island community rhythm makes this otherwise perfunctory task so much more than a mere money exchange of goods and services. It is the antithesis of what we experience in the city where shoppers and their carts are lined up tight and one is expected to pay close attention, card in hand, ready to transact a lightning fast payment so the next customer can charge through. On Bowen, sometimes the conversation only gets started as items are rung in so that by payment time you may not have covered everything. We genuinely want to know how the trip went, or if the dog is feeling better, how their aging mother is doing, or perhaps a quick recipe suggestion. It’s a visit with every purchase, a connection. It’s community. If you are new to Bowen and haven’t quite shed the cloak of the city pace, I understand how this could be irritating. You are on a schedule, you have things to do, appointments to keep and here I am chatting away to the shop clerk. Sigh. I get it. It simply wouldn’t be tolerated in the city. There are countless Bowen businesses and staff that contribute to a better shopping experience and here

are a few of my favourites: Nancy at the General Store – I marvel at her consistent sense of humour, smile and quick wit even in the height of the summer silly season. To me, this borders on super hero-ness. And I still use her cheesecake recipe she gave me years ago while ringing through a mountain of cream cheese bricks for a summer party cheesecake extravaganza. Karen at the Ruddy Potato who always (unfailingly) smiles cheerfully to ring through my purchases. There’s a simple beauty in that. Lois at the Ruddy who has often sparked my creativity in the kitchen with a brilliant culinary suggestion, helped me peg an ingredient when I can’t think of it. Or find it. She is a quiet magician. And lastly, dear Sam at Bowen Pet Supplies who is perhaps the kindest, most service-oriented fellow I have ever met who has, on more than one occasion, delivered my son’s Houdini-impersonating Shepard safely back to her house satisfied with dog treats. It is these small, but powerful gestures that I adore about our island life and appreciate all year round as I leave behind the madding crowds of the city. But especially this time of year when I think we all crave a slower pace, a warm smile and a sense of belonging. So next time it’s taking too long in the grocery line up this season, remember we’re on Bowen where we are lucky enough that sometimes it’s more than just a transaction. Happy Christmas!

Foodbank donations box stolen BRONWYN BEAIRSTO EDITOR

With a week to go before Christmas, someone stole the donations box at the Little Red Church. The birdhouse-shaped donations box, with money meant for the food bank, likely went missing sometime between 10 p.m. Dec. 16 and 11 a.m. Dec. 17 said RCMP Cpl. Paulo Arreaga. He said they don’t know how much money was in the box at the time. The donations box, which was secured to a post by the steps to the church, is put out every December for those who admire light display (more than 50,000 bulbs) adorning the local landmark (courtesy of Yvonne McSkimming and Noah Pryce-Jones.) “This is the second year for the wonderful light display and it raised a lot of money for the food bank. A sad day for the Little Red Church and the food bank,” said Little Red Church board member Helen Wallwork. For those interested in donating cash to the food bank, the church has an account at First Credit Union. Cheques made payable to the First Credit Union with food bank on the memo line can also be left there. The Ruddy Potato also lets purchasers add money donations to the food bank to their bills. Anyone with information about the missing box is asked to contact Bowen RCMP.

THURSDAY DECEMBER 20 2018 • 3 THURSDAY DECEMBER 20 2018 • 3

Consider wrapping alternatives

SUSAN REDMOND BIRD

This Christmas, think out-ofthe-box when you are wrapping your gifts. Look at websites such as Pinterest for new ideas. Try innovative ideas like hand-decorated brown paper from shopping bags, or old maps, calendars, or newspapers. Think cotton string or raffia when tying up packages, rather than cello tape. Try what the Japanese call furoshiki or wrapping cloth, to cover your gifts. You can use dishtowels, hand towels or just swatches of beautiful material. One very original idea is to use family T-shirts to wrap gifts. Everyone will know who the gift belongs to when it is time to open them! It only takes a little imagination to make this a gift-wrap free Christmas!

But if you decide to go the more traditional route with Christmas wrappings, please take a look at the list below. This is what cannot be recycled in with the mixed paper: • Metallic or shiny wrapping paper or gift bags, • wrapping paper or gift bags with metallic decorations, • any paper, cards or gift bags decorated with glitter • any bows or ribbons. These materials contaminate the mixed paper which reduces the effectiveness in recycling the material and makes it difficult to meet the requirements of recycling markets. The staff at the recycling depot wish everyone a happy and safe holiday season!

Bowen grows giant maple leaves H.C. BEHM

CONTRIBUTOR

As the leaves came down, we revived an old challenge, dating back to the 1930s, when the world’s largest Maple leaf was found on Bowen Island. A call went out from a member of the Bowen Island Heritage Association to see whether the old record of 66 cm measured from lower tip to lower tip and an area of 1,677 cm ² could be broken. On November 4, seven leaf collectors presented their finds: Leslie Stubbs, Ann Beatty, Marzena Sharman with with Yahn and Maria, Billi and Hans Behm. We recorded the results, measur-

Please join us!

ing the distance of each tip from the stem and calculated the area of the the leaf with the largest sum. As it turned out, Leslie Stubbs on Channelview Drive collected the winning leaf. It measured: lower tip to lower tip 64 cm, all stem to tip distances summing 191 cm of and its area was 1,914 cm ². Thus the old area record is broken, but not the lower tip to tip distance. Congratulations to Leslie, who is inspired in her pottery by the Maple Leaf. A close runner up was the leaf presented by the artist Ann Beatty. Thanks to all participants. See you again next year along with many more Maple Leaf Challengers.

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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 604-9472442. 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.

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Thank you for support

Dear Editor: Since my wife Jane’s death on November 30, Sarah and I have been overwhelmed with the kindness of Bowen Island. The meal train organized by Cindy Fairbank has meant that we always had great food on the table and leftovers in the fridge. The BICS and Knick Knack Nook communities have proved to be a great comfort for both of us. And last, but by no means least, the very generous cheque from the Bowen Island Fire Department Social Fund will be put to good use. I cannot think of a better place to be at the worst time of our lives. We are lucky to be part of such a wonderful community. In light of the recent theft of the donation box from the little red church we are regifting half of the fire department’s generous gift to the Bowen Island Food Bank. Sarah and Simon Parker

Bike Barn a Bowen win

Dear Editor: Kudos to the great team effort that culminated in the recent Bike Barn ribbon cutting. With tongue in cheek I ask, “Can Greg Cormier arrange for the North Vancouver high school students to construct the proposed community centre?” Just a fundraising suggestion Mayor Ander! As to the equally tongue-in-cheek suggestion by council members that “by coincidence the barn could double as a bar roof for the firefighter’s annual Dock Dance,” what a brilliant suggestion. Well thought out team and well done. Bruce Russell

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.

#102–495 Bowen Trunk Road, PO Box 130, Bowen Island BC, V0N 1G0 Phone: 604.947.2442 Fax: 604.947.0148 Deadline for all advertising and editorial: Monday, 4:00 p.m.

Thank you for community centre Candy Cane Blitz fundraiser help SHAUNA JENNINGS BOWEN ISLAND MUNICIPALITY

Bowen Island Municipality and the Community Centre Select Steering Committee would like to extend a huge thank you to the island for all the support at the Candy Cane Blitz fundraiser last Saturday night in support of the community centre. Local band, Black Molly, generously donated their time and talent to put on a great show during this busy holiday season and we are ever so grateful. The fundraiser dance was another piece of the Community Centre puzzle as we work toward raising $4 million locally in order to submit a successful grant application on January 23, 2019. Bowen Island is one of the only communities in the province without a community centre and has an unprecedented opportunity to apply for federal and provincial government funding of up to 73 per cent of eligible project costs, approximately $7.3 million. With this grant funding, local fundraising,

A couple of notes: One of the most heart-dropping mistakes in community journalism is misspelling someone’s name. It’s especially egregious if done in an obituary, as I did last week in the headline for Don Erickson’s obituary. I never met Don but he was very special to people very close to me. He’s an example of

and municipal reserve funds, we will finally be able to build a multi-purpose facility to meet our community needs and provide a place for residents of all ages to gather and connect, access amenities, create health, arts, and cultural opportunities, and enhance the experience of living on the island. We can feel the buzz of this island come together as we work hard to raise the needed funds. An extra special thank you goes out to our volunteers who helped out on Saturday night. Gary Ander, Alison Morse, Tim Hausch, Pam Culver, Donna KreutzerJones, Catherine Patterson, Craig Macdonald and Stef Shortt helped make the Candy Cane Blitz a fun event. Thank you to Peter King for providing a safe ride home for attendees. Thank you to Sheana Stevenson, Helen PlattsJohnson, Natasha Currah, Ryley Mcleod, Sarah Haxby, and SD45 for helping to coordinate and pull the event together. And again, thank you to Black Molly. We very much appreciate your contribution to the community. how people you’ve never met can affect your life for the better. Thank you Don and I’m sorry. Rest easy. Secondly, though we won’t be publishing next week, I’ll be answering emails and posting online. So if you have pictures of your holidays you’d like to share, please email me. Bronwyn Beairsto, editor

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THURSDAY DECEMBER 20 2018 • 5 THURSDAY DECEMBER 20 2018 • 5

Tribunal hearing gets international coverage but impacts are local Continued from page 1

On an island where less than seven per cent of the population identifies as a visible minority (according to the 2016 census), diversity is indeed a sensitive topic. Turnbull wasn’t part of BIMS when the conflict arose or the lawsuit filed, having been the board president for only two years, but in her professional life, Turnbull specializes in board governance for non-profits in B.C. “I am aware of, and speak openly about what privilege I have as a human or somebody who came from a particular upbringing and who had access to higher education, as did the complainants,” she said. “The great injustice that I felt was at play was that a school with committed community volunteers and families with open hearts and generous minds ended up being challenged where there was there was potential for this to have ended so differently,” she said. “I don’t want to lose sight of the most basic element within that – how do we continue as a community to ask questions, to explore issues, to acknowledge privilege, to acknowledge, let’s say, dominance of a particular perspective, in a way that’s safe. “That’s what it’s hard to know what to do with and define,” said Turnbull. “Finding the light in a tough and very complex and very emotional issue for some people. For many people. Not just us. “It’s my job as a board member, and for all board members, to be looking forward from here.” BIMS began as Tiggywinkles in 1995, created to meet an increasing need for preschool aged care. At the request of parents, the school switched to a Montessori-based approach 16 years ago. The Montessori approach touts self-directed learning, hands-on and collaborative play, where the trained teacher fosters students’ natural talents and inclinations. In its 23 years of existence, hundreds of island children, between the ages of two and a half and six, have attended the preschool. Since the latest teacher joined in 2006 (the same one named in the tribunal case), more than 120 children have passed through its doors. The complainants, Gary Mangel and Mai Yasué are not commenting publically.

Inclusion specialist fears story is oversimpliﬁed

Bowen Island found itself making headlines with Fox News, CNN and other media outlets last week in the wake of the tribunal’s decision. Alden Habacon, a diversity and inclusion specialist, talked about how a contentious issue on a small island sparked outrage across the country and continent, with many affronted by the perceived attack on Christmas. “I kind of wish that the human rights tribunal had announced this the week after Christmas or a couple weeks after, where now people are emotionally charged and emotionally invested in this particular conversation,” Habacon told the Undercurrent. “The danger of this sort of story is that the report and the headlines do simplify this as all atheists versus everyone who celebrates Christmas.” North American headlines include: “Christmas comes early for atheist family who opposed holiday symbols in the classroom,” from CBC, and “Preschool that refused atheist family who complained about Christmas, Hanukkah celebrations is forced to pay,” from Fox News. “That’s actually not really what the case is about but it’s really easy to do,” he said. “You can very easily stereotype all Christians as being intolerant and you can also stereotype all atheists as intolerant of anything to do with faith.” “This is a nuanced thing, this is a family, this is their family’s practice, their family’s beliefs, and they had issue with the nature of how the school was talking about faith,” he said. “When I get asked similar types of questions with other situation often my response is how would you respond to this if the family was Muslim, Jewish or Buddhist? “The finding of the human rights tribunal affirmed for me that we need to see atheism as a legitimate faith identity, no different than any other faith identity. “Habacon, who has mediated many a diversity issue, is too trying to look to the future. “The community has got to go through some healing,” he said. “When I was reading the ruling, it hurt. It hurt my heart because I could see the hurt.” “I don’t know if it’s repairable.

That’s one of the things about a legal proceeding is that there’s always a cost and the cost might that the bridges between the family and some other families in the community.” Habacon does point to steps concerned members could take. “The court has ruled that what the school did was wrong, so, you know, like anything, one things that will need to happen will be an apology right from the school in saying what we did in trying to force you to sign this contract was discriminatory and we’re sorry. That’s going to take a lot of guts. “What is clear as well, is that the ruling does not take into consideration the curriculum. So there was nothing wrong with the curriculum. That was not the issue. So to some extent there needs to be acknowledgement that the Montessori school has also the right to what they’ve done.

For the record: tribunal details

The 90-page decision rested on a letter BIMS sent parents Gary Mangel and Mai Yasué in June 2015. The school asked the couple to sign it to say they understood and accepted the school’s curriculum and said that until the couple signed, their child could not be registered for the fall term. No other family received such a letter. The letter was the culmination of a dispute that first arose in November 2014 after an email to the school’s board, which included Mangel, discussed buying clay elves. Mangel and Yasué, as aethists, academics and racial minorities, objected to bringing Christmas into the classroom. (Yasué is of Japanese descent and Mangel is of Jewish descent.) “I don’t think it’s appropriate to celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, or any other religious/political event at preschool (including Remembrance Day),” wrote Mangel in an email to the board at the time. “Having the kids do these things seems inappropriate, given their absolute inability to understand the religious and political symbolism associated with those acts.” Mangel said that his issue wasn’t with Christmas itself, but rather its role in a purportedly secular classroom. Mangel said that he’d been known to sing the odd Christmas song at home but that he didn’t believe that there should be such a religion-heavy focus to the curric-

Thanks so much for spending 2018 with us Your next Undercurrent will be available January 3

We wish you the merriest!

ulum. “I am not teaching religious beliefs but offer culturally diverse experiences through stories, games and songs,” the school’s teacher responded in an email. “I have to create a program that reflects the overall [beliefs] of the majority of families and the society we live in, in order to be inclusive and look at this as an opportunity to build bridges,” she wrote. The preschool would go on to argue that multiculturalism is a tenet of the Montessori method of teaching. Communication between the parents and the school grew increasingly tense. Tribunal member Barbara Korenkiewicz wrote in her in her decision, “Dr. Yasué testified that she felt that [the teacher]’s message was premised on the assumption that “normal” people celebrate Christmas and that there was something wrong with her family for not doing so – that they were the ones to blame.” Mangel replied in an email to the board, “Being part of a racial/ethnic minority group who does not celebrate Christmas, Easter or other Christian/religious holidays, we have thought deeply about the symbolism of various celebrations and have critically assessed how we want to engage in these celebrations. What to you may seem like a Canadian cultural norm is to us a religious symbol that we do not espouse.” One of Mangel’s emails, later in the increasingly tension-filled email exchange between the board and the parents, had included a list of atheist Christmas decoration suggestions, including one depicting the twin towers and a tagline, “Atheists don’t fly airplanes into buildings.” On another occasion, in conversation with one of the BIMS board members’ husbands on the ferry dock, Mangel, in what he called “a presposterous analogy between Nazi Germany and the singing of O Canada,” performed a Nazi salute. Mangel testified that the two men were joking around. The board member’s husband said that Mangel was not joking and that Mangel was “driving his point home.” BIMS representatives told the tribunal that at a subsequent in-person meeting, Mangel raised his voice, was waving his arms and forcefully pushed his chair back from the table. After the meeting, the preschool teacher said that she was feeling scared and like she was

walking on eggshells. Both sides state that this issue was never brought up with Mangel. However, after the meeting, both parties said that they were hopeful that there’d been progress. “More than any specific type of Christmas ornament, or book, what is important is that there is room created for respectful dialogue and a willingness to hear different perspectives,” wrote Yasue in a follow up email to the meeting. “It seems important for BIMS to think of (with support from families) possible controversies in the religious / political surrounding various celebrations and aim for true neutrality.” The issue of religious neutrality arose again in May, at a parent-teacher meeting, where Mangel noted that Valentine’s Day and Easter had been celebrated at the school with no consultation with the parents. After this point, Korenkiewicz wrote in her ruling, the preschool teachers and board realized religion and the curriculum would be a continuing discussion and the school sought to minimize potential conflicts. Tribunal documents show that at this point, both sides wished to have the child continue at the school. In one email Yasue called the teachers themselves, “amazing,” and a school board member said in another email (that wasn’t sent to the family) “[Yasue and Mangel] have some valid points.” However, then the school sent the June letter, which Korenkiewicz called “a misguided attempt to try and resolve competing interests in respect of a very difficult issue.” That letter was the crux of the case, as the tribunal found: “This case is not about a challenge to BIMS curriculum or its approach to teaching about various cultural celebrations rooted in religious practices of diverse origin. At its core, it is about a letter which held Child A’s registration hostage to a demand,” wrote Korenkiewicz in her decision. “BIMS treated them differently from every other parent at the school, and sought to suppress their expression of concerns about the nature of the curriculum that were grounded in their race, ancestry and religious beliefs,” she said. Each parent was awarded $5,000 for the repercussions sprouting from the June letter, the child $2,000 for having been denied enrollment. According to the court document, the child enrolled elsewhere.

Notice of General Meeting

Monday January 21st 7:00pm at 1239 Miller Road All very welcome Motions to amend Snug Cove House Society bylaws to allow election of directors at a general meeting of the membership rather than just the annual general meeting; to elect a director; to amend society bylaws to allow electronic meetings.

6 2018 6 •• THURSDAY THURSDAY DECEMBER DECEMBER 20 20 2018

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BOWEN’S 2018 YEARBOOK

Welcome to the last Undercurrent edition in 2018! Next week, due to the holidays, there won’t be a paper but we’ll return Jan. 3 with a new batch of stories. In that edition we’ll look at the year ahead. Let me know if you have story ideas! But for this edition we’re looking at 2018. We welcome new Boweners, look back at some of islanders’ accomplishments and review the year’s news. Having just re-read every 2018 Undercurrent edition (it was like a Netflix binge but with more typos) I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m nowhere close to understanding Bowen. What a study in contradicitons this island is. The community resists the designation as a Vancouver bedroom community while striving for better connectivity - by ferry and by internet. Islanders value having a tight-knit community but people move here for the space and peace. Sensitive issues are amplified by islanders living in one anothers’ backyards but by the same token offer one another support in ways not found in larger towns. I really appreciate this.

Overt controversy can be good. Nowhere is perfect and there’s a real danger to romanticizing communities. It obscures the people who aren’t happy. Who are suffering. Who are looking for better lives. For every pretty picture of a sunset, we need to remember there’s more depth to the island (it’s not just a pretty face.) This editorial isn’t a reflection on 2018 because I’ve only been here for seven months, so I only know 2018. But also, conversations are cyclical. As Cathy Bayly’s wonderful “From the archives” columns demonstrate, many of the dominant conversations on Bowen are decades old. This being said, I’m told that Bowen has changed in 2018. You’ll have to write me letters to let me know how. Finally, we at the Undercurrent wish everyone well for the holidays and the year ahead. While we won’t be publishing next week, I will have access to my emails, so if there’s breaking news, I’ll do my best to keep you updated online. Bronwyn Beairsto Editor

Welcome to Bowen! Here are some islanders who moved here in 2018. •

•

Marlon and Shannon Strang moved to Bowen last summer. Marlon returned to his hometown after over 10 years away. Ronan Chester and Amy Seabrooke moved here in November.

Elliot and Jillian Rushton moved to Bowen in June. Byron and Clare Poschwatta moved to Cates Hill (and their first house) in April.

Steve Brown, a retired broadcaster/writer, moved from Calgary in July, and now operates Landscaping Lieven Callewaert, Judith Heezen, Nubi, by Steve as well as The Noah and Pai Turo moved to Bowen on Aug. BnB on Bowen Island, with 8 and are so glad they did! Jennifer Hazlewood.

Chris and Michelle McIntosh arrived in the spring with their two kids Jordy and Jamie.

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Special $150*

Happy holidays! Wishing you health and happiness in the new year! positivelyfit.ca • 604 947-9601 *offer valid until Jan 15, 2019

Pamela Goldsmith-Jones, MP West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country 6367 Bruce Street, West Vancouver, BC, V7W 2G5 604 913 2660 www.pgoldsmithjones.ca

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BOWENBEAT Tumbling with Santa last weekend saw dozens of kids riping and flipping around the BICS gym. Safe to say it was a holiday hit. Photos: Lisa Brougham

Seasonal highlight West Coast Symphony entertains generations of Bowen Islanders

SARAH HAXBY CONTRIBUTOR

It’s 9 a.m. and you’ve just checked that you have all your sheet music, your bow-tie’s pressed, you’ve got extra reeds for your clarinet, along with that elf hat you wanted to wear to make the children smile. You’ve double checked the weather forecast and carefully loaded up the car with the cello, tuba and all the instruments of the musicians you are picking up and carpooling with to catch the ferry to get to BICS to set up and rehearse at 11:30 a.m. to get ready for the show at 2 p.m., and then to pack everything up and catch a ferry back to the mainland and then to make their way home. The logistics of getting a full orchestra of over fifty musicians to Bowen Island are quite complicated, and it should be noted that the West Coast Symphony is comprised of volunteer musicians who donate their time and performance to the community of Bowen Island because they know that it is challenging to get off the island to go to cultural events. To support this traditional concert for our community, we do our best to make them feel welcome. We appreciate how much joy they bring to the island with the gift of their music, and the inspiration that they share with our young musicians. We appreciate the

importance of youth, and people of all ages, to see and experience live music in an age when most music is experienced in a digital format. The West Coast Symphony concerts for the community series is a unique opportunity to directly experience affordable, by-donation, classical music with a full symphony of over 50 musicians who all donate their performance time, as well as paying for their own ferry fare, insurance, etc. The tradition of by-donation, open-to-all-ages concerts for the community is made possible by a network of support with BICS, as the island’s hub, bringing all the elements together. The Community School Association sponsors this bi-annual event and helps to run a small hospitality concession. A special thanks to Helen Wallwork for volunteering at every concert concession for over 10 years. The West Coast Symphony musicians say that they get much joy from seeing three to four generations in the audience and appreciated that there were a few hundred people at the concert on Sunday. They are delighted by how many students and youth attend the concerts with their parents, grandparents and sometimes their great-grandparents and that’s why they’ve promised to come back again in June!

Photos: Sarah Haxby

THURSDAY DECEMBER 20 2018 • 7 THURSDAY DECEMBER 20 2018 • 7

8 2018 8 •• THURSDAY THURSDAY DECEMBER DECEMBER 20 20 2018

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NEW YEAR’S EVE AT DOC’S

Cheers! 5 COURSE MEAL $65 P/P SEATING AT 6:00 & 8:00PM

YEARBOOK

Updates from some of your local organizations Bowen Island Resilient Community Housing

A huge thank you to the community support for our organization and project: the public supporters who have written letters, showed up to meetings, participated in committees and especially the municipal council (current and past) and staff – our Bowen Island Resilient Community Housing (BIRCH) project is well underway and we look forward to making great strides in 2019. Robyn Fenton

Recycling Depot OR JOIN US FROM 10:00PM FOR DRINKS AND DANCING WITH:

DJ RO RAVEN NO COVER & ENJOY A FREE GLASS OF BUBBLES ON US

RESERVATIONS FOR DINNER REQUIRED: 604 947 0808

This has been an amazing year for the Bowen Island Refundables Assist Program. The program raised over $56,000 for 17 community groups. Volunteers from each group, over 215 of them, gave of their time and energy to island organizations such as CAWES, Caring Circle, the Bowen Island Food Bank and Bowen Island Scouts. The volunteers’ willingness to sort and stack refundables is what makes this program so successful. It helps reduce the need for local groups to apply for grants from the municipality to support their activities. It goes without saying that none of this would be possible if not for the generous transportation subsidies provided by Bowen Waste Service. The program is looking forward to another great year in 2019. Susan Redmond

Health Centre Foundation

The Bowen Island Health Centre Foundation’s plans for a health centre to bring health care close to home on Bowen

Please join us for

Customer Appreciation Day

December 21st • 11 - 5 pm Enjoy some cheer and hot buys! HOLIDAY STORE HOURS SATURDAY DEC. 22ND SUNDAY DEC. 23RD MONDAY DEC. 24TH TUESDAY DEC. 25TH - CHRISTMAS DAY WEDNESDAY DEC. 26TH - BOXING DAY THURSDAY DEC. 27TH FRIDAY DEC. 28TH SATURDAY DEC. 29TH SUNDAY DEC. 30TH MONDAY DEC. 31ST TUESDAY JAN. 1ST

8:00a.m. to CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED 7:30a.m. to 7:30a.m. to 8:00a.m. to CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED

5:00p.m.

5:00p.m. 5:00p.m. 5:00p.m.

BACK TO REGULAR HOURS JAN 2ND

Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year To Everyone BOWEN BUILDING CENTRE 604 -243-4209

got a big boost in October when municipal council unanimously approved moving forward with the subdivision of Lot 3 of the Community Lands, including a parcel of land (adjacent to the new firehall) for the medical clinic health centre. Proximity to both the Snug Cove townsite services and the ferry will help the health centre provide Bowen Islanders with easy access to primary and urgent medical care as well as a wide range of ancillary health care services— all under one roof. Steve Mitchell

Golf Course

Many would consider any day on our beautiful course or at the Bowen-appropriate clubhouse a highlight. It is a place of great social interaction, fun and enjoyment, all in our own backyard. We are truly blessed with such a high quality public amenity in our community. Thanks to our staff and team of volunteers who maintain it to such a high standard. As our 12th season of operations comes to an end, we suggest a highlight, which we will never forget, is the recognition and thanks to the over six hundred and fifTEE members of the community who believed in our dream and made it possible with their donations. As for this year we sincerely thank the nearly FORE hundred volunteers, staff, suppliers, entrants, prize donors, patrons, and joint hole sponsors who made our 2018 Bowen Island Golf Club Annual Fundraiser such a resounding and record success. With great enthusiasm we look forward to next year and may 2019 be filled with an abundance of nines. Bruce Russell

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THURSDAY DECEMBER 20 2018 • 9 THURSDAY DECEMBER 20 2018 • 9

2018

Stores and businesses that opened or moved in 2018: • •

•

The Real Rapunzel (Artisan Square) Terminal Creek Contemporary/Scott Massey Studio (Artisan Square) Catching Stars Gallery (Snug Cove) Bowen Island Pub (moves) Fabulous Finds (moves) The Gallery@Cove Commons (moves) from the Gallery in Artisan Square Kelly Konno Studios (Artisan Square) Artisan Suites (Artisan Square)

•

Books published by Bowen authors:

•

• • • • • •

•

Do You Take This Man Elli Moon? Chantal Eustace Should we colonize other planets?

• •

•

Adam Morton Damming the Peace Wendy Holm (edited and contributions) Cantata in Two Voices Jude Neale and Bonnie Nish Muse of Fire Carol Cram Honour Your Calling – The Professionals Guide to Quitting Your Job and Doing Your Soul Work Angelyn Toth Pastel and Pen: Travels in Europe Carol Cram (words) Gregg Simpson (Images) The Algorithmic Investor Michael Epp

NO TRIPS

Who did we miss? Let us know and we’ll add it to the online list, which will include mini-summaries.

The business owners at Discover 479, below the new pub, which opened in the spring. L to r: Emilie Kaplun, Susan Pratt, Felicity Buskard, Frances Frost, Pauulet Hohn and Marie Neys.

EAT DRINK SHOP

LOCAL

Thank you for doing some of your holiday shopping on Bowen. A message from the BIM Economic Development Committee.

10 10 •• THURSDAY THURSDAY DECEMBER DECEMBER 20 20 2018 2018

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Merry Christmas

from all of us at the General Store Open everyday 8 - 8:30

We will be closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day Bottle Depot will be closed Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve

We wish everyone the best of the holiday season! from all of us Bowen Waste Service & Bowen Island Recycling

YEARBOOK

Featured accomplishments

Musician and artist David Graff

HOLLY GRAFF CONTRIBUTOR

David Graff had a very full year in 2018. Most on Bowen know him as the visual artist behind GILT Studio, but recently he has received great acclaim with a return to his musical roots. For those unfamiliar with David, he is a singer and songwriter who grew up in southern Alberta and Canada’s far north. He began his music career as a drummer, doing sessions and touring with numerous bands in the late ‘70s, but his desire to take firm control of his musical fortunes led him to start singing and writing songs on guitar. He spent the next stage of his career concentrating on writing and recording in Vancouver and eventually recorded an album with Grammy-winning producer Greg Ladanyi in Los Angeles. He placed a number of songs in film and television and received a Genie nomination for best song in a movie. By the end of the ‘90s, feeling burnt out on the music business, he moved to Bowen Island and turned his creative energies to making art. Using a unique combination of metallic leaf, transparent color glazes and high sheen resin, his work drew much attention and allowed him to quickly gain representation in numerous galleries in Canada and the U.S. His work is in private and corporate collections around the world and can be seen in movies, television shows and magazines. He has a solo exhibition on right now in Vancouver until the end of the year at Art Works Gallery at Venables and Commercial Drive. During this time of visual creativity, his guitars mainly stayed in their cases, and his last drum kit was sold off in a garage sale.

David Graff’s 2018 album received rave reviews. Fast forward to a few years ago, and he felt the strong urge to write music again and soon David had more than 25 new songs waiting to be heard. Last year, alongside daughter Julia Graff (who received her master of music degree in sound recording at McGill) David started working in earnest on recording this batch of new songs. That album “Supposed To Fly” is now out on iTunes, Spotify, and other digital media. Friends and neighbours on Bowen can also grab a physical CD at the Catching Stars Gallery. Rave reviews in No Depression Magazine, Americana UK, Alternate Root Magazine, Indie Nation, and Skope, concur that “Supposed To Fly plays with autobiographical emotions and a melody that is second to none.” “Highly Recommended.”

Amateur investor Michael Epp

Pernille Nielsen - Notary Public Seabreeze Building, Snug Cove 604-947-2210 pnielsen@shawbiz.ca

BEER & WINE CELLAR

Open everyday 10am - 11pm HOLIDAY HOURS Christmas Eve 9am - 7:30pm Christmas Day closed Boxing Day noon - 7:30pm New Years Eve until 10pm

Merry Christmas

The back cover of Michael Epp’s new book, The Algorithmic Investor, now available on Amazon and at the Bowen Library, reads: “Learn how to outperform the experts by investing algorithmically. Based on research by Nobel prize winning economists, this slim but pilthy little book shows you how to invest successfully, given that the financial markets are not regular enough for conventional financial ‘expertise’ to make a significant difference in investment outcomes. Research has demonstrated that simple algorithms will outperform expertise in most instances, and that investors, both amateur and professional, typically reduce their investment returns by overcomplicating their approach to the investment markets. This book includes a sample

Merry Christmas and Happy HOLE-a-days! May there be good health and many “nines” in 2019 2019.

algorithm and investment portfolio, as well as a more general philosophical discussion of investment issues with a view to identifying areas in which investors typically display overconfidence – to the ultimate detriment of their investment results.”

We are so grateful for your support. Part of the proceeds of every purchase this year made a difference to the lives of women entrepreneurs in Africa through our Pamoja Foundation. Happy Holidays from all of us at MOVEMENT GLOBAL.

www.movementglobal.com

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2018

Musicians’ accomplishments: • • •

Alicia Hansen released album Before You David Graff released album Supposed to Fly Dustin Bentall released single, “Not Been Sleeping” from his upcoming EP High In The Satellite

(Only some) Bowen artists’ exhibits: •

• • • • • • • • •

• •

Karen Watson & Eleanor Rosenberg: Painted Stories - Gallery@Cove Commons Ann Beatty: The Learning Garden and Helen Kellington Reflections Gallery@Cove Commons Louise Drescher: Beautiful Bowen Island - Gallery@Cove Commons Wearable Art Exhibit - Gallery@Cove Commons Di Izdebski & Guthrie Gloag: The Art of Conservation -Gallery@Cove Commons Andrea Klann and Bill Hoopes: Beyond Dreams - Gallery@Cove Commons Emmett Sparling: Destination Earth Gallery@Cove Commons Gregg Simpson and Carol Cram: Pastel Journals - Gallery@Cove Commons Susannah Montague: Things I Can’t Unthink- Seymore Art Gallery, North Vancouver Michael Yahgulanaas: Carpe Fin Terminal Creek Contemporary

• •

•

This is by no means an exhaustive list of Bowen’s accomplisments but we’d love to hear your additions. They’ll be included in the online version of this article. Email: editor@BowenIslandUndercurrent.com

Other notable accomplishments: •

•

Journet receive Business Leadership Award at the West Vancouver Chamber of Commerce Excellence Awards. David Podmore (Concert Properties Ltd.) and Haig deB. Farris (Fractal Capital Corp) laureate inductees into Business Laureates Hall of Fame Poet Emily Osborne wins Far Horizons Poetry Award for poem, “Venn diagrams.” Spider Robinson is one of the guests of honour at the 76th World Science Fiction Convention (where they announce the Hugo Awards) in San Diego. Bowen island Gymnastics qualifiy for 2019 world Gymnaestrada in Austria Bowen-raised twins, Sam and Kailey Spear are finalists in Crazy8s film competition (and win other awards at many film festivals.) Susan Alexander’s poem “Scales” is selected for Poetry in Transit. Marcus Hondro is inducted into the Victoria Music Hall of Fame as drummer in the band Uncle Wiggly’s Hot Shoes Blues Band. Entrepreneur Steve Rio is selected as one of Business In Vancouver’s 40 under 40, a list of worthy entrepreneurs, professionals and executives. Actor Susan Hogan, had roles in four Hallmark Christmas movies, all filmed in the heat of the summer of 2018. Those films include Christmas Joy and A Twist of Christmas.

Orchard executive director Lorinda Strang and general manager Joanna

Looking to 2019...

Internationally celebrated poet to visit Bowen

SUSAN ALEXANDER CONTRIBUTOR

There are so many reasons we should all circle January 12, 2019 on our brand new calendars and come down to Cove Commons to hear Lorna Crozier read from her newest book of poems, God of Shadows. One of those reasons is because Lorna is such an intelligent and spirited reader that it is a privilege to get to spend time with her, but actually that is only the second reason. The first reason is to warm our winter souls with her words. Even those of us who may remember excruciating high school English classes will fall in love with the genre in the

presence of this master poet, recipient of the Governor-General Award, Order of Canada, five honorary degrees, several book awards, internationally applauded, most recently in China. God of Shadows is Lorna’s seventeenth book of poetry. In these prose poems, she offers up gods we have never heard of such as the gods of forgetting, of clichés, of sex, of owls, of the narrow-minded. In “God of Wind” we find “what it loves most on earth is an inky lung of starlings tossed into the sky. Of the human body, it loves hair.” Cove Commons, January 12, 6:30 p.m. Tickets $10 at the Library and the Gallery.

THURSDAY DECEMBER 20 2018 • 11 THURSDAY DECEMBER 20 2018 • 11

Merry Christmas! VOLUSPA ANNE MARIE CHAGNON PAYPAYA

OUT OF THE BLUE BOUTIQUE in Snug Cove Open everyday 10 -6 pm

TWO GREAT LITTLE STORES !!

Text placeholder

SQUIRREL

CONNIE WRIGHT ORIGINALS

The very best of the season to you all from Squirrel and thank you for making my first year fly!!

Merry Christmas Bowen Island!! Wishing you good health and happiness for 2019 Thank you for another great year!!

We're Open 11-5 everyday until Christmas Eve

CHRISTMAS EVE AT DOC’S

Cheers! OPEN 11:30AM - 9:00PM

Many thanks to all our clients for your loyalty and support as we enter our 6th year of serving Bowen Island! We look forward to providing you with the best in building maintenance services in 2019.

Happy holidays everyone. Be safe and have fun! Jordan & the FCPS team.

Merry Christmas from all of us at Doc’s RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED: 604 947 0808

12 12 •• THURSDAY THURSDAY DECEMBER DECEMBER 20 20 2018 2018

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Remembering Tree placed at Cove Commons

PHIL ADKINS C AT E S H I L L C H A P E L

@BIUndercurrent Schedule in Effect: October 9, 2018 to March 31, 2019 On December 25, & January 1 service will begin with the 8:35 am sailing from Bowen Island and the 8:00 am sailing from Horseshoe Bay.

Leave Snug Cove

5:20 am^ 6:20 am> 7:30 am< 8:35 am 9:40 am 10:50 am 12:00 pm 1:10 pm 2:55 pm 4:00 pm† 5:10 pm * 6:15 pm 7:25 pm* 8:30 pm# 9:30 pm 10:30 pm

VANCOUVER Horseshoe Bay 5:50 am> 6:50 am< 8:00 am 9:05 am† 10:15 am 11:25 am 12:35 pm 2:20 pm 3:30 pm 4:35 pm 5:45 pm* 6:50 pm 8:00 pm* 9:00 pm# 10:00 pm

Distance: 3 NAUTICAL MILES Crossing Time: 20 MINUTES

Leave Horseshoe Bay

▼

BOWEN ISLAND Snug Cove

* DAILY EXCEPT SATURDAYS > EXCEPT DEC 25 & JAN 1 < EXCEPT SUN AND DEC 25 & JAN 1 # DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAYS ^ EXCEPT SAT, SUN AND NOV 11, DEC 25 & JAN 1 † DC WEDNESDAY SAILINGS WILL BE REPLACED BY DANGEROUS CARGO SAILINGS. NO OTHER PASSENGERS PERMITTED.

Opportunity to Comment on BC Ferries’ Regulatory Reports and Submission for the Next Performance Term Pursuant to section 40(2) of the Coastal Ferry Act (the “Act”) the British Columbia Ferries Commissioner (the “commissioner”) is seeking public comment on: (i) the regulatory quarterly and annual reports maintained by BC Ferries and provided to the commissioner under sections 65 and 66 of the Act; (ii) the submission by BC Ferries for the next performance term which includes information on the current performance term, fuel management outcomes, a 10 year capital plan, an efficiency plan and a traffic forecast; (iii) any other information on the commissioner’s website that relates to the commissioner’s powers and duties relative to the establishment of price caps for subsequent performance terms under section 40 of the Act. The information referenced in paragraphs (i) to (iii) above, other than information kept confidential pursuant to section 54 of the Act and the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, may be found on the commissioner’s website at www.bcferrycommission.ca. There is also a link on that site to the Coastal Ferry Act. BC Ferries’ annual audited financial statements may be found on BC Ferries’ website at www.bcferries.com under Investor Relations.

Spells Out Daughter In memory of Shirley Louise Bilton, 1929-2018. Mum, you try to speak, eyes shut tight, small white hand in mine. I trace your veins and watch as you squeeze my fingers once. Are you filled up on love yet? Each circular stroke I make on your brow spells out daughter. You are not leaving me empty and forlorn, but rather filled with the life you have lead. You have always been my champion, and I your vessel of song. Walk softly as you prepare to depart. Float free and become part of the vast space shimmering with precious flickering light. Let your body fall away so that you can join in the celestial dance of celebration and release, waiting just on the other side. Jude Neale

Cates Hill Chapel has placed a “Remembering Tree” by the entrance of the Cove Commons building to support those in our community for whom this season brings sadness. The tree was inspired by the words of the song Endurance in Christmastime by Hymns from Nineveh (lyrics by Jonas H. Peterson, 2011.) We’ve lost our fathers. We’ve lost our mothers. We didn’t quite think it would be this hard to endure the Christmas time. We’ve lost our siblings. We’ve lost our children. We didn’t quite think it would be this hard to endure the Christmas time. Who can defeat the time we live in? Who can defeat the time we die in? Where shall we go with all the memories of you in the Christmas time? We’ve lost our story and we’ve lost our glory. We didn’t quite think it would be this hard to endure the Christmas time Who can defeat the time we live in? Who can defeat the time we die in? Where shall we go with all the memories of you in the Christmas time? So we carry our heavy load lights and hang them on the tree and we didn’t quite think they could shine so bright so bright in this Christmas time… The Remembering Tree is adorned with blue lights and we invite anyone who wishes to also tie on a blue ribbon in memory of someone or something you have lost. A packet of blue ribbons is attached to the sign in front of the tree. There are markers in the packet if you also wish to write something on your ribbon. The Remembering Tree will be in place until January 7. We wish you hope, peace, joy and love in this season.

Places of Worship Welcome You BOWEN ISLAND UNITED CHURCH BOWEN ISLAND UNITED CHURCH Rev. Shelagh Mackinnon Rev. Shelagh MacKinnon Dec 23 Sunday Service 10:30 am

Service and Dec Sunday School: a.m. 24 Christmas Eve10:30 Service Bookings: and Sunday School 10:30 am Collins 5Hall Wallwork PM Children and Helen family service Minister of Music: Lynn Williams Collins Hall Bookings: 7 PM Readings Carols and Candles

HelanCarols Wallwork 10PM Readings and Candles

FOOD BANK

FOOD DROP-OFF BANK DROP-OFF

of Music: Lynn Williams All Welcome BOWENMinister ISLAND COMMUNITY CHURCH

Pastor Clinton Neal ST. GERARD’S GERARD’S ROMAN ST. ROMAN 1070 Miller Road 604-947-0384 CATHOLIC CHURCH Service 10:30 a.m. Sunday School 11:00 a.m. CATHOLIC CHURCH

The commissioner will review the comments received as part of the process of making a preliminary decision on price caps for the next performance term which covers the period April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2024. The commissioner’s preliminary decision must be made by March 31, 2019.

Christmas Eve: 7:30 pm Mass • Christmas Day: 10:30 am Mass Sunday a.m. New Years Eve: 5:30 pm MassMass: • 6:30 pm10:30 Exposition of the Holy Eucharist ST. GERARD’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH Benidiction at Midnight Administration Office: 604-682-6774 Mass: 10:30 a.m. Priest: Father New Years Day: 10:30 am James Mass Comey

Comments or submissions can be sent by email to info@bcferrycommission.ca or by mail to:

CATES HILL CHAPEL

Office of the BC Ferries Commissioner PO Box 9279 Stn Prov Govt Victoria, BC V8W 9J7 Deadline for public comments is January 31, 2019. Comments submitted to the Office of the BC Ferries Commissioner may be published on its website.

604-988-6304

www.cateshillchapel.com 604-947-4260 CATES HILL CHAPEL www.cateshillchapel.com 604-947-4260 (661 Carter Rd.)

10:00 a.m. W 10:00 a.m. Worship

(661 Carter Rd.)

Christmas EveSchool: Tots to Teens 10:00 a.m. Worship • Sunday Sunday School: Tots to Teens 6:00 p.m. • Candle Light Service Pastor: Dr. James B. Krohn Pastor: Phil Adkins Pastor: Adkins

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THURSDAY DECEMBER 20 2018 • 13 THURSDAY DECEMBER 20 2018 • 13

CALENDAR Thursday December 20

Duplicate Bridge Bowen Court 6:45 - 10 p.m. Info call Irene 604-947-2955

Friday December 21

Spirit of Solstice Gallery at Cove Commons 7:30 p.m. Bowen comes together to celebrate the return to light and hope on the longest night of year. Sponsored by the Hearth - Arts on Bowen. Tickets $20 available at the Gallery and online at www.biac.ca Movie Matinee: Smallfoot and the Grinch (cartoon) BICS Gym 12:30-3 p.m. Tickets are $5 payable at the door or in advance from Munchalunch/ fundraiser. Pizza, popcorn, juice and baked goods available at additional cost. All welcome! Preschool kids welcome with supervision. A fundraiser for the PAC and BIGC/ World Gymnastrada Mummers Play Queen of Capilano

Saturday December 22

Lauren and Emily Evening Concert Legion 7 p.m. Tickets $10 or by donation at Phoenix. Grafton Garden: Meet Greet & Work Grafton Garden 9:30 - 11 a.m. Support the new garden at Grafton. Helpers wil be laying down cardboard and woodchips. Bring gloves, pitchfork and bucket. Rain or shine (not snow) For information contact graftoncollective@gmail.com

Patient of the Week Meet Eddie Dental x-rays showed that he had an abscess and significant gingival decay, which required the extraction of 7 teeth. A proper dental is performed under anesthetic and includes a thorough scaling and cleaning of teeth and surrounding gums. Regular dental check-ups and cleaning can alleviate many serious health issues. In Eddie’s case an ECG also detected early heart disease.

Proud to serve North and West Vancouver and Sea to Sky with comprehensive emergency & general veterinary services.

Bowen Veterinary Services opening soon 24/7 Emergency Service

604 973 1247 Mountainside Animal Hospital 2580 Capilano Rd., North Van mountainside24er.ca

Live Jazz at Docs Doc Morgan’s Pub & Restaurant 7 p.m. Jazz with Tuen Schut, R Dubya Bee, Cameron Stephens and special guest Vancouver’s premier vibraphonist Nick Apivor. No cover.

Sunday December 23

Holiday Fair at Artisan Square Artisan Square 11 am.-4 p.m. A fun filled afternoon of holiday spirit at Artisan Square. Photos with Santa, Craft Fair, Wandering Carolers, Holiday Beard Contest, Specials, and so much more!

Monday December 24

Candlelight Service Cates Hill Chapel 6 p.m.

Christmas Eve Service Little Red Church, 5 pm Children’s Service; 7pm and 10pm Services. All are welcome. Christmas Eve Mass St. Gerard’s Catholic Church 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday December 25

Christmas Day Mass St. Gerard’s Catholic Church 10:30 a.m. “We like to sing carols before Christmas Masses so come quite early!”

Sunday December 30

Feast of the Holy Family St. Gerard’s Catholic Church 10:30 a.m.

Monday December 31

New Year’s Eve Vigil St. Gerard’s Catholic Church Mass at 5:30 pm, Benediction and then Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament until Midnight Ginger 66 NYE BASH at the Pub Bowen Island Pub 9 p.m - 2019 The new pub’s first NYE rings in with Ginger 66 Tickets $20 NYE dinner and dance party at Doc’s Doc Morgan’s Pub & Restaurant Five course offering $65 or join the NYE fun later with DJ RO RAVEN

Tuesday January 1

Feast of Mary, Mother of God service St. Gerard’s Catholic Church 10:30 a.m.

BOTTLE DRIVE Share the spirit of giving with those in need in our community Make cheques payable to B.I. Christmas Hamper Fund mail to PO Box 19 Bowen Island OR drop off at Artisan Office Services

SAVE YOUR EMPTIES! WE’RE COMING TO GET THEM! Dec 9th

Support BIGC on our way to

Jan 5th & 6th 11am-3pm

the 2019 Worlds Gymnaestrada in Dornbirn, Austria

Please email pick up location to bigcbottledrive@gmail.com

TAX RECEIPTS WILL BE PROVIDED

Information: Linda Pfeiff (9625), Janice Skeels (9524), Pernille Nielsen (2210), or lan Thompson (329-8097)

If you or anyone you know needs assistance please call the numbers above Confidentiality Assured

Bowen Island Christmas Hamper Drive Printing Courtesy of Artisan Office Services

Where to recycle? Check the BC RECYCLEPEDIA www.rcbc.ca RECYCLING COUNCIL OF B.C. MEMBER

14 • THURSDAY DECEMBER 20 2018

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Bowen Island Community

MARKETPLACE Or call to place your ad at

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

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All advertising published in this newspaper is accepted on the premise that the merchandise and services offered are accurately described and 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!

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classiﬁeds.vancourier.com

HEALTH & WELLNESS Dr. Susanne Schloegl

Appointments Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri, 9am - 5pm ECG and HOLTER monitoring Artisan Square

604-947-9986 Bowen Island Chiropractic

Dr. Tracy Leach, D.C. Certified provider of Active Release Techniques Artisan Square Tues. & Fri.

778-828-5681

www.drtracyleach.ca

BODY VITALITY MASSAGE THERAPY James Goldfarb RMT HOLISTIC BC#05279 COUNSELLING

MSW, RSW

Call 604-288-2860 604-781-3987 text 250-726-8080

brooke@becounselling.ca becounselling.ca www.bodyvitality.ca

Dr. Dana Barton

Naturopathic Physician 596 B. Artisan Square

604-730-1174 Natural Family Medicine

Dr. Gloria Chao

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

Located in Artisan Square

Online Booking: www.birchwellness.com

Dr. Alea Bell, ND Naturopathic Doctor

778-891-0370

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

604-338-5001

Mary Coleman, MSW, RSW Compassion minded counselling

778-233-4425

Julie Hughes, RPC Counselling

778-858-2669

INHABIT

Family Dentist

NexGen Hearing

Artisan Square 604-947-0734

604-281-3691

Alternate Fridays 10am - 4:30pm

Massage Therapy Matthew van der Giessen

FREE

RMT

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

Call us at

Hearing Testing On Bowen Island @ Caring Circle West Vancouver

BOWEN ISLAND WELLNESS CENTRE 604-947-9755 At entrance to Artisan Square Suite #597

CATHERINE SHAW Dr. Traditional Chinese Medicine/Acupuncturist

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M.D.

Fri, Sat, Sun, Mon Brooke Evans,

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SUDOKU

BC WIDE CLASSIFIEDS BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

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

SOMATIC CENTRE

(778) 952-3757 566 Artisan Square www.inhabitcentre.ca

Breathe Move Touch

BOWEN ISLAND

MASSAGE THERAPY

604-947-9755 EXT #1 @ Artisan Square

MARY MCDONAGH RMT

MARY MCDONAGH

HARMONY SHIRE RMT

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ALICIA HOPPENRATH RMT

RMT, DCH Registered Massage Therapist

SANDY LOGAN Registered Physiotherapist

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HEIDI MATHER

Registered Acupuncturist Registered Nutritionist Book online bowenislandwellnesscentre.ca

KIM HOWDEN RMT

Celebrating 29 years Community Healthcare

Psychotherapist ~ Hypnotherapist Online & Artisan Square

Dr. Diane Greig PhD, RCC #701, CSCH 604-727-7794 • drdianegreig@gmail.com

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

604-376-9801 www.CarolynNesbitt.com

Lifelabs Dr. Zandy’s Office Tues - 6:45 - 8:45 a.m. Thurs. - 6:45 - 8:45 a.m. For routine lab tests. Specialized tests & children may be referred to the mainland.

WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM

THURSDAY DECEMBER 20 2018 • 15 THURSDAY DECEMBER 20 2018 • 15

In a nutshell: some of the Undercurrent’s stories from 2018 January 2018 BIM releases the Island Survey results. It shows that 94 per cent of the 608 respondents rated their quality of life on Bowen as good or excellent. The much smaller Bowen Queen serves the island while the Queen of Capilano is getting a little TLC. Much grumbling ensues. Wren Mary Blomberg, born Jan. 4, 2018, is the first Bowen baby of 2018. Statistics Canada Census results show that Bowen’s median age is 48.7 (up from 44.8 in 2006) reports Tim Rhodes. February 2018 After four years in the editor’s seat Meribeth Deen leaves the Undercurrent. It’s the end of an era. Bowen water taxi service temporarily suspended due to docking issues in Vancouver. Light industrial rezoning of lot 1 inches forward. Bowen Island Resilient Community Housing (BIRCH) holds its first meeting with architect Robyn Fenton at the helm. March 2018 Bowen-raised twins, Sam and Kailey Spear are finalists in Crazy8s film competition. Graham Ritchie directs As You Like It (Shakespeare’s

smash hit from the 1600s.) Snug Cove House site is connected to the municipal water and sewer system. BIM proposes a 7.7 per cent property tax hike. Bob Bates seeks new studio space for his ceramic work after Metro Parks announces the Union Steamship cottage in Davies Orchard he’d rented for the past 40 years would soon be demolished. The provincial government announces a 0.5 per cent speculation tax. Bowen is exempt but islanders who have a primary home on-island but a secondary residence in Vancouver will have to pay the tax. Cartoonist Ron Woodall celebrates his 500th Undercurrent cartoon. April 2018 Cost of a ferry ride between Horseshoe Bay and Bowen Island decreases by 15 per cent as of April 1. Local Ivor Kerr saves two cats from a sinking sailboat in Mannion Bay. New bike park opens April 22. Two local men are arrested for trafficking and possession of a controlled substance in a Bowen-Squamish RCMP drug bust. Both men are released on a promise to appear.

BIM building inspector Konrad Jaschke retires. May 2018 Bowen Island Trails Society, Bowen Trail Riders Association and Bowen Island Horse Riders and Owners Association sign a partnership agreement with the province which allows them to work on and modify trails on the Bowen Crown lands. Real estate executive and long-time islander David Podmore takes over as chair of the Bowen Island Community Foundation. Outgoing chair Soren Hammerberg held the position for five years. The old Bowen Island Pub has its last call May 20. Ron Woodall suggests selling off pieces of the carpet on popsicle sticks. A porta-potty is to return to Pebbly Beach in a discreet corner for the summer. Arts Pacific Gallery artist co-op celebrates 20 years of creating Bowenia. June 2018 A stray cigarette ignites bush beside General Store, threatening the building. Luckily volunteer firefighter Eric Michener was on hand to warn everyone and help douse the flames. Some islanders travel to

Pamela Goldsmith-Jones’ constituency office to protest the Trans Mountain Pipeline. Bowen Children’s Centre raises money for its soon-tobe-completed infant toddler wing. At the last minute the Dong family donates $10,000. The first of Union Steamship Company Marina’s float homes lands in the marina. The buildings are to address the staff housing shortage on-island Community Lands workshop sees around 50 islanders from varying backgrounds discussing potential uses of the properties. Council adopts Bowen’s 20-year transportation plan Cst. Greg Copeland replaces Cst. Chris Coulter at Bowen RCMP. July Bowen Vet closes temporarily as preparations begin for the new Mountainside Animal Hospital on the North Shore. Bowen Island Health Centre Foundation receives charitable status. A red algae bloom concerns locals but the Department of Fisheries and Oceans assures locals that it’s not toxic for humans. Little Red Church minister and prolific volunteer Shelagh MacKinnon leaves

the island for Victoria.

August Gerald Morrisseau is severely injured in an altercation with two other islanders on Trunk Road. Dog Days is cancelled as there weren’t enough volunteers to organize it. The Diggers win the Men’s Fastpitch Championship with an “exclamation point,” as Marcus Hondro put it, in a 10-2 final against the Cruisers. BIM and BIAC launch the community centre capital funding campaign. Bruce Russell is Citizen of the Year. September Bowen’s cannabis bylaw prohibiting growing and selling pot on Bowen (unless there’s a temporary use permit or the area is rezoned) is adopted. Ibrahim Ali, one of the family of Syrian refugees Bowen helped support during their first year in Canada, is charged in the murder of a 13-year-old girl in Burnaby. The second B.C. woman to cross the English Channel, Jessi Harewicz swims around Bowen without a wetsuit in 21 hours. The election campaign period begins in earnest.

General thought is that there’s “violent agreement.” Council’s proposed dock bylaw, banning docks that physically divide a beach is, well, divisive.

October 2018 For two days in a row the 7:30 a.m. ferry sailing left behind some high school students sparking outrage in the community. John and Josephine Riley do their final apple display at Applefest as they have sold their orchard. Bowen adopts a business licence bylaw, to go into effect January 1, 2019. Gary Ander defeats Melanie Mason for mayorship by just two votes. In the last regular council meeting of the term, council adopts the contentious lot 1 rezoning, which includes “light industrial” as a primary use. November 2018 The old Bowen Island Pub is demolished. Parents at the Bowen daycare Kinderhaus get $10 a day care as part of provincial pilot program. Community centre is issued a building permit. Islander Kahlil Baker is awarded thw Meritorious Service Cross.

BOWEN HOME SERVICES love the life you live Window Blinds On Bowen 778-995-1902

Landscape Lighting Irrigation

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CNC ROUTER WORKSHOP en on Bow

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Craig 604-366-2229 • seatoskycnc@gmail.com

LANCE’S RECYCLING

I’ll pick up your recycling and deliver to BIRC for $25/load Kindling $20/box at Building Centre CALL 947-2430

BOWEN ISLAND SPECIALISTS! QUALITY SERVICE GUARANTEED! Keep Calm and Call Econo

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991 West First Street, North Vancouver, BC www.economovingandstorage.com

16 • THURSDAY DECEMBER 20 2018

WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM

From the First Credit Union Board of Directors:

Guy Chartier Chair

As an executive leader with experience in organizational management and innovation, Guy brings a strong knowledge base in strategy, ﬁnance and risk management to First Credit Union’s board. He has been the Executive Director for the Powell River Division of Family Practice since 2013. Prior to that, Guy held various positions in international education in the Middle East and Asia-Paciﬁc. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Education at University of Montreal and a master’s degree in Business Administration at Royal Roads University. Guy is an active member of the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD); he is passionate about community development for a sustainable future and also served on the board of Powell River Community Futures.

Catherine Bell Director

Catherine’s history with credit unions dates back to her Grandfather, a founding member of the Courtenay Credit Union. Her parents strongly supported credit unions; a passion that she inherited. In addition to her commitment to credit unions, Catherine brings strong governance and financial acumen to the First Credit Union board. Her diverse professional background includes VP for the BC Government and Service Employees Union, MP for Vancouver Island North, and owner of Zocalo Cafe and Gallery in Courtenay. In addition to experiencing the responsibilities a small business owner, her financial experience includes fiduciary responsibility of approving and monitoring her Union’s multimillion dollar budget. As Member of Parliament, she participated in the federal budget process.

Sean Dees Director

Sean has been an active member of Powell River since he moved to the community in 2006. He is a big supporter of artists and musicians and has volunteered with, or served as a board member for PRISMA, the Yacht Club, and Rotary. He has been involved in Rotary for over 8 years and is a past President of the evening club. Sean and his wife have run three different incorporated businesses over the past 20 years, including Breakwater Books in Powell River. Sean did most of the accounting as well as all the day-to-day activities involved in running a business.

Michael Matthews Director

After a career in international education, Michael brings strengths in organizational structure, ﬁnancial management and strategic planning to the First Credit Union board. Michael grew up in Oxford, UK. Following university, he taught Physics and Philosophy before coming to Canada. Michael spent several years as Chair of the International Baccalaureate World Heads’ Council and is currently a Director of the Johanna Heumann Foundation, which funds university education in developing countries. Since retiring in 2012 Michael volunteers to lead accreditation teams to schools around the world on behalf of the Council of International Schools. He is passionate about contributing to his local community and also serves on the PRISMA and PR Community Foundation boards.

Tim Wall Director

Tim is an energetic finance professional who provides leadership and management skills with over 18 years of board experience (Signal Hill Community Association, Rotary Club of Powell River, and Powell River Community Foundation). He brings advanced knowledge in budgeting, financial reporting, decision analysis and problem solving to First Credit Union’s board. His experience working with the Alberta Children’s Hospital as Controller as well as for the City of Calgary in areas such as accounting and engineering services provided him with a solid background for director responsibilities. Tim has been involved in the Powell River community while working as the Chief Financial Officer for City Transfer/Augusta Recyclers and more recently as the Owner/Operator of Avid Fitness.

Arlo McCubbin Director

Arlo has lived in Cumberland for 25 years. He served as Treasurer for Street Link in Victoria, Comox Valley Art Gallery and is currently treasurer for Cumberland Community School Society. Arlo sat on the board of Cumberland & District Credit Union for 2 years prior to the merger with First Credit Union and brings a strong financial background to the board; he worked with CRA as an auditor and in positions with First Nations, as controller, auditor and trainer. He owned an Accounting practice from 1990 to July 2018 with corporate and personal clients. An avid world traveller, Arlo enjoyed 2 years in Vanuatu (South Pacific) working as a CUSO volunteer setting up finance systems for Island Local Councils.

Susan Clark Director

Susan has been a member of First Credit Union since she moved to Texada in 2013. She is a long-time community advocate and brings leadership and project management experience to the First Credit Union board. She retired as Principal of S. Clark & Associates and is currently involved in a number of volunteer positions on Texada including the Community Planning Committee and Emergency Social Services. Susan has held a variety of leadership positions including Program Ofﬁcer for Union of BC Municipalities, Executive Director for North Central Local Government Association, Tourism Prince George and Smithers Chamber of Commerce. She has served on many Boards including Minerals North Conference Association, Prince George Regional Art Gallery, Tourism Powell River, and Texada Arts Culture Tourism Society.

Vickey Brown Director

Vickey resides in Cumberland with her husband and two teenage boys. She has an educational background in Environmental Studies and Political Science, with a post graduate diploma in Community Economic Development. Her work experience is primarily in non-proﬁt leadership and small business. Vickey has almost 20 years’ experience on non-proﬁt boards. She was elected as School Trustee representing the Village of Cumberland, chaired the Cumberland Community School Society, and is the VP of the BC Association of Farmers’ Markets. She was recently elected as a Councillor for Cumberland. Vickey brings a wide skill set to the Board, including: business development, marketing and promotions, strategic planning, policy development, governance, and HR.

Karl Siegler Director

A study of music and the literary arts have provided Karl with the basis for his involvement in cultural industries throughout his life: first as an editor and business manager, then as CEO and publisher; as a co-operative community organizer of professional associations and chair of many of their committees; as an adjunct professor of the faculties of Business Administration and Communications at SFU; and finally as both lobbyist and author of public policy across a broad spectrum of the arts in Canada for many decades. His passion to help build effective co-operative organizations that benefit their communities remains unabated after implementing and mentoring a successful succession strategy for his former publishing company, Talon Books Ltd.

First Credit Union is looking for passionate and community-minded members for our Board of Directors, play a role in shaping our future. Director nominations will be open January 3rd, 2019. Visit ﬁrstcu.ca for details.