NO ADULTS ALLOWED: KKN’s kids shopping day coming up
PAGE 10
$1.50
inc. GST
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2019
VOL. 45, NO. 49
BIUndercurrent
HEARTH UPDATE: it may be cold outside, but the arts scene is as hot as ever
BowUndercurrent www.bowenislandundercurrent.com
PAGE 7
Christmas lights fundraiser comes with offer of help THE LITTLE RED CHURCH LIGHT DISPLAY DONATIONS BOX WAS STOLEN LAST YEAR. THIS YEAR THE ORGANIZER IS ASKING ANYONE IN NEED TO REACH OUT
BRONWYN BEAIRSTO
Editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com
BRONWYN BEAIRSTO PHOTO
LAND OF SWEETS: The sugar plum fairy (also known as Michelle Harrison) offers a young Light Up Bowen participant
candy Saturday evening as nutcrackers watch on. The sugar plum fairy gathering was a new part of this year’s Christmas kickoff festivities. Hundreds of islanders and visitors paraded down Trunk Road admiring the thousands of lights and decorations lighting up the cove. See more photos on pages 8 and 9.
This year’s number is 55,000. For the third year running, Yvonne McSkimming has donated thousands of lights to adorn the Little Red Church in a foodbank fundraising spectacle. Every night, 55,000 lights flicker on at the Bowen landmark and appreciative locals can leave money in the sturdy red mailbox by the yard entrance. In its first year, the initiative raised $2,500. Last year, the cash donation box was stolen and the money never recovered. This year, McSkimming is asking anyone desperate enough to consider stealing the box to reach out for help instead. “I’ll give you whatever you need,” she says. “I’ll even do it anonymously. “We’ll give you the help, just don’t take the money.” McSkimming says that the money raised through the display aids island people who need a little help over the holiday season. She wants islanders needing a little extra support to “feel loved; feel that someone cares about them.” McSkimming says that there had been discussion of installing a security camera at the Little Red Church but instead someone will empty the donations box every night and the box itself is chained to the fence. “If they’re going to steal it, they’re going to need to steal the fence,” she says. The fence that is too coated in lights. The light display took two and a half weeks to set up. Noah Pryce-Jones and some of his Home Farm Gardens crew, along with McSkimming, her son and other volunteers painstakingly covered the church and its grounds. CONTINUED ON PAGE 6
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FRAZER ELLIOT T TT REALTO TOR O
2 • THURSDAY DECEMBER 5 2019
Event Calendar December 6, 2019 9:30 am Housing Advisory Committee
WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM
Emergency First Aid
Calling local trades:
Saturday, December 7, 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm Municipal Hall
Are you interested in working on the Cove
Free training Email jmcgowan@bimbc.ca to register
Bay Water Treatment Plant project? Bowen Island Municipality has issued an Invitation to Tender for construction of the Cove Bay Water Treatment Plant. If you are a sub-trade operating on Bowen Island, and are interested in working on the Water Treatment Plant project, you can submit your information to be included in a list of local sub-trades that will be provided to the successful bidder. Please note, submitting your information for this list does not guarantee that you will be contracted to work on the project. The general contractor who is successful in the tendering bid will have full discretion over the hiring of sub-trades.
Meeting
December 7, 2019 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm First Aid CPR/AED training
December 9, 2019 4:00 pm Committee of the Whole
December 9, 2019 6:15 pm
Saturday, December 7th, 2019
First Aid with Amanda Municipal Hall, 1:00-5:00pm CPR/AED Training
Learn the skills needed to recognize and respond to cardiovascular emergencies and choking for adults. Learn to use an automated external defibrillator (AED). Come learn with your Emergency Program volunteers. No charge. Contact Jennifer McGowan, BIM Emergency Program Coordinator to register jmcgowan@bimbc.ca
Regular Council Meeting
Please submit your information by Tuesday, January 14, 2020 at 2:00 pm.
December 10, 2019 9:30 am
ESS volunteers are trained to provide for the immediate needs of evacuees and emergency responders affected by an emergency or disaster. Services provided by ESS include food, clothing, lodging and family reunification.
Emergency Program Executive
Throughout the province, thousands of ESS volunteers train and prepare so that when an emergency or disaster affects their community they are ready to help.
Committee Meeting
If you are interested in learning more about becoming a community ESS volunteer, please visit http://www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/ess or contact the Emergency Social Services Director at bowenESS@bimbc.ca
December 13, 2019 9:30 am
• • •
Online at www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/wtp E-mail Rachel Pryce-Jones, Public Works Coordinator at rpryce-jones@bimbc.ca Fax 604-947-0193 (Attn: Public Works)
Economic Development Commitee 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.
Please control runoff and keep culverts clear
December Holiday Hours
Dangerous road conditions can be created by the discharge of water, dirt and gravel from private property onto public roadways blocking culverts. Property owners are responsible for keeping these culverts clear of debris in order to reduce the risk of flooding.
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THURSDAY DECEMBER 5 2019 • 3
Local committee advocates for island’s children BRONWYN BEAIRSTO
Editor
In 2016, a UBC research institute found that one quarter of Kindergarten students in the Horseshoe Bay-Lions Bay-Bowen Island area were at risk of school failure. Yet, this number was an improvement over the institute’s findings three years earlier (28 per cent). What changed and how can Bowen reduce the vulnerability of its children?
The EDI
Every February, kindergarten teachers across B.C. complete an Early Development Instrument (EDI) questionnaire. Every three years, UBC’s Human Early Learning Partnership collects the data and assesses childhood vulnerability in each school district, neighbourhood and school (the school-specific data is not public). “Vulnerable children are those who, without additional support and care, are more likely to experience challenges in their school years and beyond,” said the EDI report. The study has five scales: physical health and wellbeing, social competence, emotional maturity, language and cognitive development, and communication skills and general knowledge. In 2013, in its fifth “wave” the EDI study found that 28 per cent of Kindergarten students in the Horseshoe Bay-Lions Bay-Bowen Island area were at risk for school
failure. This was up from 18 per cent in the fourth wave (2011) and quite a bit higher than the West Vancouver School District’s 22 per cent overall average. Back in 2013, Lynda Phillips, an educational psychologist, child and adolescent psychotherapist and early childhood instructor was on the Provincial Child Care Council. The council advises the Minister of Children and Family Development on early childhood education. Phillips said that when Bowen showed high rates of vulnerability (the actual number on Bowen isn’t public but Phillips said it was high), the minister asked her, as someone from the island, why. “I said, ‘I absolutely can’t tell you that,’” recalls Phillips. “I thought it was this wonderful community of people that were doing a great job for their children.” So the minister asked Phillips to find out what the problem was.
One voice
It would be difficult to name a face more familiar to the youth of Bowen than Ann Silberman’s. The long-time executive director of Bowen Children’s Centre has watched hundreds of children grow from infancy through adulthood. When Phillips was faced with a question about island children, mutual contacts suggested she get in touch with Silberman. So Phillips and Silberman met for coffee. “[Ann] was quite aware of the fact that some children were at risk because we are short of a lot
of services on Bowen that would support children and families,” said Phillips. “Also, we don’t have enough preschool or daycare for all the children to go…So we have a large number of children that are arriving at school not prepared to learn.” An Arbor Educational and Clinical Consulting study found that Bowen Island specifically saw a 10 per cent increase in overall vulnerability in the fifth EDI wave (2013) and a 12 per cent increase in the communication skills category. The study found Bowenspecific to include “limited outdoor play spaces and recreational programming for young children” and the lack of on-island health services. For Silberman, local disconnect was concerning. “We were a community that didn’t speak with one voice,” she said. In their coffee meeting and discussions that followed, Phillips and Silberman decided to organize an Early Childhood Development Table to investigate why Bowen children weren’t doing well and what could be done to help. The table’s mission is to work together for the health of children on Bowen Island, said Silberman. The two island women with support from then West Vancouver School District trustee Jane Kellett invited parents, principals, daycare operators, library representatives, representatives from the local bank and other people who worked with kids between birth and age 12 to the table.
“We wanted to make sure the children on Bowen Island got the best possible start,” said Silberman, adding that the birth to five years are, statistically, crucial developmental years for children. “We developed a plan of things that we wanted to do and we got a lot of initiatives off the ground,” said Phillips. They had speakers, parent nights and Bowen Island Municipality is even working on a 10-year childcare needs assessment. Between 2013 and 2016 (between the fifth and sixth waves), the EDI percentage of vulnerable children dropped from 28 per cent to 25 per cent in Horseshoe Bay-Lions Bay-Bowen Island area. (This public data does not separate Bowen’s vulnerability rates.) Meanwhile the overall West Vancouver School District vulnerability rate rose to 28 per cent. While the causation behind these numbers isn’t clear, both Silberman and Phillips said that the table has helped Bowen Island children. “I think we’ve established an early childhood community,” said Silberman.
The future
But now, Phillips is concerned as attendance at the table has fallen off. “[If people] don’t turn up to the meetings, we’ll get back to where we were before,” Phillips said. Among her concerns are children’s access to physical and occupational therapy, increasing
the number of childcare spaces and supports for mothers who’ve recently given birth. “So there’s a lot of things that we need to do that people in town have access to and our families don’t,” said Phillips. “The idea around this committee was to try and have a really good solid group of people that were going to fight for children’s rights on Bowen,” said Phillips. “Then provide children the best opportunities, whether they had a disability or whether they had a language difficulty, or whatever the need was, maybe the mental health care support…in order for that child to enter school successfully.” Silberman is hoping to attract new members. She’d like to see more families, including those with children with special rights as well as more involvement from local business. Interested people can call 604-947-9626. “We can’t just be building things on the island for older people. We have to be building infrastructure for children and families from the zero through high school on Bowen,” said Phillips. “I just would like to see the rights of small children who don’t have a voice of their own and families that are often very, very close to the breadline supported appropriately.” Though district-specific data is not yet available, the 2019 EDI provincial report shows that the B.C.-wide vulnerability average rose from 32.2 per cent (2016) to 33.4 per cent.
WAT E R TA X I Holiday Schedule
No Cover Fee!
CANCELLED SAILINGS
SANTA
MARTINIS WITH
AFTERNOON COMMUTER RUNS
2019
Friday 13th Dec, 8pm
MON THRU FRI DEPARTING HSB TO SNUG COVE 4:15 5:25 6:35
NO TRIPS
ON THE FOLLOWING DAYS:
MONDAY DECEMBER TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY JANUARY THURSDAY FRIDAY
COMMUTER RUNS START UP MONDAY JANUARY 6TH
604-947-2243 604-250-2630
23 24 25 26 27 30 31 1 2 3
LATE NIGHT SERVICE
NO TRIPS ON THE FOLLOWING NIGHTS: TUESDAY DECEMBER WEDNESDAY THURSDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY JANUARY
24 25 26 31 1
An ugly sweater Christmas Party Live music from Richard Lowy & Guests
4 • THURSDAY DECEMBER 5 2019
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VIEWPOINT EDITORIAL
The price of papers As of this week, the Undercurrent will cost $1.50 at newsstands. We are still committed to bringing relevant, accessible news to the community, but we need to do so at a price that matches the reality of the news landscape today. We’ve got bills to pay too! I’ll still be doing my very best to report fairly and accurately on island matters (and if I write something inaccurate or unfair, be accountable for mistakes) and to curate a weekly digest of interesting and relevant information. When an election comes around, when a conflict arises, when the chickens get loose, I’ll be there. We will continue to be a venue for discourse, a means of advertising, a fact checker, a boring meeting sitter-througher, a space for Bowen voices and opinions to congregate. I believe our work (I’m including Tracey and Peter in this, not just the “Royal We”) and this community’s paper is worth $1.50 and I hope you do too. If you don’t and pinch your nose and buy it anyway, thank you! I’ll do my best to win you over. On different notes, next week I’ll be writing a special story about the municipality’s 20th anniversary. If you have thoughts to share about this anniversary, please write in! Editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com. In two weeks time, I’ll be putting together “Bowen’s Yearbook.” What were this year’s important accomplishments for people and organizations? Let me know! As well, we’ve had a number of subscription renewals and new subscribers these past few weeks. Thank you. As always, our subscribers and our readers are how we can keep doing this (ok, and a .50 cent price increase). Lastly, there’s a new feature on our website (bowenislandundercurrent.com) that allows readers to “report a typo.” Please let me know if you find typos or innacuracies. I can change any online story so this feature has the potential to really help me out! This holiday season, remember, there’s a lot of help available on Bowen. Please ask if you need it. — Bronwyn Beairsto, Editor
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Thank you BIM for tax exemption DEAR EDITOR: Cates Hill Chapel and Smooth Stones Foundation want to thank the Bowen Island Municipal Council and the Bowen Island community for recently granting a four-year permissive tax exemption to the property where the chapel is located. The chapel and the foundation jointly own the property and both are charitable entities. This financial support is sincerely appreciated as it enables the chapel to continue to be used not only for public worship but also rented at a nominal price for various public meetings, concerts, recitals, fundraisers, club and society meetings, workshops, weddings, funerals, exercise groups (yoga, pilates), Taekwondo, support groups, as well as private functions. With our gratitude, —Larry Adams on behalf of Cates Hill Chapel & Smooth Stones Foundation
Keep it up, Bowen Island Undercurrent DEAR EDITOR: The Undercurrent team is working hard to bring Bowen Islanders the stories that count. I will happily pay a little more. Please keep it up. —Len Gilday
Macy’s parade has nothing on Light Up Bowen
DEAR EDITOR: Ho, Ho, Holy cow, did Basia Lieske and her Light Up The Cove committee (you too Paul) do a great job with this year’s event, or what? A hearty thanks to Basia’s team and all the participating Snug Cove merchants who transformed the Cove into a magical place. And a tip of my toque to the many hundred residents and guests who did their part by taking it all in. Macy’s parade has nothing on our community! —Bruce & Dorene Russell
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.
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 bowenislandundercurrent.com DEADLINE for all advertising and editorial: Monday, 4:00 p.m. Bowen Island Undercurrent Subscription Rates: Mailed 1 year subscription on Bowen Island: $45, including GST. Within Canada: $65 including GST
Newsstand (Single Copy) $1 per copy, including GST ISSN 7819-5040
National NewsMedia Council.
EDITOR BronwynBeairsto editor@bowenisland undercurrent.com
ADVERTISING Tracey Wait ads@bowenisland undercurrent.com
CARTOONIST Ron Woodall
PUBLISHER Peter Kvarnstrom publisher@bowenisland undercurrent.com
2011 CCNA
CANADIAN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER AWARD 2011
The Undercurrent is a member of the National NewsMedia Council of Canada, which is an independent organization established to deal with acceptable journalistic practices and ethical behaviour. If you have concerns about editorial content, please email editor@bowenislandundercurrent. com or call 604-947-2442. If you are not satisfied with the response and wish to file a formal complaint, visit the website at mediacouncil.ca or call toll-free 1-844-877-1163 for additional information.
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THURSDAY DECEMBER 5 2019 • 5
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
The case for a Bowen earthworm industry DEAR EDITOR: How soon could Bowen Island have a 100-acre compound area for a new composting, money- making and soil-creating area? The word compost derives from Latin and Old French: something put together. I propose that weekly buckets of well-chosen vegetables, fruit and small discarded animal pieces will earn money in large sales of earthworms and rich soil to improve our small garden plots and our large grassy picnic sites as well as our many forested areas. There are many ways to improve our island without enriching mainland sites and towns with our compost. Our city hall can tell us how much can be saved in taxes as we currently haul our compost away by ferry and truck. Local town staff or independent workers can earn from having free ingredients for soil and earthworms. Bowen Island can be a leader in the field of land improvement. Hopefully faster than the 50 years of improving Howe Sound waters to welcome the whales again. Now I ask, “ How long do we need to plan and to test possible sites before getting local and even province wide bylaws and new rules to create one giant or several productive compost sites?” I know our main recycle shed has many money-making components so that fewer items get hauled away to be buried in dirt and rock: plastic, paper, cardboard and more items are enhanced! Bowen Island is praised by visitors and newcomers for our refund bottles, free choice of electric parts, recycle, repair, and reuse etc., even crushed metal and broken glass earns money while sparing our earth more random buried items. Bowen Island has scientifically trained minds and the wisdom of organic gardeners and other talented people to create a first-class model compost community for saving
land: earth is an unappreciated part of the main trio for our survival: water, air and earth. So I now refer you to Don’t Call It DIRT ( 118 pages. 1976 ) by Gordon Baker Lloyd , of Sierra Madre, U.S. Lloyd was the city gardener of Los Angles, Cal. during the Second World War. Greek philosopher, Aristotle, about 2,400 years ago, called the earthworm “the intestines of the earth.” Charles Darwin, in 1881, explained in his book: “It is a marvellous reflection that the whole of topsoil has passed every few years through the bodies of earthworms. It may be doubted if there are any other animals which have played so important a part in the history of the world as have these lowly creatures.” Find and quote your own experts for saving our abused lands. In 1977, I “a poet by my interests” I wrote and edited for Earth Worms Publishing company of Ontario, Cal., which had 22 books on this topic, explaining to many how to sell earthworms to fishermen, good soil to gardeners, use earthworms to feed ducks and turkeys as they are said to be 90 per cent protein, etc.. I have some materials to share with interested council members. I saw Earth Worms Publishing’s owner Ronald E. Gaddie add earthworm crumbles to his oatmeal cookie dough! Meanwhile, we are told much of the world population goes to bed hungry. Bowen Islanders can create and display improved earth for better crops and share our grand community example of working together to reduce our taxes while causing good earth. Earthworms create airways and water tunnels with their munching through acres of soil, which aid in faster growth of our plants. Even robins like earthworms! So Mr. Mayor and Bowen Island council please take note. —Bernice Lever, Bowen Island
on Bowen Island
PHOTO COURTESY OF GRAHAM RITCHIE
Scrooge, Tiny Tim and the gang are back!
For the 21st year in a row, Graham Ritchie, Susanna Braund, Tina Nielsen and Martin Clarke perform their dramatic reading of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. This much-loved Bowen tradition, complete with Scrooge, Tiny Tim and all the ghosts, is at 7:30 p.m., Dec. 22 in the cosily decorated Collins Hall.
Schedule in Effect: October 15, 2019 to March 31, 2020 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 NOV 11, DEC 25, JAN 1 & FEB 17 † DC WEDNESDAY SAILINGS WILL BE REPLACED BY DANGEROUS CARGO SAILINGS. NO OTHER PASSENGERS PERMITTED.
We are very sad to announce the passing of our mother, Mary Ursula Wall, on Nov. 27 after finally succumbing to over a decade long bout with dementia. Born in India on Sept. 6, 1930, she had incredibly adventurous life and an amazing family. She will be missed by all who knew her and she is survived by her loving husband, Robin, her children, Alan, Barbara, and Robert and three grandchildren. She was an amazing woman who cared and loved to the fullest - RIP mom, she’s in a better place now. There will be a memorial on Dec. 7 from 1-4pm in the hall at Kiwanis on Haywood and 21st St. West Vancouver. There will be music, slide shows, food & wine and all are welcome to come celebrate her life with us.
Places of Worship Welcome You BOWEN ISLAND UNITED CHURCH Reverend Lorraine Ashdown and Tina Overbury Service and Sunday School 10:30 am Collins Hall Bookings: Helen Wallwork Minister of Music: Lynn Williams
FOOD BANK DROP-OFF
ST. GERARD’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH Sunday Mass: 9:30 a.m.
Administration Office: 604-682-6774
CATES HILL CHAPEL
www.cateshillchapel.com 604-947-4260 (661 Carter Rd.)
10:00 a.m. Worship Sunday School: Tots to Teens
Pastor: Phil Adkins
6 • THURSDAY DECEMBER 5 2019
WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM
November RCMP stats CPL. ADAM KOEHLE
Bowen RCMP
The Bowen Island RCMP responded to 48 calls for service in November of 2019: • 4 of those files were roadblocks. • 4 roadside prohibitions stemmed from those roadblocks. • 3 were reports of mischief to property. • 1 was a Canada Shipping Act investigation. • 2 were missing persons reports. Police are encouraging the parents of teens on the island to keep track of who their children are spending time with. There have been several instances of youths coming from off island for an evening out and damaging property before heading home. Most recently, the Light Up Bowen celebration was disrupted by some youths damaging the decorations. RCMP are collaborating with the West Vancouver police and BC Ferries to help educate youth about what is acceptable behaviour on the ferry while travelling to school, and while on the island during the weekends.
Patient of the Week MEET HOBBS Hobbs came in to meet Dr. Midge after being adopted into his new family. A thorough check-up and some flea and tick prevention are extremely important in the prevention or managing of many disease processes. Parasites do not simply cause irritation and itchiness but can cause serious health issues in pets such as anemia, lyme disease, giardia, weight loss and others. Some parasites are zoonotic which means transferrable to humans. Take your pet to the vet annually to be examined and to discuss vaccinations, parasite control, dietary concerns and many other topics.
HOURS: Tuesday through Friday from 9:00am – 5:00pm Saturdays from 9:00am – 1:00pm. Dr. Midge Ritchie and veterinary assistants are also available 24/7 for urgent care. Call the regular line at 604.947.9247 and press “1” to be forwarded to the doctor. To schedule appointments, please call
604.947.9247
or email reception@bowenvet.com
Returning triumphant from NYC HILARY BUTLER
Komera
The New York City Marathon has come and gone and Damian Leverton is back on Bowen Island after a successful and enjoyable week in the Big Apple. Many Bowen Islanders contributed to his fundraising effort, whether through Crowdrise or the jars at the Ruddy Potato or Cates Pharmacy. In case you didn’t know, Damian was asked to raise US $3,000 for Komera Canada, in order to participate in the event. Not daunted by this challenge, Damian set to, and in record time had raised over $5000 in Canadian funds, thanks to his family, friends and supporters. The NYC Marathon hosts 50,000 runners on a course that starts on Staten Island with a view of the Statue of Liberty, then winds through Brooklyn to Manhattan, ending in Central Park. Damian had ideal running weather and was boosted by the enthusiastic crowds along every inch of the way, and more particularly by the cheers of his wife, Rosemarie. By the end of the 26.2 miles, he was naturally exhausted. To put it in his own words, “I was happy, relieved, tired and to be honest, pretty emotional. It was an amazing experience and if anyone asks you where to do a marathon I would certainly recommend NYC.” Damian managed an extremely respectable 4:16:37 time.
PHOTO COURTESY OF HILARY BUTLER
Damian Leverton running the New York City Marathon. The $5,290 that Damian and his supporters raised goes to Komera Canada, a local charity that raises funds to sponsor young Rwandan women at senior secondary school in rural Rwanda and pays university fees for those who qualify. A heartfelt cheer goes to Damian for taking on both the challenge of his first marathon and fundraising for a worthwhile cause. By the way, anyone up for a March 2020 half-marathon in New York City? Komera has some bibs for supporters!
LEN GILDAY PHOTO
Bowen Island’s cold weather comes roaring down Howe Sound with storm force winds topping 50 knots at Pam Rocks then crashing onto Finisterre Beach.
Lights remind of churches’community role CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
“You can’t do Christmas lights if you don’t love lights,” laughs McSkimming. “55,000 lights is no easy thing to do.” An extra panel on the back fence meant space for some of the 3,000 additional lights over last year. “Every year there’s a different combination of lights,” explains McSkimming. She says that while she’s not a big church-goer herself, she thinks the sense of community that the churches on-island bring is important. “[The display] reminds people what the Little Red Church brings to the island and what it means, along with all the other churches, and we shouldn’t forget that.” She says that the display is to also help islanders remember what Christmas stands for. “Our differences should not be so wide that we can’t come to the table and respect each other and care for each other.” In the meantime, if there is someone
UNDERCURRENT PHOTO
Another year, another donations box. considering stealing the donations box, McSkimming’s personal number is on the front of the red mailbox. Give her a ring.
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THURSDAY DECEMBER 5 2019 • 7
Community embers: The Hearth’s December arts and culture news KATHLEEN AINSCOUGH
The Hearth - Bowen Island Arts Council
As we move into the winter and festive season, the Hearth reflects on growth over the last 12 months and looks forward to a culturally enriching year ahead. There is much to celebrate: we’ve had another incredible year connecting with our community and building arts and culture on our island. Over the past year we welcomed more than 16,000 visitors to the Gallery; we presented 11 exhibits and the second annual Bowen Studio Tour and showcased the work of more than 170 artists. We’ve presented, co-produced or sponsored more than 12 performances and we’ve offered a dozen or so arts classes and workshops. We continue to work with the Bowen Island Municipality and advocate for a community centre, with a 180-seat performing arts space, and to top it off, we are busy networking with dozens of local and off-island groups. None of what we have achieved could be done without the support of our members and volunteers. They are imperative to the work we do in building community on Bowen. We welcome community members to join our team of volunteers to keep the arts council and the gallery running smoothly. It’s A Wrap! is on now at the gallery and the annual exhibit and sale features one-of-akind treasures created by more than 30 local artists and artisans. We’re open Wednesday through Monday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., right up to December 30. As a special treat, on Dec. 5 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and we’ll be open late to accommodate late night shoppers as will Connie Wright, Squirrel and Catching Stars. Everyone is invited to the 32nd Annual General Meeting on December 8 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Cove Commons. Following a short business meeting and elections, join us for a reception to bid farewell to Jacqueline Massey, outgoing executive director. Enjoy live music presented byAmber and Randy, along with festive refreshments. We are excited to announce a new musical collaboration with Kay Meek Performing Arts Centre in West Vancouver. We’ll be co-presenting a series of world-class concerts at
the Cove Commons. The 2020 series gets underway on January 18, with Quarteto Nuevo, followed by Caro Pierotto on February 23. Tickets are on sale for these fabulous concerts, which we expect to sell out. What a perfect gift for anyone on your list! Discounted ticket prices will apply for Hearth Members in good standing for these two concerts. Plans are already underway for the 2020 Annual Mini Gala exhibit, and live auction set for Feb. 29, 2020. This is the largest fundraiser for the Gallery, and always a fabulous way to spend an evening. We invite artists to create a mini-masterpiece for the event. Participants can pick up a canvas or frame, courtesy of our sponsor, Opus Framing & Art Supplies, at the Gallery. Participating artists will receive a ticket to the festive event. Throughout the year, the Hearth sponsors groups and organizations presenting the quality performances we are blessed with on Bowen. This includes the Bowen Island Community Choir, who will perform their Winter Concert at Cates Hill Chapel on Dec. 14, with two shows at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. We’re also sponsoring Christmas Tales, Songs and Stories of the First Christmas. Come enjoy stories, music and songs with Shari Ulrich and friends at Tir-na-Nog Theatre on Dec. 21 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are available at the Gallery, at Phoenix and online at bigtreeshows.eventbrite.com.
34th Annual
CSA Christmas Craft Fair Merry thanks to all our Volunteers and Sponsors who helped make this event so memorable: Volunteers:
Sponsors:
Scott Stevenson
Kyle Pendleton
Snug Cove General Store
Greg Cormier
Kat Stephens
Ruddy Potato
Hudson Henriques
Cam Stephens
Denis Cormier
Kat Haxby
Eliot Cormier
Sarah Carachelo
JewalMaxwell
MarlieBehm
Brandon Goth
Marie Pedley
Tammy Brockmeyer
Roxy Pedley
Willow & Harper
Terri Dewar
Tom Surtees
Wendy Harding
Kathryn Gaitens
Kristin Jarvis
Nicola Murray
Tess Taylor
Cocoa West ShuraGood Cake Fresh St Market Safeway at CaulfeIld Jade & Jamie Weismiller Hope & Ivor Kerr Pernille Nielsen, Notary Bowen Island Community Recreation WV Secondary School Wood working program CSA Board Members: Sarah Cormier, Frazer Elliott, Scott Slater, Jade
All the Parent-helpers at the Youth Craft Fair Weismiller, Sarah Winny
Thanks! From the CSA Christmas Craft Fair Committee:
KATHLEEN AINSCOUGH PHOTO
It’s a Wrap Annual Exhibit & Sale is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday to Sunday at the Gallery.
ISLAND PACIFIC SCHOOL
Katie Cooke, Janina Elliott, Sarah Haxby, Courtney Morris, Pernille Nielsen, Sheana Stevenson, Joan Vygner, Helen Wallwork
PLEASE JOIN US! 32nd Annual General Meeting of the
Art & Design Exhibition
OPEN HOUSE
Wednesday, December 11th 6:15-8:15pm
Bowen Island Arts Council Sunday, December 8, 2019 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm Cove Commons
Following a short business meeting and elections, join us for a reception to bid farewell to Jacqueline Massey, outgoing Executive Director. Featuring live music. Refreshments will be served.
Believe. It’s possible here.
8 • THURSDAY DECEMBER 5 2019
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BOWEN BEAT CSA craft fair fun The biggest craft fair of the year was last Sunday. Local artisans and their customers filled the BICS gym to the brim. From cookies to mushrooms, gothopuses to coasters, the selection was vast and the company even better.
PHOTOS BY EMILY ERICKSON MCCULLUM
The Rockridge Rugby team is diligently fundraising to travel to Argentina, which includes having their own table at the CSA craft fair. Noah PryceJones got the dress code memo.
All sorts of Christmas-y wear came out for the fair, including Helen Wallwork’s frosty sweater.
Santa had a merry helper at the door.
Above: Children and their parents wait for their turns with Santa Saturday evening at Light Up Bowen. Left: Frankie and Santa in deep conversation. BOWEN ISLAND UNDERCURRENT PHOTOS
Chris Wilson captured the Light Up Bowen crowd on the Union Steamship Company Marina lawn.
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THURSDAY DECEMBER 5 2019 • 9
BOWEN BEAT Bowen, all lit up
It was a holly jolly evening on Bowen Island Saturday. Hundreds of islanders and visitors paraded through an illuminated village, starting up at Village Square, winding through candy cane lane, down across the pub building, to a live nativity, a stop in the Land of Sweets to visit the sugar plum fairy, a pause for the festival of trees and onto the Union Steamship Company Marina lawn to greet Santa Claus.
PHOTOS BY BRONWYN BEAIRSTO
Top left: Santa arrives at Doc Morgan’s to greed children. Above: ghostly figures pass in front of Village Square. Right: Julie Cree and Christophe Langlois pose with the snow king and queen as the festivities begin.
Middle left: Frosty and his entourage pass by the pub building. Bottom left: Jody Lorenz and her crew of carollers at the beginning of the evening. Right: Kat Stephens (in the red suit) and crew look after Santa’s Doc Morgan’s workshop.
10 • THURSDAY DECEMBER 5 2019
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Purrfect for Christmas!
OUT OF THE BLUE BOUTIQUE Winter sale on now 30% off
in Snug Cove Open everyday 10 -6 pm PHOTO COURTESY OF CATHY BAYLY
The parents wait outside during the kids holiday shopping day at the Knick Knack Nook.
Kids-only shopping day returns CATHY BAYLY & CHERYL EVANS
Knick Knack Nook
Th he Bowe en Agricu ultural Alliiance (BA AA) is hostiing ga
BAA Winter Market and Craft Fair Bowe en Islland Co ommunitty Scho oo l Sat. Dec c. 7th h, 10-1pm, BIC C S gy m
It’s that time of year again! Get in the holiday spirit and bring your children, aged three to 12, to the Knick Knack Nook for the special Children’s Holiday Shopping afternoon. This event is as much fun for the KKN volunteers as it is for the children. The Children’s Holiday Shopping Day is an annual event. This is our eighth year and it is bigger and better than ever. Join us on Sunday, December 15 from noon to 2 p.m. The store will be closed to adult shoppers for the entire day. The Nook will be full of special items thoughtfully chosen throughout the year with the children in mind. When the children arrive, they will be met at the door by a volunteer who will assist
them with their selections. Older children can shop on their own if desired. Parents are asked to wait outside where there will be refreshments of hot punch, cookies and a fire pit to provide essential fortification against the weather. We will have two tents outside in case it rains. We ask that parents talk to their children about the pleasures of giving and choosing gifts for the special people in their lives, with the intention that each child will come with a small list of the people they would like to buy gifts for. If you have more than one child participating we ask that each child be provided with their own money. It is difficult for the children to try and hide gifts that they are purchasing for their siblings if they have to line up and pay together. Happy Holidays from the Nook!
BICS students and Moss Hair Studio raising money for Shoebox Project KATE HARTLE
Contributor
UNDERCURRENT PHOTO
Crafters, sauces,, jams, preserve es, food, fruit lea ather, kale, squash, Winter vegeta ables, baked go oods, seeds, arttisans and more e! All ages welcome
The West Coast Symphony and guests chamber concert
Bowen Island Community School students Maeve, Sawyer, Makayla and Addison and teacher Andrea Layzell are teaming up with Kate Hartle of Moss Hair Studio in this year’s shoebox drive for North Shore women’s shelters. The Shoebox Project for Women, supported by Dream, collects and distributes gift-filled shoeboxes to women affected by homelessness in communities across Canada and the U.S. Each thoughtful-
ly created and decorated shoebox is filled with items valued at $50 that can enhance self-esteem and reduce feelings of isolation for women in need. For a complete guide of what to include in your box visit shoeboxproject.com. Cash donations and completed boxes can be dropped off at Moss Hair Studio and completed shoeboxes and individual items can be dropped off either at the studio or BICS during school hours. Deadline: Dec. 13.
Bowen Island Community Choir
WINTER CONCERT Sunday Dec 15, 2 pm
Dec. 14
Cates Hill Chapel 2:00 & 7:30 pm $20 Adults $15 Students & Seniors Tickets at Cates Pharmacy & the Door
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THURSDAY DECEMBER 5 2019 • 11
I've got my island to keep me warm
UNION STEAMSHIP COMPANY STORE IN THE COVE
BAA WINTER AND CRAFT FAIR AT BICS DEC 7TH 10 – 1 PM
The most wonderful time of year is here and we have that special treasure for everyone on your list - unique stocking stuffers, stylish home decor and maritime classics! We look forward to seeing you this holiday season.
Crafters, sauces, jams, preserves, food, fruit leather, kale, squash, Winter vegetables, baked goods, seeds, artisans and more! All ages welcome!
DOC MORGAN’S RESTAURANT & PUB IN THE COVE
Cloudflower presents a show of local painter Gregg Simpson’s acrylic paintings, all reasonably priced and lots of new pottery including recent student work. Hours are 12-4 pm. Monday to Sunday. Open Boxing Day. 604-947-2522
Traditional pub fare and that little bit more! Daily lunch and dinner specials plus festive treats beginning December 15th. And don’t forget Martinis with Santa Friday December 13th. Catch him before he gets really busy!
PHOENIX IN VILLAGE SQUARE
Spend the Holidays playing games and doing puzzles with the whole family! Puzzles and board games for all ages - Throws, Candles, and Picture Frames Cook-books, Adult & Children’s literature - Arts and Crafts, Toys and more!
FLORA SHAMANA BLOOMS, fsblooms@yahoo.com
Love the flowers at Ruddy and the Bowen Farmer’s Market? Ask Santa for a 2020 Seasonal Flower Share. One bouquet per week for a month. Order at fsblooms.com and choose a month. Online purchases receive a digital gift certificate via email.
CLOUDFLOWER CLAYWORKS AT ARTISAN SQUARE
THE GALLERY AT COVE COMMONS
Share the gift of arts and culture with someone special this Christmas: concert tickets, a workshop, a book, or a handmade creation from It’s A Wrap at the Gallery @ Cove Commons. Gift Certificates available. www.thehearth.ca
OUT OF THE BLUE BOUTIQUE IN THE COVE
Apart from fabulous clothing other great gifts include - cards, Voluspa Candles, hats, scarves, jewelery, fun socks, Papaya bags & accessories. 30 % off Fall and Winter clothing sale on now. Open 10 – 6 daily
CATCHING STARS GALLERY IN THE COVE
Enjoy the Season of Gift Giving made easy at Catching Stars Gallery – Ornaments, Artworks, Jewellery, Hand Turned Pens, Ceramics, etc. We offer Complimentary Gift Wrap also. Open Daily 11 – 5. catchingstarsgallery.com
Catching Stars Gallery
The Rivendell Community invites you to join us for our pre-Christmas Open House Sunday, December 8, 2019 from 2:30 " 5:30 pm
C atc hing S t ar s G A L L E RY 3 SIMPLE STEPS : 1. Fill in Wish List
2. Give it to Someone who Loves you
Open Daily 11—5 pm
3. Enjoy Gifts!
Late Night Shopping Thurs, Dec 5th til 8pm
_1.______________________________ _2.______________________________ _3.______________________________ _4.______________________________ _5.______________________________ _6.______________________________ _7.______________________________ Catching Stars Gallery
#1 - 479 Bowen Island Trunk Road, Bowen Island, BC info@catchingstarsgallery.com 1(780)720-5268 catchingstarsgallery.com
Find what Inspires your Holiday Gift Giving Nov 20 - Dec 24th
at Rivendell Retreat Centre at the top of Cates Hill, Bowen Island We will pause at 4 pm around the tree to share some reflections on the spirit of the season. Refreshments will be provided. As one of the charitable organizations on Bowen, we would like to express our gratitude to the many Bowen Islanders who support Rivendell -- from driving guests up the hill, to volunteering time and energy at work bees, to donating financially. Thank you for helping us serve this community.
12 • THURSDAY DECEMBER 5 2019
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Editor’s note about “Reconnecting in the wake of tragedy”: Shilanne Stedmances disappeared Nov. 4. Evidence suggests that she fell into the ocean but the case is officially still a missing persons case. However, as the worst is assumed, Shilanne’s family and friends are mourning her disappearance and assumed death.
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$600 per week. $100 per night or $180 for two nights. Please call 604-833-3922 or 780-966-8899
FREE
Tuesday December 10th
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Caring Circle, Snug Cove
HEARING TESTS & NexGen Hearing HEARING AID CLEAN & CHECKS 604-281-3691
PHOTO COURTESY OF TAMMY SANHEDRAI
James Barker, Shakar Lay, Jesse Olivier, Evan Passier, Christopher Atkinson, Liam Jackson, Sara Bryant, Ashlyn Pamplin, Rachel Sinclair and Tammy Sanhedrai gathered to pause, grieve and connect after the disappearance and assumed death of Shilanne Stedmances.
Reconnecting in the wake of tragedy AS BOWEN HAS LOST THREE YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE LAST YEAR AND A HALF, LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS HAVE BANDED TOGETHER TO PROVIDE SUPPORT FOR MOURNING YOUTH, INCLUDING A TWO-DAY RETREAT LAST WEEK
TAMMY SANHEDRAI
Contributor
This November we lost an important member of our community and a dear friend, Shilanne Stedmances. The ripples of this tragedy have reached many people on our island and further to the North Shore and to her friends and family in New Zealand. Hardest hit are her family DEPARTS SUN to THURS FRI & SAT and friends but also the young people in our community. SNUG COVE 11:15PM 12:15AM Shilanne’s passing marks the third such tragedy for our HORSESHOE BAY 11:30PM 12:30AM community in the past year and a half. On November 7 the land search for Shilanne came to an Scheduled Afternoon Commuter Runs end. I was present when many of her friends learned the Mon - Fri Horseshoe Bay - Snug Cove tragic news. I witnessed a hopelessness and fear in them that was palpable. This was just too much to bear and something needed to be done for this group of young people who have already suffered so much loss. With the generous help of so many businesses, organizations and individuals in this community, we were able to organize a retreat, a place to pause, grieve and connect for those most affected. On November 19, 22 invitations were sent out to young adults ranging from 19 to 26, inviting them to join a twoTelephone: 604-947-2243 day grief and wellness retreat at Xenia Centre on Bowen Island. The retreat was fully actualized by donations of Cellular: 604-250-2630 funds, food, space and time. One hundred per cent. Tug & Barge services Nine young adults attended the retreat on November 27 and 28, along with Shilanne‘s mother, Joanne Raymont, Special Event Cruises and Xenia founder, Angelyn Toth. The program provided PRIVATE CHARTERS AVAILABLE ANYTIME the group with yoga, meditation, talking circles, music, art and delicious food. There was crying and there was laughemail: cormorantmarine@telus.net ter. There was connecting and reconnecting. It was good. web: cormorantwatertaxi.com How were we able to make this retreat happen? Through the kindness, generosity, openness and availability of those Since 1978 in our community. Specifically: • The Caring Circle, who provided encouragement, education and funding. • Xenia Centre, who provided the space and time, along with the wisdom and expertise of Angelyn Toth and Saria. • The Village Baker, the Bowen Island Pub and Tuscany restaurant, who provided us with comforting and delicious nourishment Bowen Island Rotary, with the support of throughout the retreat • Individuals who helped Bowen Waste Service, will be sponsoring out in the kitchen: Hayley a town hall style question and answer session with Bradley, Jane Miller, and Sharon Sluggett, who ended Daniel Rotman, Master Recycler up bringing much more to the retreat by way of listening Collins Hall, December 12, at 7:30 pm and sharing their wisdom and experiences with participants. • Lisa Wrinch of the Bowen Island Community Foundation, who gave direcPlease bring your questions. tion and encouragement for
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All are welcome.
the vision. Capilano Rock and Gem in North Vancouver, who supplied us with an artistic outlet. • Joanne Raymont, who shared her experiences, her memories and her love. • Sara Bryant (counselor, yoga instructor, and mother extraordinaire), who didn’t know Shilanne before the tragedy but devoted all her expertise, time, support, energy and presence to co-organizing and co-facilitating. She knows Shilanne now. James Barker (youth worker, songwriter, musician • and extraordinary human being) who devoted his music, heart and soul to helping and co-facilitating this retreat. • Dr. Yvonne McSkimming (caring community philanthropist) who was able to help us nourish our bodies and minds. Finally, I’d like to thank the nine participants for showing up. It took a lot of courage and effort just to be there. All arrived at the retreat with an open mind, an open and heavy heart, and listening ears. They held a space for one another to mourn and remember. They listened and learned they were not alone in their difficult journeys, not only with their common thread of mourning but the struggles of life in general. The early 20s are inherently a challenging stage of life but in our modern world it has become even harder. The cost of living independently is unrealistic, the supports of childhood seemingly slipping away, neuro-diversity not yet fully understood or accommodated in our society, unhealthy temptations looming everywhere for temporary relief and social media, the greatest “Frenemy” of all. Through this journey I’ve come to understand that these young adults are actually still children in many ways. The early 20s essentially continue to be years of growth and development and an extension of the teen years in our modern world. This cohort needs our support, as do their parents. Since I moved to this island 15 years ago, seven people in their early 20s in our community have passed away. Perhaps this is a microcosm of the rest of the world, but it seems to me like it’s time for action. The retreat was a mammoth success. Thank you to all those who stepped up. If you are or know someone who is aged 15 to 29 years old and looking for access to counselling services, please contact Colleen O’Neil at the Caring Circle, or any member of the Youth at Risk Committee (Neil Boyd, John Stiver, and Lorinda Strang) to apply for this funding. Donations to the Youth at Risk fund can be made through the Bowen Island Community Foundation. Caring Circle: (604) 947-9100 info@caringcircle.ca. Community foundation: youthatrisk@bowenfoundation. com. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or addiction issues, help can be found. The Provincial Crisis Centre of BC’s 24/7 helpline is at 1-800-784-2433; with online youth chat and crisis chat available. A BC youth distress line is 604-872-3311. Howe Sound’s 24/7 crisis intervention and suicide prevention line is at 1-866-661-3311. •
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THURSDAY DECEMBER 5 2019 • 13
COMMUNITY CALENDAR ALL OF DECEMBER
Pair with a Bear Christmas at the Bowen Island Museum & Archives Mon- Fri 10 -2pm Sun 12- 4 pm The bears have arrived to bring their annual cheer to the Museum & Archives. This year you’re invited to bring along a toy to display with the bears. The exhibit is in honour of the late Lois Meyers Carter. Ends Dec. 22 It’s a Wrap! Gallery at Cove Commons Open daily 10-4 pm except Tuesdays Gifts by local artists. Sale and exhibit ends Dec 30
THURSDAY DECEMBER 5
Volunteer Appreciation Evening Gallery at Cove Commons 6-8 pm Hearth volunteers and members. The public is welcome.
Late night shopping in the Cove until 8 pm Festive fun and great gifts at Catching Stars Gallery, Connie Wright Originals, Squirrel, the Union Steamship Company Store, and the Gallery at Cove Commons. Duplicate Bridge Bowen Court 6:45 - 10 p.m. Info call Pat at 778-288-7090
FRIDAY DECEMBER 6
Jazz Night at the Pub Bowen Island Pub 7- 10 pm Live Jazz featuring Cindy Fairbank, John Stiver, Steve Fisk and Cam Stephens. Dinner specials, no cover. Youth Centre Drop-In 4-9:30 p.m. bowenyouthcentre.com Dinner at the Legion Doors at 5:30. Dinner at 6:30 Turkey and all the trimmings. Members and guests welcome.
SATURDAY DECEMBER 7
Winter Artisan and Farmers’ Market BICS 10am-12:30pm Winter veggies, perserves, baked
goods, and handmade artisan crafts. ($25 per table, 25 tables) shaxby@hotmail.com with WINTER MARKET or talk to Sarah Haxby to reserve your place/space Mt Gardner Navigation Project Work Party Meet at the clearing 1/2 km past gate on Hikers Trail Rd 9:45 am Join Bowen Island Trail Society and help make routes safer. RSVP to racheldcanning@gmail.com Country & Western at the Legion with the Bowen Buckeroos 7:30 - 11:30 pm Tickets $15 at the Phoenix. All proceeds go to local charities. End of event bus service available. The Big Shiny Christmas Party Bowen Island Pub 9 pm 90’s 2000’s Rock & Alternative maybe even a Punk Christmas classic too with Big Shiny Band. Tickets at the pub. Free wine tasting Bowen Beer and Wine Cellar 3-7 p.m. Danielle Roberts, Appellation Wine Marketing - Featuring BC’s Quail’s Gate and import wines including Prosecco Bowen Island Yacht Club holiday social Doc Morgan’s 3-7 p.m. For anyone who loves or is curious about sailing. There’ll be some boats open in USSC Marina and kids activities
Cove Commons 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. Farewell reception for outgoing executive director, Jaqueline Massey. Music and refreshments. Professional pet photos with Santa Bowen Veterinary Services 11am-4pm Minimum donation $5, proceeds go CAWES and Conscious Compassion Canada Pre-Christmas Open House at Rivendell at the top of Cates Hill 2:30 -5:30 pm Reflections on the spirit of the season and refreshments. Open to all. Outdoor Meditation Circle Meet at the picnic tables at the entrance to Crippen Park 11 am. No cost. More info at lisa.shatzky@gmail.com Christmas Bingo at the Legion Doors at 1:30 Games start at 2 Gift baskets! A 6.5 kg turkey ! Christmas plants! Members and guests welcome. No minors.
TUESDAY DECEMBER 10
Emergency Support Services meeting 7 p.m. “Meet every second Tuesday of the month. contact ESS Director to let us know you’re coming BowenESS@bimbc.ca. “ Bowen Island AA Collins Hall 7:15 pm
WED. DECEMBER 11
SUNDAY DECEMBER 8
Changing Tides: An Ecologist’s Journey to Make Peace with the Anthropocene. Bowen Library 2 pm. Ecologist for Central Coast First Nations, Bowen Islander, and Adjunct Assistant Professor in the School of Environmental Studies at the University of Victoria, Alejandro Frid, PhD, presents on his book, Changing Tides: An Ecologist’s Journey to Make Peace with the Anthropocene. 32nd annual AGM of the HEARTH (B.I.A.C.)
IPS Art Exhibit and Design Open House 6:15-8:15 pm Island Pacific School Art & Design students exhibit their works to the public.
THURS. DECEMBER 12
Duplicate Bridge Bowen Court 6:45 - 10 p.m. Info call Pat at 778-288-7090 Recycling for Bowen Island Collins Hall 19:30 Daniel Rotman of Master Recycler Vancouver presents at Rotary
FRIDAY DECEMBER 13
Martinis with Santa Doc Morgan’s 8 pm An ugly
sweater Christmas party. Live music from Richard Lowy & guests Snug Cove Blues Band Bowen Island Pub 7-10 pm Live music, dinner specials, and no cover
SAT. DECEMBER 14
BI Community Choir Winter Concert Cates Hill Chapel 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm Musical director, Ellen MacIntosh, leads the choir, with special guests The Bowen Quartet, Brian Hoover, and Cam Stephens. Tickets available at Cates Pharmacy. Free wine tasting Bowen Beer and Wine Cellar 2-5 p.m. Paul Jordan, Mondiale - Featuring Bourbon, Cuban Rum and BC wine
drop in $10 7:45 - 9 pm Newcomers welcome!
THURS. DECEMBER 19
Free wine tasting Bowen Beer and Wine Cellar 4-7 p.m. “Karli Mackenzie, Christopher Stewart Featuring Licor 43, Rum and two wines“
SAT. DECEMBER 21
Christmas Tales Tir-na-nOg 2:30 -5:30 pm ”Storyteller, Justyn Rees and singer/songwriters; Russ Rosen, Shari Ulrich and Graham Ord to deliver the songs and stories like you’ve never heard before.”
SUNDAY DECEMBER 22
Annual reading of ‘A Christmas Carol’ Collins Hall 7:30 pm A beloved Bowen tradition and fundraiser for Snug Cove House. Outdoor Meditation Circle Meet at the picnic tables at the entrance to Crippen Park 11 am. No cost. More info at lisa.shatzky@gmail.com
TUESDAY DECEMBER 31
Bowen’s biggest NYE w/ Black Molly Bowen Island Pub Get your tickets early at the pub. Dinner & dance $65.95 or dance only $20
SUNDAY DECEMBER 15
Knick Knack Nook shopping day Noon-2 p.m. For children 3-12 to come to the store to choose gifts for their families. Prices will be greatly reduced and volunteers on hand to help children. Parents can socialize outside. Outdoor Meditation Circle Meet at the picnic tables at the entrance to Crippen Park 11 am. No cost. More info at lisa.shatzky@gmail.com West Coast Symphony and guests winter concert for the community BICS gym 2 pm Admission by donation. All ages welcome.
TUES. DECEMBER 17
Bowen Island AA Collins Hall 7:15 pm
WED. DECEMBER 18
A Child’s Christmas in Wales Snug Cafe 7:30 p.m A well loved Bowen tradition returns featuring Martin Clarke, Bob Doucet & special guest. Admission by donation. All proceeds go toward the Christmas Hamper. Archery at BICS Gym
MUSEUM AND ARCHIVES PHOTO
The museum’s youngest curator cuddles a bear at the Pair with a Bear exhibit, which runs until Dec. 22.
Every time a reader clicks on one of our stories, an advertiser gets their wings. Find out how your business can soar with our Bowen coverage online.
Call Tracey at 604 947 2442 or email ads@bowenislandundercurrent.com
14 • THURSDAY DECEMBER 5 2019
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Bowen Island Community
MARKETPLACE Call to place your ad at
604-630-3300
or 604-444-3000 Email: classifieds@van.net
AUCTIONS
FOR SALE - MISC
BUD HAYNES & WARD’S FALL FIREARMS Auction, Saturday, Dec. 7th at 10 AM. 11802-145 Street, Edmonton, AB. Over 700 Lots, On-Line bidding Antique & Modern Firearms, www.WardsAuctions.com. To consign, call Brad Ward 780-940-8378; Linda Baggaley 403-597-1095 BUSINESS & CONFERENCE CENTER - Williams Lake, BC. Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers Unreserved Auction, December 13 - Edmonton Site. The Pioneer Complex Business & Conference Center, 41,000 +/- Sq Ft Multi-Purpose Multi-Tenant Conference Center Building. Jerry Hodge: 780.706.6652; Brokerage: Re/Max Dawson Creek Realty; rbauction.com/realestate.
@bowenislandundercurrent.com THANK YOU FOR RECYCLING THIS NEWSPAPER.
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INVENTORS! Ideas wanted! Call Davison today! 1.800.218.2909 or visit us at inventing.davison.com/BC Free inventor’s guide!
HEALTH & WELLNESS Dr. Susanne Schloegl M.D.
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
Dr. Dana Barton
Naturopathic Physician 596 B. Artisan Square
604-730-1174 Natural Family Medicine
Dr. Gloria Chao HOLISTIC COUNSELLING Brooke Evans, MSW, RSW 604-781-3987
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SUDOKU
BC WIDE CLASSIFIEDS BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
HEALTH CARE ASSISTANT
Phone Hours: Mon to Fri 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Office Hours: 9 am to 5 pm
SHIATSU Shiatsu massage therapy follows traditional Chinese medicine to restore your body’s health with flow and relaxation.
Vicky Frederiksen
Certified Shiatsu Practitioner. 778-881-9012 call or text email: v.gathe@gmail.com
BOWEN ISLAND WELLNESS CENTRE 604-947-9755
Located in Artisan Square
MARY MCDONAGH
Dr. Alea Bell, ND
❦
RMT, DCH Registered Massage Therapist
604-338-5001
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HEIDI MATHER
Registered Acupuncturist, Homeopath, Doula
Mary Coleman, MSW, RSW Compassion minded counselling
778-233-4425
MARY MCDONAGH RMT HARMONY SHIRE RMT ALICIA HOPPENRATH RMT KIM HOWDEN RMT
Celebrating 29 years
Registered Acupuncturist Registered Nutritionist
Julie Hughes, RPC
Book online bowenislandwellnesscentre.ca
778-858-2669
Community Healthcare
Psychologist
Lifelabs
Dr. Carolyn Nesbitt PhD, R.Psych #1484
Dr. Zandy’s former office
INHABIT
Alternate Fridays 10am - 4:30pm
Massage Therapy Matthew van der Giessen
FREE
RMT
www.bowenislanddental.com
778-891-0370
Registered Physiotherapist
SANDY LOGAN
604-281-3691
On Bowen Island @ Caring Circle West Vancouver
Naturopathic Doctor
Courtney Morris, R.Ac
Artisan Square 604-947-0734
Horseshoe Bay 604-921-8522
Online Booking: www.birchwellness.com
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NexGen Hearing
Hearing Testing
@ Artisan Square
Dr. Traditional Chinese Medicine/Acupuncturist
Family Dentist
Call us at
604-947-9755 EXT #1
At entrance to Artisan Square Suite #597
CATHERINE SHAW
BOWEN ISLAND
MASSAGE THERAPY
SOMATIC CENTRE
(778) 952-3757 566 Artisan Square www.inhabitcentre.ca
Breathe Move Touch
Counselling
604-376-9801 www.CarolynNesbitt.com
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
THURSDAY DECEMBER 5 2019 • 15
‘Tis the season to volunteer for CSA bottle sorting at BIRD ALEXIS COOPER
Community School Association
The Community School Association (CSA) has been lucky enough to be the recipient of the December bottle sorting refund from the Bowen Island Recycling Depot (BIRD) for the last several years. We are once again looking for volunteers this December to help support us with this program. This is one of the CSA’s biggest fundraisers of the year but that success doesn’t come without a lot of hard work by community volunteers throughout the month at BIRD. The CSA supports the Bowen Island Community School as the hub of community life by encouraging community development and life-long learning, leading to strong families, a healthier community and enhancement of the quality of life for all ages. We help to orga-
nize and fund a long list of community initiatives including: • Supporting the Welcome Carving that was completed this last year outside BICS. • Bringing the Vancouver Symphony to BICS (West Coast Symphony) twice a year. • Holding community nights in the BICS gym. • Funding the Learning Lounge (former Homework Club) after-school program. Sponsoring educational programs such as the garden and nutrition program for • students to visit farms to learn about where food comes from and food sustainability • Providing rental subsidies for various community groups to access BICS rooms and facilities. So, whether you have taken part in any of these initiatives or just support what we do, we would love your help this December! If you have a few hours to contribute, please visit our sign-up site: slotted.co/csa-bird2019 (all training will be provided).
BOWEN HOME SERVICES love the life you live Accounting Bookkeeping Taxation Virtual CPA
Leila Swann, CPA, CA 604-318-5414 leila@greenbooks.ca www.greenbooks.ca
CUSTOM WOOD SIGNS
Wood & metal work designs rendered with a CNC Router to produce commercial quality work. From custom signs to furniture.
located on Bowen Island
Craig 604-366-2229 • 778-722-0269 • craig@seatoskycnc.com
Window Blinds On Bowen 778-995-1902
NEW CONSTRUCTION
GUTTERS & SNOWBARS
RENOVATIONS RESTORATION ADDITIONS SECONDARY STRUCTURES UNIQUE OUTDOOR SPACES
(604) 947-2025
SUB CONTRACT WORK
BUILT GREEN BC BUILDER CONTACT US FOR A FREE QUOTATION WWW.WHITEHART.CA ADDRESS 302-566 ARTISAN LANE BOWEN ISLAND, BC PHONE 1 (778) 999-3434
A T
AQUA TERRA EAVESTROUGHS A BOWEN ISLAND FAMILY COMPANY
Landscape Lighting Irrigation
Seascape Bruce Culver
Office: 604-947-9686
Cell: 604-329-3045
BOWEN ISLAND SPECIALISTS! QUALITY SERVICE GUARANTEED! Keep Calm and Call Econo
604.980.3333
991 West First Street, North Vancouver, BC www.economovingandstorage.com
live the life you love To reserve a spot on this page, contact us at 604-947-2442 or ads@bowenislandundercurrent.com
16 • THURSDAY DECEMBER 5 2019
WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM
WE ARE HIRING! The Bowen Island Arts Council, now operating as the Hearth, is seeking an experienced administrative leader to serve as the full-time Executive Director (ED). Reporting to the Board of Directors, the ED is responsible for the overall management of the non-profit organization, including all operational activity, programming, administration, and financial processes, according to the policies, strategic directions, and budgets approved by the Board of Directors. For more information, please visit: https://www.allianceforarts.com/job-board/2019/11/25/executive-director Deadline for applications is: December 10, 2019
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SWEET STAND
The Sweet Stand’s 2019 Gingerbread Village Challenge entry.
Thank you for choosing local. It’s a gingerbread world
By the looks of her suitcase, Holly Elf sure likes to travel. Holly’s frosted journeys are the subject of the Sweet Stand’s 2019 entry for the Grouse Mountain Gingerbread Village Challenge, a fundraiser for B.C. Children’s Hospital. “We’re so honoured to have been asked to participate again this year, B.C. Children’s Hospital is such an important and vital place for many families and by creating a gingerbread house and doing what we do, in turn we’re able to raise awareness and funds for all of the amazing work they do there,” said Sweet Stand owners Burle Konopa and Jess Skett in an email. Last year the local bakers created a scene from Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer for the competition, a feat that required computer-aided 3D designs. This year the competition theme was “all around the world.” “So we came up with idea to create our gingerbread structure as a suitcase to mimic Holly Elf’s (the suitcase owner) travels around the world taking photos and collecting little souvenirs, as she makes her way back to the North Pole for the holidays.” Other entries in this year’s Gingerbread Village Challenge include a Wall-E gingerbread figure and an Arc de Triomphe. Online voting and a panel of celebrity judges determine the winner. The voting ends Jan. 5. To vote or donate to B.C. Childrens’ Hospital, visit grousemountain.com/gingerbread-village-2019.
Artisan Office Services Infformation: Linda Pffeifff (9625)), Janice Skeels (952 24)), Pernille Nielsen (2210), or Ian Thompson (329-8097)
What will you buy on Bowen this week? Community Economic Development Committee
p
Bowen Island Christmas Hamper Drive Printing Courtesy of Artisan Office Services