THANKS, BRONWYN: Odes to an editor PAGE 6
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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2021
A HEAD TURNER
VOL. 47 NO. 45
BIUndercurrent
BowUndercurrent www.bowenislandundercurrent.com
Tiny owl delights PAGE 3
Rain-drenched island digs out
Island spared most of damage rocking the rest of province MARTHA PERKINS
Interim Editor
the Vancouver Courier. Kurial’s admiration of the way his friend was managing the challenges of being half of a two-person newspaper took on a hint of envy when the pandemic hit.
It wasn’t just copious amounts of rain that fell on Bowen Island on Monday. The “atmospheric river” also caused rocks and debris to tumble down an embankment in Eaglecliff and block a culvert. With passageway under the road jammed near the S curve, the rain water went over the road, resulting in flood damage. “That’s where we focused most of our energy,” says Sophie Idsinga, Bowen Island Municipality’s communications co-ordinator. The road was closed from roughly 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. with traffic reductions afterwards. There were about a dozen trouble spots for the municipality’s public works department. Another area of concern was Whitesails Road at Reef Road. Grafton Lake came close to spilling its banks but major problems were avoided. The municipality did receive calls from people whose houses flooded but none of the families had to leave their homes as a result. “Everything yesterday was just sheer volume of water coming from everywhere,” Idsinga says, adding “We were really impressed by the effort everyone put in. It was all hands on deck with our public works and fire departments. Even the mayor was out with his chainsaw.”
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CONTINUED PAGE 8
MARTHA PERKINS PHOTO
A FATHER REMEMBERED: Sisters Tina
Neilsen and Pernille Neilsen share an emotional hug after laying a wreath in honour of their late father and his fellow Danish resistance soldiers at the November 11 Remembrance Day service at the cenotaph. More photos page 9
New editor arrives November 29 Alex Kurial has envied Island’s strengths from afar MARTHA PERKINS
Interim Editor
Alex Kurial always enjoyed reading about Bronwyn Beairsto’s life as the editor of the Bowen Island Undercurrent.
The two had met when they were both doing their master’s in journalism at Carleton University. Beairsto was a year ahead but their lives converged, if only briefly, when they were interns at
10 year Anniversary Celebration! SUPER SAMPLE SALE
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LECTION MADE IN ITALY BUFFALO FOR MEN SWEATERS COAT AND JEANS
FANTASTIC PRICES! ASSORTED SIZES! in the cove below the pub 604 947 0881
A2 • Thursday, November 18, 2021
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We’re hiring: Roads Crew Person
Events
BIM seeks to fill a vacancy for an existing Roads Crewperson position in Public Works.
November 22, 2021 6:15 pm Regular Council Meeting
November 23, 2021 7:00 pm Parks, Trails and Greenways Advisory Committee All meetings are online via Zoom and
open to the public, unless noted otherwise.
Development in Hazardous Areas: What do you think?
Bowen Island Municipality is considering regulating development in hazardous areas on Bowen Island and is considering a future Hazardous Development Permit Area. The establishment of a new Development Permit Area would require an amendment to Bowen Island Municipality Land Use This is a full time position at 35 hours per week normally between 8:00 Bylaw No. 57, 2002. am to 3:30 pm, Monday through Friday; these times may be adjusted The Municipality is interested in what you think about the proposed to meet specific requirements. Development Permit Area. Virtual open houses will be held from 2pm – 4pm on Wednesday, December 8, 2021 and Thursday, December For more information and to apply: 9, 2021 on Zoom. Printed Information will also be available at the Municipal Hall the week of December 6-10. www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/jobs The Roads Crewperson is an outside labourer and will primarily be responsible for assisting with the maintenance of the Municipality’s roads, parks, beaches, and trail infrastructure. In addition, winter maintenance requirements will consist of snow clearing from roadways and applying anti-ice material amongst other duties.
Information about these open houses, including login information, is available at www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/voh
Thanks for participating in the creation of Bowen’s Community Economic Development Plan
For more information on this please visit
www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/planning
Inquiries regarding the proposed bylaws may be directed to Daniel Martin at 604-947-4255 or by email at dmartin@bimbc.ca
Island Survey results are in! Thank you to everyone who responded to Island Survey 2021! We appreciate receiving your feedback on municipal services, emergency preparedness, housing, transportation, and the impact of the pandemic on our local economy on Bowen Island. Your valuable input will be considered in the creation of our strategic plans.
Help stop COVID-19:
Get vaccinated - everyone over 12 is eligible
Stay home if you’re sick
The results are now available on our website. We anticipate that the next survey will be done in 2023. In a Committee of the Whole meeting on November 8, 2021, Hill & Knowlton Strategies presented the draft Community Economic Development Plan, developed over the past two years with extensive community engagement. The plan identifies six economic sectors as key areas of focus and three cross-cutting priorities that intersect with each area. Seven steps are discussed in a path to implementation. The Committee of the Whole recommended that the Community Economic Development Committee report back to Council on how to proceed with implementation.
www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/island-survey
We’d like to thank everyone who participated in the development of the plan, including Bowen Island residents, businesses and community members, the Community Economic Development Committee and the Working Group made up of staff and committee members, and of course our consultant team from Hill & Knowlton Strategies. To read more about the project, please go to Citizenlab:
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bowenisland.citizenlab.co
Contact Bowen Island Municipality PAID ADVERTISEMENT November 18, 2021
Phone: Fax: Email: Website:
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Thursday, November 18, 2021
bowenislandundercurrent.com • A3
A whole lot of cuteness in a very tiny owl MARTHA PERKINS
Interim editor
Lily Kapoor loves find-it books. “I have eagle eyes,” the four-yearold islander says unabashedly. And so she does. On the morning of November 9, she was walking with her mother Rosie Drescher and their family dog through the Meadow. As her mother and dog walked on ahead, Lily’s attention was grabbed by something she’d never seen before. “I thought my eyes were tricking me but they weren’t,” she says. There, perched in a thistle at Lily’s eye level was a tiny northern sawwhet owl. Having just read Farley Mowat’s book Owls in the Family, Lily was thrilled to spot her own real-life version. “He was pretty chill,” her mother says of the owl. “He let us get close and then he flew away.” The owl was only about 10 centimetres tall so at first mother and daughter wondered whether it was a baby. “For the whole rest of the day
I was aching from its cuteness,” Drescher says. She posted a photo on the Bowen Island & Everything Else Facebook page: “Who’s this tiny cutie? My 4 year old spotted it in the meadow this morning. We all died of cuteness. Pygmy owl? It was only 4” high. Not a baby.” Members answered the mystery. The tiny visitor was a northern saw-whet which the All About Birds website describes this way: “A tiny owl with a catlike face, oversized head, and bright yellow eyes, the Northern Saw-whet Owl is practically bursting with attitude. Where mice and other small mammals are concerned this fierce, silent owl is anything but cute. One of the most common owls in forests across northern North America (and across the U.S. in winter), saw-whets are highly nocturnal and seldom seen. Their high-pitched too-too-too call is a common evening sound in evergreen mountain forests from January through May.” And although saw-whets are usually hard to spot, Bowen Island is part of its usual range across
Night ferry schedule changes Nov. 22
This northern saw-whet owl was spotted by four-year-old Lily Kapoor, at right with her mother Rosie Drescher, in the Meadow on Nov. 9. Owl photo: Rosie Drescher much of United States and a broad swath of Canada from west to east. The post created a lot of excitement among the Facebook members, many of whom went to the Meadow to try to spot it. The Dreschers also returned the next day but the owl was farther away. They haven’t seen it since but Lily will be sure to keep her eyes out for other amazing discoveries.
Bowen Islanders who are spending the day in town will soon have more time to return — as long as it’s not on a Saturday night. Starting on November 22, the night schedule of BC Ferries is changing. Passengers on either side of the Howe Sound will have up to an additional 30 minutes before the ferry lights slip away into the night sky. • the shift in ferry schedules begins with the 7:25 p.m. ferry leaving Bowen Island and the 8 p.m. ferry leaving Horseshoe Bay • the last ferry to leave Horseshoe Bay will be at 10:30 p.m. every day except Saturday when the time remains at 10 p.m. • the last ferry to leave Bowen Island will be at 11 p.m. every day except Saturday when the time remains at 10:30 p.m.
GRATEFUL FOR OUR SPONSORS:
A 2 KM FUN OBSTACLE COURSE FOR AGES 11 TO 111
SIGN IN & REGISTER A TEAM
A fun, challenging 2 km obstacle competition, raced in teams of 2 to 4, from ages 11 to 111. Everyone is welcome! Prizes for winners by category and costumes!
FUN, FOOD, ENTERTAINMENT AND CELEBRATIONS
for spectators of all ages. Come out to cheer on the mudder teams.
DONATE
Online silent auction November 12 to 22nd. Donate to the auction, bid online, contact us to sponsor the event.
PRIZE DRAW
Every individual registered in the Mudder Race will have a chance to win a (4) night Mayan Palace Mexico stay, at a choice of 4 locations! Parent(s) win when the racer is under 19. Draw taking place following race, 4pm, Nov 20th.
WHY ARE WE FUNDRAISING?
Through generous donations from Smooth Stones Foundation and Bowen Island Properties, IPS is in a position to build a dream community Field House, providing students with much needed shelter for their athletics and activities and offering Bowen a desirable community space. Our goal is to raise $400,000 to fulfill this dream. A portion of funds raised will also support Student Bursaries and our commitment to ensure the broadest possible access to those who want to attend the school.
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Thursday, November 18, 2021
VIEWPOINTS EDITORIAL
Forgiveness
In the many conversations that Bronwyn Beairsto and I had about life as a newspaper editor on Bowen Island, one thing that struck me was her belief in islanders’ willingness to forgive. It may come as a surprise to social media followers who have grown accustomed to acerbic online commentary but, time and time again, she felt blessed by the community’s willingness to forgive her of her journalistic sins. She said that when the community knows you’re trying your best, and that your mistakes are clearly unintentional, people might get upset by your wrongdoings but they will never lose faith that next week things will be better. She believed in Bowen Island as much as Bowen Island believed in her. There will be many times over the next few weeks when I too will have to rely on the community’s understanding. Stories won’t get posted to the website as quickly or as often as they should. I might not be able to handle everyone’s story requests. I won’t know the answers to every question. But I am trying to uphold the very high standards that Bronwyn set. Alex Kurial will also be grateful for a little bit of patience when he settles into his new role as the Undercurrent’s next editor. He’s in the midst of packing up his life in Ontario and will set off in his car for a solo drive across half a continent this weekend. (Let’s hope there are no road closures from natural disasters to have to deal with.) He’s already impressed by what Bronwyn has told him about Bowen Island. The two met at Carleton University in Ottawa and their paths converged again when they were both interns at the Vancouver Courier. They share an innate curiosity, a love of people and a willingness to challenge themselves to embrace new experiences. They’ve each stepped outside their comfort zone numerous times and while the anxiety never leaves them, they won’t let their fears get prevent them from discovering what the world has in store for them. Martha Perkins, interim editor
In praise of balanced reporting On November 8, Bowen Island mayor Gary Ander ended the council meeting with a tribute to outgoing Undercurrent editor Bronwyn Beairsto. The following is a transcript of his comments, edited for length. Read other nice things that the community had to say about Bronwyn on page 6. Bronwyn, you have been such an asset to the community and we at the municipality have enjoyed a great relationship with you as editor of the Undercurrent. You’ve done a fabulous job. All of Bowen thanks you for that. We appreciate all your reporting on municipal happenings and your fair, factual and balanced viewpoint. I just can’t say enough about how balanced your approach has been. We also appreciate your community-mindedness when it comes to putting together informative, fulsome, interesting and fun local news. Bowen Island is a better place for you being there. We’re going to miss you.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Keep trail decisions in local hands To the Editor: Ten years ago this week, on November 19, 2011, Bowen Islanders narrowly voted against establishing a national park on the island. Proponents wanted the park status to ensure environmental and habitat protection of Crown land while those most vocally against argued that the municipality would have the final say over how Crown lands would be used, and that any such concerns were unwarranted. The issue at hand, a decade later, is a move to have the province sanction recreation motor vehi-
cle access on trails all around Mt. Gardner in addition to the 35km of motor access trails established in the Radar Hill area. Council has voted twice to turn down the request but the province seems more sympathetic to a very small group of Bowen Islanders and substantial and sophisticated lobbying by off-island groups who are wanting more access to terrain wherever possible for their high-performance gas (and now electric) powered machines. The Bowen Island Trail Society recently polled their membership and the vast majority indicated they were against any motorized access.
Bowen Island Undercurrent Subscription Rates: Mailed 1 year subscription on Bowen Island: $55, including GST. Within Canada: $85 including GST Newsstand (Single Copy) $1.50 per copy, including GST
ISSN 7819-5040
Richard Helm
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. Please limit to under 500 words. HERE’S HOW: To submit a letter to the editor mail it to 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 advertising Monday, 4 p.m. DEADLINE for editorial Tuesday 5 p.m.
A considerable outcry from folks on Bowen, directed to the responsible provincial ministers, is needed to get their attention on this matter. Unless the province respects our council’s rulings that reflect the will of islanders, we can expect that the hiking trails on Mt. Gardner will soon provide a very different experience for us locals, and the surrounding biosphere, to what we have today. We cannot allow this loss of municipal and community self-determination regarding the future of this Bowen Island gem.
National NewsMedia Council.
EDITOR Bronwyn Beairsto 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
SPECIAL THANK-YOU Audrey Grescoe
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.
Thursday, November 18, 2021
Jeanne Sarich retires from Cloudflower Clayworks JANI CARROLL
Arts Pacific Gallery
We at Arts Pacific Gallery would like to pass along Jeanne Sarich’s gratitude to her clients and the community at large who have supported her passion for pottery over the past 13 years on Bowen Island. Her cheerful presence in Artisan Square and the cove will be missed. Jeanne is retiring from Cloudflower Clayworks due to health issues and is residing with her sister in Surrey. She hopes to get back to potting in the near future and will keep us posted about that. We will continue to carry her pottery at Arts Pacific Gallery (with many items on sale) until the end of the year to honour the time and energy she put into our Co-op gallery since joining. We all wish Jeanne a speedy recovery and good health going forward with the hope that she will be back to creating with clay. “On a practical level, working with clay is just something nice to do,” she told New Zealand writer Nicole Barratt in a profile in WomenClan magazine. “But clay is cosmic dust. It’s the stuff of us... When an artist creates a figure out of clay, it feels very god-like... “To smell clay, to look at it, to squeeze it, shape it, fire and colour it, it makes me happy. To me you have to ask yourself, ‘Well why am I here?’ I’m here to have fun. This is what I love. That’s how basic it is.” Spoiler alert: There will probably be pottery happening on the site in the near future. Stay tuned to the Undercurrent for updates. You can read Barratt’s full profile on the Undercurrent’s website. Search for “Road to clay: Jeanne Sarich’s ceramic journey.”
604-947-9434
“Clay is cosmic dust. It’s the stuff of us,” Jeanne Sarich told WomenClan journalist Nicole Barratt. Health concerns have prompted Sarich to leave Bowen Island but her clayworks will still be available at Arts Pacific Gallery. NICOLE BARRATT PHOTO
Sip & Tell cider reaches the semi finals in competition in England MARTHA PERKINS
Riley’s Cidery has reached the semi-finals of the World Cider Awards. And while the organic McIntosh apples featured in its Sip & Tell entry were not grown at the orchard on Bowen Island, the success is capping a year that’s had both challenges and victories for the nascent business. Last week, a Supreme Court judge decided in favour of Bowen Island Municipality’s decision to grant a temporary use permit to Christine Hardie and Rob Purdy to operate the cidery at their property on Laura Road. “It’s been a difficult process for us to go through but it was our neighbours’ right [to petition against the TUP],” says Purdy, who was minding the trees on Bowen while Hardie was in England for the cider championships. “We’re happy the way it ended up. It’s been a bit of a cloud hanging over
Bowen Island Heritage Preservation Association AGM, 6pm, Nov 23, online, email shaxby@hotmail.com for a link. Please put AGM in the subject heading.
Bring a little old world Ceremony & Ritual to your Holiday Season with a visit to Alderwood Farm Specialty Food & Gift Shop "Celebrate LIfe with Good Friends & Good Food"
Riley’s Cidery getting global accolades Interim Editor
bowenislandundercurrent.com • A5
our family’s business for the last six months so it’s nice we can finally move on from it.” A couple of years ago, the couple bought the cherished apple orchard established by John and Josephine Riley and opened the cidery this past summer. The property features 1,200 trees which produce almost 1,000 varieties of apples. They also lease an apple orchard in the Similkameen Valley and use its apples to augment the harvest on Bowen Island. It was a dry summer for the orchards but the couple had access to enough water to nourish the trees. The two ciders which feature Bowen apples — Long Lost Apples and Dopple Jack, using quince from two bountiful trees — are now fermenting. In a couple of weeks, the couple’s Christmas sparkling cider will be available for sale. Meanwhile, over in England... Riley’s Cidery is entered in the Modern Cider category. It came second out of 24 entries in its first round. The winners will be announced on Friday, November 19.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS! from all ofus atThe Ruddy
ADVENT CALENDARS IN STORE NOW!
grab one soon while supplies last!
OUR CAFÉ IS NOW OPEN 7 DAYS AWEEK!
Serving up soups, sandwiches, yummy treats & festive holiday drinks. Open 11am-4pm Everyday!
WE’RE HIRING!
barista and café assistant APPLY IN STORE
CHRISTMAS TREES
COMING SOON!
MONDAYS NOV. 29 & DEC. 6!
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Thursday, November 18, 2021
Dear Bronwyn: Readers thank outgoing editor It has been a pleasure to work with Bronwyn over the last few years on the many events and happenings around Bowen Island. She’s done a wonderful job with the Undercurrent! Joan Vyner We have been summer residents of Bowen since 1986 and have seen a lot of Undercurrent editors come and go. Some have had excellent writing and editing skills, and some have shown their heartfelt love and appreciation for the community. Bronwyn has done both, so very well, Gloria and Ron Chalmers I have been very impressed with Bronwyn’s editorship. She has handled the position — not an easy one in a small, opinionated community like ours — with a skill set way beyond. I find it impossible to see how she, as one person, gave such good coverage of the issues and activities here. I see her being the editor of the Globe and Mail in the not too distant future! Ann Ramsay P.S. Bronwyn will miss her great side-kick, Tracey, who has given her energy and commitment to the newspaper for years. Bronwyn did a terrific job and was really helpful to Bowen Island Food Resilience so I’m really sorry to see her go, Elaine Cameron Many readers, like me, were deeply dismayed and disappointed on reading that Bronwyn was leaving. She did a stellar job elevating the quality of our commu-
nity newspaper. We look forward to meeting her replacement and working with him to help make the transition a good one for all of us, Bruce Russell Bronwyn is an incredibly talented, professional and dedicated journalist with grounded integrity. She expressed unbiased truth and provide balanced perspective on serious matters, yet also infused personality into the fun pieces with wit, creativity and humour. I’m so sad that Bowen has to say goodbye to her. A true gem! Candy Ho
Here are samplings of comments on Facebook… You have shown wonderful ways to probe/understand our community and generate interesting stories. All the best, Tom Hodgkins What a great job you did. Bowen is better because of you. Too short but happy to see you move to bigger and better things, Barry Pynn You have done an awesome job in a challenging and difficult position, Dee Elliott Awww....I’m happy for your future but sad for Bowen Islanders, the Undercurrent, and the arts community You have been so supportive and conscientious in serving Bowen! Shari Ulrich You did an amazing job. We’ll miss you do much. You never missed an important Bowen Island event. Hugs, Colleen O’Neil
As we all watch your career flourish, we can all be so proud that it all started here on Bowen! Murray Atherton You’ve been just fantastic and will be sorely missed. Simply the best. Love from Jude and I, Paul Hooson You’ve added so much to the community and the Undercurrent. All the best in your new world! Bob Doucet Thank you for all your wonderful stories captured and for keeping us in the loop. Wishing you a wonderful writing journey - onward. XX, Sue Fairburn Oh dear! A gem you are, gifted, curious, fair. The best to you! Ian Thomson Thank you so much for helping us tell our story these past few years. You took a big mantle, wore it squarely on your shoulders and did our little community proud, Chris Corrigan Thank you for doing such a fabulous and professional job for our island. You will be missed, Georgia Nicols Bronwyn, you have created a fantastic paper over the years. You are so gifted and will be missed by your Bowen community, Susan Pratt Thank you, Bronwyn, for all of your support of the arts on Bowen and for always being so friendly with
your lovely smile, Xo Emilie Kaplun The paper thrived under your watch so thank you and best wishes, Sophie Taylor Noooooo! I have enjoyed your work so much and you seem like a big part of Bowen. I’m sure you are destined for great things. Best of luck and always carry Bowen in your heart, Jean Bradbury You have indeed done an awesome job putting out very interesting and fair articles. Do come back and visit! Suzanne Allan That makes me really sad...
and at the same time: Go for it Bronwyn. You will rock socks off anywhere. You worked so hard, committed so much time and effort into our little island paper, very grateful for the quality you delivered, Inez Ortner Bronwyn has knitted our community through her ear-to-theground reporting and her heartful editorials, Rebecca Tunnacliffe Thanks for the fantastic newspaper sharing all kinds of beautiful, inspiring and enriching stories about and from people and events in our community. It was a great pleasure to work with you, Ellen Hayakawa
BEST NEIGHBOURHOOD BEST RESIDENTIAL DISPLAY BRIGHTEST DISPLAY BEST CHILDREN THEMED & BEST TREE DISPLAY If you would like to be a contestant please email: lightupbowen@gmail.com
Thursday, November 18, 2021
bowenislandundercurrent.com
‘A special sort of newspaper’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
He had just accepted a new job as court reporter at the Petrolia Independent in Ontario. Usually a reporting job — coupled with his love of sports — offer an instant springboard into community life. But, with all the lockdown restrictions, his primary interaction with people was over Zoom. Building connections with people is harder when your lives don’t actually interconnect. Meanwhile, although the pandemic also upended life on Bowen, Beairsto’s coverage illustrated that it could also bind people together as they sought ways to keep community life intact. It’s the possibility of forging those meaningful connections that excites Kurial as he prepares to become the Undercurrent’s next editor. “I’ve heard such good things about the paper and the island from Bronwyn,” he says in a telephone interview. “What really struck me is how involved the community is with the newspaper and how everyone cares about it. It’s important to them.”
Kurial will be taking over the editor’s role on November 29 — provided the weather co-operates with his cross-country drive back home to British Columbia. Beairsto began her new role as editor of the Coast Reporter in Sechelt this week and former Undercurrent editor Martha Perkins — who was Beairsto’s and Kurial’s editor at the Courier — will be filling in during the transition. It many ways it will be a big adjustment for Kurial. He took on the reporting job at the Independent because he wanted to get out of his comfort zone as a sports reporter. On Bowen he’s going to hold up a mirror to a community that is very passionate about the island but is also very varied on how that passion should express itself. But some things will be very familiar. Kurial was born in Vancouver. His family moved to Charlottetown when he was three and, at 10, they moved back, this time settling in Richmond. He got his undergraduate at the University of Victoria
with a major in history and a minor in journalism. When the sports editor of the university newspaper noticed how many games Kurial was attending, the editor suggested that Kurial write about the games. A journalist was born. His first full-time gig was as a reporter at the Prince Rupert Northern View. The vistas he woke up to every morning were stunningly beautiful and he thrived on being so immersed in community life. Some people might have found the north to be isolating but, for Kurial, “you’re never really lonely in a community like that.” Sports also echo many of the things he loves about newspapers. Yes, there is an appreciation of the energy and drama that the competition between rivals generates, especially when you’re watching from the stands. But “I like how sports bring people and the community together,” he says, noting that he likes all levels of sports from recreational to professional. As the Undercurrent’s new editor he wants everyone in the
Alex Kurial is excited about returning to his home province but, more importantly, his new gig as editor of the Bowen Island Undercurrent.
community to continue to feel as involved with the newspaper as they were under Beairsto’s stewardship. “It’s a special sort of newspaper,” he says. “It almost seems like its own character on Bowen. That’s what I want to uphold. “I’m looking forward to a nice, long stay on Bowen.” “We are thrilled and delighted that Alex has chosen to join us here at the Undercurrent,” says publisher Peter Kvarnstrom. “Alex’s strong academic background and several years of local reporting, in small markets, make him an ideal candidate.
“With family and roots in the Lower Mainland, Alex will quickly pick up on the local lore and undercurrents on the island. Please join us in welcoming Alex to our wonderful community.” In the meantime, there are certain practicalities of starting a new job — such as finding a place to live on the island. Kurial knows that rental apartments can be hard to find but he’s also willing to start out renting a room in a house. “It doesn’t have to be the end place,” he says. If you know of any housing possibilities, please contact Alex Kurial at alexhk24@gmail.com.
Patient of the Week Ceramics Fibre Arts Jewellry Prints Cards Paintings
OSCAR Meet Oscar! Oscar is a handsome fellow who has visited us for some ongoing gastrointestinal issues. He comes in monthly for B12 injections to help keep his gut healthy. Often when dogs and cats have gastrointestinal disease, they can’t absorb B12 properly from their food so we use supplementation. B12 is used for cell reproduction and growth, without it vital organs can’t perform properly. Oscar is doing well and we enjoy our monthly visits with him!
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Thursday, November 18, 2021
Trust Me returns
Culvert replacement a 2022 goal
Shari Ulrich concert will sing praises to pandemic resilience
FROM PAGE 1
SHARI ULRICH
Contributor
There was a time I could only wistfully recall when we would pack into Tir-na-nOg Theatre for another Trust Me concert. Now, finally, we can gather again! Although it could seem embarrassingly self-serving to present my own music as the first of the return of the series, my inspiration was wanting to thank this remarkable community. Our kindness over the past 18 months and “showing up” to set a fine example of caring for one another by getting vaccinated made me so proud to be a part of an island that has been my home for 28 years. Bowen has been an oasis to ride out such a strange
On November 25, Shari Ulrich will headline the post-pandemic return of her Trust Me concert series. Ulrich, second from right, will be joined by Cindy Fairbank, Julia Graff and Kirby Barber. JULIE GRAFF PHOTO isolating time. So… let’s have some music! I will be joined at Tir-na-nOg Theatre on Thursday, November 25, at 7pm, by our very own beloved Cindy Fairbank on piano, primo bassist Kirby Barber (featured in the international Bass Player Magazine in September) and, if her workload as an engineer per-
mits, my Bowen-grown daughter Julia Graff on fiddle and mandolin. Tickets are at Phoenix (with cash) or at trustme-shariulrich. eventbrite.com On Monday, December 6 the series will present a Bowen (and worldwide!) favourite – John Reischman and the Jaybirds. Those tickets are also available at Phoenix
or at trustme-jaybird.eventbrite. com As you know, you will be required to present your proof of being double vaccinated and masks are required to be worn (unless that changes soon) but we will have a short intermission for self-serve treats and a breath of fresh air outside. Hope to see you there!
“It was very difficult to get [the Eaglecliff culvert] unplugged,” says director of engineering Patrick Graham. His department had to borrow a local contractor’s excavator which, in part, is why his 2022 budget wish list would include purchase of the municipality’s own equipment. Culvert replacement is also high on the priority list. “We have a lot of old steel culverts and we’re trying to address those of the highest need.” The culvert on Eaglecliff has a “reasonably high probability” of flooding again, graduating it to close to the top of next year’s list.
light UP
THE HOLIDAY SEASON DECEMBER 4th, 7 pm
As tradition has it the Christmas lights will turn on in the cove on the first Saturday of December at 7 PM. A cannon will signal the switch and the lights will go on, including the FESTIVAL of TREES!
BIG SHOUT OUT to our DONORS
NANCE MOSEley & Christie StAshyn and . . .
DEPARTS SUN to THURS FRI & SA. ed SNUG COVE 11:15PM ns suspend5AM r ru HORSESHOE BAY 12:30AM m m ut e o c d n a t h ig S Afternoon Commuter Runs Late n
Mon - Fri Horseshoe Bay - Snug Cove
We’re still here for essential services such as ambulance transport and we’re here for your private charter needs. Please feel free to call us with your questions as we chart these waters together.
Proudly Celebrating 42 Years of Trusted Transport for Bowen Island & Howe Sound Telephone: 604-947-2243 Cellular: 604-250-2630 Tug & Barge services Special Event Cruises
PRIVATE CHARTERS AVAILABLE ANYTIME email: cormorantmarine@telus.net web: cormorantwatertaxi.com
604-947-2243
Since 1978
This would not happen without your donations. @bowenislandundercurrent.com
Thursday, November 18, 2021
bowenislandundercurrent.com A9
MARTHA PERKINS PHOTOS
Clockwise from top left: the colour party arrives at the cenotaph; Ellen McIntosh leads the Community Choir; Rev. Lorraine Ashdown listens as Ella Sorrentino and Phoebe Mayo read In Flanders Field; Rhys Dowdeswell is caught up in the moment; choir members sing Give Us Peace; Duncan Shaw plays Last Post and Reveille as bookends to the two minutes of silence; Bowen Island Mayor Gary Ander lays a wreath as Fire Chief Aaron Hanen awaits his turn. More photos online at BowenIslandUndercurrent.com
A community gathers together in remembrance MARTHA PERKINS
Interim Editor
The Remembrance Day service at the Bowen Island cenotaph took on a special poignancy. For the hundreds of people standing under muted skies it was one of the few times in the past two years when they could gather as a community. In 2020, most people watched the service on computer screens because of pandemic precautions. To be together, with heads bent in
contemplation of those who had endured so much in times of war, seemed in itself a form of recognition of what it’s like to be separated from those you love during times of duress. The Rev. Lorraine Ashdown led the service which included a colour guard, Last Post and Reveille played by bugler Duncan Shaw, the reading of In Flanders Fields, a hymn by the Community Choir and the placing of two dozen wreaths by local organizations and families.
A10 • Thursday, November 18, 2021
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Thursday, November 18, 2021
bowenislandundercurrent.com • A11
Save your stamps to help Save the Children SUSAN TENNANT
Contributor
Dedicated: that would be the perfect word to describe Doreen Rowe, a long-standing supporter of Save the Children. Ever since a friend encouraged her to support Save the Children
in 1971, Doreen has dedicated her time, resources and heart to Save the Children’s mission for children. She worked in a Save the Children gift shop in downtown Vancouver where she sold one-of-a-kind items from across the world. All profits from the store went towards programs to ensure children world-
wide could survive and thrive. Doreen even lent her knitting and crocheting skills by making beautiful baby sets that were also sold in the store. She later went on to collect stamps with her friends that were sold to a dealer to raise additional funds. We on Bowen have been sup-
porting Save the Children by donating cancelled postage stamps for more than 20 years. Once again, the Bowen post office will happily accept your postage stamps which I will pick up and deliver to Doreen. You can also contribute by buying Gifts of Joy for family and friends. How about helping to
I&I TOWING
BOWEN ISLAND ROOFING
HAULING LTD
stock a medical clinic by providing funds to buy a stethoscope? Perhaps you’d prefer to give rabbits or chickens to families in need of help? The animals can be used to generate income for the family. Christmas is fast approaching. This year please remember the stamp collection program and give your used stamps to the staff in the post office to pass on. Stamps from foreign countries are particularly appreciated.
Vehicles • Construction Equipment Sea-Can Containers • Tiny Homes Bowen Island • Greater Vancouver Vancouver Island • Sunshine Coast
ROOFING & REPAIRS
604-987-7663
Michael Bingham • 604 947 1717 ianditowhaul@gmail.com
Trade ticket certified #00012-RO-96
Window Blinds Licensed Electrical Contractor 778.266.6465 www.bowenislandelectrical.com
On Bowen 778-995-1902
Landscape Lighting Irrigation
Seascape Bruce Culver
Office: 604-947-9686
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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
live the life you love To reserve a spot on this page, contact us at 604-947-2442 or ads@bowenislandundercurrent.com
A12 • bowenislandundercurrent.com
Thursday, November 18, 2021
Places of Worship Welcome You CALENDAR BOWEN ISLAND UNITED CHURCH E v l M
Sunday Worship 10:30 am Rev. Lorraine Ashdown Lynn Williams - Minister of Music. Helen Wallwork leads Sunday School. P
t
Cl t
N
SKY members and those interested in joining SKY, may be interested in
FOOD BANK DROP-OFF
knowing we are walking together on Wednesday afternoons. For further information please contact 778-886-3600
l
ST. GERARD’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH 00
TO NOV. 29
Hidden Gems Hearth Gallery 11 to 5 daily except Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Sunday Mass at 9.30
Contact Angela Powell 604-947-2515
604 988
CATES HILL CHAPEL
A
www.cateshillchapel.com 604-947-4260 (661 Carter Rd.)
00 am W Now offering worship services via Zoom. A link available on website.
(
SATURDAY NOV 20
)
o
Pastor: Phil Adkins
SHIRAT HAYAM (Song of the Sea) BOWEN’S JEWISH COMMUNITY Shabbat Gatherings ~ Holidays Contact aryana.rayne@gmail.com
Bring Your Own Book Club Bowen Island Public Library Noon-1 pm For Bowen Islanders 18-35. A welcoming drop-in group where you can rave (or rant!) about a book you’ve read, find your next great read, and meet other young book lovers. We will meet in the Annex but could move outside depending on the group’s preference (and if weather permits). Questions? info@ bowenlibrary.ca Bowen Island United Chuch drive-through fall supper Legion 4 pm until sold outOffering ham and scalloped potatoes, veggies and pumpkin tarts. Minimum donation of $15 Monsoon Madness Mudder
977 Village Drive
$2,790,000.
Bowen Island
2717 sq ft | 0.53 ac | 3-4 Bdrm + 3 Bath | Studio/Office + Bath The gate opens revealing a paving-stone drive leading to this charming home. Inside, the country kitchen, dining room with a beautiful ESSE stove, & sunny living room, all have ocean and mountain views, as do two of the three bedrooms up. Set in a beautiful garden, this combination of beauty, privacy, & convenience is walking distance to shops, dining, schools, & the ferry. Ideal for young families, empty nesters, & aging-in-place.
Timothy Rhodes
REALTOR® 604-341-9488 rhodesonbowen.com tim@rhodesonbowen.com
@ @BowUndercurrent
IPS 1:30-4:30 pm Fundraiser for IPS’ new fieldhouse / outdoor campus: bit. ly/31mFkeV
marianartstudio.com
The Sixties Band is back at the Pub Bowen Island Pub 7 pm Admission by donation to B.I. Community Foundation
Legion Craft Fair Legion 10 am-4 pm Email Maureen at rcl150manager@ gmail.com if your interested in being a vendor.
MONDAY NOV 22
Regular council meeting 6:15 pm Rotary Club speaker: Kendra Patton for Bowen Westside Playscape Group Zoom 7:30 pm See bowenrotary.com for link
THURSDAY NOV 25
Shari Ulrich, Cindy Fairbank, Kirby Barber and Julia Graff Concert Tir-na-nOg 7 pm Part of Shari Ulrich’s Trust Me series. Tickets on Eventbrite or Phoenix. Proof of vaccination and masks required
SATURDAY NOV 27
Mosaic Art Workshop On Bowen 2-5 pm Transform your old dishes into art with artist Mariana Gassman. Materials included, no experience required. For one class: $70; for 2 classes $135; for 3 classes $200. More info / to register email: BowenMosaic@
Little Red Church Craft Fair Collins Hall Noon-3 pm
BIHORA AGM Virtual or in person6 pm Check facebook page or email seaberlystables@ gmail.com for more details Hidden Gems Public Party and Auction Hearth Gallery 6 to 8 pm Bid on one-of-a-kind artworks by community members
SUNDAY NOV 28
Teen Advisory Group Pizza, activities, book chats and planning a Dungeons and Dragons program. Library 2:30-3:45 pm Legion Craft Fair Legion 10 am-4 pm Email Maureen at rcl150manager@gmail.com if your interested in being a vendor.
THURSDAY DEC 2
Squamish Stories with Kung Jaadee Library Annex 10:30 am Live streamed. All-ages
Queen of Capilano Ferry Schedule October 12, 2021 to March 22, 2022
DEPART BOWEN ISLAND
DEPART HORSESHOE BAY
5:50 am 5:20 am except Sundays 6:20 am 6:50 am 7:30 am 8:00 am 8:35 am 9:05 am except Wednesdays 9:40 am 10:15 am 10:50 am 11:25 am 12:00 pm 12:35 pm 1:10 pm 2:20 pm 3:30 pm 2:55 pm 4:00 pm except Wednesdays 4:35 pm 5:10 pm 5:45 pm 6:15 pm 6:50 pm 7:25 pm except Saturdays 8:00 pm except Saturdays 8:30 pm 9:00 pm 9:30 pm 10:00 pm 10:30pm Note: Schedules subject to change without notice: Please check BCFERRIES.COM Schedule changes on statutory holidays