A NEW MASTODON?: Googly-eyed Proboscidean roams to Bowen PAGE 5
$1.50
inc. GST
THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 2022
VOL. 48 NO. 13
BIUndercurrent
BowUndercurrent www.bowenislandundercurrent.com
B.A.D. DANCERS ROCK FESTIVAL Earn pair of medals PAGE 9
Mannion Bay eelgrass buoy protection project continues to grow ALEX KURIAL Editor
GOLDEN DAYS: An unexpected snow blast Tuesday provided some scenery not typically seen around Bowen Island in mid-April. For more powdery pictures head to Page 4. / Lisa Brougham photo
Residents and visitors of Mannion Bay have likely noticed the number of buoys in the water continue to grow. The markers have been installed with the hope of protecting one of the ecosystem’s most delicate inhabitants, the eelgrass. The buoys, which now cordon off most of the shallow part of the bay, are spaced to create a ‘Voluntary No-Anchor Zone’ (VNAZ). Boat anchoring is one of the major causes of damage to eelgrass meadows, as the anchor and chain drag along the sea floor and rip up the plant beds. Bowen Island Municipality (BIM) and the SeaChange Marine Conservation Society (SCMCS) are partners on the VNAZ project, inspired by a similar model south of the border in Washington. They outline the reasons it’s important to protect this vegetation species. “Eelgrass meadows provide home and shelter to hundreds of marine creatures in the Salish Sea, including Dungeness crab, juvenile wild Pacific salmon, and Pacific herring,” they explain in a release on the buoys. “Mannion Bay’s eelgrass meadows are some of the largest on Bowen Island, and provide critical habitat to juvenile salmon that migrate out from Terminal creek and forage fish that visit the bay. These meadows support the fish and wildlife that Bowen Islanders care deeply about.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
RHODES ON BOWEN REAL ESTATE MARKETING rhodesonbowen.com
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tim@rhodesonbowen.com
604.341.9488
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A2 • bowenislandundercurrent.com
Thursday, April 14, 2022
2022 Budget Consultation
Events All Council meetings are open to the public to attend inperson or electronically, unless noted otherwise.
Notice of 2022 Parcel Tax Review Panel
We’d like your feedback on the 2022 Municipal Budget The proposed 2022 -2026 Budget is now available for your review. This is a draft because Council has not approved the Budget yet.
An assessment roll for the purpose of levying 2022 parcel taxes has been prepared for the parcel tax review and authentication process. As part of the legislative requirements under the Community Charter, notice is hereby given that the parcel tax roll is available for review.
April 21, 2022 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Budget Information Meeting Attend in person or on Zoom
The Budget must set out the proposed expenditures, funding sources, and transfers to or between funds by the The Parcel Tax Review Panel will meet on Monday, May Municipality. Part of the process is getting feedback from 2 at 10:00 am to consider any requests for corrections the community on the proposed Budget. to the roll and to authenticate it.
April 25, 2022 6:15 pm Regular Council Meeting Attend in person or on Zoom
Bowen Island Municipality is using Citizenlab as a platform for our public consultation on the Budget. You can view all of the proposed Budget on Citizenlab, and we encourage you to create an account to leave comments and provide your feedback.
May 2, 2022 10:00 am Parcel Tax Assessment Roll Review Panel Attend in person or on Zoom
We encourage you to provide your feedback by: • Posting your comments in Citizenlab • Email your feedback to Budget@bimbc.ca • Fill out a Budget feedback form, available at Municipal Hall • Attend an information session on Thursday, April 21, 2022, 6-8 pm https://bowenisland.citizenlab.co/
Island Plan 2022 Island Plan 2022 is now available. This annual publication outlines Council’s strategic commitments for the term. We invite you to take a moment to peruse our priorities for 2022.
The parcel tax roll may be inspected at: Bowen Island Municipal Hall, 981 Artisan Lane, Bowen Island, BC, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30am and 4:30 pm, commencing Tuesday April 19, 2022, or Upon request, via email from bim@bimbc.ca Property owners may request a correction to the roll only in respect to their own property for the following reasons: 1.
There is an error or omission respecting a name or address on the assessment roll; 2. There is an error or omission respecting the inclusion of a taxable parcel area on the roll; 3. An exemption from the roll has been improperly allowed or disallowed. In accordance with the Community Charter, a complaint must not be heard by the Parcel Tax Review Panel unless written notice of the complaint has been given to the municipality at least 48 hours before the time set for the first sitting of the review panel. Requests for corrections to the roll must be in writing and will be accepted up to Friday, April 29 at 4:00 pm.
If no requests for corrections are received, the panel will not meet. Requests can be made: By Mail or dropoff
The Collector Bowen Island Municipality 981 Artisan Lane, Bowen Island, BC, V0N 1G2
By E-mail
bim@bimbc.ca
By fax
604 947 0193
www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/island-plan
Contact Bowen Island Municipality PAID ADVERTISEMENT April 14, 2022
Phone: Fax: Email: Website:
604-947-4255 604-947-0193 bim@bimbc.ca
Bowen Island Municipal Hall 981 Artisan Lane Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G2
www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca
Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Monday to Friday Closed statutory holidays
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Thursday, April 14, 2022
bowenislandundercurrent.com • A3
ISLAND NEWS
If you see the European green crab, report it, says DFO
CONSERVATIONISTS WANT TO KNOW IF THE HIGHLY INVASIVE SPECIES IS SPOTTED IN HOWE SOUND
JENNIFER THUNCHER North Shore News Keep your eyes peeled for a “high-risk invader” if you are venturing in and around Howe Sound. Conservationists are concerned about the invasive European green crab showing up in the fjord. They also want to know if it is spotted in the ocean around Greater Vancouver and the Salish Sea. As an invasive species, it can wreak havoc on the marine environment. “This species has been demonstrated to destroy, disrupt and degrade eelgrass habitats through its foraging and burrowing activity, which our native crabs tend not to do to the same extent,” said Tom Therriault, a research scientist with Fisheries and Oceans Canada. “Eelgrass is incredibly important,” he said, noting herring attach eggs to it during spawning. And eelgrass is already under threat from climate change, among other stressors. “The other thing is, like other invaders, when [green crab] populations get large, those impacts are then exacerbated... They’re a disproportionate stressor on the ecosystem.” It also competes with native crabs for food and space, preying
on native shellfish and other marine life. Therriault added that the European green crab’s name can be deceiving because it isn’t always green. “It predominantly is green, as implied by the name, but like other crustaceans, it does take on different colour morphs— brownish, reddish, purplish, yellowish. Colour is not the be-all and end-all characteristic,” he said. Here’s how to identify the green crab: Its shell is serrated and pentagon-shaped; It has five sharp spines on the side of each eye and three rounded lobes between the eyes; Its back leg tips are: hairy, pointed and slightly flattened; It has different sized front claws; It measures up to 10 centimetres. Therriault said the key identifier is likely the five spines. “There’s no other crab in B.C. that has five spines on either side of the eye. That’s unique,” he said. According to Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the crab was brought from Europe and was first seen in Canada in New Brunswick in 1951. It was transferred to San Francisco Bay in the late 1980s. And then it spread up the coast, Therriault said, through “larval dispersal on the current — like species do — and it got to B.C. on the west coast of the island in the late 1990s and has continued
European green crab found on the Sunshine Coast. DFO asks if you spot the crab in Howe Sound or around Vancouver, to notify them. / Jenn Blancard, PODS photo
to spread north on current.” If you spot the European green crab, take a photo — put it back where you found it — and email the information about where you saw it and when to: AISPACIFIC@dfo-mpo.gc.ca. Reports will help DFO understand the crab’s distribution and could inform future management decisions.
Up to community to observe eelgrass safety zone CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
Eelgrass also assists humans by reducing erosion through stabilizing properties, and helping absorb carbon to fight climate change. Unfortunately, this same climate change also has devastating impacts on the eelgrass itself. The plant is estimated to have lost 30 per cent of its worldwide meadows since the 1880s. In Salish Sea territory, this number is between 22 to 45 per cent in the last 30 years, according to a 2019
study (Beaty and Sanford). Both BIM and SCMCS emphasize the project is voluntary in nature, so it’s up to boaters and residents to take the initiative to observe the VNAZ and protect the eelgrass. In addition to anchoring outside the buoys, they also encourage discovering where eelgrass grows around Bowen and the Salish Sea, and sharing why the plant species is important to conserve and maintain.
Places of Worship Welcome You
Queen of Capilano Ferry Schedule APRIL 9 - JUNE 22
PART BOWEN ISLAND DEP
DEPART HORSESHOE BAY
5:20 0 am except Sundays 6:20 0 am 7:30 0 am 8:35 5 am 9:40 0 am 10:5 50 am 12:0 00 pm 1:10 0 pm 2:55 5 pm 4:00 0 pm - except Wednesdays 5:10 pm 6:15 pm 7:25 pm - except Saturdays 8:30 pm 9:30 pm 10:30 pm
5:50 am m 6:50 am m 8:00 am m 9:05 am m - except Wednesdays 10:15 am 11:25 am 12:35 pm 2:20 pm m 3:30 pm m 4:35 pm 5:45 pm 6:50 pm 8:00 pm - except Saturdays 9:00 pm 10:00 pm
Note: Schedules subject to change without notice
Please check BCFERRIES.COM Schedule changes on statutory holidays
BOWEN ISLAND UNITED CHURCH E v l M
www.biuc.ca | 1122 Miller Road
FOOD BANK
Sunday Worship 10:30 am Rev. Lorraine Ashdown
DROP-OFF
ST. GERARD’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH Sunday Mass at 9.30
Contact Angela Powell 604-947-2515
604 988
CATES HILL CHAPEL A
6304
www.cateshillchapel.com 604-947-4260 (661 Carter Rd.) (
Sunday Worship 10:00 Services offered in-person or online via Zoom. Link available on website. Rev. Phil Adkins
SHIRAT HAYAM (Song of the Sea) BOWEN’S JEWISH COMMUNITY Shabbat Gatherings ~ Holidays Contact aryana.rayne@gmail.com
)
A4 • bowenislandundercurrent.com
Thursday, April 14, 2022
VIEWPOINTS Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.....
Bowen Conundrum solved. State-of-the-art vacuum syphon directly disgorges wastewater, overloads, tourists, invasive species, and anyone without a million dollars. Lisa Brougham snagged some pictures of both her own pets and the local wildlife while exploring the Bowen snowfall April 12. Much of Metro Vancouver received the late winter remnants during the day.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Who’s paying the tax? Mayor and Council:
During the brief discussion of the Snug Cover Sewer Local Management Committee at the April 11 Council meeting (the discussion of the financing proposal will, apparently, be part of the 2022 budget discussions), the Chief Financial Officer, Kristen Watson, attempted to clarify the use of Reserve and Accumulated Surplus funds to pay for the WWTP upgrades. Ms.
Watson stated that “it is important that people be aware (that there are) no added parcel taxes or taxation collected from people outside of the sewer district. Council has decided to use Reserve Funding from General Reserves collected outside of the district but not to tax people”. I would like to ask Ms. Watson who, exactly, she thinks paid the taxes that went to create the Reserves and Accumulated Surplus – the Easter Bunny? Once the
reserves are spent on the sewage system upgrades, the reserves will need to be replenished – from taxes paid by ALL Bowen Islanders! It is always concerning when public officials demonstrate that they do not understand that there is only one taxpayer and that all public funds are raised by taxation, in one form or another – it is particularly disturbing when this attitude is expressed by the keeper of the Municipality’s purse-strings! Sincerely, - Margaret Underhill
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, 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 advertising Monday, 4 p.m. DEADLINE for editorial Tuesday 5 p.m. 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
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EDITOR Alex Kurial 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.
Thursday, April 14, 2022
bowenislandundercurrent.com • A5
VIEWPOINTS
Kenneth Smith
July 22, 1937 – December 3, 2021
Celebration of Life Open House
Lights out for our insect friends
Some days ago I saw the first fluttering moths of Spring batting against my well-lit window. Last year, if anything, I would have just thought, “Welcome back little friends!” But this year, if they could just have understood, I would have shouted, “No! Get away from the light! For God’s sake, go save yourselves!” Perhaps it is not helpful to start this letter like a raving madwoman. As it was, I just turned off the lights. I have noticed a gradual change in the creatures who live near my home in my 60 plus years here on Bowen, even down to the insects. I remember the first summer the barn swallows did not return to our porch to build their nest. And when the visits of the vivid and vivacious violet green swallows became a dusty old memory, when the cedar waxwings stopped nesting, when there no longer any giant moths at the windows ever, when our back yard no longer bounced with grasshoppers in August, when the bats skimming the bay at night became less numerous, and when, last summer, I could count the number of Swallowtail butterflies visiting our yard on my fingers. To be honest, while I could see a disturbing decline, I couldn’t think why. Our habitat, where I live, is mostly unchanged and, while we have used wood burning stoves, the air seems reasonably unpolluted. Natural beauty, galore! So what else could be going on? Last fall I heard a snippet of a CBC radio show that stopped me in my tracks. An expert was explaining that after habitat loss and pollution, manmade night lighting was the next most damaging thing for our insects. About a quarter of the land surface of the earth is now illuminated by our lights at night. That has a huge impact because scientists estimate that about a third of the insects that are attracted to a light shining through the night will die by morning either from exhaustion, dehydration or predation. Day in, day out, night lights can wipe out local populations of nocturnally active insects. We have neighbours who have kept lights on all night, every night for years, and we, ourselves, have not been much better. And
I thought, Wow! I should have known that! After all, I emptied thousands of dried out insects from my light fixtures every fall, a whole mini massacre which I blithely ignored. The last couple of months I have mentioned this to some very bright, informed people who were just as surprised as I was. Hence this letter. So what can we do about it? Turn off lights we are not using, especially outdoor lights, and make sure no lights stay on overnight. Insects are more attracted to white light and to the green and blue end of the spectrum so, when we change our outdoor bulbs to yellow, amber or even red, that makes a big difference. The Irly Bird carries yellow light bubs they call “Bug Lights” which provide very good visibility and the bugs are not nearly as interested in them. Night Owls can close curtains. Motion sensors that turn lights on for only a few minutes are helpful. For myself I will use one of those handy rechargeable flashlights more often rather than lighting up our whole yard. We can all make a difference here. And there are a couple of kind-of-nice natural coincidences. First, longer days mean we have less need to have a lot of lights on when dark finally settles in. Second, fewer flying insects are active in cold weather, so we don’t need to dispense with our winter light displays or even feel particularly guilty. Our Christmas Elf, Basia, and her merry band, can relax but not retire. Since I started writing this note I have noticed something wonderful: the people of Snug Cove are already on this! Many businesses have already changed to amber lightbulbs to illuminate their establishments and the Muni has amber streetlamps too! Hurrah! Well done! But why not turn every unessential light off from 1 am until 5 am and really give the little fellows out there back the night? They need to go about their business of making our natural world tick. Lights are not the whole answer, of course, but they are another big puzzle piece to slip into our picture of ecological health and recovery. - Karen Lea
Sunday, April 24 2-4pm at the Bowen Island Legion Please drop into the Bowen Island Legion on April 24 from 2-4pm to join Ken’s family in remembering his life. Ken was an active volunteer in the community. For many years he was not only the Treasurer for the Legion but also washed dishes for many of the Friday night dinners held there. He was on the Bluewater water board as Treasurer. As a Friend of the Library, once a week he would load up the boxes of donated books and transport them to the sorting facility. There will not be a formal service, but we hope you will join us in a toast to his life.
PARADISE GRILL IS BACK
By popular demand for our 26th Year! Opening Sunday May 1st. Hours 11 to 6 on the Beautiful Boardwalk at Union Steamship Marina. Bring a blanket and make your menu choice for a picnic lunch or dinner. Choose from…Smok’in Smokies with Sauerkraut (or not) on Toasty buns. Our famous BBQ all Beef Burgers & Original Hot Dogs, with all those fixings. Mayo, fresh lettuce & Tomato, and theen there is those fried onions! If that’s just not enough, Add on thee (real cheddar) cheese & bacon. Delicious Veggie Burgers with that much loved BBQ pineapple ring option, making it so Juicy, Yum! OR R Try a BBQ Veggie dog witth our ever so secret sauce, Shhhhh! And wait for it…You caan haave anything, (except slush puppies) topped off with, waitt for it onncee agaain…Cold pressed extra Virgin olive oil, from our veryy well seasonned cast iron pan. We did mention this IS our 26th year, So very Well seasoonedd. Ice cold drinks. Bring the kids for Frosty Slush Puppies, and soomee family fun and games on that well groomed USSC green grass. Or Hey… … The music is great, so just come alone, and then you won’t be. We are now hiring full, and or part time. A Positive place to work. Good wagees, tips and income incentive bonuses. Text 604-908-9112 for a reeturn call.
CULTURAL CONNECTOR We are currently searching for a staff person to join our team at the Hearth Art Gallery to assist the Executive Director in administration, art sales, marketing and operations. A great position to add to your resume! Full time position: includes weekends and some evenings May to September Application deadline: Fri., April 22, 2022 - 5 pm Please forward covering letter & resume by email: hello@thehearthartsonbowen.ca Canada Summer Jobs program: Must be between 15 and 30 years of age, is a Canadian Citizen, permanent resident or person on whom refugee protection has been conferred.
Following the departure of Bowen’s beloved Mastodon‘Mourn’last month, a new version of the prehistoric creature cropped up on the island last week. While perhaps not as regal as its predecessor, the new Mastodon - dubbed ‘Still Mourning’ and ‘New Mourn’ by some readers - is still a fun find if you’re able to stumble across its mystery location. / Anonymous photo
For more info on the position please visit our Website: Bowen Island, BC
www.thehearth.ca
A6 • bowenislandundercurrent.com
Thursday, April 14, 2022
BITS 30X30 Challenge passes the halfway mark LISA BROUGHAM Bowen Island Trail Society We hope everyone had a great weekend and was able to get outside and enjoy the sunshine. A weekend update: On Saturday some of Bowen’s youngest 30x30 participants got out there biking and whooping it up on the trails with Alicia Hoppenrath. On “Super Safety Sunday” it was great to connect with some BITS members to give them their BITS hats, talk safety and hear about people’s close calls with getting lost and then found outside. The “Super Safety Sunday” event was organized with AdventureSmart, Squamish Search and Rescue and Lions Bay Search and Rescue. AdventureSmart is a national program dedicated to encouraging Canadians and visitors to Canada to “Get informed and go outdoors.” AdventureSmart combines online and on-site awareness and targeted outreach with the aim of reducing the number and severity of Search and Rescue Incidents. AdventureSmart presenters are members of local Search and Rescue teams that volunteer their time doing weekly training and responding to Search and Rescue callouts. There are two thousand Search and Rescue callouts every year in B.C. and over 2,200 people that are rescued every year. And did you know that our own Bowen Island Fire Department are often our first responders to help find lost or injured people on Bowen trails? Their commitment to our trails and island is invaluable!!
Find out more about AdventureSmart’s five free outreach programs at adventuresmart.ca; learn more about BC Search and Rescue here: bcsara.com; and find out more about our Bowen Island Fire @bowenislandfire. Daily Winners: April 8: Steve Edwards won a Pizza from the Bowen Golf course and @bowenbitesbakes. April 9: The Davenport Family won a bag of yummy snacks from the Bowen General Store. Super Safety Sunday on April 10 had 3 lucky winners: Mike Spendlove wins a coveted, official Bowen Firefighter t-shirt donated by Bowen Fire Dept and a rain poncho ( donated by Cates Pharmacy). Judy Christensen wins a cool trail water bottle/dog bowl donated by Bowen Veterinarian Services and a water tight waist pouch donated by Cates Pharmacy. Cathy Robertson wins a beautiful art print donated by local artist Paula Love and a water tight pouch donated by Cates Pharmacy. April 11: Basia Lieske and dogs Skipper and Billie win a bag of dog food, a bag of dog dental treats and a few dog chew treats donated by Bowen Pet Supply. We have 17 more days of prizes to go - keep getting outside and send us a pic ! Coming up this week: April 14: 101 Road Riding with Rachel meeting at the Hszar Creek Trailhead on Cape road at 6:30 pm. See you outside Bowen!
BITS member Cathy Robertson keeps one eye on the safety lessons and another on the birds during ‘Super Safety Sunday’. / Lisa Brougham photo
30X30 Winners and Prizes
Christine Strub (Squamish Search and Rescue) and Lisa Brougham (Lions Bay Search and Rescue) at the AdventureSmart tent during ‘Super Safety Sunday on April 10. / Submitted photo
Judy Christensen (left) shares her lost and found stories with Christine Strub from Squamish Search and Rescue. / Lisa Brougham photo
To the lovelyy folk at Cates Hill Chapel, Boowen United andd the Miission of Saint Gerard
Joyeux Pâques Ye sons and daaughters, let us sing...Alleluia! Rééal Saint Laurennt
Bowen Rotary ShelterBox fundraiser for Ukraine at the Snug, this Saturday and Sunday from 10 to 2. Bring your donations! Ukraine Easter Egg demonstration on Saturday!
Thursday, April 14, 2022
bowenislandundercurrent.com • A7
An evening of poetry and song RAGHAVENDRA RAO KARKALA VASUDEVAIAH Contributor On April 22, from 6 to 7 pm, the Bowen community is invited to a celebration of music and the word. The event, entitled “From Sufism to Social Protest: Poetry and Song for Change,” features community members and international guests to share poetry and song from Canada, Ireland, India, Pakistan, and Argentina – and more – to celebrate our quest for better and a hope for a better world, at both the intimate personal level, and at the global. Our guests include Dr. Asma Qadri, Professor at the University of Punjab, Lahore, whose research focuses on classical Sufi poetry in Punjabi and the works of contemporary poet, critic, and playwright, Najm Hosain Syed
To all denizens of Shirat Hayam together with Jews everywhere during Pessach 5782 May all your Seders be merry... (next year Jerusalem!) Réal Saint Laurent
PUBLIC NOTICE W.C.D. Developments Ltd. will be undertaking sidewalk improvements on a section of sidewalk on Bowen Island Trunk Road between the Bowen Island Pub and the General Store. These improvements are scheduled to take place approximately April 25 – May 9. This portion of the sidewalk will be closed and an alternate route will be provided. Please call at 604-947-0099 and press 0 with any questions or concerns.
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(b. 1936), a major figure in the Punjabi language movement of Pakistan. We are also hosting Nicolás Grandi, Buenos Aires-based filmmaker, transdisciplinary artist, researcher and educator. He is the coordinator of The Poetics of Memory Lab, a nomadic platform for transdisciplinary experimentation, teaches at UNTREF, Buenos Aires and supervises TV productions for the national broadcasting system in Argentina. His films which include La Pasión Según And er (2005), Casafuerte (2004), and Simon Decouvre (2000) have been screened widely at film festivals around the world, and, in English and Spanish, The Poetics of Fragility (2016). Both Dr. Qadri and Mr. Grandi will share words and songs, joined by members of the Bowen community. Doors open at 5:30 pm at the Library Annex, with light refreshments and a cash bar.
Dr. Asma Qadri and Nicolás Grandi will be guests and share works at the April 22 event.
CLASSIC BOOKS. CONTEMPORARY ISSUES. BIG CONVERSATIONS. COMPLETE YOUR M.A. IN LIBERAL STUDIES PART-TIME & ONLINE. Join a diverse group of working, retired, or otherwise busy adults in completing your M.A. part-time online through live Zoom seminars. In-person travel study (Oxford & Spain) also available. Fall 2022 applications now open for the live Zoom version of the Graduate Liberal Studies M.A. at Simon Fraser University. Learn more at our upcoming Virtual Open House.
VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSE Thursday, May 5th at 7pm RSVP at glsp@sfu.ca
Find out more at sfu.ca/gls/apply
A8 • bowenislandundercurrent.com
Elements of Bowen sparks creativity at the Hearth Gallery SARAH HAXBY Contributor The theme ‘Elements of Bowen’ was chosen to be inspirational, and youth really responded to the theme in many creative ways! From looking at the small details of Bowen, the salamanders and frogs of Bowen, to landscapes, sunrises and recognizeable favourite landscapes, such as the Cape, the soccer field and the mountains and sea, all the
way to looking back at Bowen Island from outer space! The youth have explored beauty, social commentary and what it means to feel connected to Bowen Island. This art project is an inclusive opportunity for youth to visually communicate with the community and includes participation by youth from preschool to Grade 12, and all education paths on the island are represented, truly reflecting the many facets of our community. There is also a painting by Oscar, the BICS library dog, called ‘Everything Green.’ (Oscar is a puppet, but don’t tell him that!)
Thursday, April 14, 2022
The Elements of Bowen exhibit is a youth service project, with the youth generously donating their artworks to the project to help make the community even better. Funds raised from the proceeds of the sales will be reinvested into the community through a variety of ways, including improving play opportunities at the BICS playground, which is open for community outside of school time. We would like to thank all the youth who participated in the exhibit, and applaud them in taking early steps in community participation and volunteering. So many things on this island happen because of our volunteers, and this art show is a celebration of how youth care about their community. This art project has been held as roughly tri-annual event since 2014, and is a BICS CSA (Bowen Island Community School Association) and PAC (Parent Advisory Council) event, with generous support from The Hearth, Opus Art Supplies and community volunteers. You are invited to come visit the exhibition and sale from April 14 to May 1, 2022. Bids start at $25, and the silent auction is a fundraiser that will reinvest the funds back into the community and the community school. The artworks will be for sale by silent auction at the Hearth for the CSA (Community School Association) as well as online at https://www.thecardproject.ca/ (visit the Gallery to get the online codes, etc.) Online print-on-demand sales will include art cards, prints, bags, and notebooks with the artworks on them, and will be available for sale online by the PAC (Parent Advisory Council) Card Project portion of the fundraiser. There’s around two-hundred artworks at the exhibit, and the youth creativity is truly amazing and inspiring! Thank you to everyone for participating, and thank you to the community for taking the time to visit the exhibit in person, or online.
Sven and Sophia (above) show off their entries in the ‘Elements of Bowen’ art exhibit. Oscar, the BICS Library dog (below) also donned his creative hat to come up with a submission. / Sarah Haxby photos
Thursday, April 14, 2022
bowenislandundercurrent.com • A9
Trio chooses Bowen Island forVirtualVancouver Sun Run fundraising hike SHELAGH ARMOUR-GODBOLT Kenya Education Endowment Fund Three energetic volunteers are coming to Bowen Island to hike Mount Gardner “plus a bit more, to make 10 km” on Easter Monday, April 18, raising funds for education in Kenya. Rowena List (Port Moody), Linda LeQuesne and Monica Noel (North Vancouver), long time hiking companions, are walking the 10 km Virtual Vancouver Sun Run for a second year for KEEF – Kenya Education Endowment Fund (www. kenyaeducation.org.) “We are seeking donations to support two KEEF programs… Student Support offers the loan of scientific calculators, reference and study materials, bikes for day school students, and covers urgent dental care, eye glasses, etc. to ensure that the needs of the 100+ secondary students KEEF supports in Kakamega, Kenya are met. (High school is not free in Kenya.) “A new Mentoring and Leadership Project will fund four nominated KEEF students who have demonstrated leadership and service skills in high school to mentor students at their school, after graduation, and be supported financially while they wait for admission to post-secondary studies. (The summer and part-time jobs open to students here are
not available in Kenya. There is often a one-year gap before a place at a college or university is available.) They will then be enrolled in an already-developed online Leadership Skills course while in post-secondary studies. A laptop and funds from KEEF to access internet services will make completion of the nine-month online leadership course possible”, the hiking trio said. All donations are eligible for tax-deductible receipts (sent out in May). Donations of any amount are helpful, gratefully received, and carefully used. KEEF Canada is an all-volunteer charity, so all funds donated for students go to students. Our low administration costs are raised separately. Support the hiking trio by sending a cheque, payable to KEEF, to c/o M. Klesner, #904 – 2135 Argyle Ave. West Vancouver, V7V 1A5, or an e-transfer to keefcan2010@gmail.com. Please put Sun Run 22 in the message line of the cheque or e-transfer. To donate on-line, go to www.kenyaeducation.org for PayPal or Canada Helps – please indicate your gift is for Sun Run 22. For more information about KEEF’s work, our students, or our Sun Run 2022 volunteer walkers and runners across Canada, contact 604-415-9397 or shelaghag@shaw.ca Thank you for considering encouraging local, energetic volunteers and supporting the education of bright, financially poor youth in Kenya!
(L-R) Linda LeQuesne, Rowena List, and Monica Noel will be taking part in the Easter Monday Virtual Vancouver Sun Run to raise funds for the Kenya Education Endowment Fund. / Submitted photo
Lions Gate Bridge to be fully closed for three nights in late April BRENT RICHTER North Shore News The Lions Gate Bridge is headed for its first planned full closure in decades. The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure is warning the public the bridge will be closed in both directions on Friday, April 29, between 10 pm and 8 am, and Saturday, April 30, and Sunday, May 1 between 8 pm and 5 am.
The closure is to allow crews to finish work on the counterflow signalling system and test it. “It’s simply not safe to allow vehicles to be driving through that area when they can’t rely on the signals telling them whether it’s safe to go or not,” said Bowinn Ma, parliamentary secretary for the ministry and North Vancouver-Lonsdale MLA. The only exceptions will be for emergency vehicles and buses running outside the operating hours of the SeaBus, although they will have to be escorted through with a pilot car.
The east sidewalk will also remain open for cyclists and pedestrians. The bridge will re-open during the daytime, although only every second lane control signal will be used. The last time the bridge was fully closed was in the early 2000s when the bridge deck was being replaced. “People who live and work on the North Shore have already been very patient with the interruptions on these two bridges and we want to thank people in advance for understanding this,” Ma said.
Bowen’s B.A.D. Dancers hit the stage
The Bowen Adult Dance Team, under the direction of Kelly Konno, took over the stage at the Shine Dance Festival April 1 in Burnaby. Performing in the ‘Just For Fun’ category, their renditions of Pink’s ‘Walk Me Home’ and ‘Hurts 2B Human’, also by Pink and featuring Khalid, earned them Gold and Platinum medals at the event. The B.A.D. team, along with the rest of Konno’s studio, will be back in action at a year end show at BICS the final weekend of May. Tickets go on sale May 1, stay tuned for details. / Submitted photos
Patient of the Week MILLIE Meet Millie! This adorable girl visited us last week for her spay. Often the most difficult part of recovery is keeping our pets calm for 2 weeks afterwards. To help owners with this, including Millies owners, we will send them home with some medication to relax them. Millie is recovering well and she will soon be back to normal activity.
REGULAR HOURS Tuesday to Friday 9- 5 Saturday 9- 1 Closed Sunday and Monday
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A10 • bowenislandundercurrent.com
Thursday, April 14, 2022
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bowenislandundercurrent.com • A11
COMMUNITY CALENDAR ALL APRIL
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20
Bowen Trail Society 30X30 We are challenging you to get outside for a minimum of 30 min every day in April. You can hike, run, bike, golf, garden, swim, paddle, ride a horse, or even walk your goats.... as long as you do it outside! Learn more at www.bowenislandtrailsociety.ca
Fabric At Play Join the Fibre Arts Guild in making a quilt block that will be pieced into a quilt of comfort for a residential school surviver. No sewing skills required. All materials provided and mentors available. Two sessions: 2 to 4 PM or 7 to 9 PM. Register @ 604-947-2454 or hello@thehearthartsonbowen.ca.
Spring Session is now open at Bowen Island Gymnastics Parkour for boys, Mini - Ninja Parkour, Tiny Tumblers and Girls Gym Stars. Please email bowengymnastics@gmail. com to register, website: www.bowenislandgymnastics.com
Legion Dinner Doors open at 5 PM. Dinner is served at 6 PM. Upcoming dinners Apr. 29, May 13.
APRIL 14 TO MAY 1
‘Elements of Bowen’ exhibit at the Hearth BICS, CSA and PAC youth art event. More than 100 artworks will be for sale by silent auction at the Hearth, up until final bidding May 1 at 5 PM. More info available on Page 8.
FRIDAY, APRIL 22
From Sufism to Social Protest: Poetry and Song for Change An evening of poetry, song and word at the Bowen Libary Annex. Guests Dr. Asma Qadri and Nicolás Grandi. Doors at 5:30 PM, event 6 to 7 PM. See Page 7 for more details.
The Winter’s Tale - A William Shakespeare tale, directed by Graham Ritchie Opening night Friday, April 22, 7:15 PM at Cates Hill Chapel. Starring a host of local Bowen actors and actresses. Tickets available at Cates Pharmacy. More dates: Saturday, April 23 at 7:15 PM; Friday, April 29 at 7:15 PM; Saturday, April 30 matinee finale at 2 PM.
SUNDAY, MAY 1
Walking Each Other Home – 4 PM The Garden at the Bowen Island United Church (or Collins Hall if raining). A day of choral remembrance for people who have died during the pandemic, their families and anyone who wants to participate as a community. Gentle, comforting songs and quiet reflection with the Bowen Island Threshold Choir. lizian@shaw.ca or sooz@ alanfinancial.com for more info.
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A12 • bowenislandundercurrent.com
Thursday, April 14, 2022
Spring Specials at
THE RUDDY Vegan!
CALIFORNIA BURGER - DR PRAEGER $8.99 / each* SAVE $1.00!
CHIPOTLE CHEDDAR & PEPPERCORN GOAT 'CHEEZE' KITS KITCHEN - $9.99 / each*
NON-ALC BEER SOBER CARPENTER $2.99 / excl. org*
OAT MILK- NATURA
$3.99 / 946ml - all flavours*
JUICES - HAPPY PLANET
$7.99 / 1.75L* SAVE $1.00!
SAVE $1.00!
Dairy Free! JUST EGGS - FOLDED
RIBS - FORT HARDY
$8.99 / each* SAVE $1.00!
$11.99 / 589g* SAVE $1.00!
BACON - MCLEAN
WAFFLE CONES & BOWLS - JOY $5.99 / each*
FRUIT PIES - SIMONS
$6.99 / 250g* SAVE $7.20!
$4.99 / 5 inch* SAVE $1.00! $10.99 / 8 inch* SAVE $2.00!
POTATO CHIPS - COVERED BRIDGE $3.99 / 170g* SAVE $1.00!
Produce Specials!
CRACKERS & MACAROONS - SAMAN
$6.99 / ASSORTED FLAVOURS* SAVE $2.00!
STRAWBERRIES ORG. $5.49 / each*
CAULIFLOWER
$4.59 / each*
BLUEBERRIES ORG. $5.99 / each*
BABY CARROTS ORG. $3.69 / each*
ASPARAGUS ORG. $4.99 / bunch*
WALKER'S SELECT*
SHORTBERADS
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COOMBE CASTLE
EASTER CHEESE
20% OFF!*
BROCCOLINI ORG. $4.29 / bunch*
LITTLE SONG FARMS MICROGREENS & MORE! Freshly grown and harvested on Bowen! Nutrient packed! The Ruddy is proud to support Bowen Growers & BC Farmers
Save $1.00! THISWEEK
ATAULFO MANGO ORG. $2 FOR $4.00!*