Bowen Island Undercurrent December 1 2022

Changes considered for development applications

ALEX KURIAL Editor

The municipality is considering changes to how notices are distributed during development applica tions, with a main goal to move up the public notifica tion portion of the process

The move comes following feedback that neigh bours and the public haven’t been consulted, or even made aware of, what is going on with local projects such as temporary use permits, rezonings, or development variance permits, until well into the application process

Currently, public notice is not given until after the matter has been introduced to council

The issue shot to the foreground in recent months following a pair of high profile instances a tempo rary use permit application for a light manufacturing facility by Bowen Island Properties, and a lounge application by the Bowen Cider House where a central argument among neighbours opposed to the applications centred around what they said was a lack of consultation opportunity

It was noted in both cases that the applications observed the rules as written for their applications But it’s how the rules themselves are enacted that have come under criticism

More public notice a recurring request

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

At council Monday, manager of planning and development Daniel Martin made a presenta tion expressing a desire to add extra notification steps to the process

One of the new proposals was a requirement for the applicant to erect a sign on their property within 14 days of submitting a completed appli cation explaining what they’re proposing, and contact information for people to learn more or submit comments This would take place before internal review of the application by the plan ning department As it stands, signs are typically not required until the final 10 days before a final council decision.

Following the application coming before coun cil, the initial sign would be replaced by the tra ditional sign showing the date the issue will be discussed by council.

Martin also recommended changes to the time line for notifying people who may be affected by an application. Like signs, mailouts are usually sent 10 days before a decision is made. Under the new system this would remain, but there would be an additional mailout before the matter is intro duced to council. This means people wouldn’t learn about something taking place in their neigh bourhood for the first time until it’s already been discussed

The planning manager said this added notice

would likely only delay applications by one coun cil meeting The final proposed change was updat ing the municipality’s Board of Variance bylaw to reflect updates to the Local Government Act

Councillors were supportive of the recommen dations, and added a few suggestions of their own Coun Sue Ellen Fast said people are checking their mail less since the pandemic began, and perhaps 20 days of notice may be helpful And Coun Judith Gedye pointed out that even if there are more and better signs, if the property is remote or unfrequented, they won’t be seen much any way She suggested a community notice board for applications could be a good idea

Gedye also pointed out the application notic es that appear in local publications such as the Undercurrent are heavy on ‘legalese’ , and usually not very digestible Martin acknowledged this is a “constant struggle” , and that while the commu nications department tries to make these posts more readable, once the legal review takes place they come back “looking the way they do”

Coun John Saunders added he’d like to see more detail in the signs themselves, though Martin said this largely depends on information provided by the applicant

The motion for staff to return with official bylaw amendments to Development Procedure and Board of Variance bylaws, as well as Cannabis and Liquor licencing referrals, passed unanimously

Fantastic Beasts

ALEX KURIAL Editor

Reptile lovers will have added incentive to slither over to Bowen Island Community School this weekend for the CSA Christmas Craft Fair.

The Bowen Island Conservancy will be debuting their new book, The Beasts of Bowen Island, Amphibian and Reptile Discovery Guide written by Louise Loik. It shines a light on some of the island’s lesser known and lesser seen creatures, such as newts, salamanders, snakes, turtles, and toads

Loik says she was inspired to write the book after seeing the work of her daughter Chantal Underdown, who was researching area amphib ians She says she realized there’s many more animals here than most people realize, and wanted to make people aware of them

“This book is uniquely Bowen, and contains the most up to date, comprehensive information about island amphibians and reptiles ever

compiled,” says Loik

Beasts of Bowen also features photographs and artwork from sev eral Islanders including Kathleen Ainscough, Lacey O’Neil, Peter Robinson, Mark Edmons, Haig Farris, and cover art from Jean Bradbury

Loik explains in addition to the book being a collaborative effort, it’s also written in a way that stresses readability while also providing lots of scientific facts about each species featured

Beasts of Bowen can be found at the CSA Christmas Craft Fair this Sunday, December 4, running from 10 am to 3 pm

Andrew Nydam photo

Are you an artist who likes to support arts organizations? Then, you may be interested in taking part in the Hearth’s 2023 Mini Art Works and Gala!

For the 19th edition of its annual fundraiser, the Hearth is once again looking for artists who would like to create one small original artwork to donate to the organization.

Artists are free to create with any medi um and to explore any theme or subject of their liking; the only restriction is the size of the artwork

Interested artists can come to the gallery from now until December 31 to pick up an 8” x 8” canvas or an 8” x 10” watercolor frame, generously donated by OPUS Framing and Art Supplies Participants will then have until January 23 to submit their application and drop off their artwork

New this year, participating artists can choose if they would like to remain anonymous, or to be known

The bids will start on the show’s opening day, January 27, and will end on February 18 with a final auction during the Mini Gala which, after a two year break, will finally be back This year ’ s Mini Gala theme will be “Polka Dot Yourself”!

All the funds raised during this entire event will go towards the operational costs for the Bowen Island Arts Council.

Both established and emerging artists, as well as art aficionados and makers, are welcome to submit an artwork. This is a great opportunity to let your creativity flow and to show the commu nity what your art looks like, while, at the same time, supporting one of the island’s nonprofit art organizations!

Find out the entire Call Out on our website: https://thehearthartsonbowen ca/

Pick up your canvas or frame until December 31 during the Hearth’s opening hours (daily from 11am to 5 pm closed on Tuesdays) or give us a call to arrange a time with us: 604 947 2454

Rohr The Hearth Gallery

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Call to ArtistsMini ArtWorks and Gala Community Choir ready to sing again

We’re back! After a two year break and experiments with car choirs, Zoom choirs and singing only to small audi ences of friends and family, the Bowen Island Community Choir is concert ready and extremely excited to bring you our Christmas concert at Cates Hill Chapel, 651 Carter Road, at 2 and 7 pm on Saturday, December 10.

The steadfast and fabulous Ellen MacIntosh has directed The Bowen Island

Community Choir for over 25 years Ellen is a gifted director with an uncanny ability to bring the best and brightest out of a group of people who simply love to sing Laurie Beesting is our amazing accom panist this year. We have a group of 40+ singers set to sing you sacred Christmas music, jazz, classical, folk and more. It’s so exciting to think that we will have two very real and actual audiences to sing to!

Tickets are available at The Pharmacy

and at the door They’re $20 for adults and $15 for seniors

Please get your tickets soon because we are anticipating two sold out shows. We look forward to seeing you and to singing you a holiday concert that will put a smile on your lips and a shimmer of good ole Christmas spirit in your heart.

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 manu scripts, art work and photographs

National NewsMedia Council

The Undercurrent is a member of the National NewsMedia Council of Canada, which is an independent organization established to deal with acceptable journalistic practices and ethical behaviour If you have concerns about editorial content please email editor@bowenislandundercurrent com or call 604 947 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

Lorraine Ashdown, on behalf of the Bowen Island Community Choir Board

Mathilde

Hanukkah on the horizon

ARYANA RAYNE Contributor

We all know when Christmas is, but when the heck is Hanukkah?

It changes each year The Jewish calendar is based on the moon cycle with each month beginning at the new moon. The months have different names than the Gregorian calendar, such as Nissan, Adar, Tammuz and Tishrei Hanukkah begins on 25 Kislev, which will fall sometime in December This year, Hanukkah begins the evening of Sunday, December 18.

The 25th of the Jewish month is close to its darkest time with the moon just a sliver And the Festival of Lights, as Hanukkah is sometimes called, starts at the darkest time of the year, near the winter solstice Jewish families worldwide bring out their menorahs, or candelabras, and candles, and starting on the first evening gradually light from one to eight candles

What are they actually celebrating?

This is the only festival that has a clear historical record. During the second century BCE, the Land of Israel was under Greek domination and all local religions were being rooted out Over a three-year period, a group of Jewish

fighters called the Maccabees staged a revolt, were able to recapture Jerusalem, and set out to re-dedicate the Temple.

While unclear as to what really happened, the story that has been handed down is that when they went to light the lamps using the holy oil, only one day’s supply was found and it would take eight days to procure new oil. But the lamp stayed lit the whole eight days, and it was declared a miracle.

So how do we celebrate it? With the lighting of a candle, adding one each night until there are eight candles glow ing. But also with foods that reflect the oil theme: potato latkes (pancakes) and special doughnuts called sufganiy ot. And the custom has been to give children Hanukkah gelt, or money, each evening; some families now give small gifts

The Bowen Island Jewish community has traditional ly gathered for a yearly Hanukkah party where we have made menorahs (you can make the candelabras from driftwood, play clay or even a potato), sang songs, lit the candles, played games such as spin the dreidel, and then, of course, eat!

Bowen Islanders have many customs to bring more light during this long dark month of December Light up Bowen on the first Saturday in December is the usual start People put up their Christmas trees and string outside house lights Jewish families on Bowen get out their candelabras; tra-

Young entrepreneurs are ready to deal

SARAH HAXBY Community School Association

A special part of the CSA Craft Fair has returned with the Youth Craft Fair!

Participants attend an introductory young entrepreneur program information session and receive a booklet that is designed to help them succeed with the many elements of participating at the CSA Craft Fair and to develop small business skills, including marketing and presentation

The Youth Crafters are upstairs at Bowen Island Community School in Room 1 (the MPR) on Sunday December 4, but please note: the Youth Craft Fair is only

open from 10 am until Noon, (the large Craft Fair in the gym is open 10 am to 3pm), so come early to shop at the CSA’s Youth Craft Fair and please bring cash The youth do not have electronic or credit processing capability.

Youth Crafters will have an array of items, including holiday decor, meringues, cookies, cupcakes, cake pops, book marks, water colours, handmade dioramas, hair ties, stress balls, cards, key chains, candles, jewelery dishes, hot cocoa bombs, and more!

This program is made possible thanks to, Youth Craft Fair lead volunteer Wendy Harding, Community School Coordinator Sarah Haxby, parent volunteers, BICS, and the CSA Craft Fair Committee, all working together to support the next generation of crafters and artisans

dition says that they should be placed at an outside window, and the candles lit as soon “ as the stars come out each evening” .

As of last year, a driftwood Menorah is now a part of the Children’s Centre Festival of Trees. This year, as Hanukkah begins after the December 3rd Light up Bowen, the first candle lighting will be on Sunday December 18th. Please come down at 430 pm to be part of the celebration. In this way, we all contribute in making the world a little brighter.

Harper Dowdeswell is hard at work preparing for the return of the Youth Craft Fair this Sunday.

ItwasmajorsnowfallforBowenIsland and the rest of Metro Vancouver on Tuesday Though disruptive to traffic, it made for some very pretty scenes here at home, especially in the Cove And the ducks really seemed to enjoy it too / Alex Kurial photos

Alison Rogers and Kim Steer are two of the many Helper Elves who have been busy lighting up the Cove recently / Paul Lieske photo

GIVING ON BOWEN

Service is a foundation principle at Island Pacific School

CASEY JAMES Island Pacific School

Service is a foundation principle at Island Pacific School. We believe that service starts at home and school and spreads to the world around us

At Island Pacific School, students learn the issues facing the world and the importance of action and its impact on local, national, and global communities in the classroom; this is service learning The school encourages students to consider their own interests to determine what type of service best suits them as they complete their service hours in the local environment, and consider what they can do to contribute to the global community.

IN THE SCHOOL

Students build community within the school by engaging in school clean up, grounds enhance ment (pollinator garden, veggies garden bulb plant ing), mentor program and our Grade 9 assembly leadership.

IN THE COMMUNITY

This December, students at Island Pacific School have planned a full day of community service which will entail making soup, gingerbread cookies, greet ing cards, chili, then packing the food into our bus and bringing it to the Food Bank in Vancouver.

Additionally, they will volunteer at the Terminal Creek Fish Hatchery, at an elder’s home helping organize their storage, walk their dogs and stack wood. Also they will build a bannister at Artisan Square and volunteer at Rivendell Retreat Upcoming in January

This year our students are engaged in a myriad of projects, including:

• building a climbing wall at our school

• collecting and donating books to another country

• raising money for Ducks Unlimited Canada

• educating people about drug toxicity and overdoses

• raising money for the playscape at our school

• volunteering at an animal shelter

• creating a welcoming art piece for indigenous people at the school

• starting a drone racing club

• beach cleanups

Throughout this past year, our Grade 6 and 7’s work in Grafton Gardens, a community garden on the Grafton lands doing numerous jobs such as gar

dening, planting trees and other plants, helping to build an ‘insect hotel’ , weeding, moving wood chips, and much more.

The Bowen Island Museum and Archives engag es our students to help take down and put up new exhibits They created an exhibit for Remembrance Day, conducting an oral history interview with Alex Jurgensen, a Bowen Island resident who runs camps for the visually impaired.

At the Cat’s Pyjamas, a cat boarding kennel on Bowen, they shovel more manure and groom horses

They also perform a full community service day which involves helping elderly and compromised Bowen Islanders to put up their holiday lights, move heavy furniture in their houses, as well as walking dogs, and making soup and cookies for the Bowen Food Bank

Students also did a shoreline cleanup, cleaning up plastics and garbage at Bowen Island beaches

The Grade 8’s work on personal community service projects, where they choose a project that suits their interests, and they work to implement it throughout the year In 2021, some students raised money for books about mental health topics for the Bowen Island Library, others raised money for an animal shelter, and still another group wrote articles about CAWES (Coast Animal Welfare & Education Society), helping to educate people about what that organization does and asking for donations Another student built a bench for the school yard using recy cled wood palettes

The Grade 9’s primary focus is on the Covenant House Sleep Out: Student Edition. They also work with Riley’s Cidery and Collensia Farm at times during the year

OUR STUDENT BURSARY PROGRAM

Starting Tuesday, November 29, join Island Pacific School for our #GivingTuesday Campaign to raise money for Student Bursaries to provide access to Island Pacific School for families who may not be able to afford the school’s tuition.

Every year, Island Pacific School needs to raise approximately $78,000, contingent upon annual enrolment, for student bursaries. Since day one this was a priority of our founder, Dr. Ted Spear, and continues to be the mandate of our current Head of School, Scott Herrington, to provide financial sup port to those families in need.

Give another family the opportunity to be a part of our amazing school this Giving Tuesday! To support the Student Bursary Program, visit https://islandpacific.org/support-us/

Fire

Twenty years of Community Giving

HOLLY GRAFF

Bowen Island Community Foundation

Dear Bowen Island Neighbour, TheBowenIslandCommunityFoundation has arrived! That’s right we celebrate 20 years of giving, growing and granting at the end of this year We’re grateful for the past 20 years of your support and collaboration We genuinely owe it all to you as we couldn’t do any of it without you, our community

Through your donations, we ’ ve given out $1,001,624 in grants and $367,350 in scholarships together over the past two decades Our slogan “Community Grows Here” is proving to be true!

We have a lot to be thankful for on Bowen, and because of you, this year we were once again able to support several local charita ble organizations and initiatives:

• Our volunteer firefighters and their families now have the Biddlecombe Memorial Award to support their academic study or vocational training, either right out of High School or mid-career, thanks to an anonymous donor who recently set up an endowment fund.

• Community Impact Grants were provid

ed to the Bowen Island Westside Playscape project to build a natural playground des tination for our nearly 750 children, to The Hearth for the millwork in the multi use space of the Community Flex Room in the Community Centre, and for the initial pub lic consultation for the design of a new facility for Camp Bowen and Canadian Organization of the Blind and Deaf Blind

• Together with the Knick Knack Nook, 27 High School graduates were assisted with Scholarships and Bursaries this year

• Your donations allowed two young peo ple in need access to professional counsel ling through our Youth at Risk Fund when other options weren’t readily available

• Nine individuals working through our Neighbourhood Small Grants program brought neighbours together, shared skills and knowledge, built a sense of belonging and responsibility, and celebrated diversity. The impact of these small (up to $500) grants was diverse and far-reaching, including a chess club led by a youth, a couple of road-side gardens, a basketball hoop in Bluewater, a pollinator garden in Belterra, an open conversation on end-of life options, a work party to remove invasive species in King Edward Bay, a mental health activities group, and fruit picking

Givingon Bowen

equipment for Grafton Gardens

• And finally, knowing that any of us can have an unexpected crisis at any time, this year seven individuals and their families were provided short term assistance from our Helping Hand Fund as they faced per sonal and sometime invisible emergencies

A Community Foundation’s function is to raise, grow and grant funds to local initiatives that will have a lasting impact on our community. It’s through your generosity that the Foundation’s endowment funds are now over $1.5 million. These endowment funds are like the long-term interest earning savings account for the community, assuring we can continue to take care of our needs far into the future

As we recognize our 20 years of giving, I’d ask you to consider one of the many ways that you can help In addition to generating and executing the ideas for these initiatives, anotherway is to make a donation in this Giving Season that will have a positive impact on the community we all love No gift is too small and tax receipts are issued for all donations over $20. So, thanks for the warm welcome Bowen Island, and let’s see how many more initiatives we can “water and grow” together. Here’s to the next 20 years!

Some of the projects the Community Foundation has supported this year.

Salmon need help too

2. Managing DFO recommended salmon habitat rehabilitation projects,

3. Monitoring the health of Bowen salm on bearing creeks, and,

Come stop in at the Legion!

Bowen Island Legion

pies in November go to two long term care homes, Brock Fahrni Pavilion and George Derby Center in Vancouver

The Bowen Island Fish & Wildlife Club (BIFWC) is a Non Profit Society registered in BC in 1967

Under the supervision of the Department of Fisheries & Oceans Canada (DFO), BIFWC volunteers perform salmon enhancement activities which include:

1 Operating the Terminal Creek Salmon Hatchery in Crippen Park which is owned by Metro Vancouver Parks,

4 Educating local school children and the Bowen community about the importance of protecting wild salmon and salmon habitat

We are a 100% volunteer organization with no paid employees While grants from DFO and the Pacific Salmon Foundation fund most of our activities, non charitable donations are welcome

All donations are invested in salmon enhancement on Bowen Island

The Bowen Legion is a cornerstone of our community Our members provide local ser vices and support to build a stronger Canada

Whether helping local Veterans, support ing seniors and island sports programs, rais ing funds, volunteering to help those in need, or simply offering a place to gather for fun and celebration, we provide an essential ser vice in the community

Our Bowen branch donated the kitchen facilities to the Bowen Island Community School And donated substantial funding towards the fence at the ball field

Proceeds from our Friday night 50/50s are donated to charities on island. The Poppy funds we collect through the sale of the pop

Pre COVID, we sponsored a visiting group of seniors for lunch two times a year We actively collect in branch so we can sup port families in dire need from our Family Assistance Fund We sponsored the Scout troop for 20 years We were able, through one of the COVID drive thru dinners, to donate over $1,000 to the Nova Scotia Red Cross after the events in Portapique in 2020

Be part of making a difference

Becoming a member of the Legion is the ultimate way to show your gratitude and give your support You don’t have to be a Veteran to join and make a difference To join, please email rcl150info@gmail com and an execu tive will contact you, or come to one of our fabulous Friday night dinners!

Givingon Bowen

Bowen Golf

Giving Back to Island Youth

For years, Bowen Golf has sponsored junior golfers A junior golfer is defined as anyone under the age of 19 This means we provide youth with free access to our course, practice area and clubs to use We also build kid staff/mentor relationships to make sure we are giving beginners comfortable tee times so they can relax and learn on the course

At Bowen Golf we are devoted to introducing kids to the game of golf and encouraging them to understand the importance and excitement of sport and being outdoors we understand that access to on island sport can be difficult for our youth and recognize we have a chance to be a part changing that as we grow, the continued growth of our junior opportunities is on the top of our priority list.

Bowen Island Public Library Foundation

Supporting Lifelong Learning and Literacy

The Library Foundation supports literacy and lifelong learning by providing funding to Bowen Library for special one time projects or unforeseen circumstances The Foundation has funded: the pilot of the now very popular Tech Tutor Program, Books for Babies, Summer Reading Club, and most recently the pavilion and landscaping of the Cultural Corner Project

If you are able, please consider making a tax deductible donation to the Library Foundation to support islanders of all ages to learn, be entertained, stay informed, and feel connected Donations can be made online (bipl link/donate) or in person by cash, debit, or cheque Donate $20 or more by December 31 and receive a tax receipt for 2022

TIM PARDEE

Bowen Island Fish & Wildlife Club

Releasing Salmon during their annual Coho Bon Voyage is a major event of the season for Bowen Fish & Wildlife / Alex Kurial photo

LYNNE HARTLE

Hanging and Harvesting through another year

HASAN HUTCHINSON Low Hanging Fruit

Well, looking back to the sunny and warm climes of a beautiful yet dry summer and early fall, we are now wrap ping up the second year of our very successful Low Hanging Fruit (LHF) project, an initiative of the Bowen Island Food Resiliency Society (BIFS).

The project began two summers ago with the guidance of Meribeth Deen. This year, I took on the task as lead for the project. It was supported with generous funding from Bowen Island Community Foundation, Vancouver Foundation, Regenerative Bowen Island (RBI), and BIFS, as well as the Neighbourhood Small Grants Program for a well needed roof rack to carry the orchard ladder.

The purpose of LHF is to add resilience to our island’s food system and decrease food waste Many property owners on Bowen have fruit and nut trees that do not get har vested due to either lack of time, equipment or sometimes overabundance LHF brings volunteers together to pick the fruit from these trees so that it can be enjoyed and used on the island.

Throughout the summer, many Bowen Island fruit tree donors were happy to offer pickings of the fruit trees on their properties 27 harvests in total and from all parts of the island Now that’s impressive I then made a shout out to folks who were interested in picking and, in return, receiving some of the gleanings Many (23) islanders of all ages stepped up to the plate and offered theirservices Equippedwithladders,extendablefruitpickers, bags and boxes, approximately 400 lbs of various fruits were picked, including: a number of apple varieties (Transparent, Thompson, Pippin, Duchess of Oldenburg, Sparmac, Mac, Russet, and Liberty); plums (Cherry and Damson); crabap

ples; grapes (Concord and seedless); quince; and medlar That’s a lot of fruit!

Most of these varieties were sold at the Saturday morning Bowen Island Farmers Market with sales of just over $600 Of that amount, $200 goes to the Food Bank and the balance is ear marked for new equipment and support towards the ongoing project To note, rougher looking fruits (bruise, dam aged or “ugly”) went to MeadowBrook Farm/Bowen Cider House for pressing or for animal feed

As well as fruit, a kind local couple offered LHF over 50 of their beautiful blue and purple hydrangea flower stems to sell at our stand at the market to go towards the cause

In October, we joined Sarah Haxby, the Community School Coordinator, and a Grade 6/7 class from BICS to pick (mostly) russet apples at Davies Orchard Over 100 pounds of these apples went towards classroom learning as well as making delicious pies for sale at the Thanksgiving weekend Farmers Market in support of Bowen Island Heritage Preservation Association

There is a short video created by Phil Gregory on that very pick Check it out at: https://www youtube com/ watch?v=SveEOpdtIHk

An interesting story during the early fall was when the fruit pickers and I were gearing up for a really big pick of several varieties of apples in Fernie’s Orchard at Camp Bow Isle A couple of days before the scheduled harvest I had checked on the crop and they were ready for picking But on the morning of the harvest, they were all gone!! Every last one of them!

Both Jacob Publicover, Executive Director of Camp Bow Isle, and I thought the other had picked them, but in talking we realized it was something else entirely At first, we thought that maybe “ rogue ” gleaners had come in and harvested the fruit but the trees were wiped clean good, bad and ugly, from the bottom to the top of the tall trees!

So probably not people, but what animal/bird would get all

that fruit? Deer eat the lower hanging fruit and ones that fall to the ground. And birds, especially crows and ravens, peck at them for a tasty treat. When I asked about this mystery while on a tour of Riley’s Cidery, I heard that squirrels can do this overnight Wow!

Now don’t get us wrong, we are happy to share some of the pickings with the animals and birds, but all of them?! Next year we’ll need to be especially vigilant about the timing of our harvest and perhaps attach metal collars on the trees or hang up something (shiny CDs do they still exist?) to distract and prevent another wipe out like that

We all learned a lot this year and are planning for 2023 sea son Thanks Bowen Island for joining in on the Low Hanging Fruit project!

For more information about the Low Hanging Fruit project and other Bowen Island Food Resilience Society initiatives, see https://www bowenfoodresilience ca/

MARY LEIGH

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2

Ladies Madrigal Singers present ‘Sounds of Christmas’ Cates Hill Chapel at 7 pm Tickets at the door

Winter Open House

Sweat the Technique Studio, takes place Dec 2 from 1:30 to 4:30 pm, and Dec 3 & 4 from Noon to 4 pm

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3

Book Donations at the Library Annex

Friends of the Library volunteers are accepting donations of clean, good condition used books and DVDs Donations toward our book sales can be brought to the Library Annex starting at 1 pm until the volunteers’ bins are full (no later than 3 pm)

The library cannot accept donations outside of this donation date and time Please do not leave donations out side the Library at any time

Open house/Open discussion with Coun. Judi Gedye Everyone welcome Sponsored by Judi Gedye, at Collins Hall from 3 to 4 pm

Light Up Bowen Begins at 6 pm with the Lantern Parade Later, the Cove Light Up, and visits with Santa at the Hearth!

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4

CSA Christmas Craft Fair

An island tradition since 1984. Runs from 10 am to 3 pm at Bowen Island Community School. This year features the return of the Youth Craft Fair! Find out more about these intuitive youngsters on Page 5.

TO WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7

Fill the Fire Truck

Come to the Fire Hall and help fill up Engine 31 with a new unwrapped toy donation for kids newborn to 18 years old. Gift cards (min. $15) or cash donations also accepted. Drop-offs open Monday to Friday from 8 am to 4:30 pm, with final dropoffs due Dec 7 at 4 pm All donations will go to local Bowen Island families

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9

The Magic of Christmas at Endswell Farm Lights, Santa Claus and Mrs Claus, marshmallow roasting, and more Also December 10 & 11.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10

Seniors Keeping Young Gameday

12:30 to 2:30 pm Gather for Games with SKY (Seniors Keeping Young) and the Bowen Library Take a break from holiday busy ness, and drop in for fun and friendly games in the cozy Library Annex Anyone aged 55+ can come enjoy cards, chess, Scrabble, Yahtzee, UNO, Rummikub, Boggle, and more, along with tea and coffee and treats Free (SKY membership not required)

Bowen Community Choir Concert

Two showings, matinee at 2 pm and evening show at 7 pm Check Page 4 for all the details

Martinis with Santa at Doc Morgan’s

Morgan’s live music, runs 7 pm til late

Family Style Christmas Dinner

Danish roast pork dinner with all the trimmings, 6 to 10 pm at Bowen Cider House Details & tickets online at www. bowenciderhouse.ca

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11

Breakfast and photos with Santa Bowen Island Community School. 10 am to Noon. A fundraiser for BICS PAC Watch for poster on ticket details

Danish Brunch & Craft Fair

11 am to 5 pm Crafts, Music, Christmas Market and

Traditional Holiday Fare including Æbleskiver at Meadbrook Market and Bowen Cider House More info at www.bowenciderhouse.ca

Children’s Shopping Day at Knick Knack Nook

Calling all kids to the Nook between Noon and 2 pm Everything you need to know right across from the calendar on Page 13.

Rivendell Retreat Centre Open House

Enjoy silence during the hectic holiday season. Learn more at rivendellretreat.org

A Christmas Carol

The 24th annual dramatic reading of Charles Dickens’ clas sic Christmas tale, 7:30pm at Collins Hall Featuring Scrooge, Tiny Tim, lots of ghosts, Tina Nielsen, Martin Clarke, Kat Stephens, Graham Ritchie and Marc Gawthrop Music, hot drinks and munchies Tickets $25 at Cates Pharmacy

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15

Holiday Wonderland Exhibit at the Museum

Museum & Archives holiday exhibit Indoor exhibit runs until December 18, outside exhibit to January 2, 2023

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18

Hanukkah Menorah

lighting

Come down to the Cove at 4:30 pm for the second annual celebration and lighting of the first Menorah candle Takes place at the Festival of Trees

TUESDAYS

Community Lunches at the Legion

2nd and 4th Tuesday’s of every month from 11:30 am to 1 pm Adult only, drop-in event $10 for a full lunch Next lunch: December 13

Yoga at Collins Hall

Tuesdays from 1 to 2 pm All levels of experience welcome Chair to Standing $15 drop in Email jackie minns@gmail com or call 604 220 9092

THURSDAYS

Breath & Workspace @ Sweat The Technique Studio

Join this beginner movement class created to rebalance and prep the body for more active mobility. 6 pm

Pre-register weekly at sweatthetechniquestudio.com

Thursday Art Group

Each week at Collins Hall, 9:30 to 11:30 am Members pay $30 per month to help pay the rent at the Hall Nov 10 we will be hosting a Live Model (clothed) drawing/ sketching workshop

Paid TAG members pay $5 Non Members who wish to join the fun pay $10 For enquiries please reach out to Marie@marieneys com or shannonrondeau@shaw ca

SATURDAYS

Men’s Mobility Circuit Class @ 9 am, Mobility Skills Class (All Levels) @ 10:15 am Sweat The Technique

Studio

Pre register weekly at sweatthetechniquestudio com

Tunstall Bay Ocean Plunge

Saturdays at 11:45 am Free community activity. Register at Sweatthetechniquestudio.com

Queen of Capilano Ferry Schedule Nov 19 March 31 2023

DEPART BOWEN ISLAND

5:20 am except Sundays 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 except Wednesdays 5:10 pm 6:15 pm 7:25 pm except Saturdays 8:30 pm 9:30 pm10:30pm

DEPART HORSESHOE BAY

5:50 am 6:50 am 8:00 am 9:05 am except Wednesdays 10:15 am 11:25 am 12:35 pm 2:20 pm 3:30 pm 4:35pm 5:45 pm 6:50 pm 8:00 pm except Saturdays 9:00 pm 10:00pm

Note: Schedules subject to change without notice Please check BCFERRIES.COM Schedule changes on statutory holidays

December 25 and Jan 1 the first sailing from Bowen is 8:35 am and first sailing from Horseshoe Bay is 8:00 am

Grandfriends program delivers songs, cookies, and glowing hearts

HAXBY Bowen Island Community School

Bowen Island Community School

Grade 4 5 students started off this year ’ s Grandfriends Program by handmaking thoughtful cards for Grandfriends to share a smile and good cheer, and then baking cookies (while also learning about fractions and measuring )

The class delivered the cards and cook ies to the residents of Bowen Court The hand delivered cookies and cards were accompanied by seasonal songs and friend ly wishes on a cold sunny morning

Many thanks to Susan Nelson for coor dinating this visit and helping to make the

whole thing happen, as well as the parent volunteers who helped with the baking and cookie mathematics

The enthusiasm of the students, and the thankfulness of the recipients made everyone ’ s hearts glow The Grandfriends program is an inter generational commu nity connections program that has been running at BICS for over thirty years Grandfriends are community members who are 55+

Bowen Island Community School will be hosting more Grandfriends activities throughout the year. If you are interested in the program, and would like to be emailed about Grandfriends’ activities, please email shaxby@wvschools.ca

Kids Christmas Shopping at the Nook

CATHY BAYLY Knick Knack Nook

Sunday, December 11 at the Nook, from Noon to 2 pm, the store will open its doors to well over 100, excited, eager shoppers What will be different about them?

They will be little people between the ages of three and 12!

Inside, the store will have been trans formed: shelves and counters will overflow with goods chosen to appeal to children with pocket money budgets Volunteers (aka Santa’s Helpers) will be standing by to take each child by the hand, and be of assis tance in choosing gifts Parents wait outside

At the till other volunteers will package each child’s gifts before returning them, packages in hand, to their waiting parents, stamping their feet in the cold

Outside, despite wind, rain or snow there will be shelter for parents: heat from a gas fire, and hot coffee, drinks and cookies against the wind and rain

Congratulations to the Knick Knack Nook volunteers for putting on this great annual event for the children Thanks to our many donors whose gifts make it all possible

Parents: have the children arrive with a shopping list for each of your children The list should be no longer than six items; and siblings should each have their own spending money

It is also good to remind the children that they are NOT shopping for themselves but for other family members

Wait time: It usually takes about 15 min utes to finish a shopping trip Two Hours have been set aside for the occasion; so we will be looking after families arriving as late as 1:45 pm!

LOUIE

SARAH

Grandfriends visit to Bowen Court on Monday. / Victoria Van Schouwen photo

Tis the (Craft Fair) Season

Where: Royal Canadian Legion

When: Saturday Dec 03. 2-5pm

CASINO theme: Blackjack / Texas Holdem

& Roulette Wheels

Funny money will be handed out at the door with the finale Bottle auction.

BowenTV videos

Will be playing where you will no doubt see everyone you've known for the last 15+ years up on the big screen.

Poker felts / Cards and volunteers for dealers & setup / breakdown crew appreciated.

Requesting bagged bottles for auction ie.. Olive oil, Vinegar, Wine, Cider, etc Come raise a glass to our old buddy just like he would for you!

Hall

Celebrate George Zawadzki

A monthly open house sponsored by Judi Gedye.

The Craft Fairs are off and running, with a pair taking place during the final weekend of November First was the Little Red Church Christmas Craft fair on Saturday, followed by the Legion’s Christmas Craft Fair on Sunday.

This upcoming weekend features the Camp Bow Isle Craft Fair on Saturday before the main craft course with the CSA Christmas Craft Fair (and Youth Craft Fair) on Sunday Check out the calendar, and Page 5, for more details on each

Bernice Lever smiles at her Little Red Church stall on Saturday

Alex Kurial photo gallery Collins Hall was packed pretty tight for Saturday’s Christmas Craft Fair.

Chloe and Sage Dierkes with Bowen Botanicals.

Penelope White at the Little Red Church

Mia Savage attended both weekend craft fairs

Luca Cummins, Catherine Barnum, and Karis Clayton had people’s candle needs covered at both events.

Rhonda Johnston was selling a festive Lemon Tree + Fire Truck combo to raise money for Bowen Gymnastics trip to Amsterdam next year.

Marilyn Hayward had a number of intricate and expressive knit characters on display

Hard working helpers Andy Molinski, Loic Winny, and Justin Morin kept the Legion lunch flowing