HERITAGE BRIDGE PROJECT DRAWS SUPPORT PAGE 6
$1.50
inc. GST
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2024
MINI ART SHOW
VOL. 50 NO. 05
BIUndercurrent
BowUndercurrent www.bowenislandundercurrent.com
Works on display now PAGE 8
Name changes ahead for two local beaches ALEX KURIAL Editor
CATCHING THE RED EYE The Bowen Island Annual Bird Count took place on New Year’s Day with dozens of birders heading out to document the island’s winged residents. Thousands of birds were spotted during the citizen science project. We’ll have the full results, including a list of all the different species observed, in next week’s issue. / Tobin Sparling photo
A pair of Bowen beaches are slated to receive new Squamish language names. Crayola Beach in the Bluewater neighbourhood and Pebble Beach at Cape Roger Curtis were chosen to receive new names for a few reasons, the primary one being a recommendation in the Bowen Island Parks Plan which encourages working with Squamish Nation to name important areas within island parks, such as beaches or trails. “I think this is consistent with what we’re seeing in other parts of Howe Sound, particularly in the Biosphere Region… where we are seeing Squamish place names replacing the colonial names,” said Mayor Andrew Leonard. CONTINUED ON PAGE 6
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Friday, February 2, 2024
A2 • bowenislandundercurrent.com
Medical Assured Loading Policy
Short Term Rental Accommodation
Council is considering a Medical Assured Loading (MAL) policy for Snug Cove. MAL means priority vehicle loading when certain criteria are met.
Events All Council meetings are open to the public to attend in person or electronically, unless noted otherwise. February 12, 2024 1:00 pm Regular Council Meeting
BIM’s MAL policy is separate from BC Ferries MAL which is applicable only to BC Ferries terminals. Council has the authority to make decisions about assured loading in Snug Cove, as the ferry lineup is on the municipal roadway. MAL is currently available on Bowen Island for eligible patients and health care professionals travelling from Bowen Island to Horseshoe Bay, so why create a policy? BIM needs a policy, approved by Council, that we can refer to when needing guidance on how to adjudicate a MAL request.
Tell us your views. Take the survey. We are considering changes to how we regulate short-term rentals on Bowen Island. In particular, Council is considering whether or not to adopt new Provincial regulations which would limit short-term rentals to a host’s principal residence or secondary residence on the same property. For more information, and to compete an online survey to share your views, please visit: www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/short-term-rental-policy-project/
To be eligible, patients must be both:
1. Travelling to a critical or emergency medical appointment or be travelling due to a life-threatening illness, AND 2. Experiencing undo or extreme discomfort and difficulty waiting extended periods in the ferry line. MAL is not available for general doctor, dentist or specialist appointments, or scheduled surgery.
To be eligible, health care professionals must:
•
•
carry documentation provided by their employer authorizing their use of BC Ferries MAL and display windshield placards provided by their employer or be driving marked Lifelabs vehicles
Patients must procure a MAL letter from their Medical Practitioner and bring it to BIM reception at least one business day in advance of travel. BIM will issue MAL vehicle cards to display at the front and back of vehicle.
Missed the 2024 Budget info session?
MAL is in the designated cross-hatched area in the ferry line-up in front We’ve got you covered. Watch the presentation on YouTube and read of the General Store for patients. Arrive at least 15 minutes in advance of more about the 2024 Budget at the scheduled sailing’s departure. The MAL letter from your practitioner must include: • Letterhead of medical office/hospital • Date of issue • Medical practitioner’s signature • Patient’s name • Statement that the individual requires priority loading as an extended wait at the Snug Cover ferry terminal could cause risk to their health (no medical details required) • An expiry date or period of time during which MAL is required
www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/2024-budget/ Questions? Contact Kristen Watson, Chief Finance Officer, by email at budget@bimbc.ca or call 604-947-4255 ext 246.
There are several ways to comment:
• • • • •
By mail to 981 Artisan Lane, Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G2 By fax to 604-947-0193 By email to Doug Woods at dwoods@bimbc.ca By joining our new online discussion at www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/discussions/ Comments will be received until 4:00 pm on February 29, 2023.
www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/mal-policy/
Contact Bowen Island Municipality PAID ADVERTISEMENT February 2, 2024
Phone: 604-947-4255 Bowen Island Municipal Hall Fax: 604-947-0193 981 Artisan Lane Email: bim@bimbc.ca Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G2 Website: www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca
Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Monday to Friday Closed statutory holidays
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Friday, February 2, 2024
bowenislandundercurrent.com • A3
Revised Public Notice of Intent BIM has re-issued the Notice of Intent to include clarifying information about the Cove Bay Water Treatment Plant and the likely reduction of parcel taxes depending on properties wishing to connect to the system. This provides assurance to the Eagle Cliff Local Service Area that the project is contingent on the completion of the Cove Bay Water Treatment Plant. This revised Notice replaces the January 19, 2024 Notice. Please refer instead to this Notice, dated January 25, 2024.
Revised Public Notice of Intent: To borrow funds to finance the Eagle Cliff Cove Bay Connection Project, subject to petition against This is a public notice under sections 213 and 217 of the Community Charter. Bowen Island Municipality intends to install a new watermain to connect the Eagle Cliff Water System to the Cove Bay Water System, ensuring a reliable and quality supply of drinking water to Eagle Cliff households. This project is contingent upon the Cove Bay Water Treatment Plant being completed and in operation. We intend to borrow up to $820,000 from the Municipal Finance Authority with a five (5) year maximum repayment term to fund this capital improvement. The loan would be repaid in full by means of a local service tax. If your property is within the Eagle Cliff local service area (outlined in blue), you will be subject to a local service tax of approximately $1,600 per year, for the next five years (2024-2028). The parcel tax per household will likely be lower, however, as there is interest from several properties along the watermain path who want to connect to the system. Any connection monies received from these property owners to join will be applied against the outstanding Eagle Cliff debt, minimizing debt payments. Council may proceed with establishing this service unless more than half of the landowners representing at least 50% of the assessed value of the land and improvements (buildings) that would be subject to the local service tax, petition against the service by March 4, 2024. A petition against is a voting system based on objection. If you are in favour, no action is necessary. If you disagree with this proposal, you need to “petition against” it by submitting a Petition Against Response Form. You can get more information about Loan Authorization (Cove Bay and Eagle Cliff Water Systems Connection) Bylaw No. 565, 2022, the financing plan and the Eagle Cliff Cove Bay Connection Project on the Municipal website www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/eagle-cliff-cove-bay-connection-project/, or at Municipal Hall, 981 Artisan Lane, Bowen Island. How to respond to this notice If you own property within the local service area and you are IN FAVOUR of the financing plan for this project, no action is necessary. If you are NOT IN FAVOUR, you may petition against this financing plan:
1. Confirm that your property is within the local service area 2. Complete a Petition Against Response Form 3. Submit the form to the Corporate Officer by 4:00 pm on March 4, 2024 In person or by mail to Municipal Hall, 981 Artisan Lane, Bowen Island, BC V0N1G2, by e-mail to bim@bimbc.ca or by fax to 604-947-0193. This notice has been mailed directly to all properties in the Eagle Cliff local service area, and publicly posted as of January 25, 2024. Questions? Please contact the Corporate Officer at 604-947-4255 or bim@bimbc.ca.
PAID ADVERTISEMENT February 2, 2024
A4 • bowenislandundercurrent.com
Friday, February 2, 2024
VIEWPOINTS EDITORIAL
Looking Back
This week we’re going into the archives to visit a story that ran in the Undercurrent 12 years ago (plus a day). That summer, food waste was divorced from the general waste bin on the island. In anticipation of the change, our former editor Susanne Martin visited André Chollat (as seen below) to discuss composting. At the time (and still to this day) André and his wife Anne compost several tonnes of items each year in their yard at home. But as André told Susanne, not all food waste contains the elements to be composted in the same way. “If you buy ready-made food, you sometimes don’t know what is in there. There are some packages of food you could open in 10 years and you could still eat it. Just imagine how that interferes with decomposition,” Chollat said. “You can’t put everything into a compost bin and expect everything to be composted in three weeks. It’s not realistic.” André said he believes natural food waste and prepared food waste should be separated even further when it comes time to dispose of them. He suggested Bowen’s food waste could be dealt with on a local level, potentially by pigs or chickens. “The best solution usually draws from models that have worked well in the past,” said André.
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 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 Matt Blair 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.
Friday, February 2, 2024
bowenislandundercurrent.com • A5
VIEWPOINTS
New fossil fuel projects grow the problem we need to solve
What did we learn in 2023 about new NDP leader David Eby, and his government’s stated intention of meeting our climate obligations? As My Sea to Sky’s Tracey Saxby and her colleagues show, the government’s support for Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) renders its climate plans “glaringly incoherent.” In a word: delusional. Central to this flawed, outdated economic development strategy is support for Woodfibre LNG (WLNG), a fracked gas liquefaction project dating back to the BC Liberal government of a decade ago. It couldn’t be more disjointed from the District of Squamish’s economic development plans, made in consultation with the community and focusing on the future: green economy, clean tech, recreational technology and sustainable tourism. For anyone new to town or to the WLNG project, despite its name no biomass or forestry-related products are involved. In fact, like “natural gas”— which many say should be called “fossil gas” — there’s nothing wholesome or green about Woodfibre LNG. It simply inherited the name of the former pulp and paper mill on Howe Sound south of Squamish. Fracked fossil gas requires vast amounts of energy to be liquefied, and then shipped in tankers through our recovering marine environments, to be burned for fuel in Asian countries, creating more heat-trapping carbon pollution and offshoring our accountability for it. In addition, the volume of methane gas leaking into the atmosphere during extraction and transport is much greater than we’ve been led to believe. WLNG claims of “net zero” only apply to the liquefaction process at the Woodfibre site, but the upstream and downstream processes produce vast amounts of climate-warming emissions. It’s like a cigarette factory implementing a no-smoking policy and then claiming that it is a “zero lung cancer” facility! Aside from the climate and health impacts, hundreds of workers are already
in town and more to come — and they need accommodation. WLNG has acquired a “floating hotel” to be moored near the Woodfibre LNG site, but gas supplier FortisBC is proposing to house its workers in a work camp near the new Capilano University campus. Squamish council will vote on whether to approve this request early this year. Either way, the most likely outcome is to inject hundreds of workers into a local housing market already in crisis, with disastrous results. B.C. is lining up as a key battleground in the fight for climate leadership and a livable planet, with the United and Conservative parties playing politics — using the affordability crisis as a smokescreen — and supporting the government’s greenwashing of LNG. New fossil fuel projects grow the problem we need to solve. Life will become even less affordable when we have to clean up the mess that LNG and other fossil fuel development will leave behind. A billion dollars fighting wildfires this past summer, another billion rebuilding from the atmospheric river in 2021, on top of the billions of increased insurance premiums and critical adaptation measures to reduce flooding, landslide and other climate-related risks. These impact most families’ bottom line far more than any revenue-neutral price on carbon. I wish it weren’t so, but global heating, climate change and extreme weather events are an existential threat to our children and grandchildren, more challenging than anything our human species has faced collectively. Status quo and business-as-usual aren’t good enough — we need systemic change that takes care of people during the energy transition and creates jobs in the new green economy. In my experience talking to Sea to Sky residents, most people realize that this is the defining issue of our time. We need our representatives and governments to start acting like it. - Jeremy Valeriote BC Green MLA candidate, West Vancouver - Sea to Sky
Wilder Leonard is rightfully pleased with his creation during last month’s snowfall - Snow Chicken. / Rebecca Hurst photo
3-4PM Saturday Feb. 3rd | Collins Hall A monthly open house sponsored by Judi Gedye, BIM councillor and Islands Trustee.
A6 • bowenislandundercurrent.com
Friday, February 2, 2024
Japanese Bridge restoration envisioned for Bridal Veil Falls ALEX KURIAL Editor A new heritage project honouring Japanese-Canadians is being discussed for development in Crippen Park. During council last month a delegation from the Japanese Canadian Legacies Society (JCLS) appeared to present their vision for building a heritage bridge at Bridal Veil Falls. The location, along the Alder Grove Trail, had previously been the site of a Japanese Bridge constructed in 1914. The proposed project would seek to emulate the original, created over a century ago by Daikichi Koga and a team with the Terminal Steamship Company. Suanne Tabata of the JCLS explained how historically Bowen Island and Howe Sound had lively Japanese-Canadian communities, as did many cities and towns in BC, prior to the outbreak of World War II. But in 1942, under federal orders, the internment of anyone of Japanese origin began in the province which saw more than 20,000 people forcibly displaced to camps in interior BC and across the country, in many cases separating families. Property including cars and homes were confiscated and sold off. Thousands
of people were also deported to Japan. It wasn’t until 1949 that movement restrictions on Japanese-Canadians were lifted, but many never returned to their pre-internment homes. This dark part of Canadian history has been the subject of different redress attempts over time, including a $100 million pledge by the BC provincial government in 2022. This package, overseen by the JCLS, is meant to support projects which honour and uplift the Japanese community. Projects cover a variety of areas, including education, seniors health, community and culture, anti-racism, and in this case, heritage restoration. Tabata, who was approached by Bowen resident Ellen Hayakawa about a potential project on the island, said she’s excited about the possibility of bridge restoration. But Tabata added she’s hoping the community will be behind the project too. “There is this idea of resuscitating and renewing the Japanese-Canadian heritage piece, but it has to fit with the lifestyle and the overall improvements that could be made to the island, for the sake of Islanders that not only live here but visit as well – all wrapped in some kind of strong message to the past and what’s happened, and remembering those people who were here in the past,” she said.
During a recent site visit various Bowen groups expressed support for the project, including the Heritage Commission, Museum & Archives, the municipality, and Islands Trust. The bridge would also need the go-ahead from Metro Vancouver since it would be located in Crippen Park. Mayor Andrew Leonard, a board member with the organization, said he’d discuss the project with them. “I think it’s a fabulous idea. Looking through the archives there’s some really wonderful pictures, both of the bridge and the community and some of the work community members were doing at the time before the internment happened,” said Coun. Judith Gedye.
“I think that increasing the education and the knowledge about that – there was very strong collaborative community work happening before the war and internment… I think this kind of project with the information panels and everything else would be good for us and good for honouring the history,” added Gedye. The proposal was sent to the Heritage Commission and Parks, Trails, and Greenways Advisory Committee for feedback, including comment on whether there would be any environmental impact on the fish which use the creek the bridge would sit over. It also remains to be seen who would oversee construction and maintenance of the bridge.
A photo of the original Japanese Bridge at Bridal Veil Falls, constructed in 1914. / Bowen Island Community Heritage Register photo
New beach names could end confusion CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
Manger of environment and parks planning Carla Skuce explained that in addition to recognizing the original inhabitants of the island, a change of names would resolve some practical issues at each beach. “Pebble Beach was too confusing with Pebbly Beach so we want an entirely different name,” said Skuce, referencing the almost identically-named beach at Mannion Bay. Many people also informally refer to the Cape beach as Roger Curtis Beach, owing to its location at the end of Roger Curtis Lane. As for Crayola Beach, Skuce said the widely-used name isn’t agreed upon by everyone in the neighbourhood, with some people preferring the original name Bluewater Beach. The commonly-used
Crayola name references multi-coloured fence posts created at the westside site a few decades ago which resemble crayons. Skuce added there was some objection to having the beach named after a company, and also suggested the name dispute could be why the Crayola Beach sign has been stolen several times over the last decade. “With the Bluewater/Crayola Beach I think also an entirely different name solves the problem of any kind of disagreement over what the name is,” she said. Once Squamish Nation has picked names for each beach, their new titles will be sent to the BC Geographical Names Office for formal adoption. The entire process will likely take several months to become official.
Friday, February 2, 2024
bowenislandundercurrent.com • A7
Bowen Community Foundation grants are once again open for creative ideas HENRY CAMPBELL Bowen Island Community Foundation You know what it is. The thing that Bowen doesn’t have but you sorely wish it did. Every day it gnaws at you a little more... until you just can’t stand it. The Bowen Island Community Foundation (BICF) understands gnawing feelings and we want to help you get rid of them. We do this with “Community Impact Grants.” This is a fancy way of saying: “we help people build things that make Bowen better.” In 2019, we helped Sam Nosek. The thing that gnawed at him was disc golf. Sam loved disc golf with a fiery passion, but there was nowhere on Island to chuck the ‘bee’. All he wanted to do was unleash monster bombs into baskets but he didn’t want to cross the ocean to do it. So Sam decided to build a disc golf course. He asked around and had some meetings. He talked to the Bowen Island Municipality. He talked to his friends. He started a Facebook group. Pretty soon, he found a lot of other people who wanted to unleash ‘bee bombs on baskets’. But he needed a bit of money to help complete the project. So he applied for a Community Impact Grant. He needed a few things to do this. First, a charity to partner with. This was a bit tricky. Sam reached out to a few registered charities on the island (for a list, look at Canada Revenue Agency’s online search tool - we have a link on our website). Eventually, the Bowen Island Municipality agreed to partner with him on this project (and also helped him secure the land). We know that this is an annoying requirement, but the BICF has to give the money to a charity for tax reasons. Sam still used all the money the Foundation gave him to help build the disc golf course. Now that he had a partner, he needed a plan… and he needed to be able to complete the plan within a year from the date he received the grant. He submitted a 500-word summary of his idea and his application and had a meeting with the grants committee (reducing gnawing requires a lot of meetings — sorry about that). Then he, and many hardworking friends, built the disc golf course. Now he chucks monster bombs anytime he pleases. And the gnawing sensation? Long gone. Want to be like Sam? Submit a 500-word summary of your idea here: https://bowenfoundation.com/grants/grantapplication/ DEADLINE: 5 pm on Thursday, February 15, 2024. Please send questions to: grants@bowenfoundation.com
James Laskin captured this bird taking flight during the bout of snowfall on the island last month.
Applications due February 15th before 5pm
Good idea? That’s granted. The Bowen Island Community Foundation supports projects that improve our community. We need two things from you (in addition to your great idea): a 500 word proposal and that you be partnered with (or just be) a charitable organization. The detailed application package is available on the Foundation’s home page: bowenfoundation.com. If you’re looking for ideas, the 2023 Vital Conversations report outlines opportunities for improvement on Bowen Island. Email your proposal to grants@bowenfoundation.com.
community grows here
A8 • bowenislandundercurrent.com
Friday, February 2, 2024
Mini Art Works & Gala are opening the 2024 season at the Hearth Gallery JAMI SCHEFFER The Hearth Gallery The Hearth 2024 season will break the winter-blahs with the colourful and diverse collection of Mini art pieces for the 20th edition of its annual fundraiser: Mini Art Works and Gala! Each year, artists who support all the great work the Hearth does for our creative community donate mini original artworks made on 8”x8” canvases or mounted in 8”x10” frames generously donated by Opus Framing and Art Supplies. In the past three years, artists who create on wood and glass, with fabric, and jewelry are participating as well. An assorted smorgasbord of art that is sure to please everyone, no matter their taste! From February 2 to 24, this very popular event will once again bring together more than 80 established and emerging artists that have kindly donated their masterpieces to our arts organization. The Hearth thanks all the participating artists for their enthusiasm, support, and generous donations. Not only is this the most significant fundraiser of the year for the Hearth Arts on Bowen, but it is also an event not to be
missed for art collectors. Indeed, it showcases such a variety of styles, techniques and talents that you will most likely find artworks to add to your Mini Art collection or to start your first one! From February 2 to 23, each artwork will be open for bidding through a silent auction. The final Gala event on February 24 provides the chance to bid either as a silent or live auction. So, drop by the gallery to see, bid and up-bid on your favorite artworks and then purchase a ticket to the Gala for the last chance to take home a Mini Art piece. All bidding starts at $75, an incredible value for mini masterpieces from much-celebrated artists, up-and-coming new talents, and art makers. This year, the Hearth’s visual arts committee is preparing a Mini Gala around the theme of ‘Bring Your Hat’titude’. A promising and fun evening not to be missed! So, let yourself be inspired by finding a hat that gives you attitude. The final event starts at 6:30 pm on February 24 with refreshments, appetizers, entertainment, photo booth, and a live auction… guaranteed a ton of fun! Tickets for the Gala are available for purchase at the Hearth and online for the price of $20.
Queen of Capilano Ferry Schedule
NEW SCHEDULE IN EFFECT - JANUARY 8 - MARCH 2024 BCFERRIES.COM DEPART BOWEN ISLAND DEPART HORSESHOE BAY 5:20 am Mon (except Mon Feb 19) Tue - Fri. 5:50 am Mon - Sun Water Taxi Service Only: Saturday 6:50 am Mon - Sun 6:20 am Mon - Sun 8:00 am Mon - Sun FULL BERTH CLOSURES 7:30 am Mon - Sun 9:05 am Thu Fri Sat, Sun, Mon, Tue WILL TAKE PLACE ON THE 8:35 am Mon - Sun 9:05 am Weds: Dangerous goods FOLLOWING DATES: 9:40 am Mon - Sun only No passengers. • Saturday, February 3 10:50 am Mon - Sun 10:15 am Mon - Sun and Sunday, February 4 (full 12:00 pm Mon - Sun 11:25 am Mon - Sun days) 1:10 pm Mon - Sun 12:35 pm Mon - Sun • Saturday, March 9 (full day) 2:55 pm Mon - Sun 2:20 pm Mon - Sun 4:00 pm Water taxi service will be 3:30 pm Mon - Sun Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun, Mon, Tue provided during berth 4:35 pm Mon - Sun 4:00 pm Weds: closures and will follow the 5:45 pm Mon - Sun Dangerous goods only regular sailing schedule. 6:50 pm Mon - Sun No passengers. No vehicle traffic is available 8:20 pm Mon - Sun 5:10 pm Mon - Sun on these dates. 9:30 pm Mon, Fri, Satt 6:15 pm Mon - Sun Water Taxi Service Only: 7:40 pm Mon - Sun Tues. Wed. Thurs. and Sunday 8:55 pm Mon - Sun 10:30 pm Mon. Water Taxi Service 10:00 pm Mon, Fri, Sat Water Taxi Service Only: Only: Tuesday thru Sunday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday and Sunday except Feb 2, & Mar 8 it’s the ferr 11:00 pm Mon. Water Taxi Service Only: Tues. thru Sunday except Feb 2, & Mar 8 it’s the ferry!
Mini Art Works Exhibit at the Hearth from February 2 to 23. Mini Gala on February 24 from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm with bar service, appetizers, DJ Yeshe and auctioneer. $20 tickets for sale at the Hearth or online: www.thehearthartsonbowen.ca / Kathleen Ainscough photo
Places of Worship Welcome You BOWEN ISLAND UNITED CHURCH www.biuc.ca | 1122 Miller Road
FOOD BANK
Sunday Worship 10:30 am Rev. Lorraine Ashdown
DROP-OFF
778-688-2061
OFFICE HOURS WEDNESDAY 10-4 OR BY APPOINTMENT
ST. GERARD’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH Sunday Mass at 9.30
Contact Angela Powell 604-947-2515
CATES HILL CHAPEL
www.cateshillchapel.com 604-947-4260 (661 Carter Rd.)
Sunday Worship 10:00 Rev. Phil Adkins SHIRAT HAYAM (Song of the Sea) BOWEN’S JEWISH COMMUNITY Shabbat Gatherings ~ Holidays Contact aryana.rayne@gmail.com • www.shirathayam.ca
Friday, February 2, 2024
bowenislandundercurrent.com • A9
Song workshop spans variety of music genres SARINA PARTRIDGE VISITS BOWEN NEXT FRIDAY LORRAINE ASHDOWN Contributor Once in a while you come across an artist, a performer, a musician and they make you stop what you are doing and take notice. This is what happened to me when I first met and sang with Sarina Partridge. Sarina says, ‘All of us are built to sing. Singing is our birthright.’ And she lives - and sings - by that statement. And lucky for Bowen Islanders, Sarina is headed to our Community on Friday, February 9 to offer a workshop at Cates Hill Chapel from 7 to 9:30 pm. Sarina will lead us in Eastern European and Yiddish songs, old time music, folk music and more. She has a wide and varied repertoire and I can promise you that, in Sarina’s company, you will laugh, sing, clap and feel joy. Sarina is multi-talented, and she has a turbo charged sense
of humour. Living in Minneapolis, Sarina has travelled all around the world to study with master folk musicians and we are hugely fortunate to have her soon to be in our midst. Come out and meet Sarina and feel your spirits be lifted. In the mixed up, unpredictable world in which we live, Sarina is a breath of fresh air with an optimistic, hopeful heart. Please take a look at www.sarinapartridge. com and learn more about this wonderful human being. All singers are welcome at the workshop. No previous singing experience is required. Tickets are $20 at the door or e-transfer Ted Spear at spear.ted@gmail.com If you have any questions, please feel free to call or text myself at 778-688-2061. Yours in song and harmony,
Sarina Partridge is hosting a singing workshop at Cates Hill Chapel on February 9. / Submitted photo
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A10 • bowenislandundercurrent.com
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CALENDAR
Friday, February 2 SKY Walks Meet at Quarry Park at 10:30 am to walk Headwaters Park. Saturday, February 3 Meditation with Laura A free, monthly sitting group, Saturday at 10 am at Bowen Court. Guided meditation for 40 minutes, followed by 20 minutes of discussion for those who wish to stay. All levels welcome. Laura Quilici has been practicing mindfulness meditation for over 20 years and currently serves as Board Chair of the BC Insight Meditation Society. For more information email Laura at lauq@shaw.ca Saturday, February 3 French Connections at the Library
Friday, February 2, 2024 Drop in and join us to practice your conversational French, and get to know other French language learners on Bowen Island! The focus is on beginner and intermediate speakers. Group meets from 10:30 to 11:30 am. Saturday, February 3 Judi Gedye Open House Oepn House with Bowen Island Councillor Judith Gedye. Come have your say, Collins Hall at 3 pm. Sunday, February 4 Meat Bingo at the Legion Doors at 1:30 pm, Bingo at 2. 19+, 1267 Scarborough Road. Monday, February 5 SKY Speaker Series at Bowen Court 10:30 am to Noon featuring Marie Neys “making waterfalls” demonstration. 1070 Miller Road. Saturday, February 10 Teen Advisory Group at the Library
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TAG is for teens who want to make the Library better for themselves and for other teens, and get volunteer hours too! Drop-in from 1:30 to 3 pm. bipl.ca/tag Sunday, February 11 Book Donation Day at the Library 10 am until volunteers’ bins are full (no later than 12 pm). A volunteer will pre-screen your donations while you wait and will accept those that meet donation guidelines. Donors will need to take back any items that do not meet the guidelines. Primarily looking for novels and children’s books. Find out more at bipl.ca/donatebooks TUESDAYS Chair Yoga with Jackie Join Jackie from 1 to 2 pm at Collins Hall for a gentle approach to stretch, breath, alignment, balance, and relaxation. Sliding scale $15-20, drop-in or pay for the month in advance. Email jackie.minns@gmail.com for more info. Pizza at the Legion Brought to you by Melanie and Bowen Island Pizza Co. Come enjoy pizza and games from 5 to 7 pm. Guests & kids welcome! Also takes place Thursday (Adults 19+ only). WEDNESDAYS Storytime at the Library A free, drop-in program of stories and songs for 2-4 year-olds and their caregivers! From 10:30 to 11 am. Starts January 17, runs to March 13. bipl.ca/storytime Study Club at the Library A free one-hour drop-in program of quiet study time for high school students. At the Library from 4 to 5 pm. Runs to February 8. bipl.ca/studyclub Bowen Bridge 1:30 to 4:30 pm at Bowen Court. Fee $5 per person per session. Your place must be arranged by email no later than 6 pm on Monday. To make your booking or to seek more information, please email bowcates04@gmail.com Meditation Evenings Every Wednesday night from 7 to 8 pm. Please contact John at 604-506-7197 for more details. THURSDAYS Babytime at the Library A free, half-hour drop-in program of songs, books, and rhymes for babies 0-18 months and their caregivers! Starts at 11:30 am. Join us afterwards, at 12 pm, for a casual baby & caregiver social hour in the Annex. bipl.ca/babytime FRIDAYS Legion Dinners Dinners held every Friday except for long weekends. $13 for members and $15 for non-members. Doors open at 5:30 pm, with dinner at 6:30 pm. Tickets available for Legion members on Thursdays (purchase at Legion) and at the doors on Friday if tickets remaining. SATURDAYS Bowen Runs Clinics Hey there Bowen Runners! It’s happening all over again! The Bowen Runs clinic will start meeting again this Saturday for a 12-week training clinic. The clinic is geared towards 10 km distance. As always we are offering multiple levels in the program (10k LTR, 10k, and 10k+) Each level designed to provide an adequate base of training to successfully complete a 10k fun run - or just to maintain a nice base of fitness to maybe set yourself up for a spring half marathon (?!?). The 12-week 10k LTR, 10k, and 10k+ program concludes with the Sun Run. Sign up with Bowen Rec. See you Saturday! SUNDAYS Open Mic Night at Doc’s Come down to Doc Morgan’s and show off your musical talents! All instruments & singing styles welcome. 5 to 8 pm.