April 26, 2024 Bowen Island Undercurrent

AN EARTH DAY FIX

Island Pacific School and Regenerative Bowen Island (formerly Bowen In Transition) held a special joint event last Saturday with an Earth Day Festival at the school and the Fix-It Fair next door at Cates Hill Chapel. IPS teacher Pam Matthews (left) made sure there were many educational stations to visit at the school, including the hydroponic farm, the beehive, and lessons about upcycling and fast fashion - plus a themed scavenger hunt. Meanwhile Paola Qualizza (right) headed up the Fix-It Fair and recruited plenty of Bowen’s best to repair electronics, jewelry, clothes, quilts, and more. Take a turn over to Page 14 to check out some of the event’s fun and success stories. / Alex Kurial photo

Tippy’s Cookhouse open for business

THERE’S FAMILIAR FACES BEHIND THE NEW COVE RESTAURANT

ALEX KURIAL Editor

Bowen diners have a new breakfast stop following the opening of Tippy’s Cookhouse last week.

Glenn and Meredith Cormier – well known as owners and operators of the Pub – are behind the new dining venture at the foot of Bowen Island Trunk Road in the Cove (next to the Christmas Tree Lawn). They’re joined in a partnership by Glenn’s sister, as well as a pair of his long-time friends from early days in the restaurant industry.

The restaurant officially opened last Tuesday and features a breakfast and brunch focused menu. The majority of the seating both inside and on the patio is dedicated for sit-down dining, but there is also the option to grab your coffee or food to go, with seating also available outside for those just looking for a quick stop. CONTINUED

Events

AllCouncilmeetingsareopen tothepublictoattendin personorelectronically,unless notedotherwise.

April30, 2024 1:30 pm FinanceAdvisoryCommittee

April30, 2024 6:00 pm TransportationAdvisory Committee

May 2, 2024 10:30 am BoardofVarianceMeeting

May13, 2024 1:00 pm RegularCouncilMeeting

PublicNotice

2024ParcelTaxRollReviewPanel

MunicipalHall,CouncilChambers

Wednesday,May8,2024at2:00PM

981ArtisanLane,BowenIsland,BC V0N1G2

TheParcelTaxRollReviewPanel,inaccordancewithSection204of theCommunityCharter,S.B.C.2003,c.26willconsideranddealwith theParcelTaxRoll,andislimitedtoareviewandcorrectionofthe AssessmentRollsasto:

• Anerrororomissionrespectinganameoraddressontheparcel taxroll;

• Anerrororomissionrespectingtheinclusionofaparcel;

• Anerrororomissionrespectingthetaxableareaorthetaxable frontageofaparcel;and/or

• Anexemptionthathasbeenimproperlyallowedordisallowed.

TheParcelTaxRollReviewPanelwillnothearanappealunlesswritten noticehasbeenmadetotheCollectoratleastforty-eight(48)hours beforethetimesetforthefirstsittingoftheReviewPanel,nolaterthan 2:00PMonMonday,May6,2024.Ifnorequestsforcorrectionsare received,thepanelwillnotmeet.

The2024ParcelTaxRollandLocalAreaServiceTaxRollswillbe availableforinspectionatMunicipalHallduringregularofficehours of8:30amto4:30pm,MondaytoFriday,commencingApril24,2024or uponwrittenrequesttobim@bimbc.ca

LocalServiceTaxBylaws:

• BowenIslandMunicipalityBluewaterParkParcelTaxBylaw641, 2024

• BowenIslandMunicipalitySnugCoveSewerParcelTaxBylaw No.642,2024

Requestscanbemadebymail,handdelivery,emailorfaxto:

KristenWatson,Collector BowenIslandMunicipality

981ArtisanLane,BowenIsland,BC,V0N1G2

Email:bim@bimbc.ca

Tel:604-947-4255x8

Fax:6049470193

Deadlineextended!

Doyouneedsupportforaprojectthatincreasesclimateresiliency throughcommunityactionorenvironmentalprotection?BIMis investinginclimateactionthroughtheSustainableCommunity GrantProgram.Manydifferenttypesofprojectsmaybesupported Projectsshouldbeachievablewithintheyearofthegrant,relatetothe evaluationcriteria,andbenefitthecommunity.Pleaserefertothegrant criteriafordetails,andbeinnovative.Weareacceptingapplications untilMay15,2024at4:30pm.

www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/sustainable-community-grants/

BoardofVariance

BOV20230304for235ShoreLane 10:30amonThursday,May2,2024

PROJECTDESCRIPTION:ABoardofVarianceapplicationhasbeen submittedfor235ShoreLanetoreducethesetbacktothesea,for ingroundswimmingpool,from15metresto11.14metres

YOURCOMMENTSAREWELCOME:

Writtensubmissionsaccepteduntil12:00pmonApril30,2023: ByE-mailtoplanning@bimbc.ca,inperson,bymailto981ArtisanLane, BowenIsland,BC,V0N1G2orbyfaxto604-947-0193

Toensureafairprocess,writtensubmissionscannotbeacceptedafter thedeadline.

VerbalsubmissionsmaybemadetotheBoardatthemeeting. MOREINFORMATION:

Seeourwebsiteformoreinformationat:

www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/planning Questions?ContactDanielMartin,ManagerofPlanningand Development,byemailatdmartin@bimbc.caorbycalling 604-947-4255ext230.

Phone: 604-947-4255

Fax: 604-947-0193

Email: bim@bimbc.ca

Website:

IPS students show off work at UBC Science Fair

PAM MATTHEWS

Island Pacific School

Earlier this month nine Island Pacific School students attended the Greater Vancouver Regional Science Fair at the University of British Columbia.

Over the course of three days they presented their projects to the judges, fellow participants, visiting students and the public They met with other students to learn about their projects, attendedascienceshowandparticipated in UBC science department tours and workshops.

For the students it was an incredible experience to be one of the over 350 participants from around greater Vancouver who took part in the 2024 Regional Science Fair.

One student came away from the experience with this to say.

“All of the judges were very

friendly and they gave us feedback on our experiments so that we could improve. They treated us as fellow scientists and didn’t treat us like we were just kids Science Fair was a lot of fun. It felt like we were all gathered together as scientists to share our experiments and it wasn’t a big competition.”

All of the IPS students were successful and had a great time. Special recognition goes to Vladislav Gaidelis who received an honourable mention and a physics prize, Jenna White and Juha Park who each received Bronze medals, and Piper White who won a Silver medal for their projects.

I am very proud of all the students who participated They conducted themselves with grace in front of the judges and the audience, they were energetic, enthusiastic, positive and focused over the entire three days

Notice of Intent to DirectAward

IssueDate:April18,2024

Opportunity:BIM#24-01

ClosingDate&Time:May2,2024at4:00pm(PST)

NoticeisherebygiventhattheBowenIslandMunicipality(BIM)iscontemplatingmakinga directawardofafixedpricecontracttoGreatPacificConsultingLtd,tocompletedetailed designofthenewwastewateroutfallwithintheSnugCoveSewerLocalServiceArea.

Overview

ThetermofthecontractisexpectedtoproceedinMayandbecompletebySeptember 2024,andisnottoexceed$123,547,excludingGST,intotalpotentialvalue

Rationale

TheBowenIslandMunicipalityhaschosennottotenderthecontemplatedcontractfor thefollowingreasons:

1. Replacementofthefailedwastewateroutfallisapressingregulatoryrequirementand anenvironmentalimperative.

2. Designforthenewoutfallcanproceedmostefficientlybyhiringthefirmthat completedthepreliminarydesignandEnvironmentalImpactStudyforthenew outfall.

3. TherearesufficientfundsintheSnugCoveSewerReservetofundthedetaileddesign workwhileconcurrentlyconductingtheborrowing(PetitionAgainst)processforthe capitalfundingrequiredfortheproject,resultinginlessdelaysforcompletingthe project.

NoticeofIntentChallengeProcess

•AnyChallengeobjectingtotheNOIisrequiredtobeinEnglishandsenttotheOfficial ContactinwritingorsuchChallengewillnotbeconsidered

•ChallengestotheNOIshouldbereceivedbytheOfficialContactbeforetheClosing DateandTime.

•BIMreservestherighttodisregardanyChallengetoanNOIreceivedaftertheClosing

DateandTime

•ChallengestotheNOIshouldprovidereasonsfortheChallenge.

•ASubmissionDeclarationFormmustaccompanyanyChallengessubmittedby emailorhardcopy.

ReviewofChallenges

•IfBIMreceivesaChallengetotheNOIbeforetheClosingDateandTime,BIMmust assesswhetherthechallengeisjustified;andwhetheracompetitiveprocessshould beundertaken.

•IfnoChallengestotheNOIarereceivedpriortotheClosingDateandTimeor noRespondentsubmitsaChallengethatisjustifiedbyBIM,BIMmaycommence contractnegotiationswiththeSupplierforthegoods,servicesand/orconstruction describedintheNOI.

Enquiries

Enquiriesandanyresponsesprovidingnewinformationwillberecordedandposted toBCBidasAddendaorotherwisedistributedtoRespondents.Despitetheforegoing, BIMmaychooseinitssolediscretionnottorespond,respondinwholeorinpart, orreformulateenquiriesinwholeorinpart.BIMmayinitssolediscretionchoose whethertopostanysuchenquiriesandresponsestoBCBidorotherwisedistributeto Respondents

ChallengestothisNOIbecomethepropertyofBIMandwillbeheld,subjecttothe provisionsoftheFreedomofInformationandProtectionofPrivacyAct.

OfficialContact:

HopeDallas,CorporateOfficer

981ArtisanLane,BowenIsland,BC V0N1G2

bim@bimbc.ca Fax:604-947-0193

www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/notice-of-intent-to-direct-award/

Island Pacific School students Jenna White (left) & Juha Park (right) each won a Bronze medal for their projects, while Piper White (middle) took home a Silver / Submitted photo

VIEWPOINTS

EDITORIAL

News Kids on the Block

This week’s issuereallyshows just how impressive this island’s youth are. From Science Fair and Gymnastics medals,to multipleEarth Dayevents, and even playinganinstrumentalrole in Bowen’sbiggest festival of theyear, Bowenkids continuallyput this littleisland on the map.

Amongall thesestarsthere is agroup of Bowenkids who Iwould like to thankpersonally, and that is the Kids News team from Island DiscoveryLearningCentrewho featured on the coverofone of ourMay issues last year (as seen below). Over the weekend thatphotoofintrepidyoung reporterswon the Gold medalfor best FeaturePhotoatthe Ma Murray awards,which covers communitynewspapers in BC andthe Yukon. It hasalwaysbeenone of my favourites (it’s alwaysinspringtosee kids excited by whatyou do), and Iwas very honoured that the judges thoughtsoaswell.

So to Bowen, William,Ione, Jaden, and Jack - and of course teacher JenZdril for giving me the heads up aboutthe kids headingout for streeters- this Ma Murray is foryou too! Perhapsyou kids will even be winningyour own one day...

I’ve alsojustreceived word that Councillor Judith Gedyewill be hostingher openhouse at Collins Hall on Saturday,May 4at3pm. Page 20 withthe Calendar is already offtopress,sothe announcementwill go hereonPage4 instead, the eternal final page to headtothe printers It’s aspecial one,asJudi will be celebrating herbirthday that day(and word is there will be caketoo). So don’t forgettoinclude birthday wishes alongwith yourcommunitythoughts!

-AlexKurial, Editor

#102–495 BowenTrunk Road, PO Box130, BowenIsland BC,V0N 1G0 Phone:

All Advertising and newscopycontent arecopyrightof the UndercurrentNewspaper.All editorial content submittedto the Undercurrent becomes the property of the publication. TheUndercurrent is not responsible forunsolicited manuscripts,art work and photographs.

National NewsMedia Council.

TheUndercurrent is amember of the National NewsMedia Council of Canada, which is an independentorganization established to dealwith acceptable journalistic practices and ethical behaviour. If youhave concerns about editorial content, please email editor@ bowenislandundercurrent.com or call604-947-2442. If youare not satisfied withthe response and wishtofile a formal complaint, visit the websiteatmediacouncil.ca or call toll-free 1-844-877-1163 foradditional information.

VIEWS

Homes on the Horizon

Hi there Bowen Island,

BIRCH continues to work hard towards our Vision in which “Every Bowen Island Community Member has access to a safe and healthy home”, and today we have an exciting update to share

With the support of the Bowen Island Municipality, BIRCH has partnered with Tomo Spaces to develop a phased development plan for Lot 1 of the Community Lands, undevel-

Bowfest needs a theme for 2024!

Summer is coming and it is time to start planning for this year’s Bowfest parade.

The parade will be leaving following the 10:40 am ferry on Saturday, August 24. As in the past, students at Bowen Island Community School have helped pick our parade theme. Thanks to all 260 students for this year’s three themes for us as a community to vote on.

The three themes are Underwater, Circus and Geography. I will put out the voting box at the General Store this week Hope all can get out to cast their vote.

-

Rob Wynen Bowfest

students had many potential themes in mind for this year’s Bowfest Parade, eventually narrowing it down to three which the community will now decide upon. / Submitted

oped parcels owned by the Municipality.

The last public engagement on these lands was conducted in 2018 so it’s time to check in again and learn more about the Community’s vision for Lot 1. To do this we will be running an online survey from April 26 until May 13. This short survey will help us develop a better understanding of current community priorities and what may have changed since we last asked about Lot 1 in 2018.

Please do complete the survey and help us to create a plan that reflects the current needs and priorities of Bowen Island: https://bit.ly/bowenlot1

And in case you missed it, we were thrilled to announce

MORE INFANTTODDLER SPACES AT BCC

BowenChildren’sCentre on BowenIslandis delightedtoannounce to ourcommunity that we havebeen successful in ourapplication to open 12, newfull-time Infant-Toddler spaces in ourfacilityat 650CarterRoad. These spaces aremadepossible throughthe Canada-wideEarly Learning andChild Care Agreement.Whatthese spaces mean is that there will be both part-timeand full-time spaces to accommodate up to 18 familieswithtoddlersaswell as theninespacesalready in operationfor younger toddlers

“Havingaccess to affordable,quality,inclusive child care makesa real differencefor families,”saidMitzi Dean,BCMinisterofState forChild Care.“These newspacesonBowenIslandwillsupport families, whichstrengthens ourcommunities.”

“These additional spaces at BowenChildren’s Centre will providemoreaffordable childcareto familiesintheir community.Creatingmorehighquality,inclusive childcarespots forkidsisour top priority as we buildthe Canada-wideEarly Learning andChild Care System,” said Jenna Sudds, Federal MinisterofFamilies, Children andSocial Development.“CongratulationstoBowen Children’s Centreonthese newfull-time Infant-Toddler spaces, that will make arealimpact forparents and childrenonBowen Island.”

last month that BC Housing has confirmed their intention to proceed with funding the BIRCH rental housing project in Snug Cove! The Miller Road project (located beside the new Health Centre) will create 24 rental homes and is in partnership with the Lookout Housing & Health Society and Bowen Island Municipality. The link to the full announcement can be found on our website: www.birchousing.org

As always, thank you for your time and support.

- Robyn Fenton Executive Director, BIRCH

Our heartfeltgratitude to thefederal government and BC’s Ministry of Educationand ChildCarethrough the ChildCareBCNew Spaces Fund formakingour dream of providingmoreInfant Toddlerchild care spaces, thatare so desperatelyneededinour community, a reality.

We anticipate starting ourprogramming on thelower levelofour building on Carter Road,nexttoFamily Placeassoon as therenovations arecomplete.

TheChildCareBC NewSpacesFundprovidesfunding to create newlicensedchild care,helping families access affordable,quality,and inclusivechild care as a core service they canrelyon, whilestrengthening communities throughout BritishColumbia.

Formoreinformation,pleasecontact theOfficeat Bowen Children’s Centre Society– 604-947-9626or emailinfo@bowenchildrenscentre.ca

An invitation to view thenew spacewillbeoffered to thecommunity at aparty when we open…staytuned!

The Boardand staffof BowenChildren’sCentreSociety

AnnSilberman,Executive Director BowenChildren’sCentreSociety

Ready for Summer?

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Collins Farm

Mother’s Day show begins at the Hearth

JANET ESSEIVA Contributor

When a local classical composer reaches out to visual artists to collaborate on a show at The Hearth Gallery, incredible things are bound to happen.

Six local visual artists inspired by “mother” and “nature” themes, that also inspired a musical symphony composed by Islander Nova Pon, have come together to create a show of art and music called: Mother Nature.

Mother Nature reexamines, reflects on, and celebrates these intertwined and vital forces, in these times of shifting views of our relationship to nature, each other, and ourselves.

Launching soon after Earth Day and running through Mother’s Day, the exhibition showcases six visual artists

The Mothers and artists behind Mother Nature, a new show at the Hearth Gallery. / Submitted

and one music composer, all mothers on Bowen Island, each responding to these themes in their own voice.

Join Anja Jane, Di, Eleanor Rosenberg, Janet Esseiva, Kathryn Beals, Nova Pon and Paula Love for the Opening Night on Saturday, April 27, from 6 to 8 pm, for a feast of visual art and music.

Mother Nature runs from April 24 until May 13 at The Hearth Gallery on Bowen Island.

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BICS students write poetry & plant trees for Earth Day

SARAH HAXBY Community School Coordinator

The Grade 1 and 2 students of Division Eight and Division Nine at Bowen Island Community School started their celebration of Earth Day a few days early by planting trees and learning about spring traditions around the world, including the tradition in Japan of going on blossom-appreciation walks.

After learning how to plant trees, students went on a Bowen Island blossom walk and looking at everything in bloom. The walk ended at the beautiful white and pink cherry blossom trees blooming in the BICS playground. These old cherry blossom trees were planted in 1981, as part of the Murial Neilson Peace Garden legacy gift to the community school.

The beautiful flowering trees have inspired many artworks, as well as poetry. Students collaborated on class-haiku that were composed of words inspired by the cherry blossoms, as well as creating blossom artworks.

DIV. 9

Every year: Spring! Peaceful, pink, think of others Sweet, calm, blossoms sing!

DIV. 8

white blossoms bumble... pretty, super nice flowers ....bees think they taste good

CommunityArtsCoordinator on BowenIsland

We arecurrently searching forastaffperson to join our team at the Hearth Gallerytoassist in administration, artsales,marketing and general operations.Agreat position to add to your resume!

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Canada SummerJobs program:

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Choir performance celebrates Spring

LORRAINE ASHDOWN

TheLadies Madrigals

What are some sure signs of spring on Bowen Island?

Yes, the sea lions return to Cape Roger Curtis. Dolphins and whales can be spotted off the coast.

Skunk cabbage is alive and well as you walk around Killarney Lake. And, choirs begin to perform thepieces they have been working on since January.

This Spring, on Friday, May 3atCates Hill Chapel at 7:30 pm,Lynn Williams will direct the Ladies Madrigals in aselection of seasonal songs. And then, the audience will be treated to aperformance of Faure’s Requiem sung by amass choir ofBowen voices; soprano, alto, tenor and bass.

Thischoir willbedirected by theincomparable Alison Nixon, accompanied by equallypeerless SheilaghSparks andfeaturing Angela Rudden on viola, Lynn Williams as the soprano soloist and ChrisCorrigan as the baritone soloist.

This concertneedstobe entered into your calendars rightaway as awork like this has not beenperformed on Bowen in several years and you will not want tomiss it.

Tickets are available for cash only at Cates Pharmacy andat thedoor.

Come andenjoy some beautiful Spring music, hearand watch your community members sing, and feel thejoy that this music canbring.

WILLA

Meet the delightful Willa!

This charming and cuddly girl recently visited our clinic for her annual wellness check-up and to replenish her flea and tick meds. Has your furry companion been into our clinic within the last year? If so, give us acall, and we’ll have your flea and tick meds ready to go! If not, simply schedule your pet’s annual wellness checkup-up to keep up with preventative health management and make sure they have everything they need to be protected from fleas and ticks.

Some,but not all,ofthe

masschoirrehearsing at Collins Hall forthe FaureRequiem beingdirectedby Alison Nixon. Thechoirwillperform next Saturday at CatesHillChapel./LynnWilliams photo

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Tippy’s inspired by Cormier family roots

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

“The idea for Tippy’s came from what we saw as a need to salvage one of Bowens oldest restaurant spaces and provide that prime location with a complete upgrade. The property, along with the Union Steamship Marina, are the doorstep to the island and should be open and welcoming with daytime activity and public spaces,” says Glenn Cormier.

“We saw a need for a full service breakfast/brunch place that would make better use of the large outdoor area of that property,” he adds.

Prior to Tippy’s the space was home to Rustique Bistro before the owners moved off-island last year. There was much speculation about what would become of the place, particularly given its location as one of the first stops when coming off the ferry.

“Constraints on development in the Cove due to the sewer system capacity meant that that the building could not undergo any significant additions or upgrades… it needed to remain as a restaurant space and it needed owners who would be willing to invest in the property long-term under those development constraints,” explains Glenn. “We were likely the only ones crazy enough to take on that kind of challenge.”

While some elements of the restaurant space were maintained, walking into Tippy’s reveals an extensive and thorough makeover of the front of the house. Interior design

was performed by former Islander Jamie Smith and his son Oliver. Glenn describes it as “meant to have a very subtle maritime feel without being typical. The plan was to utilize the location and abundance of natural light to create a welcoming and bright space using simple finishings and unique features.”

A signature fence by Bowen artist Stacey Beamer highlights the outdoor dining area, while a distinct piece from fellow artist Guthrie Gloag hangs prominently inside.

As for the name, there is a family history behind it. “Tippy was a nickname given to my grandfather when he was just a young child (one of his sisters couldn’t pronounce his name “Phillip” so they called him Tippy)” says Glenn. Phillip, who lived his life in the Gaspé region of Quebec, built a kitchen facility amidst family cabins which overlooked the Grand Cascapédia River. It became a gathering place for meals, and now many years later is once again being used as a welcoming space to gather and eat.

Though, Glenn does point out that in choosing the name – “The irony is that Tippy didn’t like to eat in restaurants.”

But for those who do, the restaurant is open seven days a week with a menu which should satisfy every taste And as a bonus, Tippy’s was built using all Bowen Island trades, including Whitehart Homes, Bowenshire, Oakum Plumbing, Peter du Plesis, Quickway Paint and Drywall, Iishan Cruz, and Sea to Sky CNC.

Glenn Cormier & Basia Lieske photos

Artist & Q A

In this issuewetalk with actressand musician Bronwyn Churcher, who is performing her new show As IRoved Out on Bowen Island next month.

Q: The last time we spoke you werepreparing to take us on ajourney in the Maiden’s Lament. Nowyou are bringing As IRoved Out to Tir-na-nOg. What can theaudience expect from the new voyage with the Bardesse?

A: Ah! This is avoyage that is onefor everyone:itisuniversally relevant by its very nature because it’s aboutour earlyshared ancestry and the dawnofcreativity,asexplored through sound, story and song. We will journey out together throughtimefrom the verybeginning when thefirstsound wavespulsed through the Universe,gathering in the caves ofour earliestancestors and exploringthe origins of music, from the first lullabies sungbyour ancient motherstotraditional Celtic folk songs thatdateback over hundredsof years. The audiencewill be called upon to usetheirimagination and to participate nowand again as well! Ihope audiences will feel fully immersed in theexperienceand like they’vebeen transported to another time and placewith my storytellingand the ancient histories andmusic that is all woven into the fabric of the show

Q: Where did the inspiration for theshowcome from? Andwhat was the writing/composing process like?

A: Ihave been really fascinated for alongtimeabout our earliest ancestors -Idid my Masters in Social Anthropology ages ago, but this was also always my favouritesubjectto teach as aSocial Studies teacher back when Itaughtatboth IPS andIDLC! And Ialso got an amazing opportunitytogo visit theLascaux caves lastyear while Iwas travellingaround France. Icouldn’t stop thinking about thefirstsounds that earlyhumans would have made andthe beginning of creativity. Whatwould’ve been happening deepinthese caves andwhat did it lead to? These ancient cavesare notonly incredible because of the art but because ofthe acoustics. Scientists havefound that the art was actuallylocated in areas that had the best amplification. So whatdid thedawn ofcreativity lookand sound likeand whatstirs within us whenwethink about and hear these ancient songs?

TheBardesse character that takes us on this journey is a time-travelling troubadour andIloved the idea of herimagining the first voices and whether or not it was wordsorsong that came first. And thenhavingimportantmessages from the past to share as abard who wouldhaveseensomuch! The role of the bard was an importantone back in theday too, andIwanted to explore howthathas changed over time and what that has meant to our society.I lovedthe process ofimmersing myself in research on earlyhistory,onthe wisdomofIndigenous cultures the world over,onmyths about music, andthe history of the bard, as wellas thestories behind allofthe Celtic folk songs Ilove to sing andshare as the Bardesse. There’sa lotpacked into this 1.5 hour show, so it required alot of careful crafting andworkshopping.

Q: Whydoyou find it importanttoinclude aBowen stop onyourtours?

A: Growing uponBowen and being connected with the forestsand the nature and the ocean there was formative to me.It’s aspecial experience to go backeverylittle whileand seehow much has changed withinme(andalso howmuch hasactually changed on the island-thatpart is abit harder to face to be honest!) The community is so special too and I miss having aplace Icall home.Bowen feelslikemyheart home in away -and probably willbeuntil Isettledown in one place (if that ever happens!)

Q: What impressions/reactionshaveyou foundpeople are leavingthe show with?

A: Themain message of my showisabout communitybuilding: joining our voices together and telling stories tokeep the lore alive and well. And Itry to cultivate that throughoutwith the audience participation and playing with the audience. The Bardesse is abit of atrickster in her ownway,and Ihavebeenreally enjoyingseeing the different energies of each audience and how to work with them to makeeveryonefeel comfortableand able to go to theirown place with the messages of the showand with the music itself.It’sultimately afeel-goodexperience and Ithink the audiences I’ve performed to so far have left with smiles ontheir faces, perhaps anew friend, and alsoa reminder ofthe things that havebeenthe most important since the beginning of time. Ilike to say that the Bardesse reveals the secrets of the Universe through the show -soyou’ll just have to come see it to findout!

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Youcan find more from Bronwyn’sQ&A on ourwebsite,and full detailsonAsIRoved Outand how to getticketsinthe CalendaronPage20.

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Greatplan...Nowastedspace...Bigger than it looks outside. Lovely and bright...Feelsveryprivate...Tonsofstorage

COMING SOON

Earth DayCelebration &Fix-It Fair!

Youcould saythatKim Nattress is afan ofthe Fix-It Fair afterhandy helper Jason Glaim helpedtoget hercoolingdevice backinworking order.

Alex Kurial photos

Over at Island Pacific School,Keith Shaplandwas teaching visitors about ocean debris,while showingthe many, many items he’s found inthe water Andupstairs,the school beehive wasabuzz with activity.

Places of Worship

BOWEN ISLAND UNITED CHURCH

Jack& Soorya Resels went home happycustomers afteravisit to the experts at thesewing station -analwayspopular featureofthe fair.

QUEEN OF CAPILANOFERRY

SCHEDULE

APRIL 82024 TO MAY152024

DEPARTHORSESHOE BAY

Sunday Worship10:30 am

Rev. Lorraine Ashdown

www.biuc.ca |1122 MillerRoad 778-688-2061

ST.GERARD’SROMAN

CATHOLIC CHURCH

Sunday Mass at 9.30

Contact AngelaPowell604-947-2515

CATESHILL CHAPEL www.cateshillchapel.com 604-947-4260 (661 Carter Rd.)

Sunday Worship 10:00

Rev. Phil Adkins

SHIRATHAYAM(SongoftheSea)

BOWEN’SJEWISH COMMUNITY

Shabbat Gatherings ~Holidays

Contact aryana.rayne@gmail.com •www.shirathayam.ca

Schedules

am -exceptSundays

FOOD BANK DROP-OFF DEPART BOWENISLAND

-exceptWednesdays

-except

FASTPITCH

Shakers double up Brew crew

The 2024 Bowen Island Fastpitch Leagueseason officially gotunderway with atripleheader on Sunday before the traditional midweek games started two days later. The first of these was aTuesday night affair where the Shakers overcame some early offensive struggles to explode for 16 runs againstthe Brewers.

It wasactuallythe Brewers who struck first,and then continuedto mountalead by bringing4runnershome through the first 2innings while the pitchingofMilton M. kept the Shakersoff the board. Butafter going through the first round of their order with just 2hits theteaminthe blackjerseysprovedtheyhad figured things outthe second time around.

Charlie Welsh gotthe 3rd inninggoingwith abasehit and would latercome home to score, whilea few batters laterDougDurrant -alsothe Shakers starting pitcher -hit ahome runwhichscored himself andteammateMike V. Laterinthe frame Ayden Radleysmackedadouble to scoreJesse Durrantand tie thegame

tingin, and the 2nd period of the Canucksplayoff game abouttostart,bothteams decidedthe game wasno longer in doubtand agreed to wrap things up early We’ll return with the standings and schedule next week,enjoy the games and seeyou then!

TheBrewers went back ahead5-4 inthe bottom of theinning,but that’s thelast time they were in thelead as the Shakersscored the maximum5runs in both the4th and5th inningsto putthe game outofreach JesseDurrant improved on an already impressive day by smashinga 3run home runtocap offthe 4th inning, and, nottobeoutdone,Alex Lipsey-Ouimet sent a3run shotofhis ownout of the park to maxout the next inning. With thescore 16-8 after 6innings, darknessset-

It wasdingers onlyfor the Shakers trio of (L-R)Jesse Durrant, Alex LipseyOuimet,&Doug Durrant. Home runs came from Jesse, Alex and Doug in back to back to back innings,and eachofthem also crossed the plate twiceinthe gameastheir team took careofthe Brewers on Tuesdaybyascore of 16-8.

Spring brings new arrivals at Catching Stars Gallery!

As a Cooperative Gallery, we are very proud to showcase the works of almost 50 artists and we are thrilled to introduce four artists who have just joined the gallery.

We now have mixed media works by Janna Kumi and pottery by Stephanie Takagi. Bowen’s own Dayna Kreutzer creates unique earrings and pendants; from delicate filigree and mandala patterns, to bold geometric shapes. Seasonal and home decor pieces feature precision inlaid wood designs Shelley Koke is a painter who loves nature photography and creating art in various mediums.

Dayna and Shelley will be in the gallery for regular appearances Drop by and say hello!

Next month will be a celebration of our Mothers in May collection featuring works by our inspiring and successful Artist Mothers; Marie Neys, paintings, prints and textiles; Dayna Kreutzer, wood home décor and jewellery; Barb Hirano, pottery; Jean Bradbury, paintings; Kathy Clark jewellery and Nancy Dearborn, whimsical glass sculptures, vessels and candle holders.

Jilly Watson is the featured artist in Catching Stars Cooperative Gallery for the month of May. Her sunny

palette and playful compositions are a delight! Her many collectors will be excited to see new works in her Feature Artist display. She is strongly influenced by Emily Carr and Van Gogh and loves to portray the movement and energy she experiences in our magical forests.

The Feature Artist opportunity is available for Artists to apply to showcase their work for one month at the Gallery on our Feature Wall. Feature artists receive a larger percentage of their art sales and will receive extra marketing and promotions of their work. It is a great opportunity to showcase and sell more of their art, have an event related to the show, and introduce new collections to our clientele. There are a few spots available during the upcoming busy Spring/Summer season.

Artists can apply for a Featured Artist session by contacting us through the website submissions page or by email at info@catchingstarsgallery.com - dates will be determined at the time of the application.

You may have heard a little something about an Art Tour coming up on May 25 & 26. Catching Stars HUB 19 is not to be missed and will be one of 21 Hubs to visit over the tour weekend. With nearly 50 artists’ works on view, you will surely get a good sampling of a good variety of high caliber creations.

The support from our locals and visitors has been phe-

nomenal this year so far, and we are proud to have placed some amazing artworks and custom creations with our art lovers.

Interested in finding out more? We would love to hear from you! Check out the website submissions page at www.catchingstarsgallery.com or email us with your questions and to set up an appointment to meet with us at info@catchingstarsgallery.com

Celebrating our sixth year in operation, Catching Stars Gallery will hold our Anniversary Party on Saturday, June 15, from 2 to 4 pm so save the date and plan to join us for our signature Blue Mermaid cocktails and some great prizes!

Major projects

need to have major impacts.

EMILIE KAPLUN & KATHLEEN AINSCOUGH Catching Stars Gallery

Island Gymnasts take on the Bowen Invitational

LISA BROUGHAM

Bowen Island Gymnastics

Bowen Gymnastics hosted 140 gymnasts from ages six to adult at the Bowen Invitational over the weekend.

The gym meet was a huge success with many young gymnasts and adult gymnasts competing for the first time!

The exciting high school session was comprised of gymnasts from Pemberton, Bowen Island, West Vancouver, North Vancouver, and Vancouver. Our gymnasts put in outstanding performances to medal on all events.

Level 1: Juha Park 1st on Floor/Bars, 1st All Around. Level 2: Clara Patterson - 1st on Bars/Beam, 1st All Around; Sophia Toews1st on Beam, 5th All Around; Kian Bristowe 1st on Vault, 6th All Around; Mischa LaRoche - 4th on Vault/Beam, 4th All Around

We would like to thank all the parent volunteers, the Bowen community and our t-shirt/awards sponsors: Align Climate Solutions, Kiwi, Union Steamship Company, and Doc Morgan’s. The Ruddy Potato and General Store also helped make the competition possible

Local high school gymnasts (L-R) Juha Park, Kian Bristowe, Mischa LaRoche, Sophia Toews, & Clara Patterson were particularly successful at the event.

Lisa Brougham photos

CALENDAR

Saturday, April 27

French Connections at the Library

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 Meets from 10:30 to 11:30 am bipl.ca/French

Saturday, April 27

SKY Scrabble

Scrabblelovers unite for head-to-head friendly Scrabble games, for 55+ from 1 to 3 pm. RSVP for a seat at a table as space is limited at our newly opened Seniors Cottage on Cardena Drive. Please write to info@skyonbowenisland.ca

Sunday, April 28

Library Guest Speaker

“Keeping Mentally Fit: A Talk on Working with Stress” with Rob Wynen, at the Bowen Library. In this talk, we’ll explore strategies and techniques to prioritize our mental well-being, cultivate resilience, and enhance our overall well-being Drop-in, starts at 1 pm bipl.ca/fit

Sunday, April 28 (& other dates)

SKY Hangouts

Drop in at the Cottage on Cardena Drive: We will be offering a warm place to stop in for a coffee, tea and a treat while visiting with fellow seniors or friends From 1 to 3 pm Hangouts also April 29, 30, May 3, same time and place.

Sunday, April 28

Bowen Nature Club Outing

Come out for a Fern and Moss Discovery Walk. Mosses and ferns are some of the world’s oldest land plants Join expert Claudia Schaefer on a walk from 2 to 4 pm to meet some of the common mosses and ferns and learn why so many kinds live on Bowen and how they make a living. Dress

for the weather and wear sturdy walking shoes Leaders: DG Blair and Claudia Schaefer. Register by at least 2 days before event: bowennatureclub@gmail.com

Monday, April 29

SKY Stretch & Strength

From 9 to 9:45 am at Bowen Court. Everyone 55+ welcome, no speaker this week.

Monday, April 29

Plant Sale at BICS

Last day to get your orders in for the Spring plant fundraiser at Bowen Island Community School. Orders close at Noon. Visit bowenislandcs.growingsmilesfundraising.com/ home to place your order All orders available for pickup by May 14. Volunteers are also needed for that pickup day

Tuesday, April 30

SKY Musical Movement

Join Marc Gawthrop on piano at Bowen Court from 10 to 11 am Free for 55+

Wednesday, May 1 & Friday, May 3

SKY Walks

Meet at the Seniors Cottage on Cardena Drive at 10:30 am

Wednesday, May 1

SKY Social Lunch

Lunch will be at the Olive & Anchor in Horseshoe Bay. Please meet at 11:45 am at the ferry dock. RSVP to info@skyonbowenisland.ca

Friday, May 3

Ladies Madrigals Sping Concert

Cates Hill Chapel at 7:30 pm Lynn Williams will direct the Ladies Madrigals choir in a selection of seasonal songs. See Page 10 for full details

Saturday, May 4

As I Roved Out

Bronwyn Churcher visits Bowen as the Bardesse to take the audience on a musical journey through time. At Tir-na-

nOg Theatre at 7:30 pm, tickets available on eventbrite.ca or at the door on performance night. Check out Page 13 for a Q&A with Bronwyn about the show.

Sunday, May 5

Book Donation Day at the Library

Starts at 10 am and runs 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. Find out more at bipl.ca/donatebooks

Sunday, May 12

Bring Your Own Book Club at the Library

A casual book club to discuss books you’ve read—old and new, loved or hated. Get recommendations and meet other book-loving locals! All ages of adults and youth welcome to drop in. From Noon to 1 pm bipl.ca/byobook

WEDNESDAYS

Storytime at the Library

A free, drop-in program of stories and songs for 2-4 yearolds and their caregivers! Runs from 10:30 to 11 am Runs through June 5. bipl.ca/storytime

Bowen Bridge

1:30 to 4:30 pm at Bowen Court Fee $5 per person per session. Book by email (bowcates04@gmail.com) no later than 6 pm on Monday Also email for more information.

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, 1/2 hr drop-in program of songs, books, and rhymes for babies 0-18 months and their caregivers! Starts 11:30 am, join us afterwards, at 12 pm, for a casual baby & caregiver social hour. Through May 30. bipl.ca/babytime

brad

carter

Weare pleased to announce that Brad Carterhas been selectedasour nextHead of School.Bradhas dedicated 20 yearsexploringthe role of education in society andthe waywegoabout educatingpeople. Read moreabout Bradhere: