We were staying with family over the August long weekend and were treated to a show by the local fire crew on their fire boat out in the middle of Deep Bay at around 4:30pm on Monday, August 5 Those watching from their decks and Pebbly Beach cheered loudly as the fire boat finished its three minute water show, having twirled around clockwise while spraying from its four water cannons. Such a fun sight to see! / Andrew Lukianiuk submission & photo
Cougar seen across Bowen after coming over to the Island
MANY STEPS YOU CAN TAKE TO STAY SAFE & AVOID CONFLICT WITH COUGAR
ALEX KURIAL Editor
Bowen residents and visitors are being advised to exercise caution following the arrival of a cougar on the island.
After several days of reported sightings of the big cat, its presence was confirmed in a surveillance video taken during the early hours of Tuesday, July 23 The video was recorded at Cape Roger Curtis, with sightings also coming in from other westside and mid-Island locations
Cougars are rare on Bowen, meaning residents may be unprepared to deal with them or visitors may not expect the animal to be here. The municipality released an advisory via the Alertable app on July 25 asking people to take precautions to keep themselves, family members and pets safe, and to attempt to make yards less attractive to wildlife.
SECHELT’S DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING ASSUMING TOP ADMINISTRATIVE ROLE
ALEX KURIAL Editor
The municipality has chosen Kirn Dhillon as its new chief administrative officer.
The search came following the announcement of current CAO Liam Edwards that he would be leaving to take the same role with the town of Sidney on Vancouver Island starting in September. Dhillon’s first day as Bowen’s CAO will be Sept 9.
Dhillon was most recently the director of engineering and operations in Sechelt on the Sunshine Coast. His achievements with the district include the completion of a new Operations Centre which opened last year, and transportation and revitalization projects in the downtown
Prior to Sechelt, Dhillon worked for a decade with the Yukon territorial government. Dhillon originally began with a Bachelor of Applied Science from the University of
Waterloo, and is a registered professional engineer and program management professional.
“I thank Bowen Island Council for entrusting me with the role of Chief Administrative Officer It is a profound privilege to provide leadership to the professional and dedicated staff who work for the municipality” said Dhillon in a statement.
“Over the past years in Sechelt, I have learned to understand the challenges facing coastal communities. Climate change, a growing infrastructure deficit, and housing are critical issues that require innovative approaches that engage the entire community,” added Dhillon.
Mayor Andrew Leonard welcomed the new head of administrative staff to the municipal team. “We’re confident that Dhillon’s extensive experience and innovative approach will be invaluable assets to the community. His skills are expected to drive forward key initiatives and contribute significantly to the municipality’s growth and improvement.”
Curious bobcat on North Vancouver trail among recent big cat sightings
A BOBCAT STARTLES A NORTH VAN RESIDENT JUST DAYS AFTER A COUGAR MADE ITS WAY TO BOWEN ISLAND
MINA KERR-LAZENBY
North Shore News / Local Journalism Initiative
As Bowen Island residents continue to grapple with a cougar settling into theirneighbourhood, one North Vancouver man is recovering from a surprise encounter with a friendly local feline. Big cat fever, it seems, is in the air
Paul Wiens had only lived as a Grousewoods local mere days before he was welcomed to the area by an unexpected neighbour: A bobcat, exploring the BCMC trailhead.
Wiens had been cutting through the Grouse Mountain trail on Wednesday (July 24) for a morning Starbucks coffee when the “very curious” feline popped out from the growth, he said.
“I was scared at first, but then I felt very at ease with it With the way it was looking at me, I definitely didn’t feel any threat,” he said. “I felt a real connection with him, it was a really special experience.”
Wiens, a photographer who moved to the area from East Vancouver, managed to snap a couple of National Geographic-worthy shots and video with his iPhone.
In one video, a tawny coat sits stark against the forest as the cat peers at Wiens from between the trees of the trailhead In another, it sits directly behind an abandoned excavator, its face peering out from just below the machine’s Bobcat logo It was this hint given by his feline friend
that enlightened Wiens to what he was encountering – until then he hadn’t known what feline it was, “other than it must have been part of the big cat family,” and certainly wasn’t aware that bobcats could be spotted so close to home
“I would have never guessed that our paths would cross in Vancouver, especially in an area like that,” he said, adding how one of the reasons he moved to North Vancouver was to experience the local nature and wildlife.
“You always hope to see animals like that in their natural habitat as opposed to a zoo, so it was really wonderful to see it so free and happy and about in my community.”
Gabriela De Romeri from Wildsafe BC said, while she is unaware of any previous sightings on or near the BCMC trail, bobcats are known to be spotted around North Vancouver
Because of their smaller size – the felines are roughly twice the size of domestic cats –they are “generally not a big concern,” she said, but, as with all wildlife, they can be dangerous if startled or put in danger
“If that happens you can make noise, make yourself look large, back away from the area and give the animal space so that it feels less threatened by you,” she said. “If it continues to follow you, then we recommend you throw rocks towards the animal and try to deter it.”
Meanwhile on Bowen Island, residents are still debating the safety concerns of having a cougar taking up residence in their hometown. Residents have reported sight-
ings for more than a week, with the feline captured on local wildlife cameras and spotted peering in windows and roaming the streets.
“People on the island are worried, and that’s really understandable given that predators are fairly rare on the island,” said Carla Skuce, manager of environment & parks planning with the Bowen Island Municipality.
Skuce said the last time she can recall a cougar visiting Bowen Island was more than 20 years ago, and the municipality is currently in talks with the RCMP and conservation officers to determine the best course of action.
Despite chatter among locals that the cougar will be killed or transported, the cougar “looks healthy, is exhibiting normal behaviour,” and has not shown aggression towards humans, and so there are no such plans as of yet, she assured.
With island residents not being used to the same risks as those on the mainland, Skuce is encouraging locals to brush up on cougar protocol and general wildlife awareness.
“People should be taking those steps to avoid attracting prey animals to their property, like securing their garbage and keeping pet food indoors. Pets and children would be best kept inside from before dusk until after dawn, and small children should be supervised when outside,” she said.
While cougars may be rare on Bowen, as with bears, wolves and coyotes, the big cats still occasionally visit by swimming to
the island or travelling across via floating debris. De Romeri said the cougar might have been lured to the Bowen by its abundant deer population, or with hopes of finding a mate. Often, in their own time, they will swim back to the mainland, she said.
North Vancouver resident Paul Wiens recorded his encounter with a Bobcat while walking along the trails of Grouse Mountain.
Kirn Dhillon is Bowen Island’s new chief administrative officer. / BIM photo
VIEWPOINTS
THE WRITE STUFF. TheUndercurrent encourages readerparticipation in your communitynewspaper.You must includeyourfull name and adaytimephone number(forverification only). The editor reservesthe righttoeditfor clarity,legality, brevityand taste. Please limit to under500 words. HERE’S HOW:Tosubmit aletter to the editor,fax 604-947-0148 or mailittoPO Box 130,Bowen Island,BC, V0N 1G0 or email editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com
BowenIsland UndercurrentSubscription Rates: Mailed 1year subscription on BowenIsland:$62.50, including GST.Within Canada: $85 including GST Newsstand (Single Copy)$1.50 per copy,includingGST ISSN 7819-5040
All Advertising and news copy contentare copyrightof the Undercurrent Newspaper.All editorial contentsubmittedtothe Undercurrent becomes the property of the publication. TheUndercurrent is not responsible forunsolicited manuscripts,art work and photographs.
National NewsMedia Council.
TheUndercurrent is amember of theNational NewsMedia Council of Canada, whichisanindependentorganization established to deal with acceptable journalistic practices and ethical behaviour.Ifyou have 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 websiteat mediacouncil.ca or call toll-free 1-844-877-1163 foradditional information
VIEWPOINTS
Bowen Island United Church welcomes you to the water
REV. LORRAINE ASHDOWN Bowen Island United Church
The last few weeks have been spectacular; long, warm and sunny days. A few weeks ago, we gathered at Killarney Lake for a sacred time to connect with one another and with Mother Earth through stillness, silence, music, meditation and prayer.
This Sunday, we will do so again. Join us at 10:30 am on Sunday, August 11 at the picnic tables at Killarney Lake. Please bring a chair if you can as seating is limited
We will follow the Celtic values of hospitality, community and reverence for nature as we focus on this Celtic prayer for water:
“Deep within the earth I’ve known you, holy water, source of life.
In every river, lake, and sea, your presence calls to me. In every drop, a story sleeps, of ancient secrets, mysteries that creep
May I respect your sacred might, and preserve your beauty bright.
May I honour your life-giving flow, and keep your spirit pure and slow.
May I be refreshed by your sweet grace, and find my soul’s true place.
Blessings on your waters, holy and deep, May they forever flow, and forever keep.”
Come and join us for a sacred hour. All are welcome, including dogs on leashes. You don’t have to be a member of our church - or any church - in order to come and sit by the lake, breathe in the air, listen to the birds… and be still.
Re: Elimination of BICS Community School Coordinator
Dear Editor:
Fifty years ago, Bowen Island was among the first communities to pioneer the community school concept in British Columbia by establishing a community school in our province.
This was accomplished through intensive and remarkable grassroots efforts, in which Bowen Islanders seized their rightful democratic power and rose as one in their dedication to a truly progressive, open door educational approach.
Community schools should have our full fledged endorsement, as it is support for a public education concept that is a quantum leap beyond archaic, top-down systems that fail to fully include or reach out to the community, and have been often criticized as being “another brick in the wall”.
The community school can be likened to a wheel in which the coordinator is the vital resource at the centre of that wheel. The decision by the West Vancouver School District to discontinue that position at Bowen Island Community School (BICS) is not only an appalling and disgraceful gut punch to one of the communities that played a foundational role in giving birth to this concept in British Columbia, it is a direct assault on the community school concept itself.
Harry Basil [Basso] Menzies passed away quietly July 23, 2024 in the North Shore Hospice. He will be missed by his children Charles (Veronica), Helen, and Elizabeth, nephew and nieces Ann Barret(Max), Ed Davies (Lil), Susan Brown, and grandchildren Nicholas (Leah), Tristan, Jarek,Kristoffer (Cynthia), Teddy,Ace,and by his extended family and friends.Hewas predeceased by his wifeShirley,father Harry, mother Elizabeth, and his sisters Muriel,Pearl, and Marguerite.
Basso wasbornand raised in PrinceRupert, whereheand his partner Shirley raised their children. Basso worked from the age of 12, only retiring in his mid-70s,inthe commercial fishing industry. He startedworkasa labourer and
Ironically, the central and indispensable role played by the community school coordinator is clearly outlined on the District’s website (westtvancouverschools.ca) itself:
“The school is the hub of the island, providing a stimulating learning environment for students and a variety of community services and programs. As BICS has been an official community school since 1974, community partnerships abound. Our Community School Coordinator works with the school to ensure that this model benefits all members of the community by integrating the school into the community, and the community into the school.”
The West Vancouver community and school district pride themselves in their intention to uphold quality education. If that is truly the case, and if they want to remain on the right side of history with regard to public education, the only way forward is for the school district to reinstate the position of Community School Coordinator on Bowen Island.
- John Sbragia
*A petition to reinstate the Community School Coordinator position has gained nearly 550 signatures, and can be found at https://www.change.org/p/save-our-community-school-coordinator-position
ended his career as the owner-operator of a 60-foot commercial fishboat.
Basso lovedmeeting people and making new friends.Upuntil his last months he would happily launch into astory about his lifeonthe water.Hecared deeply about his family who will hold him dearly in their memories.
Thefamily thanks Dr Sue Schloegl of Bowen Island and the staff of the North ShoreHospice. Most especially,the family thanks the dedicated team thatmade everyeffort to support Basso in his desiretoliveathome as long as he could.
Amemorial servicewill be held on Saturday, August 17, 2024 at the Bowen Island United Church, 11am, reception to follow. Amemorial reception will be held on Saturday, September 28, 2024 in the PrinceRupertUnited Church Hall,2-5pm.
In lieu of flowers,donations can be made to the Dr Paul Sugar PalliativeSupportFoundation https://www.paulsugarfoundation.com/
Service at Killarney Lake. / Lorraine Ashdown photo
Reliving the glory days of ‘Run for the Ferry’
THE ONCE POPULAR BOWFEST RUN HAS EVOLVED INTO THE PRESENT-DAY RUN FOR RWANDA, AND IS STILL CONNECTED TO THE END-OF-SUMMER FESTIVAL
HILARY BUTLER
Bowen Island Rotary Club
Swing forward two weeks to Saturday, August 24, the Saturday before the Labour Day weekend. For most Bowen Islanders, that means Bowfest: the parade, the Slug Races, the beer garden, reuniting with old friends and lots of good music.
Bowfest has a long and well-documented history that dates back to the 1960s. But what about the Run for the Ferry, a fundraiser that was linked to Bowfest for a few years in the 1990s and still runs today under a new name, the Bowen Island Rotary Run?
There are very few records of Run for the Ferry that, for many people, still is the fun runner-up to the Bowfest parade Are the names of Dean Gooch and Jerry Asner, founders of the race, still familiar to those of us who run the run in 2024? Both these men were avid long-distance runners, well known in the Vancouver running community.
They used to go off island regularly to participate in marathons and half-marathons. One day, over a post-run cup of coffee, they pondered the possibility of organizing a run on Bowen, and how about in tandem with Bowfest? And why not a Run for the Ferry? Dean and Jerry measured 10 km back from the ferry dock, back up to a spot close to Salal Road, and a 5 km spot halfway there. They scrambled for runners amongst their friends and used the Undercurrent as a conduit for attracting runners.
In an Undercurrent article on June 30, 1995, runners were told “Tell your friends off-island and let them know that the competition will not be easy, because we have some local runners that have a lot of experience running for the ferry.” Thelma Wright, well known Canadian Olympian runner, remembers many Runs for the Ferry, particularly as she always came in first!
There are no archives or sharp memories of those first runs, but Margaret Butler remembers coming second in the women’s 10K at age 17 and receiving a pot-warmer as a prize. Her mother won the 5K and went home with a good pair of running shoes Sue Clarke, Bowen potter, made dedicated mugs for winners and 1997 participants, and the run became a feature on Bowen and the mainland.
By 1999, the route had been changed to a start from Salal Road down to the ferry dock. That was the year that Dean and Jerry handed over to Mary Letson who took it up a notch by entering the run into the Asics Timex Road Running Series. This meant that, apart from a monumental amount of organization, many competitive runners from the mainland thronged over to Bowen to join the fun.
Ian Fry designed the T-shirts for several years (see photo, right), a pancake breakfast was provided by the Teen Centre, and tickets to Bowfest were included in the race package. By this stage of the game, the hardened runners were complaining about the damage done to their knees on the Salal Drive route, so it was decided to change
the route to start and end at the ferry with a turn-around on Mt Gardner Road, which was slightly less hard on the joints.
Having been told originally by Dean that the organization was ‘a piece of cake’, Mary realized that the cake was a very large one, and she had lots of other projects on the go. She handed the baton to Sonia Usmiani, who in turn handed over to the Bowen Children’s Centre who were looking for a fundraiser. The Children’s Centre lasted three years, and the young mothers from the Centre found that lack of time, funding and volunteers led to handing the very complex organization to Richard Best whose valiant challenge at fundraising for the Bowen Community Housing Association lasted for four years.
Like his predecessors, Richard expanded the horizons of the run, and he did an enormous job of fundraising for the Association. He realized that the rewards were not commensurate with the work involved, besides which there was not enough public and political support for affordable housing, an issue that, ironically, has since become one of the major concerns facing Bowen.
In 2011 Richard offered the challenge to the Rotary Club of Bowen Island that had recently been chartered. Enter the Butlers whose daughter had recently returned from Rwanda and was looking for a fundraiser for her Komera project that was providing scholarships for young women to complete their education.
Between April and August of 2011, the Run for the Ferry became the Rotary Run
for Rwanda, or Run for the Ferry lite, and lite it has remained ever since The run has morphed into a fun community run and walk, called the Bowen Island Rotary Run, organized by the Rotary club and the Komera Canada team, a group of locals who fund girls in rural Rwanda, sending around $20,000 to Rwanda every year, largely thanks to run participants, sponsors and annual donors.
Meanwhile, Bowfest has moved on from year to year, with a variety of organizers and volunteers; this year, there is a brand new team in charge, and Bowfest will be back to its pre-Covid dimensions We can’t wait to watch the parade from our spot in front of the Library, once the Bowen Island Rotary Run prize-giving is done!
The Bowen Island Golf Course’s annual fundraiser at the end of July brought out some colourful characters to the south-island links, including singers, disco stars, the young golfers of tomorrow, and bold fashion choices by Bruce Russell, seen here enjoying the day with Ken Hallat. / Haig Farris photos
Summer Concert in the Garden
VISIT FROM EAST VAN SAX QUARTET
JACQUELINE MASSEY
Contributor
A very special summer concert will take place on Sunday, August 18 in the beautiful outdoor amphitheatre in the gardens on the property of David and Aubin van Berckel.
The concert features the East Van Sax Quartet, a fun-loving and versatile group, whose repertoire spans Beethoven to The Beatles and beyond.
The quartet is led by Mike Spindloe on soprano saxophone, who says:
“We’re very excited to be playing on Bowen in such a unique setting. I’ve been a regular visitor to the
island for years and have met many Bowen musicians at jams and such and am so happy to finally have an opportunity to perform there.”
Mike is joined by Daniel Seguin (alto), Greg Kennedy (tenor) and Topher Johnston (baritone). The gardens will be open at 4:30 pm, and music will begin at 5 for approximately an hour.
The ground at the venue is naturally somewhat uneven and attendees are invited to bring along a lawn chair or blanket for comfortable seating.
Tickets are limited and can be found here:
ht tps ://www.brow npa pe rt ic ke ts .com/ event/6360841
OPERATIONSMANAGER
Bowen Island Golf Course
The Bowen Island Golf Association is seeking amotivated individual to fill the full-time position of Operations Manager. Reportingtothe Board of Directors the Operations Manager plays apivotal role in overseeing all club operations including the care and maintenance of the golf course, the Shed Restaurant and the TK Performance Training facility
For afull position description please visitour web site at https://www.bowengolf.com/.
Interested applicants should send their CV to Admin@bowengolf.com on or before Friday,August 16th, 2024.
•$34.97Hourly Rate •Benefits •PaidTraining and PPE
•Overtimeafter 40hrs –Highearning potential!
• Work-life balance –Behome every night!
YOUBRING
•HighSchool education •Minimum of two(2) years’ experience
•Class3driver’slicense with air braketicketclean driverabstract
The East Van Sax Quartet is composed of Mike Spindloe, Daniel Seguin, Greg Kennedy, & Topher Johnston.
The Birthing of aBook with aBowen connection
MARY LESLIE Contributor
Threeformer BowenIslanders,who each calledBowen Island home for many years,are celebrating thebirth of their firstbook, writtenincollaboration with four other authors, whichlaunchedinMay 2024.
They aremyself,MaryLeslie (1987-2011), Julie Gerhardt (1991-2003) and Dr.Carolyn Nesbitt(around 2009-2023) Some of the seedsofinspirationinconnecting andintegratingthe Satir model in their personal livesand privatepractices happenedwhile livingonBowen.
Onememorable nightinJanuary2001 duringa wet andwindynight, while waitingfor the water taxi,Julie shared her enthusiasm with Mary abouther Satir model workshop that weekend. Mary signed up the nextday for Satir trainingand the essence of that conversation played abig part in their collaboration yearslater.Julie,
Mary and Carolynwerejointlyinvolved in Satir trainings prior to Carolyn’smovetoBowen and their friendships continuedtodeepenthrough their book writingprocess. Their book,VirginiaSatir’s EvolvingLegacy: TransformativeTherapywith a BodyMind Connection, wasbuilt on a foundation of collaboration, congruency and deep respectfor each other,and wastruly alabourof love.Their teacher,mentorand biggestcheerleader during ourwritingwas Dr.John Banmen, whowrote the forward for the book
He hasplayedamajor role incontinuing the teaching and articulation of Satir’s model afterSatir’s deathin1988. Her model is currently taught globallythrough 30 institutes and/ or affiliates aroundthe world: in Asia,Israel, Africa, Europe and Northand SouthAmerica.
The initial intention of writing this book wastohighlight howVirginia Satir wasincluding and accessing the body, energyand Spirit in her therapywith individuals,families and groups (longbeforeitwas the spoken aboutintherapeutic circles) andits relevance today.
In their rich discussionstogether,theyfeltitwas importanttodemonstrate and sharethrough writinghow theyeach integrated the teachings of Satir in their personal journeys andprivate practices,through storyand case studies
Mary,aseditor,contributed the first twochaptersto introduce VirginiaSatir and the essentialelements of Satir’s model. Julie’s chapterisabout herintegration of Satir’s modelinher PhysicalTherapy practice,highlightingher work with infants,young children and womenpreparing for birth and recovery after birth.Carolyn writes aboutthe useofmeditationintherapy sessions and groups and how herownpersonallifeexperience and intuitioninforms her therapy approach
Eachofthe chapters in the book arerelatable and accessible to therapists of diverse backgrounds and to those interestedintheir ownpersonalgrowth.
To find outmoreabout the otherauthors and the book go to www.agiopublishing.com,orwww.maryleslie.ca, drop into the BowenIsland Public Library, or go to Phoenix Books, where the book canbepurchased.
PlacesofWorship WelcomeYou
BOWEN ISLAND UNITEDCHURCH
Sunday Worship10:30 am Rev.Lorraine Ashdown www.biuc.ca |1122 Miller Road 778-688-2061 OFFICE HOURS WEDNESDAY10-4ORBYAPPOINTMENT
Sunday Mass at 9.30 Contact AngelaPowell604-947-2515
CATES HILLCHAPEL www.cateshillchapel.com 604-947-4260 (661 Carter Rd.)
SHIRATHAYAM (Songofthe Sea)
BOWEN’SJEWISH COMMUNITY Shabbat Gatherings ~Holidays
Sunday Worship10:00 Rev. Phil Adkins Contactaryana.rayne@gmail.com •www.shirathayam.ca
DEPART BOWENISLAND
5:20 am -exceptSundays 6:20 am 7:30 am 8:35 am 9:35 am 10:40am 12:05pm 1:15 pm 2:40 pm 4:00 pm -exceptWednesdays 5:10 pm 6:15 pm 7:20 pm -exceptSaturdays 8:50 pm 9:50 pm 10:50pm DEPARTHORSESHOE BAY 5:50 am 6:50 am 8:00 am 9:05 am -exceptWednesdays. 10:10 am 11:15 am 12:40 pm 1:55 pm 3:30 pm 4:40 pm 5:45 pm 6:50 pm 7:50 pm -except Saturdays 9:20 pm 10:20 pm
The Queen of Cowichan ferrypasses by hermuch largerseafaringcounterpart, the Celebrity Solstice cruiseship, as the vessels lineupfor amomentbeforeheading their separatewaysin the Salish Sea. /Haig Farris photo
FASTPITCH
TournamentTime
Weare through theAugustlongweekend, whichmeans that startingthisFridayitisthe BowenIsland Fastpitch League Tournament to crownour 2024 champion!
Lastyearitwas the Firemen wholifted the trophywhen all wassaidand done on Sunday,and they’velet everyone know they mean business for their title defenseby finishing1st Place duringthe regularseason. Theonlyteaminthe league to hit14 wins,thereislittletofind at faultwiththis squad. They rackedupthe second mostruns overall, and an incrediblystingy pitching staff -alongwith Gold Glovelevel fielding -ensured nobodycame closetotheirruns againsttotal, whichat122 is 36 lessthanthe next best mark
There’smanyplayers to watch on this team, includingthe Franklin trio of Sam, Johnnyand Adam,Jennings brothers Burns &Dallen, CorbyBernard, and Liam Zahara
While the Firemen area good betto repeat, therewon’t be anyeasy path to victory.The Cruiserswerehot on their tail in the standings,finishingjust1.5 games back In fact the squad bearingEddie Weismiller’s caricature even plated 10 morerunsthan theFiremen, as their bats have thepotential to getveryhot.Watch for home runs threats in Erik Hunter-James and Robbie Watson, asolid pitchingduo of GradyHuskisson and Jamie Weismiller,and some very speedybaserunnersinKeelanHondroand PeterBlomberg. Sittingin3rd at the end of theyearare the Shakers, who hadthe league’s second tightest rundifferential and are always sure to deliver aclosegame.Dougand Jesse Durrantare ones to keep an eyeon,along with Charlie Welsh,AlexLipsey-Ouimet, Ayden Radley, and RileyCulver.NoahPryceJones will likelymakesome highlyanticipatedand entertainingtrips to the mound throughout the tournament.
And of course the Diggerscan never be ruledout of contention either.Despitefinishingjustagame over 500, this team is
Cougar
just twoyears removedfromhoistingthe trophy themselvesas2022 champions,and much of that experiencedgroup remains on the squadtoday.This includes Adam and TomWoodward,Daniel Cowper,and Paul Whitecotton, whilelastseason’sRookieof theYearErikMiller came over this year to bolsterthe Diggersranks. Be sure to pay closeattentiontoDan Guillon on thepitcher’s moundtoo,scouts aresayinghe’sgot his knuckleball pitchlockedand loaded.
Theformatofthe tournamentmeans that anybodyhas achance,sowhile theBrewers andTwinsmay notlooklikefavouriteson paper, oneupset wininthe groupstage can send ripples throughoutthe competition. TheTwinshavethe opportunitytocause astirinthe opening game on Friday night whentheytakeonthe Diggers, awin which would instantlyturn them intocontendersonSaturday. TheTwins pitchingand defensehas actuallybeenquite good this year, as they’reinthe tophalf of theleague in runs against.But their bats desperately need to wake up as they’reaveragingjust over5 runs pergame.They’lllooktoTyler and JasonJacquet,Dan Moats, Sean Davies, BrentMolinski,and Erik Helssen, among others,to getthings going.
Andfinally the Brewersalwayshavethe chancetomakethingsinterestingwith a group of bats that could go off. Iishan Cruz, James Strang,and RandyPoulin have all shown themselvestobebig hitters this year, alongwith Pete Scottwho isalsonever to be underestimated on themound.The team has also recruitedpitcher Milt Michael for this season,who hasshown an abilityto escapemanyjams duringthe year.Under the watchful eyeofleagueveteran Brad Rypien, this teamwilllooktopulloff some upsets this weekend.
Look forwardtoseeingeveryone at Snug Cove Fieldfor allthe action over the next3 daysand nights!
-AlexKurial, Scorekeeper
TournamentSchedule
Friday,August 9
Diggersvs. Twins -6:30 pm
Saturday, August 10
Cruisers vs.Shakers -9am
Firemen vs.Brewers -10:45 am
Cruisers vs.Twins -12:30 pm
Firemen vs.Shakers -2:15 pm
Diggersvs. Brewers-4pm
Shakersvs. Twins -5:45 pm
Sunday,August 11
Firemen vs.Diggers -9am
Cruisers vs.Brewers -10:45 am
Semifinal 1(#1 vs.#4) -12:30 pm
Semifinal 2(#2 vs.#3) -2:30 pm
Championship Game -5pm #1 #2 #3 #4 #5 #6
2024Regular Season final standings. RF -Runs For/ RA -RunsAgainst
KEVIN
Meet Kevin! This adventurous little fella has traveled coast to coast across Canada. Starting his journey on the scenic shores of Newfoundland to now calling Bowen Island home. Kevin’sfavorite pastime is beachcombing and diving for rocks, clearly he knows how to have agood time. His grandpa holds a special place in his heart, buthealso enjoysvisiting the Bowen vet—especially for the treats! With his irresistible charm and zest for life, Kevin is sure to steal your heart. Can’t makeour usual 9-5opening hours?Wewill be open until 7pmon Thursdays for the summer. Give us a call to book an appointmentorcome by.Welook forward to seeing you!
to ConservationOfficer Service
CONTINUEDFROM PAGE 1
Caution is advised when heading outon wooded trails,and it is recommendedto travel in groups.Parents should talk to their children aboutwhattodoiftheysee acougar, and trytoavoid havingyourchild play alone outside.Pets should be on leashes while outwalkingand in afencedareaat
home,whilealsocominginside at night
Many moretips for stayingsafe when living with cougarscan be foundinthe ‘Staying Safe AroundWildlife-Cougars’section of theprovincialgovernmentwebsite. If an incidentwith the cougar takesplace, people areaskedtoinformthe Conservation Officer Servicebycalling1-877-952-7277.
CALENDAR
Friday, August 9 to Sunday, August 11
Fastpitch Tournament
The Bowen Island Fastpitch Tournament runs Friday to Sunday at Snug Cove Field. See Page 9 for the full schedule. Saturday, August 10
Old General Store 100th Birthday
We invite you to bring a picnic to the Library lawn and enjoy music, displays, art, games, activities, a giant birthday cake and a community photo. You are encouraged to dress in 1920s attire, and to bring your own picnic or order a grab and go lunch from local food vendors Noon to 3 pm
Saturday, August 10
2nd Bowen Show ‘n’ Shine
Bring your classic cars (and motorcycles too) to the end of Seymour Bay Drive, above the Golf Course. Smooth road access with lots of good parking. We had more than 20 older, classic, & vintage vehicles last year. Runs 5 pm till Dusk.
Sunday, August 11 (& other dates)
SKY Hangouts
Drop in at the Cottage on Cardena Drive: We will be offering a welcoming 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 August 13, 14, & 16, same time and place.
Monday, August 12 to Friday, August 16
Gymnastics Camps
Sign up your kid for week-long gymnastics programs at Bowen Island Community School. Kinder Camps (ages 4-7) each day from 10 am to Noon, and Gym Stars & Gym Club Camp from 12:45 to 3:45 pm Find all the registration info at bowengymnastics.com
To Monday, August 12
Venturing Out at Hearth Gallery
Art Show featuring Mary Rose Drescher. Tuesday, August 13
Curious Crafts at the Library
Create a curious craft with Wendy Harding, following along with Creativebug, our free crafting video class platform. Craft supplies provided. 1 pm in the Library Annex for ages 5-8, and 2:30 pm for ages 9-12. Drop off your child for either of these 1-hour events You can register your child at bipl.ca/SRCevents
Wednesday, August 14 to Monday, September 2
Jean Bradbury at Hearth Gallery
Art show with Jean Bradbury. Artist pARTy with Jean on Saturday, August 17 from 6 to 8 pm
Thursday, August 15
SKY Yoga
Join Diana for yoga at Bowen Court from 10 to 11 am $5 fee for non-members free for SKY members.
Saturday, August 17 & Sunday, August 18
Sam Shepard’s True West
Join us for an intimate night of theatre at Collins Hall! Step into the world of True West, a classic exploration of family dynamics and the American Dream. Starring Andrew Cameron, Brodie Nicholls, David Cameron, & Jackie Minns, directed by Jack Rennie Shows Saturday 7:30 pm & Sunday 2 & 7:30 pm. Tix $25 at door or Brown Paper Tickets online.
Sunday, August 18
Leif David the Magician at the Library
Experience the wonder and excitement of a magical performance right in the Library Annex at 2 pm! This 45-minute-long children’s magic show is packed with amazing magic and comedy. Guardians welcome to attend. Register all attendees at bipl.ca/SRCevents
Sunday, August 18
Summer Concert in the Garden
East Van Sax Quartet performing in local garden. See Page
7 for full details.
Wednesday, August 21
Art in the Forest
The Knick Knack Nook is hosting Art in the Forest!, Come for refreshments (by donation) and buy art. There will be some real bargains! From 5 to 8 pm. This is an outdoor event at The Nook, 1063 Mount Gardner Road. Proceeds are in support of The Snug Cove House.
Thursday, August 22
Hot Summer Nights
Meet Bowen Island firefighters, take a tour of the fire truck, and spray the big fire hose! Fire safety information provided for your home and family. Bowen Island Community School parking lot from 6:30 to 8 pm.
Saturday, August 24
Rotary Run for Rwanda
Run or walk 10K or 5K in the park. Kids’ 1.5K run too! More on Page 6. Register at rotaryrunforrwanda.com
Saturday, August 24
Bowfest
48th Annual Bowfest, from 11 am to 8 pm Music, Food, Kids Inflatables, Slug Races, Biggest Zucchini, Best Lego Build, House DJ Mayor McCheese, and MUCH more....
Tuesday, August 27
Medal Ceremony & Party at the Library
Celebrate your reading achievements this summer with a special Summer Reading Club medal ceremony and party! Mayor Andrew Leonard will be giving out medals! 1 to 3 pm at the Library Stage. Ages 5-12 Guardians encouraged to attend. Register your child at bipl.ca/SRCevents
To Saturday, August 31
Mount Gardner Exhibit at the Museum & Archives
Come and visit the Bowen Island Museum & Archives for the “Mount Gardner Park: Art, History, Family Ties and the Eastman/McNeill Journey” exhibit Runs thru August
