August 16, 2024

Page 1


DIGGING DEEP

This year’s Bowen Island Fastpitch League Tournament title goes to the Diggers after they defeated the Shakers 11-7 in Sunday night’s championship game. The win capped a highly sucessful weekend for the Diggers where they put all areas of their game to work to emerge victorious and add another title to their rapidly expanding dynasty.You’ll find more on the Diggers accomplishment, plus tournament photos and season stats, inside on Pages 8-9. / Valentyna Gabinyetova photo

OLD GENERAL STORE CELEBRATES THE CENTURY MARK

TINA NIELSEN

Bowen Island Public Library

Last Saturday August 10, the weather was beautiful and the community came out, some in 1920’s costumes, to celebrate the 100th birthday of our most iconic heritage building - the Old General Store.

Between Noon and 3 pm more than 300 people stopped by to play games (thank you Bowen Cidery, Bowen Island Community School, and Community Recreation), to be entertained (thank you Bowen Jazz Quartet, Docs’n’Socs Pipe Band, Paul Stewart, and Charlie the Magician), and to mingle and reminisce with neighbours and some friends not seen for many years.

Thank you, David Smith, for making the 5,000 km trip back to Bowen to tell us about the Bowen Island Park and Store Use Society (BIPASUS or the Save the Store Society), the people involved and the work that went into saving the OGS from demolition in 1978.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

Events

AllCouncilmeetingsareopen tothepublictoattendin personorelectronically,unless notedotherwise.

August22, 2024

6:30 pm -8:00pm

HotSummerNights@BICS parkinglot

September9,2024

1:00 pm

RegularCouncilMeeting

FireBan

ThereisaprovincialfirebaninBritishColumbiathatincludesBowen Island.TheprohibitionisinplaceuntilThursdayOctober31,2024or untiltheorderisrescinded.

Thismeansnocampfires,beachfires,orotherburningonpublicand privatelandbyorderoftheFireChief

Questions?ContactBowenIslandFireRescueon604-947-9324or emailfire@bimbc.ca

BytakingactionandcreatingaFireSmartproperty,youwilldramatically increasetheresistanceofyourhomeandpropertytodamagecaused bywildfire.Thebestpartis,it’ssurprisinglyeasytodo

VisittheFireSmartboothatHotSummerNightstofindoutmoreand takehomesomegreatgiveawaysforthewholefamily!Youcanalso meetthefirefighters,takeatourofafiretruckandsprayarealfirehose whileyouarethere.

HotSummerNights Thursday,August22 6:30pm-8:00pm BICSParkingLot

We’rehiringCustodians forthe Community Centre

BIMhasopeningsforcustodiansatthenewCommunityCentre facility,startingmidAugust.

Part-timepermanentandcasualworkisavailable,withthepotential forfull-timeemploymentinthefuture.Trainingwillbeprovided.

www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/work-with-us

Dogs at Grafton Lake

DogsmustbekeptonaleashonthetrailssurroundingGraftonLake.

Why?Toprotectsensitiveecosystems,ourdrinkingwater,andour neighbourswhomaynotbecomfortablebeingapproachedbyan off-leashdog.

PeoplewalkingdogswithoutaleasharoundGraftonLakearein contraventionoftheUseofPublicPlacesBylaw(No.537,2021)and maybefined$200.PleasecallBylawServicesat604-328-5499ifyou haveanyquestionsorconcerns.

WHERE

canIwalkmydogoffleash?

Areasinred,liketheWildCoastNatureRefugeandtheEcologicalReserve,are ecologicallysensitiveanddonotallowdogs.

Areasinamber,likeCrippenParkandSnugCove, requirethatdogsbeona leash.

Areasingreen,andallothermunicipaltrailsnotwithinanamberarea,areleash optionalprovidedyourdogiskeptundercontrolatalltimes(within3mof you).TryHeadwatersandQuarryParkforless challengingoffleashdogwalks.

CrippenRegional Parkalsofeaturesan off-leashdogpark nearthemeadow.

Tunstall,Sandyor BowenBayBeaches inJulyandAugust.

leashesareoptionalaslong yourdogiskeptundercontrol andwithin3metresofyou.

August16,2024

Email:

Plenty of Festivities to Celebrate Century of Old General Store

DOZENS OF COMMUNITY MEMBERS MADE THE SPECIAL DAY POSSIBLE

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Don Toffaletto added further details about BIPASUS via email, and I’m sure many others in attendance shared stories and memories of their volunteer work with each other

Thank you to Mayor Andrew Leonard for offering some deeper history of the original Union Steamship Company and for recognizing the importance of this unique municipal building. Thank you to Peter Vaisbord for speaking on behalf of the Heritage Commission and to Adam Taylor for sharing stories of his childhood and the key role of his great aunt, Ellen Dorman in the Save the Store Society.

Despite the heat, we managed to get everyone in attendance out by the road squinting into the sun, to recreate a com-

munity photo like those taken several times over the last 40 years. Many thanks to Tim Hausch for providing a fantastic vantage point and to John Dowler for being willing to be lifted up to that vantage point to take the wonderful photo you see below.

Along with the photos we were very lucky to have the drone piloting skills of Phil Gregory who captured the gathering from even further up – many thanks Phil for stepping in almost last minute! The photo above will join photos from 1984, 1994 and 2014 recording the history of the building and the changes in community and landscape. Let’s hope we will have another group photo in 2034.

After the photo everyone shared in 100 cupcakes, baked by the talented Shura

Okell, and had a look at the slide show, outdoor heritage walk, art display and memory wall in the Library. The art, memory board and heritage walk will remain up over the next few weeks, so come by the library if you missed it on Saturday

Events like this seem to just magically pop-up, but of course, there are many planners, volunteers and funders that make it all happen. The vision for the decorations was thanks to the talented Tracey Hearst, with flowers from Home Farm Gardens and extra help and more flowers provided by Ender Tan.

Suzan Phillipe arranged for vendors for take away picnics and for the birthday cupcakes. General help anywhere we asked was provided by Susan Geist, Andrew Todd and Suzan Phillipe along with a number of kind and willing spouses – thank you all!

Kids activities were managed by Marysia McGilvray, Brynna Hourihan, Lucie Robichaud, Anita Schuller, and Marion from the Museum and Archives Thanks to all of you and to the remaining Library staff (Leo Pedersen and Mia Casalese) who gave their all on an exciting but chaotic day.

Thank you to our funders: Bowen Island Municipality, Knick Knack Nook, Bowen Island Literacy Task Group, Friends of the Bowen Island Library, Bowen Island Heritage Preservation Association, Bowen Island Museum and Archives, and the Bowen Island Library Foundation – we just couldn’t have done it without your financial support.

We are also grateful for the participation of Glenn and Meredith Cormier at Tippy’s and for donations from the “New” General Store coordinated by Nancy Lee.

Bowen Island residents gathered for a community photo on Saturday to celebrate the 100th Birthday of the Old General Store. / John Dowler photo

VIEWPOINTS

EDITORIAL

TourneyDays

Another amazingbaseball tournamenthas comeand gone and once again it wasajoy to bepartof. Congrats to everyone who made this weekend possible,and all the hard working volunteerswho wore many hats in ordertopull it all off.While the baseball itself is at thecentre of the weekend, equallyimportant is theatmospherecreated by the event. Thefieldand the Cove in general reallycome aliveasfolksflock down to socializeand meet friendsand family, and perhapsreminisce aboutpastversionsof atournamentwhichhas nowtaken placefor decades.The Hall of Fame inductions at the awards ceremonyfinale highlightjusthow much storiedhistory this league has. Like anysportsevent thefansare ahuge factor in howexcitingthings are, andeveryone who came down this year played theirpart well in creatingabuzzevery game.There’s a certain groupinparticular I’dliketoacknowledge and that is the kids.Their enthusiasm to showup, chasefoulballs andhomeruns, and of course cheeratthe topoftheir lungs adds so much to the vibeofthe field, notjuston tournamentweekend butall year long.This year Ihad many of theseyoung fans helpme outwith tournamentcommentaryonthe mic behind home plate. Ihopetheyall hadan awesome time,and maybewillevenconsider broadcastingasacareer. IknowIwas happyto have such eagerco-hosts throughout theweekend. I’dliketoespeciallythank oneofthem, Dillon Pryce-Jones.Ifyou were at thefieldyou couldn’t help buthearhis electric calls during the variousgames.All of theseyoungsters’ passion for the game will surely make the League shine for many moredecadestocome -AlexKurial, Editor

THE WRITE STUFF. TheUndercurrent encouragesreader participation in your communitynewspaper.You mustinclude your fullname anda daytimephone number (for verification only). The editorreserves the righttoeditfor clarity,legality, brevityand taste.Pleaselimit tounder 500 words. HERE’S HOW:Tosubmit aletter to the editor,fax 604-947-0148 or mail it to PO Box130, BowenIsland,BC, V0N 1G0 or email editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com

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TheUndercurrent is amember of the National NewsMedia Council of Canada, which is an independentorganization established to deal with acceptable journalistic practices and ethical behaviour.Ifyou have concerns about editorial content, please emaileditor@ bowenislandundercurrent.com or call 604-947-2442. If youare not satisfied with the response and wish to file a formal complaint, visit the websiteatmediacouncil.ca or call toll-free 1-844-877-1163 foradditional information.

Get Ready for Bowfest 2024: A Day of Fun, Music, and Community Spirit!

MARGARET GRAY Bowfest

Mark your calendars for Saturday, August 24 because Bowfest 2024 is right around the corner!

This beloved community event is back and better than ever, offering a day packed with fun, food, music, and activities for all ages Whether you’re a longtime resident or new to the area, Bowfest is the perfect way to celebrate the end of summer with friends, family, and neighbours.

Event Highlights

10:40 AM (ish): The Parade

The festivities kick off with our always-anticipated parade! Join us on the sidelines or show off your creativity by entering a float. Remember, the parade starts shortly after the 10:40 am ferry departs, so if you’re entering, have your floats ready and meet at the school by 10 am If you’re watching, grab your favourite spot and enjoy the show.

11 AM: Gates Open

Once the gates open, the fun really begins! There’s something for everyone, from kids’ activities and adult olympics to community booths and the country fair, and of course delicious food and refreshing beverages.

11AM-12PM:CountryFairSubmissions

Think you’ve got the biggest zucchini, the best underwater-themed Lego build, or

the fastest slug? Enter your creations into the Country Fair and compete for top honours Photos will be accepted for the Lego build. Winners will be announced at 3 pm, so don’t miss out on the chance to earn bragging rights

11 AM - 3 PM: Kids Activities & Community Booths

We’ve got inflatables! We’ve got games! We will keep the kids entertained! Grown ups can explore community booths showcasing local organisations, listen to the music, or just enjoy a beverage provided by the Legion.

12 PM: Welcome & Pipe Band Performance

At Noon, the official welcome and a lively performance by the pipe band will set the tone for the rest of the day.

2 PM - 8:30 PM: Live Music

Get ready to dance! We’ve got an incredible lineup of bands, including Snug Cove Blues Band, Boom Daddy, and our headlining act Straightup Sevenhills. Our very own Mayor McCheese will also be DJ-ing, and don’t miss the return of the fan-favourite Lip Sync Contest at 12:30 pm!

Food & Beverages

Bring your appetite because Bowfest has a feast in store! Enjoy mouth-watering options from some of Bowen’s best vendors:

• Bowen Pizza Co.: Serving up pizza and burgers, with vegetarian options available

• The Ruddy: Treat yourself to a tuna

poke bowl or a crab roll.

• Branch: Tacos, with something for everyone, including vegetarians.

• J’s Disco Dogs: Wieners and smokies, with veg options for those who prefer.

• Rainbow Truck: Cool off with some delicious cold treats

• The Legion: Quench your thirst with a selection of adult beverages available site-wide (19+ with ID check at the gate).

Admission & Tickets

This not-for-profit event is made possible by our generous sponsors and dedicated volunteers. Admission is by donation, with suggested amounts of $15 for adults, $5 for teens, or $30 for a family (2 adults and up to 2 teens). Kids under 12 get in free.

Tips for the Day

• Bring cash not all vendors will have card readers, WiFi service can be spotty, and our tickets at the gates are cash only.

• Plan for hot weather Sunscreen, extra water, and umbrellas are great ideas

• Unfortunately dogs are not allowed at Bowfest, nor is smoking, vaping, or outside alcohol.

• Organise a safe ride home, or take advantage of the free shuttle sponsored by the Orchard.

Calling All Volunteers!

Bowfest has been a volunteer-run event for nearly 50 years, and we need your help to keep the tradition alive. We have an incredible group of volunteers this year come join the party! Even a small commitment of just two hours can make a huge difference. Sign up at bowfest.org/volunteer and be a part of something special.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

A massive thank you to all our sponsors who make Bowfest possible. Your support means the world to our community. For more information, check out bowfest. org or find us on Facebook We can’t wait to see you at the Bowfest Field!

WEDNESDAY,AUG. 21, 5:00 - 8:00 at the KnickKnack Nook

The annual Bowen Island Fastpitch League tournament brings out scores of baseball fans from all walks of life. Here Corrina Headley watches the action from near the left-field fence with Julie Tetzner and Jack Headley of Tir-na-nOg Theatre and retired all-star pitcher Mike Carachelo. / Marcus Hondro photo
Dog of the Year Linus was a star in last year’s parade. / Alex Kurial photo

Dominion: My Land on Bowen

AIRIN MATHER TheHearthGallery

Jean Bradburyiscreatingatransformativevisualexperienceasyou step into her exhibition at theHearth GalleryinSnugCovefromAugust14 to September2.

Thecenterofthe gallerywill be an immersive forestoflifesized tree trunks. Theseeight foot tall cylindrical columnsare paintedtocelebratethe distinctivebarkpatternsofour local nativetreespecies,expressing care for

theecosystemofour forest,and highlighting colorsthatare bright and bold. Jean wasbornonasmall Scottish island and raised in ruralNew Brunswick. Shehas adeepaffinityfor naturalrural placesand islands! She uses herpaintings of naturalenvironments to celebratethe plantand animallife,referencing thebeauty of Bowen.

Jean worksinoil and acrylic on cut plywoodand describesthe unusual organic shaped substrates as arejection of the man-made sharp angles that surround us.Her artaimsat

Artinthe Forest

TheKnickKnack Nook is once again usingyourart donations to supportalong-awaited community project, Snug Cove House. Most of youwill be be aware that asignificantsitehas been preparedonthe BowenCourt property and plans for construction arein the works.

TheNookwould liketocelebrate the immensegood will and supportitreceives from the Bowencommunity

by invitingall of youtoawine and cheese gathering setinthe forest rightoutside the Nook.Thisis scheduledfor Wednesday,August 21 from 5to8 pm

Volunteershavebeenatwork clearing the forestaround the Nook’s frontporch and Memorial garden to create aplace of magic forthe exhibitionof50pieces of original art. They will be on sale atrockbottomprices to support the Snug Cove HouseSociety Priceswill be very reasonable and are plannedtooffer somethingfor everypocketbookDon’t miss it!

PlacesofWorship WelcomeYou

BOWEN ISLANDUNITEDCHURCH

www.biuc.ca |1122 Miller Road

SundayWorship 10:30 am

Rev. Lorraine Ashdown

778-688-2061 OFFICE HOURS WEDNESDAY10-4ORBYAPPOINTMENT

Sunday Mass at 9.30 Contact AngelaPowell604-947-2515

findingaway to cohesivelylivewith natureand the creaturesthat already reside there, without damaging their homes

Jean’s show examinesthe experienceofpurchasingand owning asmall undeveloped piece of land on Bowen Island and theresponsibility of the newplant andanimalrelationships that inhabit that space

Sheasks“Howcan Iliveonland withoutevictingthe currenttenants – the birds, mammals,reptiles,plants andfungusthatall had prior claim to my so-called:empty lot?”

All proceeds of the sale will go towardsthe Snug Cove HouseSociety.

We also have news on ourSally Annbag drop.Wethank allofyou whorespondedtoour appeal for help with our‘bagproblem.’

Wereallyappreciateyourhelpbut we couldstilluse more volunteers to add muscle to this importantjob If youwould liketoget involved call Janet Ross -‘ourbagscoordinator’ -at604-929-4484.

Ourtentshows an uncannyability to fill itselfupevery few days or so.Thosebagsjustkeeponcoming! Sign up and lend ahand !

The100th birthdaycelebrations forthe Old General Store –and the current Librarybuilding –onSaturday, August 10 in Snug Cove included song.Here, Bowen mainstays (L-R) MartinClarke,Leah Cline,David Smith (on loan from Mexico), Susan Hogan and Graham Ritchie lead celebrants in asong about Bowen Island.The eventalso included bagpipes,agroup of lively jazz musicians,exhibits courtesy of the BowenIsland Museum and Archives,cupcakes, speeches and acommunityphoto. /Marcus Hondrophoto

QUEEN OF CAPILANOFERRY

SCHEDULE

DEPART BOWENISLAND

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

SHIRATHAYAM(Songofthe Sea)

BOWEN’SJEWISHCOMMUNITY

Shabbat Gatherings~ Holidays

Sunday Worship10:00 Rev. Phil Adkins Contact aryana.rayne@gmail.com •www.shirathayam.ca

MAY162024 TO OCTOBER142024 Schedules change on statutoryholidays. Stay up to date at bcferries.com

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 -except Wednesdays. 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

Kids takeonRotaryRun

HILARY BUTLER

BowenIslandRotaryClub

Heykids!Nextweekend is Bowfest, yourfavourite dayofthe year!

And just beforethe parade,thereis the RotaryRun for Rwanda. If youare younger than 10 yearsold, youcan registerfor the runthat goesfromthe ferry dock through the park up to Miller Road and back –a reallyeasy1.5K.

Your registration for the runcosts only $10 and if you like, oneofyour parentsgets to runorwalk with you, for free.This ideaisgreat foryounger brothersand sisters-lastyearwehad acouple of two-year-olds!

Therun starts at 8:30 am on

Saturday, August 24 butyou need to getthereearlier so that you are readytogo! At the end of the run you getagreat medal, then fruit and muffins to reward youfor all that hard work;what’smore, the first boy and the first girlhome winexcellent prizes,and at the prizegivingat 10:15 am,you maywin adrawprize as well.

If youare areallygood runner,you could do the 5K runwith yourparents or friendsoron your own. In fact,the whole family canrun or walk,and it costsonly$60 for the whole gang:you, your sister or brother,yourparents, yourgrandma or grandpaand the dog. What adeal!

Butfor that price,you need to regis-

Areyou aClass3licensed driver with aclean driver abstract?

teronline at rotaryrunforrwanda.com

If you forgettoregisteronline, come down to the library lawn on Friday between4and 6:30 pm and registerthen.

If by anychance,you forgettoget yourregistration done beforeSaturday, you candoitatthe last moment, but that’s abit of arushand you will need to sign up on the Librarylawnwell before8:30 am.Bythe way, we have some reallycoolT-shirts in exchange for adonation to KomeraCanada.

TheLibrary lawn is the best spot for watchingthe Bowfestparade and that’s whereyou will be if you stay for the prizegiving. So comeonout and join us;your$10 goestoRwandatohelp girls to payfor their education

CLASS 3DRIVER NEEDED ON BOWEN ISLAND

Areyou asafedriver witha flairfor customer service?

If youansweredYES! Superior Propane has ajob foryou!

Our cultureisone whereeach employee has arole in providing customers with industry-leading customer service, peace-of-mind, and value Tosupport this culture, we offer agreat working environment complete with career developmentassistance, abenefits package

•$34.97 Hourly Rate •Benefits•PaidTrainingand PPE

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•Class 3driver’s licensewith airbrake ticketclean driverabstract

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Kids taking partinthe 2021 run. /Rotaryphoto

PLUM

Meet the sweetestgirl Plum! This little honey didn’t have thegreatest start to life,but her luck sure changedwhen she got adopted by her forever family.Plum is now living her best lifeasa Bowen local. Youcan find Plum getting involved in fun activities like the LinusFund Golf Tournament which will be happening next week, August 21st from 3-6pm atthe BowenIsland Golf Club. There arestill spots availabletosign up to golf andeveryone is welcome! Plum andthe Bowen Vetteam would love to see you there! If you aren’t agolfer,don’t worry, you canstill come and bid on some awesomesilent auction items. Call the clinic at604-947-9247to get more information.

Attendees at Bowen’s2nd Show ‘n’Shine on Saturday, August 10 were treatedtoawarmand enjoyable nightofsocializing over plenty of cool cars,trucks,and motorcycles too. TheSeymour Baybackdrop provided the perfect vantage pointtowatch passing cruiseships throughout the evening.Looking forwardtonext year’s event! /Bill Malkin photos

•Knowledge and ability to use computers, specifically on-board truck computers

• Ability to maintain andconductthe higheststandardof safety at all times

•Work-lifebalance–Behomeevery night! Apply Nowatsuperiorpropane.com/careers or contact RecruiterMegan Lowbyemail: megan_low@superiorpropane.com

CONTACT

reception@bowenvet.com 604.947.9247

REGULAR HOURS

Mon-Fri 9-5 ClosedSat &Sun

Diggers reclaim Fastpitch Crown!

It’s areturn to the topfor theDiggers as they outlastedthe competition to claimthe 2024 BowenIsland Fastpitch League crown. Theteamhas become synonymous with sucessonBowen, as thistitleadds to a remarkable runwhichhas seen theDiggers win sixofthe past nine championships.This includes three finals in arow - defeating theFiremen in 2022, losingthe rematch in 2023,and this year castingaside that loss by holding offapesky Shakersteamfor an 11-7 victoryinthe final game

TheDiggers gotthe tournamentrolling

2024 Champions

Michael Dawson

Ross McCorquodale

Eric Ander

Dave Hillborn

Erik Miller

Paul Whitecotton

Aaron Johnstone

Adam Woodward

Josh Stobbe

TomWoodward

ShawnOhler

DanCowper

Matt Douma

MarlongStrang

DanGuillon

with the openingFridaynight game, meeting aTwins squadwho despitebeingatthe bottom of the standings pushed thegame to itslimit.Ittookthe Diggers to the very end to grab the win, puttingthem in the win column early beforethe bigweekend party kickedoff

Therewas onlyone game in storefor the Diggers on Saturday, alateafternoon tilt againstthe Brewers. Havingthe whole dayto rest paid offasthe Diggersmade it twowins outoftwo to clinchtheir spot in the semifinals. With both teams safelyadvanced, theDiggers andFiremen Sunday morning match lackedsomeofits usual gravity, but allowed theteams to getmoreoftheir depth playersonthe field in advance of bigger gamesthatafternoon. TheFiremen ended

League Leaders

Batting Average

1) Mike Vertlieb.676

2) JohnnyFranklin.612

3) Robbie Watson .568

4) GradyHuskisson .558

5)Joe Lalonde.550

6) SamMorris .545

7) Dave Hillborn .542

8) Jack DeSante.536

9) Adam Franklin .534

10)James Strang .509

Home Runs

1) JohnnyFranklin14

2) Robbie Watson 7

3) Doug Durrant6

4) Ewan McEachern 6

5) Jack DeSante5

Runs Batted In (RBI)

1)JohnnyFranklin38

2) Robbie Watson 26

3) Adam Franklin 25

4) DanCowper25

5) DanGuillon24

Stolen Bases

1) RileyCulver 16

2) Keelan Hondro11

3) Rory Behm 8

Wins

1) JohnnyFranklin 7

2) Doug Durrant7

3) Jamie Weismiller 6

4) Adam Woodward 6

Strikeouts

1) Doug Durrant44

2) Adam Woodward 41

3) JohnnyFranklin 40

4) DanGuillon39

5) Jamie Weismiller 28

InningsPitched

1) DanGuillon69

2) Doug Durrant58

3) JohnnyFranklin 54

FASTPITCH

up takingthe game by aslightmargin. As things worked out, the teams finished #2 and #3 in theGroup Stagetoset up another showdowninthe 2nd semifinal a few games later. This timewhenitreally matteredthe Diggers came outontop to setupa final againstthe Shakers, who had upset the Cruisersinthe other semifinal The Diggers flew outtoafaststarttoopen upan11-2 lead and,while theShakers made things interestingwith an explosiveinning tocut things to 11-7, therewerenomore runsafterthatas the veteranside calmed the gamedowntolockuptheir title push

We askedDiggers Catcher TomWoodward a few questionsabout the weekend, and his team’scontinuedpresenceonthe trophy nameplateoverthe past nine seasons.

Q: What makesthis team so good year after year?

A: We just have an unbelievablemix of guysthatabsolutelyloveplaying together.Ithink everyplayeronour teamhas

an importantroletoplayinour success and embraces that role to the fullest. We always emphasizedefensiveplay, and smart ball when it comestothe tournament. One or tworun innings arenever goingtokill youcometourney time,but when the big inningshappenand the crowd starts going crazy, the momentumcan really swinga game in oneteams favour,solimitingthose biginnings with smart, defensivebaseball is always key… it doesn’t hurt having afew guys that arecapable of hittingaballover my parent’s houseonthe roster as well!

Q: Tell me alittleabout what you sawfrom your pitchingstaff?

A: Adam (Woodward) and Dan(Guillon) have been dominantpitchersinthisleague fora long, long time.Not only aretheyboth greatindividually, butthe twoofthem seem to work especiallywellasatandem.Their synergy is offthe charts,and youalways know you’re goingtoget strong pitching when eitherone of them is on the mound.

Valentyna Gabinyetova photos

It really gives us an inherent edge in every game we play. Erik Miller is new to our team this year and frankly, we probably underestimated what his ceiling as a pitcher can be. He really opened our eyes on Sunday morning, and I am looking very forward to watching him develop on the mound.

Q: Which individual performances on the team stood out to you?

A: Well, what can you say about Dan Cowper’s performance on the weekend? He was incredible. I have played with Dan for a long time, and he seems to truly love every aspect of the game. He is constantly working at perfecting the craft of hitting and I think

he saw the fruits of his labour this weekend.

The play of Eric Ander and Paul Whitecotton stand out to me as well. They perfectly epitomize Digger ball. Hard working and committed to the little things. The timely hits that they gave us made the difference this weekend and they were such a blast to watch Finally, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Aaron Johnstone He has been one of if not the best players in this league for 18 seasons now! He doesn’t seem to be slowing down any time soon does he?

Q: What are your takeaways from Tournament Weekend?

A: It’s just always such an incredible

weekend on Bowen, and a weekend that I personally look forward to every single year The way the community embraces the league, and this weekend speaks volumes about what a special place Bowen Island is Sometimes it’s almost indescribable to explain how special this league is to someone who doesn’t understand. The Shakers hosted a solid beer garden this year and that helped a lot for bringing everyone together for a good time

When you look around at all the athletes on every team, and the amount of younger guys coming in, it’s pretty plain to see that the future of the league is in good hands Of course, my brother Adam as the league pres-

ident has done a great job of honouring the rich history of this league while embracing the next generation, and I am just so excited to see where this league goes in the future. Hopefully, we can be writing about a 2025 Diggers Championship season as well!

We’ll have more tournament thoughts from Tom online this week, along with many more photos from Valentyna and James. For myself, this is a league I am incredibly proud to be involved with I’ve met so many great people and have such a fun time down at the ball field each and every year Congratulations Diggers, and can’t wait to see all of you back here in April!

or emailusatsubscribe@bowenislandundercurrent.com

week to your Canada Post mailbox Call ournew subscription direct lineat604-947-2426

Valentyna Gabinyetova (left) & James Wilson (middle, right) photos

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Wednesday, August 14 to Monday, September 2

Jean Bradbury at Hearth Gallery

Dominion: My Land on Bowen Island art show with Jean Bradbury. Artist pARTy with Jean on Saturday, August 17 from 6 to 8 pm

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 a local Bowen garden. More information and tickets can be found at Brown Paper Tickets online

Wednesday, August 21 & Friday, August 23

SKY Walks

Meet at Robinson Road at 9:45 am to walk Hummingbird Lane. Both walks are same time and place.

Wednesday, August 21

Linus Fund Golf Tournament

From 3 to 6 pm at the Bowen Island Golf Club. There are

still spots available to sign up to golf and everyone is welcome. The Linus Fund will provide support to patients and families in need of help with their medical bills, in memory of beloved Bowen dog Linus. To register please call 604-9479247 or email Brylie.Guilfoyle@nva.com

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

SKY Yoga

Join Diana for yoga at Bowen Court from 10 to 11 am. $5 fee for non-members free for SKY members.

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

Friday, August 23

Sunset Summer Jazz

The Tunstall Trio + Two is performing a public show at the Tunstall Bay Clubhouse from 7 to 9 pm Tickets $20 in advance or $25 at the door, by donation for TBCA members. Julian Selody, Buff Allen, Cindy Fairbank, Russ Botten, & Katya Kovshun are your musicians. BYOBB. More info at tunstallbay.ca

Saturday, August 24

Bowen Island Rotary Run

Run or walk 10K or 5K in the park Kids’ 1.5K run too! More on Page 7. 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.... Check out Page 5 for full details on this year’s festival, there’s fun for all ages in store!

Saturday, August 24

Black Molly at the Pub

Come up to the Pub after Bowfest wraps up to keep the party going with Black Molly. Tickets $10 in advance or $15 at the door Happy Bowfest!

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

SATURDAYS

Farmers Market

The Bowen Island Farmers Market is back for the summer Come say hi to all the vendors and check out all the food, crafts, clothes, & more at Bowen Island Community School. Market runs from 10 am to Noon

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