April 15, 2011 Undercurrent

friday APRIL 15, 2011 Vol. 38, no. 10

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Honouring Vreena

Slain teenager’s parents give BICS audience an emotional message

Mayor’s report

Bob Turner outlines the challenges inherent in drafting 2011 budget

Farmers market set to go

Fresh, locally grown produce will be offered on first Saturday every month

Tax hike kept to 3%

Council eyes four pieces of Crippen Park MARTHA PERKINS

MARTHA PERKINS

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unicipal council is on its way to reaching its goal of capping a tax increase at three per cent tax but that doesn’t mean it’s happy about the way it’s getting there.

“We set out to keep taxes to three per cent and we’ve done it,” said Councillor Doug Hooper at Monday afternoon’s council meeting. “But we’ve drawn down our reserves by 20 per cent so we get an F. Operationally we got a C or D in terms of sharpening our pencil.

I think we’ve gone for a long walk in the woods and we’re still in the woods. We have to change. We’re getting there but we’ve not gone far enough. We have to wrap our minds around far more fiscal responsibility.”

On Monday afternoon, council set about trying to find $127,000 in either savings or increased revenue in this year’s budget to reach its target. It was one of several meetings where council went through various departments’ proposed budgets and tried to trim costs. Now it feels ready to have the budget go to first reading this Monday night. continued, PAGE 10

Digging It! Students at BICS are really diving into their new garden. They’ve been getting such high marks as green thumbs that they’ll be participating in the upcoming farmers’ markets which will now take place once a month. See page 5 for details. Sarah Haxby photo

Council fine-tunes national park strategy MARTHA PERKINS E d it o r

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arks Canada needs to do a better job of convincing islanders that Crippen Park should be included in any potential national park on Bowen Island, council says.

On Monday, councillors fine-tuned their strategy of negotiating with Parks Canada, saying

that given the contentiousness of the issue, the federal body has yet to make a compelling case for inclusion of Crippen Park.

They are also asking Parks Canada to consider and describe options where Crippen Park is not included in a national park yet could still play a vital role in welcoming park visitors. continued, PAGE 2

he municipality wants to enter into negotiations with Metro Vancouver to explore the possibility of acquiring four new parts of Crippen Park.

The land, which Councillor Peter Frinton estimates to be no more than a total of two acres, is needed to accommodate ongoing projects.

One strip is along government road from the library parking lot to almost the four corners. Frinton says the municipality would need a strip, which could be anywhere from five metres to 25 metres wide, for a new ferry marshalling plan.

The second is near Bowen Court and the Abbeyfield property; a little more land is needed for the seniors housing project.

The third strip is immediately west of BICS. It’s to provide a right of way to the surplus lands that the municipality already owns.

And the fourth is next to the works yard, where Knick Knack Nook and the Bowen Island Recycling Depot are. This is to allow expansion of that area.

“We’re trying to do some land exchange,” says Frinton, who had raised the issue of formally asking Metro Vancouver for a review of Crippen Park boundaries. continued, PAGE 2

2 • FRIDAY APRIL 15 2011

continued, PAGE 1 “It would probably be neutral but we may give back a portion of the land we purchased,” Frinton said. “Metro Vancouver knows this and is not adverse to it.”

In 2005, the municipality bought 38 acres of surplus land for $2 million from Metro Vancouver for community facilities.

Asked why the municipality would be starting talks with Metro Vancouver while the feasibility study for a national park is underway, Frinton said that’s exactly why the municipality wants to act now. Should the island vote in favour of turning Crown lands into a national park, and should Crippen Park be included in those boundaries, it would be very difficult to remove the four parcels of land from the national park area. It’s better if the municipality owns these lands before the second phase of negotiations with Parks Canada begin. Parks Canada knows of the municipality’s wishes for the land.

A formal motion to ask for the review of Crippen Park boundaries will be made at a future council meeting.

Crippen still a question mark continued, PAGE 1 Parks Canada also needs to make a commitment that islanders could access Crippen Park without paying fees.

At the same meeting, Michael Cornelissen of Bowen Beat presented a petition calling for Crippen Park to be excluded from a national park and asked council to commit to this.

The petition was done in conjunction with the Bowen Island Improvement Association and garnered more than 1,100 signatures.

Councillor Peter Frinton asked if the people presenting the petition tried to differentiate between people who were against a national park in general and those who were against the inclusion of Crippen Park in specific. Cornelissen said opinion varied widely; “people’s responses were all over the place.”

Frinton said, “I’m afraid that Crippen gets used as a proxy for the entire park because Parks Canada says it’s essential.”

John Green asked council for clarification about the “stop signs” leading up to the adoption of a national park agreement. Parks Canada says this process takes several years and there are several spots along the way where the community could stop it from going forward.

The community opinion vote on June 25 is the only scheduled opportunity for the community to have a direct say in whether to go ahead, council said, but it may not be the last.

Bowen Island Partner Branch Bowen IslandCommunity Community Partner Branch

“There’s a big stop sign and it’s called negotiations,” said Mayor Bob Turner. “The province of British Columbia will not support the establishment of a vote without community support at the time of negotiation. We can hold a big stop sign that the community won’t go through with it without community support. How that’s structured will be designed by council.”

Councillor Nerys Poole says council is very aware the that preliminary concept plan needs work. “One of the things I’d emphasize is we’re very much at the early stage. I’m recommending we have a time when we have full community consultation, but it will most likely be with the next council...

“None of us were elected on a mandate to bring Parks Canada to Bowen Island and because it is such a major land-use issue, we thought it best to hold a community opinion vote. If there is a yes to move to the next stage, anyone who runs for council will be asked, ‘how do you think the process will go from here?’ and ‘are you prepared to hold another vote?’

Sometimes it takes three, four or five years to get an agreement together. It doesn’t stop us from saying we want another vote; whether it’s accepted by Parks Canada is another issue.”

The meeting was attended by 11 of the 12 property owners in Bluewater. They were against inclusion of a small piece of Crown land at the shoreline. Representative Janey Cruise said the area holds no marine life significance and there is not the proper space to accommodate people who would drive to the access area.

If Bluewater’s Crown land was included in a proposed national park, then residents would have no option other than lobbying against the park, Cruise said, “which we do not want to do.”

Council agreed to the neighbourhood’s concerns and will not include Bluewater until there is full community consultation and approval.

Similar wording will be updated for Seymour Landing. It’s been identified as a potential access point for boaters.

Fitch Cady wants the Mount Gardner dock taken out of any equation, too. He occasionally keeps his boat there and is worried about moorage rights under a national park.

Turner said it was mentioned because council is hoping for financial support from Parks Canada to maintain the dock. “It doesn’t mean it

AND

Learn what First Credit Union’s Community Partner Branch has accomplished over the past 4 years.

Tuesday, April 26 7 pm BICS Multi-Purpose Room All members welcome to attend!

There will be door prizes and refreshments.

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Doug Jamieson Ph: 604-947-9434 Cell: 604-690-3328

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will be part of the park.”

Frinton said “I don’t think we’re saying ‘take our docks over.’ If Parks Canada wants to encourage boat access and other modalities such as kayaking, people are welcome to use those docks but a portion of the costs would be borne

by Parks Canada.”

Council discussion about its approach to negotiations with Parks Canada also included asking Parks Canada to “commit to finding solutions, in partnership with the province of B.C., BC Ferries, TransLink, BIM, private water taxi services or other future transportation service providers to assure timely resident access to and from Bowen Island and mitigate vehicular traffic impacts on Bowen Island and in Horseshoe Bay.” It wants Parks Canada to provide details about how to minimize vehicular traffic on the island.

As to parks governance, regardless of whether a national park would be a stand-alone park or part of the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, council wants Parks Canada to agree to a separate Bowen Island Park Advisory Board.

Councillor Doug Hooper says that council’s report reflects the input it has received during the community consultation process. Parks Canada’s vision for a park also fits in with the values set out in the official community plan update. He said the Crippen Park petition “served to flag just how important that issue is.

We’re so much in love with Crippen Park that it’s reflected in our fear that we might destroy part of it.”

Frinton said Metro Parks is very aware of the community’s divide over Crippen Park but that as yet, there have been no talks about the issue.

“This whole area remains a question mark.”

Councillor Alison Morse said she is not happy with the council report. “Part of it is the general tone: ‘if [Parks Canada] wants a park you’ve got to sell it to the people’ rather than ‘this is what people are looking for.’”

She doesn’t agree with saying “BIM has identified the potential for inclusion of some municipal lands and assets.” She wanted it to be clearly set out what those lands and assets are, such as Leiben lands, the North Collins ridge waterfront lot and Radar Hill. Hooper suggested adding the words “by purchase or lease at fair market value.” Morse, who wanted full exclusion of the statement, was the only one who voted against it.

Allan Pedley Ph: 604-307-0423 Fax: 604-947-2323

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FRIDAY APRIL 15 2011 • 3

A safe place to tell our stories

Bowen parents encouraged to take up baton

Parents of murdered teen speak about restorative justice

am the Bowen parent of two children who have gone through BICS and West Vancouver Secondary. Ben is 20 and graduated from WVS almost three years ago. Louisa is 17 and graduates this June. I have had the pleasure of serving for the last eight years on the WVS Parent Advisory Council and about the past five years on the District Parent Advisory Council. Both experiences have afforded me the opportunity to meet several high school principals along the way, work with the School Planning Council, as well as hear monthly reports from the district superintendent and trustees. I have also attended many events and learned a great deal of valuable information, a lot of which I have managed to put into practise.

Being a Bowen parent on these committees has been very worthwhile. There have been many occasions where a voice from our community has been necessary to point out some of the unique challenges associated with island living and commuting to school. The principal of WVS, Steve Rauh, is aware of our needs and strives to support Bowen parents and students. He attends the PAC meetings and gives a monthly report so that we, as parents, are kept well informed. Rauh has an open-door policy and is very approachable no matter what the situation.

Involvement on the district level has been crucial. Attending the DPAC executive meetings, often with lively discussion, first as a director, and for the past two years as treasurer, has been interesting and rewarding. This is a venue where you hear things “hot off the press.” To help support having a Bowen parent attend these meetings and sit on the executive, the DPAC authorized reimbursement of ferry travel costs.

Since our daughter will be graduating soon, I am hoping to pass the baton to another capable Bowen parent (or two) who will represent our vibrant community and keep the communication lines open.

Think about getting involved and reap the rewards for yourself, your children, and other Bowen families.

Contact me at bozfamily@hotmail.com or 604 947 2880 if you have questions.

Meanwhile, the West Van Secondary PAC is holding its May meeting on Bowen Island to allow more of the Bowen parents an opportunity to attend. Rauh, as well as the new district superintendent, Chris Kennedy, will be in attendance. It’s Tuesday, May 3 at the BICS multi-purpose room at 7:15 p.m.

The annual general meeting is June 7 at 7 p.m. at the WVS staff room. The elections for 2011-2012 take place that night.

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

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issues were passed around in the BICS gym on Monday, April 10, as images of Reena Virk flashed across the screen before an audience of about 70 parents, teenagers and community members.

Reena’s life found a brutal end 13 years ago. Her parents, Suman and Manjit Virk, came to Bowen Island to tell their story. Manjit Virk put it this way: “We wanted to share how we moved forward and found courage and compassion.”

The event was organized

by Brenda Morrison, a SFU professor who works in restorative justice at SFU and on the North Shore. A DVD titled The Reena Virk Story has been produced as a resource for restorative practices and made up a part of the presentation. The DVD chronicles Reena’s journey from happy toddler to troubled teen. Suman Virk said, “When Reena turned 12, 13, she wanted to be accepted.

She decided to change her image. She thought if she built up a reputation that she was tough, maybe the other kids would respect her.”

On November 14, 1997, Reena was at home planning to watch movies with her younger siblings. She received a call with an invitation to a party and her mother heard her ask on the phone if she was going to get beaten up.

Reena had heard rumours and was scared. But she went out anyway. When Reena didn’t come home, her mother phoned relatives, Reena’s friends and then, the police. It was only a week later, when word got out that a girl had been killed, that the police

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an encounter without anger.

Then he said, “But I started to think about his life too.

When we listened to his story, he was in tears. And we forgave him. At least I know he turned his life around.”

To show their support for Glowatski, the Virks were present when he was granted parole in 2007. Manjit Virk said, “The boy had a different perspective. He is out on parole. He acknowledged what he has done. Kelly [Ellard] is on other side of spectrum. She has not even admitted that she has done anything. She is in denial.”

Suman said, “In the youth justice system, there is no counselling or mental health care available. And once they’re incarcerated, the defence lawyer instructs them to stick to being innocent rather than dealing with it and moving on. Kelly is now eligible to apply for parole and we’ll see what happens next.

It’s a sad thing that youth offenders are not given the assistance they need.”

Suman added that a few months before Reena was murdered, another girl had been injured by Ellard to the point where she had been hospitalized. The teen had been too scared to press charges so her parents simply moved her to another school.

Suman urged parents and educators to speak out. She said, “Early intervention is definitely the key.”

Manjit said, “Most times, things don’t happen suddenly.

If we act early, then they don’t get to the stage where something bad happens. When someone’s feelings are hurt or there is damage to property, we need to deal with it right away. Because when a life is lost, how can you fix it?”

At BICS, there were a

Top: about 70 people came to hear the Virks speak. Bottom: Suman Virk shares a hug with Launette Rieb. Susanne Martin photos number of teenagers in the audience.

Grade 6 and 7 students had just completed a course in restorative justice.

Speaking directly to the youth, Manjit said, “If you copy someone, if you act like them, dress like them, talk like them, you lose your identity. Choose your friends wisely. If you know they don’t care, stay away from them.”

Suman said, “If [Reena] had had one friend that night who was genuine, maybe someone would have warned her. But no one phoned 911.

And the week after, no one phoned the police. Please reach out to one another.”

Brenda Morrison said, “Listening and storytelling are functions of healthy relationships. The stories that we’re holding inside are the ones that are going to eat us up. Each of us needs a safe place to tell our stories.

That is what we do in the field of restorative justice.”

On Saturday, April 30, North Shore Restorative Justice offers a one-day training on Bowen with Kay Pranis, an internationally recognized trainer.

The session will be based on her latest book Heart of Hope. There will only be 25 spaces available; the cost is $100 per person. For more information contact Brenda Morrison at brendam@sfu.ca.

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started to take her seriously.

Reena’s body was found the following Saturday and the story of her murder emerged.

Suman Virk said, “When they told me that there had been a fight, I thought that maybe they had been on the bridge and Reena fell. But then we heard that she had been swarmed.”

Reena had been surrounded by eight girls who took turns kicking and punching her.

One of the girls had said, “She looks like she’s had enough,” and dissuaded the others from continuing the assault. All had walked away and Reena made her way across the bridge to get home. That was when Kelly Ellard and Warren Glowatski caught up with her, dragged her to the beach and killed her. Reena’s parents later found out that Reena’s killer had held her head under with a foot while she smoked a cigarette. Glowatski and Ellard were convicted of second-degree murder. Glowatski was tried as an adult, Ellard as a young offender. Six other girls were convicted of assault for their role in the initial beating.

Coming to terms with Reena’s death has been a difficult process. Manjit said, “While we were going though the whole thing, I did a lot of thinking. It didn’t make any sense why this happened but I realized that everyone makes mistakes and the only way we can move on is to learn from them. I am speaking from personal experience. When you hold on to anger, it can consume you.”

Manjit recounted the time when one of Reena’s assailants asked to meet them.

He said, “The boy who had killed my daughter wanted to apologize. That was hard.” At first, Manjit couldn’t imagine

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4 • FRIDAY APRIL 15 2011

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Ask the federal candidates: Week 3 Terry Platt, NDP The federal government is legislating improvements to municipal infrastructure, such as sewage treatment requirements. Should the federal government help pay for the costs of these projects? The federal government must help to pay for the projects. It is the price of “keeping house”. Bridge openings are sexy. Hospital openings are sexy. Sewage lines, treatment plants and highway upkeep are not sexy but are just as important.

Every government wants fresh, safe, clean water. Every government wants sewage to be dealt with in a safe and clean manner. We all want roads that are safe to drive on and won’t tear out the transmission from the vehicle due to potholes. This government has forgotten to chip in for these things until some of the areas became so neglected that the price tag went sky high.

Have you ever felt like not voting in an election and why? Yes, but then I made the effort to become better informed on the issues and candidates. I have never missed a vote. In the early 1980s I felt like I was the only person in Vancouver who wanted a new Cambie Street bridge. I went out in a deluge and voted. Since that day, every time I go over the Cambie Street bridge, I consider it to be “my bridge”.

If you could travel in a time machine, where would you go? I would like to be present at the Sermon on the Mount. I would want to hear first hand the call to love thy neighbor and thy enemy as thyself, this wonderful talk on the joys of peaceful living, sharing with one’s brothers and sisters, this beautiful lesson of social justice. It would be wonderful to share in that meal made possible from a basket of loaves and fishes.

I would be overjoyed to be in the presence of the Man who spoke such unforgettable and wonderful words and feel the excitement and humility of the crowd.

Dan Veniez, Liberal The federal government is legislating improvements to municipal infrastructure, such as sewage treatment requirements. Should the federal government help pay for the costs of these projects?

Canada’s long-term critical infrastructure needs are not being addressed in a meaningful way. The Canadian Federation of Municipalities estimates that approximately $130 billion is needed over the next 30 years to modernize our national infrastructure. In West Vancouver, the annual maintenance budget for infrastructure is $3

million, but the need is $10 million. That shortfall cannot be financed by municipalities and provinces alone.

Canada needs a national strategy. A world-class infrastructure is critical to our productivity, competitiveness, and quality of life.

Have you ever felt like not voting in an election and why? Absolutely. Access and convenience is sometimes tougher than it needs to be. Elections Canada needs better tools to do its job to improve that.

I have been turned off by the political process itself, by the politicians, by partisan fighting and pettiness, by the ruthlessness of personal attacks at the expense of substance, and by the utter cynicism of people who make promises and don’t keep them. The House of Commons as a circus is a depressing reality. That has sometimes made it hard to motivate myself to vote.

But I do anyway. It is a solemn responsibility of our citizenship.

If you could travel in a time machine, where would you go? The deliberations that shaped Confederation in Quebec and Ontario from 1865-1867. The Fathers of Confederation went through a wrenching process of negotiation and compromise that has stood the test of time. The second would be to be by the side of my grandfather, Walter Veniez, as he fought in the trenches in 1917 in the Battle of Passchendaele, in Belgium.

Grandpa was buried alive twice and lost a large piece of his leg fighting with the Canadian Grenadier Guards.

John Weston, Conservative The federal government is legislating improvements to municipal infrastructure, such as sewage treatment requirements. Should the federal government help pay for the costs of these projects?

When I was first elected in 2008, I committed to work closely with First Nations, mayors, councils, and regional districts to understand local priorities. My staff and I travelled relentlessly, ensuring we were well positioned to anticipate the Economic Action Plan and advocate effectively for our communities. Close collaboration and communication generated over $250 million in Federal funding for our riding. Another benefit? My understanding how important it was for municipalities to receive Federal support for local infrastructure. Our Conservative Government, in the current Budget, committed to legislate contributions from the Federal Gas Tax directly to municipalities for infrastructure.

Have you ever felt like not voting in an election and why? Heard in the Aquatic Centre locker room: “Why vote? It just encourages the politicians!” Funny comment, but bad advice. People like my late father, Stanley Weston, who was a prisoner of war, and my

late uncle, Smokey Smith, Canada’s last surviving Victoria Cross holder, did not venerate war. But those who put themselves in harm’s way to serve Canada expect that we exercise democratic freedoms for which they fought.

People around the world would give up their lives today for what we are tempted to take for granted.

If you could travel in a time machine, where would you go? I would go to Canada in 2031 to check on the world that we adults have left to my children, Shane, Jake, and Meimei, and to the other young people of today. I’d check on whether our economy had fulfilled the promise of a Canada entering what should be its Magnificent Century. I’d like to know whether initiatives such as the International Youth Volunteers Forum, which I’ve planned for students all around our riding to take place May 28, 2011 (regardless of election results), has helped create a generation of Canadians who are bringing peace and prosperity to the world.

Brennan Wauters, Green The federal government is legislating improvements to municipal infrastructure, such as sewage treatment requirements. Should the federal government help pay for the costs of these projects? The Green Party has allotted $2.4 billon to this end.

Vibrant cities are where the majority of Canadians live – cities must remain viable to undertake the steps required to build a zero waste and carbonneutral economy. Our most valued resource, people, is concentrated in the cities and these are the places where most ecological benefit can generate. Federal money must go into keeping what we have viable, not paying for more sprawl or to further pave habitat. Green Party platform items are common sense: we’ve invested this much in cities to this point; they need to be maintained to guard our investment.

Have you ever felt like not voting in an election and why? Never. I always exercise the power that is offered to me in the spirit of egalitarianism and in solidarity with my fellow citizens. Voting is how we define and express our wishes and needs. To forego this privilege is an affront to community and common sense.

If you could travel in a time machine, where would you go? Forward in time to see if the efforts we make now to save humanity and restore biodiversity of the planet– perhaps 100 years from now to see if our actions correct anthropomorphic climate change and anthropomorphic radiation; I want to see humans live in harmony with other life forms on our planet. This planet is not all for us humans — we share it with billions of other life forms that work together to allow humans to survive. Systems that have evolved over thousands of years do not adapt well to abrupt changes; the future is where we will be judged.

B O W E N I S L A N D M U N I C I PA L I T Y

BOWEN ISLAND MUNICIPALITY Members requested for Bowen Island Municipality Water Systems Local Advisory Committees The below noted Water System Specified Areas are requesting applications from individuals interested in serving on their Water Systems Specified Area Local Advisory Committees (LACs): • Bluewater Park Water System Specified Area • Cove Bay Water System Specified Area • Eagle Cliff Water System Specified Area • Tunstall Bay Water System Specified Area

± The respective LACs provide recommendations to Council regarding the annual budget for their respective water system.

± Applicants must be property owners or residents in the respective specified area for which they wish to apply. ± The term of office is three (3) years. ± LAC members serve without remuneration.

If interested, please submit a brief bio or resume outlining qualifications and a statement as to why you are interested in sitting on the LAC. Residents or property owners within the respective LACs are also encouraged to nominate a resident or property owner they feel would be an asset to a LAC. Please advise the Engineering & Operations Clerk, as noted below, of the name and contact information so that BIM staff can follow up with the nominee.

Those interested in sitting on one of the above-noted LACs are asked to respond in writing with the requested information by Friday, May 6, 2011 at 4:00 p.m. to: Midge Meeres, Engineering & Operations Clerk Bowen Island Municipality, 981 Artisan Lane Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G0 FAX: 604-947-0193 email: mmeeres@bimbc.ca For Information Call 947-4255

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FRIDAY APRIL 15 2011 • 5

Pamoja on budget constraints teams up with local charity M

Mayors Report: BOB TURNER MAYOR

unicipal budgets always embrace the inherent tension between demand for services and infrastructure, the willingness of taxpayers to pay, and the overarching requirement that we live within our means. This year’s budget and fiveyear financial plan has been prepared within tighter financial constraints than in previous years. These constraints are the focus of this mayor’s report.

Bowen Island Municipality is in a transition to a period of tighter finances. Over the past five years the municipality funded important infrastructure, capital, and planning projects from accumulated savings. In doing so, our community has acquired important assets - major road base improvements, expansion and environmental upgrade of our sewer plant, a new artificial turf field, upgrades to our municipal works yard, purchase of trucks for road works and snow plowing, purchase of fire trucks, construction of trails and beach accesses, and planning costs for the OCP, community centre, and Snug Cove.

The two largest of these infrastructure projects, the sewer plant and artificial turf field, leveraged $1.1 million municipal dollars to acquire assets worth $2.9 million, through cost sharing with federal and provincial government grants.

This year, the municipality is proposing further strategic spending on road improvements, a new satellite fire hall, a new boat ramp at Tunstall Bay, replacement of a snow plow truck, and planning costs to complete the OCP and Snug Cove ferry marshalling work. We believe that, in spite of the draw these projects have on savings, these are necessary projects and

it does not make sense to defer this work. This project work has drawn down our healthy savings accounts that were built during the first five years as a municipality, 2000 to 2005, a time when our new municipality was staffing up and did not implement many projects.

However, the municipality is moving into a period where more project funding will have to come from our operations budget, as our savings are reduced. Our municipal enterprise has grown over the past 10 years from a start-up to a full-service operation. It is time to take stock, and review operations and services from top to bottom.

We need to look for opportunities to constrain costs, and to increase revenues through improved cost recovery.

Over the last several years, the municipality has anticipated this transition. To build savings, in 2009 we created a new capital replacement and renewal reserve, funded by an annual 1.5 per cent increase in taxes for 10 years. Also in 2009 council initiated a core services review of municipal operations with our former CAO that continues with our current CAO Brent Mahood. Our 2010 strategic plan committed to cost recovery and cost constraint in the 2011 budget.

In June 2010 council committed to a maximum of three per cent increase in tax revenue (after factoring in taxes from new development) and a maximum of two per cent operating cost increase for the 2011 budget, as a way of setting limits of municipal growth.

The municipality has now completed a draft 2011 budget that meets these targets. This budget will be presented at the April 18 council meeting, and the budget materials are available on the municipal website and municipal office counter. We welcome your comments.

Homegrown goodies for sale

B

owen is getting fresh. Fresh vegetables, that is.

For the first time, the Bowen Agriculture Alliance’s monthly farmers’ market is going to be open on the first Saturday of every month until October. And this spring, students at BICS are also going to selling produce from their

gardens. Working with community school coordinator Sarah Haxby, the students have been learning how to grow some of their own food, and market it to consumers. The fruits - or asparagus, kale and greens - of their labour will be on sale at the first 2011 farmers’ market on May 7 from 10

EASTER SUNRISE SERVICE AT SANDY BEACH SUNDAY, April 24 @ 7:30 am Pancake Breakfast @ Collins Hall to follow Service Brought to you by: BI Community Church United Church Cates Hill Chapel St Gerard’s Catholic Church

a.m. to 1 p.m. in front of BICS. Other vendors are invited to join in. The tables for community growers and gardeners cost only $5. (They’re free for students.) It’s best to reserve a spot in advance but it’s not necessary. Please contact Elle Glave at elle@glave. com.

LORRAINE ASHDOWN CONTRIBUTING WRITER

I

n 1999, after a lifechanging trek up Mt. Kilimanjaro in northeastern Tanzania, the highest mountain in Africa, Bowen Island resident Amrita Sondhi experienced a fervent impulse to help the African people.

Originally from Kenya, Sondhi and others envisioned a sustainable way to support and encourage people on a path from poverty to self-sufficiency. They founded the Pamoja Foundation in response to a need Amrita saw first hand.

“The people were so incredible to any of us who needed anything,” Sondhi says. “If we then lost our way, they helped us. They were so hard working. The unemployment rate was 70 per cent. So I thought, here we are living in the west with so many people looking for things to do and a purpose to their life, and here are these people over there who have amazing community systems and an amazing social fabric.

Why don’t we do an exchange?”

From those thoughts and desires, the Pamoja Foundation was born.

The Pamoja Foundation is a Canadian-based organization whose goal is to help people in need help themselves.

It is based on a system of microfinancing.

The foundation makes

TENEBRAE SERVICE AT CATES HILL CHAPEL Cates Hill Chapel welcomes you to its Good Friday service at 7:00pm on April 22nd.

The service will be focused around an early Christian tradition called “Tenebrae” which means “shadows”. It is a moving service of readings, hymns and silent reflection that focuses on the betrayal and agony Jesus Christ suffered on the cross. It is a time of reflection that sets the stage for the profound joy of the resurrection of Christ on Easter Sunday. We also invite you and your family to join us for the celebration of Christ’s resurrection on Sunday, April 24th at 10:00am.

Board members Sheena Ashdown and Dale Hamilton of the African Village Project Association receive a $3,000 microfinancing loan from The Pamoja Foundation at the opening of islander Amrita Sondhi’s new Global Movement store in Artisan Square. Lorraine Ashdown photo loans to established and proven microfinancing agencies and those agencies in turn loan money to entrepreneurs at the grassroots level. Once repayment has occurred, the principal is reinvested in micro-banks and is ultimately donated to Canadian charities with the accrued interest.

The Pamoja Foundation is always on the lookout for suitable charities to donate to. Recently they found a perfect fit right in the heart of Bowen Island.

The Africa Village Project Association was incorporated as a B.C. society in 2007. Among

the board of directors are islanders Sheena Ashdown and Dale Hamilton. Their mandate is to partner with African villages to help villagers become selfsufficient and improve their standard of living.

Not surprisingly, a natural fit occurred between the Pamoja Foundation and the Africa Village Project Association. To this end Pamoja is loaning funds to the Africa Village Project for microfinancing. A cheque for $3,000 was presented to Ashdown and Hamilton on April 1 by the Pamoja Foundation. As an

added cause for celebration and excitement, the cheque was presented on the occasion of the grand opening of Amrita’s new Global Movement location in Artisan Square. As part of Sondhi’s ongoing support to Kenyan communities, part of the proceeds of each sale contribute towards the Pamoja Foundation. Eventually the goal is that Movement’s clothing will be made in factories that are owned and operated by the woman entrepreneurs benefiting from the Pamoja Foundation in Africa.

experience

life in their shoes

Attention Attention Teachers: Teachers: The Hero In You® education program offers a series of FREE curriculumlinked lesson plans (grades 4-7) aimed to motivate children to find the champion within themselves.

In addition, teachers can request a FREE classroom presentation delivered in-person by a Hall of Fame athlete!

If you are a principal, teacher or parent and would like to book a presentation for your classroom, call

Michael Markowsky at (604) 647-7449 or visit www.heroinyou.ca to download lesson plans.

When children are exposed to inspiring stories of athletes, they begin to imagine what they can do and how they too can make a difference.

4 • FRIDAY APRIL 15 2011

WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM Published & Printed by Black Press Ltd. at #102, 495 Government Road, Bowen Island, BC V0N 1GO

viewpoint

EDITORIAL

Children need to learn self-preservation

The value of recreation I

f Bowen’s roads had to be built to modern standards, it’s doubtful the island would be able to afford to exist. Properly engineered roads – with blasting and an engineered base, ditching, grading proper walking areas and surfacing – are extremely expensive. So expensive that it is often too expensive for municipalities to bear the costs on their own.

As it is, Bowen has a patchwork of roads that were built over logging roads and courdoroy roads. With the latter, the base of the road (under the surface) is logs and logs deteriorate over time. That’s when bumps and potholes are created.

And yet very few Bowen Islanders seem to complain about the state of the roads. The roads have always been that way and there’s no overwhelming expectation to improve them. Besides, potholes work just as well as speedbumps for slowing down traffic and are a lot less expensive.

Islanders don’t seem to be saying that roads aren’t important; roads just aren’t what they want to spend most of their tax dollars on.

Other services are deemed to be more impor-

tant, as Councillor Peter Frinton said at Monday’s budget meeting.

What Bowen Islanders value more are the things that make a community. It’s the people infrastructure that they want to invest in. And, like every other community that has an arena or swimming pool knows, recreation facilities very rarely pay for themselves. There has to be a community agreement that recreation services benefit everyone – including people who never use them. They provide activities and outlets for children, but also for people of all ages. They bring people of a variety of backgrounds together; they are accessible to all.

There’s no way that the recipients would be able to pay for recreation services on their own, which is why the community decides to chip in. The alternative is a user-pay system which is often harmful to the concept of community building. User-pay separates people; it doesn’t bring them together.

Budgets are a balancing act; it’s important to give the proper weight to what’s being balanced.

Martha Perkins

The Write Stuff.

The Undercurrent encourages reader participation in your community newspaper. You must include your full name and a daytime phone number (for verification only). The editor reserves the right to edit for clarity, legality, brevity and taste.

The Undercurrent is published every Friday by Black Press Group Ltd. All Advertising and news copy content are copyright of the Undercurrent Newspaper. All editorial content submitted to the Undercurrent becomes the property of the publication. The undercurrent is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, art work and photographs. We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada, through the Publications Assistance Program (PAP) toward our mailing costs.

We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund (CPF) for our publishing activities.

I

read the letter by James Glave with a degree of consternation. While it is admirable that he wants to protect his children he is somewhat remiss in his reaction. Section 179 of the motor vehicle act is quite clear in its definition of the rights and duties of both parties but, more importantly, it should always be trumped by educating children in simple self-preservation.

The fact remains that in an altercation between a vehicle and a pedestrian, the pedestrian will always lose whether they have the right of way or not. Far better had James refrained from yelling at the driver (see section 179 ) and used the circumstances to show his children that even though there is a crosswalk they should always be cautious no matter what. As for the driver of a vehicle, the question is not one of whether they have the right of way, but whether they can live with themselves after hitting someone when the situation could have been avoided by extra caution.

We don’t need more policing and signs as much as we need more common sense by all parties. It should always be remembered that policing after the fact is almost always a poor substitute for prudent actions in the first place.

Bruce Johnstone

Community’s help much appreciated From the Millers to you:

Here’s how.

To submit a letter to the editor, fax 604-947-0148 or mail it to #102, 495 Government Rd., PO Box 130, Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G0 or email editor@ bowenislandundercurrent.com.

B.C. Press Council.

The Undercurrent is a member of the British Columbia Press Council, a self-regulatory body governing the province’s newspaper industry. The council considers complaints from the public about the conduct of member newspapers. Directors oversee the mediation of complaints, with input from both the newspaper and the complaint holder. If talking with the editor or publisher does not resolve your complaint about coverage or story treatment, you may contact the B.C. Press Council. Your written concern, with documentation, should be sent to B.C. Press Council, 201 Selby St., Nanaimo, B.C. V9R 2R2. For information, phone 1-888-687-2213 or go to www.bcpresscouncil.org.

To the Editor:

T

hank you everyone so much for all the help and support we received after Ken Miller’s passing. A special thank you to Peter King and Richard Goth for supplying the buses, the Office for helping make the photos for the memory book, Tunstall Bay Club House for helping with the music and set up, Village Baker for donating delicious food, the Legion, and to everyone else who made that hard day that much easier to get through. Months have passed since then but we can’t help but thank you for what you did.

Love The Millers

Deadline for book donations approaches fast

S

pread the word! The Friends of the Bowen Island Library Society are reminding everyone that the closing date for accepting book donations is April 30..

Meanwhile boxes of books in fine condition are arriving constantly. Such goodies!

BookFest browsers will be surprised at the wide array of

#102–495 Bowen Trunk Road, PO Box 130, Bowen Island BC, V0N 1G0

self-help books as well as the variety of books on health.

There are splendid, colourful books on home decoration, a lovely big batch of children’s picture books, intriguing and unusual histories and so much more. In fact, you’ll see some of the gems at the Christmas Craft Fair.

It’s obvious that there’ll be

books for every taste at the BookFest, May 28 and 29 BUT if you want your books donations to be part of this book feast, remember that Saturday, April 30 is the closing date for acceptance. All donations must be delivered to the library during open hours.

To the Editor:

B

C Ferries has confirmed an 18 per cent increase in vehicle overloads: 989 in 2010 compared to 841 in 2009. Surly Bowen commuters have reached the stage of critical inconvenience using a public service..

A national park on Bowen has many merits, but to knowingly cause more ferry users under present conditions with no plans of improvement is unconscionable.

Lois Meyers-Carter

Editor

Contributor

Advertising

Martha Perkins

Marcus Hondro

Suzanne Carvell

Phone: 604.947.2442 Fax: 604.947.0148

Numbers of ferry overloads increase

Erwen Smith Sales Manager

Publisher Aaron Van Pykstra 604.903.1022

Greg Laviolette 604.903.1013

Editorial: editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com Display & Classified Advertising: ads@bowenislandundercurrent.com Deadline for all advertising and editorial: Monday, 4:00p.m. www.bowenislandundercurrent.com

Production Manager: Jaana Bjork

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CANADIAN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER AWARD 2011

Publication Mail Registration No. 4003110 Publications Assistance Program (PAP) no. 09531

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Black Sheep celebrate anniversary

Careening down Facebook Friend Lane

I

joined Facebook and after being on it a week my first thought is - and this may be a reflection of the youth of its creators - it might be a tad immature. And that comes from someone operating at a level of maturity only a notch higher than Charlie Sheen’s. But immature or no, Facebook is certainly very Friendly. “Chip has accepted Annette as his Friend,� your wall (everyone on Facebook has a wall) informs you as you log on, news as important, and welcome, as learning that Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez had pancakes together at IHOP or Kim Kardashian wore a strange dress yesterday.

Now the way Facebook works is that once Annette has sent Chip a friend request and he’s accepted, then their posts go on each other’s wall so, for example, when Chip posts a photo of his cat “taking over� his bed (sleeping on it!) Annette can click ‘Like’ and under the photo it’ll say how many, and who, liked it. “Stan, Tamiko and Annette liked this photo� your Wall will inform you.

Glad to know it!

Of course if Chip is really popular he can accumulate as many likes as he has Facebook friends with the time and inclination to look at the photo of Chip’s cat. A friend, or rather a ‘Friend’ of mine, had 19 likes of a photo of him in costume on the set of a TV show.

Nineteen likes!

Should Annette want to go the limit of meaningful communication and write on Chip’s wall for Chip, and all of his Facebook Friends, to see, then by virtue of having been granted friend status by Chip, she has the permission to do so. “Wow is your cat ever FAT, Chip. What are you feeding her: pasta? LOL!�

This comment will surely improve Chip’s day and this ability to comment thusly is either bringing our species closer together... or allowing yet more advertisers to access our brains (for there are, naturally, advertisements on Facebook). In either case, as long as Chip is pleased, why quibble about it?

I have seen lots of you there, Bowen Islanders. Somehow my site has pages of photos of people I know or people who, presumably, know people I know.

There are actors I know and actors

slow lane

To the Editor:

Marcus Hondro

I

enjoyed Lois MeyersCarter’s column in the Friday, April 8 edition, and it was a particular pleasure to see the mention of Graham Ritchie’s note in the Undercurrent from 10 years ago, soliciting new members for Bowen’s fledgling Morris Dance side. Hard to believe, but The Black Sheep recently celebrated our 10th anniversary! We held our first practice in February of 2001 with seven brave (or foolhardy) souls.

I had been involved in Morris for 20 years or so back in Boston and Brian Jones had danced in the UK and Vancouver, and the other members - Martin Clarke, Jim McConnan, Rodger Grant, Graham Ritchie, and Don Rowles - were completely new to this, but up for anything.

It’s been a grand and joyous

FRIDAY APRIL 15 2011 • 7

Black sheep delighted ferry passengers last December.

Martha Perkins photo

10 years, and I’d like to thank Bowen Island for the support they’ve shown over all this time! Our ranks now number 25, including several folks that come from the mainland for many events, and we now have a kids side - the ever popular Black Lambs. We’ve travelled to the Okanagan, Washington, the UK, and are planning a trip to Vermont in May, and a return to the UK in 2012, but the highlight of all of this is that sense of community and connection that is

such a part of Bowen Island.

Thanks again to all the folks on Bowen who have shown their support over the years, and thanks to all the wonderful women, men and kids in the Black Sheep and Black Lambs!

Come join us at dawn on the Causeway for May Day, May 1. As always, new members are welcome; practice is every Wednesday evening at 7:30. Pease feel free to contact me for details.

Bob Doucet

Credit union celebrates accomplishments To the Editor:

F

our years have gone by so fast.... but so many accomplishments! From our first meeting with the Powell River Credit Union just over four years ago, we have now over 1,100 islanders who are trusting First Credit Union’s Bowen Island Partnership Branch with their banking needs. In the words of Dave Craigen, our CEO, “changing banks is like changing doctors� and we thank the 1,100-plus wonderful members for making that very difficult, personal decision.

In four years, we now are in a break-even position - a huge accomplishment! It took over four years to find a financial institution who believed that Bowen Island could support a bank and we have proven that Bowen is truly special. We have a HUGE announcement to make regarding our potential profitability at our AGM on April 26 - come and hear the news!

We have also given back to the community.

On June 9, come by to celebrate our official birthday. On August 15 we will be presenting our 4th annual free Movie Under the Stars. We continue to give monthly donations to different Bowen non-profit organizations, community events and/or community groups. (There will be a special presentation at our AGM by the Bowen Island Golf Association regarding the

$10,000 Challenge we offered last year.)

We will be presenting our second annual scholarship for a Bowen Youth who will be continuing their post-secondary education. We have, for the past three years, sent a Bowen youth to the Yes! Leadership Camp on Vancouver Island.

We will (one day soon... that’s a promise) have a new banking system and will be installing a major upgrade to our online banking system which will exceed industry standards.

Our Board is made up of myself (as chair), Alison Morse (secretary), Cro Lucas, Tom Mitchell, Dick VanAelst and Jim Connor. We did set a three-year tenure for board members. Last year we only had Jim join us so our sitting board members stood for re-election. We now have all of us, except Jim in the position to retire. We have three members who have expressed interest in joining our board. This is wonderful news.

We hope all members and potential members will join us on Tuesday, April 26 at 7p.m. at the BICS multi-purpose room to meet the staff and hear a little bit about each of them and their different areas of responsibility), meet the board of directors from Powell River and hear from us all of the amazing news that we have to announce about our next 12 months! Exciting times are coming.

Murray Atherton, Chair First Credit Union, Partnership Board

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Call for Submissions

“LOCAL LANDSCAPES�

An unjuried show at The Gallery @ Artisan Square August 10th – 28th, 2011 To book your spot on the wall contact Kim at - gallery@biac.ca

before May 10th Any questions email the above address.

newsroom@bowenislandundercurrent.com

who must be connected to actors I know, and there are others connected to my family or even to old school chums. And, as I say, you are there, too, Islanders; some of you I know, some I only know of.

You have the option of asking anyone to be your friend but people can turn you down (which reminds me of the dark days before I was blessed with my wife and had to ask girls to dance at nightclubs). So if I ask you to be my Facebook friend - and I might!

- you may accept or deny. And should you deny me then I can’t send you a message that says “Well, screw you, I didn’t wanna be your Friend anyway!!!� because it won’t get through. Rats!

I saw an actor there who beat me out for a part recently and wanted to ask if he’d be my anti-friend, or my Facebook enemy. It turns out there are no options for that but Mark Zuckerberg should consider it: he could become enemies with those twins who keep suing him and saying the whole thing was their idea.

Okay so here’s a Facebook epiphany: I was talking with Paul Stewart on the ferry about us being Facebook friends and we figured we didn’t have to do that. After all, we are already real friends and if I wanna tell Paul something I can phone Paul. Talk to him.

So that thought led suddenly to the following: what if emailing and Facebook came first and the phone was only recently invented? Humph.... “You gotta get one, Chip. You can actually hear their voice. I had a conversation with Tracey’s aunt - and she lives in Kitsilano!� “But how do you ask them to be your friend?� Chip might ask, confused. “You use words, Chipper. Like you go: ‘Will you be my friend?’� “But I couldn’t show them a picture of Muffin sleeping on my bed, that chubby rascal. Could I?� “No but you could tell them about Muffin on your bed.� “I guess. But where do the likes go and how... Oh I don’t know - it’s not the same, is it?�

You know what? Maybe Chip is right. It’s not the same. And it is far more time-consuming to talk to folks and time is not something you wanna go around consuming, not if you wanna be able to watch American Idol. So perhaps I might be wise to embrace this Facebook thing. To give it time.

See you on my wall, Bowen.

Gallery @ Artisan Square seeks Curator.

The Curator reports to the Executive Director of the Bowen Island Arts Council (BIAC) and the Visual Arts Committee and is responsible for exhibitions on display at the Gallery. This is a contract position for 10 hour/week beginning in early May. Candidates must have a post-secondary degree or diploma in a related ďŹ eld or equivalent working experience. Knowledge of the arts community on Bowen is an asset. Local residence is not required, but strongly recommended.

Skills include: ¡ Experience in selecting, hanging and presenting artwork ¡ Knowledge and experience in the areas of arts, culture and gallery management ¡ Excellent interpersonal skills essential to communicating effectively with diverse groups and individuals ¡ Strong organizational ability ¡ Proven management and administrative skills Please submit your resumÊ and cover letter to: the Gallery @ Artisan Square, Box 211, Bowen Island, BC, V0N 1G0, or email to gallery@biac.ca.

The deadline for submission is Wednesday, 27 April.

8 • FRIDAY APRIL 15 2011

WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM

Club hosts open garden and visiting speaker JOHN LAWRENCE BI GARDEN CLUB

T

he Bowen Island Garden Club’s next open garden is at the home of Diana and Michael Kaile at 835 Hummingbird Lane on Sunday, April 17 from 1 to 3 p.m.

The Kailes bought the property in 2006. It occupies a high bank location with stunning views to the south over Passage Island and the Strait of Georgia.

Although blessed with some mature trees and scrubs, the garden had been much neglected. The Kailes have done yeoman work in planting a new lawn, developing raised beds for a vegetable garden, restoring a tired rock garden, creating a flagged patio, and bringing more light into the garden with selective removal/pruning of the larger trees. The original developer left a number of massive boulders on the property which have become major features in the garden landscape.

To quote Diana: “This is a garden to rest your soul, to take a moment to breathe in the sea air, admire the view, walk barefoot on the lush carpet of grass, listen to the wind, the bird song, wind chimes and lose yourself in nature. Welcome and enjoy “ Non members are welcome. Club memberships can be bought on-site.

Visiting speaker Les Clay will focus on rhododendrons at the Monday, April 18 meeting at 1 p.m. in the Gallery at Artisan Square. Members and non members are invited. Clay graduated from UBC in 1956 with a BScA. After university he joined his father in a landscaping business. With the purchase of 40 acres in Langley, Les developed a Tissue Culture Laboratory which enabled him to ship young rhodos world wide. He is a past president of the Vancouver Rhododendron Society and a past director of the American Rhododendron Society. In retirement he still maintains a 100 foot greenhouse on an acre of his former business site.

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Exploring fairness SUSANNE MARTIN

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Outdoor art installation by Luisa Milan featured messages of fairness.

Advertise in The Undercurrent 604-947-2442 or email suzanne@ bowenislandundercurrent.com

here was a fresh breeze by the water in Crippen Park on Saturday, April 2. Six sheets of organza fabric, strung between poles of driftwood, flapped in the wind forming ever-changing patterns of shadows beneath them.

Three of the sheer nylon sheets were hand-embroidered with multicoloured words.

Toronto textile artist Luisa Milan was on site to discuss her outdoor art installation “The Texture of Fairness.� Pleased with the way the art complemented the natural environment, she said, “I didn’t know what the space was going to be like. I tend to use trees as poles but that’s not always possible. Last fall, I used pieces of lumber pounded into the ground but at UBC we had the installation on cement and that wasn’t possible. We hired someone to make stands like the ones used for Christmas trees. I love the way it looks with the driftwood. It’s our way to say thank you to the trees.�

The installation was commissioned by the Peter Wall Institute for Advanced Studies at UBC as part of a public forum on creating new landscapes in notions of fairness. The event was organized by Janis Sarra, a UBC law professor who makes her home on Bowen Island. She said, “I was trying to point out that we think too narrowly about fairness. For me, I have a financial background and there is so much injustice. It was good to invite a diverse group, not only academics

but also community members.�

As well as exploring fairness in economic relations, the forum examined historical and contemporary insights and viewed the contours of fairness through visual art and dance. The program started on Bowen Island with a two-day dance atelier facilitated by Gail Lotenberg, the artistic director of LINK Dance, and Margie Gillis, the recipient of this year’s Governor General’s Performing Arts Award for Lifetime Artistic Achievement in dance.

Lotenberg said, “The atelier helped me understand how much discovery can be made through the body. In this specific case, it revolved around fairness but any concept can be explored. I feel that we gained some profound insights through the playfulness of the body that reflected the intelligence and open-mindedness of the participants.�

In addition to Sarra and Lotenberg, forum participants from Bowen Island included Susanna Braund, Karen Cowper, Joanne Forbes and Peg Campbell. In her art, Luisa Milan also captured responses to fairness. She said, “The installation reflects suspended thoughts - panels of fabric set in outdoor space. Some panels are inscribed with text defining fairness, while others left blank may suggest unfairness or may present an opportunity for the beholder to imagine something new.� The installation drew a lot of attention.

Locals and visitors alike ducked in and out of the lines, read the prose and enjoyed the changing motion of the pieces of fabric.

RBC is Canada’s largest mortgage provider Michael Alexander Mortgage Specialist

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FRIDAY APRIL 15 2011 • 9

Celebrate spring with arts programs JACQUELINE MASSEY BOWEN ISLAND ARTS COUNCIL

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Does this look familiar? But where have you seen this mosaic before?

The Bowen Island Arts Council invites you to participate in the Bowen Art Walk this Saturday. Get your dose of healthy exercise and discover and rediscover some of the great public art on your way from Snug Cove to Artisan Square.

For more information visit biac.ca or call 604-947-2454. See you on the trails!

pring is sprung, and that means there’s a host of new arts programming cropping up.

Just in time for Easter, Saffron Gurney of Serious Play is offering an egg decorating class for younger artists, from ages two to 12. Set for Saturday April 16, and held at the BICS Community Use Room, participants will have the opportunity to create a hollow keepsake Easter egg using professional tools and dyes. All supplies are included in the fees. Check specific times through Community Recreation.

Please note that if there are siblings who wish to be together, the age range can be flexible. The cost is $20.

Back by popular demand, artist and teacher Ann Beatty will be offering a Sketch in Watercolour class. The six-session program, running on Tuesdays morning from 9:15 to 11:45 a.m. and beginning April 19, are aimed at helping students improve skills in both drawing and watercolour. From your sketches

in both pencil and watercolour, you will learn tips and tricks on how to move through to a final painting.

Classes will be held both at the Gallery and, weather permitting, around Bowen.

The cost is $125.

And just around the corner is a vocal play workshop with Pauline Le Bel, set for May 5. Even if you thought (or were told) that you couldn’t carry a tune in a bucket, Pauline’s wit and skill will convince you otherwise. Experience the primal pleasure of making sound, of connecting with your own deep beauty and beauty of the ensemble during this three-hour transformative vocal playshop for singers and nonsingers. The workshop runs from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Gallery and the cost is $35 or $30 for seniors.

For more information on these classes, visit the BIAC website at www. biac.ca, or email admin@ biac.ca. To register please contact Community Recreation, 604-947-2216.

Please note that the classes are dependent upon sufficient enrollment. So please register early.

WIN!

Saffron Gurney of Serious Play and her family had a fabulous trip to the Pacific coast of Nicaragua during the spring break. They stayed at a remote northern fishing village and spent some time at a nearby orphanage. The 30 children ranged in age from six to 16. She took a suitcase full of paint, canvases, brushes and painted with them for about three hours. Some had never handled paint before while others were highly skilled. The Bowen family also took toothbrushes, pencils, toys and clothes to leave with the children.

Enter for your chance to

Saturday, May 28, 2011 Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre

…a romantic spring fling at the

Rockwater

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Whistler, BC 6:30pm Start $

150 per person

The Whistler Rotary Club Foundation proudly presents a gala evening of fine dining by Four Season’s Resort Whistler, paired with wine tasting and education and a live and silent auction of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, plus premier colllectable wines and art. Auction funds raised support Rotary International’s quest to eradicate polio- Polio Plus.

For more information visit www.elixirsoflife.ca or call 604-938-9073

Should a spring storm stir across the Pacific Ocean, you’ll be tucked safely away in the luxury of your tent suite on the bluff of the spectacular Rockwater Secret Cove Resort! Following a peaceful sleep, enjoy a breakfast fit for champions...or ‘glam-pers’ each morning! Getaway includes ferry passage to the spectacular Sunshine Coast too.

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Budget ready for first reading continued, PAGE 1 Several big projects are going through such as road improvements, a satellite fire station on the west side of the island, the OCP update, the ferry marshalling plan, the Tunstall Bay dock (to ensure secondary boat access to the island in case there is a temporary problem in Snug Cove) and $300,000 to finish the sewer plant upgrade.

In the past, council paid for such expenditures by dipping into reserves.

Council is increasing its reserves contributions this year but it’s drawing a lot more out to pay for services and projects.

On Monday, chief financial officer Karen Blow presented council with a list of possible budget cuts, with arguments for and against them. She said no one likes the recommendations; they were made simply in order to find the required savings.

Library Chief librarian Tina Nielsen has already told council that she needs more money than last year in order to keep current service levels. On Monday, council considered taking an additional $6,000 out of the library budget, which was at last year’s level. Councillor David Wrinch speculated that this would result in a day’s loss of library hours.

Mayor Bob Turner didn’t want to focus on what the departments could or couldn’t do. “Our job is policy, not operations. Our job is to say we support a certain percentage of funding from operating costs and the staff does it...

We need to understand consequences but I don’t want too much debate on small particulars.”

Councillor Peter Frinton said, “I’d like to know the impact. We’re blindly cutting a budget. Six thousand is not a big deal.”

“There’s a certain amount of blindness here; you get very attached to specifics,” said Turner. “We have to be

accepting of executive advice to council.

This is not easy.”

Frinton replied, “Then why aren’t we spreading this around to other departments?”

Councillor Alison Morse said, “It is a political decision about level of service.

So it is a political decision that library hours will be cut.... To hold the library flat, it just seems really unusual that we wouldn’t have a cost of living allowance.”

It was agreed to keep the $6,000.

An additional $15 per water and sewer connection fee This charge would more accurately reflect the municipality’s administrative costs in providing these services. It would add $20,000 to revenues.

Councillor Morse noted that most local service areas have already had their budget meetings. Council approved the added cost-recovery fee.

Planning department fees Frinton says that most fees haven’t been increased since the municipality was incorporated a decade ago. Council agreed to impose a retroactive cost of living increase to all those fees.

It’s expected the increase could garner $14,000 this year. (The new fee structure would be imposed on July 1.)

Morse said the community charter says you have to justify fee increases.

Staff would have to take the time to do the calculations. “If we’re challenged, we have to show how we came up with [the increase],” she said.

Councillors felt that a COLA increase, would withstand such scrutiny.

Reduce community recreation budget It was suggested to cut the recreation budget by $36,500 with the ratio-

nale that it is not an essential service.

However, because the director of community recreation is on holidays, it’s not known how such a decrease would affect services.

This would mean the department’s overall budget would go from $587,000 to $554,000. (Last year, the department brought in $175,000 of that $587,000 from fees.) In the end, council reduced the budget by $26,500. See below for more discussion.

Reduce engineering and operations budget Blow originally cut the budget by $24,500 but after talking to CAO Brent Mahood, who’s also the director of engineering, she reduced it to $12,000.

“It’s our biggest budget area and it would be a three per cent cut. It strikes me that we have to share the pain,” said Turner.

Frinton said there has to be a discussion with staff about whether it can be dropped by that amount.

Hooper said “We’re still dropping the ball. It does mean changes [to expenditures] or else we’re increasing taxation later.” He argued for a $700,000 roads and engineering budget, which would be a drop of $33,000.

Poole said, “I’d like to leave it at a $24,000 reduction, which has been identified by staff.”

The rest of council agreed Reduce grants in aid by $25,000 This was both suggested and rejected

by Blow.

Hooper felt the grants budget should be dropped by 10 per cent, which would reflect the same level of reduction as other budget areas.

“I don’t know why we would save them as sacred,” he said, adding that the groups should go to membership for the shortfall.

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Poole disagreed. “I think we get incredible service from the amount of money we spend. They use those grants to get more money.”

In 2006, the grants were $132,000 and this year $141,000 was suggested, which is only a $9,000 increase in five years, she said. Cutting that amount “is dangerous because all these groups are basically surviving as it is.” She wondered when organizations such as the arts council were able to give staff pay increases. “We’re really shortchanging our community associations if we cut back.”

Frinton said he had a fundamentally different view of what’s an essential service. “I’d choose strong community over good roads any day. I don’t take the premise that we have to protect certain budgets over others.”

The library is flat over five years and the recreation budget is flat over five years. “When I ask people what’s good about this community, they say we have a really good library and recreation services. The best thing we can ever do is give nickels and dimes out to these groups. I agree [with Hooper] that they should not become dependent but to say we’re going to make that pot smaller... That’s why I’m looking at things like garbage.”

Whistler has no garbage pick up; people take their garbage to bins, he said. But Bowen’s garbage costs are going up to $533,000 because of increased gas and ferry costs.

“There’s no reason why we should be building in increments,” he said. “Why, with the number of things that have been suggested [to be cut], is garbage getting the increase? I can’t support a budget that’s clawing away at other budgets and allowing that to go unvetted.”

Hooper said the cuts were justified because “this is budget discipline. This is hard stuff, not soft stuff.”

The proposed grants budget of $141,000 was maintained.

Reducing certain reserve funds Council decided not to add $30,000 to the civic facilities fund this year, nor $10,000 for the community use reserve. Frinton said council should consider increasing fees for the artificial turf field now that it’s been in use for a year.

Bottom line By the end of the three-hour discussion, council reach its tax increase target of three per cent.

Council plans to have first reading on Monday and welcomes public comment. The budget will be available at the office or on its website. The budget must be approved by May 15; council hopes for final adoption on May 2.

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FRIDAY APRIL 15 2011 • 11

Three young artists awarded scholarships

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John Bottomley loved his time on Bowen Island and in return, Bowen Island loved him and his music. His death means the loss of “a beautifully true soul.” Thomas Drasdauski photo

committee of local artists met recently to choose this year’s winners of the Danielle Dulong Memorial Scholarship. Thank you to Bill Hoopes, Peg Campbell, Katrina Rose, Saffron Gurney and Ron Woodall for joining the selection process. The 2011 winners of the scholarship are: Sam Beck, Candice Tisdale, and Sophie Wrinch.

As first-place recipient, Sam will receive $700 toward his university tuition. Candice and Sophie tied for second place, winning $400 each.

The pleasure in continuing this scholarship each year is in knowing that our community is supporting its young people. All three winners wrote essays describing the gratitude they feel toward the people on Bowen in helping to develop their artistic talents. These three

young people demonstrated their talent very well in this year’s competition. Sam’s portfolio featured his incredible strength in industrial design. Candice demonstrated beautiful drawings and paintings, especially in portrait work. Finally, Sophie, who has been mentored by her grandmother, Shirley Wrinch, showed the committee her skill in clothing design and fabrication, in hopes of a future in theatre as a costume designer.

Thank you again to everyone who supported our fundraising calendar campaign this winter. The scholarship is a wonderful way to remember Danielle Dulong and help young artists work toward their careers in art.

Beth Turner, Danielle Dulong Memorial Scholarship Committee.

Coming here to get away and grace Bowen with purity of expression CHRISTOPHER MOLINEUX SPECIAL TO THE UNDERCURRENT

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here was a time not so very long ago when a sweet voice would occasionally ring out on the rock of Bowen. In cafe and pub, in living rooms and on lawns.

The figure who produced these simple loving sounds would be dressed in creases crumples and corduroy. His worn and handsome face expressed the thoughtful and the playful which made up the duality of his nature. It was nature that brought him to the island. He sought solitude, waves, moss and rock - trees and trails and winds and skies and these things Bowen gave him in abundance.

John Bottomley came to the island to get away. Eventually, he had to get away from his getaway and now, ultimately, he has gotten away from it all.

When John died this past week, we lost a

beautifully true soul. He was loved and admired by so many through his music, his poetry and his thin whimsical drawings but the admiration he received seemed to be confusing and unsettling for him.

Compliments had the effect of pushing his gaze away while he would explain slowly how the thing he had tried to create was quite interesting but really not so terribly good... but thank you.

I can clearly picture him under a blue-grey Bowfest sky sitting alone on the stage with his guitar. His amplified self washed over the field and gradually head after head after head turned to watch and hear him. Nothing wild, nothing flamboyant, just purity of musical expression.

John Bottomley sang of mist and silver, of monkeys and hermits, of loss and of love. To think of his grin and his laugh brings tears to my eyes now but these are not tears made only of sadness, they are of something far more sweet and complicated much like John himself.

Don’t forget to add the

GEORG ARTHUR HUGO HELENIUS

as a regular item to your grocery list

Born in Helsinki, Finland on April 9, 1930, Georg emigrated to Canada in 1958.

He married Rosa in 1959 and together they moved to Bowen Island in 1960. Georg and Rosa lived and worked on Bowen Island for 51 years and Georg Sr. spent a lot of time on various committees to help people of Bowen grow and transform into a community to be proud of.

FOOD BANK

Georg Helenius passed away at 10:30 am on March 24, 2011 at home.

A Celebration of Life will be held at his home at 1081 Harding Road on April 17, 2011 from 1:00 pm until dark.

Drop off located at The United Church

Everyone is welcome to attend.

Scholarship selection committee.

Submitted photo

DEAN, Peter Michael May 25, 1945 - March 9, 2011 It is with sadness we announce the passing of Peter Dean on March 9, 2011 in the North Shore Hospice. Peter was predeceased by his mother, Margaret Dean and is survived by his father, Walter Dean, his three sons Christopher, Casey and Matt, his sister and brother-in-law Pat and Dennis Hayward, nephews, a grandniece, an aunt and cousins.

Peter was born and raised in North Vancouver and after graduation from UBC spent many years in the Yukon working in geological exploration and environmental assessment. After moving to Bowen Island more than thirty years ago, he worked for Hollyburn Lumber in North Vancouver and then built up a business on Bowen as a carpenter, wood craftsman and landscaper. His abiding interest in life was botany and he spent many happy hours identifying Bowen's wild plants and growing unusual and rare plants on his property. Peter was a man of integrity and honesty who lived a simple lifestyle in keeping with his philosophy of living lightly on the land. He will be deeply missed by his sons and the rest of his family.

We appreciate the compassionate care of Dr. Zandy on Bowen, the Home Care team and the staff of Palliative Care at Lion's Gate Hospital. There will be no service at Peter’s request and his ashes will be returned to the place he loved, Bowen Island.

12 • FRIDAY APRIL 15 2011

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Seeing 3D again: Rob Bailey has reunion gig MARCUS HONDRO S TA F F C O N T R I B U T O R

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ocal musician and music producer Rob Bailey is having a public reunion with two old friends that promises to be a very ‘80s experience.

Bailey and two band mates from many years ago are playing the Bowen Pub Fri., April 22.

The band, 3D, was one of the Vancouver’s big draws back in the early ‘80s, playing The Cave, Outlaws and the Commodore many times. Bailey, who runs the Treehouse studio on Bowen, was the bass player. They started out as rockers but shifted gears rather suddenly.

“When the New Romantic/New Wave stuff started to come in from England we decided to become a techno-pop band,” Bailey told the Undercurrent. “It was the middle of the week when we were playing a gig in Kelowna when we decided to cut off our hair, buy thrift store clothes and reinvent ourselves.

“When we showed up in the afternoon at the gig to rehearse some new material, they didn’t want to let us into the club because they didn’t recognize us from the night before.” Along with Bailey, who’s recorded with Alice Cooper and Jimmy Page, the band consists of drummer Ross Friesen and guitar man Terry Gibbard. While Gibbard handles the

NEW STAFF WANTED New pub & restaurant, (opening May 2011 under new ownership), is looking to engage a fresh, new brand of staff. Kitchen staff, line cooks, prep cooks, dishwashers, buspersons, food runners, hostesses and servers.

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Only cheerful , enthusiastic, and wellmannered candidates need apply.

JT Nero’s tour for his recent CD, mountains/forests, is coming to Bowen Island on Saturday, April 23 at Cates Hill Chapel with special guest Allison Russell (of Po’ Girl). Submitted photo The band 3D back in the early 80s; that’s our man, islander Rob Bailey on...on the right... we think. Photo courtesy Rob Bailey. most vocals, they all sing and play keyboards and other instruments. Back in the day they were in the habit, if needed, of switching instruments in mid-song or, and this before multi-tasking was popular, playing two instruments at the same time.

All three still work in music and all were at a function in Coquitlam last August where they got onstage and played together for the first time in many years. They sounded great and enjoyed it so decided to find a venue to do it again, with rehearsals this time. The venue is our pub and Rob says they’re doing a “multi-camera HD shoot of the gig” with local filmmakers Cam ‘Camera’ Hayduk and Brett Dowler. “We’re all really excited to be re-learning a bunch of the old tunes, except that this time, 1,500 pounds of keyboard gear can be replaced with a Mac laptop, which makes us old guys REALLY happy,” Rob says.

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JT Nero brings mountains/forests to Bowen

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hen Po’ Girl graced the Bowen audience last October with a stellar, sold-out performance, they had Chicago’s JT Nero in tow. With a physical resemblance to Lyle Lovett, and the crooning vocals to match, Nero was invited to return anytime, anywhere, anyhow. “mountains/forests” is Nero’s second solo CD, and was recorded with members of Po’ Girl and The Clouds, in a cabin in northernmost Wisconsin. On tour, Nero will be joined by Po’ Girl’s Allison Russell and percussionist Mikey “Lightning” August. Nero is also known as a songwriter’s writer, having composed “Scattered Leaves,” covered by The Be Good Tanyas, and “Til It’s Gone,” covered by Po’Girl. In the words of Nero, the band is poised to “absolutely explode your mind and spirit, then rebuild them with love and gentle care.”

There’s a sense of loss, absurdity and beauty in Nero’s music. Critics describe it as “slinky, vulnerable and reverent of the Memphis soul of yore,” and Nero himself as “on the verge of breaking big-time.”

(Chicago Tribune) As a singer, he’s “a superb crooner and an equally powerful soul singer, able to belt out a lyric or etch it with the delicacy of Venetian glass, whilst evoking Curtis Mayfield one moment and Sly Stone the next.” (All Music Guide) Nero also fronts the Chicagobased rock n’ soul collective, JT and The Clouds, of late described as “Sly Stone soul meets Gram Parsons heartbreak” (Albuquerque Arts).

Tickets are $20 advance at Phoenix and $22 at the door. Doors open at 7 p.m.; the show starts at 7:30. Call (604) 947-9454 for info.

Correction to last week’s article: Minister will review ferry hikes.

The April 1, 2011 increase in ferry fares was 6.7 per cent. The maximum fare increases of 8.23 per cent mentioned in the ferry commissioner’s report apply to April 1 of each year from 2012 to 2015.

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FRIDAY APRIL 15 2011 • 13

On the Calendar • Drop-in Meditation Circle Sundays, 7:15 p.m. in the yurt at 903 Windjammer.

No cost. Call Lisa Shatzky 947-2246.

FRIDAY, APRIL 15 • Legion Dinner: Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Members and guests welcome.

• Baby Connections: For new and expecting parents and babies 0-12 months. 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Family Place 947-6976.

• Bowen Island Community Museum & Archives: Open Sun. and Mon., 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Tues. and Thurs., 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. or by appt. For appt. call 947-9526 or 947-2440.

• Youth Centre: 6 to 10:30 p.m. Free food, free movies. Drop in.

MONDAY, APRIL 18

• Broadway on Bowen: 16 local performers supported by local musicians will perform a cabaret of favourites at Cates Hill Chapel. Tickets $20, $12 for children, seniors and students. Available at Phoenix or at the door.

SATURDAY, APRIL 16

The Tir-na-nOg Alumni Repertory Company bring the magic of Terry Pratchett’s Discworld to the stage in Monstrous Regiment. Submitted photo

The play goes marching on JACK & JULIE HEADLEY TIR-NA-NOG

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hose amazing young adult Tir-nanOg alumni are back with a victoriously theatrical production of Terry Pratchett’s Monstrous Regiment. In a rollicking play that brings the acclaimed British author’s Discworld to life, the stage teems with creatures from every corner of the human imagination, each for his-her own reason and all together marching toward an appointment with destiny.

Like a page cut from many an old-country ballad, young Polly Perks cuts off her hair, disguises herself as a boy and joins the army to search the maw of war for a lost brother, learning a lot about life, military and otherwise, along the way, in a story that provides a perfect vehicle for Pratchett’s skillful blend of quirky, Pythonesque humour and boundless ingenuity with a penetrating, sometimes poignant, examination of the human condition, all with an eye for our collective prat-

falls and our clumsy and heroic attempts to reach for the stars.

As a play that tackles mature themes with a sometimes ribald humour and occasional harsh language, this production is not recommended for young children. For those who feel they can take it, however, tickets are on sale at Phoenix, the Tir-na-nOg box office and at the door. Seating is limited, don’t hesitate.

In a re-grouping of the cast who brought the riotous laughter of Noises Off to Bowen audiences in the summer of ‘09, these accomplished young actors have donated their time and vibrant energy to this eminently entertaining fund-raiser for the Tirna-nOg Theatre School. So march on up to the Tir-na-nOg Theatre nearest you for a boisterous evening of bizarre characters, belly-laughs and, believe it or not, big questions aimed at our own societal assumptions.

Saturday, April 16 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, April 17 at 6 p.m.. Playing at the top of Cates Hill, 585 Rivendell Drive.

• AA Meeting: Women’s: 9:15 a.m., Collins Hall.

• Broadway on Bowen: 16 local performers supported by local musicians will perform a cabaret of favourites at Cates Hill Chapel. Tickets $20, $12 for children, seniors and students. Available at Phoenix or at the door.

• Narcotics Anonymous: Open meeting, 7:15 p.m. Cates Hill Chapel.

• Crippen Stewardship Group Weed Warriors: Meet at the bridge at the foot of Davie’s Creek. Tools and gloves provided. Bring your water supply and come and work off your frustrations in good company! 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

• Stories of Bowen and Dance Company Showcase: Connect with friends, share a meal and tell the story about why you’re on Bowen Island. 11 a.m. in the BICS gym. Free luncheon with all the trimmings for first 100 people. www.storiesofbowen.com. Showcase of Bowen Island Dance Academy performing troupe after lunch.

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• Drop-in knitting group: Every Weds., from 2-5 p.m., in the lounge at Bowen Court. All levels welcome.

• Weight Watchers: Collins Hall. 6:157:15 p.m. Info: Angie 947-2880.

THURSDAY, APRIL 21 • Youth Centre: 4 to 6 p.m. Practise with your band or listen to music. Free food.

• Bridge Club: 7 p.m. at Bowen Court.

• Parent and Tot Drop-In: 9:45-11:15 a.m. in BICS gym.

UPGRADE THE GARDEN

• Legion: Open from 4 to 7 p.m. every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Drop by for socializing, pool, darts and shuffleboard.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20

SUNDAY, APRIL 17

The Memorial Garden Needs Volunteers to Help

TUESDAY, APRIL 19

• Bowen Island Library: Library hours: Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Wed. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Now open Sun. Closed Mon.

• Theatre on the Isle AGM: 7p.m. at Martin Clark’s. Call 9953 for more info.

p.m. at Crippen Park. Preregistration is required by Tuesday Apr. 19 at the recreation office. Call 947-2216 for more information.

• Bowen Children’s Centre: Community Daycare, and Bowen Island Preschool.

Programs run Mon.-Fri. 947-9626.

• AA Meetings: Open Meetings, 7:15 p.m. Collins Hall/United Church. 4343933.

• Bowen Island Memorial Garden: calling volunteers to help upgrade the garden, 9:30 a.m. Bring a spade, hand tools and wheel barrows.

Easter bunny to visit Bowen and bringing some new friends. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to hunt for eggs, do some Easter crafts, visit with the Easter Bunny and a special guest, and get together with friends in your community.

It all happens on Thursday April 21 from 5:30 to 6:30

• Family Place: For parents, caregivers and children 0-6 years. Mon., Tues., Thurs., 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 947-6976. Lower Artisan Square.

• Tir-na-nOg presents: Monstrous Regiment a comedy by Terry Pratchett, with an outstanding teen and adult cast, 7:30 p.m. Tir-na-nOg Theatre School, 585 Rivendell Drive, Tickets: $15 at the door or at Phoenix.

• Tir-na-nOg presents: Monstrous Regiment 6 p.m. Tir-na-nOg Theatre School.

tart your Easter long weekend off with a celebration!

Bowen Island Community Recreation’s annual Easter Egg Hunt is happening soon with a few new twists.

The Easter Bunny is still coming but he will be in a new location, at a new time,

• SKY: 9 a.m. line dancing, 9:45 a.m. exercises, 10:30 a.m. singing and refreshments, 11 a.m. speaker Dr. Rex Fortescue on dental hygiene.

• Rotary Club: 7:30 to 9 p.m., Snug Cafe.

Andrea Webster will speak about the Kunavulela Community. All welcome.

Easter Egg Hunt: Crippen Park 5:306:30 p.m. $8/child, register at Bowen Community Recreation 947-2216.

Dinner Made Easy!

Bring your spade and hand tools!

We also need a couple of wheel barrows.

Hopefully the weather will co-operate!

SATURDAY, APRIL 16 @ 9:30 AM

Dinners to Go at the Snug Mon: Chicken Coq Au Vin with Parsley Potatoes & Steamed Veggies Tue: Poached Sockeye on bed of Fresh Vegetables with Rice Noodles and Miso Broth Wed: Lamb Moroccan Meatballs with Fruit & Nut Quinoa Thur: Stir Fried Veggies with Curried Lentils Fri: Braised Pepper Steak with Garlic Mash and Snap Peas Sun: Roast Turkey Breast with Wild Rice and Glazed Sweet Potatoes

Open 7 Days a Week 604.947.0402

14 Friday April 15 2011

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS 21

COMING EVENTS

ARTS AND CULTURE WEEK is on until the 16th! Get out and enjoy a gallery walk, performance or exhibition in your school or community. www.bcartsweek.org.

ATTENTION RESIDENTIAL SCHOOL SURVIVORS! If you received the CEP (Common Experience Payment), you may be eligible for further Cash Compensation. To see if you qualify, phone toll free 1877-988-1145 now. Free service!

KERRISDALE ANTIQUES FAIR 250 tables & booths of Antiques and collectibles under one roof!

April 16 & 17, 10am-5pm, Kerrisdale Arena. 5670 East Blvd. at 41st Ave., Vancouver. Adm $7.

604-980-3159. 21cpromotions.com

041

PERSONALS

DATING SERVICE. LongTerm/Short-Term Relationships, CALL NOW. 1-877-297-9883. Exchange voice messages, voice mailboxes. 1-888-534-6984. Live adult casual conversations-1on1, 1866-311-9640, Meet on chat-lines.

Local Single Ladies.1-877-8045381. (18+).

Gay Phone Chat. FREE TRIAL. 1877-501-1012 Talk to or meet desirable guys in your area 24/7.

Where private, confidential fantasies come true! 1-877-501-1012 GayLiveNetwork

TRAVEL 74

TIMESHARE

CANCEL YOUR TIMESHARE No Risk Program. STOP Mortgage & Maintenance Payments Today.

100% Money Back Guarantee. Free Consultation. Call Us Now. We Can Help! 1-888-356-5248 SELL/RENT YOUR TIMESHARE FOR CASH!!! Our Guaranteed Services will Sell/ Rent Your Unused Timeshare for CASH! Over $95 Million Dollars offered in 2010! www.sellatimeshare.com (800)6406886

75

TRAVEL

CRIMINAL RECORD? Guaranteed Record Removal. 100% Free Information Booklet. 1-8-Now-Pardon (1-866-972-7366). Speak with a Specialist- No Obligation. www.PardonServicesCanada.com.

A+BBB Rating. 20+ Yrs Experience. Confidential. Fast. Affordable .

Sunny Spring Specials At Florida’s Best Beach-New Smyrna Beach Stay a week or longer Plan a beach wedding or family reunion. www.NSBFLA.com or 1-800-5419621

EMPLOYMENT/EDUCATION 108 BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES BE YOUR OWN BOSS with Great Canadian Dollar Store. New franchise opportunities in your area.

Call 1-877-388-0123 ext. 229 or visit our website: www.dollarstores.com today.

Coke & Candy Vending Route. Local Hi-Traffic Locations.Earn $40+ per year. Fast & Safe Investment Return. Secure Your Future- Be the Boss! Factory Direct Pricing 1888-570-0892 Must Sell HOMEWORKERS Get paid daily!

Now Accepting: Simple Full/Part Time Data Entry & Online Computer Related Work is available. No fees or charges to participate. Start Today, www.BCWOC.com ONLINE EXCLUSIVE Distribution Bus. for national internet brand.

Sells subscription websites, eMkt, eCom. No tech req’d. $20k price, incl. $20k invty credit. ken@gogiro.com 1-877-902-7314.

109 CAREER OPPORTUNITIES MARKETING REPRESENTATIVE. Our “World Class Acreage Development” is seeking a highly motivated individual to represent our company. The successful candidate must be self-motivated and very resourceful. Please send resume to: kyle@regalridge.com; www.regalridge.com.

THINK BIG! Heavy Equipment Service Technician Training. $1000. entrance scholarship. Paid practicum with Finning. High school diploma and a mechanical aptitude required. On-campus residences.

GPRC Fairview Campus. 1-888999-7882; gprc.ab.ca/fairview.

WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM

EMPLOYMENT/EDUCATION 114

DRIVERS/COURIER/ TRUCKING

CLASS 1 DRIVERS & O/O req w/flatdeck exp. for BC,AB,WA,OR. Exc pay & benefits. Fax resume & abstract to 604-594-8565 or email to lpsvad@hotmail.com

Local Owner Operators required immediately.

New contracts acquired. Well established container transport company req. 10 o/ops with t/a tractors for local port deliveries.

Valid TLS Port Permit needed.

• Union Contract & Benefits • Full Port Zone Rates Paid • Fuel Surcharge Paid • Fleet Insurance Discounts ---Signing Bonus Offered---

Bob 604-888-2928

STAIR BUILDER

Req. for West Coast Moulding & Millwork, Langley BC. Must have previous experience reading Blue Prints and CAD drawings, ability to build straight and curved spiral stair & experience with on site measuring and installation of prefabricated stair types. Positive attitude, dedication & willingness to learn rewarded with: • Advancement Opportunities • Excellent Remuneration & Benefits.

Please Fax resume: 604-513-1194 or E-mail: jobs@westcoastmoulding.com

115

EDUCATION

AIRLINES ARE HIRING- Train for high paying Aviation Maintenance Career. FAA approved program. Financial aid if qualified- Housing available. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance (877)818-0783

DGS CANADA 2 DAY FORKLIFT WEEKEND COURSE Every Saturday at 8:30am #215, 19358-96 Ave. Surrey NO reservations: 604-888-3008 www.dgscanada.ca Ask about our other Courses... *Stand up Reach *Fall Protection *Aerial Lift *RoughTerrain Forklift *Bobcat *WHMIS & much more.

“Preferred by Employers

130

HELP WANTED

ACCOUNTING & PAYROLL Trainees Needed now! Large & Small Firms Seeking Certified A&P Staff Now. No Experience? Need Training? Career Training & Job Placement Available. 1-888-424-9417 CITI TRENDS INC is looking to work alongside individuals who have: Brilliant Customer service and interpersonal skills. No experience as we will offer full informative workshops for †applicants. No matter what your career goal, you have to start somewhere. Enjoy the dealing with people but not able to advance or progress in your career?

No Worries! We are looking for professional applicants who are available for immediate starts.Do you have good communication skills? Looking for an immediate start? Send resume to: hr@cititrendinc FLAGGERS NEEDED If not certified, training available for a fee. Call 604-575-3944

FULL-TIME CERTIFIED Heavy Duty Mechanic required

by Bailey Western Star & Freightliner. Experience in service & repair of trucks, trailers & equipment. Fax resume to 250-286-0753 or email: employment@baileywesternstar.com

MEDICAL OFFICE Trainees Needed! Hospitals & Dr’s Need Medical Office & Medical Admin staff! No Experience? Need Training? Local Career Training & Job Placement also Available! 1-888-778-0459

EMPLOYMENT/EDUCATION 130

HELP WANTED

LEMARE GROUP FORESTRY OPERATIONS COORDINATOR The Lemare Group is currently seeking a Forestry Operations Coordinator for their Port McNeill Office, which is located on Northern Vancouver Island. Lemare has approximately 250+ employees currently working and is a significant forestry services company, tenure holder and log marketing group.

The candidate should possess strong communication skills, attention to detail and the ability to troubleshoot and to manage and meet tight deadlines in addition, the ability to work with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities: •Coordination of Marine Barging; Equipment, Fuel & Supplies •Human Resources •Purchasing •Daily organization of Field Managers (5-7) •Maintaining customer’s relationships •Conflict Resolutions (Union/Employees) Qualifications: •Post Secondary Education an asset •Forestry experience an asset •Previous executive/administrative experience •Excellent oral & written skills •Strong decision making skills •Microsoft Office fluency is mandatory This position is a full time permanent position with a competitive compensation package based on experience.

Lemare will accept resumes by email or fax. Please email your response to Jennifer Ouellette at jouellette@lemare.ca or fax 250956-4888.

LEMARE GROUP HUMAN RESOURCE/OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT The Lemare Group is currently seeking a HR/OH & S Administrative Assistant for their Port McNeill Office, which is located on Northern Vancouver Island. Lemare has approximately 250+ employees currently working and is a significant forestry services company, tenure holder and log marketing group.

Responsibilities: •Human Resources •Placement of ads, screening & short listing of applicants •Process correspondence, reports & other documents •Maintain confidential records & office files •Ensure adherence to all company policies, standards & procedures •Assist operational department in the creation of occupational materials (ie block journals, emergency cards, bucking specs, etc) Qualifications: •Forestry experience an asset •Previous executive/administrative experience •Excellent oral & written skills •Strong decision making skills •Balance priorities & work flow •Ability to work both independently & collaboratively •Microsoft Office fluency is mandatory This position is a full time permanent position with a competitive compensation package based on experience.

Lemare will accept resumes by email or fax. Please email your response to Jennifer Ouellette at jouellette@lemare.ca or fax 250956-4888.

Classified Advertising An effective way to build your business.

Phone 604-947-2442

WILD & CRAZY, CAN’T BE LAZY Up to $20 per hr, 40 hrs per week. Fun promo’s & C.S. 10 positions available for immed. work. No commission.

No experience? No problem!

Call today, Start tomorrow !

EMPLOYMENT/EDUCATION 151

PROFESSIONALS/ MANAGEMENT

PRODUCE MANAGER. Jasper Super A is currently recruiting for a Produce Manager. Reporting directly to the Store Manager, the Produce Manager is responsible for all aspects of operating a successful produce department including, scheduling, ordering, receiving, merchandising, gross margins, sales ratios, expense controls, and supervising the produce department. Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills are essential. Previous produce experience will be considered an asset. TGP offers a competitive compensation and benefit package as well as the opportunity for personal and professional development. If you have the skills and abilities to meet our expectations and want to progress with a dynamic organization, please forward your resume: Jasper Super A, P.O. Box 818, 601 Patricia Street, Jasper, AB, T0E 1E0. Fax 780-447-5781. Email: humanresources@tgp.ca

SALES

156

RETAIL SALES CONSULTANT Well-established store providing sales of fireplaces & BBQs in Langley area requires a salesperson experienced in sales and customer service. Product knowledge training provided for candidate showing strong sales abilities. Resume including references to sdaniel@stovesandstones.com.

WE’RE ON THE WEB www.bcclassified.com 160

A PROGRESSIVE, multi-branch, full service hydraulic component remanufacturing company has a need for Journeyman Machinists or equivalent experience in our Edson, Alberta location. Consideration will be given to existing apprentices.

We offer a competitive wage and benefit package. Fax: 780-7237883 or email: fottyd@cil.ab.ca.

COMMERCIAL TIRE REPAIRMAN req’d full time, M-F, some after hrs/on call. Must have DL, service truck provided, heavy lifting, outdoor work. $14-22/hr depending on exp. 2230 Hartley Ave, Coquitlam. fax 604-526-9429 or email: tireland-hartley@gmail.com CONCRETE FINISHERS. Edmonton-based company seeks experienced concrete finishers for work in Edmonton and Northern Alberta.

Subsistence and accommodations provided for out of town work; John@RaidersConcrete.com.

Cell 780-660-7130. Fax 780-444-7103.

LUK Plumbing + Heating LTD. operating in Saskatchewan is seeking Journeymen Plumber and/or HVAC techs. F/T, Top Wages, Benefits, RRSP. Commercial, Residential, Industrial.office@lukplumbing.com SOUTH ROCK LTD. is hiring Milling Personnel, Paving Personnel (Pavers, Rollers, Packers), General Labourers (Screed, Raker, Flag), Heavy Duty Mechanic. Experience with asphalt preferred. Valid drivers licence required; careers@southrock.ca. Fax 403568-1327; www.southrock.ca.

UNI CONSTRUCTION is an established general contractor serving Northern BC. We have an immediate opening for a Millwork Shop Foreman. The successful candidate will be responsible for all aspects of managing the well equipped mill work shop, including materials and maintenance of equipment. This is a permanent full time position with custom and commercial contracts.

Terrace BC provides an unparalleled outdoor lifestyle combined with all the amenities you and your family will require. Interested candidates should forward their resume to: UNI Construction Ltd. toms@uniconstruction.ca. Fax 250635-2393 Phone-250-635-3963 3980 Old Lakelse Lake Drive, Terrace B.C. V8G-3V1

Call Lori 604-777-2195

142 OFFICE SUPPORT/CLERKS ELECTRICAL WHOLESALE company looking for receptionist for Surrey location. Duties to include reception, administration, customer service and more. If you are looking for a career with opportunity to advance please forward resume to: flynnk@eecol.com

TRADES, TECHNICAL

PERSONAL SERVICES 173E

HEALTH PRODUCTS

Diabetes/Cholesterol/Weight LossNatural Product for Cholesterol, Blood Sugar and Weight. Physician recommended, backed by Human Clinical Studies with amazing results. Call to find out how to get a free bottle of Bergamonte! 888-4705390

HOME/BUSINESS SERVICES

PERSONAL SERVICES 180

EDUCATION/TUTORING

329 PAINTING & DECORATING

PETS 477

PETS

A PA R T M E N T / C O N D O M I N I U M MANAGERS (CRM) home study course. Many jobs registered with us across Canada! Thousands of grads working! Government certified.

30 years of success! www.RMTI.ca or 1-800-665-8339, 604-681-5456.

APPLY NOW: Pennywise Scholarship For Women to attend Journalism certificate course at Langara College in Vancouver. Deadline April 29, 2011. More information:†www.bccommunitynews LEARN SMALL ENGINE REPAIR. Hands-on training on ATV’s, snowmobiles, personal watercraft. Excellent Instructors and shop equipment. On-campus residences. Write apprenticeship exams. GPRC Fairview Campus.

1-888-999-7882; gprc.ab.ca/fairview.

MEDICAL OFFICE trainees needed! Hospitals & doctors need medical office & medical admin staff! No experience? Need training? Career training & job placement available.

1-888-748-4126.

182

FINANCIAL SERVICES

DEBT CONSOLIDATION PROGRAM Helping Canadians repay debts, reduce or eliminate interest, regardless of your credit.

Steady Income? You may qualify for instant help. Considering Bankruptcy? Call 1-877-220-3328 FREE Consultation Government Approved, BBB Member

$10 MILLION AVAILABLE for Land Purchase/Development and Joint Ventures.

Management Consulting and Business Plan services. Call 1-866-402-6464. $500 LOAN, NO CREDIT REFUSED. Fast, Easy and Secure. 1877-776-1660 www.moneyprovider.com AVOID BANKRUPTCY - SAVE UP TO 70% Of Your Debt. One affordable monthly payment, interest free.

For debt restructuring on YOUR terms, not your creditors.

Call 1-866-690-3328 or see web site: www.4pillars.ca GET BACK ON TRACK! Bad credit? Bills? Unemployed? Need Money? We Lend! If you own your own home - you qualify. Pioneer Acceptance Corp. Member BBB. 1-877987-1420. www.pioneerwest.com If you own a home or real estate, ALPINE CREDITS will lend you money: It ís That Simple. Your Credit / Age / Income is NOT an issue. 1.800.587.2161.

NEED CASH TODAY? ✓ Do you Own a Car? ✓ Borrow up to $20000.00 ✓ No Credit Checks! ✓ Cash same day, local office www.REALCARCASH.com

604-777-5046 Own A home? Need Money?

Get Mortgage Money Fast!

Quick, Easy, Confidential No credit or income required 1st, 2nd, 3rd mortgages

Call 604-328-6409 Origin Home Financial Partners Matt Sadler - www.mattsadler.ca

HOME/BUSINESS SERVICES 260

ELECTRICAL

YOUR ELECTRICIAN $29 Service Call Lic #89402 Same day guarn’td We love small jobs! 604-568-1899

283A

HANDYPERSONS

DON’S HANDYMAN SERVICES $25 PER HR no job too small. small plumbing repairs, tile setting, drywall patched any household job (604 200 0932)

317

MISC SERVICES

GET RESULTS! Post a classified in 123 newspapers in just a few clicks.

Reach nearly 2 million people for only $395 a week - only $3.22 per newspaper. Choose your province or all across Canada. Best value.

Save over 85% compared to booking individually. www.communityclassifieds.ca or 1-866-669-9222.

“

ABOVE THE REST “ Int. & Ext., Unbeatable Prices, Professional Crew. Free Est. Written Guarantee. No Hassle, Quick Work, Insured, WCB. Call (778)997-9582

A-TECH Services 604-230-3539

Miniature Chinese Sharpei pups M/F’s available. CKC reg. $1200.

604-315-8774 www.wrinklesrus.com

MERCHANDISE FOR SALE

Running this ad for 7yrs

PAINT SPECIAL 3 rooms for $269, 2 coats (Ceiling & Trim extra) Price incls Cloverdale Premium quality paint.

NO PAYMENT until Job is completed. Ask us about our Laminate Flooring & Maid Services. www.paintspecial.com BESTWAY PAINTING & Decorating Interior/Exterior. Comm/Res. Crown Moldings. John 778-881-6737

332

PAVING/SEAL COATING

ALLAN Const. & Asphalt. Brick, conc, drainage, found. & membrane repair. 604-618-2304; 820-2187.

Searching for your dream home or selling it?

This is the location. BCCLASSIFIED.COM listings include everything from acreage, farms/ranches to condos and waterfront homes.

374

TREE SERVICES

Get your trees or tree removal done NOW while they’re dormant

✓ Tree & Stump Removal ✓ Certified Arborists ✓ 20 yrs exp. 60’ bucket truck ✓ Crown reduction ✓ Spiral pruning ✓ Fully insured. Best Rates

604-787-5915, 604-291-7778 Info: www.treeworksonline.ca

509

AUCTIONS

Automotive Equipment, Hoists, Tools & More Auction.

Mr Transmission. Sat. April 30, 11am.

4702B - 31 St, Vernon. For complete list view photos at doddsauction.com. 250-545-3259

518

BUILDING SUPPLIES

DO-IT-YOURSELF Steel Buildings Priced for Spring Clearance - Ask about Free Delivery to most areas!

Call for Quick Quote and Free Brochure - 1-800-668-5111 ext. 170.

SAWMILLS ñ Band/Chainsaw SPRING SALE ñ Cut lumber any dimension, anytime. MAKE MONEY and SAVE MONEY In stock ready to ship. Starting at $1,195.00. www.NorwoodSawmills.com/400OT 1-800-566-6899 Ext.400OT

STEEL BUILDINGS SALE...

SPECIALS form $4 to $11/sq.ft.

Great pricing on ABSOLUTELY every model, width & length. Example: 30x40x14 NOW $7995.00. End walls included, doors optional. Pioneer Steel Manufacturers 1-800668-5422.

542

FRUIT & VEGETABLES

COLORADO BLUE SPRUCE, 2 year old: $1.49/each for a box of 150 ($223.50). Full range of trees, shrubs, cherries & berries. Free shipping. 1-866-873-3846 or treetime.ca.

10% OFF with this AD

559 PETS 477

PETS

BERNESE MOUNTAIN DOG X, golden lab, male pup, $500.

(604)857-5212 BICHON PUPPIES, CKC reg’d, champion parents, male $1000, fem $1200. Ph: (604)595-6894 BRUSELLS GRIFFONS pups, (monkey faced pups) $1200, home raised, parents can be viewed.

Pedigrees avail. (604)463-5316 CATS GALORE, TLC has for adoption spayed & neutered adult cats. 604-309-5388 / 604-856-4866 Chihuahua, spayed female, 3 years, very clean & smart, must sell. $400. Call (604)794-7347 Chocolate CKC reg’d LAB pups, 1st shots, tattoo, view parents, H & E, ready Apr 30. $750, (604)533-3733 ENGLISH MASTIFF P/B PUPS Fawn & Bridle. CKC reg. Ready to go. $1500. 604-726-3934 GERMAN SHEPHERD PUP. 2 females. $550. 1st shots & dewormed. Call 778-863-6332.

GERMAN Shepherd pups, 1st shots males & females. Exc Europene bloodline. (604)997-2404 HAVANESE X, 4 1/2 yrs. Neut. M. Moving. Affectionate. Loves walks, $100. Phone (604) 574-9266.

ITALIAN MASTIF, pups, shots, dewormed, vet chkd, born Oct 10th, 2 F, 1 M. 604-825-8362. View pics & info at: www.freedoglistings.com LAB RETRIEVER PUPPIES. 7 available. Born Feb 12th. $550. Call 604-316-5644.

LAB RETRIEVER PUPS, yellow & black, $650. Vet check, quality lineage, dew claws, 1st shots, dewormed. (604)702-0217 NEED A GOOD HOME for a good dog or a good dog for a good home? We adopt dogs! Call 604856-3647 or www.856-dogs.com

MEDICAL SUPPLIES

CAN’T GET UP YOUR Stairs?

Acorn Stairlifts can help. Call Acorn Stairlifts now! Mention this ad and get 10% off your new Stairlift. Call 1-866-981-6591.

FAST RELIEF the First Night!!

Restless Leg Syndrome and Leg Cramps Gone. Sleep Soundly, Safe with Medication, Proven Results. www.allcalm.com 1-800-765-8660.

560

MISC. FOR SALE

100% Guaranteed Omaha Steaks SAVE 64% on the Family Value Collection.

NOW ONLY $49.99 Plus 3 FREE GIFTS & right-to-the-door delivery in a reusable cooler, ORDER Today. 1-888-702-4489 mention code 45069SVD or www.OmahaSteaks.com/family23

A FREE TELEPHONE SERVICE Get Your First Month Free. Bad Credit, Don’t Sweat It. No Deposits.

No Credit Checks. Call Freedom Phone Lines Today Toll-Free 1866-884-7464

Can’t Get Up Your Stairs? Acorn Stairlifts can help. Call Acorn Stairlifts now! Mention this ad and get 10% off your new Stairlift! Call 1866-981-5991

GARAGE DOOR REVOLUTION. The amazing rolling garage door is now available in Canada. Quiet.

Safe. Attractive. Space Saving. And competitively priced. Check it out at garador.ca or call 1-877-765-2367.

Mention “Community” and receive an automatic 10% off.

HOT TUB (SPA) COVERS. Best price. Best quality. All shapes & colours available. 1-866-652-6837 www.thecoverguy.com

Personalized All-In-One Easter Basket- OVER 50% OFF! Regular Price $32.99 YOU PAY $15.99. Includes Personalization; Plush Bunny, Chocolate; Candy and Peeps® Visit www.PersonalCreations.com/Always or Call 1-888903-0973

WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM MERCHANDISE FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE LOTS

566 MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

630

PIANO: UPRIGHT GRAND piano & bench, Gerhard Heintzman, built 1905, $500. (604)543-6494

BIG BEAUTIFUL ARIZONA LAND $99/mo. $0 down, $0 interest, Golf Course, Nat’l Parks.

1 hour from Tucson Int’l Airport Guaranteed Financing, No Credit Checks. Pre-recorded msg.

1-800-631-8164 Code 4001 www.sunsiteslandrush.com LAND LIQUIDATION 20 Acres $0 Down, $99/mo. ONLY $12,900 Near Growing El Paso, Texas (2nd safest U.S. City) Owner Financing, NO CREDIT CHECKS! Money Back Guarantee FREE Color Brochure 800-755-8953 www.sunsetranches.com

PIANO, Yamaha, 1 owner, $800.

Call (604)858-4081

572 PLANTS/NURSERY STOCK

8-10 FT DOGWOOD & JAPANESE MAPLES

$10 ea 8069 Nelson St. Mission

604-826-8988 REAL ESTATE OKANAGAN

*SPECTACULAR* 4 bdrm South Facing Waterfront Vacation Home On Shuswap Lake!

Lakeshore living At it’s Best!

101 ft frontage by 88 ft.

Fabulous 180 - degree water view with tons of outdoor living space.

VACATION HOME 1-1/2 Story - 1200 sq. ft.

Upper level - 3 bdrms Main level - 1 large bdrm Main bathrm, Open floor Plan - dining rm, kitchen and front room with dbl patio door access to Large deck - over 700 sq. ft.

Large floating wharf - 512 sq. ft.

2 buoys, Firepit

5052 Squilax Anglemont Rd. Celista, BC. Only $729,000

810

AUTO FINANCING

TRANSPORTATION

821 CARS - SPORTS & IMPORTS

845

2009 TOYOTA MATRIX 4/dr auto p/w, p/l, AC, cd player, 88K, silver. $9300. Call 604-825-9477.

AAA SCRAP CAR REMOVAL Minimum $150 cash for full size vehicles, any cond. 604-518-3673 SCRAP BATTERIES WANTED We buy scrap batteries from cars, trucks & heavy equip. $4.00 each.

Free pick-up anywhere in BC, Min. 10. Toll Free Call:1.877.334.2288

2010 NISSAN VERSA, 4 dr. H/B, auto, red, 20,000 Km, many options, $9,000 firm. 604-538-9257.

827

VEHICLES WANTED

SCRAP CAR REMOVAL

Good Friday Schedule Next week’s Undercurrent will come out on Thursday afternoon to accommodate the Good Friday statutory holiday. This will result in a change in schedules for next week only.

The Scrapper

Advertising deadlines:

WHOLESALE FACTORY DIRECT. Manufactured, Modular & Park models.

Tremendous savings.

Luxurious 1512 sq. ft home including delivery and installation only $ 109,950. Many other plans available.

The Home Boys 877-976-3737, 509-481-9830 or www.hbmodular.com

636

CASH FOR CARS & TRUCKS FREE/FAST 24 hour tow service: or Donate to registered charities

Call 604-767-3842 or 778-552-4145

All display ads must be submitted by Monday, April 18 at 5 p.m.

MORTGAGES

660 LANGLEY/ALDERGROVE HOMES FOR SALE-SUPER BUYS

www.dannyevans.ca

Homelife Benchmark Realty Corp. Langley

696

OTHER AREAS

OWN 20 ACRES-$0 Down $99/mo.

ONLY $12,900 Near Growing El Paso, Texas Money Back Guarantee, No Credit Checks, Owner Financing, Free Color Brochure 1800-343-9444 www.20acreranches.com

TRANSPORTATION 810

AUTO FINANCING

$0 DOWN & we make your 1st payment at auto credit fast. Need a vehicle? Good or Bad credit call Stephanie 1-877-792-0599. www.autocreditfast.ca. DLN 30309.

851

TRUCKS & VANS

All classified ads must be submitted by April 19 at 3 p.m.

2000 GMC JIMMY SLS V6, 4.3L, fully loaded, new brakes, tires & battery. 4x4. $3999. 778-846-5649

MARINE 830

838 818

CARS - DOMESTIC

1997 BUICK PARK AVE certified 1 owner low K’s no acc. Spotless $5900 obo. 778-565-1097

Drop by the office between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., call 604-247-2442 or email ads@bowenislandundercurrent.com.

MOTORCYCLES

TWO WHEELIN’ EXCITEMENT! Motorcycle Mechanic Program.

GPRC Fairview Campus, Alberta.

Hands-on training for street, offroad, dual sport bikes. Write 1st year apprenticeship exam. 1-888999-7882; www.gprc.ab.ca/fairview.

Mortgage Help! Beat bank rates for purchases and refinances, immediate debt consolidation, foreclosure relief, and equity loans. Free, fast, friendly, private consultations.

Call 1888-711-8818 www.mountaincitymortgage.ca

Call 604-542-0865 or 250-955-6398

RECREATIONAL/SALE

2006 Northshore 30ft Travel trlr, 36” dble slides, bunk units, fully loaded. $24,000. 604-824-8970

912

BOATS

ALUM. BOAT WANTED 10 12 or 14’ with our w/o motor or trailer. Will pay cash 604-319-5720.

PRINCECRAFT Resorter.

Like new. 14’. With floor, 8 HP, elec. starter, tilt, Yamaha motor, front mounters, W55 remote controlled electric motor, galvanized trailer etc. $8000. obo. 604-855-0116

Attention Subscribers Because of the Easter weekend, it is unlikely that you will receive your Undercurrent in the mail before Tuesday.

TRY A bcclassified.com CLASSIFIED AD.

1998 Audi A4 quattro, V6, 5spd, $3300 obo. 250-3071215.

Please drop by the General Store to pick up a free copy of the Undercurrent.

Just tell them you’re a subscriber and they will give you a paper for free.

1998 BUICK LESABER 4 dr., low km., blue, $2800 for sale by owner.

(604)939-5633 1999 Buick LaSabre Ltd V6 new tires & brakes. Like new. Private.

Low K’s. 604-364-1554 1999 OLDSMOBILE ALERO Sport.

Bought New - Don’t Need Two! Low km’s, economical V6 auto, full power group. AirCared til July 2012.

Reduced! $3775. 778-888-6805 or Mon-Fri 10am-2pm: 778-837-6577 2000 PONTIAC SUNFIRE, std., great run cond., asking $2,500.

New clutch. Phone (778)389-5775.

2002 CHRYSLER Intrepid, 98K, 4 dr, auto, loaded, 98K, A/C 2011, 6 cyl, $3500 obo. 604-304-5571

821 CARS - SPORTS & IMPORTS

Email:

dlklitch@telus.net

1995 TOYOTA TERCEL, 2 dr, new tires & brakes, std, 198km, AirCare, runs exc, $1900. 604-612-2194 2000 HONDA ODYSSEY EXL, very good cond., 237,000 hwy. km. No accidents, $5200. 604-614-3234 2001 HONDA CIVIC, 4/dr, 228K, gold colour, no accidents, $4500.

Call: (604)807-2912 2001 HONDA CIVIC. Blue, 4 door, auto, air, tilt, cruise, p/l, 140 K, asking $4,960. Call 604-836-5931.

2002 VW BEETLE, auto, exc. cond. spoiler, silver, sunroof, a/c, heated seats. $8,000. obo. 604-864-8164 2006 MITSUBISHI ENDEAVOR fully serviced, new trans belt, 145K, asking $11,900. 778-994-2351.

For more details

Land Act:

Notice of Intention to Apply for a Disposition of Crown Land Take notice that Lise Goumeniouk of 1658 Mount Gardner Road, Bowen Island, BC, V0N 1G0 intends to make application to the Province of British Columbia, for a SpeciÀc Permission in the New Westminster Land District for a Tenure for Residential Private Moorage purposes covering a portion of the water frontage of Lot G Plan 13248 DL 494 situated on Provincial Crown Land located in the vicinity to the west-southwest of Galbraith Bay, Bowen Island, BC. The Land File Number is 2410613.

Comments on this application may be submitted in two ways: 1) Online via the Applications and Reasons for Decision Database website at: www.arfd.gov.bc.ca/ ApplicationPosting/index.jsp where details of this application, including maps can also be found.

2) By mail to the Senior Land OfÀcer at 200 – 10428 153rd Street, Surrey, BC, V3R 1E1.

Comments will be received by the Ministry of Natural Resource Operations until May 8, 2011.

Comments received after this date may not be considered.

Be advised that any response to this advertisement will be provided to the public upon request.

For information, contact the FOI Advisor at the Ministry of Natural Resource Operations regional ofÀce.

TRANSPORTATION

633 MOBILE HOMES & PARKS

BACKYARD: Storage shed, grassy play area & fenced kennel.

Perfect getaway for your family & all your friends with loads of summer fun for everyone!

TRANSPORTATION

Friday April 15 2011 15

58

UNCLASSIFIED

4’ TILLER FOR SALE Suitable for 3 pt Tractor Hitch.

Excellent Condition. $800 947-9133 AUCTION: 35ft Cooper Banner Sailboat As is. Where Is. Title “clouded”. It must be removed from the marina within 7 days after the auction.

The diesel engine is not operational.

The Auction will be at 12:45pm, April 16, 2011 @ Berth B30 in the Union SteamShip Co. Marina on Bowen Island, BC. It can be previewed by arrangement: marina@ussc.ca.

BUILDER. Renovations, out buildings, decks, steepaccess stairs. Over 20 years experience. Plenty of references. Jason Zahara.

947-0492 DAVID LUKSHA “AVERT CONVERT SUBVERT” Paintings by David Luksha showing at The Gallery @Artisan Sq. April 1-24 Fri-Sun, noon - 4 p.m.

Bowen Island Arts Council 947-2454 FOR RENT @ Artisan Sq. Corner Office. Bright, utilities incl. $300/mos. Avail. Apr 1 947-9119 GOT RATS??

We Can Help.

947-6961

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UNCLASSIFIED FOR RENT Millers/Scarborough Area Lg. 2 BDR, In-suite Laundry Wood Heater, Hardwood floors, Sep. Entry, N/S, N/P $750 947-9228

HELP WANTED/COTTAGE CLEANING SUPERVISOR: The Union Steamship Marina is looking for someone to look after the cleaning of our holiday rentals. Duties include cleaning, preparing weekly cleaning schedule, hiring additional cleaners if needed, supervising cleaning, stocking cottage supplies and reporting any repairs that might be required. Please call the USSC Marina 947-0707 ext 1 Hop on by Cocoa West Chocolatier & see what the Easter bunny has produced for you!

58

UNCLASSIFIED LOST: Set of keys. House & car keys. Large leather tag.

Lost approx 1 week ago.

947-0478 Nicole Soleil Non-toxic housecleaning.

947-6961

NOTICE OF AGM Bowen Island Chamber of Commerce Wednesday, April 27, 2011 7:00-9:00 pm @ Evergreen Hall (464 Melmore).

The future of the Chamber on Bowen will be discussed.

Members and non-members invited to attend.

Office/Studio/Retail Space available @ Artisan Square 604-329-5643, 947-9119 or 947-2293 Getting a job couldn’t be easier!

“I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream”.

Chocolate, Vanilla, Strawberry, Maple Walnut, Pralines n’ Cream, Espresso Flake, Mint Chocolate Chip, Boo Boo Bubble and more. YES - the Union Steamship Marina Ice Cream Window is now OPEN. Come on down to the boardwalk for hard scoop ice cream. Open Wednesday to Sunday - 11 am - 4 pm.

PRIME RETAIL/OFFICE SPACE: 1200 sq ft available.

Suite 101, 102, 103 - 485 Bowen Isl Trunk Rd. in Snug Cove (under Union Hair & Ruddy Potato offices) 947-0099 ext. 104

Lance’s Recycling I’ll pick up your recycling and deliver to BIRD for $20/load.

Kindling - $20 a box Call 947-2430

SUITE FOR RENT Large, 1 Bdrm Suite $750 - includes utilities 778-288-2676 or 947-2938

PANEFREE window washing, gutter cleaning & power washing estimates - wcb insured 604 947 0787 778 987 3878

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UNCLASSIFIED

SALE! SALE! SALE! BIG SALE! REALLY BIG SALE! Starting Friday, April 22 for at least 2 weeks (or until we sell out). BIG Reductions on bird houses, bird feeders, winter fleeces, sweat shirts, t-shirts, jewellery, kids novelty and more.

At the USSC MARINA GIFT SHOP on the boardwalk.

16 • FRIDAY APRIL 15 2011

WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM

Hot lunch at BICS yummy meals with benefits MARTHA PERKINS EDITOR

H

ow do you feed 250 kids in one sitting?

Well, it helps if you have someone like Yvonne McSkimming organizing it for you. On a recent Friday morning, she was a whirling Dervish in the Bowen Island Community School kitchen.

First she marinated 250 pieces of chicken in a mixture of

ginger ale, maple syrup and sweet mesquite sauce. While the chicken was getting sufficiently succulent, she and her team of volunteers – Kate Gibney, Dixie Cowl, Katherine Gish, Deshai Brar, Nancy Casalese and newcomer Lori Rose – got busy preparing the trays that would be delivered to each class.

They made sure that every student who had ordered the hot lunch got exactly what

Lunch delivery by Dixie Cowl, Katherine Gish and Kate Gibney.

they’d asked for, including granola bar, fruit or vegetable and drink. They packed and labeled, sorted and sifted.

Then, with military precision, McSkimming took the chicken out of the oven, the chicken was distributed onto the waiting trays and the trays were delivered post haste to every classroom in the school. Any leftovers are donated to the after-school club.

It’s not only the children who benefit from having a hot lunch every Friday. For $6 they get a tasty meal that follows British Columbia’s healthy eating guidelines and the school gets a donation that last year totalled $11,000.

“All the money gets funneled back into the school,” McSkimming explains as she places the chicken pieces on the oven racks.

Throughout the year, there can be a lot of special projects that the school needs to fund.

Rather than hold a myriad of fundraisers, and asking parents to support them with their time or money, the Parent Advisory Council, through the Friday lunch program, can raise a whole lot of money relatively

Teacher Vanessa Zandvliet helps to distribute the hot lunches to her students, which they have ordered in advance.

Martha Perkins photos

simply and effectively.

“It’s a win-win for parents to participate because we’re not asking them time and time again for money,” McSkimming. “The kids get a hot lunch and all the money goes back to the school.”

One of the school’s big projects is to upgrade its technology and equipment. If the school raises $15,000, the school district will match that, doubling what is possible to buy.

Everyone involved with the program is a volunteer and McSkimming is an expert at making her food budget stretch. Tuscany

Pizza is also a big contributor. Once a month, the hot lunch is a pizza from the island restaurant and “we get a smokin’ good deal.”

Her goal this year is to raise between $15,000 and $20,000. Right now, about 250 of the school’s 320 students order the lunch, and she’d like to see more parents sign on. If money is an issue, there is a subsidy program that’s completely confidential.

No child will have to go without a lunch because their parents can’t afford it.

“We feed everybody,” McSkimming says. “No child goes hungry.”

VA N C O U V E R ’ S L A S T A N D BEST OCEANFRONT 10-ACRE OCEANFRONT LOTS WITHIN METRO VANCOUVER FROM LESS THAN $1.5M IT’S CALLED THE CAPE ON BOWEN. But it might as well be called Once-in-a-Lifetime Bay with its unsurpassed views of Georgia Strait.

Waterfront land like this is extremely rare anywhere close to Vancouver. Estate lots set in 10 acres, free of existing structures, just 20 minutes from West Vancouver are simply no longer available. Except at The Cape on Bowen.

There are just 14 exclusive oceanfront lots available. This can be your legacy property, for retirement or for weekends. It can also be an architectural statement that complements an exquisite island location.

Don’t miss out on this never before, never again opportunity.

This is not an offering for sale. E.&O.E.

C A L L T O B O O K Y O U R P R I VAT E S I T E T O U R

1.866.710.0003 P R E - R E G I S T E R AT

TheCapeOnBowen.ca