December 17, 2010 Undercurrent

FRIDAY DEC. 17 2010 VOL. 38, NO. 45

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Community Hall

Small club, big world

Tir-na-nOg needs help

Advisory committee and council join forces to get ready for next step

Bowen Island’s Rotary Club part of global movement for peace & change

Loss of funding has theatre school reaching out to community for help

Queen of Capilano taken out of service from January 4 to mid-March

Parks Canada must address islanders’ fears

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MARTHA PERKINS EDITOR

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ear of the unknown is one of the biggest challenges Parks Canada will have to face if it decides that Bowen Island’s Crown lands fit its hopes and aspirations for a national park and then seeks the community’s support.

That was the message from several island residents at Monday night’s council meeting following a Parks Canada update on the feasibility study currently underway.

Rondy Dike, owner of the Union Steamship Marina and a member of many local committees, said the biggest question on most islanders’ minds is how a national park will affect ferry traffic. “What we’re looking for is a plan on how to eliminate the plugging up in Snug Cove,” he said to Parks Canada planner Krista Royle. “Give us a plan. Without it, you won’t get your plan through.”

Bud Long of the Bowen Island Improvement Association said he wouldn’t like to see the “whole proposal shot out of the water” because of ferry traffic concerns.

He asked Royle if there were plans to put a cap on the number of visitors to the island. continued, PAGE 15

A JOY OF THE SEASON – Island audiences have been delighted by a return of Mad Mabel’s Christmas at Tir-na-nOg. This year Josie Huskisson plays Anna, who turns from bratty kid to compassionate friend with the help of David Cameron as Dave McIntrash and Jackie Minns as Mad Mabel. Review on page 3. Martha Perkins photo

he Bowen Queen will be back on her throne in the new year.

BC Ferries has announced that the Queen of Capilano is being taken out of service from January 4 to mid-March for a major retrofitting. During this time, the smaller Bowen Queen will be put back in service for the Snug Cove to Horseshoe Bay route.

BC Ferries says it chose the slowest time of the year to minimize the impact of having a smaller boat available.

Work on this major project includes: • A large mechanical refit and drydocking • Passenger accommodation upgrades including: seating; flooring; food service enhancements; and upgraded washrooms • New car deck deluge piping • Upgrades to the sewage system All sailings will remain as scheduled. Because the Bowen Queen is a smaller vessel, overloads may occur at peak times.

During the refit period, the cost for parking in the surface lot only will be reduced to $10 per 24 hours for Bowen residents. Wherever possible, BC Ferries encourages customers to carpool, travel outside of peak sailing times or arrive at the terminals early.

Meanwhile, ferry service on three morning runs on Sunday, December 19 has been cancelled. There will be no 6 and 7 a.m. run departing Horseshoe Bay and no 6:30 a.m. run departing Snug Cove. The ferry will be undergoing repairs of a rightangle drive unit in Vancouver.

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Hall takes important first step Community hall, satellite fire station SHARI ULRICH BCCAC CHAIR

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s you may have read in last week’s Undercurrent, the Bowen Community Centre Action Committee (BCCAC) has been given the green light from council to issue an RFP for pre-design work for the phase one of the community centre. This is an important step in fundraising and construction planning for the community hall and we are hoping to work with one of the many gifted and visionary architects on Bowen Island to create a practical conceptual design and plan for the building. Concurrently, we’re working with arts, recreation, and community organizations to gather the necessary information to create a business plan that will tell us in real terms how the hall will function and support itself.

The BCCAC wants to clarify that the $3 million budget is not an amount of money being allocated by the municipality for this project. The municipality’s invaluable contribution to the community centre is the donation of the land, and funds already held in reserve for this purpose.

Based on the results of the fundraising feasibility study (what funders are likely to give), and reasonable assumptions about matching grants from other levels of government, the $3 million figure is a conservative estimate of what could be raised for the core building. Keeping to the conservative fundraising estimate fits with the BCCAC’s mandate that this be a “modest� building.

While the focus for phase one is a single assembly hall, the action committee retains a broader vision that this building will be of optimal use to the community if it has at least one additional room, if not two.

These additional spaces would allow for breakout rooms for conferences, assembly space for performers, and a multi-use exhibition space for recreational, educational, and cultural programming, significantly enhancing the functionality and use of the building.

Additionally, the recreation department has requested consideration to have their weight room and offices included, as they require additional space and have recently had a significant increase in their rental cost from West Van School District.

Although this addition would provide revenue to the hall, it would affect the initial building cost.

The overriding fact is, these elements would ONLY come into play if the fundraising campaign is sufficiently successful to finance the additional space. The proposed design and business plans will be structured to accommodate a staged approach depending on the fundraising outcome, and/or to allow for future expansion.

For those shocked by the reference in the article to a 2020 goal - that was actually a tongue-in-cheek aside by Councillor Cro Lucas who was reminding fellow councillors that 2020 was the likely outcome if they didn’t vote to move this initiative forward now. Depending on the outcome of the fundraising campaign, we’re on track with the original target of breaking ground in 2012.

We would like to stress that this long needed community hall is going to be built by and for the community. It is ours to envision and support and is striving to meet the needs of all our community members from young families to seniors.

We would love to hear your thoughts.

Send them along via staff liaison Christine Walker at cwalker@bimbc.ca.

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designed to meet island’s needs BOB TURNER MAYOR

collectively turn our attention to this important venture.

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Fire Hall Fire Chief Brian Biddlecombe’s recent proposal for a satellite fire hall on the west side of Bowen received enthusiastic support from council. The satellite hall concept provides an affordable and strategic step to fix the one weakness in our fire and emergency services – an inadequate fire hall. We have a great team of volunteer firefighters, the envy of many other small communities, and we have good fire fighting equipment.

But our 33-year-old fire hall is too small and unsafe.

We have known for several years that the fire hall needs an upgrade or replacement. Council commissioned engineering options, and an analysis of needed functions. A stumbling block to action has been the limited size of the current fire hall site, and a lack of options for an alternate site.

A satellite hall would relieve the space requirements on the current fire hall site.

Staff are currently reviewing whether the current site, in combination with a satellite site, may be adequate for our fire and emergency services. A west-side satellite hall could also significantly reduce the response time to emergency calls on the south and west sides of the island.

There are two potential sites for the satellite hall on municipal lands near the junction of Adams and Bowen Bay Road.

Can we support the financial cost of an enhanced fire hall system? Council intends to ask the community by referendum at the time of the civic elections in November 2011.

Staff is developing a Land Act: Notice of Intention to Apply for plan and budget for an enhanced fire hall, a Disposition of Crown Land keeping a close eye on costs. It is possible that Take notice that Pamela Bell of 3852 West 2nd Ave, Vancouver, the estimated $390,000 cost of the satellite hall BC V6R1K2, intends to make application to the Province of British could be funded from Columbia, for a Tenure for Private Moorage purposes covering a existing reserves; if so, construction could portion of the water frontage of Strata Lot 13, DL 1545, Group move forward in 2011.

1, NWD, Strata Plan BCS2585 situated on Provincial Crown land Happy holiday sealocated at the south of King Edward Bay on the west side of Bowen son everyone! new community centre has long been an aspiration of the Bowen community. We are preparing to launch a campaign to raise the funds for the construction of this centre. Our goal is to build an affordable structure that meets the highest needs of our community. Council supported the recent Bowen Community Centre Action Committee recommendation to set the capital cost of the centre and the financial target of the fund-raising campaign at $3 million.

We intend to take an affordable first step – a core facility with a flexible design that could be added to in the future with additional recreation space, a new home for the library, and/or a community-owned municipal hall.

A fund-raising campaign should be underway by early summer that will engage both full-time and part-time residents. BCCAC has laid out a series of steps. A key requirement for the campaign is an artistic rendering of the facility on its site near the community school. This “picture� will be informed by a concept design with a $3M budget, space allocation for priority uses, and a business plan for an affordable operation.

With a concept design, artistic rendering, and business plan in hand, the work of BCCAC will complete. Council will then recruit a “campaign cabinet� to lead the fundraising. It makes sense to initiate the fund-raising campaign after the community has spoken on the national park issue in April, and we can

Island.

The Land File Number is 2410550.

Comments on this application may be submitted in two ways: 1) Online via the Applications and Reasons for Decision Database on the Integrated Land Management Bureau (ILMB) 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 OfďŹ cer at 200-10428 153rd Street, Surrey, BC V3R 1E1.

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Comments will be received by ILMB until January 21, 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 ILMB regional ofďŹ ce.

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By your garbage shall I know ye – Dave Cameron is the imminently likeable, and knowledgeable, Dave McIntrash.

Mad Mabel reveals the magic in something as simple as a blue glass bottle; Jackie Minns is mesmerizing.

From spoiled brat to compassionate friend, Josie Huskisson transforms more than just her character Anna.

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Katalina Bernards was aptly named – she captures the grace and skittishness of a junkyard cat with remarkable ease.

Mad Mabel’s Christmas deserves honour of being called a classic MARTHA PERKINS EDITOR

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o matter what you think of religion, there are some deep and abiding messages that come out of the Christmas story. A young couple must travel to a distant town to pay taxes. With no other place to stay, they find warmth and shelter in a manger, which is where their son Jesus Christ is born. His birth heralds a new way of thinking. Instead of an eye for an eye, he asks people to turn the other cheek. He feeds the poor and asks those who follow him to do the same. He seeks out the marginalized to give them peace and healing. Sins are forgiven and the only thing he wants in return is for us to sin no more. His death offers hope and takes away fear of the vast unknown.

Now, at the risk of making Mad Mabel’s Christmas sound like a sermon - it is a delightfully funny and witty play, after all - it also has some deep and abiding messages. It’s the story about a woman who lives in a dump and yet finds beauty all around her. She has nothing and yet she has the world. There is magic (miracles?) to be found in everything if only you learn how to look for it. And she teaches a

young girl that while there are things we can treasure, we are neither measured by our possessions nor able to find real happiness through them.

It’s because there are so many layers to this play, which is both entertaining and insightful, that it’s earned the right to be called a Christmas classic. In the moments between the laughter it reveals that while for many people Christmas has become a secular holiday, many of its aspirations are still deeply rooted in the gospels.

Written by Bowen Islanders David Cameron and Jackie Minns, Mad Mabel’s Christmas continues this week at Tir-nanOg theatre school.

Dave McIntrash is a frequent visitor to the dump, where he befriends Mad Mabel.

Mad Mabel defies stereotypes. Yes, she’s a little bit crazy. Yes, she is very wise. In her simplicity there is deep complexity. Her life is not easy but she doesn’t expect it to be. Instead, she looks for the positives, even those to be found at a dump.

Dave finds value in his work as a trash man too. He learns a lot about people by what they throw out, and gets in a few funny quips on what garbage bags on Bowen might reveal. It’s as a father that he meets his biggest challenge.

When we first meet his young daugh-

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ter Anna, she is a brat who is well on her way to becoming a spoiled brat. All she wants for Christmas is a $400 jacket from The Gap, a jacket her father can ill afford.

Anna doesn’t care about that small detail.

She has a right to be happy, and happiness is that jacket. The world is all about her.

It’s hard to do a review without giving away too much of the plot line, so instead of going too much further, let’s just say that this play has the chops to deliver a heart-warming and memorable message. It reaches deep into our hearts and touches how we feel about each other, especially those on the margins of society. You laugh, you cry, you leave the theatre inspired.

While part of the credit for this has to go to Cameron and Minns’s writing abilities, and deep understanding of what theatre needs to be a success, it’s the lives that are created right in front of the audience’s eyes that make the evening so special.

Minns is absolutely mesmerizing as Mad Mabel. Her facial expressions, body language, tone of voice all meld together into an entirely believable character; you feel compelled to watch her every movement.

The mood transitions that Minns creates are as plausible as those of Josie Huskisson as Anna. Josie pulls off what many teenagers would have a difficult time

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achieving - she steps out of herself and becomes Anna. She shrieks with joy and delight. She lashes out in anger. She opens her heart to new experiences. Because of her strong acting skills, a pivotal moment in the play is entirely believable; yes, Anna would do that.

In Dave McIntrash, Cameron becomes someone we all know and like. He’s the fellow you stop to talk to in the parking lot of the General Store. He’s happy being who he is - and who Cameron intended him to be. As a result people are happy to be around him.

Katalina Bernards as the junkyard cat is astounding. She must have been a cat in her past life. Even though she has to move on her hands and knees, she manages to capture that feline grace and never stops being a cat every minute she’s on the stage.

Our troubadour is the talented Tony Domenilli. It’s so appropriate to use music to introduce and bridge the scenes, and he makes you think you’ve grown up with the songs.

So whether you’ve seen it before or have never gotten around to buying a ticket, please make Mad Mabel’s Christmas part of your holiday tradition. Its run continues December 17, 18, 21, 22 and 23.

Places of Worship Welcome You BOWEN ISLAND UNITED CHURCH Rev. Shelagh MacKinnon Service and Sunday School: 10:30 a.m.

Evensong first Sunday of each month 5:00 p.m.

Minister of Music: Lynn Williams

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BOWEN ISLAND COMMUNITY CHURCH Pastor Clinton Neal 1070 Miller Road 604-947-0384 Service 10:00 a.m. Sunday School 10:30 a.m.

ST. GERARD’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH Mass: 10:30 a.m. Priest: Father James Comey

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10:00 a.m. Worship • Sunday School: Tots to Teens Pastor: Dr. James B. Krohn

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OCP update opens door to alternate access into Cape Roger Curtis MARTHA PERKINS EDITOR

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ouncil will include language in the updated Official Community Plan that allows future councils to consider alternate routes into Cape Roger Curtis lands.

The wording is the result of a letter from Ed Booimin, representing many property owners in the Whitesails and Tunstall Bay area. Instead of having most of the traffic into Cape Roger Curtis come along Whitesails Road, these property owners want council to reconsider granting permission for a road to cut across a corner of Crown land into Cape Roger Curtis from Thompson Road.

Director of planning Hap Stelling didn’t agree.

“When Whitesails Drive was developed, it was contemplated that it would serve the CRC lands,” Stelling wrote in a report to council. “The 59-lot subdivision that has now been approved for CRC, if it is ever fully built out, will not be a major traffic generator in and of itself..”

A previous council had objected to a request from the owners of Cape Roger Curtis to allow access through the top corner of the Crown land.

Fairy Fen is part of that block of land and councillors were concerned about the environmental impact.

“Further,” Stelling writes, “as part of the current 59-lot subdivision, the approving officer of the day required a secondary emergency access and, instead of pursuing the Thompson Road option, they made arrangements to secure Dee Cee Road, which was accepted.”

Councillor Doug Hooper said he’d like to offer the people on Whitesails the opportunity for council to consider an alternate corridor.

Councillor Alison Morse said that this was already possible under a rezoning and asked why it should be embedded in the OCP. “Because it addresses a specific concern,” Councillor Cro Lucas said.

Mayor Bob Turner added, “if it’s a given, why not state it?”

Three storeys Council agreed to change the OCP to allow three-storey buildings instead of limiting them to two and a half storeys.

Councillor Peter Frinton, speaking on speakerphone, said the change doesn’t alter the number of living levels of a building, just the roof line.

A three-storey building would have a flat roof as opposed to a pitched roofe.

Councillor Nerys Poole favoured leaving the height restriction to 2.5 stories. “I have no problem with one storey on a lower grade [of a hill] and two stories on the upper grade” but she didn’t want to see three stories on a flat piece of property.

When it was noted that some buildings on Artisan Square are four stories, she was even more concerned that if three stories are officially allowed, five-storey buildings may get built.

She asked that this item be flagged at future OCP public consultation meetings so the public will know the change has been made. She voted against the change.

Land Act: Notice of Intention to Apply for a Disposition of Crown Land Take notice that Bowen Island Municipality of 981 Artisan Lane, Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G0, intends to make application to the Province of British Columbia, for a lease for community park purposes covering a portion of District Lot 5314, Group 1, New Westminster Land District, commonly known as Sandy Beach, located between Lot D, Block 3, District Lot 490 & 6998, Plan 11667 and Lot 37, Block 3, DL 490, Plan 11088, and extends northward between the existing crown land tenures - file numbers 0245212 and 2403163.

The Land File Number is 2410554. Comments on this application may be submitted in two ways: 1) Online via the Applications and Reasons for Decision Database on the Integrated Land Management Bureau (ILMB) website at: www.arfd.gov.bc.ca/ApplicationPosting/index.jsp 2) By mail to the Senior Land Officer at 200 – 10428 153rd Street, Surrey, BC V3R 1E1.

Comments will be received by ILMB until January 21st, 2011. Comments received after this date will 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 ILMB regional office.

Council approves additional $34,000 for ferry marshalling plan MARTHA PERKINS EDITOR

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he municipality has agreed to commit an additional $34,000 to the ferry marshalling plan so work can continue immediately.

Part of the money will be spent on hiring islander James Tuer of JWT Architecture and Planning to come up with three or four options, as well as the necessary maps and displays.

Tuer has been working with Hap Stelling, the municipality’s director of planning, on a new ferry marshalling plan for several months. They presented eight possible options to council in November. Council asked them to boil down the proposals and make another presentation in early spring.

Councillor Alison Morse was the only councilor to vote against it because she felt that council shouldn’t be spending money that hadn’t been in the budget. She said $34,000 translates into a one per cent tax increase.

She believes strongly the work needs to be done but wanted council to wait until it could be included as part of the negotiations for next year’s budget. “It’s not an insignificant amount of money and we have no idea”

where it’s coming from.

CAO Brent Mahood said the money could be found in other budgets, perhaps the one for the Snug Cove implementation plan.

He doesn’t believe that the job’s monetary value means it has to go out to tender but would verify that on Morse’s behalf. The work that was approved Monday night is an extension, and conclusion, of the project that had already been approved.

Since that budget process is already behind the timeline that council had hoped for, other councillors felt there wasn’t enough time to wait.

Councillor Doug Hooper said, “This is one of our key priorities and it’s a deliverable. This is our starting point. It will inform a lot of decisions about Snug Cove.”

As well, he said, “this type of budget is in line with what we’re spending on a community hall and satellite fire station.”

Mayor Bob Turner said that if the work doesn’t continue now, Tuer won’t be able to meet the March deadline for the next proposals.

Mahood said that the mapping and diagrams that are part of the project will play an important role in helping everyone understand what is being proposed.

Land Act: Notice of Intention to Apply for a Disposition of Crown Land Take notice that Barbara Melosky of 1470 Blanca St, Vancouver, BC V6B4N7, intends to make application to the Province of British Columbia, for a Tenure for Private Moorage purposes covering a portion of the water frontage of Strata Lot 11, DL 1545, Group 1, NWD, Strata Plan BCS2586 situated on Provincial Crown land located at the south of King Edward Bay on the west side of Bowen Island.

The Land File Number is 2410551.

Comments on this application may be submitted in two ways: 1) Online via the Applications and Reasons for Decision Database on the Integrated Land Management Bureau (ILMB) 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 Officer at 20-10428 153rd Street, Surrey, BC V3R 1E1.

Comments will be received by ILMB until January 22, 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 ILMB regional office.

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Bowen’s Rotary Club ready to reach out to the world MARTHA PERKINS EDITOR

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hen Piers Hayes and his family set off to sail from South Africa to Canada, Rotary International helped them feel at home no matter what port they were in.

There were instant offers of help and hospitality from fellow Rotarians who offered them everything from a berth for docking to offers of washing machine and home-cooked dinners.

“You were just part of a family,” he says.

Bawn Campbell is a self-described old hippie who had grown cynical about some of the peace organizations he belonged to. He felt they had lost their way and he was looking for a way to give back and feel connected. That’s when a friend introduced him to Rotary.

Formerly viewed as “an old boys network”, he was surprised to learn Rotary had grown from a local businessmen’s organization into a global force for peace, education and healthcare. One of Campbell’s first Rotary events was a threeday symposium in Salt Lake City where people whose Master’s degree education had been paid for by Rotary discussed what they were doing to help solve conflicts in countries around the world.

“I was very inspired by the fact Rotary was putting its money where its mouth is,” he says.

“Its main goal is to bring peace to the world through action.”

Then he learned that the Gates Foundation had donated $350 million, no questions asked, to Rotary International’s goal of eradicating polio for all time.

Over the past few months, Hayes and Campbell have been teaming up to create a Rotary Club on Bowen Island. Working with northshore Rotary clubs, and the Sunrise club in particular, on Thursday night their efforts were rewarded by having Bowen Island’s 20 members officially recognized as a provisional club.

“It’s always exciting to see the extension of Rotary,” says District Governor Penny Offer, who was a guest at last Thursday’s inaugural meeting at the Snug Café. “There’s so much need in the world, internationally and locally. We can all only benefit to have more Rotarians working to improve our world.”

Rotary’s motto is “service above self,” which

These Rotarians had a lot to celebrate last Thursday, and not just their walk through the Rivendell labyrinth which was designed and built by Bruce Haggerstone, left. Michael Barber and Piers Hayes invited District Governor Penny Offer and her husband Chris to Bowen to give the Bowen Island Rotary Club provisionary status. Martha Perkins photo Offer translates as “giving back some of what we have.”

Through Rotary, Hayes says, individuals can leverage many more positive results by working as a group.

When he was a Rotarian in South Africa, one of the things he really valued was the way Rotary brought people from all backgrounds, religions and cultures together in a way few other community groups could do.

“We were a small place with overlapping groups and they all intermingled in Rotary and became friends and did good things together,” he says. “You found there was a break down of barriers and people became one.”

Campbell says that by being part of an international organization, and meeting people from around the world, Rotary breaks down barriers. “If people know each other it’s harder to be enemies.”

He also likes how being a Rotarian can break down the barriers people put around their own lives. “If you live on a personal island, Rotary is a way to bring fellowship together.”

Every year, Rotary chooses a new theme.

This year it’s “Building Communities, Bridging Continents.”

The district governor and her husband Chris certainly got to know a lot more about Bowen Island during last week’s overnight visit. (Chris found out about Rotary when he went to India for several weeks in 1981 as part of Rotary’s group study exchange.)

Rotarian Michael Barber organized a chockfull tour of some of the island’s special places, including Rivendell and the labrynth designed by

Bowen Rotary’s youngest member, SarahJane Hayes, and fellow Rotarian Shelagh MacKinnon invite people to drop off donations of wrapped toys at the Snug Café.

The toys will help Santa visit every home this Christmas.

Please indicate whether the toy is for a boy or girl and the appropriate age range.

Martha Perkins photo

Bruce Haggerstone, who has also joined the Rotary Club.

The labyrinth is modeled to within an inch of the labyrinths at Chartres, France.

At the inaugural Bowen Island Rotary meeting that night, the Rev. Shelagh MacKinnon offered a blessing and prayer. “This is an exciting moment for us,” she said. She “gave thanks for lives changed around the world and new hope springing forth.”

Meanwhile, the Bowen Island club’s first outreach initiative, Operation Red Nose, continues this weekend. People who are out celebrating and find they’ve had too much to drink to safely drive home can call 604-619-0942. Rotary volunteers are available from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. on December 17 and 18 as well as New Year’s Eve. This service is free but people are asked to make a donation. That money will be spent on local youth initiatives.

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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.

EDITORIAL

Rotary’s spokes reach far I

t may surprise a few readers to learn that Bawn Campbell joined the Rotary Club because he felt it was one of the best ways to continue his advocating for peace around the world. He was growing cynical of some of the groups he was involved with and was looking for an organization that was actually doing something to help. He wanted actions as well as words, and he found that through Rotary International.

Some people still think of the Rotary Club as a bastion of all-male chumminess, where a community’s movers and shakers gather to enhance their business opportunities. Because of the business ties between members, there was a temptation to think that people joined Rotary to benefit their own interests.

The modern Rotary Club still has its roots in local communities but its outreach is far more global. Its members raise millions of dollars

a much better social network than Facebook because it actually brings people together, face to face.

Congratulations to everyone involved in forming the Bowen Island Rotary Club. It shows real commitment to wanting to improve life on Bowen Island and an awareness of how much has to be done in other countries. Bowen Island will only benefit from the club’s presence.

More members are always welcome. If you dare, broach the subject to Piers Hayes at the Snug Cafe. His enthusiasm is dangerously infectious and he won’t rest until he gets as many people signed up as he can. Braver people have tried to say no to him!

Meanwhile, if you don’t feel you have the time to join, make sure you support the club’s endeavours. Only good can come of it.

Martha Perkins

Please stop when school bus lights are flashing To the Editor:

I

have been a school bus driver on Bowen Island for seven months now, and may I say that Bowen Islanders make fabulous kids! Thanks for that, because I really love loving my job. Your kids are a delight.

However, there is one aspect of my job that is giving me nightmares. I keep witnessing incredible, indefensible driving behaviours being perpetrated by fellow Bowen Islanders while I attempt to get these amazing, irreplaceable children on and off my bus safely.

On December 2, on Eaglecliff Road at 8:10 am, I was stopped, all lights flashing and stop sign deployed, with the bus splayed across both lanes of the roadway, picking up three children. As I was counting to make sure all the kids were inside my bus, I spotted two vehicles sneaking past my stopped bus from behind, clearly in too much of a hurry to really fathom the risk they were taking.

You realize that if one of my five-year-olds had forgotten a backpack, or a hair ribbon, or wanted to give their parent another goodbye kiss, he or she could just as easily have been under the wheels of one of these vehicles. Children change their minds and their direction of travel in less than a heartbeat, which is why all school buses are equipped with those bright blinking lights and signs.

Because I was at a complete stop, using all my safety gear to indicate that little lives were at stake, I didn’t have my camera at the ready to photograph the offending vehicles.

I couldn’t even get their licensc plate numbers, but am pretty sure the second car was a black SUV, which I saw in the ferry line-up ten minutes later as I dropped off my first load of kids. continued, PAGE 10

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.

each year for an incredibly wide array of projects. The provisional Rotary Club of Bowen Island is asking for toy donations at Christmas and offering safe rides home for holiday revellers, but its members will also be part of global initiatives on themes as broad as eradicating polio and world peace.

The theory is that by working together in our own communities, and spreading that outreach around the world, we can pool our resources and achieve more by working as a group rather than as individuals.

Rotary meetings, no matter where you are, are always on a Thursday night. You can be in almost any country, in almost any town, and be welcomed to a meeting. You will be embraced without reservation because of that shared adherence to the Rotary motto – service above self. And when a Rotarian comes to your community, you are expected to do the same. It’s

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

Holly at the Snug has a masculine touch To The Editor:

P

lease pass my thanks to my excellent friend, Marcus Hondro for his very kind comments on his experiences at the Snug, and let him be assured that’s it is always a pleasure to see him there. Being the indentured help to my wonderful wife and owner of the joint, I never question her wisdom of sending me forth on errands amongst the Philistines of the mainland, and to this end was very sorry to have missed him.

However, I would like to point out that “the little holly things on the tables” were not put there by either Sarah-Jane, or Bethany, or Joan, .. in fact, no female at all! No, no, no.

Yes, I know it’s hard to imagine, but there was Blu, heavily disguised as the 10th Century good

Editor

Contributor

Advertising

Martha Perkins

Marcus Hondro

Suzanne Carvell

Phone: 604.947.2442 Fax: 604.947.0148

Bohemian King, Wenceslas, looking for a “yonder peasant by Saint Agnes’ fountain”, armed only with a flash light and a pair of pruners, creeping round Crippen Park after dark in the rain searching for sprigs of holly! “Through the rude wind’s wild lament and the bitter weather”, I repaired to the Snug victoriously with my pilfered holly, to arrange them in the vases with the red berries, with the very kind help of Mr. Michael Barber.

You could, I suppose, call us the “flower elves”, but contrary to your columnist’s surmise, very definitely “a guy thing to do.”

Do ask Marcus to continue his Slow Lane; it’s rattling good read.

Happy Christmas, Piers Hayes The Snug Sales Manager

Greg Laviolette 604.903.1013

Publisher Aaron Van Pykstra 604.903.1022

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

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

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Like a crow on garbage day To the Editor:

T

December on Bowen - where to begin?

To the Editor:

I

Richard Best

Does Diana Kaile look like she’s having fun?

She’s been embracing everything Bowen has to offer, including the garden club’s Christmas party, and encourages everyone to do the same.

feel compelled to write having just returned from an outstanding concert by the West Coast Symphony; last night I was at Mad Mabel’s Christmas and soon I shall be at the open house at Rivendell. That’s just in 24 hours!

How about Light up the Cove last weekend? The Reindeer Run, Penrhyn concert just last week and more Christmas concerts yet to come, not to forget the Dickens evening and the Martha numerous craft fairs at various locations Perkins photo where there were a remarkable amount of talented artisans selling items of such a high standard, all so original , enabling us to do our Christmas shopping locally.

Then of course there is the Gifted exhibition at the Gallery...

Here on Bowen Island, we don’t wake up and ask ourselves “What shall we do today?” Rather, it’s “how do we fit it all in?”

I would like to thank all those who make all of the above possible, from the arts council which was responsible for arranging the symphony, to the actors, artisans and volunteers who give so freely of their time to bring us a wealth of events and activities to mark this special time of Call for tonight’s menu — we cook the year. so you don’t have to!

Who needs to leave the island? Not me!!!!

Open 7 Days a Week 604.947.0402 Diana Kaile

“The Snug’s cooking dinner!”

Dinners to Go at the Snug

Oh come all ye lovers of Christmas carols Welcome to Island Neighbours - stories of Island history, people, activities and events.

• Ten years Ago in the Undercurrents of December 22, 2000: On Thursday, December 14, Bowen had such a major snowfall that, between 3 and 5 p.m., five n the two weeks before Christmas, you vehicles went off the road in the stretch will hear Christmas music everywhere. between the firehall and the Building A carol is a traditional song which Centre. In the following week, there were probably originated in England or France five additional accident scenes involvas a dance tune, rather than having reliing 12 or more vehicles. A single vehicle gious associations. accident occurred in the early evening of Most of us could name at least eight or December 17, again on the same stretch nine Christmas carols. Most often, the first of road. Slippery? Fire Chief Alan Still would be Silent Night. That familiar favouconcurred. “I got out of my car and rite was created on Christmas Eve you couldn’t even stand up on it. “ island of 1818 by parish priest Joseph However, Lloyd Harding who plowed neighbours Bowen’s roads back in the ‘60s and Mohr in the Austrian village of Oberndorf. The church organ had ‘70s, said that there was far more failed and in desperation, Mohr snow then. • Kindergarten and Grade and organist Felix Gruber some1 students had fun visiting the first how came up with a guitar and Merry Beary Christmas show at the voice creation called Stille Nacht.

Bowen Island Community Museum.

Not only was it performed that • Barbara Murray thanked islandnight - it’s been part of Christmas ers for their generous support of the ever since. Among others sure to Christmas Hampers: 37 were to be be listed in the first group would given this year. Angie McCulloch be God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen, Jingle explained that the Food Bank, based in the Bells, White Christmas, Little Drummer United Church, is always accessible and is Boy, O Come, O Come Emmanuel, O Holy used consistently. • A special feature of the Night, Hark the Herald Angels Sing, and of Undercurrent was the fascinating collection course, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. of students essays describing their wishes Among the oldest would be O Come, for Bowen Island. Topics included the aboO Come Emmanuel - probably composed lition of clear cutting, homes for the homein the 12th century but lost for years. less, elimination of war, preservation of Amazingly, it turned up in Paris in the ancient forests, visiting the sick and lonepages of a 15th-ccentury book of processome and many more, all worthy. sionals for French Franciscan nuns. The . book itself was found in the stacks of the • Birthdays December 19 through cavernous Bibliotheque Nationale. Stille December 31 actually begin with the Nacht of course, was composed in 1818.

December 21 birthdays of Eric Michener, Then, there’s O Holy Night, the work of Pauline Lebel and Tyder Louis and then French composer Adolphe Adams which the December 22nd birthdays of Laura was first performed in 1847. Possibly next Luckner, Jim Thoman, Christine Bert would be Jingle Bells, an American tune and lastly, the 94th birthday of Mount written when James Buchanan was presiGardner’s Charlie MacNeill. December dent. It’s a perennial favorite.

23 is the birthday of Marais Schubert and Recent carols come from modern sourcCatherine Ducayen. December 24 features es. First might be White Christmas, which the birthdays of Bob Otis, Chantal Jonsson was introduced in the 1942 movie starring and Charlotte Rose. The Christmas Day Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire. This one birthdays belong to Sam Beck and Natalie has been translated into German, French, Helm. Then we skip to December 28 Spanish, Polish, Dutch and who knows which belongs to Iain Benson, now far what others. Then would be Rudoph the away in France. Nathaniel Budzinski is the Red-Nosed Reindeer, composed in the ‘40s sole December 29 celebrant but December but premiered via the 1964 TV special 30 is the natal day for Bob Bates, Edie and a favorite of generations of youngHanen, Imke Zimmerman and Angela sters Then, there’s Little Drummer Boy. Cutting. Last birthdays for 2010 are This haunting little number sprang to life Anne DeFerriere, Marcus Hondro, Lynn in Little Drummer Boy an animated TV Krukowski and Emma Townsend-Gault. special which appeared on December 19, Happy Birthdays and Happy Holidays to 1968. Most of those whose childhood them all and to you. included church and Sunday School could • To add a birthday or share an item, telecompile a similar list of Christmas hymns. phone 2440 or e-mail lbmcarter@shaw.ca

I

LoisMeyers-Carter

he Bowen Island Food Bank and the Christmas Hamper Fund are two very noble efforts that I view with mixed feelings. Our household has found it relatively easy to support the hamper fund by supporting local initiatives that in turn support the fund, but even easier is the way we have found to support the food bank. It’s our grocery list.

The grocery list is an ongoing reminder of what we or our household needs.

By writing “food bank” at the top of each new list, we are able to shift the focus to other from self. We do this almost every week and in a year without even noticing any negative impact. Our humble budget can provide about $300 worth of goods. I do not write this to remind you of how wonderful we are, but rather to point out how simple it is. The amount that is easy for you will naturally be more or less than what is easy for us, but the point is that it stays present time and self and other become less differentiated.

Where I have mixed feelings, about these noble local efforts, is that they are needed to the extent that they are.

They are performed by non-profits and private groups and are a clear reflection of the lack of progress by local government to cultivate a healthier community, by allowing for the creation of more affordable housing options. When accommodation costs, whether rented from a landlord or the bank, get above about 35 per cent of gross income, we are forced to cut corners in other areas.

When those costs exceed 50 per cent

we are in danger of becoming homeless.

Over the years we have heard some rather weird denials of there being any such social problems on Bowen, yet the Official Community Plan review inputs saw numerous groups list affordable housing as a real concern in regard to our social infrastructure.

I am not suggesting that we stop supporting the food bank or the Christmas hamper fund. Support them wholeheartedly, but at the same time, we need focus on the underlying issues that manifest as these symptoms. It took 10 years and much arm wrestling against denial and obfuscation, to get secondary suites legalized on Bowen, as one small step toward creating more diverse housing possibilities. What is it that blinds us to our greater interconnectedness? What are we so afraid of that has us focus on creating restrictive bylaws rather than on allowing and socially nurturing possibilities.

Individually we hop around from urgency to urgency, like a crow on garbage day, distracted by the next piece of shiny tinfoil. We need to focus on what will really sustain us in the long run, and I believe that lies in taking care of our diverse population. When an individual or family leaves Bowen because they can no longer afford to live here, they do so quietly, and we all quietly lose.

Give to the Christmas Hamper Fund.

Give to the Food Bank. But, most of all, insist that we make the cultivation of a healthier community a higher priority than the next piece of political tinfoil.

❚ 7

editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com

The Bowen Island Community Choir

Christmas Concert

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2PM & 7:30 PM CATES HILL CHAPEL Adults $12 • Seniors/Students $10 Children - 6-12- $5 • Children under 6 - Free TICKETS at the Pharmacy or at the Door

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Happy Holidays From:

LEIGH AUTOMOTIVE Please Note:

We will be closed from December 25 - January 3.

We’ll be back to serve you on January 4, 2011.

—ON

Bowen families ask islanders to help relative get cancer treatment

R

uth Nosek, whose roots go deep on Bowen Island, was devastated to learn that her niece Clare Boggan was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer.

Clare, a homeopath who lives in Vancouver and whose grandmother, Stella Meal, lives on Bowen Island, has tried every type of treatment, including three rounds of radiation and eight operations. She now is forced to seek treatment

Don’t forget to get your 2011 calendar full of Ron Woodall’s portraits of Bowen Islanders. It’s only $15 and proceeds go towards the Danielle DeLong Memorial Scholarship for young island artists. The calendar is available at the Ruddy Potato and Pharmacy

BOWEN—

As we approach the biggest shopping event of the year, please remind your friends, family and colleagues the importance of supporting local businesses.

Businesses off-island do not support our community. Purchases made off-island – rather than local ones – increase the financial load at home. When you choose to “shop local”, you’re buying where dollars stay on island.

Shopping locally helps improve the quality of life in our community. Purchasing from local businesses Shop from our best ever supports the very selection of holiday libations reason we live here. this Christmas The entire Bowen Don’t forget...Wine tastings community profits Every day Dec. 17 -24 when you buy from the PRE XMAS HOURS businesses here.

10AM TO 11PM EVERY DAY Please support our 10AM TO 7PM DEC. 24 local economy this holiday season.

‘Tis the Season...

out of the country. But the treatment comes at a price – $30,000.

A trust fund has been set up in her name at Van City Credit Union, branch 3, account number 644633. Or you can contribute by PayPal, with the account address of clareboggan@yahoo. co.uk. Cheques can also be mailed c/o Kevin and Steph Boggan, 1690 Nanaimo Street, P.O. Box 44575, Vancouver, BC, V5L 4R8.

The little shop on Bowen Island’s Boardwalk, the USSC MARINA Gift Store, is loaded with all sorts of great things for everyone on your Christmas gift list. This is the last weekend for Christmas shopping . . . Come on Down and see what’s new!

Fabulous scarves from V.Fraas, thick Kyper Sweaters, Knitted Hats & Mittens, locally made bath products (“have you tried our Nutmeg & Ginger bubble bath?”), fun stocking stuffers (the Solar Queen is great for those who want to celebrate the next ROYAL WEDDING), large pillar candles & holders, contemporary salad servers, lovely glass bowls from Spain, Cedar Mountain photo frames, Fred & Ethel tea trays, Shi belt buckles, “Feel like a Canadian” minty breath spray (great stocking stuffer) and oodles of Christmas ornaments - including Bowen’s own little wooden ferry boat.

For information on: Holiday wine choices, extended Holiday Hours, and Tasting Schedule.

Go on line at http://bibws. wordpress.com/ or Google “Bowen Wine Blog”

AND, YES! WE WILL BE OPEN ON THE DEC. 24TH FOR LAST MINUTE SHOPPERS!!!

Clip out our ad, bring it down and receive 10% off your purchase!

Valid until December 24th.

Below the Pub

USSC MARINA GIFT SHOP Christmas s ns Decorations he & Gifts for the ily Whole Family Open 7 Days a Week. k.

Bowen Island Beer and Wine Under the pub

604-947-2729

Come See What’s New! 604-947-0707 ext 2

Bowen Island Beauty SPA has put together a fabulous array of spa packages designed for appreciated gift giving and wonderful personal pampering.

Christmas Purity: Detox and Weight Loss • Unlimited Monthly Steam and Infrared Sauna Package* – $198.00 The Infrared Sauna heats the body directly as opposed to the air. This enables the user to breathe easier, stay in longer, and carry on a normal conversation without feeling out of breath. We offer sessions from 35 to 45 minutes long in your own private room. Great health benefits! (more info in the spa) (*some restrictions may apply)

Come in...

Indulge Yourself

New Year Detox ($155, 2 hours) • FULL BODY DETOXIFICATION PROGRAM AND FREE FACIAL MASK Includes SPA Steam and/or Infrared Sauna, Aromatherapy, Whole Body Skin Rejuvenating with Salt Scrub or with Dry Brushing Mitten, Energizing, Skin Smoothing, Minerals and Vitamins nutrient Whole Body Wrap (Chocolate or Moor Mud) + FREE FACIAL MASK

Touch of Santa: CLASSIC EUROPEAN FACIAL + Spa manicure ($120, 150 min) European Facial Includes Double Cleansing and Exfoliation, Steam, Extractions, Masque, Face Massage Aromatherapy and plus full spa manicure.

Christmas Eve Party Package* ($170): Hair Cut + Vitamin Facial + Manicure + Pedicure (*some restrictions may apply depending on complicity of hair cut) WE also offer wide selection Gift Packages (can be custom made) and Gift Certificates!

303 - 566 Artisan Lane (located in Artisan Square) ~ 604 947 0036 ~ reception@bowenbeautyspa.ca

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I Do...

BIRD droppings BILL CARR BIRD

L

ast Friday at the Depot I came across an example of how much Bowen parents care for their children. A box for a toy from Kid Kraft turned up; it was for a deluxe garage set and was printed with colourful illustrations of the features of the toy. The garage includes a car, car wash, car elevator, service bay, helicopter, and landing pad. The child’s parents must have spent considerable time and thought in selecting this toy.

It’s a shame they didn’t put a little more thought into their recycling. The corrugated box was in the mixed paper and it still contained Styrofoam and plastic film. These two things are not paper and should go into your garbage. The corrugated box has 20 times the recycle value of mixed paper, which was why I pulled the box out.

Something else that really puzzles me is why anyone would carry a cardboard milk carton past the spot where these are collected and throw them in with the plastic milk jugs. Sometimes mixed paper also ends up with the plastic milk jugs. How does that happen? Mistakes are a part of life and should it happen to you, please just ask the BIRD volunteer who will help you retrieve the mistakenly recycled material.

On the topic of Bowen garbage, I’ll take this opportunity to repeat that Emterra, the company that buys the mixed paper, does not want Christmas gift wrap in it.

To those who are new to our island and are missing the blue box or a bit confused, I should point out that on Bowen recycling is not a municipal service but is run by a not-for-profit society.

We spent some of the money received for the materials collected on the distinctive “Just Ask Me” vests worn by our volunteers - and they are more than willing to help new or long-time residents.

❚ 9

The store that friends tell friends about.

We have your leather & fabric styles ready for delivery before Christmas.

photo: Claudia Schaefer

Advertise in the Premier Edition of Bowen Island Undercurrent’s Wedding Guide the ultimate source for planning a wedding on Bowen. The Wedding Guide will be available at Wedding Fairs throughout the lower mainland to showcase Bowen Island as the premier Wedding Destination.

The Guide will provide listings for: Photographers, Caterers, Accommodations, Churches, Best Bowen Beaches - everything the discriminating bride needs to plan the Perfect Bowen Wedding.

Contact Suzanne at 947-2442 for advertising information.

Don’t forget to add the

FOOD BANK SUSTAINABLE REGION INITIATIVE ...

as a regular item to your grocery list Drop off located at The United Church TURNING IDEAS INTO ACTION

Memories of Christmas past?

Create memories, not garbage.

Give gifts that last or share an experience.

Many Man Ma M aan ny sstyles tyylles tyl ty es & ffabrics ab ab abr brrics ics ic cs available aavvaail aiililaabl ab b blle

Holiday Store Hours: Closed Dec 24, 25 & Jan 1.

Open 11-5 Boxing Day Dec 26 EXCLUSIVE TO NORTH SHORE STORE ~ OUR LEATHER PROMOTION CONTINUES. Celebrating 12 years on the North Shore OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK Mon-Sat 9:30-5:30 • Sun 12-5 1405 Pemberton Avenue NORTH VANCOUVER • 604.988.8271 LANGLEY • COQUITLAM • NANAIMO • VICTORIA

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604-983-2088 1695 Marine Drive, North Vancouver

CONSUMERS SHOULD READ THE FOLLOWING: INCLUSIVE PRICING means there are no surprises; our Purchase Financing and Savings offers include Delivery & Destination ($1,395 for SX4), $100 A/C Excise Tax (where applicable), $29 Tire Tax, $399 Dealer Administration Fee and $5 OMVIC. Offers do not include PPSA up to $72 (when financing), applicable taxes, license, registration and insurance. Vehicles may not be exactly as shown. Limited time offers are subject to change without notice. *Limited time finance offers available O.A.C..

Special bi-weekly purchase finance offers are available on 2010 SX4 Hatchback JX AWD with manual transmission Model H3NB2J0 (Selling Price $23,523) for an 84 month term.

The bi-weekly 84 month payments interest rates are based on 2010 SX4 Hatchback JX AWD @0.9% purchase financing , bi-weekly payments are $197/$133/$170 with $0 down payment over a 84 month term plus applicable taxes. Dealers may sell for less. Certain conditions apply. ‡No Charge Snow Tire offer available on cash or finance purchase of select 2010 models only up to a maximum of $500 for SX4 Hatchback. Applicable taxes not included. See your participating Suzuki dealer for full details. All offers valid December 1, 2010 through January 4, 2011. Based on Fuel Consumption Guide ratings published by Natural Resources Canada. Your actual fuel consumption may vary. Fuel economy estimates are determined by using Transport Canada approved testing methods. ** No payments until 2011 (90 day payment deferral) applies to purchase financing offers on all new 2010 and 2011 Suzuki models on approved credit (OAC). No interest will accrue during the first 90 days of the finance contract. After this period interest starts to accrue and the purchaser will repay principal and interest monthly over the terms of the contract.

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Loss of funding has Tir-na-nOg reaching out to the community Dear Friends,

A

s many of you will no doubt be aware, the past two years have been a difficult time for non-profit organizations across the country, as funding support both from private donors and foundations and from various levels of government becomes increasingly restricted and competition intensifies for a dwindling resource.

We, the board of directors and the co-founders of the Tir-na-nOg Theatre School, hold fast to a vision that has inspired and guided 23 years of continuous work toward the establishment of a dedicated - and affordable - place in which the young people of Bowen Island can embrace the art of theatre as a vehicle for self-discovery and expression.

The place is here. The young people are, even now, passionately, imaginatively, tenaciously engaged in the adventure. Once the mortgage on the school building’s construction cost is paid (only $477,991 to go!), the school’s expense for

Celebrate The Season with Friends & Family at Blue Eyed Marys DEC. 19, 20, 21, 22 & 23 4 COURSE DINNER $30

its facility will be $1 per month for the duration of its 99-year lease. Then the goal of affordability toward which we, the stewards of Tir-na-nOg, labour - with every expectation of success - will be a manifest reality.

Tir-na-nOg was born on Bowen, rooted in the fertile soil of Island life, and through these past 23 years has grown its unique program of theatre arts in direct response to the effervescent enthusiasm, imagination and spirit of local young people. Working through a Laban-based approach to classical stage training - which is acting from the inside out - in contrast to the “star syndrome” which currently dominates popular culture, the school places a traditional emphasis on group awareness and co-operative action - not single stars, but galaxies brightly shining.

In addition to its public performances, which many members of the community as a whole regularly attend, special performances for all of the local schools ensure that all local children have access to live theatre performances by their contemporaries. We believe that this focus of activity is essential, not only for those creatively practising it, but also for the community as a whole.

Tir-na-nOg is a working theatre school, and its primary mandate is to support the needs of young people. It adheres to a strict policy of inclusiveness - no child has ever been turned away for lack of the ability to pay tuition. In fact, the number of young people on bursaries is greater this year than ever before. In short, it’s for the kids!

During the past two years, the theatre school

I felt very upset, but was counselled that without more specifics and a better description of one or both of the vehicles, I could not report this incident to the police and expect that any positive outcome would arise.

Monday, December 13 it happened again, this

Naughty or Nice?

In the Spirit of Christmas, on Saturday, December 18th, 10% of Sales will be donated to the Bowen Christmas Hamper!

Enter our draw with purchase for a Joseph Ribkoff outfit.

Draw December 26th

Out of the Blue

604 947 0338 Open: 10 - 6 daily except Christmas Day You may order by phone Complimentary Gift Wrapping

be grateful to receive your questions, thoughts, suggestions or fundraising ideas.

The possibilities for a positive outcome are many, and, as we feel that this work with young people is sufficiently important to merit all of the energy that we can direct toward it, so are we confident of a successful realization of the vision of Tir-na-nOg. In that spirit we invite you to join with us in this great adventure.

If you would like to discuss channels for contributions, offer other suggestions or fund-raising ideas - or for more detailed information concerning the theatre school society’s financial situation or its lease on the Tir-na-nOg Building, please contact us through the telephone number, email or website address: 604 947 9507, www.tir-na-nog.org, tirnanog@telus.net.

Sincerely, Allice Bernards, Paul Stewart, Amy Nosek, Megan Nosek, Robyn Dickenson Board of Directors for the Tir-nanOg Theatre School Society and Tir-na-nOg co-founders and artistic directors Julie Tetzner and Jack Headley

Give yourself time for school buses continued from PAGE 6

Have I been-

has experienced the diminuation of external sources of financial support to the point that, with the recent and unforeseen cessation of grants from a primary funding foundation, 82 per cent of its previous revenue from grants and donations has melted into air - a sum equivalent to 42 per cent of its total budget. Clearly, the crisis this represents for the theatre school necessitates immediate action in order to weather the near term while seeking a sustainable solution to its funding deficit.

How can the community that embraced its growth help to nurture its maturity? From long-time supporters we have solicited pledges of any amount, large or small, for each of the coming six months to help support the theatre school’s daily operation while we turn over every stone to find a long-term and stable solution, and we invite any individuals who are able, and feel so inclined, to join that program of action. (As the Society is a registered charity, all donations will be acknowledged with a tax-valid receipt). Those not able to contribute financially can support by helping to build a public awareness of the value of Tir-na-nOg’s work with young people. In addition, we will

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time while I was picking up children on Cates Hill. Ironically, I was being extra vigilant because I strive to not impede traffic in the five minutes I take to travel down the main road (Village Drive). I kept checking my rear view mirrors, but no one was following me.

I had to stop only three times while on Cates Hill that day. All the kids getting on my bus must cross the road to get onto my bus, so it is really important that every light and sign is in good working order.

I am currently driving a bus that is only 14 months old. Believe me when I tell you every light and sign is working great!

At my third and last stop, I splayed my bus across both lanes of road, put my parking brake on, had all my red flashing eight-way lights going, and the stop sign deployed. A child crossed the road and entered the open door of the bus, saying that its sibling would be right behind.

When I looked back at the driveway for said sibling, I saw the child, head down looking at something it was carrying. A red vehicle passed my bus right beneath the flashing stop sign. This car was partly in the lane for oncoming traffic and partly on the shoulder of the road nearest the child. This time I was able to get the licence plate number and a description of the vehicle, which I

have since passed on to the police in my report.

I have been a car driver stuck behind a Bowen school bus, and I know that it sucks. I also know the school bus schedule, so I only ever had myself to blame for being where I did not want to be. I could have gotten myself out of the house three minutes earlier and I would have been in front of that bus, so no excuse can justify disobeying the law when it puts kids’ lives at risk.

From my perspective as a bus driver, I know exactly how long I am on any given stretch of road because I am driving to a very specific schedule. So I know that if you come up behind my bus on Eaglecliff, just before the road changes its name to Scarborough, you will only be stuck behind my bus for three more minutes before I turn off to go down Millers Landing.

Can you wait for three minutes?

I certainly can. Can you continue to live in the same community if you were the person responsible for mowing down one of its children because you didn’t want to miss the 8:30 ferry? I doubt that.

Please obey the school bus lights and signs; they are the only way we bus drivers have of telling other drivers that children are at risk, right here and right now.

Kari Killy

rsinn@bcmortgageconnection.com

www.bcmortgageconnection.com

Residential Mortgage Specialists Serving Bowen Island since 2001

Have a reader on your Christmas list? Why not give them a subscription to the Undercurrent? It’s only $39 for 52 editions. Call 2442 for details.

W W W . B O W E N I S L A N D U N D E R C U R R E N T. C O M

Hockey fans will love new Canuck captains book LEN CORBEN

F R I D AY D E C E M B E R 1 7 2 0 1 0

❚ 11

Jason Farris, who is a regular visitor to Bowen Island, has published his third book about hockey. Four dollars from the purchase of each copy of Hockey Play-by-Play: Canuck Captains with Jim Robson goes to Canuck Place, the children’s palliative care facility.

NORTHSHORE OUTLOOK

J

ason Farris has never played a game in the NHL but he has scored a really nice NHL hat trick of sorts.

After getting the equivalent of a frustrating blocked shot from mainstream publishers during his first attempt at authoring a book, the West Vancouver writer has now self-published a hat trick of hockey history books that are noteworthy for their creativity and detail.

And just like any knowledgeable publisher, his latest endeavour – Hockey Play-By-Play: Canuck Captains with Jim Robson – is out just in time for purchase as a Christmas gift for all those who grew up listening to the longtime Canuck broadcaster or who treasure a signature obtained from Orland Kurtenbach, the first Captain Canuck, or any of the other captains who followed.

Farris will be known to some Bowen Islanders because he’s often on the island visiting his parents.

His first shot at publishing was a book he titled Sixty Minutes of Hell, about the trials and tribulations of goaltenders in the rough, tough NHL of the 1960s and 1970s.

He knew first hand the hardships of playing between the pipes thanks to his self-described “sieve-like goaltending” as a youngster at Kerrisdale Arena. (In fact he was playing there in 1979 when the venerable hockey rink had its name changed to Kerrisdale Cyclone Taylor Arena to honour the superstar of the Vancouver Millionaires’ 1915 Stanley Cup champions who had just passed away at age 95 following significant involvement with the arena since even before its official opening in 1949.)

But Farris didn’t know the difficulties of getting published until shopping his ‘masterpiece’ around and getting the cold shoulder from those that make big-business publishing decisions.

So he did what many of us have vowed to do… self publish.

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As a kid growing up as an unbridled fan of Cesare Maniago, the Vancouver goaltender in 1976-77 and 1977-78 who guarded the nets fearlessly (the Canucks weren’t so good those years), Farris decided to narrow his goalie writings into a book about Maniago and contacted the affable 6’3” Trail native who by then had moved from his Vancouver-playing-days Deep Cove home to Coquitlam.

While the Maniago book was still a work in progress, Maniago introduced Farris to the equally-affable Hockey Hall of Fame broadcaster Jim Robson which resulted in the publishing of Farris’ first real book, Hockey Play-By-Play: Around the NHL with Jim Robson, which came out in 2005.

Featuring hundreds of photos of hockey cards, programs, schedules, ticket stubs, media guides, press passes, Robson’s game notes and other memorabilia in a scrapbook format of 120 pages, the book is a tribute not only to Robson but also to the creativity of Farris and his book designer/sister-inlaw Adrienne Painter.

It became an instant hit. Obtaining one of the 1,000 limited-edition, hardcover copies signed by Robson and current broadcaster John Shorthouse (and which sold out at $99) is now a near impossibility. The softcover version had a 6,000-plus print run and is still available.

That book was followed in 2006 with Hail Cesare! Sprinkled with lots of interesting quotes from Maniago, it also uses a scrapbook-type format but includes exhaustive statistics as well, which is just fine with researchers like me.

Farris gave up goaltending but now referees one or two games a week and suits up to play twice a week in Hollyburn Country Club’s seven-team men’s recreational hockey league as a defenceman

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with the Green Team which you need to know has absolutely nothing to do with politics or environmental issues.

(All the teams go by the colour of their uniforms.)

And while Farris has rarely scored a hat trick in any league, let alone the NHL, he has now completed his hat trick of books with some interesting marketing ploys.

Hockey Play-By-Play: Canuck Captains with Jim Robson is a smaller (32 pages), more affordable ($14.99) companion to Farris’ first book with Robson. It also has a sponsor (Budget Brake and Muffler) and, in addition to finding it at canuckcaptains.com, is only available at London Drugs, which has stockpiled enough for all 48 of their stores in B.C. Best of all, $4 from each purchase goes to Canuck Place, the children’s palliative care facility located in Shaughnessy which concentrates on enhancing the quality of life for children (and their families) whose illnesses mean survival to adulthood is severely threatened. Canuck Place – so named because the Vancouver Canucks were the first major corporate sponsor for the hospice – opened

exactly 15 years ago next week on Nov. 30, 1995.

The book is only available at London Drugs stores throughout Vancouver until Christmas.

Of the 10 captains prior to Henrik Sedin, two are North Shore residents today, North Vancouver’s Chris Oddleifson and West Vancouver’s Stan Smyl. Paul Reinhart, a member at Hollyburn, was an interim captain when Smyl was on the injured list.

Having worked together so successfully with Maniago, Robson, Shorthouse and the Canuck captains, Farris is teaming up with Brian Burke and other general managers for his next book, scheduled for a year from now, comprising stories from hockey’s greatest general managers.

“Assemble great people,” Farris says, “do great work and great things will happen.”

Seems like they already have.

This is episode 401 from Len Corben’s treasure chest of stories – the great events and the quirky – that bring to life the North Shore’s rich sports history in the Northshore Outlook.

Bowen Building Centre Christmas Hours

Friday, Dec. 24 ................................... CLOSED Saturday, Dec. 25 .............................. CLOSED Sunday, Dec. 26 ................................. CLOSED Monday, Dec. 27 ............................... CLOSED Tuesday, Dec. 28 ........................... 7:30-5:00 Wednesday, Dec. 29 .................... 7:30-5:00 Thursday, Dec. 30 ......................... 7:30-5:00 Friday, Dec. 30 ............................... 7:30-5:00 Saturday, Dec. 31 .......................... 8:00-3:00 Sunday, Jan. 1 .................................... CLOSED Monday, Jan. 2 ................................... CLOSED

Season’s Greetings to all our friends and customers!

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W W W . B O W E N I S L A N D U N D E R C U R R E N T. C O M

Teamwork wins the day for soccer club The following are brief updates of Bowen Island Football Club games.

F

or the third week in a row, the BIFC U15 boys played to a draw.

An early own goal put the team behind 1-0, which is where the score sat at the end of the first half. An early second half goal by the Kerrisdale Vipers put them well out front, but a goal by Roderick Watts and a last-minute goal by David Seo provided us with the tie.

As with every game this season, the Bowen side never gave up, and their passion and commitment resulted in the draw. The game was especially challenging as it was played on a sand/gravel field, and needless to say there was a fair bit of Bowen blood left on the field.

The team is now on a welldeserved break until the new year when they will defend their Community Cup title from last year.

The BIFC U-11 Bears played the Lions Gate Thunderbirds at Delbrook Park on a beautiful soccer Saturday. The players rallied from the week before when they struggled to play as a team and to their potential. Although they started a little slowly, allowing their opponents to go up by a goal, they found their pace and started to dictate the play about 10 minutes into the first half and pressured the Thunderbirds, in their half, for the majority of the game.

Early in the second half, the Bears were rewarded for the extended pressure by a beautiful goal by Finn Corrigan-Frost who juggled the ball over the defender then gave it a thump over the net minders head. The Thunderbirds had a limited number of chances due to the great defensive team work of Duncan Beale and Cole

Jennings. The Bears were unfortunate not to score more because they sustained pressure on the home teams goal.

Congratulations to the team for playing as a team and earning a well-deserved tie.

The U-9 Mighty Midgets faced West Vancouver Red Devils for the first time this year on Westcott grass. They came out attacking the ball and working together to try to break down the Devil defence.

Paolo Verlee and Felipe Batista defended tirelessly and passed from the back line to set-up some beautiful attacking soccer.

The game went back and forth with opportunities at both ends of the pitch. Nicholas Walker saved numerous shots and came off his line to stop the Devil attack early to set up the dangerous Midget counterattack.

Despite the back and forth nature of the game it was knotted in a tie at the half.

The Midgets started the second frame with a new determination.

Dallen Jennings took the ball from an outlet pass from Paolo and took on two players in the defensive half then took on two more just passed centre then beat the final defender followed by a great shot to put the Midgets up by one.

The Midgets continued to pressure the Devil defence; their strikers made a couple of nail-biting runs but our goalie and defence came to the rescue again.

With about seven minutes to go the Midgets were attacking forward and were rewarded by a great goal by Connor Harding.

With about one minute Kole Bentley made a brilliant unselfish pass in front of the goal to Wilson Dives who just missed the target. Final score 2-0 for the BIFC Midgets. Congratulation to all the boys, they should be really proud of their high quality team play.

Hope you all have a great holiday season.

Clinic eases the way towards dawn of another Sun Run JOANNA QUARRY CLINIC ORGANIZER

L

ooking for company and expert advice in your build up to the Vancouver Sun

Run? This year will mark the 27th anniversary of the Vancouver Sun Run and you can participate in a fantastic 13-week training program which caters to walkers and runners of all abilities.

The Sun Run clinic starts Saturday, January 15 at 8:30 a.m. at the Bowen Island Community School and runs until April 9. The Sun Run is Sunday, April 17.

The InTraining clinic has been designed to enable any type of walker or runner to gradually increase their fitness and endurance over a thirteen week process so at the end of those weeks you’ll

feel confident in going out and completing a 10km distance.

This is the 10th year the Sun Run clinic will run on Bowen Island which is a very good indication of how well this clinic works and continues to draw on returning leaders, participants as well as inspiring new participants to join in the fun and success.

It is a great way to overcome some of those winter blues and to enjoy the outdoors. You can challenge yourself, get inspired by others, enjoy the camaraderie of fellow walkers and runners and triumph together in your weekly successes.

To register for this popular program make your way to the Recreation office at BICS or phone 604-947-2216 for more details.

Shelby’s anticipation of what she might expect under the Christmas tree next Saturday morning is clearly evident at the Breakfast with Santa event at BICS. Shelley Shannon photo

Left: Luke Morales kept the crowd entertained with his delightful piano playing. He is a student of Elaine Taylor’s.

Above: Amelia Parkin and Elisabeth Pechlaner have fun decorating their cookies with lots and lots of sweetness.

Daniel MacGregor gets ready to try his luck at the reindeer games.

Martha Perkins photos

Ho, ho, ho! Breakfast with Santa is a Christmas treat SHAUNA JENNINGS C O M M U N I T Y R E C R E AT I O N P R O G R A M M E R

S

leigh bells were ringing to announce the arrival of Santa last Saturday at Bowen Island Community Recreation’s annual Breakfast with Santa event. Families welcomed Santa to this joyful holiday tradition with “Here comes Santa Claus” and enjoyed caroling, Christmas crafts, reindeer games and a delicious pancake breakfast.

This successful event is largely made possible by our generous community and we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all those businesses who assisted us with donations this year.

The Snug Cove General Store was very generous with food donations once again this year. Our beautiful tree came from the Ruddy Potato and will now be donated to the Christmas Hamper for a Bowen family to enjoy. We would also like to thank Dorothy Dike for the chafing trays and

Bowen Island Community School for the mugs and coffee urns. North Vancouver businesses who also donated gift cards this year include Save On Foods, Caulfield Safeway, Thrifty Foods and Whole Foods.

Special thanks to Elaine Taylor for once again setting such a festive atmosphere with her piano playing throughout the event, to Brenda Reid and Christine Walker for their pancake flipping efforts in the kitchen, to Katie Brougham and Gracie Faragher for taking on the role of Santa’s elves and to all of our youth volunteers who helped with setting up and tearing down the event, as well as entertaining the children with reindeer games and Christmas crafts. And of course, thank you to Santa himself who took time out of his busy schedule to visit us here on Bowen Island. We couldn’t have created this event without all of your support.

Happy holidays Bowen Island from all of us here at Bowen Island Community Recreation.

W W W . B O W E N I S L A N D U N D E R C U R R E N T. C O M

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On the Calendar DECEMBER 17, 18, 21, 22, 23 Kingbaby Production’s Christmas classic, Mad Mabel’s Christmas: starring Josie Huskisson as Anna, Jackie Minns as Mad Mabel, David Cameron as Dave MacIntrash, Katalina Bernards as the Cat and Tony Dominelli as the street busker. Co-directed by Nina Rhodes. 7:30 p.m. at Tirna-nOg Theatre School. Tickets available at Phoenix. If you bring your tickets to Tuscany restaurant on the day of the performance, you can get a 20 per cent discount on your meal.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17 • Legion Dinner: On hiatus for the holidays. 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, (604) 947-6976.

583 Prometheus Place (Lower Artisan Square.)

• Youth Centre: 6 to 10:30 p.m.

Free food, free movies. Drop in.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18 • Community Choir Christmas Concert: Cates Hill Chapel at 2 and 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are at The Pharmacy and at the door. $12, $10 for seniors/students, $5 for kids 6-12 and free for under 6.

• Youth Centre: 6 to 10:30 p.m.

Free pizza from Tuscany and the Pub. Drop in.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19 • Tir-na-nOg Yuletide Story Feasts: 6:30 p.m. The Snow

Queen & certificate presentations. Celebratory potluck tea to follow. Call to book 604 947 9507 • A Christmas Carol A theatrical reading of Charles Dickens’ Christmas Classic, 7:30 p.m., Collins Hall. Tickets at Phoenix 604 947 2793 • Parent and Tot Drop-In: 9:45-11:15 a.m. in BICS gym.

• Drop-in Meditation Circle Sunday evenings, 7:15 p.m. in the yurt at 903 Windjammer. All levels of experience welcome.

No cost. Call Lisa Shatzky 2246.

• Legion: Open from 4 to 7 p.m. every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Drop by for socializing, pool, darts and shuffleboard.

WED., DECEMBER 22

Every bird on Bowen, including song sparrows, counts on Dec. 28.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 13

• Post Partum Support Group: Meets two evenings a month. A Family Place program. Call (604) 947-6976 • Drop-in knitting group: Every Weds., from 2-5 p.m., in the lounge at Bowen Court. All levels welcome.

Christmas Bird Count citizen science in action

• Celtic Christmas: 7 p.m. at the Little Red Church • SKY: There will be no gatherings of Seniors Keeping Young during the Christmas break.

Regular schedule resumes January 3.

• Family Place: For parents, caregivers and children 0-6 years. Mon., Tues., Thurs.,10-1.

(604) 947-6976. Lower Artisan Square.

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

• Bowen Children’s Centre: Community Daycare, and Bowen Island Preschool. Programs run Mon.-Fri. 604-947-9626.

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

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 21 • Solstice Stories: There will be stories, both told and read, at the Snug. It will be the 3rd year that Allice Bernards and Martin Clarke have lightened the longest night of the year with seasonal tales. Allice will be telling two stories of the Winter Solstice while Martin will be reading Dylan Thomas’ “A Child’s Christmas in Wales”.

Admission is free and the event begins at 7:30 p.m.

• AA Meetings: Open Meetings, 7:15 p.m. Collins Hall/United Church. 604-434-3933.

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

• Weight Watchers: Collins Hall. 6:15-7:15 p.m. New PointsPlus plan – free registration with the purchase of a monthly pass. Info: Angie 604-947-2880.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23 • Youth Centre: 4 to 6 p.m.

Practise with your band or listen to music. Free food.

• Rotary Club: There will be no Rotary Club meetings on December 23 and 30. 7:30-9 p.m. at the Snug Cafe. Visitors welcome.

• Al-Anon: Meetings have been changed to Thursdays at 7:15 at the United Church • Bridge Club: 7 p.m. at Bowen Court.

BIRD’s holiday hours: The Bowen Island Recycling Depot will be closed December 25 and 26 and January 1.

PAM DICER

T

his year’s Christmas Bird Count will be on Tuesday, December 28 and the Bowen Nature Club invites you to take part and help us count. The more pairs of eyes and ears the better.

Bowen is part of the Howe Sound Count Circle, a 15-mile radius taking in other nearby islands, Lions Bay and some of West Van. Our count started in 1988 but the first Christmas Bird Count took place in the United States 111 years ago.

People with all levels of bird expertise are needed. It’s an opportunity to improve your knowledge by going out with someone more experienced. Your participation during any daylight hours you can spare would be welcome OR you can stay home and count the birds at your feeder.

One of the 15 areas into which Bowen is divided is the Pasley Islands - would anyone be interested in taking Brian Biddlecombe up on his kind offer of a boat in order that seabirds around the islands

Genevieve McCorquodale

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wholistic massage & doula service member, Natural Health Practitioners of Canada gift certiÅcates available stillwatersmassage.ca • 604-722-4472

BOWEN ISLAND WELLNESS CENTRE 604-947-9755 CATHERINE SHAW Dr. Traditional Chinese Medicine/Acupuncturist

u MARY MCDONAGH Reg. Massage Therapist Classical Homeopath

u SANDY LOGAN Registered Physiotherapist

Dr. Dana Barton

Naturopathic Physician 596 B. Artisan Square

Dr. Gloria Chao Dr. Peggy Busch

604-947-2957 Natural Family Medicine

Horseshoe Bay • 604-921-8522

Bowen Island Family Physicians

BLOOD TESTS, URINE TESTS OR ECGS

6:45 - 9:00 A.M.

Dr. Susanne Schloegl M.D.

EVERY THURSDAY DR. ZANDY'S OFFICE

Call for an appointment 566 Artisan Lane, Suite 203

Lisa Shatzky

Dr. Utah Zandy 604-947-9830 CALL FOR APPOINTMENT OPEN MONDAY, TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY & FRIDAY

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947-2246

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

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The Bowen Island Undercurrent will be closed from December 24 to December 27.

For deadline details please see page 15.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

can be counted?

Please contact Pam at 9558 or bobandpam@shaw.ca if you would like to take part. We’ll be defrosting at a post-count gathering after 4 p.m.

From December 15 to January 5, tens of thousands of volunteers throughout the Americas take part in an adventure that has become a family tradition among generations.

Families and students, birders and scientists, complete with binoculars, bird guides and checklists go out on this annual mission. The desire to both make a difference and to experience the beauty of nature has driven dedicated people to leave the comfort of a warm house during the winter season.

Each citizen scientist who annually braves snow, wind, or rain, makes an enormous contribution to conservation. Audubon, Cornell Lab of Ornithology and many other organizations use data collected in this longest-running wildlife census to assess the health of bird populations and to help guide conservation action.

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14 ❚

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COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS 16

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124A

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LOGGING CO. looking for owner/operator logging trucks and experienced logging equipment operators for McKenzie area and the Kootenay area. Forward contact info & qualifications to Ben, email: ben@bcland.com or fax 250714-0525

TRADES, TECHNICAL

JOURNEYMAN CNC machinist req’d for ISO 9001:2008 machine shop in Salmon Arm area. Mazak experience an asset (Mills and Lathes).

See www.accessprecision.com

EDUCATION

Optician Training

DATING SERVICE. LongTerm/Short-Term Relationships, FREE CALLS. 1-877-297-9883.

Exchange voice messages, voice mailboxes. 1-888-534-6984. Live adult casual conversations-1on1, 1-866-311-9640, Meet on chatlines. Local Single Ladies. 1-877804-5381. (18+).

74

EMPLOYMENT/EDUCATION

INTERIOR HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR SCHOOL Locations in Alberta & BC. Hands on real world training. Full sized equipment.

Job placement assistance.

Funding Available. www.iheschool.com 1-866-399-3853

Getting a job couldn’t be easier!

W W W . B O W E N I S L A N D U N D E R C U R R E N T. C O M

PERSONAL SERVICES 173E

HEALTH PRODUCTS

ATTENTION DIABETICS with Medicare. Get a FREE Talking Meter and diabetic supplies at NO COST, plus FREE home delivery!

Best of all, this meter eliminates painful finger pricking! Call 888449-1321 Low T? Restore power, performance, and confidence....naturally.

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180

EDUCATION/TUTORING

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

182

FINANCIAL SERVICES

* 12% ROI – Paid Monthly •

Federally Regulated – Audited Annually RRSP, RIFF, RESP, LIRA, etc. Eligible • Backed by the hard asset of Real Estate To find out more contact: Jarome Lochkrin 778-388-9820 or email jarome@dominiongrand.com •

130

HELP WANTED

Christmas Cash!

Up to $20 per Hour!

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Call today, start tomorrow!

Call Bev 604-777-2195 FLAGGERS NEEDED If not certified, training available for a fee. Call 604-575-3944 HEAVY DUTY Mechanics required for busy Coastal logging company on Northern Vancouver Island.

Must have extensive mechanical experience, certification an asset.

Above industry average (wages), plus excellent benefit program. Fax or email resume to: 250-956-4888 or lemare@office.ca.

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

142 OFFICE SUPPORT/CLERKS P/T ACCOUNTS Receivable Clerk for a busy Abbotsford Fire Apparatus Company for a maternity leave position. Candidate must be energetic, enthusiastic with a professional attitude. Skills and experience required in: Microsoft office, computerized accounting program, collection, invoicing, billing, credit applications. Must have exceptional attention to detail, organization and accuracy. Must communicate well both verbally and written. Please forward your resume to info@profire.net or fax to 604-850-2397.

*Historical performance does not guarantee future returns.

AVOID BANKRUPTCY - SAVE UP TO 70% Of Your Debt. One affordable monthly payment, interest free.

For debt restructuring on YOUR terms, not your creditors.

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Steady Income? You may qualify for instant help. Considering Bankruptcy? Call 1-877-220-3328 FREE Consultation Government Approved, BBB Member If you own a home or real estate, ALPINE CREDITS will lend you money: It’s That Simple. Your Credit / Age / Income is NOT an issue.

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PERSONAL SERVICES 188

LEGAL SERVICES

#1 IN PARDONS Remove Your Criminal Record!

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HOME/BUSINESS SERVICES 239

COMPUTER SERVICES

FREE INITIAL Computer checkup.

Hardware, Software repairs. www.terracomputerser vice.com 778-322-1580 (MCP, A+)

257

DRYWALL

FRAMING, INSULATING, drywalling and finishing of any unfinished areas in your home. Fully insured, and licensed. Call Shane: 604-8073076

260

ELECTRICAL

#1167 LIC’D, BONDED. BBB Lge & small jobs. Expert trouble shooter, WCB. Low rates 24/7 604-617-1774 YOUR ELECTRICIAN $29 Service Call Lic #89402 Same day guarn’td We love small jobs! 604-568-1899

320

MOVING & STORAGE

AAA ADVANCE MOVING Experts in all kinds of moving/packing. Excellent Service. Reas. rates!

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338

PLUMBING

10% OFF if you Mention this AD! *Plumbing *Heating *Reno’s *More Lic.gas fitter. Aman: 778-895-2005

PETS 477

PETS

FOX Terrier X orphan puppies, born Sept. 17, black/white spots. $200.

No Sunday calls. 604-796-9995.

GERMAN SHEPHERD PUPS Ho Ho Ho, only 2 boys left! working line $650 604-820-4230, 604-302-7602 GOLDEN LAB, 7/mo male, very loving & beautiful family dog, all shots microchipped. $550. (604)272-1516 JACK RUSSELL PUP. male, tri colored, Vet ✔ , view parents. $500. 604-820-4236 JACK RUSSELL(smaller type) fem, 4/mo, 1st shots, dewormed. Ready for Christmas, $350. 604-854-9711.

MALTESE PUPPIES. 1st shots, vet ✔, health guarnt’d, all white. Can view mother. $600 (604)820-8513 MINI SCHNAUZER pups, 1st shots, dewormed, tails docked vet ✓ $750/ea. Call 604-657-2915.

NEED A GOOD HOME for a good dog or a good dog for a good home?

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POM PUPPIES 2 females, 1 male, white & gold. 7 wks old. $600.obo (604)462-8027 or 604-506-6413 PRESA CANARIO P/B. All black.

Ready to go. Dad 150lbs, Mom 120lbs. $550 obo. 778-552-1525 PRESA PUPPIES, family farm raised. Great temperment. Great guard dog. $600. 604-855-6929.

PUREBRED Doberman puppies, ready for Christmas. 6 girls, 3 boys $900 obo. 604-807-9095.

SHIH TZU puppies born 03/31/10 part trained, $250 1M, 1F, view parents (604)826-6634 / 604-615-5320 YORKIE PUPS. P/B no papers.

Shots, vet checked, females, $650.

Call 604-858-5826 Chwk Yorkshire Terrier pups, CKC reg’d, 1st shots. vet ✓ $1100-$1300.

M/F, Ready to go. 604-793-2063

MERCHANDISE FOR SALE

353 ROOFING & SKYLIGHTS GL ROOFING. Cedar shakes, Asphalt Shingles, Flat roofs BBB, WCB Ins. Clean Gutters $80. 24 hr. emer. serv. 7dys/wk. 604-240-5362

373A TELEPHONE SERVICES A FREE TELEPHONE SERVICE Get Your First Month Free. Bad Credit, Don’t Sweat It. No Deposits.

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374

TREE SERVICES

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

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545

Info: www.treeworksonline.ca

PETS 477

PETS

American Staffordshire Terriers, 3 brindle male, family raised, $300 each. Call (604)703-8198 BERNESE Mountain Dog Pups.

Incredible blood line. Show/pet.

99% house trained. Call 604-7400832 or 604-740-2986.

www.bernerbay.weebly.com CANARIES. Young Red Factor canaries. Males $50. Females, $40.

Call 604-931-6546 CATS GALORE, TLC has for adoption spayed & neutered adult cats. 604-309-5388 / 856-4866 CHIHUAHUA puppy, male, 12 weeks, very tiny, $600. Call (604)794-7347 Chihuahua x’s MinPin or Jack Russell x’s. 8 wks, dewormed, $300 (604)793-1922 suejam99@yahoo.com CKC REG. soft coated Wheaton terrier pups, hypo-allergenic.

Guarnt Vet ✓ $1200. 604-533-8992.

DOBERMAN PUPS CKC reg. heavy boned, solid beauties. Euro breeding. $1200. 604-589-7477.

LOTS

ACREAGE

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633 MOBILE HOMES & PARKS

821 CARS - SPORTS & IMPORTS

Eaglehomes.ca NEW HOME AND LAND in the Shuswap! Doublewides and Singlewides... No Pad Rent! Close to shopping and recreation.

Alice: 250-819-0047 mark@eaglehomes.ca

2002 MAZDA PROTEGE 5. H/back, red, 5/spd manual, fully loaded, 106K, $5700 firm. 604-538-9257.

2010 HONDA ACCORD, 4 dr, auto, 10 km, fac. warr, no accid, 1 owner, $22,600 obo. Call 604-836-5931.

2010 HONDA CIVIC, 4 dr auto, loaded, factory warranty, 13,000 Km, $17,300. Call 604-836-5931.

2010 TOYOTA COROLLA LE, 17 km, auto, no accid, fac. warr, $15,900 obo. Call 604-836-5931.

2011 TOYOTA Camry LE, 7000 kms. auto, factory warranty. No accidents. $23,600. 778-708-4078

636

MORTGAGES

BANK ON US! Mortgages for purchases, renos, debt consolidation, foreclosure. Bank rates. Many alternative lending programs.Let Dave Fitzpatrick, your Mortgage Warrior, simplify the process!1-888-711-8818 dave@mountaincitymortgage.ca

660 LANGLEY/ALDERGROVE

845

SCRAP CAR REMOVAL

AAA SCRAP CAR REMOVAL Minimum $100 cash for full size vehicles, any cond. 604-518-3673

HOMES FOR SALE-SUPER BUYS

www.dannyevans.ca

Homelife Benchmark Realty Corp. Langley

RENTALS 750

SUITES, LOWER

WHITE ROCK - Large 1 BR Exec suite with Awesome Ocean Views.

Stove, fridge, D/W, W/D, F/P, Internet, deck. Available Jan 1. $1350/mon, Utilities extra, N/S.N/P Suit single. 604-541-8991, beanabby@telus.net The Scrapper

TRANSPORTATION 810

AUTO FINANCING

847 SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES 2001 FORD EXPLORER 4 x 4 172k, pw, pdl, Michelin tires, running boards, no accidents, service history $5800 604-328-1883

851

HOMES WANTED WE BUY HOUSES

Older Home? Damaged Home?

Need Repairs? Behind on Payments? Quick CASH! Call Us First! 604.657.9422

TRUCKS & VANS

1966 CHEV DELUXE p/u, V8, 4 sp, blue/wht, all stock, collectors plates, $7,800. 604-796-2866 (Agassiz) 1997 DODGE CARAVAN - 7 passenger, great condition $1800 obo.

604-518-4705.

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READ THIS

615 COMMERCIAL PROPERTY WANTED: successful business with mentor/management contract. I am seeking to purchase a small business in the Lower Mainland with an existing customer base with arrangements to learn your business prior to buying. I prefer something in Agriculture or Construction but am willing to consider other options as well. This may be your opportunity to retire slowly while taking some of your well earned capital out of your business. Please contact me in confidence at: wantad1971@hotmail.ca

627

CARS - DOMESTIC

MISC. FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE 603

818

2000 BUICK REGAL GS, sunroof, leather, chrome rims,Supercharged, 114K, $4900. Call 778-565-1097.

2005 FORD FOCUS station wagon auto, 70,000k’s blue, options, clean car $5000 firm. 604-538-4883 2009 FORD FOCUS SES, silver, 39K. 2L auto, O/D. Loaded, leather. Mint. $13,900. 604-536-5427

BUILDING SALE... “ROCK BOTTOM PRICES!” 25x30 $5449.

30x40 $7850. 32x60 $12,300.

32x80 $17,800. 35x60 $14,200.

40x70 $14,770. 40x100 $24,600.

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630

TRANSPORTATION

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Starting @ just $89/mo. USD. Close to Tucson’s Intl. Airport. For Recorded Message 800-631-8164 Code 4001 or visit www.sunsiteslandrush.com.

Offer ends 11/30/10!

FUEL

BEST FIREWOOD 32nd Season & 37,000 Cust Deliv.

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560

REAL ESTATE

Classifieds get results!

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND OTHERS Re: The Estate of Margaret Linklater Fougberg, deceased, formerly of 508 Collins Road, Bowen Island, British Columbia, V0N 1G0. Creditors and others having claims against the estate of Margatet Linklater Fougberg are hereby notified under section 38 of the Trustee Act that particulars of their claims should be sent to the Executor of the Estate of M.L. Fougberg, c/o North Shore Law, 600 - 171 West Esplanade, North Vancouver, British Columbia, V7M 3J9 on or before January 24th, 2011, after which date the executor will distribute the estate among the parties entitled to it, having regard to the claims of which the executor then has notice.

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No community support, no park continued from PAGE 1 Royle said there are no plans for a cap.

Wolfgang Duntz of Bowen Island Properties is worried that the timeline for a decision is too short for Bowen Island, where things usually take a long time to be resolved. Parks Canada hopes to have a recommendation to the minister by the end of April.

“Aren’t we setting ourselves up to fail with that timeline,” Duntz asked. “Is there any flexibility?”

Royle says Parks Canada will listen to concerns that the process is moving too quickly.

“There is a possibility we won’t hit those dates,” she added, noting that a separate consultation process has just begun with Squamish First Nations. There’s “a lot further to go” with those talks, she said.

Duntz said that if there was time to give people the information they need about a proposed national park, the response might be more favourable. “It may be a different answer if you give the process the time it deserves,” he said. “I would hate to see something be discarded without people understanding. It could fail because it’s rushed.”

Adam Taylor, a fellow member of the new community advisory committee, said that when faced with change, the community’s default reaction will be no.

Earlier in the meeting, Taylor also suggested that a separate community consultation meeting be held about Crippen Park, as well as access to the park and ferry issues.

Royle made it clear that if the community doesn’t support a national park on Bowen, Parks Canada will not be recommending one to the minister of the environment. (The former minister, Jim Prentice, was the one who said he’d like the feasibility assessment done in a short period of time when he announced the project in July.)

Royle said, “Everybody walks if we don’t have community support. We can’t put in a park without public support.”

Ian Henley asked if the new minister of environment was repeating Prentice’s dictate that no federal money was available to buy private lands for a national park.

“There is no commitment by our government for any money to buy private lands,” Royle said.

“We keep going back and asking.”

Stephen Foster, a member of the community advisory committee, said that it’s not uncommon with other national parks to have private lands added afterwards.

By law, Parks Canada cannot expropriate lands for a park. It’s open to having lands donated to the park.

Advisory committee member Barbara Wahler asked about comments that Parks Canada will pay money to the municipality in lieu of lost property taxes. At present, the province, which

58

UNCLASSIFIED

BOWEN ISLAND 1 bdrm carriage house suite, furnished or unfurnished, n/s, n/p, private entrance, off street parking, 5 min drive to the cove or 15 min walk. $850 p/m includes all utilities except telephone.

604-947-2582.

CATES HILL: 1 bdrm, Granite Counters, View, Hardwood floors, Stainless Steel Appliances, Heated bathroom tile, lots of windows. Good, sound insulation. Private Patio. One year lease. $925+utils. Avail Feb 1, 2011. Info/View: 604-377-6200 FOR RENT: 2 BDR apt in Village Square. Avail Jan 1st References req’d. Sorry no pets 947-2944 CLASSIFIED ADS MEAN MORE BUSINESS bcclassified.com

58

UNCLASSIFIED FOR RENT: 3 BDR with flat yard in Millers Landing.

Electric & Propane heat.

Avail. Dec 1st $1450/mos Call Angell & Hasman Realty 604-657-1864

FOR RENT 3 bedroom home, wood stove & electric heat. Long term. $1550/month. On bus route & close to park. Angell Hasman & Assoc. 604-657-1864 FOR RENT: Small suite on main floor of house in Deep Bay. Deck, garden, opening skylight.

10 min. walk from ferry. $600 incl. util.+internet. 604-314-0797

owns the Crown lands, does not pay anything to the municipality for the loss of those revenues.

Royle said, “we do pay them on Crown land. I can’t speak much more on it.”

Committee member Anne Franc de Ferriere said she’d like the committee to meet with First Nations representatives to hear what their interests are. Royle said, “Right now we’re working on separate processes but there’s a hope they’ll come together.”

IPS Q & A Royle was filling in for Parks Canada senior planner Bill Henwood who wasn’t able to make it to the council meeting. Earlier in the week, Henwood answered questions from Island Pacific School students, whose concerns largely mirrored those of the community at large.

He was accompanied Megumi Johns, who outlined why national parks are created and Parks Canada’s role.

“We are the guardians of Canada’s natural, historical and cultural resources,” she said. “We are the story tellers of these places and protect the natural environment so they remain healthy.”

This past summer she went kayaking at the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. They camped overnight and in the morning awoke to discover a pod of whales swimming through the passage. It’s this sort of experience that Parks Canada wants all Canadians to be able to enjoy.

“We want to protect what’s different,” added Henwood, noting that three per cent of Canada is protected as national parks, while the total parkland is 15 per cent.

As to what could happen if the present parkland were to remain Crown land, Henwood said

that the land could remain as it is today or the province could decide to allow logging or sell some of the lands. “There’s always the risk something might happen. A national park guarantees permanence.”

Would the island change if there was a national park? “You wouldn’t see a big physical change; it’s much more subtle,” he said. Some trails might be improved - “in a national park we tend not to like people getting lost” - and there’s the “possibility of some kind of place of learning and staff to reach out to people through nature tours.”

Henwood said that the economic impact assessment is almost completed. He believes it will show that a national park will not attract as many visitors as some people fear.

The assessment is being done by an outside firm and will have lots of sophisticated analysis, he said.

As to the chance that visitors will be rowdy, Henwood said, “we like to think that people who come to national parks don’t come to drink

and party. They come to appreciate nature.”

Camping would likely be “primitive” in the sense that people would have to hike or paddle to campsites.

When it came to concerns about Parks Canada’s rule that all dogs should be on a leash, Johns said that part of the reason is to ensure that sensitive areas don’t get trampled on, animals don’t get chased and birds aren’t disturbed from their nest. Some park visitors may be nervous around dogs.

Henwood said that perhaps some areas where dogs can travel off leash should not be in the park.

Underwater beauty Before Monday’s council meeting, Stephen Foster and Adam Taylor showed underwater video footage of the natural wonders that can be found off Bowen Island’s shores.

The video, which revealed a side of Bowen that not everyone gets to see, was by Chris Harvey Clarke.

Bowen Island Municipality Office Closure Municipal Hall will be closed from 12:00 p.m. on Friday, December 24, 2010 and will re-open at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 4, 2011.

Undercurrent Holiday Deadlines

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY DURING CLOSURE, CONTACT:

Classified Deadlines Dec 24 edition - Dec 21 by 12:30 Dec 31 edition - Dec 28 by 12:30

Police/Fire/Medical Emergency: 9-1-1 Water/Sewer Emergencies: 604-834-6268 Road Emergencies: 604-834-0770 Bylaw Emergency: 604-328-5499 December 31, 2010 is the deadline for paying outstanding property taxes.

Payments dated December 31, 2010 that are in our mail or our drop box by 8:30 a.m. on January 4, 2011 will be accepted as December 31, 2010 payment.

Display Ads Dec 31 edition - Dec 20 by 12:00 noon Look for your December 24 edition on December 23rd and December 31st edition on December 30th.

Happy Holidays!

Mayor Bob Turner, Council and Staff

58

UNCLASSIFIED

FOR RENT: Long-term rental opportunity. 2 bedroom main floor home with private yard.

Brand new appliances; kitchen & bathroom. On bus route, share utilities with lower suite.

Electric heat plus efficient wood burning fireplace insert. $1300/month 947-0768 FOR RENT: Self-contained 1 Bedroom Suite in quiet home. Bright & New. Private entrance. In-suite w/d. No smoking/pets.

Avail. Jan. l $725/mos incl hydro, cable, wireless internet.

947-0507

58

UNCLASSIFIED

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58

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58

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16 ❚

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IN SEARCH OF THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS TREE On Saturday afternoon, Eric Davies and his two children, Elan and Ry, went to the gymnastic club’s sale of Christmas trees. They looked at nearly every tree before they found the right one and loaded it onto their car to take home.

Martha Perkins photos

BCDaily 2 Chances to Win!

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y l e v i s u l c x E

Dear Bowen Island Residents: Your business is very important to me. If you are wanting to test drive a vehicle, call me and I’ll do my best to bring the vehicle to you. Please feel free to call me with any questions or product inquiries that you may have — I can either fax or email information that will help you make an informed buying decision.

FOR BOWEN ISLAND RESIDENTS YOUR CHOICE OF FREE BIKE RACK or KAYAK RACK or BED LINER**WITH NEW VEHICLE PURCHASE

START 2011 WITH

0% 72 APR

FOR UP TO

PURCHASE FINANCING

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2011 FIESTA 5 dr. hatchback, sync, Sport appearance package

$

18,949

*

Stk# 1FI1150

2011 FOCUS 2.0 Litre, 5 speed transmission, air conditioning

14,990

$

*

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$

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on select new 2011 models

AND $0 DOWN PAYMENT

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20,996

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*

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2010 F150 SUPERCAB 4X4 XLT XLT trim, 4.6 Litre V8, power windows and locks, auto 6 speed trans

28,999*

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Stk# 0F0195

0% APR Purchase financing, on new 2011 Edge (excludes Fusion (excluding S), Taurus (excluding SE), Flex (excluding SE), Escape (excluding I4 manual) and Focus (excluding S) for a maximum of (48/60/72) months. On approved credit from Ford Credit. Limited time offers, factory orders may be required, see dealer for complete details. *Includes PDI and freight. Taxes and licence are extra. Unit may not be exactly as shown. Net of all rebates. Financing available on approved credit.

STEVE: 778-389-6711 OFFICE: 604-980-2411

www.camclarkford.com 833 Automall Drive, North Vancouver *Unit may not be exactly as shown, prices net of all rebates, plus all applicable taxes.

Dealer #24977