North Shore News January 22 2016

FRIDAY JANUARY 22 2016

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Trail saboteur avoids house arrest

Tina Kraal gets 3 years' probation, trail ban JANE SEYD jseyd@nsnews.com

A North Vancouver woman who spent over two years getting up at 4 a.m. to deliberately place large obstacles on local mountain biking trails has been handed a suspended sentence – meaning she will be left with a criminal record – and has been banned from all mountain biking and multi-use trails for three years.

Judge John Milne of the North Vancouver provincial court sentenced 65-year-old Tineke (Tina) Kraal Thursday after Kraal pleaded guilty in September to a charge of mischief “that renders property dangerous” for her actions in sabotaging a popular mountain biking trail on Mount Fromme between January 2013 and January 2015.

Milne also ordered Kraal to perform 150 hours of community work service as part of her three-year probation.

In handing down his decision, Milne noted Kraal appeared to lack of insight into the effect her actions had on others, calling that “troubling,” but added he accepted that her apology and remorse for her actions are genuine.

In court Thursday, Crown prosecutor Mark Myhre described how beginning in 2013, Kraal began laying logs and rocks across trails on Mount Fromme during earlymorning hikes with her dogs, typically between 4 a.m. and 6 a.m.

See Trail page 5

Avid mountain bikers Shaun Rivers and Gordon Berg set up infrared cameras similar to ones they hid in trees on Mount Fromme in December 2014 that helped lead to the capture and conviction of a trail vandal. PHOTO MIKE WAKEFIELD

KRAAL CASE: SLEUTHS SHARE STORY OF HOW THEY CAUGHT A TRAIL VANDAL ON CAMERA

Trail users hope for new era of co-operation JANE SEYD jseyd@nsnews.com

The unusual case of a North Vancouver trail saboteur would never have come to light without the equally unorthodox investigation conducted by two citizen sleuths.

Shaun Rivers and Gordon Berg have both spent many years mountain biking the trails on the slopes

Go to nsnews.com for video surveillance of trail vandalism. of Mount Fromme. Like other mountain bikers, they’d noticed an unusual and reoccurring pattern of forest debris appearing on the mountain biking trails.

“You could see that it was physically placed,” said Rivers. “It wasn’t windfall from the trees.”

“Every time I rode down I would clear the trail,” he said. But each time he went out, the debris was back again.

Mountain bikers – concerned the forest objects placed across the trail could end up hurting someone as they hurtled downhill – had begun to openly discuss the problem.

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2016

PAUL SULLIVAN: RUNNING STRONG AND REDEFINING ‘OLD AGE’ 8

CITY COUNCIL

CNV’s cap on public input questioned JUSTIN BEDDALL jbeddall@nsnews.com

There’s a line forming at the sign-up sheet for the public input period at City of North Vancouver council meetings.

Last summer, after contemplating eliminating the input period, council instead tweaked the rules governing the public session, capping the number of speakers allowed at five.

Previously, there was no limit to the number of residents who could register to share their opinions with council.

The new council procedures bylaw does allow for more than five speakers to have their turn at the mic but any extra speakers now require a unanimous vote by council.

Since the introduction of the new rules on June 15 there haven’t been more than five speakers sign up to make submissions to council – that was until the Jan. 11 meeting.

When the sixth speaker approached the table he was informed there wouldn’t be added public input. The motion to hear all speakers on the list was moved by Coun. Don Bell and seconded by Coun. Rod Clark but it didn’t receive unanimous council support.

The sixth speaker on the list, Kerry Morris, who ran for mayor in the last municipal election, said he was “shocked” that he wasn’t allowed his turn.

“In all the years that I’ve gone to council, it has never once declined any speaker even when the speaker is speaking offtopic,” he said. “The topic for my discussion on Monday night was to highlight the fact that my own home property assessment had arrived and I had experienced a massive increase. I come to council as a resident because I have an entitlement to have my opinion heard in a venue where I can speak directly to the people whose votes will affect my life and spend my money.”

This Monday, when the sign-up sheet was put out 30 minutes prior to the start of the council meeting a line quickly formed and 15 speakers signed up.

But only five got a chance to speak because again there wasn’t unanimous support.

Coun. Clark requested a recorded vote and he and Coun.

Pam Bookham voted in favour of added speakers, while Mayor Darrell Mussatto and councillors Holly Back, Linda Buchanan, and Craig Keating voted against it (Coun. Don Bell was absent).

See Districts page 7

CURE FOR THE CUT North Vancouver residents pore over renderings of the proposed redesign of Highway 1’s on-ramps and off-ramps at an open house held Tuesday night at the Holiday Inn and Suites. The Mountain Highway interchange will be the first phase of the highway project, which is aimed at reducing traffic on the Cut. PHOTO CINDY GOODMAN

Car2go gone from Capilano, Norgate BRENT RICHTER brichter@nsnews.com

Three years after expanding to the North Shore, popular car-share provider car2go is scaling back its North Vancouver availability.

The company announced this week, that it would be eliminating the Lower Capilano, Pemberton Heights and Norgate neighbourhoods from its “home area.” Car2go subscribers can pick up and drop off a Smart Car or Mercedes-Benz B Class from most any street, but starting Feb. 1, the area west of Mackay Avenue is off limits. The northern border remains 29th Street.

“We’ve been looking at the number of rentals, the availability of vehicles and the a mount of time cars sit idle. One of the things that stood out the most for this western-most area of North Vancouver was that cars were sitting considerably

longer than they were in the rest of the home area. They were sitting for nine hours on average versus two hours in the rest of Vancouver,” said Justin MacDonald, regional marketing manager for car2go.

MacDonald said the Mackay boundary was picked because Capilano Mall remains a popular pickup and drop-off location.

Richmond’s service was cut entirely in the last week as well.

The western portion of North Vancouver’s loss will be the rest of the region’s gain, however.

“We have to balance the availability of cars for all of our members and the sustainability of our business whenever we explore anything like an expansion or possible retraction. In this instance, we believe that by discontinuing service in this area, we’ll be able to reallocate these vehicles to areas where they’re needed the most so our members will benefit more from greater availability,” MacDonald said.

Principal failed to act on educator kissing student

JANE SEYD jseyd@nsnews.com

A North Vancouver elementary school principal has been reprimanded for failing to act after several school staff told him they’d seen a male education assistant behaving in an inappropriate manner with a 12-year-old autistic boy, including kissing him on the lips.

The information is contained in a decision published by the B.C. Commissioner for Teacher Regulation at the end of December 2015.

According to information in the decision, in the fall of 2014, John William Reid was the principal of a North Vancouver elementary school where an education assistant worked closely with the non-verbal autistic boy.

Between September and November, another staff member saw the education assistant kissing and holding the boy in an inappropriate manner and reported that to Reid.

Three other school employees witnessed similar behaviour.

Two of them saw the education assistant kissing the student on the lips and a third saw him giving the student an “Eskimo kiss.”

All three reported what they’d seen to Reid.

In November, one of those staff members became so concerned about what she’d witnessed, she reported it to the Ministry of Children and Family Development.

Subsequent investigation revealed Reid hadn’t reported concerns about the education assistant’s behaviour to anyone at the school district, Ministry of Children and Families or the police or conducted any formal investigation into the allegations. Instead, Reid had a “brief fireside chat” with the employee.

When school district officials found out about the allegations, the education assistant who had been seen kissing the boy was immediately suspended by schools superintendent John Lewis while the school district conducted an investigation. The RCMP also investigated, said Lewis in an interview, but did not

recommend any charges. The education assistant subsequently resigned from the school district.

Unlike teachers, education assistants are not regulated by an outside professional body where questionable behaviour is flagged and reported. Employees are supposed to own up to past misconduct as part of the hiring process, said Lewis, but he acknowledged it is up to school districts to practice due diligence in checking out prospective employees.

In March of 2015, the school district issued Reid a letter of discipline and suspended him without pay from March 9 to 13, 2015 – during spring break, when schools are closed.

In the agreement with the teacher regulation branch, Reid acknowledged his action constituted professional misconduct and agreed to take a Justice Institute of B.C. course on reinforcing respectful professional boundaries.

Reid was principal at Queen Mary elementary at the time of the incident.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2016

NEWS | A5

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Trail debris placed in early morning hours From page 1

Kraal is an avid hiker, and believed mountain bikers were wrecking the trails, said Myhre. She later told police she placed the obstacles because she wanted to “slow the mountain bikers down” and preserve the trails for hikers. At the time, Kraal told police she didn’t think the Skull Trail – where she placed the obstacles – was designated for use by mountain bikers. Kraal was wrong about Surveillance camera catches a trail vandal in the act. Go to that, he added. nsnews.com to view video. PHOTO SUPPLIED On any given day, Kraal bikers – Shaun Rivers and Gordon Berg – to would place between 10 and 40 logs across set up secret surveillance cameras on the the trails, said Myhre. Some of the logs were trails where the sabotage was happening, said wedged into place, he said, some were raised Myhre. several inches off the trails and some were Those cameras ended up capturing video placed at the bottom of steep drops. of Kraal placing the objects on the trails in the One discovered by mountain bikers was early morning hours. The pair of mountain placed around a corner at the bottom of a drop bikers eventually turned their evidence over with a branch pointed back up the trail. to the North Vancouver RCMP in December of The obstacles made the trails unusable for 2014. Police arrested Kraal as she exited the mountain bikers, said Myhre. trailhead on Jan. 4, 2015.

“The only reasonable conclusion is she Myhre asked the judge to consider a intended to dissuade mountain bikers from conditional sentence with a term of three using that trail either through fear or frustramonths’ house arrest, noting Kraal knew what tion,” he said. she was doing and persisted over an extremely Kraal also showed a careless disregard “for potential harm to members of her own commu- long period of time. Myhre also asked for a three-year term of probation with 240 hours of nity,” said Myhre. “There was a real possibility community work service and a term forbidding of injury,” he said, that “could easily have been her to go on mountain biking trails. catastrophic.”

Kraal’s defence lawyer Martin Peters asked Fear that someone would be injured or mountain bikers would start to seek their own vigilante justice motivated two of the mountain See Trail page 7

Evidence led police to suspect

From page 1

“A lot of people were saying something about it but no one was really doing anything,” said Rivers. “I got fed up. I decided I needed to do my part to help the community.”

Mutual friends put Rivers and Berg in contact. Then the two hatched a plan worthy of Columbo.

To catch the trail vandal, they bought several infrared motion-triggered battery-operated cameras, which they hid near trails where the debris was showing up. The cameras weren’t cheap, said Rivers – they ranged from $150 to $300 each. Each one also took six to 10 batteries – which had to be changed every night.

At first they captured little on their video surveillance – except lots of images of people’s dogs out for a walk. The debris turned up again – on other nearby trails.

The pair bought more cameras and widened their net. They hid cameras up trees, behind ferns and in rotten tree stumps at the side of trails.

For over a month, the two men visited the mountain twice a day with a laptop, pulling out the digital card and downloading images from each camera. About a week into the project – an unusual image showed up – a person in the dark clearly moving objects about on the trails.

The time was even more strange – between 4:30 a.m. and 5 a.m.

The pattern repeated itself on many mornings after that. Rivers and Berg were sure they’d captured an image of the trail vandal, but it still wasn’t clear enough to see who it was – or even if the person was a man or a woman. “I could have been standing next to them at Safeway and not known,” said Rivers.

The thought of waiting in the bushes to catch the vandal themselves never occurred to them. “We weren’t looking to be vigilantes,” said Rivers. Instead, they went to the RCMP with their evidence, then later led officers up the mountain to point out the area where the vandal had been walking out of the trail.

Police were waiting when Kraal exited the trailhead at 5 a.m. on Jan. 4 last year. When he found out who had been arrested, Rivers admits he was surprised.

Despite talk of the “war in the woods” between mountain bikes and hikers, Rivers said he doesn’t see things that way. The vast majority of trail users get along, he said.

Since Kraal’s arrest, there has been no more debris mysteriously placed on the trails. Rivers said he hopes the fact that she was caught will act as a deterrent. “We’re proud of what we accomplished,” he said. “We’re glad we did it in the right way.”

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2016

FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2016

NEWS | A7

north shore news nsnews.com

Districts limit time for public input From page 4 Ivan Leonard was the ninth speaker on Monday’s list.

The Lower Lonsdale resident wanted to make some supportive comments about the new museum planned for the Shipyards.

“Why was I refused an opportunity to read this at the public input period?” he wrote in a note to the North Shore News. “There was no warning this would happen.

This has never happened before.”

During the new items of business portion at the end of the regular meeting, Bookham revisited the topic

of public input.

“This is the second week in a row this has happened and prior to last week, to my knowledge, we have never denied anybody the opportunity to use the public opinion period,” she said.

“I guess I’m asking the four that did not wish to go beyond five (speakers) is that their intention going forward that from now on we will only hear from five speakers?”

Bookham mused that if that was the case they could have “fistfights in the corridor” at the sign-up sheet. “So could I have response from council: is it their intention to limit the public input period

to five speakers only?”

Mussatto said he would not allow that type of questioning. “I will respond on behalf of the bylaw we have in place, which basically says that in order to hear more than five speakers it has to be unanimous.”

Bookham, acknowledging her understanding of the new bylaw, said she was trying to understand “the principles on which those votes took place.

So, whether it’s a case of in order to make our council meetings more efficient…”

Mussatto suggested she could directly contact her fellow council members, “but it’s not something we are going to

discuss at the council table in that fashion.”

“Fine. I’ll do that but I think people -- the public -- might have an interest in whether or not we have a new policy in place,” said Bookham.

The District of North Vancouver allows a 30-minute public input period with speakers being given three minutes to talk on an item of interest. In West Vancouver, attendees may address council on agenda items by signing up on the speakers’ list. At the end of the regular council meetings there is a public questions and comments period that gives people three minutes to address council.

Trail vandal apologizes at sentencing hearing From page 5 the judge for a conditional discharge – meaning Kraal would not have a criminal record – saying Kraal “had no intent to endanger anyone” and has already been shamed by publicity around the case. Peters said her arrest by police in the middle of the night and subsequent questioning by police was very frightening for her.

Comments by angry mountain bikers published

on social media and online forums have also “terrified” Kraal, he said, adding one commentator urged others to “just kill her.”

House arrest isn’t necessary to deter Kraal further, he said. “Mrs. Kraal has already been publicly denounced.”

He said Kraal acknowledges that putting obstacles on the trails was the “most stupid, immature and naïve thing she has ever done.”

“She will never be before

the court again, nor will she ever put a stick across the trail,” he said.

Noting nobody was seriously injured by the obstacles, he added she should be sentenced for what happened, not what could have happened.

Kraal spoke directly to the judge at the end of the sentencing hearing, telling him, “I’m really sorry. I never intended to hurt anyone. I’ll never do it again.”

Following the judge’s decision, Rivers, one of the mountain bikers who took the secret surveillance of Kraal, said he thought the sentence was fit and should provide a solid deterrence for anyone considering similar actions.

Myhre said he was also content with the decision. “A thoughtful intelligent judge imposed the sentence he believed was appropriate.”

Kraal declined to comment on the sentence.

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2016

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Hot on the trail

T

ineke Kraal clearly misjudged the anger she would stoke when she began deliberately and repeatedly laying logs and branches across mountain bike trails on Mount Fromme. It got her name and picture in news stories across the country, and rightly so.

After being secretly filmed in the act by members of the mountain bike community, she pleaded guilty to one criminal charge of mischief rendering property dangerous, useless or inoperative, and she has now been sentenced.

Thankfully, no one was injured as a result of Kraal’s actions although the potential for a life-ending or ruining crash was always there.

As for her punishment, the 150 hours of community service and probation are fair.

But if Kraal is truly sorry for what she did and has publicly acknowledged she was

wrong to put others at risk, that’s good enough for us.

We’re satisfied her days as a trail saboteur are behind her and she’s certainly made an example of herself.

What bothered us the most is the sense of entitlement she had – an apparent belief the trails were hers to police.

Some good can still come from this whole regrettable affair. It’s been a reminder that, despite whatever petty conflicts various user groups may have with each other on the trails, we have a shared responsibility to look out for one another.

It’s on us, the backcountry adventurers of all kinds, to ensure the trails remain a safe and welcoming place of recreation.

If we can’t manage to share the incredible gift of nature at our doorstep, we’re better off at home on the couch, watching the Canucks bumble through another season.

Running strong at 88 and redefining ‘old age’

H

ear that sound? who has ever run for 42 That’s the sound kilometres without stopping of new year’s resolurespects the distance. tions everywhere What’s so great about breaking, snapping, being BJ McHugh is that she’s a ignored. testament to willpower, and It happens every year at a time when so many “will” about this time when resolve give up, BJ’s smiling determigives way to the usual nation “will” keep us on the temptations of greed, sloth, path. gluttony et cetera and we She didn’t start running slump happily and guiltily until she was 50, an age Paul Sullivan back into default mediocrity when too many of us have The North Side for another year. permanently retired to the Fortunately, here on the couch. Since then, she’s run North Shore, we have a role 20 marathons, knocking off model we can all look up to, a titan who holds world records as she gathers birthdays along five world records in the marathon. That the way. she’s an 88-year-old granny just adds to the Sure, the overall marathon world record is legend.

2:02:57, held by Kenyan Dennis Kimetto, but We’re talking about Betty Jean (BJ) those guys train with cheetahs or something.

McHugh; the poster girl for “age is just a num- The important thing about BJ McHugh is that ber.” BJ holds the marathon world records she demonstrates to all of us lesser mortals for the years ‘75, ‘81, ‘82 and ‘85, and on Dec. that we can defy gravity right up to the end.

13, obliterated the 88-year-old world record This is important if like me, you’re part of by 91 minutes and 52 seconds as she ran the a generation that has the word “baby” in it.

Honolulu marathon in six hours, 31 minutes We have a tendency to think the world ended and 32 seconds. in 1971 along with Jim Morrison. At a certain If you don’t think that’s such a big deal, BJ age, we start thinking that our major accomwould probably agree with you. “The record plishments are behind us. That’s when BJ wasn’t that good compared to what I’m used McHugh was just getting started. to running,” she told Runner’s World after the She is an antidote to all those self-declared race. experts who are constantly telling us to knock It’s just faster than anyone else at that age it off before we permanently damage ourhas ever gone for that distance. selves. Instead, we’re supposed to sit still and And speaking of that distance, anyone make ourselves sitting ducks for so-called

North Shore News, founded in 1969 as an independent suburban newspaper and qualified under Schedule 111, Paragraph 111 of the Excise Tax Act, is published each Wednesday, Friday and Sunday by North Shore News a division of LMP Publication Limited Partnership and distributed to every door on the North Shore. Canada Post Canadian Publications Mail Sales Product Agreement No. 40010186. Mailing rates available on request.

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lifestyle diseases like diabetes and high-blood pressure. What kind of style is that?

By the way, self-declared experts: running is not bad for your knees. The American College of Rheumatology studied 2,439 regular runners, 55 per cent female and average age of 65 years old, with an average BMI of 28.5. If you have been a runner you will be less likely to have osteoarthritis. The most frequent runners also had lower BMIs and less knee pain. That new year’s extra weight is probably more of a factor for knee pain than running.

So at 88, BJ has outlived almost all of the naysayers and is still going strong. Facebook features fresh photo evidence of BJ recently discovering snowshoeing on Mount Seymour.

Yet another great thing about BJ is that unlike most legendary icons, she’s a truly local hero. Run on a local trail, and you’re likely to run into BJ and her entourage. Go to the Delbrook gym, and there she is, strength training and smiling. She’s an accessible icon.

Look, it’s not all smiling selfies. BJ McHugh falls – she did a face plant just before the marathon and fell trying to get the hang of snowshoes. But she gets back up again. For those of us who are about to ditch a resolution, that’s a vital lesson.

In fact, that’s the main lesson.

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North Van’s BJ McHugh (pictured here in the 2011 North Shore half marathon) picked up running in her 50s and at 88 years young is still going strong. FILE PHOTO KEVIN HILL

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NEWS | A9

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MAILBOX

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR must include your name, full address and telephone number. Send your letters via e-mail to: editor@nsnews. com. The North Shore News reserves the right to edit any and/or all letters based on length, clarity, legality and content. The News also reserves the right to publish any and/or all letters electronically.

Curb foreign ownership to halt rising house prices Dear Editor: Most Canadians welcome immigrants coming to our country intending to live here, to learn our language and to participate in the life of our country. But we are increasingly concerned about foreign investors who use Vancouver as a safe and stable place to invest their money.

These are often the people who demolish perfectly livable and attractive older houses to build monster homes which are frequently left unoccupied or rented to temporary occupants.

We moved to the North Shore 27 years ago and were immediately delighted by the “small town” feel, the neighbourliness and the sense of community. However, we are sad to see that these qualities are being rapidly eroded by absentee owners who have no interest in contributing to, or living in our area.

Do they send their children to our schools and volunteer there? Do they help out at the yearly Coho Festival in Ambleside?

Do they support local theatre productions?

Do they participate in local government? Do they support our churches ?

The answer, obviously, is no. But they have played such a large part in pushing up house prices to such an unreasonable height that average young Canadians have no hope of ever living here. North Shore residents are increasingly disturbed by the number of house demolitions on almost every street and the many, many for rent signs on recently sold homes to foreigners.

If this wholesale sellout of Vancouver and its

surrounding municipalities continues at its present rate, we can envision a time when our communities will become ghost towns.

Other countries have managed to curb excessive foreign investment in several different ways. Australia limits what foreigners can buy in residential real estate, restricting them to newly built houses or apartments.

Singapore allows foreigners to buy houses there only if they live in Singapore or set up a business. In fact, Singapore, with suitable policies, has successfully arrested the rise in house prices.

Despite petitions, newspaper articles urging restrictions and citizens writing letters, our government at different levels has steadfastly refused to act on this matter. Because of the recent problems in the Chinese economy and the low Canadian dollar, we can easily predict a rush in the next few months by foreigners who want to get their money “parked” somewhere safely.

Their first choice to do this is likely to be here. It is outrageous that Christy Clark’s government supports the real-estate agents and developers who are benefitting from the sales and not the citizens who live here and who will have to pay excessive taxes on their high priced homes. The money flowing into the government’s coffers from foreign investors is another likely reason why politicians refuse to act.

We are deeply saddened by this issue and the resulting negative changes to our beloved North Shore.

Patricia and Bill Marchant West Vancouver

House fire victims humbled by simple act of kindness Dear Editor: My wife and I were babysitting our threeyear-old grandson in Whistler on Monday, Dec. 21 when we received the call from a neighbour. We live in Victoria, our house was on fire. Six Saanich fire trucks and crews arrived and we hit the ferry as soon as we could.

We had tremendous support in Victoria, but today (Wednesday, Dec. 23) was the first time we were allowed in. We donned full rebreathers and protective suits and went in to see for the first time that our collection of life’s trappings were gone. The house stands, but there is really nothing left inside.

We headed back on the ferry to come for Christmas to our daughter and sonin-law’s house in Squamish, to spend this special time with grandchildren and family

and friends.

We decided to stop at The Beachhouse (Restaurant & Lounge at Dundarave Pier) for dinner as we were tired, hungry and needed a break. Our waitress asked how we were and we told her our little story. Dinner and atmosphere were great, but it was time to head on in the dark rainy night and we asked for the bill.

Brittany Firth, the night manager came to our table with a dessert, and then proceeded to humble us with kindness. She had heard about our loss and said The Beachhouse was giving us dinner for Christmas on the house.

It has been a hard few days, but this kindness should be recognized, and we will endeavour to pay it forward.

David and Bren Hilton Victoria, B.C.

Museum brings local history alive Dear Editor: The North Vancouver Museum is fundraising to build a new museum. This letter is to remind all the North Vancouver adults who have visited the North Vancouver museums on school field trips. Do you remember the old PGE Railway Station at Mahon Park? The station was filled to the brim with artifacts from the past. There was an old wood and coal stove with a water heater, big bread bowls, a butter churn and an old telephone, old photographs, a wind-up record player and oil lamps. There were old magazines, school books, wooden

pens with nibs and ink and children’s toys. It was a magical place and, wonder of wonders, we found out that there was no television or indoor plumbing! It was almost impossible to believe.

The museum in the old city hall on Fourth Street was also like taking a step back in time with the logging and ship building exhibits. The past became alive when visiting.

Please support building a new home to keep our collective history alive.

Pat Kotush North Vancouver

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A10 | NEWS

nsnews.com north shore news

FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2016

INQUIRING REPORTER: What do you think of the Presentation House Gallery design?

A new multimillion-dollar waterfront art gallery will become a focal point at the foot of Lonsdale Avenue in 2017. Dignitaries broke ground at the new home of the Presentation House Gallery on Monday, to the delight of art and culture enthusiasts. The design of the future Polygon Gallery features a tiered, perforated metal facade and mirrored surface to reflect light and the surrounding area.

The open concept will feature glass walls and incorporate viewscapes. We asked: What do you think of the gallery design? Weigh in at nsnews.

— Maria Spitale-Leisk com.

Lindsay Grinberg West Vancouver

“It’s very modern. I was worried about the view but I think they figured that part out.”

Christine Van Ziffle North Vancouver

“It’s very neat. Yeah, fabulous.

We want (the gallery) to be visible.”

Emilie Braun Burnaby

“You can still see the water.

With the large open space you can take your time in the gallery.”

WHAT A DIFFERENCE

Theo Makris North Vancouver

“It looks like it’s going to be a reflection nightmare. I feel it’s too bold and out of scale with the area.”

Kelly Beardall East Vancouver

“The open concept is quite neat. With the windows you can see what’s inside and decide if you want to go in.”

LIONS BAY: ‘IT TAKES A VILLAGE’

Sea to Sky residents sponsor family

ROSALIND DUANE rduane@nsnews.com

As Lions Bay resident Alison Dudley recently sat in her car outside a home in Burnaby, she was nervous.

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Early for her meeting, she waited anxiously with the four friends who accompanied her there. All they knew about the man they were about to meet was his name.

Inside the apartment, Adnan (last name withheld to protect the safety of his family overseas) sat nervously as well. He was wearing a Canadian jersey and had put out a spread of fruit and other snacks for his visitors.

When they finally met inside Adnan’s apartment, the two parties immediately established a good rapport, and within five minutes Dudley and her group had decided on the answer Adnan was desperately waiting to hear: yes. They would sponsor his sister’s family to come to Canada.

The ongoing humanitarian crisis that has seen millions of Syrians leave their country for the relative safety of neighbouring regions has played out for months in dreadful detail in media around the world.

But it was the photo of drowned Syrian toddler Alan Kurdi in the summer that spurred many to action, including Dudley and her group of fellow Lions Bay residents.

Informal discussions between friends turned into an organized meeting in the fall that attracted the interest of almost 30 residents of the small community, who all decided they wanted to help

SYRIAN REFUGEE CRISIS Syrian refugees in some way.

Although they made personal donations to relief organizations, the members of the group wanted to do more to aid displaced families and they wanted to have more of a personal connection to the effort. That’s when the idea of sponsoring a refugee family was suggested.

“It was a bit of a leap for everybody in the group,” says Dudley, who works with settlement services at the North Shore Multicultural Society.

As has happened on the North Shore in recent months, it is more common for a church or other established organization to sponsor refugees than it is for a group of private citizens to do so, but Dudley says the process is essentially the same.

The application is a bit more involved, however, as the members of the sponsoring group have to prove they are financially capable of providing support for one year, including housing, food and transportation expenses.

Five Lions Bay residents are officially listed on the application to bring Adnan’s sister and her family to Canada although more are involved in the overall settlement plan, and Dudley says they have received lots of

See Life page 11

FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2016

NEWS | A11

north shore news nsnews.com

Life difficult for sister in refugee camp

From page 10

support and positive feedback from their community.

The federal government sets a financial minimum sponsors must provide for incoming refugees, and although the Lions Bay group are prepared to foot the entire bill, they are hoping to fundraise at least $35,000 for the sponsorship. Dudley notes that’s a “bare bones budget” for a family to live on for one year, so they are also hoping to get donations of clothing and furniture.

Dudley’s work experience with the multicultural society’s settlement services has helped the process so far, and getting to know Adnan and his family also eased the group’s initial jitters about taking on such a commitment. Connecting with Adnan through MOSAIC, a Lower Mainland non-profit settlement organization, the Lions Bay group learned more about his family’s story when they met him in person.

Dudley says the fact that Adnan’s sister has three children under the age of three resonated with many of the parents in the group and was one of the reasons they chose her family to sponsor

from a list of waiting refugees MOSAIC provided.

Adnan moved to Canada nine years ago before the war in Syria began and settled in Burnaby where he now lives with his wife and two children. The war in his home country forced the rest of his family to splinter, with his three siblings fleeing to different regions. His parents are still in Syria, in an area Adnan says has limited electricity

and water, and experiences regular shootings and bombings. His sister fled with her family to Iraq last year when ISIS advanced on their city.

One brother is in Germany now, and Adnan was able to bring his other brother to Burnaby this month with the help of a Lower Mainland church. That process took a year and a half. The new Liberal government’s push to bring more Syrian refugees

to Canada in recent months has helped speed up Adnan’s sister’s resettlement process, and both he and Dudley say they are optimistic the application will be approved and the siblings will soon be reunited. Although Dudley notes it is early in the process yet.

“It’s really scary. It’s really terrifying to see these people.

I know how they live on (a) daily basis. It’s horrific,”

Adnan says of watching the crisis in Syria unfold and knowing his family is in the middle of it. His sister and her family are now in a refugee camp where daily living is difficult.

“Living in a place where you don’t have opportunities for a job or can’t go to school it’s really hard,” he says. “I would like them to be in a safe place where their children can grow up and go to school and be a good participant in society.”

Adnan extends his gratitude to all the churches that have sponsored refugees, and to the Lions Bay residents sponsoring his family members.

“That’s really generous,” he says of the group’s efforts.

“This is the way Canadians help the community and help each other.”

To find out how you can help the Lions Bay residents’ sponsorship drive, visit the website at ittakesavillagelionsbay.causevox.com.

Kim Taylor, Meighan Jury, Alison Dudley and Noelene Searle are among a group of Lions Bay residents sponsoring a Syrian refugee family related to Adnan (centre). PHOTO MIKE WAKEFIELD

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A12 | COMMUNITY

nsnews.com north shore news

FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2016

BRIGHTLIGHTS! by Paul McGrath Art Rental Show The North Vancouver Community Arts Council held an opening reception for its annual Art Rental Show on the evening of Jan. 7 at the CityScape Community Art Space. The event also celebrated the fifth year of the Art Rental Salon and CityScape’s 15th year of serving the North Shore arts community. City of North Vancouver Mayor Darrell Mussatto was on hand for the occasion, along with Louise McLay, North Vancouver Community Arts Council’s board chairwoman. This year’s show includes more than 500 pieces of original artwork created by approximately 100 local artists and this year there were more than 150 new works added to the collection. Those in attendance enjoyed the jazz stylings of The Recent Future Trio while being treated to appetizers, refreshments and a piece of celebratory cake. The Art Rental Show runs until Jan. 30 at the gallery, located at 335 Lonsdale Ave., in North Vancouver. nvartscouncil.ca

Volunteer Laura Wallace

Tony Max and exhibiting artist Catherine Fields

Featured artists Sally Clark and Fran Alexander greet gallerygoers at the reception.

Exhibiting artist Susanne Kestner-Aiello and Elahe Nour Bakhsh

Exhibiting artists Reyhaneh Bakhtiari and daughter Afra Jashnivand

Exhibiting artists Frank Catala and Casey Fawsitt

North Vancouver Community Arts Council executive director Linda Feil with Monica and Barry Shelton

Please direct requests for event coverage to: emcphee@nsnews.com. For more Bright Lights photos, go to: nsnews.com/community/bright-lights

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pulse

| A13

north shore news nsnews.com

Your North Shore Guide to arts & culture

SONGS OF THE WASTELAND 15 l MONUMENTAL 18 l BRIAN MARKINSON 24 l PORTLAND 32 l PARKSVILLE UNCORKED 34

The Vashaan Ensemble (including setar player Ali Razmi, pictured above) launch their new album, Dolate Eshgh - Reign of Love, Saturday night at Centennial Theatre. PHOTO CINDY GOODMAN

Vashaan Ensemble explores universal themes

Into the mystic

! Vashaan Ensemble and Davod Azad: An evening of Persian Sufi music and dance, presented by Caravan World Rhythms, Saturday, Jan. 23 at 8 p.m., at North Vancouver’s Centennial Theatre. Tickets: $30/$35/$50 (centennialtheatre.com).

ERIN MCPHEE emcphee@nsnews.com

For the theme of their new album, the members of the Vashaan Persian Music Ensemble chose love, something that’s universal and they hoped would speak to all audience members, regardless of their cultural background.

The record, Dolate Eshgh - Reign of Love, features the poetry of Rumi, a widely popular 13th century Persian poet.

“There’s so many things that are parallel and relevant to what we are witnessing today that happened in his life. . . . His whole life he was fleeing and he was in such a chaotic state where the world’s at war. Despite all that he becomes known as an

ambassador of love,” says ensemble member Hamin Honari.

“I think that still has a lot of meaning to anyone, regardless of culture or where they’re from. We’re just trying to share that with not just a Persian audience, but everyone,” he adds.

The Vashaan Ensemble is set to mark the release of Dolate Eshgh - Reign of Love, tomorrow night, at North Vancouver’s Centennial Theatre at a special concert presented by Caravan World Rhythms. The performance will also feature internationally renowned Sufi singer Davod Azad, from Iran, and whirling dancers Raqib Burke and Lindsey Ridgway.

Honari, an East Vancouver resident, says having Azad join them for the show was a “big coincidence.” The day after Centennial was booked, the ensemble heard Azad was scheduled to be in town on the same weekend. Longtime fans of the artist, “we thought it would be great if he could join us and we’re honoured that he is,” he says.

Preparations for the performance have been going well. “We just started rehearsing a few nights ago with him and it’s so

exciting. After every rehearsal, it’s almost like you feel pumped up. It’s energizing,” says Honari.

The Vashaan Ensemble was formed in 2011, bringing together a group of musicians who had worked together on different projects in the past, this time for an initiative that focused on Southeastern Iran, (Baluchistan and Southern Khorasan).

“The rehearsals, they turned out to be a lot of fun and the music was good too. It’s hard to find a group of people that you enjoy working with all the time. It’s really easy to play music with these people. I think that’s why we’ve just continued. We always look for different projects, different things that we want to do.

Everyone has different backgrounds musically, and not just musically, but people come from different parts of the country, they have different educations in music, they have different styles that they play. We just exchange and learn from each other,” says Honari.

See Honari page 16

A14 | PULSE ENTERTAINMENT

nsnews.com north shore news FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2016

ARTSCALENDAR

THIS WEEK Performance

Email information for your North Shore event to listings@nsnews.com

PUSH FESTIVAL Vancouver’s annual PuSh International Performing Arts Festival continues this week. The festival showcases international, Canadian and local artists with this weekend’s highlights including the Eye of Newt Ensemble performing a live soundtrack with a screening of Jodorowsky’s El Topo at the Fox Cabaret tonight, minimalist legend Harold Budd at the Fox tomorrow night and Compagnie Sacekripa at Performance Works through Jan. 24. For a complete schedule of all upcoming events visit pushfestival.ca.

Film

LATIN SOUL Locarno, the Latin project of Juno-winning musician Tom Landa (The Paperboys), performs its blend of Mexican folk, Cuban son and Latin soul at West Vancouver Memorial Library on Friday, Jan. 29 at 7:30 p.m., as part of the free Friday Night Concert series. For more information, visit or call the Information Desk at 604-925-7403 or go to westvanlibrary.ca. PHOTO SUPPLIED

THE IMAGE BEFORE US: A HISTORY OF FILM IN BRITISH COLUMBIA - TAKE 2 Pacific Cinémathèque celebrates the innovative, iconoclastic cinematic heritage of British Columbia in a series of screenings curated by Harry Killas, assistant dean, Dynamic Media, at Emily Carr University of Art + Design. “The Image Before Us” is a multi-year series of screenings presenting histories of film in British Columbia, inspired

by The Image Before Us, written and directed by poet, scholar, and filmmaker Colin Browne in 1986. In that documentary essay film, Browne investigates and gently critiques the images of Vancouver that have been presented to us in many historic motion pictures, primarily newsreels and travelogues, produced in and about B.C. Gwen Haworth’s She’s A Boy I Knew (2007) and Peg Campbell’s Your Mother Should Know (2008) screen Monday, Jan. 25 at 7 p.m. with the filmmakers in attendance.

For more information on the series go to thecinematheque.ca.

See more page 22

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MUSIC | A15

north shore news nsnews.com

Holocaust work marks special date Ensemble performing Songs of the Wasteland

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! Renia Perel’s Songs of the Wasteland, Tuesday, Jan. 26, 7:30 p.m. at Koerner Recital Hall at the Vancouver Academy of Music, 1270 Chestnut St., Vancouver. Tickets: $10/$5 at vam.eventbrite.ca.

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On Jan. 27 each year, the United Nations marks the anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp with a special day of recognition.

This year, on the eve of the UN’s International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust, a group of local musicians are coming together to perform a work that pays tribute to the past and promotes healing in the present.

Written by Holocaust survivor Renia Perel, Songs of the Wasteland tells her personal story of tragedy and triumph. Born in Poland in 1930, Perel and her older sister were able to live through the Second World War using false papers that identified them as nonJewish Ukrainian labourers.

Now a Vancouver resident, she composed her musical drama in memory of her family and the millions of Jewish people who were killed in Europe under the Nazi regime.

Songs of the Wasteland made its world premiere in 2010 at the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts.

Next week’s concert, the second live performance of Perel’s piece, brings together Vancouver Academy of Music faculty members Joseph Elworthy (cello), Robyn Driedger-Klassen (soprano) and Mark Ferris (violin), along with noted Vancouver musicians Francois Houle (clarinet), Lani Krantz (harp), Kozue Matsumoto (koto) and former West Vancouver resident Mark Fenster (baritone).

As the son of two Holocaust survivors, Fenster says performing Songs of the Wasteland has special meaning for him.

“My dad was separated from the family and he was carted off to a work camp,” he explains. The commandant at that camp received orders to have those 150

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Songs of the Wasteland echoes fragments of Jewish tradition, language and culture in Europe before the Holocaust.

The performance will be brought to life by an ensemble made up of VAM faculty members and guest musicians including Robyn Driedger-Klassen (soprano), Joseph Elworthy (cello), Mark Ferris (violin), Francois Houle (clarinet) and Mark Fenster (baritone). PHOTO SUPPLIED LYNDSAY ELLIOTT prisoners taken to Auschwitz for extermination, Fenster continues. “Knowing that, this commandant, this SS officer went with the prisoners and pleaded with the commandant at Auschwitz to save these prisoners because they were good workers – and it worked. The 150 people were saved that day.”

Instead of Auschwitz, Fenster’s father ended up in Buchenwald concentration camp where he was liberated after D-Day. Meanwhile, his mother, born in Luxemburg, was smuggled out of a Nazi holding camp as a child and taken to the south of France where she was raised by a French Catholic family as one of their own.

“We still consider them family, even though there’s no blood,” Fenster says.

“They were incredibly courageous, taking a chance for their own safety just to save this stranger of a little girl, who was two at the time.”

Though the music and lyrics in Songs of the Wasteland reflect the sorrow and pain of the Holocaust, Fenster says the composition also conveys feelings of hope and gratitude in honour of all those who risked their welfare for the Jewish people.

“There were lots of

See Fathers page 35

GET READY FOR GRADES 9-12 West Vancouver Schools has an established reputation for excellence and an exceptional post-secondary transition rate. We are pleased to invite parents of current grades 8-11 students to attend Information Sessions taking place this month at our three innovative secondary schools.

Join us to learn about unique school and cross-district options, explore the grades 9-12 curriculum and review extra-curricular opportunities.

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WEST VANCOUVER SECONDARY Tuesday, January 26 7:00 - 8:00 pm Kay Meek Theatre 1700 Mathers Avenue West Vancouver ROCKRIDGE SECONDARY Wednesday, January 27 6:30 - 7:30 pm 5350 Headland Drive West Vancouver SENTINEL SECONDARY Wednesday, January 27 7:00 - 8:00 pm 1250 Chartwell Drive West Vancouver

A16 | MUSIC

nsnews.com north shore news FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2016

Honari family steeped in Persian tradition From page 13

Joining Honari in the group are his father, Reza (kamanche), and mother, Fathieh (vocals), along with family friends Ali Razmi (tar/setar), and couple Saina Khaledi (santour) and Ali Sajjadi (oud/ barbat).

Honari plays percussion with the group, specifically two traditional Persian hand drums, the tombak and daf, both of which he offers instruction on at North Vancouver’s Nava Art Centre.

He also serves as artistic director of Vancouver’s Big World Band, currently on hiatus but planning to be back up and running soon.

Honari was exposed to music at an early age, the result of a musical family which stems back to his grandfather on his father’s side.

“His last name, Honari, actually means ‘artistic,’ or ‘someone who follows the arts,’” he says.

Honari’s grandfather sang and played the violin, and his grandmother was also a vocalist and played hand drums. His father followed in their footsteps and he and his brother, Hidayat, did as well after their family moved to Canada when Honari was one-years-old, emigrating from the remote province of Baluchistan, Iran.

“We came as refugees in 1985,” he says.

Both Honari and his brother gravitated towards music. While Hidayat plays traditional Persian instruments as well, after studying

The Vashaan Ensemble and dancers (Saina Khaledi, Reza Honari, Hamin Honari, Raqib Burke, Lindsey Ridgway, Ali Razmi, Ali Sajjadi and Fatheih Honari) perform an evening of Sufi-inspired Iranian music Saturday night. PHOTO CINDY GOODMAN jazz at Capilano University, he’s currently on tour with Broadway musical IF/THEN, featuring Idina Menzel.

Honari is looking forward to this weekend’s performance.

“I’m always thankful because the North Shore has always been so supportive of our music. A lot of our concerts happen there and I’m glad that people are still going out and seeing concerts. . . .

It’s a great place to work and to play this music,” he says.

Honari is also grateful for the opportunity to work with Caravan World Rhythms once again. In fact their current album project grew out of their last collaboration, a 2013 Sufi music and dance concert at the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts.

“A few years ago Robert Benaroya, who works for Caravan, he did a concert and it was supposed to be based on Sufi music and it was the Sufi music of both Turkey and Iran. We were part of this big

concert and wrote a bunch of songs . . . and after writing the music we thought, ‘Well, this is a pretty good start.’

So we decided to continue in that direction and spent over a year writing new music, arranging music (and) recording,” he says.

Caravan is impressive in its efforts to provide continuous live local cultural entertainment featuring artists representing a diverse range of cultures and backgrounds from Canada and around the

West Vancouver Baptist Church Course Schedules

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Living Single Again Saturday, January 30 & February 13, 20 & 27 from 10am to 12:30pm $25.00 includes a workbook A program for singles of all ages (divorced, widowed and single by choice).

This 4-week program is for emotionally healthy single adults and is based on Scripture and various Christianity-authored books and workshops. This is a great study for those who have been divorced, widowed or have never married. Topics include: holding relationships together; why relationships fall apart; and how to ‘super-glue’ your next serious relationship. Register online or phone the church office Love and Respect Saturday, February 6 & 13 from 9am until 12pm Registration $30 per couple which includes the book. This is a video series This two day course will provide resources to the married, divorced, separated, dating and single. Men and women will learn how to resolve conflict, dealing with the negative reactions. We will learn how to motivate each other by meeting each other’s need. Even those who feel hopeless in their relationships will gain understanding on how to handle an indifferent or unresponsive partner. Register online or phone the church office

February 12,13,14,2016 Vancouver Convention Centre,East Building Exhibit Hall B & C

Exhibits,Seminars,Cooking Demos,Prizes & New Features

www.t he well ne sss how.com event information 604.983.2794

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DivorceCare Every Tuesday evening at 7pm starting on February 16 - April 26 Registration $35.00 DivorceCare is a 11 session series conducted by people who understand what you are experiencing. You will become part of a small support group. Each weekly session is based on three components, a video, group discussion and workbook exercises. Sorry No childcare provided. Register online or phone the church office

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world, says Honari.

“The fact that you can have music and there’s people out there that are bringing music from all over the world to this spot, here, kind of allows you to travel without actually leaving home,” he says.

“It’s great that these things are being presented and people are spending time to promote such things. It makes the city more lively and I think it makes it more interesting,” he adds.

After Saturday’s album

Hamin Honari’s grandfather sang and played the violin, and his grandmother was also a vocalist and played hand drums.

His father followed in their footsteps ... the family moved to Canada when Hamin was one-years-old, emigrating from the remote province of Baluchistan, Iran.

release event, the members of the Vashaan Ensemble plan to split off to pursue different initiatives before reuniting for their next project.

For example, Honari and Razmi are set to perform March 22-26 at Neworld Theatre’s Doost (Friend), a story about heritage, compassion and community, presented by The Cultch in Vancouver.

Dolate Eshgh - Reign of Love will be available on iTunes next month.

North Vancouver Community Arts Council presents

North Shore International

FILM SERIES

“MY INTERNSHIP IN CANADA” WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27 | 7 PM

Park and Tilford Cineplex 333 Brooksbank Ave, N.Van

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2016

MUSIC | A17

north shore news nsnews.com

Ali Sajjadi studied barbat and oud with master musicians Hossein Behroozinia and Arsalan Kamkar. PHOTOS CINDY GOODMAN

Vashaan Ensemble members Reza Honari (on the kamanche, in foreground) and Saina Khaledi (on the santour) rehearse for their performance at Centennial Theatre.

Hamin Honari (tombak, daf and percussion) grew up in a musical family where he was exposed to traditional Persian Music at an early age.

North Shore Schizophrenia Society

PUBLIC EDUCATION LECTURE SERIES ‘A Forensic Psychiatric Nurse’s Perspective’ Carol Hobbs, Registered Psychiatric Nurse

Wednesday, January 27, 7:30 p.m.

HOpe Centre Atrium, 1337 St. Andrews St.

Carol will discuss the complexities of her work at the Forensic Psychiatric Hospital (Colony Farm), what B.C. provides for patients with a mental illness in the forensic system, and the challenges with public perception.

Free to attend, no registration required.

For information, call 604-926-0856 or email info@northshoreschizophrenia.org

A18 | SPECTACLE

nsnews.com north shore news FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2016

HOLY BODY TATTOO AND GODSPEED YOU! BLACK EMPEROR JOIN FORCES ON MONUMENTAL

Company brings band in for epic show Revived production returns to PuSh fest

! monumental, Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Jan. 28, 8 p.m. Tickets from $45; PuShFestival.ca. The PuSh Festival runs until Feb. 7 at various venues around Vancouver.

KELSEY KLASSEN Contributing writer

Having Godspeed You! Black Emperor perform live as your soundtrack doesn’t happen overnight. Especially when you’re a small, defunct cult dance company from Vancouver, looking to bring back a work (the 2005 hit show monumental) that hasn’t been performed in 10 years.

In fact, it is a process that began in 2005, the moment the Holy Body Tattoo broke up.

You see, music by Godspeed You! Black Emperor formed the score for monumental the first time, but in the form of tracks. As time passed and talk got more serious about resurrecting the show, HBT founders Noam Gagnon and Dana Gingras felt a remounting would only really be worthwhile if the elusive Canadian post-rock band signed on to perform, too.

It took about five years after their final performance, however, for the reputation of HBT to reach the heights necessary to be able to

In monumental nine dancers stand on white plinths, jerking and flailing to the elegiac Godspeed You! Black Emperor like a stressed out, societal stopmotion animation, until the whole artifice begins to fall apart. PHOTO SUPPLIED CHRIS RANDLE interest a band like Godspeed You! Black Emperor.

It took even longer for Godspeed You! Black Emperor, which was two years into its own indefinite hiatus when HBT dissolved, to get back together themselves and start touring again. Then it took a further four years for Gagnon and Gingras, who were simultaneously enjoying their own solo careers while liaising with

the necessary producers and managers, to actually negotiate and coordinate a tour.

Did we mention they have been managing the return of monumental, HBT’s largest work ever, from opposite sides of the country?

The legend begins again with this year’s PuSh International Performing Arts Festival, but it started in a studio in East Vancouver.

Gagnon and Gringas first

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met while performing with Vancouver’s influential EDAM (Experimental Dance and Music) scene in the ‘80s. By the early ‘90s, the dancers were bringing a fearless punk sensibility to their new company – earning the Holy Body Tattoo a reputation for “balletic yet brutal” choreography that functioned as a commentary on modern culture.

“For me the whole Holy Body Tattoo (thing) was pretty punk rock, and that’s what I came from,” says Gringas, speaking by phone from Montreal, where her company, Animals of Distinction, is overseeing monumental. “It was trying to harness that energy and sense of rebellion and just, you know, spirit of pushing boundaries.

“I’m just really grateful I had something physical to put all of that energy into!”

Gringas adds with a laugh.

In a few short years, the company had collected awards and accolades, as well as international acclaim, and left an indelible mark on Canadian dance (which only grew more apparent in their absence). monumental, however – having been built out of concepts from earlier works such as White Riot and Our Brief Eternity – could be considered HBT’s opus.

We push it to a place where you realize everyone, no matter what, is equal. And it really speaks to how far we are willing to go, and when we go that far, what is the cost, and what do you have left?”

— Human Body Tattoo’s Noam Gagnon

In the piece, nine dancers stand on white plinths, jerking and flailing to the elegiac Godspeed You! Black Emperor score (spliced together at the time from tracks from the band’s first major release, F# A#$∞, with the help of former band member Roger Tellier-Craig) like a stressed out, societal stop-motion animation, until the whole artifice begins to fall apart.

“The work really is about pushing the performance language, to create a sense of humanity through effort, through extreme repetitiveness,” explains Gagnon, speaking by phone from the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts in Burnaby. “Exposing a sense of humility,” he adds.

“We push it to a place where really, you realize everyone, no matter what, is equal. And it really speaks to how far we are willing to go, and when we go that far, what is the cost, and what do you have

left?”

Critics raved, but by the end of the show’s run in 2005, Gagnon admits it was time for a change.

“After monumental, we both felt we needed to go back into our own sphere of work and really deepen other avenues of our psyche, artistry, and try to develop other aspects,” he explains.

“And we had different needs – we needed time to regather, re-explore, redefine in order to be able to get us, interestingly enough, into the same room again, realizing that we had something more to offer.”

More to offer, indeed.

As urban culture continues to grapple with loneliness, stress, poverty, mental illness, inequality, individuality and desire – not to mention the veritable resurgence of all things ‘90s – the piece has possibly even grown in

See Soundtrack page 20

FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2016

| A19

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nsnews.com north shore news FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2016

Soundtrack reworked for live performance From page 20

The Holy Body Tattoo performs its 2005 piece monumental at the PuSh Festival, this time accompanied by post-rock giants Godspeed You! Black Emperor. PHOTO SUPPLIED CHRIS RANDLE

relevance.

“The work really speaks about the physical anxiety of our urban culture, and universal themes such as conformity, non-conformity.

You know, trying to find a voice in what we want,” explains Gagnon. “Even though our external world may have technologically advanced, we internally are still struggling with a very similar, if not worse, barrage of information.”

Gagnon adds that he and Gringas had always hoped for a second life for the piece, but that it took the support of people like David Sefton, one of the original presenters of monumental, and producer Sarah Rogers, to bring the band and the dance company together.

“In the last five years those two have been working incessantly to be able to create a reopening of the work,” says Gagnon. “And also, in order to work with a band that has an international career like this, we needed to have a tour organized before the show opened.”

Even though our external world may have technologically advanced, we internally are still struggling with a very similar, if not worse, barrage of information.”

— Human Body Tattoo’s Noam Gagnon

So, a tour they’ve delivered. In addition to its launch at Vancouver’s Queen Elizabeth Theatre this month, monumental will also be at Quebec City’s Grand Théâtre de Québec in April, as well as at international stops like the Adelaide Festival in Australia.

Most excitingly, monumental’s entirely new troupe of dancers (including Vancouver’s own Shay Kuebler), will be joined onstage by the eight-piece instrumental band for the first time.

For fans of the original, the choreography hasn’t changed, but the soundtrack has had to be reworked to remove some outside music and accommodate live performance, as well as incorporate some of Godspeed You! Black

Emperor’s newer tracks into the show.

“It’s pretty epic,” says Gringas of the music, appreciatively. “They’ve never done anything like this before. They’ve done, I think, scores for films and stuff before, but never with another element of live dance. I think it’s completely foreign and strange and weird territory for them,” she laughs. “But I have to say it’s been thrilling to have everyone in the room and hear that music live and see this new cast of dancers just fully, very passionately dive into the choreography.”

Some might even call it monumental, but that would be an understatement.

— Kelsey Klassen writes for our sister paper the Westender.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2016

| A21

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nsnews.com north shore news FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2016

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February 11 @ 8 pm

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ST. JAMES HALL

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February 16 @ 8 pm

An uplifting story of growing up and growing old

Tickets: 604.990.7810 Online: capilanou.ca/centre

CAPILANO UNIVERSITY 2055 PURCELL WAY, NORTH VANCOUVER

POETRY IN BRONZE Terrence Turner’s new documentary, Parviz Tanavoli: Poetry in Bronze, screens Thursday, Jan. 28 at 6:30 p.m. at Kay Meek Centre. Tickets $25/$15. For more information visit poetryinbronze.com. PHOTO SUPPLIED

ARTSCALENDAR

Email information for your North Shore event to listings@nsnews.com

Galleries CAROUN ART GALLERY 1403 Bewicke Ave., North Vancouver. Tuesday to Saturday, noon to 8 p.m. 778-372-0765 caroun.net Painting Exhibition: Drawings and paintings by Torang Rahimi will be on display until Jan. 28.

Drawing Exhibition: Works by Faranak Mohebbi will be on display from Feb. 2 to 13.

CITY ATRIUM GALLERY 141 West 14th St., North Vancouver. Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

604-988-6844 nvartscouncil.ca Information + Impression: The North Vancouver Community Arts Council will present an exhibition of works created entirely out of newspaper by Connie Sabo until April 11.

CITYSCAPE COMMUNITY ART SPACE 335 Lonsdale Ave., North Vancouver. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday, noon-5 p.m. 604-988-6844 nvartscouncil.ca Art Rental Show: Rent or buy artwork right off the gallery walls at this semi-annual salon-style exhibition with over 500 pieces of original artwork created by over 100 local artists until Jan. 30.

The Gift Box: Buy local from two display cases dedicated to local artisans who specialize in high quality, hand-crafted and unique gift items.

Art Rental Salon: An ongoing art rental programme with a variety

of original artwork available ranging from $10 to $40 per month.

FERRY BUILDING GALLERY 1414 Argyle Ave., West Vancouver. Tuesday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., closed Mondays. 604-925-7290 ferrybuildinggallery.com Wit & Whimsy: A mixed media exhibition with Sharon Greig, Lisa Klepak, Saul Miller and Isabelle Procter will run until Jan. 31.

Love in any Language: A juried mixed media exhibition in honour of Valentine’s Day will run from Feb. 2 to 21. Opening reception: Feb. 2, 6-8 p.m. Meet the artists: Saturday, Feb. 6, 2-3 p.m.

GORDON SMITH GALLERY OF CANADIAN ART 2121 Lonsdale Ave., North Vancouver. Wednesday-Friday, noon to 5 p.m. and Saturday, 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Adult admission by donation/ children free. 604-998-8563 info@smithfoundation.ca At What Cost? An exhibition guest curated by Hilary Letwin that explores the theme of environment, and its impact on Canadian artists will run until April 16.

KAY MEEK CENTRE 1700 Mathers Ave., West Vancouver. 604-981-6335 kaymeekcentre. com Abstract Art Exhibit: Paintings by Marlise Witschi will be on display until Feb. 5.

PRESENTATION HOUSE GALLERY

See more page 30

CINEMA SHOWTIMES LANDMARK CINEMAS 6 ESPLANADE 200 West Esplanade, North Vancouver, 604-983-2762 Carol (PG) — Fri, Mon-Thur 9:50; Sat-Sun 3:40, 9:50 p.m.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens (PG) — Fri, Mon-Thurs 7; Sat-Sun 3:15, 7 p.m.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens 3D (PG) — Fri, Mon-Thur 9:30, 10; Sat-Sun noon, 9:30, 10 p.m.

The Big Short (14A) — Fri, Mon-Thur 6:30, 9:40; Sat-Sun 11:45 a.m., 3, 6:30, 9:40 p.m.

The Danish Girl (PG) — Fri, Mon-Thur 7:05; Sat-Sun 12:20, 7:05 p.m.

Norm of the North (G) — Fri, Mon-Thur 6:35; Sat-Sun 12:45, 3:50, 6:35 p.m.

13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi (14A) — Fri, Mon-Thur 6:45, 9:55; Sat-Sun 11:30 a.m., 3:30, 6:45, 9:55 p.m.

Dirty Grandpa (14A) — Fri, Mon-Thur 7:30, 10:15; Sat-Sun 12:30, 4, 7:30, 10:15 p.m.

PARK & TILFORD 333 Brooksbank Ave., North Vancouver, 604-985-3911 The Revenant (14A) — Fri 6:40, 10:15; Sat-Sun 11:30 a.m., 3:05, 6:40, 10:15; Mon, Wed-Thur 6:45, 10; Tue 3:30, 6:45, 10 p.m.

Daddy’s Home (PG) — Fri 7:40, 10; Sat 5:20, 7:40, 10; Sun 2:50, 5:20, 7:40, 10; Mon, Wed 9:50; Tue 4:30, 7:30, 9:50 p.m.

Ride Along 2 (PG) — Fri 7:25, 10:05; Sat 11:40 a.m., 2:15, 4:50, 7:25, 10:05; Sun 2:15, 4:50, 7:25, 10:05; Mon, Wed-Thur 7:25, 9:55; Tue 3:50, 7:25, 9:55 p.m. Thur 1 p.m.

Brooklyn (PG) — Fri 7, 9:35; Sat-Sun 1:50, 4:25, 7, 9:35; Mon, WedThur 7, 9:30; Tue 4:10, 7, 9:30 p.m.

The 5th Wave (PG) — Fri, Mon, Wed-Thur 6:50, 9:40; Sat-Sun 1:15, 4, 6:50, 9:40; Tue 4, 6:50, 9:40 p.m. Thur 1 p.m.

The Boy — Fri 7:30, 10:05; Sat 11:45 a.m., 2:20, 4:55, 7:30, 10:05; Sun 2:20, 4:55, 7:30, 10:05; Mon, Wed-Thur 7:10, 9:35; Tue 4:20, 7:10, 9:35 Sabrina — Mon 7 p.m.

National Theatre Live: Jane Eyre — Encore — Sat 12:55 p.m.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2016

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nsnews.com north shore news FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2016

Mad Men star directing gritty comedy North Van actor Brian Markinson working with TV stars on stage

! The Motherf**ker with the Hat, directed by Brian Markinson, runs until Jan. 30 at the Firehall Arts Centre, 280 East Cordova St., Vancouver.

Tickets: firehallartscentre.ca.

MARIA SPITALE-LEISK mspitale-leisk@nsnews.com

Brian Markinson may have earned a reoccurring role on one of the most acclaimed TV shows of all time, but the veteran actor says he shies away from the celebrity spotlight in favour of a normal existence in North Vancouver.

B.C. is a welcome refuge for Markinson who respectfully doesn’t subscribe to the celebrity side of Hollywood.

Instead he relishes hiking in the North Shore mountains with his wife and two sons and their canine companions, and riding his motorbike.

“I’ve got the best of all possible worlds because I make my living at (acting) and I get to keep a sense of anonymity,” says Markinson. “When I get recognized it’s flattering, it’s not overwhelming. I mean I have friends in the business, they go outside … and they are recognized by everybody. I live a very, very normal existence in North Van and then I get to go on sets and play with movie stars and TV stars and get dressed up and pretend to be people that I’m not.”

Firehall Arts Centre’s production of The Motherf**ker with the Hat features a team of Canadian TV stars returning to the stage: (in back row) John Cassini, Lori Triolo, (in front row) Kyra Zagorsky, Stephen Lobo and Francisco Trujillo. PHOTO DAN RIZZUTO Markinson seemingly refuses to be typecast, taking on a diverse range of roles from good guy to serial killer to priest, lawyer and doctor. He has close to 200 acting credits to his name that run the gamut of cinema and TV — starting with classic 1990s TV shows Murphy Brown and China Beach

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to the films Charlie Wilson’s War and City of Angels to the current TV series Fargo to essentially every sci-fi show shot in Vancouver, The X-Files, Supernatural and Continuum included.

“Being an actor who lives up here you do your fair share of science fiction stuff,” says

Markinson with a laugh.

But it was the smash TV show Mad Men that made Markinson even more of a household name — and there’s a North Vancouver connection in how he landed the role of Dr. Arnold Rosen.

Last Friday the News caught up with Markinson from his Upper Lonsdale home, where he remotely auditioned for Mad Men after being referred to the show’s creator, Matthew Weiner, by a casting director.

He describes it as a “strange audition,” done via Skype with Markinson wearing half a suit.

“I don’t think Matthew knew that I was wearing jeans, but from the waist up I looked like I was of a time I guess,” says Markinson. “I was not confident afterwards because it’s so strange and odd. When I said goodbye to him and thank you I didn’t think I would hear from him again.”

Markinson didn’t have to wait long for a response. The day after the audition he got the offer and ended up doing seven episodes of the show at the apex of its popularity.

“That was one of the ones … when they say you are going to be working on Mad Men — it’s very exciting. If I knew how to do a cartwheel, I would have done a cartwheel,” says Markinson. “And it was incredibly rewarding. It was like stepping into a time capsule down there. So it was great fun

to throw those clothes on and sort of time travel.”

As for why he thinks Mad Men captivated TV audiences, Markinson said that speaks to the show’s incredible writers.

“It was just so brilliantly conceived on such a broad scope,” mused Markinson.

It was about America, it was about capitalism. And Don Draper absolutely stands for what that was, that commercialism and the selling of image as opposed to what is.”

In analyzing his character, Dr. Rosen, who lives in the same building as Draper, Markinson is somewhat self-deprecating.

“Let’s put it this way, I didn’t blame my wife for wanting to sleep with Don Draper,” says Rosen with a hearty chuckle.

“Jon Hamm, he’s a very handsome man.”

This month Markinson returned to his theatre directing roots after 20 years to helm the Vancouver debut of the Tony Award-nominated The Motherf**ker with the Hat — a poetic and profane Broadway sensation about love, drug addiction and infidelity described as “a high-octane verbal cage match” by broadway.com.

The Motherf**ker with the Hat features a team of Canadian TV stars returning to the stage, including John Cassini (Intelligence), Stephen Lobo (Continuum, Arctic Air), Lori

Triolo (Smallville), Francisco Trujillo (Arctic Air) and Kyra Zagorsky (Continuum).

Markinson’s Continuum costar Lobo was the brainchild behind bringing the play to Vancouver audiences. Lobo, a big fan of Pulitzer winner Stephen Adly Guirgis, who wrote The Motherf**ker with the Hat, asked Markinson if he would direct the play.

“And I read it, I loved it and we went about doing this,” says Markinson.

In order to raise money to put on the show Markinson and a bunch of his actor and writer friends started a theatre company, Haberdashery Theatre Co., with a mandate to produce edgier, issue-driven plays. The Motherf**ker with the Hat certainly fits that bill.

Set in New York City, the story centres on Jackie, an ex-con and addict who is determined to stay clean and get his life back on track with the help of his sponsor Ralph D. His efforts are challenged by the love of his life, Veronica, an alcoholic/addict who he suspects is cheating on him with a certain mofo with a hat.

The play deals with characters that are in recovery, users or those in the Alcoholics Anonymous program, people that theatre-goers will meet on their way into the show at the Firehall Arts Centre on the

See Markinson page 30

FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2016

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Your North Shore Guide to fashion & style

Wearable wellness

| A27

look

Reiki inspires line of scarves

CHRISTINE LYON clyon@nsnews.com

Gina Cook knew next to nothing about reiki when her yoga-teacher sister suggested she give the alternative healing technique a try.

It was about two years ago and Cook, a North Vancouver resident, says she was going through a time of change and confusion. The mother of three young daughters also suffered from migraines. So, with an open mind, she booked an appointment with a reiki practitioner on the North Shore.

“I went and my first session was just was so beautiful, I was just moved by it,” Cook recalls. “It just cleared my mind and I left kind of floating.”

Reiki is a Japanese relaxation technique that promotes healing based on the principle that the practitioner can channel energy into the client through touch.

During a typical session, the client lies down on a massage table fully clothed while the practitioner places their hands on or over different areas of the client’s body.

Cook enjoyed her first reiki session so much she returned for more. Her practitioner recognized her fascination with the treatment and suggested she learn the technique herself.

“I just jumped into it and I just kind of found my own niche, my own calling,” says Cook, who is now a registered reiki practitioner with the Canadian Reiki Association. “This journey in the last two years has been amazing for me.”

Wanting to share the benefits of

reiki with others, Cook launched Reiki Wakie, a non-profit project dedicated to increasing awareness about the technique by offering complimentary reiki sessions to community service providers on the North Shore. The events feature vendors, raffles and silent auctions and all profits are donated to charity.

To support Reiki Wakie’s fundraising mandate, Cook, who has a background in fashion design, developed a line of colourful scarves to sell at the events.

“They sold like little hot cakes and we ended up raising a lot of money,” she says.

Just last week, she launched a website for her holistic health company Look Inside (lovelookinside. com) where people can learn more about her reiki practice and wellness events and also purchase her Chakraf scarves. The light-weight bamboo-cotton neck accessories are made in a small factory in East Vancouver and come in seven different solid colours, each one representative of one of the seven main chakras. According to Cook’s website, “chakras are energy centres flowing in and out of our aura” and each chakra plays a role in our physical, emotional and mental interactions.

For example, the colour blue represents the throat chakra, which influences self-expression; green represents the heart chakra, which influences the expression of love; and orange represents the sacral chakra, which is involved in developing individuality through creativity and relationships.

See Scarves page 28

North Vancouver resident Gina Cook has combined her passion for holistic health with her skills in fashion design. Her reiki-inspired Chakraf scarves come in seven bold colours and are now available to purchase through her just-launched website lovelookinside.com. PHOTO MIKE WAKEFIELD

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A28 | LOOK

nsnews.com north shore news FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2016

FASHION FILE PUZZLED JEWELRY London Drugs stores in B.C. and Alberta have teamed up with Puzzled Jewelry and the Pacific Autism Family Centre to raise awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorder through the sale of specially designed necklaces. Until Feb. 19, a 925 sterling silver puzzle necklace will be available for purchase at all B.C. and Alberta London Drugs locations at a cost of $25 plus tax. Proceeds from necklace sales will support the new Pacific Autism Family Centre, slated to open in Vancouver in the summer of 2016. Puzzled Jewelry was created

by Patricia James, Keri Kennett and Debbie Siu, three mothers who joined together following autism diagnoses that affected their children.

FREE MENTORSHIP FOR ARTISANS Online marketplace Etsy is inviting Canadians to kick off the new year with Etsy Resolution, an online mentorship program designed to inspire entrepreneurship and creative business. The free, four-week program starts Jan. 25 and encourages artisans to launch their own businesses this year. Led by Etsy seller mentors, such as lingerie designer Mary Young, stationery designer Erin Leroux, skirt and bag designer Mo Handahu and vintage store owner Amy Honey, the program will feature lessons released weekly – from brand development to product photography, pricing, marketing and more. To participate in Etsy Resolution, or to find more information, visit etsy.com/resolution.

LIONS GATE QUILTERS GUILD meets the fourth Tuesday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at St. Andrew’s and St. Stephen’s Presbyterian

Puzzled jewelry.

PHOTO SUPPLIED

Church, 2641 Chesterfield Ave., North Vancouver. New members welcome. 604-9267098 or lionsgatequiltersguild.com NORTH SHORE NEEDLE ARTS GUILD Needlework/embroidery, both traditional and modern, is enthusiastically enjoyed and shared by a friendly group every second Thursday of the month at St. Martin’s Anglican Church Hall, 195 E. Windsor Rd. North Vancouver. Beginners welcome. 604-990-9122 THRIFTY CHIC The Thrift Shop at Mount Seymour United Church (1200 Parkgate Ave.) is open Thursdays, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Half price sale on selected goods every week. mtseymourunited.com Compiled by Christine Lyon Fashion File is a weekly column. Priority is given to North Shore events and organizations. Send your info as early as possible to clyon@nsnews.com.

A FASHIONABLE CAUSE Dianna Todosychuk and her mom Claudia model winter apparel at Get Dressed at Westview Shopping Centre. The store’s Fall in Love Fashion Show and Charity Event raised money for the North Shore branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association. PHOTO PAUL MCGRATH

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Scarves merge wellness and fashion From page 27 Chakraf scarves also come in red (root chakra), violet (crown chakra), indigo (third-eye chakra), and yellow (solar plexus chakra). As an added touch, a positive message, such as “You matter” or “Love yourself,” is sewn into each scarf.

Cook says people buy the scarves three ways. For some, it comes down to

colour and they will simply choose their favourite hue.

Others, particularly those who are buying a Chakraf as a gift for someone who is going through a difficult time, will make their selection based on the message.

And others let their knowledge of the chakras guide them.

“They’ll buy based on what chakra they feel they need to work on.”

For Cook, the Chakraf scarf line allows her to blend her passion for reiki with her skills in fashion design, something she’s been wanting to do for a long time.

“It’s all about wearable wellness,” she says. “It’s holistic health, it’s wellness and fashion all together.”

Chakrafs retail online at lovelookinside.com for $35 each. They are also available in kids’ sizes for $30 each.

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Take our reader survey at www.nsnews.com/survey

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nsnews.com north shore news FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2016

Markinson immersed again in theatre world

ARTSCALENDAR

Email information for your North Shore event to listings@nsnews.com

From page 24

From page 22 333 Chesterfield Ave., North Vancouver. Wednesday-Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. 604-986-1351 presentationhousegallery.org My House: An exhibition that brings together the work of artists Mike Kelley and Ryan Trecartin will be on display until March 3.

RON ANDREWS COMMUNITY SPACE 931 Lytton St., North Vancouver.

604-987-8873 or 604-347-8922 Mystification and Reality: Nancy Cramer will show her pottery decorated with found objects like driftwood and seaweed and Trevor Holgate will present his newest THE BIG O Mike Demers and his band perform The Lonely: A Tribute to Roy watercolours from France until Orbison at Centennial Theatre on Friday, Jan. 29 at 7:30 p.m. For more information visit Feb. 21. centennialtheatre.com. PHOTO SUPPLIED SEYMOUR ART GALLERY 4360 Gallant Ave., North

by Mong Yen and Monika van Wollen will be on display until Feb. Vancouver. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. 604-924-1378 seymourartgallery.

15. com WEST VANCOUVER MUSEUM Line: An annual juried “Discovery” exhibition for new and 680 17th St., West Vancouver. Tuesday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 604emerging artists until Jan. 30.

925-7295 westvancouvermuseum.ca Curator’s Talk: Every Thursday at noon there will be a 20-minute Saints and Sinners, Mystics and Madness: An exhibition curator’s talk with background on the current show in the gallery. consisting of a representative selection of artworks by Peter Aspell SILK PURSE ARTS CENTRE from the late 1980s to the time of the artist’s death in 2004 runs 1570 Argyle Ave., West Vancouver. Tuesday to Sunday, noon to 4 until March 26. p.m. 604-925-7292 silkpurse.ca Nature’s Splendor: Photographers Adam Gibbs and Mark Daly Concerts will display their work from Jan. 26 to Feb. 14. Opening reception: CAPILANO UNIVERSITY PERFORMING ARTS THEATRE Tuesday, Jan. 26, 6-8 p.m.

2055 Purcell Way, North Vancouver. 604-990-7810 capilanou.ca/ WEST VANCOUVER MEMORIAL LIBRARY 1950 Marine Dr., West Vancouver. 604-925-7400 westvanlibrary.ca See more page 33 In the Gallery: Paintings of nature and influences from other lands

ARTHRITIS EDUCATION EVENTS: NORTH VANCOUVER 1. UNDERSTANDING ARTHRITIS

Get a clear picture of what is really happening in your body when we talk about Arthritis.

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ALL FOUR PROGRAMS ARE FREE AND TAKE PLACE AT: Parkgate Community Centre, 3625 Banff Court, North Vancouver TO REGISTER FOR ONE OR ALL FOUR POGRAMS PLEASE CALL 604.714.5550 or Toll Free 1.866.414.7766 We acknowledge the financial assistance of the Province of British Columbia

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Downtown Eastside.

“And what I love about the theatre is how it can blur the line between the real world and the art world,” explains Markinson.

So my hope is as much as (people) are entertained and moved and have a great time inside our little black box, when they walk out there my hope is that the evening resonates in such a way that they see the people in this community. It may be a shifted perspective.”

A portion of the money raised from the show will be donated to an AA or recovery program on the Downtown Eastside.

Being immersed in the theatre world again is a treat for Markinson, who was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. He later attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and started off his career solely in the New York theatre scene.

“And I did off, off, off, off Broadway. I did off Broadway. And I was fortunate enough to do a play on Broadway as well,” says Markinson, who performed in Lost in Yonkers by Neil Simon. “I moved into the role that Kevin Spacey won the Tony for. They were big shoes to fill. So that was incredibly memorable, my first Broadway show. I had basically only a week of rehearsal and then I got thrown to 1,600 wolves. But it was a fantastic experience.”

Markinson, who didn’t step in front of a camera until he was 30 years old, has worked with some the greats, from Woody Allen to Al Pacino to Sean Penn to Robert Redford.

But Markinson insists he is not a “fanboy.”

“It’s not who I am,” he says. “What I am is a husband and father, and that’s what I am first. There’s no mystery to the acting thing for me. My heroes are writers. That’s the thing that I can’t get my head around, what it takes to fill a blank page.”

Of course he doesn’t mind the odd encounter every now and then with a fan when he’s out and about on the North Shore.

“They know that they know me, but they don’t know if we went to high school together or if I’m the guy who ran into their car the other day,” says Markinson, who moved from Los Angeles to North Vancouver in 1999 to raise his family and has never looked back. “And it’s been an amazing, amazing move — and it was the right choice.”

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A32 | TRAVEL

nsnews.com north shore news FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2016

Portland plays the perfect host year round Everything within reach in the city of bridges BRIAN K. SMITH Contributing writer

Portland, Ore. is a gem to visit any season of the year with endless possibilities for an active lifestyle of food, drink, culture and recreation.

There are eight bridges across the Willamette River, which divides the City of Roses. This provides easy access to explore on the south or north side by way of foot, bicycle or LRT. A new cable bridge the Tilikum Crossing, was completed this past year (opened Sept. 15, 2015), and is used for pedestrian, cycle, bus, and commuter rail. It is an exciting architectural addition to the existing historical steel bridges - two dating back to over 100 years.

A convenient and comfortable way to travel to Portland is on Amtrak, with a daily morning departure from Vancouver through Bellingham and Seattle and arriving mid afternoon.

There is wifi, beverage and food service, and two levels of coach comfort- providing a relaxing, carefree way of travel. You can bring your bicycle on board for just an extra $5 fee. Rail service feeds into the city’s downtown Union Station from major cities of the north, east, and south.

Portland’s half sized city blocks make everything within easy reach. Light rail transit takes you almost everywhere you would like to go, and bikes are welcomed on it. Combined with a bike friendly bus network - moving about is quick and easy. Taxis from the downtown will on average be $6 to $8 to most restaurants in the heart of Portland. With your bike, you will experience one of the most pedal friendly cities in North America. How about a brewery tour by bicycle?

In downtown Portland, right near Stumps Coffee and Voodoo Donuts is Portland Bike Tours. Owner Evan Ross and manger Guthrie Shaw come from a solid background of guiding and trekking. Starting their shop with only two bikes — they now have over 50 for rent. Complementing this is a full service department store filled with accessories.

And of course, at the service

USS Blueback ( SS-581) Barbel class submarine. The last non-nuclear diesel electric-propelled attack sub now is a part of OSMI on the waterfront of Portland. In the distance is the new Tilikum Crossing cable bridge completed in Sept. 2015. It is the first major bridge constructed in the United States that does not permit cars — only transit, bicycles, pedestrians and emergency vehicles. PHOTOS SUPPLIED BRIAN K. SMITH counter there are two taps with local craft beer to enjoy at the end of your Brews Cruise Tour. Both men are active cycle evangelists in the community and at the hub of change for more bike friendly roadways in the suburbs.

My pedal from the newly renovated, bike friendly, Hotel Rose, on the river front, was an effortless fiveminute ride. I was presented with a Cycle Portland Map and given a few safety tips, including a refresher on hand signals. Sunny days and mild climate provide very pleasant cycling experiences in Portland year round. My guide, Guthrie, pointed out to me some interesting facts about the bicycle-friendly city. Street lights are timed to change at a bike cruising speed of 20 km/h. Cyclists can ride two abreast in cycle lanes, and on streets without cycle lanes they are treated as cars and ride in the centre of the lane. Guthrie says about Portland cycling: “Touring Portland by bike offers the perfect blend of adventure, mobility, and culture. You can visit Portland many ways, but none of them are finer than the view from behind the handlebars.” Our tour took us across the Steel Bridge and along the river front to

Portland Bike Tours guides Guthrie Straw and Sierra Renz enjoy a fresh pint in the bike store after a Brews Cruise Tour.

OMSI Science Centre and the Cold War 581 Submarine. Its claim to fame was a small part in the Sean Connery movie Hunt for Red October.

I would later return for an exciting end to end tour from the captains command seat to the torpedo launching bay. Away from the river front we traveled through the light industrial neighborhood in the southeast section of the city. A short time later we arrived at Cascade Brewing Barrel House to have a taster tray

of their unique sour beers.

On Tuesdays at 6 p.m. they host “Tap It Tuesday”. Ron Gansberg, brew master and owner, invited me for a behind the scenes barrel room sampling. The beers are 12 to 18 months old — aged in bourbon and wine oak barrels. It was truly a sweet fragrant nectar like I never tasted before. Ron says “Our future is full of more shared experiences with food, customers, and empowering our employees to create more fun”.

At 6 p.m. a sizable crowd gathered to see the tapping of Ginger Snap Sour. There is always a possibility of a “sour shower” if the guest tapper does not hammer the tap in right. At 11.7 per cent alcohol, one 10 oz. glass is plenty.

Back in the downtown section of Portland, great sites in the daytime include the Lan Su Chinese Garden, a traditional Ming Dynasty meditative sanctuary that is claimed to be the most authentic outside of China.

Across town, a must see is the Portland Art Museum.

Antiquities from China, tempera and oil paintings from Europe, dating back to 1340 AD, and world class photography exhibits fill the two adjoining buildings.

There is so much too see that you really should set aside at least four hours.

Further up the hill, above the city (best by LRT Blue Line train - bike friendly) is the Washington Park Zoo. With its own railway you get great views of Condors and Elephant habitat. The walkway through the zoo takes you through the northwest to the Arctic, Asia and Africa. Outside the zoo a wonderful network of roads and trails takes you across and down the forested hillside to the Japanese Garden - composed of five distinct styles of gardens. A beautiful waterfall cascades from the mountain forest into a pond full of colourful orange and red koi. Influenced by three eastern religious philosophies, the gardens are a beautiful combination of nature and traditional design.

From morning to night there are endless possibilities for great food experiences in Portland.

Brunch at Tasty N Alder in

See Portland page 33

FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2016

PULSE ENTERTAINMENT | A33

north shore news nsnews.com

Portland’s developed its own laid-back vibe

ARTSCALENDAR

Email information for your North Shore event to listings@nsnews.com

From page 32

From page 30 blueshorefinancialcentre/ Cap Classics — Bassoon on a Different Light: A free concert with Sophie Dansereau on the bassoon, Joy Yeh on the harp and Mark McGregor on the flute Friday, Jan. 22 at 11:45 a.m.

Cap Classics — Amores: Songs of passion and jealousy performed by soprano Fabiana Katz and guitarist Stephen Boswell Friday, Jan. 29 at 11:45 a.m.

Cap Jazz: “A” Band, NiteCap and faculty guests will perform a tribute to jazz composer Billy Strayhorn Friday, Jan. 29 at 8 p.m. Tickets: $30/$27.

CENTENNIAL THEATRE ART ADDICT Lisa Immordino Vreeland’s new documentary, Peggy Guggenheim: Art 2300 Lonsdale Ave., North Addict, screens Jan. 23, 25 and 28 at Vancity Theatre. For more information and showtimes Vancouver. 604-984-4484 visit viff.org/theatre/films/fc8642-peggy-guggenheim-art-addict. PHOTO SUPPLIED centennialtheatre.com Dolate Eshgh — Reign of Love: DEEP COVE SHAW THEATRE The Vashaan Ensemble will 4360 Gallant Ave., North Vancouver. perform joyful and memorable traditional Persian songs Saturday, Fundraising Concert for First Impressions Theatre: Babe Gurr will Jan. 23 at 8 p.m. Tickets: $27.50-$52.50. perform with her full band Saturday, Jan. 23 at 8 p.m. Admission: The Lonely: Mike Demers will lead a group of musical journeyman $30. Tickets: 604-929-9345 or firstimpressionstheatre.com. in a tribute to Roy Orbison Friday, Jan. 29 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $42.

Musical Morning in the Gallery: A tour of the current exhibit Plastic Acid Orchestra Symphony Without Bounds: A spectacular followed by a classical music concert with Maestro Behroozinia on full symphony concert that breaks through genres from folk, rock, barbat, accompanied by percussionists Ramin Bahrami and Hamin experimental and heavy metal Saturday, Jan. 30 at 8 p.m. Tickets: Honari Tuesday, Feb. 23, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Tickets: $10/$7. $30/$20/$15.

KAY MEEK CENTRE DEEP COVE COFFEE HOUSE 1700 Mathers Ave., West Vancouver. Tickets: 604-981-6335 Mount Seymour United Church, 1200 Parkgate Ave., North kaymeekcentre.com Vancouver. 604-363-5370 jane@nsrj.ca Persian Poetry in Motion #2: Music, dance and poetry Sunday, Keith Bennett will perform Friday, Jan. 22 at 9 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m. and warm-up acts start at 7:30 p.m. Admission: $10 which includes coffee and goodies.

See more page 35

the Pearl District is a must. Cozy and busy – with a flare for unique comfort food cuisine. Their signature dishes include Bim Bop Bacon & Eggs and The Whole Toad (breakfast bread pudding). Since you are in Portland there is always a tasty IPA like Breakside Brewing IPA’s to go along with your meal. Bluehour is in the same vicinity and is worth a stop for happy hour or return in the evening for a white linen dining experience. Globally trained local chef Kyo Koo dishes out a tasty Mediterranean fare. As a starter I tried one of their delicious cocktails, appropriately named Smokey Robinson. A bourbon/mescal based drink with a little maple syrup to round it off.I followed that with an appetizer of Weather-vane Scallops and main course of chinook salmon. The seafood dishes are perfectly prepared with a fresh mouth watering flavour. On tap they serve delicious craft beers to get you through your four-course meal.

On the other side of the river I tried Biwa known for its Japanese fusion style dishes including special Otsumami and grilled tako (octopus). For pub fare don’t miss bicycle themed HubBrewing. With a long list of craft beers and and delicious pub fare — it is a perfect cap to a day of cycling around the city.

My seven-day tour could have continued on for 14 days without running out of things to do. Did I mention Powell’s Books (four floors). The full city block store is the largest independent book store in the United States. Two city blocks full of food carts called “Alder Pod,” at SW Ninth and Alder, provide 60 options for great eats.

Be sure to checkout upcoming festivals throughout every month of the year. Alacia Lauer, with Travel Portland, sums up the city perfectly - “Portland’s got this laid-back attitude that I think a lot of people find refreshing — a little quirky, a little unconventional and really, really friendly. Good food and good beer, however, are taken very seriously.” Being on the Wet Coast, Portland isn’t a fair-weather city and that fact is celebrated by cyclists each year with the “Worst Day of the Year” ride, happening in February each year (worstdayride.com/).

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A34 | TRAVEL

nsnews.com north shore news FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2016

Exploring the waterfront and Rathtrevor Beach at Parksville’s Beachside Resort. PHOTO SUPPLIED MICHELLE HOPKINS

On the edge of the Pacific Ocean

MICHELLE HOPKINS Contributing writer

Parksville Uncorked

My younger sister Johanne has always been the braver one. She rode a bike and dove off the high jump before me. So, while on Vancouver Island for the seventh annual Parksville Uncorked Wine & Food Festival last February, she told me we were going to visit the Horne Lake Caves.

I was picturing a hike in the forest, maybe with a short peak inside some very large caves before we were on our merry way but I was wrong. Before the morning we set out I Googled the caves and tried to talk Johanne into doing something else that day. She was determined that after years of wanting to explore the caves, this trip was on her bucket list and I wasn’t getting out of it.

We arrived at the end of a rocky windy road in the middle of a verdant forest. After a brief safety chat, we were given helmets, headlamps, raingear, hiking boots and flashlights and headed out on a 10-minute trek through the forest from the park entrance to the mouth of the first cave.

The opening to the cave is tight, roughly cut into the side of the mountain. There are rippled, jagged edges jutting out.

Careful to avoid the uneven rocks around us, we made our way underground with the other excited cave enthusiasts. The small opening gave way to a much larger, taller room with more space to move. Scanning light across the rock revealed incredible crystal formations and ancient fossils . . . I forgot about my claustrophobia.

Parksville Uncorked:

If you enjoy great food and wine, satisfy your whims at one of several events during this year’s four-day food and wine festival. Friday night saw us heading to the popular Swirl, a fun evening of sipping some of B.C.’s best local wines paired with wonderfully delicious gourmet bites. Saturday we were invited to the Pacific Prime Restaurant & Quails’ Gate Winemaker’s Dinner showcasing The Beach Club executive chef Rick Davidson fine dining cuisine. Davidson’s menu was heavily influenced by fresh and local and imbued with amazing flavours.

Here is a must-do list for outdoor enthusiasts: Cathedral Grove: My parents used to live in Parksville and a visit to the Vancouver Island with my teenage sons nearly 20 years ago always involved a walk through Cathedral Grove. For those who venture to Tofino, you pass Cathedral Grove on your way.

It is part of the MacMillan Provincial Park, nestled at the top end of Cameron Lake, only minutes from Qualicum Beach and Parksville.

Cathedral Grove is a lush old-growth rainforest that is unique to Vancouver Island. You can literally spend hours wandering through the rugged trail system – taking in the 800 year-old massive Douglas fir trees – it truly does make you feel small.

Horne Lake Caves:

Vancouver Island has the distinction of being home to the highest concentration of caves in North America and more explored limestone caves than in all other Canadian provinces combined. The areas is so rich in caves, with more than 1,000, that it is commonly referred to as the “Island of Caves.” Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park was voted Best Natural Outdoor Site in B.C. You can opt to explore a public cave on your own or participate in a guided Horne Lake cave tour. (I recommend the tour as our guide was a wealth of interesting and historical tidbits.) From October to May, a creek flows through the caves, turning them from a normally quiet environment to a loud watery manifestation. See an underground river, climb a waterfall, slide down the ramps and ladders and try an optional squeeze through the “wormhole,” a small taste of “wild” caving.

Participants will negotiate some tight passages, short climbs, ramps, ladders and lots of cave scrambling.

Rathetrevor Beach:

As one of the province’s most popular family destinations, Rathtrevor Beach is home to many resorts (along Resort Drive) and to the B.C. Provincial Park Campground of the same name.

The attractions include: five kilometres of beach to explore, a forest (complete with a circular, oceanfront trail), and parkland (including shaded picnic grounds). The Rathtrevor Provincial Park to Top Bridge Municipal Park and Mountain Bike Park is an off-road route that links the provincial park and resorts with a popular walking and swimming area on the Englishman River.

Round trip distance from Rathtrevor is 10 km.

Spa-ing at Tigh-Na-Mara:

Is there any sister or girlfriend getaway that is complete without a spa day?

We ventured out on a bright sunny morning to the Tigh Na Mara’s Grotto Spa. Named No. 1 Spa in the province (Spas of America), the spa was bestowed with this honour because it truly offers a great selection of signature treatments and services by some of the friendliest staff I’ve met.

Gaelic for “House By the Sea,” Tigh-Na-Mara’s stretches some 22 acres with towering Arbutus and fir trees that skirts a picturesque stretch of sandy beachfront facing the Strait of Georgia.

Before our treatments, Johanne and I indulged in a soothing dip in the spa’s detoxifying mineral pool. Simulating a natural stone grotto, the pool is drenched with natural minerals and trace elements that detoxify the body and rejuvenate your soul — I felt completely serene as I stepped out to ready myself for an hour-long custom Regime Facial while Johanne headed for an Aromatherapy Massage.

Because “spa-ing” is about female bonding, the spa’s Relaxation Lounge is where you go to linger before or after your treatments — it’s very conducive to gossiping with your gal pals over a cup of Zen green tea. Today, it’s full of women, dressed in standard spa fashion — plush bathrobes and cushy slippers - who’ve left behind jobs, children, and husbands for a weekend of pampering.

Snug in our robes, we indulged in a Lounge Platter and a glass of wine from the Treetop Tapas & Grill. It doesn’t get much better than this. When we returned to our oceanfront room, relaxed from our invigorating treatments, we headed out for a brisk walk along the resort’s boardwalk.

Where to Stay:

On the edge of the Pacific Ocean, The Beach Club Resort is one of Vancouver Island’s largest resorts, with an indoor pool, hot tub and gym. mandate, Rates: a couple’s retreat starts at $359/night. The resort play offers specials and packages — check the website. Location: 181 Beachside Dr., Parksville. Telephone: 888-760-2008 (toll free) expose a or 250-248-8999. Website: beachclubbc.com.

Parksville Uncorked 8th Annual Wine and Culinary Festival Feb. 18–21

this love Requiem brance, Armistice

Whether you are passionate about wine or beer, you’ll enjoy tastings, featured wine dinners, and bubbly brunches. Last year’s festival events sold out. Book early. Parksville Uncorked benefits Variety - Children’s Charity & Rotary Club Parksville. gr For tickets and information, visit visitparksvillequalicumbeach. but com/things-to-do-parksville-uncorked. midst,” af How to get there from Vancouver: about.”

Take BC Ferries from Tsawwassen terminal to Nanaimo. The scenic ferry ride takes 1½ hours and then it’s a short 30 minute drive north to Parksville. Visit: bcferries.com. For more informa- all events.” tion, call 1-888-799-3222 or ParksvilleQualicumBeach.com.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2016

PULSE ENTERTAINMENT | A35

north shore news nsnews.com

ARTSCALENDAR Email event info to listings@nsnews.com

From page 33 Jan. 24 at 6:30 p.m. Tickets: $20.

The Pro Nova Ensemble and guests will perform Wednesday, Jan. 27 at 7:30 p.m. Admission by donation at the door.

Musically Speaking Series: Violinist David Stewart and pianist Jane Coop will offer a program of Grieg and Ysaÿe Friday, Jan. 29 at 2 p.m. Tickets: $20.

LYNN VALLEY COMMUNITY ROOM 1277 Lynn Valley Rd., North Vancouver.

Friday Night Live: An improv comedy variety show for all ages every Friday at 7:30 p.m. Schedule: Jan. 22, Illiteratty (folk band).

SILK PURSE ARTS CENTRE 1570 Argyle Ave., West Vancouver. 604-925-7292 silkpurse.ca Classical Concert Series: Mezzo-soprano Barb Towell and pianist Tina Chang will perform Thursday, Jan. 28 at 10:30 a.m. Tickets: $15.

ST. CLEMENT’S ANGLICAN CHURCH 3400 Institute Rd., North Vancouver.

Heart & Home: Karla Mundy and The Harmony Mountain Singers will present their annual winter concert with harmonies and choral arrangements of pop, folk and world music Friday, Jan. 29 at 7:30. Tickets at the door for a suggested donation of $10 with proceeds going to the Stephen Lewis Foundation.

ST. JAMES HALL 3214 West 10th Ave., Vancouver.

Cap Global Roots: Aurelio will perform Garifuna music Sunday, Jan. 31 at 8 p.m. Admission: $28/$25. Tickets: 604-990-7810 or capilanou.ca/blueshorefinancialcentre/.

Cap Global Roots: Virtuosic guitarist and songwriter Jeff Lang will perform Thursday, Feb. 11 at 8 p.m. Admission: $25/$22. Tickets: 604-990-7810 or capilanou.ca/ blueshorefinancialcentre/.

WEST VANCOUVER MEMORIAL LIBRARY 1950 Marine Dr., West Vancouver. 604-925-7400 westvanlibrary. ca Friday Night Concert: Latin band Locarno will perform a blend of Mexican folk, Cuban son and Latin soul Jan. 29, 7:30-8:45 p.m.

Other events

KAY MEEK CENTRE 1700 Mathers Ave., West Vancouver. 604-981-6335 kaymeekcentre.com Film Series: The documentary Red Army will be screened Tuesday, Jan. 26 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $10/$7.

Poetry in Bronze: A documentary film featuring exclusive interviews with Iranian sculptor Parviz Tanavoli Thursday, Jan. 27 at 6:30 p.m. Admission: $25/$15.

Film and Fundraiser: Brain Maker, the true story about a man with an inoperable malignant brain tumour will be screened Saturday, Jan. 30 at 6:30 p.m. All proceeds will go to the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada. Tickets: $10/$7.

— Compiled by Debbie Caldwell

Father grew up in Poland

From page 15

saviours, lots of really beautiful heroes and heroines.”

Coincidentally, Fenster’s father and Perel grew up in neighbouring towns in Poland. When Fenster learned of the geographical connection a few years ago, he got the two on the phone and listened to them speak in their native Yiddish – a language that experienced a massive and rapid decline as a result of the Holocaust.

“It absolutely brought me to tears,” he says.

The Vancouver Academy of Music has an educational mandate, and executive director Joseph Elworthy, who will play cello in Songs of the Wasteland, says the concert will expose academy students to “a profound work that will leave a very strong impression.”

“There’s not a lot of musical pieces that specifically tackle this subject manner in a chamber context,” he says. “I would love Songs of the Wasteland to eventually be like Britain’s War Requiem – something that is just synonymous with remembrance, and in this case obviously the Holocaust versus Armistice Day.” Raised in Vancouver, and non-Jewish, Elworthy says he grew up well aware of the profound tragedy of the Holocaust, but it felt “somewhat removed” from his community.

“Clearly it’s not. Obviously we have survivors in our midst,” he says. “This is obviously a subject matter that affects everyone, I mean, this is humanity we’re talking about.”

Fenster echoes that sentiment: “It affects each of us and all of us,” he says. “We all feel the ripples of these kinds of events.”

BISTRO

SANDWICHES

Hugos, Artisanal Pizzas and Global Tapas www.hugosvancouver.com 5775 Marine Drive, W. Van. | 604-281-2111 Showcase your musical talents Thursday evenings in our beautiful chateau-style room or simply enjoy our reopened heated patio. Global fusion menu inspired by our love of travel, warm atmosphere inspired by our love of the community.

$$

BRITISH The Cheshire Cheese Restaurant & Bar $$ www. cheshirecheeserestaurant.ca 2nd Floor Lonsdale Quay Market, N. Van. | 604-987-3322 Excellent seafood & British dishes on the waterfront. Dinner specials: Wednesday evenings - Grilled Cod lemon basil sauce, served with rice and vegetables.

Thursday’s Pot Roast. Friday & Saturday- Prime Rib. Sunday - Turkey. Weekends & holidays, our acclaimed Eggs Benny.

Open for lunch or dinner, 7 days a week.

CHINESE Neighbourhood Noodle House www.neighbourhoodnoodlehouse.com

$

1352 Lonsdale Avenue, N. Van. | 604-988-9885

We offer the best variety and quality Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese cuisine with no MSG or additives at a very affordable price. Family owned and operated for over 18 years. Conveniently located in central Lonsdale.

$

FINE DINING

FRENCH $$$

PUB The Black Bear Neighbhourhood Pub www.blackbearpub.com 1177 Lynn Valley Road, N. Van. | 604.990.8880 “Your Favourite North Shore Pub” 18 years running. We do great food, not fast food. Full Take-Out menu. Reserve your party of 15-30 ppl except Friday’s. Monday night Trivia.

Sailor Hagar’s Neighbourhood Pub www.sailorhagarspub.com 86 Semisch Avenue, N. Van. | 604-984-3087 Spectacular view of Vancouver harbour & city, enjoy great food in a Brew Pub atmosphere. 18 beers on tap including our own 6 craft-brews.

Happy Hour Specials Every Day 11 am – 6 pm!

Satellite sports, pool table, darts & heated patio.

C-Lovers Fish & Chips www.c-lovers.com Marine Drive @ Pemberton, N. Van. | 604-980-9993 6640 Royal Ave., Horseshoe Bay, W. Van. | 604-913-0994 The best fish & chips on the North Shore!

Montgomery’s Fish & Chips International Food Court, Lonsdale Quay Market, N. Van. | 604-929-8416 The fastest growing Fish & Chips on the North Shore.

$$

$

Thai PudPong Restaurant $$ www.thaipudpong.com 1474 Marine Drive, W. Van. | 604-921-1069 West Vancouver’s original Thai Restaurant. Serving authentic Thai cuisine. Open Monday-Friday for lunch. 7 days a week for dinner.

Pier 7 restaurant + bar $$$ www.pierseven.ca 25 Wallace Mews, N. Van. | 604-929-7437 Enjoy dining literally ON the waterfront with our inspired West Coast boat-to-table choices & extensive wine list. We’ve got 5 TV’s so you’ll never miss a game. Brunch until 2:30 weekends & holidays.

The Lobby Restaurant at the Pinnacle Hotel $$$ www.pinnaclepierhotel.com 138 Victory Ship Way, N. Van. | 604-973-8000 Inspired by BC’s natural abundance of fabulous seafood & the freshest of ingredients, dishes are prepared to reflect west coast cuisine. Breakfast, lunch, dinner & late night lounge, 7 days/week. Live music Fridays 8 - 11 pm.

WATERFRONT DINING

INDIAN Handi Cuisine of India www.handicuisineofindia.ca 1579 Bellevue Avenue, W. Van. | 604-925-5262 A North Shore News Reader’s Choice 2006 Winner, offering Authentic Indian Cuisine.

Open for lunch and dinner, 7 days a week.

Weekend buffet, free delivery.

SEAFOOD

WEST COAST

The Observatory $$$$ www.grousemountain.com Grouse Mtn, 6400 Nancy Greene Way, N. Van. | 604-998-4403 A thrilling and epicurean experience 3700’ on Grouse Mountain above the twinkling lights of Vancouver.

Chez Michel www.chezmichelvancouver.com 1373 Marine Drive (2nd flr), W. Van. | 604-926-4913 For over 36 years, Chez Michel has delighted guests with his Classic French cuisine. Seafood & meat entrees, a superb selection of wines & a decadent dessert list. Superior service with a waterfront view completes an exemplary lunch or dinner experience.

$

THAI

MSG

Woon Lee Inn www.woonleeinn.com 3751 Delbrook Ave, N. Van. | 604-986-3388

Haida Sandwich www.haidasandwich.com Haida Sandwich 121 East 15th, North Vancouver | 604-971-6021 Bored of the same old sandwich?

Famously BIG hot & cold sandwiches.

Or try the loaded pizzas, choice of 8 salads & fresh juice to go. Open late 7 days /week.

Catering available.

$$

$$

The MarinaSide Grill www.marinasidegrill.com 1653 Columbia Street, N. Van. (Under 2nd Narrows Bridge) | 604-988-0038 Waterfront dining over looking Lynnwood Marina under Ironworkers Memorial Bridge.

Open every day at 8 am. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Brunch weekends and holidays serving eggs benny to juicy burgers, hot scallop salad, clam chowder. Happy Hour everyday from 3 - 5 pm. Free parking.

$$

Village Taphouse www.villagetaphouse.com 900 Main Street, Village at Park Royal, W. Van. | 604-922-8882 Start with a comfortable room, a giant fireplace, add 20 ice cold brews on tap, really damn good food, some awesome events, & the most personable group of folks you’ll ever meet…welcome to the Tap House!

$ $$ $$$ $$$$

Bargain Fare ($5-8) Inexpensive ($9-12) Moderate ($13-15) Fine Dining ($15-25)

Live Music

Sports

Facebook

Happy Hour

Wifi

Wheelchair Accessible

To appear in this Dining Guide email arawlings@nsnews.com

$$

A40 |

nsnews.com north shore news

FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2016

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| A41

north shore news nsnews.com

Grinding Gears Brendan McAleer

Hanks film nails weird Volvo twist The Maxima, Nissan’s flagship car, is all-new for 2016 with a package that features contemporary styling – including the new V-motion grille – a highly acclaimed engine and a great-looking interior. It is available at North Vancouver Nissan in the Northshore Auto Mall. PHOTO PAUL MCGRATH

lines are sculpted into the body to further enhance the look.

At the rear, distinctive taillights draw attention, as do the standard dual chrome exhausts. The chrome lip over the licence plate follows the front grille design concept.

To further strengthen this Maxima’s claim as a four-door sports car, this generation is longer, lower, lighter and

Ridiculed by some as a spy movie without all those annoying tense parts, Spies is a relatively accurate look at the lowering of the Iron Curtain, the delicacy of negotiations between East and West at the height of mutuallyassured destruction, and Tom Hanks in a fedora again. Also, there are Volvos.

Specifically, there’s a gorgeous white P1800, as owned by the character portraying East Germany’s political negotiator. It speeds through the city, a ghostly spectre flickering through the desperation of ruined buildings, of families being divided by the raising of the Berlin Wall. It’s something otherworldly, and to the

See Interior page 42

See Volvo page 46

2016 Nissan Maxima

New look for Nissan’s flagship

DAVID CHAO Contributing writer

Nissan’s flagship is all-new for 2016 and boasts a styling that may forever change the way we look at family sedans.

In fact, Nissan calls its newest Maxima a “four-door sports car,” which is how it was marketed many years ago in its previous iterations.

The 2016 Nissan Maxima is uniquely styled and comes

with many standard features.

It fills an interesting niche, standing between comfortable, entry-level luxury cars and fun-to-drive sport sedans.

Because of its dual personality, the Maxima faces a diverse range of rivals. The Toyota Avalon and Chevrolet Impala are the larger, softer competitors, and on the other end of the spectrum, something like a BMW 3 Series competes but with better performance.

Highlights of the Maxima’s all-new package include contemporary styling, a greatlooking interior and a highly acclaimed engine.

Design

The first thing everybody notices about the new Maxima is its looks. It must be said that not everybody may fall in love with its new styling, but it is truly distinctive, and already many other car companies are following this

new design trend called the “floating roof” (for example, the new Lexus RX).

Dominating the front end is Nissan’s new V-Motion grille. This certainly creates a dramatic image and makes the Maxima instantly recognizable.

The sides of the Maxima also have an interesting flair. The roof borrows the Murano’s floating roof treatment by blacking out the pillars. Intersecting character

The Oscar nominations are in, and amongst the usual controversy over the selections, there’s the surprising choice of the Tom Hanks Cold War biopic Bridge of Spies.

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2016

Interior inspired by famous flight team From page 41 tighter than the previous. To be specific, this eighth generation is 5.6 centimetres longer, 3.3 cm lower, 37 kilograms lighter and has 25 per cent more torsional rigidity.

When crafting the new Maxima’s interior, Nissan designers visited the United States Navy’s Blue Angels for inspiration. The resulting cabin is very driver-centric and is actually a hair smaller than the Altima’s - however it is far more luxurious and futuristic.

Performance

The 2016 Maxima is only available with one engine; Nissan heavily revised its VQ-series motor to make it more powerful and efficient.

Applying what it learned while remaking the iconic Nissan GT-R, 60 per cent of the parts in the 3.5-litre V-6 in the Maxima are new. As a result, horsepower is up to 300 and torque is rated at 261 foot-pounds.

Nissan’s engineering efforts also paid off in terms of efficiency. The new Maxima returns a 15 per cent increase

in highway fuel economy.

Complementing the powerplant is a new continuously variable automatic transmission. This newly designed CVT is quieter thanks to Nissan’s D-Step shifting logic which mimics traditional shifts. A wider gear ratio range allows for stronger acceleration.

While enthusiasts may say a sports car should not be front-wheel drive, Nissan optimized the Maxima’s platform to enhance handling and ride comfort.

Off the line, the Maxima doesn’t suffer from torque steer, which plagues most front-wheel-drive cars with this much power. Through corners, it remains flat and feels light and nimble.

If you want the most dynamic Maxima, look at the SR model. This version comes with uniquely tuned dampers, a larger front stabilizer bar, sport-tuned suspension, and a dynamic control module.

For the first time, the Maxima has selectable driving modes – switching between Normal and Sport modes adjusts throttle response, transmission tuning,

When crafting the new interior for the Maxima, Nissan designers visited the famous Blue Angels flight team of the United States Navy. The resulting cabin is very driver-centric with a mix of luxurious and futuristic touches. PHOTO PAUL MCGRATH steering feel and Active Sound Enhancement.

Overall, the Maxima is smooth and quiet on the

highway, but firm enough if you want an occasional spirited drive. I don’t, however, believe that you can call this

car a true sports sedan due to its overall soft feel and somewhat numb steering. It’s an improvement nevertheless,

Northshore Auto Mall 845 Automall Drive, North Vancouver, BC

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See Maxima page 44

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~2016 IS 300 AWD F SPORT Series 1/2016 NX 200t F SPORT Series 1 shown: $48,294/$51,044. ^$1,000/$1,500 AWD Credit is available on the cash purchase/lease/finance of new 2016 Lexus NX models only/2016 IS 300 AWD models only, and will be deducted from the negotiated purchase/lease price after taxes.

Additional consumer incentives available on most non-AWD models. Limited time offer is subject to change or cancellation without notice. *Lease offers provided through Lexus Financial Services, on approved credit. *Representative lease example based on a 2016 IS 300 AWD sfx ‘A’ on a 39 month term at an annual rate of 1.9% and MSRP of $44,244. Monthly payment is $399 with $6,845 down payment or equivalent trade in, $0 security deposit and first monthly payment due at lease inception. Total lease obligation is $22,424. 65,000 kilometre allowance; charge of $0.20/km for excess kilometres. *Representative lease example based on a 2016 NX 200t sfx ‘A’ on a 39 month term at an annual rate of 2.9% and MSRP of $44,494. Monthly payment is $499 with $4,265 down payment or equivalent trade in, $0 security deposit and first monthly payment due at lease inception. Total lease obligation is $23,742. 65,000 kilometre allowance; charge of $0.20/km for excess kilometres. MSRPs include freight and PDI ($2,045), Dealer fees, AC charge ($100) and filters. License, insurance, registration (if applicable), and taxes are extra. Fees may vary by Dealer. Lexus Dealers are free to set their own prices. Limited time offers only apply to retail customers at participating Lexus Dealers.

Dealer order/trade may be required. Offers are subject to change or cancellation without notice. Offers expire at month’s end unless extended or revised. See your Lexus Dealer for complete details.

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| A43

north shore news nsnews.com

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A44 | TODAY’S DRIVE

nsnews.com north shore news

FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2016

Maxima pushing into luxury territory

From page 42

when it comes to steering characteristic.

Environment

While Nissan put a lot of effort into marketing the Maxima as a sports sedan, the cabin is very upscale and classy.

The Maxima brings with it a luxurious air, especially in upper-level trims. The stitched and soft-touch dash and doors impart a premium feel, complemented by fantastic diamond-pattern seats.

Also, front passengers will have no trouble getting comfortable in those great-looking seats. Nissan’s Zero Gravity seats are well bolstered

and both come standard as power-adjustable.

Rear seat passengers should also enjoy their time in the Maxima. It boasts near full-size car leg and headroom, so only the tallest passengers will have any complaints.

Central to the Maxima’s cockpit is an 8.0-inch colour display, which sits inside the centre stack that is angled seven degrees toward the driver, The console itself sits higher than in previous generations.

NissanConnect with navigation is standard on all trim levels. The infotainment system features multi-touch control for intuitive smartphone-like gestures such as swiping and pinch-to-zoom.

The system is paired to the standard 7.0-inch Advanced Drive-Assist Display within the instrument cluster and info can be shared between the two.

Features

Starting prices for the Maxima begin at $35,900 and range up to $43,300.

Standard equipment includes heated leather front seats, heated leather steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, auto-dimming rearview mirror, heated exterior mirrors, rearview camera, voice recognition for audio and navigation, Bluetooth, and LED daytime running lights.

See Sedan page 46

The sides of the Maxima have an interesting flair, while a “floating roof” effect – a hot design trend that was started by Nissan – is created by blacking out the pillars. PHOTO PAUL MCGRATH

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Wise customers read the fine print: *, ★, †, ≥, ♦, §, ≈ The Cold Days Hot Deals Sales Event offers are limited time offers which apply to retail deliveries of selected new and unused models purchased from participating dealers on or after January 11, 2016. Offers subject to change and may be extended without notice. All pricing includes freight ($1,745) and excludes licence, insurance, registration, any dealer administration fees, other dealer charges and other applicable fees and taxes. Dealer order/trade may be necessary. Dealer may sell for less. *Consumer Cash Discounts are offered on select new 2016 vehicles and are deducted from the negotiated price before taxes. ★The Make No Financing Payments for 90 Days offer is available from January 5 – February 1, 2016, and applies to retail customers who finance a new 2015/2016 Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram or FIAT vehicle (excludes 2015/2016 Dodge Viper and Alfa Romeo) at a special fixed rate on approved credit up to 96 months through Royal Bank of Canada and TD Auto Finance or up to 90 months through Scotiabank. Monthly/bi-weekly payments will be deferred for 60 days and contracts will be extended accordingly. Interest charges will not accrue during the first 60 days of the contract. After 60 days, interest starts to accrue and the purchaser will repay principal and interest over the term of the contract but not until 90 days after the contract date. Customers will be responsible for any required down payment, license, registration and insurance costs at time of contract. Some conditions apply.

See your dealer for complete details. †0% purchase financing available on select new 2016 models to qualified customers on approved credit through RBC, Scotiabank and TD Auto Finance. Dealer order/trade may be necessary. Example: 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT with a Purchase Price of $27,790 with a $0 down payment, financed at 0% for 48 months equals 104 bi-weekly payments of $267 with a cost of borrowing of $0 and a total obligation of $27,790. ≥3.99% purchase financing for up to 96 months available on the new 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan Canada Value Package/2016 Dodge Journey Canada Value Package/2016 Chrysler 200 LX models through RBC, Scotiabank and TD Auto Finance. Examples: 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan Canada Value Package/2016 Dodge Journey Canada Value Package/2016 Chrysler 200 LX with a Purchase Price of $21,998/$20,998/$22,998 (including applicable Consumer Cash Discounts) financed at 3.99% over 96 months with $0 down payment equals 416 weekly payments of $62/$59/$65 with a cost of borrowing of $3,706/$3,537/$3,874 and a total obligation of $25,704/$24,535/$26,872. ♦3.49% purchase financing for up to 96 months available on the new 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Sport through RBC, Scotiabank and TD Auto Finance. Example: 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Sport with a Purchase Price of $26,498 financed at 3.49% over 96 months with $0 down payment equals 416 weekly payments of $73 with a cost of borrowing of $3,880 and a total obligation of $30,378. §Starting from prices for vehicles shown include Consumer Cash Discounts and do not include upgrades (e.g. paint). Upgrades available for additional cost. ≈Sub-prime financing available on approved credit. Finance example: 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT with a purchase price of $27,595 financed at 4.99% over 60 months, equals 130 bi-weekly payments of $240 for a total obligation $31,207. Some conditions apply. Down payment is required. See your dealer for complete details. ^Based on IHS Automotive: Polk Canadian Vehicles in Operation data as of July 1, 2015 for Crossover Segments as defined by FCA Canada Inc. TMThe SiriusXM logo is a registered trademark of SiriusXM Satellite Radio Inc. ®Jeep is a registered trademark of FCA US LLC used under licence by FCA Canada Inc.

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A46 | TODAY’S DRIVE

nsnews.com north shore news

Sedan falls just short of ‘sport’

From page 44

Additional features, available as options or on higher trim, include cooled front seats, panoramic moonroof, intelligent cruise control, surround view camera, rainsensing wipers, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Predictive Forward Collision Warning, Forward Emergency Braking, and LED headlights.

Fuel efficiency numbers are 10.9 city and 7.8 highway (litres/100 kilometres).

The new Toyota Avalon is not the snoozer it once was. Currently it is styled progressively, and it provides a comfortable ride without compromising steering.

However, while trying to lower the average age of its buyers, Toyota may have tuned the suspension too aggressively for the loyal customer.

The Avalon is available in two models with the Touring starting at $38,990 and the Limited starting at $43,770.

Thumbs down

The Maxima’s styling may be too extreme for some peoples’ taste. Also, it doesn’t have the performance of a purely focused sport sedan, or the interior space of a fullsize car. The steering feel isn’t actually all that “sporty” and therefore the name “four door sports car” can be misleading.

The bottom line

Thumbs up

If you are looking for a trendy looking, well equipped sedan that provides a lot of value, the Maxima may be the answer.

The Nissan Maxima draws a lot of attention, is fun-to-drive, and spoils its occupants in luxury features.

PLEASE READ THE FINE PRINT: Offers valid until February 1, 2016. See toyota.ca for complete details. In the event of any discrepancy or inconsistency between Toyota prices, rates and/or other information contained on www.getyourtoyota.ca and that contained on toyota.ca, the latter shall prevail. Errors and omissions excepted. *Lease example: 2016 RAV4 FWD LE Automatic ZFREVT-A with a vehicle price of $26,375 includes $1,885 freight/PDI leased at 3.49% over 60 months with $1,975 down payment equals 120 semi-monthly payments of $135 with a total lease obligation of $18,227. Applicable taxes are extra. Lease 60 mos. based on 100,000 km, excess km charge is $.10. †Finance offer: 0.99% finance for 36 months, upon credit approval. **Lease example: 2016 Corolla CE BURCEM-6A MSRP is $17,610 and includes $1,615 freight/PDI leased at 1.49% over 60 months with $995 down payment equals 120 semi-monthly payments of $78 with a total lease obligation of $10,414. Applicable taxes are extra. Lease 60 mos. based on 100,000 km, excess km charge is $.07. ††Finance offer: 0% finance for 48 months, upon credit approval. ***Lease example: 2016 Tacoma Double Cab 4x4 DZ5BNT-A with a vehicle price of $38,555 includes $1,885 freight/PDI leased at 4.99% over 60 months with $2,850 down payment equals 120 semi-monthly payments of $198 with a total lease obligation of $26,665. Applicable taxes are extra. Lease 60 mos. based on 100,000 km, excess km charge is $.10. †††Finance offer: 2.49% finance for 36 months, upon credit approval. ‡Semi-monthly lease offer available through Toyota Financial Services (TFS) on approved credit to qualified retail customers on most 60 month leases of new and demonstrator Toyota vehicles. Down payment and first semi-monthly payment due at lease inception and next monthly payment due approximately 15 days later and semi-monthly thereafter throughout the term. ‡‡Don’t Pay for 90 Days on Toyota Financial Service Finance Contracts (OAC) on all new 2015 and 2016 Toyota models. Offer valid from January 5 - February 1, 2016. Interest deferment on all finance contracts at no cost for at least 60 days.

Interest will commence on or after the 61st day after the contract date. The first payment will be due 90 days from the contract date. Available with monthly or bi weekly payment frequency. Not available on lease. ‡‡‡Vehicle MSRP greater than $60,000 earns 20,000 Aeroplan miles plus 5000 Aeroplan bonus miles for a total of 25,000 miles. Sequoia qualifies for double Aeroplan miles bonus for a total of 50,000 Aeroplan miles. Double Miles offer eligibility is calculated on national MSRP and MSRP does not include freight/pdi, air conditioning charge, taxes, license, insurance, registration, duties, levies, fees, dealer fees or other charges. Miles offer valid on vehicles purchased/leased, registered and delivered between January 5 and February 1, 2016. Customers must be an Aeroplan Member prior to the completion of the transaction. Offer subject to change without notice. Some conditions apply. Other miles offers available on other vehicles. See Toyota.ca/aeroplan or your Dealer for details. ®Aeroplan and the Aeroplan logo are registered trademarks of Aimia Canada Inc. Visit your Toyota Dealer or www.getyourtoyota.ca for more details. Some conditions apply; offers are time limited and may change without notice. Dealer may lease/sell for less.

Competitors Toyota Avalon

Considering that it won’t break the bank to bring one home, it provides a lot of value.

Chevrolet Impala

With the release of the tenth generation Impala last year, Chevrolet’s iconic

full-size sedan shed its rental car stigma. The Chevrolet Impala boasts classy looks and modern features, and a bifuel model that offers cleaner emissions and the flexibility of using two fuels.

Prices for the Chevrolet Impala starts at $28,895 and range up to $40,095.

BMW 3 Series

The BMW 3 Series has been the benchmark for entry level luxury sedans for almost 30 years. For sport enthusiasts, the BMW offers the most performance oriented option in this segment.

The 3 Series begins at a very buyer-friendly $39,990 and ranges up to $54,650. editor@automotivepress.com

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Volvo status symbol behind Berlin Wall From page 41 casual observer, it makes no sense. Shouldn’t this guy be ferried about in some colossal ZiL limousine, or driving a Trabant?

Well actually, no. The Volvo connection is one thing Spies gets absolutely right. In one of the odder twists of the Cold War story, everyone’s favourite Swedish byword for safety became the must-have car for the ruling elite, a symbol of oppression, and a tantalizing luxury well out of reach of the average citizen. The Volvo symbol is, after all, the ancient shorthand for iron; little wonder that it pierced the Iron Curtain and became part of East Germany’s story.

Whenever health-care, banking regulations, or education reforms are proposed, the tendency is to gaze longingly at the blond Scandinavian countries and wonder what makes them relative utopias.

Is it the turtlenecks? The herring? The ABBA? Truth is, Scandinavian socialism has much the same problems as you find elsewhere.

Where Volvo is concerned, those problems were capitalistic in nature: namely, the ability to maintain a bottom line. A customer was a customer, and if those customers had a rather more extreme view of what socialism entailed, then so be it.

For the average East German, saving up for a car wasn’t just about the money, it was also about getting in line. Hence, even the homely little Trabant had a waiting list as long as the arm of your ill-fitting hand-me-down coat.

However, if you were part of the political ruling class, you couldn’t be bothered with a smelly little duroplast car with a two-stroke turnip of an engine.

Nor did East German tastes really line up with Russian offerings. That ZiL limousine, for instance, came with a seven-litre V-8 engine, and was something of a tank at more than 3,000 kilograms of curb weight. The Russians were very good at tanks - extremely good, as the events of 194445 would show, but they weren’t exactly dab hands at delicacy. Higher-ups in the Deutsche Demokratische Republik wanted to be seen driving something better than the average, but they also didn’t want to be seen as total pawns of the USSR. A Mercedes was an impossibility, but a Volvo just

might work.

A 1960s P1800 might have been a bit tricky, even for the head of the Stasi, but in later years getting a Volvo across the line wasn’t totally difficult. The police force used a number of 240s, some of which now exist in museums.

Regular Volvos ordered by the elite were passed on to favourites, doctors and lawyers and the like. That diagonallyslashed grille became a mark of privilege and patronage.

But the oddest story is probably that of the limousines, based off of the Volvo 240, that were used as chauffeured cars by the ruling elite of Eastern Germany. These entered the country via Italy; Volvo had an agreement with design house Bertone to do a few restyled coupes, but there was also a winked-at trade of lengthened cars that made their way across the line into East Germany. These were custom made to specification, then fitted with false registration papers. While luxurious in length, any actual luxuries like air conditioning were optional extras, and many cars were delivered without them.

The actual cars delivered to the DDR were thus very weird indeed. Imagine, if you will, a 240 sedan lengthened out like a stretch Town Car and then fitted with a droptop landaulet rear. As a parade car for good weather, it made a statement.

And you can’t get any stranger than a stretchedchassis Volvo 240 wagon, filled up with some Politburo member’s luggage and headed to a private cottage on holiday.

If driving a Volvo wagon in the West meant that you were a progressive sort with an Irish setter and a cardigan, then the DDR equivalent came with a whiff of secret files and James Bond tied up in a cellar somewhere.

When the wall came down, the cars were mostly snapped up by West German collectors for what they represented.

Once the economies of the two sides of Germany evened out, East Germans remained prejudiced against Volvos.

They remain a very uncommon sight.

From time to time, the DDR Volvo limos appear at auction, or as part of an estate sale.

They’re an interesting footnote, a reminder of a time not so long ago that not everyone was faced with an enormous swathe of vehicles to choose from.

Once, those Swedish bricks we are all so fond of were just another brick in the wall. mcaleeronwheels@gmail.com

FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2016

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