qathet Living December 2022

Merry Coast-mas

This fall, Census 2021 released a set of statistics about religion. It will come as no surprise that church adherence is way down. Over the past decade, several religious communities in qathet have been reduced by one third to one half. Just one in three of us consid er ourselves Christian. Even if you add the small numbers of locals who practice Sikhism, Hinduism, Judaism, Indige nous spirituality, and other faiths, these folks are in the minority. Near ly two-thirds of us identify as “no religion.”

I was raised in a church, but haven’t felt compelled to sit in a pew for years. So I am in the “no religion” camp at this moment in my life. But Christmas still gets me. It’s beyond just the evergreen swags and butter tarts. It’s the idea that in dark times, there is light. And to keep searching for that light.

This qL is full of stories about hope.

For years, an otherwise pristine is land just south of qathet was a dumping

ground for tires. This fall, Abby McLen nan rallied more than 30 people for two days – plus a bunch of equipment – to clean it up (Page 10).

When the holidays are a tough time, locals who have been through it all offer others real, hard-won support and wis dom (Pages 23, 25 and 70).

Even in freezing temperatures, when many of us are hud dling inside, oth er brave souls are pushing themselves to swim, run and motorcycle (Page 6).

This fall, more compassionate solutions than ever be fore are being enacted to end the epi demic of street crime, addictions and toxic drugs in BC (Page 31).

And our faith leaders are getting ready to welcome people back to church this Advent and Christmas season – in spite of a tough decade and COVID’s impacts (Page 55).

So Sea-sons Greetings. Whatever your faith, I hope you find light in this dark month.

- Amy Sharp, Page 61

Contact sean@prliving.ca 604-485-0003 or suzi@prliving.ca 604-344-0208

Originally from England, GARETH JONES has lived in Powell River for the last 11 years, is a devoted husband and father of three and co-owner of Paris Jones Construction. See Gareth’s story, Wet Motos, on Page 7.

ABBY MCLENNAN is a co-founder of the Let’s Talk Trash team and also works for the Ocean Legacy Foundation as a plastic pollution specialist. See Abby's story, Tire Island, on Page 10.

RANDY “HOSS” TIMOTHY SR. has been instrumental in helping to preserve and cele brate ayajuthem for decades. He is also an accomplished carver. See Hoss’ column, You Got This, on Page 57.

ARIEL TURCOTTE is a retired business woman who moved here from North Van. She lives with her husband Paul, and dog, Flynn. She is passionate about helping people understand how to talk about grief. See Ariel’s story, What to Say, on Page 23.

The purpose of the project is to uplift working class women over 40, not just moms but all those everyday heroes, through levity and examples of strength.

West Coast winter can’t keep our hardiest neighbours indoors

They swim in the ocean; they motorcycle in the mud; they run through the freezing rain. Meet a few local folks who take mainstream summer activities year-round.

Popsicles: “We laugh a lot”

BY ISABELLE SOUTHCOTT

For many, the idea of immersing oneself in the ocean in the middle of December is about as appealing as eating an entire fruit cake in one sitting.

Yet Powtown Popsicles insist their daily dip is up lifting and invigorating.

The first 30 seconds in the water are the hard est – that’s when your body is acclimatizing and say ing, ‘Oh dear why am I here?’ But when you get past that and you start talking to another Popsicle, you forget just how cold it is, says swimmer Pat Turner.

Now in their fourth year, the Popsicles are going strong with a membership list of 27. Deb Calderon, Popsicle co-instigator with Giselle Robichaud, says, it started, like all things, with an idea.

“I swim every day in the summer, but I was never a cold water swimmer. That first winter, we were a small group, but we had a lot of fun,” she said.

Jill Buckley is another long time Popsicle. “I’d read that it was good for you, and I needed a challenge. You really must tell your brain to let you go swim ming, but I never regret swimming even if I have to push myself to go.”

Deb likes how cold-water swimming makes her feel.

“When you’re in the water you don’t think about anything else, you are just in the moment. Summer is easy but it has no guts. Getting in the water is harder in the winter because it’s cold, but when you get out it’s warm and it’s very empowering. If you can do this you can do your own taxes.”

The swimmers all agree that the community

they’ve created through year-round swimming is one that they’re incredibly grateful for.

During COVID, especially during the early days of the pandemic when people were told not to gather and then when they could to stay 10 feet apart, the Popsicles said their swimming practice saved them.

“It was very important for all of us, it was the only thing we could do that was safe. We have so much fun, we laugh a lot, we meet a daily challenge to gether and we always feel good afterwards,” says Jill. “It helped us keep our sanity,” says Deb. “Every day we’d get together at the beach – we had some thing positive to look forward to.”

Swimmers say cold water swimming elevates your mood. “It makes me happy. When you conquer that mind over matter it makes you feel strong and re alize there are other things that you can do,” says Jill. Improved circulation is another benefit cold water swimmers realize. Pat Turner has arthritis in one knee, and she says cold water swimming helps reduce the swelling in her knee and any other in flammation that crops up. She swears it helps lower her blood pressure and she sleeps better and deeper when she swims according to her Fit Bit. But best of all are her Popsicle friends. “We swam through COVID, we’d meet, exchange ideas, have some laughs and it’s a wonderful group of people.”

At the end of the swim, Popsicles dry themselves off on the beach and compare their latest fabulous fashion finds from the local thrift shops while they warm up.

And of course, there’s the bragging rights. How many of us can say we swim year-round with the Powtown Popsicles?

|| isabelle@prliving.ca

THEY’RE CHILL LIKE THAT: Above, the Powtown Popsicles just before they dove in to the Willingdon Beach water on November 14. They swim every day of the year. Right, Gareth Jones trains on his KTM 300cc 2 Stroke motorcycle on local trails often wet and muddy for international events that are usually dry and sandy. Below, Gareth at Rallye du Maroc in Morocco in September 2022.

International rally racer trains in qathet’s cold & mud for hot & dry events

BY GARETH JONES

My true passion is riding the trails on my dirt bike. With three young children, I only manage to squeeze in an hour or two here and there, but even that can be enough time to work up a sweat making my way to a favorite peak. While catching my breath, my reward is looking out at Georgia Strait or Haslam Lake. I always remember to be con siderate and respectful while using the trails, so ev eryone can enjoy them safely.

The bike I ride here is a KTM 300cc 2 Stroke mo torcycle. It is an enduro bike, made for tight tricky trail riding and racing in hard enduro races where you’re racing on very technical tracks and over ob stacles like trees, rocks, riverbeds and up and down extreme climbs. This type of riding is extremely physical and heart rates are up in the 160-max area for several hours per race. It is excellent preparation for any type of riding/racing outside the discipline.

Riding the trails here in winter is certainly nicer for temperature, as you can ride longer due to less exhaustion. However, the trails get very slick with extremely slippery wet roots. Hit them at the wrong angle and your front wheel can tuck and you connect with the ground hard, without any warning. Also, the rear traction becomes a concern so you have to look further ahead and plan your approach to every thing much earlier.

There is no relaxing if you want to keep up a good pace. Wet riding here in qathet also gives you deep

puddles, the rain run-off washes away the dirt on top and loosens the ground by freeing up all the gravel and pebbles in the ground, so again traction is al ways changing.

You cannot go to your favourite summer trail and ride it the way you did a few months before, as you will find something completely different. In this way, there is no end to the training you do in qathet as nothing stays the same; the forest is alive and has been for thousands of years and whilst you are here you had better respect it, because it will bite you if you aren’t careful.

Other racers, in hotter climates, get to ride in the heat and the wide open plains and deserts that you can find in Mexico, Namibia, Morocco, or the Mid dle East. They are practicing in the environments in which most of the races are set. I’m sure that gives them an advantage. At the same time, you can either

ride a bike and navigate or you can’t, and it is my strengths in this and riding in unpredictable envi ronments (like those here in qathet) means I have as good a shot as anyone.

Having this wonderful opportunity to practice on the trails here has helped me build my skills. I recently began to compete in both national and in ternational races and specifically cross-country rally events.

So far this year I have been in Greece and recent ly Morocco. The Morocco race was a World Cham pionship called the “Rallye Du Maroc.” It’s a com pletely different type of riding – the bikes are much bigger and heavier than a typical trail motorcycle. Rally racing is all about riding thousands of kilome tres over several days or weeks, navigating at speed through high temperatures and often desert, where the sand dunes stretch for mile after mile.

Rally racing is growing as a sport, but of course there is nothing like it in qathet. You can still work on all aspects of your riding from the tight technical terrain where balance and machine control are es sential to keep traction, to cornering techniques at different speeds on all the surfaces you can think of.

Riding off-road is very physically demanding. Sin gle track trails like we have here with trees and rocks you slalom in and around is fantastic work for the core and body positioning on the motorcycle. When you add in the views that you get here on the coast, after several hours of work it gives me something to aim for and a reward for my efforts.

Running in the rain is “relaxing”

BY PIETA WOOLLEY

No matter what the weather is this week, Doug Lanigan has been out running in it at least four of those days. The 63-year-old instrument me chanic usually runs the trails through Lot 450, cover ing dozens of kilometres a week, usually by himself.

“My big problem is my hands get cold,” he said. “But once I get going I’m fine. I remember one morn ing when I got up when the kids were young, it was about 5:30 am, and I opened the door. It was windy, blowy, and rainy, and I thought, ‘Nah, I’ll go back to bed.’ No, I made it out the door, and five minutes in, I was fine.”

“This is, actually, a very relaxing hobby.”

It doesn’t sound relaxing. Doug is at the senior end of a growing number of locals who run extreme

COLD CREW: A few of the tough folks who run yearround many train for marathons and ultramara thons elsewhere by running the trails here.

Photo by Ean Jackson

distances. To stay in shape, they run year-round, including through the win ter. There are about 25 of them on a list being kept by relative newbie Ean Jackson. He started Club Fat Ass with his partner Sevilla in North Vancouver before moving up to Powell River a couple of years ago and taking on the organization of the Marathon Shuffle. Some are ultramarathoners – those who run events over 42.1 kilometes, and up to hundreds.

The most famous – infamous – ul tramarathon in Canada is the Knee Knackering North Shore Trail Run, which stretches 48 kilometres across North Vancouver’s Baden Powell trail from Horseshoe Bay to Deep Cove. Ean has run it 27 times – the record holder.

The Great Walk, from Gold River to Tahsis on Vancouver Island, is a 64-ki lometre ultramarathon walk which some people run. Doug has tackled it 15 times – and raised thousands of dollars for the Brain Injury Society, Canadian Cancer Society and $15,000 towards the CAT scan machine for the Powell River hospital. He doesn’t do the Marathon Shuffle, which takes place a month beforehand, because “you don’t get into 64-kilometre shape just to twist your ankle on the trail.”

In comparison, the Marathon Shuffle is a mere 29 kilometres.

There is no organized ultramarathon in qathet – yet – though of course this group is talking about it. Several years ago, there was an event that was four times around Inland Lake – 52 kilome tres. But that happened just once.

One time, Doug ran 76 kilometres from Gibsons to Earl’s Cove overnight (with Debbie Dee providing car sup port), leaving Gibsons at 11 pm and arriving at 6:10 am at the ferry.

This kind of extreme running at tracts people who can take on a chal lenge bigger than just running in the rain. Both Doug and Ean started run ning when they were pudgy. Ean de scribes himself as “a fat kid. I weigh less now than I did when I was 8,” he said. His mom got him going by buy ing him a pair of running shoes and sending him out to walk the dog each morning. Doug put on weight after he quit smoking in his mid-30s and “there’s nothing dumber-looking than a fat skinny guy.”

That was nearly 30 years ago. He ran his first marathon at age 40, and this winter, he’s training to run the Vancouver Marathon… again.

He missed his big events during COVID, because masks were required – a turn off. But now, he, and dozens of others, are on the trails this winter.

|| pieta@prliving.ca

Tire Island: Tired to Tireless

BY ABBY MCLENNAN

We found the infamous ‘Tire Island’ in early June while out scouting for potential shoreline cleanup projects.

Sailors, boaters and even BC Ferry passengers had gawked at this island for years. In the idyllic waters of the Salish Sea, a small islet off Nelson Island had grown a mountain of offrim vehicle tires.

For the second year in a row, Let’s Talk Trash has partnered with the Ocean Legacy Foundation to embark on shoreline cleanups in remote, hot spot locations for marine debris accu mulation in the qathet region. Fund ing has been provided through the Provincial Clean Coast Clean Waters Initiative. The Tire Stewardship of BC pitched in additional funds and sup port for this last project.

During the 2022 season, our team chose to embark on eight project areas that resulted in retrieving 54,680kg of debris from local shorelines. Tire Is land was particularly intimidating and complex. When senior project man agers announced there were unused funds in the coffers, our local project team was quick to suggest tackling Tire Island.

With an unknown amount of tires, which appeared to be in the thou

THE

Photos courtesy of clean up participants

sands, on a rocky, sloping island with no beach or easy landing, human muscle seemed to be the most efficient way to move the tires from point A to B. Our cleanup date was scheduled for the last week of October. Inclement fall weather was finally upon us but a dedicated crew of 33 people committed to getting the tires moved – 2,409 in total in only two days.

The mysterious origin of this tire dump site dates back to the 1990s. For over 20 years, these tires have been abandoned and seemingly outside of any au thority’s jurisdiction to clean up.

The sad part of this tale is the ongoing impact of tires in natural environments. Over the past decade,

extensive research has been conducted on microplas tics and their effects. Microplastic from the rubber in tires has become one issue of concern.

Leachate from tire particles has been shown to be toxic to various marine organisms including our beloved salmon. A rubber antioxidant present in tires has been identified as a cause of regular acute mortality events in salmon and these particles also

contain an array of other chemicals. Although (the now) Tire(less) Island isn’t directly near a spawning stream, it is a stone’s throw from an active aquacul ture lease and a concentration of debris such as this is detrimental to any ecosystem.

An emotional weight was lifted – alongside the literal weight of 29,800 kilograms – in bringing this island back to its natural state.

33 PEOPLE, TWO DAYS, 2,409 TIRES: The dream team minus the vessel operators and project manager (who was taking the photo.) Photos courtesy of clean up participants

POWELL RIVER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS AWARDS NOMINATION FORM

ENTREPRENEUR(S) OF THE YEAR

A person(s) who has the unique skills and exceptional initiative to assume the risk of establishing a business, which has been open for at least 12 months. Submissions for this award should be for one person or a maximum of two equal partners.

HOME-BASED BUSINESS AWARD

A home-operated business that consistently shows excel lence and quality in service and/or merchandise.

TOURISM AWARD

NEW BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

A business operating for not less than 1 year and not more than 2 years that has gained an expanding positive reputation.

SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

A business with fewer than 20 employees that has demonstrated superior quality in all aspects of business operation and shows a commitment to the community through its involvement.

SUSTAINABILITY AWARD

The Sustainability Award recognizes a business that has reduced their environmental impact by using sustainable practices in their supply chain, reduced their carbon footprint by minimizing waste, emissions and pollutants and recognizing efficient water, land and resource management.

ABORIGINAL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

This award goes to a business that is Aboriginal owned and oper ated in the Powell River region. The business shows leadership and dedication to the preservation of its cultural values and iden tity and creates positive growth within the community.

FORESTRY SECTOR AWARD

A large or small business that shows excellence in communications and/or innovation in forestry, forest management or a forest-related industry.

CUSTOMER SERVICE

A business that provides its customers with consistent excel lence in service that goes beyond customer expectations. It also encourages its staff to meet the changing customer needs and stands behind its products or service with mini mum customer inconvenience.

NOT FOR PROFIT EXCELLENCE AWARD

A not-for-profit organization that has recognized a need within our community and who through community responsibility, innovation, growth, sound business practices and community partnerships has served our community with vision and integrity.

AGRICULTURAL AWARD

This business has distinguished itself and shown leadership by promoting the betterment of agriculture in our city. This award will be presented to an agriculture-related business who has made outstanding contributions in the advancement of agricul ture.

CUSTOMER SERVICE - HOSPITALITY

As above, but specifically for the hospitality industry.

Enter only one business per category on this form. Duplicate nomination forms for the same business are not necessary. All entries will be submitted to a judging panel for final decision.

Deadline for nominations is 5 pm, Friday Jan 13, 2023. All businesses must have been operating for a minimum of 12 months to be nominated. Mail or drop off your completed nomination form to Powell River Chamber of Commerce 6807 Wharf Street, V8A 1T9. Or enter online at powellriverchamber.com. Multiple submissions are permitted. Enter now! Enter often!

Your name:

Phone #:

EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR

EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR

BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARD

A business that has been in operation for more than 5 years and has consistently offered outstanding service and/or product to its custom ers, and displays a strong commitment to community involvement. A business that contributes to the social, recreational, cultural and overall well-being of the community.

MP Rachel Blaney

Mincemeat tarts and shortbread cookies baked and decorated with Christmas themes are to be expected during the holiday season.

At my house, glorious cheesecake takes prece dence over the typical festive fare. December 25th is also my husband’s birthday and because it is his special day, he gets to choose the kind of cake he wants – and each year he chooses white chocolate raspberry cheesecake.

In the past we’d have a crowd of company join us to help celebrate Darren’s birthday; it was not un usual to have 20 to 40 people gathered in our living room and everyone got a big slice of cheesecake.

That hasn’t happened as much since I was elected MP, but it’s a tradition my children grew up with and my family and friends look forward to our get togethers.

That’s what makes this season so special.

They’re some real goodies

Like many families, music, decorations, family vis its and food were all central to our holidays.

My father was a singer and my mother taught ele mentary school, and many relatives lived nearby, so there were always people dropping in -meaning that all day long something was being cooked or even better, baked.

My favourite was the smell and taste of ginger bread -especially cookies. My mother would almost

always make a gingerbread house, and me and my five siblings would stare at it, me trying to figure out what piece or decorative element could be eaten without it being noticed.

When the Christmas season was over, and we al ways counted the 12 days, somehow the gingerbread house would be deconstructed and consumed, stale and dry by then, but somehow delicious anyway.

MLA Nicholas Simons

Special memories and cherished recipes.

We asked qathet’s newlyelected local politicians (plus our MP and MLA) for their favourite holiday food moments to get to know them a little better.

Van’t Schip

Kirsten

Jaclyn Miller

Anyone who knows me knows I’m pretty crazy for the holidays! Cozy time inside with my family is my fa vorite time of the year.

I decorate early, listen to Christmas music early and shop early!

One of my childhood traditions I’ve carried on with my children is decorat ing sugar cookies. We get all our cook ies baked, icing coloured and sprinkles ready. Then the fun and mess ensue.

I can’t imagine a Christmas without it!

Dale Lawson

Getting to know me would include an understanding that I believe the most valuable recipes are those which taste great and can be executed in ap proximately five minutes.

On my 45th birthday I received one of my favorite gifts from my adult children, a handcrafted and artisti cally laid out list of 45 reasons why my favorite people will always love me. Listed there, somewhere between ‘provides discount doctor services’ and ‘offers discount hair cuts’ is rea son #15, ‘makes good ‘homemade’ stuffing’.

My only hope for this year’s holiday food is that we continue to enjoy it to gether in happiness and good health.

Maureen Mason

It’s all about the butter tart—a French Canadian tradition.

The secret to a good butter tart is a thread that runs the length of time in my family. Held first by my great-grandmother, passed to my grandmother, my mother to me to my daughters and finally now to my grandchildren.

Being together on butter tart day is profound love.

Rob Hill

An Appreciative Note to My Nanny (Grandma) – photo above is us cooking in her kitchen. I don’t think it’s Christ mas… but still.

While my nanny (grandma) Marilyn Penny is known for far more than her cooking talents, I cannot help but re member Christmas dinners (and break fasts!) at her house growing up.

There is always a big turkey, multiple side dishes, and homemade pie! She’s one of those cooks who takes great pride in what she makes. After eating her meals and declaring how wonderful they are, she’ll reply, “I know. I made it.”

Nan, I hope this holiday season you put your feet up and let someone else do the cooking – but please, at least, bring one of your homemade pies!

Nov 28 - Dec 10, 2022

Pallet Challenge

Inviting businesses, organizations and individuals to help fill the Powell River Food Bank this season.

Mayor Ron Woznow

At the start of each holiday, I turn on my oven to 400 degrees, open my freezer and take out an apple pie made lovingly by my daughter and three grandsons, Herbie, Sam and Gael. They live in Halifax, so the apple pie warms my heart with fond memories of the holidays we spent together.

Herbie, who is eight, emailed me to say he can now make apple pies on his own. He wanted to check to see if I have enough pie to carry me though the winter until our next visit. Other wise, he would send me some.

Wishing everyone a happy holiday season.

This year we will again be doing the Corporate Pallet Challenge in order to reach the necessary goals to keep the food bank shelves stocked up throughout the winter and even spring!

The Corporate Pallet Challenge invites Powell River businesses to buy a 1,000 lb pallet of food for the food bank by making a $500 donation per pallet.

Businesses are welcome to buy as many pallets as they like, and they will receive a receipt for any donations for tax purposes!

Find out how to participate at mypowellrivernow.com/stuff-the-trailer/

Let's fill up the food bank and help those in need this Christmas and beyond!

Earl Almeida

I was born in Toronto to Roman Catholic East In dian immigrants who did a great job of exposing me to all types of food as a kid.

One holiday food memory that stands out is a dish you’re not likely to find at a BC Indian Restaurant, but it is invariably on the menu at any family event. Sorpotel is an extremely finely diced pork curry served at almost every holiday party alongside san nas, Mangalorian steamed rice cakes, which are te dious and time consuming to make.

My mom made amazing sannas that everyone al ways looked forward to.

The above photo was taken in 2012 in Jodhpur, India during a cooking class while traveling with my wife, Charlotte, on an 8-month, 24-country trip.

Powell River City Council

Trina Isakson

My family has Norwegian roots, and my mom used to bake a wide variety of treats at Christmas, including sandkaker (almond-based crunchy cookies pressed into tartlet tins).

Over the years she has whittled down the number of treats, but the one that remains at the heart of it all is the mighty butter tart. My mom makes the best butter tarts and you will not convince me otherwise!

Last year we also focused on cinnamon buns and tried to make them especially gooey! The se cret – pouring a cup or so of cream (canned coconut milk works great) over the pan of buns before the final bake.

Rob Southcott

This is a story about my friend Mike and his dad. Mike was 10 or 12. It was Christmas Eve, as usual, their last-minute Christmas shopping day together.

On the way home, arms overloaded as they got off the bus, Mike’s dad dropped the big turkey and it started to roll down the hill toward their home. Catching up, and with the brilliance of a couple of beers helping, dad just kept it rolling until they got there.

Dusted off, not a word was spoken when the next day the family of eight wondered where the bits of gravel came from.

Honouring the Journey

Safe & Merry Christmas

Clay Brander

• Area C and Chair of the Board

My great-grandma’s din ner rolls are a staple during the holidays but they’re not quite her rolls. She never used a recipe and couldn’t handle having someone take notes while she made them so these are as close as my mom could get to what my great-grandma’s tasted like. Her recipe is lost to time, but this is apparent ly a close approximation. Whatever the case, they’re delicious and smell fantas tic in the oven. Just don’t forget them in there – that’s also a Christmas tradition.

Clay’s “Almost Grandma’s “Rolls

1 cup milk, scalded but not boiled

½ cup butter

½ cup + 1 tbsp sugar

1 tsp salt

Heat butter, sugar and salt in the milk. Allow to cool. Dissolve yeast in ¼ c warm water. Once the milk mixture is cool enough that it won’t kill the yeast, add to it 1 cup of flour, 3 beaten eggs and the yeast/water mixture. Stir to combine. Add approximately 4 ½ cup of flour. Mix well.

Cover the dough and place in a warm place to rise to double in size (approxi mately an hour).

Place dough on a floured surface and

2 packages yeast

¼ cup lukewarm water (not hot)

3 eggs

5 ½ cup flour (split)

knead slightly, mixing extra flour into it so that it can be worked without being too sticky.

Form the dough into balls (approx. 1 ½-inch diameter). Place them on a greased cookie sheet leaving half an inch between them and place in a warm place to rise a second time, again until about double in size (approx. 30 min). Bake at 375°F for 10-12 minutes or until browned.

Turn out onto a clean towel and brush the tops with butter.

Sandy McCormick • Area D

The street my kids grew up on was full of young families. Numerous block parties took place throughout the year and we hosted an annual car oling party on Dec. 23. Songbooks were put to gether, long before the convenience of internet. My neighbors all brought baking and we provided drinks, including warm mulled wine for adults. Afterwards, everyone walked home, singing all the way.

Sandy’s warm mulled wine

To each bottle of red, fruity wine add:

1 cup apple cider

½ cup brandy

¼ cup honey

orange slices

6 whole cloves

3 cinnamon sticks

Simmer over low heat.

Craig (the Powell River Sign Guy) and the team at Designer Signs wishes everyone a

Mark Gisborne • Area B

Turkey sandwich is my current favorite holiday food. Christmas turkey always resulted in great turkey sandwiches when cooking a big bird.

Mark’s Turkey Sandwich

1. Start with local outdoor raised turkeys.

2. Cook turkey with a large metal spoon, keep well basted.

3. Eat turkey with family and friends.

4. Use leftover turkey with stuffing, cranberry sauce, and some mayo on some fresh bread.

Enjoy sandwich and experience nostalgia. Have a happy holidays everyone!

qathet Regional District Directors

Jason Lennox • Area A

Obviously, holiday food was something I rarely missed! Lots of cherished memories of heading to grandma Dorothy Venus’ Christmas Eve dinner. Lots of treats and great things to eat. Most of the time the Nanaimo bars never made it to the event as my brother and I had already polished them off. Then singing carols up and down the street, sounding pretty good after all the Carols by Candlelight concerts earlier in the month. Grandma left us her French Canadian tourtière recipe that my mother and others have made each season to great anticipation. It is still a favourite with each generation and I hope others try and love it as much as we do.

Jason’s Grandma’s Tourtière

1 pound ground pork

1 pound ground beef

6 oz pork sausage

Brown together and drain Add diced onion Dash of sage ¼ to ½ tsp cloves

1 large cooked mashed potato

Salt & pepper to taste Minced garlic optional

Full pastry shell and cover Bake at 425°F 15 min. Reduce to 350°F 30 min.

When someone is grieving You don’t know what to say? Say this.

BY ARIEL TURCOTTE

As Christmas ap proaches, I am re minded that our only son, Hayden, will not be here for anoth er season. He was killed at the age of 22, when a 74-year-old man ran a stop sign. His girlfriend Madeline, soon-to-be fi ancé, was killed as well, at the age of 23.

This was almost three and a half years ago, July 26, 2019. My hus band and I search for new traditions and ways to remember and honour the two of them at Christmas, as well as help us to survive the holiday season. This will be Christmas number four and although it does not get easier, there are times when the pain is not as intense as those first years.

Light a candle in memory of your child

In December each year Compassionate Friends has a special candlelight ceremo ny to honour and remember our children. This year’s is on December 13, at 7 pm., at the Hospice Society Office. We hope you will join us with a picture of your child and light a candle in their mem ory. If you like, bring a supportive friend or family member. Feel free to contact us at powellrivertcf@gmail.com, or call 604-218-6245 (Ariel) or 604-487-0889 (Joan).

We moved to Powell Riv er just over two years ago. We needed a place that was calmer, quieter and com munity-like that would help us support our grief with Hayden’s death. We have been welcomed with open arms by all and are re minded daily that we made the right decision to move here.

The first Christmas here, I did not decorate inside at all; however, we did put lights outside as they tend to brighten those dark winter days. We did not have a tree either – I just was not up to it. We did, however, on Christmas Day set a place at the dining table for both Maddie and Hayden with a picture of the two of them. We also lit a candle for them.

Last year I went all out and did decorate our new house. It felt right! The snow came last year and Paul and I had a lovely Christmas Day by ourselves. We relaxed with a nice breakfast, went out and shoveled snow and then had a nice walk with our little saviour pup, Flynn. He was born on the day of Hayden and Maddie’s first date, Nov 16, 2018.

We also invited friends to join us for the holidays and they arrived on Boxing Day. Their son, who grew up with Hayden, came as well with his girlfriend and their new puppy. It was nice to have a family here in our house with us and a boy Hayden’s age around.

Fireplace

Stove

Although it can be sad to be with friends knowing that our son will never be here with us again, it helps us share memories and understand what our Hayden might be doing at this stage of his life.

There is no rhyme or reason to how a bereaved parent will feel on any given day, especially more so in those early years after their child’s death. All I do know is that I have learned to go with what I feel on a giv en day and I work hard to be kind to myself if I do not want to participate in a giv en function.

Early on in my grief jour ney, I was lucky to find a group called Compas sionate Friends. This was brought to my attention through Victim Services at the RCMP and also the BC Bereavement society. There was a local chapter close by to where we lived in North Vancouver. The chapter leader sent me the Fall newsletter edition prior to our attending the first meeting. I remember reading a very helpful but sad article by another bereaved parent who went to her first meeting with pen and pad in hand hoping to find the answers to help her deal with the most excruciating pain ever. She did not find answers; however, the meeting was the start of understanding that it is possible to survive the death of your child and there are people who under stand. She left the meeting and sat in her car crying for quite awhile afterwards; this was her start to her way through the grief. This article spoke to me as this is what I would think to do at this meeting had I not read the article. Our brain just wants answers to STOP the pain and bring our children back. Our heart does not understand at all.

What does this mean for the rest of the world that is watching us grieve this incredible loss and is hav ing trouble even fathoming this happening to us, let alone thinking about what it would be like for them if their child died? I hear so many times from fami ly members, friends and co-workers wanting to help their bereaved persons: “I do not know what to say. I

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There are no concrete answers. How ever, I would like to share some ideas that I have learned along the way that I feel may help the world at large learn to understand the grief in our lives and others.

1. When talking to a person who is dealing with the grief from a death – one word “today” helps immensely. “How are you doing today?” We know that they are in pain; we know that they are not doing the best; and that they are grieving – however, by adding the word “today” to how are you doing, you give the question a boundary that makes it possible for a grieving person to answer.

2. Often, when we know someone else is experiencing grief, our dis comfort keeps us from approaching it head on. But we want the world to remember our child or children, no matter how young or old our child was. You can ask about their child, us ing their name. Many bereaved parents love to hear their child’s name spoken. It is almost as if they are alive for that conversation. When topics come up you could say “Tell me one of your fa vorite memories of your child,” or you could tell them one of your good mem

ories of their child. What we need to remember is that even though talking about a dead child may bring sadness to the person at the moment, the sharing of memories can also bring some joy.

3. When the family gets together for special occasions like Christmas, talk about the person who is no lon ger with you. Share memories, jokes, tears. This process brings families to gether and helps all persons deal with the sadness. For the first year or so, I had pictures of Hayden and Maddy in my purse, even in a little picture frame and this frame would sit at the table with us wherever we went. I have many pictures of the places we went. I believe I was in shock; however, at those moments it made me happy and brought memories to the surface that, as time passed, helped me deal with the grief.

4. Accept that you cannot fix us. The world is sad when our children die, as parents should not outlive their children. This makes this death espe cially tragic. An out-of-order death such as the death of a child breaks a parent in a way that is not fixable or solvable – ever! We will learn to pick up the pieces and move forward, but our lives will never be the same.

BY AN ANONYMOUS MEMBER OF AL-ANON

Anonymity is one of the corner stones of our fel lowship and the thoughts that follow are from some of the members of our local group.

I came to Al-Anon as a last resort. I didn’t know it at the time but I was taking Step 1 “admitting” I was powerless over the effects of alcohol – my life had become unmanageable. After attending my first meeting I felt a huge relief – I wasn’t crazy and I wasn’t alone – I belonged.

Someone encouraged me to come to Al-Anon and even though I felt that it wasn’t right for me I checked it out all the same. I thought I didn’t belong, but I stayed because I felt so much better after that first meeting.

I couldn’t explain it but I kept coming back and now I’m glad I did.

We are a group of people similarly affected by someone’s alcohol problem. We don’t talk about our difficulties in detail and we respect the anonymity of the alcoholic. We listen and share our experience strength and hope, using the 12 steps as a template for respectful, functional, and balanced living. I love the program and the slogans: “keep coming back”, “take what you like and leave the rest.” I feel grate ful for the support, connection and encouragement that I get at our weekly meeting.

Here are some of the stories shared by our anonymous members:

“Family life with an alcoholic wife was a constant struggle amidst the bickering and arguments,” said one member of our group. “Meals were seldom pre pared and I struggled to make sure there was cereal and milk, so the children would have breakfast and sandwich bread and meat for them to make lunches. I always made it look normal, but it was chaos. AlAnon provided me with an understanding that I was facing the disease of alcoholism. I was not able to cure the disease, but over time I learned to cope and stop reacting and trying to change my spouse.”

Another member recalled, “I grew up in a large family whose priority was religious obligations. I was fearful, insecure and lonely. The one person who I felt drawn to was my uncle who never judged or scolded. I later came to see that this generous playful man was an alcoholic. I wanted a man like him! Needless to say, I found one. After 25 years of high drama, I let him go. I was advised to go to Al-Anon but I didn’t think I needed it, until the disease showed up again in my extended family. That was eight years ago and I am so grateful to have the structure and acceptance of the program for me to regain my trust in myself, others and my higher power.”

“I wanted a close intimate relationship but we were both children of alcoholics and our relationship was struggling,” said one member. “I walked into the doors of Al-Anon angry and frustrated, wanting to fix my partner. It took years to realize that I was

Could Al-Anon help you get through the holidays?

For more information please call Bill at 604-483-9031.

And read Isabelle Southcott’s Last Word on Page 70, “The holidays can be brutal for the families of alcoholics,” about finding Al-Anon when she most needed it.

there for my own benefit. Now, 10 years later our relationship is healthier and I attribute that to the blessings of the Al-Anon program. I continue to grow in awareness and acceptance”

“Growing up with an alcoholic father can really make you crazy. I knew about Al-Anon from my mom who was an active member for 40 years. I saw how it changed her life for the better. Recently, I came to realize how much I needed it. I like the way it helps me recognize crazy thinking. I like Step 2 of the 12 steps: ‘Came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.’”

I have come full circle from despair to peace and serenity. I continue to attend meetings for friendship and fellowship and to help others affected by alco holism. Practicing the 12 steps in my life has given me a spiritual awakening; a gift of being happy, joy ous and free. A life based on forgiveness, tolerance and love for others. I am forever grateful to have found Al-Anon.

Walking in the door can be hard but it’s a relief

COVID hobbled one of qathet’s top programs: can you help?

BY LESLEY ARMSTRONG

COVID-19 has impacted the Powell River Thera peutic Riding Association. Of the list of over 50 volunteers, many did not return since the three month shutdown of the program during Spring 2020.

Currently there are approximately 25 volunteers who show up weekly. They groom and saddle the horses in preparation for their work day, side walk with riders or lead the horses while a rider is be ing coached by Shannon Durant and assistant coach Claire Robertson.

Training for any volunteer position takes less than an hour, and no previous horse experience is neces sary, only a willingness to be part of the team and the ability to walk up to 45 minutes on established trails.

The program has been in place since 1991 and fol lows training and rules as outlined by the Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association (CanTRA). CanTRA itself is a member of a large, growing international organization, Horses in Education and Therapy Inter national. The benefits for the riders are multiple, and the scientific data bank on these benefits are growing.

Hours are flexible. You can volunteer for one hour or as many hours/days as you choose.

Riders range from four year old pre-schoolers to adults, and many students are transported from pri vate and public schools.

For that hard to buy for person who has everything, perhaps a donation to PRTRA will warm their heart this Christmas. Since most members of the herd are senior citizens, a daily portion of grain and a flake of alfalfa goes a long ways towards maintaining their health and well being. They are the volunteers that just keep on giving. Each one has a sensitive and unique personality, just like the human members of this important PRTRA team.

LOVE HORSES?: Rider Emily Anderson at the annual PRTRA Open House. The organization is looking for volunteers (see story, left) and is currently raising funds through a “Hay is for Horses” stocking stuffer campaign.

She arrived at PRTRA’s indoor arena for her first lesson in her mother’s arms – unable to embrace this new experience with anything other than fear. She did not ride that first session, and main tained her tight grip while in her mother’s arms.

Second lesson, mom placed her in the saddle, then walked beside her with an arm on one thigh while she kept her head down and gripped both her moth er’s arm and the arm of the sidewalker on the other side of her horse during that first ride. Her body con stantly squirmed and fidgeted in the saddle through out those first few rides.

Fast forward to week five. With a large beaming smile, she independently walked up the ramp to where her horse was standing patiently, climbed

into the saddle, and for the duration of her ride, sat tall while her spinal column naturally swayed in sync with the movement her horse’s long striding walk created. Her mother remain seated, observing her daughter’s confident progress, and commented on how wonderful the people and horses were at this centre.

Convinced by the research she had read that equine therapy could help her daughter, and new to Powell River, she had put her daughter’s name on the Powell River Therapeutic Riding Association’s wait list.

Her daughter’s smile erupted into infectious belly laughs and giggles from the start of the lesson to the finish. Everyone around her was laughing and smil ing. Her mother beamed and commented again how good the instructors and the horses were.

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Christmas

all the best in the New Year

She moved up from Gibson’s Land ing, finding the southern Sunshine Coast not the right fit after grow ing up in Richmond.

The world of competitive eventing which includes show jumping and dressage, ended up being her passion when growing up.

Upon moving to Powell River, with her husband and two sons, she was ini tially employed by Inclusion. A friend told her about a PRTRA ad for a coach. She applied as it seemed the perfect

fit for her combined life experience of working with horses and with people.

Her name is Shannon Durant. She is an intermediate level Canadian Ther apeutic Riding Association instructor (CanTRA ) and all riders consistently receive the same firm set of expecta tions coupled with gentle humour and respect.

Shannon’s last working day at PR TRA will be Dec. 12 as she is embark ing upon a new career with the school district in the new year.

Apure bred Norwegian Fjord horse, he was born in California 19 years ago, and for sale after spending two years alone in a pasture in an Okanagan vineyard.

How did he come to live in Can ada, and how did he come to be liv ing alone in a vineyard? No answers to those questions. One thing is clear

though. He has a wide-eyed and cuteas-a-bug’s-ear look to his blonde, short roly poly frame.

New this Fall to PRTRA, his name is Stormy. He is successfully learning how to change a behaviour of trying to nibble everything which comes within reach of his mouth. He is smart and he likes having a job.

WHAT’S UP

No surprise: qathet’s “living wage” is up to $23.33

The living wage for Powell River has increased to $23.33 an hour in 2022 from $16.31 per hour in 2019, the last year that this region participated in the campaign, according to this year’s Living Wage report.

Working 40 hours a week, someone making $23.33 an hour would earn $48,526 a year before taxes. In qathet, the median individual income is actually just $35,600 according to the 2021 Census. That’s $17.11 an hour, working full time, year round.

In other words, qathet’s ‘living wage’ is one third higher than the region’s median income.

The living wage was calculated by Lift Community Services, with support from the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives’ Living Wage Campaign. It rep resents the hourly wage that two parents working full-time need to earn to support a family of four.

Other communities across the province that have seen staggering living wage increases include Kelow na at $4.39 (23.7%) higher than last year’s rate of $18.49, Victoria at $3.83 (18.7%) higher than last year’s $20.46 and Metro Vancouver $3.56 (17.3%) higher than last year’s $20.52.

This year the living wage has increased across BC in all the communities where it has been calculated in the past and is driven by two essentials every fam ily needs: food and shelter.

“With general inflation shooting up to a 40-year

high this year, and with the cost of food rising even faster and rent increasing everywhere, especially for families that need to move and are no longer pro tected by rent control, it’s not surprising to see such big increases this year,” says Anastasia French, Liv ing Wage for Families provincial manager.

The price of groceries needed for a healthy diet for a family with two young children has spiked sharp ly this year, according to the latest BC food costing survey data.

In Powell River, food costs $1,238 per month, which is higher than the average of all communi ties at $1,141. Across most of BC, food costs rose by a whopping 16.9% since last year, adding an extra $161 per month to the family budget. Food is the second-highest cost in most communities, only ex ceeded by the cost of housing. Food used to be the third-most expensive item but has now edged ahead of child-care costs after the BC government made major investments in child care affordability in 2018 that significantly reduced out-of-pocket child care costs for the living wage family.

“Until this year the living wage across most of BC remained below its 2018 peak because policy chang es introduced by the BC provincial government sig nificantly improved affordability for families with young children and offset increases in the cost of food, housing and other essentials,” says report lead author Iglika Ivanova, senior economist at Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives BC (CCPA-BC).

“However, the savings generated by these poli

cy changes, including significant child-care invest ments and the elimination of MSP premiums, have now been effectively wiped out by ballooning rent and food costs,” she adds.

Lift Community Services has partnered with the Living Wage for Families campaign to ensure Powell River data was included in this year’s report.

“People in Powell River and the broader qathet re gion are struggling to keep up with soaring costs for essentials like food and housing,” says Lift Commu nity Services Executive Director, Stuart Clark. “This year’s living wage has seen big increases across the province, and our community seems to be increas ing faster than others, which is very concerning. This is in part due to a lack of affordable housing in our community. Putting in place policies like va cancy control and making large-scale investments in non-market rental housing could help make life more affordable for workers in qathet and across the province.”

The living wage is enough for a family with two young children to cover necessities, support the healthy development of their children, escape severe financial stress and participate in the social, civic and cultural lives of their communities. It affords a decent but still very modest standard of living, without the extras many take for granted, French explains.

A strikingly large gap exists between the 2022 liv ing wages for communities across BC and the prov ince’s minimum wage (currently $15.65 per hour).

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“We are entering a time when public and non-prof it community services, especially those focused on food and housing, are needed more than ever,” says Stuart. “I call on our local and provincial govern ment partners to continue to work together with lo cal community organizations and people with lived experience to come up with policy and service solu tions to this affordability crisis.”

There are nearly 400 certified Living Wage Em ployers across the province, but the labour market alone cannot solve all problems of poverty and so cial exclusion. Living wage employers include small businesses, non-profit organizations, unions and co operatives.

Archaeological site discovered on Savary Island

A significant archaeological site was discovered during an archaeological study related to pro posed residential developments at ʔayhos (Savary Island – pronounced “ay-hos”). An ancestral burial and related archaeological artifacts were unearthed at an undisclosed location on the island.

“We were not surprised by the discovery of our ancestor on the island. This island has been heavily utilized and occupied since time immemorial. Our ancestors not only placed our loved ones to rest on the island, but families were also raised here, wars fought, resources utilized and managed” explained Tla’amin Nation Executive Council member Erik Blaney. “We are working closely with the site de veloper to take care of our ancestor and enable the build to continue.”

According to archaeologists who consult with the Nation, the island was one of many preferred mortu ary landscapes of the Tla’amin Nation.

Dual language signs installed

The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastruc ture, in collaboration with Tla’amin Nation, have installed the first dual language sign featuring both ʔayʔaǰuθəm and English in Tla’amin Territory.

In 2016, the Ministry of Transportation and Infra structure made a commitment to Tla’amin Nation to update highway signs to reflect Tla’amin’s tradition al ʔayʔaǰuθəm place names in the Tla’amin’s Terri tory.

“The Tla’amin Nation acknowledges with grati tude the hard work that has been put into this proj ect to make it possible,” says Hegus John Hackett “Seeing our place names on official signage in our territory is very important to Tla’amin people. These names have existed since time immemorial and hold important information that have been passed down through generations for millennia. This project is a crucial step towards decolonization and reconcilia tion in our Territory.”

Brander leads board

Electoral Area C Director Clay Brander was elect ed Chair of the qathet Regional District (qRD) Board of Directors for the upcoming year, at the Nov 8 in augural meeting of the qRD Board of Directors. Clay erved as Planning Committee Chair for the duration of his previous term as the Electoral Area C Director.

Men who choose respect make healthier

The “Men Choose Respect” program includes a 1-to-1 intake. Men meet together for 9 weeks.

Canoe Route turns 40

Friends of the Powell Forest Canoe Route’s histo rian and spokesperson Randy Mitchell recently pre sented Canoe Route originator Gerhard Tollas with a paddle carved by Tla’amin Elder Charlie Bob

“With 40 years of enjoyment of the Powell Forest Canoe Route for locals and visitors alike, we wanted to take a moment to thank Gerhard for his tireless work and advocacy for the route,” said Randy.

At the presentation ceremony was Chamber of Commerce representative Telis Savvaidis and Tour ism Powell River Executive Director Tracey Ellis

In 1982, the Chamber of Commerce was also the Powell River Visitor Centre and Gerhard Tollas was instrumental in the formation of a unique collabo ration of the BC Forest Service recreation program, the joint federal-provincial Employment Bridging Assistance Program and the Powell River Chamber of Commerce.

The building of the Powell Forest Canoe Route opened up difficult access to lakes in a wilderness adventure that rivaled the already popular Bowron Lakes. The initial build began in September 1982 and ended in July 1983.

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BY PIETA WOOLLEY

If you walk into the Post office at Joyce and Alberni, you’ll see a short-brimmed wool felt hat hanging above a black and white photo of a handsome young postal worker.

His name was An gelo Bella – Powell River’s first letter-car rier – and he passed away on Feb. 15 of this year. On Nov. 3, a group of current post al workers, and Ange lo’s family and neigh bours, came to the Post Office for a short ceremony honouring his role in the commu nity, and unveiling of the hat and photo. The event was organized by Bruce McCrae, An gelo’s letter carrier.

“My father was lucky to have you [Bruce] as his post man,” said Alesa Maxwell, Angelo’s daughter (who was visiting from Den mark), during the ceremony.

“This is one special postie!” said

Eva Bella, Angelo’s widow, as she em braced Bruce.

Before 1961, residents had to come to the Post Office to pick up their mail. Door-to-door delivery began here that year, with Angelo. His route wound from the original post office in Townsite – to day’s Townsite Brew ing building – to West view and back again.

“It was a lot of walk ing,” Bruce remarked at the event. “A lot more than what we do today.”

Angelo spent two years in the uniform, before leaving to be come a baker. He sup plied baking to every grocery store in the region – delivering it himself, too.

Angelo’s photo will be on permanent display at the Post Office. Bruce said a special thank you to the qathet Museum and Archives for the photo.

|| pieta@prliving.ca

Powell Name Email Address City, Prov Postal Code Phone

River’s first

carrier

Solutions to qathet’s surging crime situation

BY PIETA WOOLLEY

qL started working on this series about crime back in the spring. It was clear, even then, that escalating crime and the social challenges that underpin it were the biggest story in town.

At the time, there wasn’t much movement from political leadership. Point out that crime was hav ing an impact, as we did in our October issue, and you were sure to be slammed for unfairly and cruelly picking on marginalized people.

But starting October 1 with the release of BC’s chronic offenders report (see next page), plenty of political will has been centred on crime and the so cial issues surrounding it.

Perhaps that’s because, as the chronic offenders report makes clear, the crime wave that has been growing since 2019 is eroding public trust in polic ing and justice – not to mention impacting front-line workers in grocery stores, emergency rooms, and other essential places. Perhaps the new political will is because BC voters overwhelmingly elected mayors on October 15 that vowed to do something about

An end to surging crime: Part 3

This article is the third in qathet Living maga zine’s three-part series on crime in this region.

Part 1 explored the crimes themselves: what is hap pening, and what is the impact on this community?

Part 2 dived in to courts and corrections: how changes to our justice system are playing out locally.

Part 3 asks what those who are perpetrating the crimes need to be able to stop harming this community and themselves, and re-join society.

Note: In the January 2023 issue, we will run a special follow-up story on new approaches to toxic drug and addictions policy, as so much has emerged over the past month.

We hope these stories help inform the current conversation about crime, justice, addiction, and solutions. And, we hope to hear from you.

Please send letters (ideally before the 20th of the month) to isabelle@prliving.ca

crime – and the Premier and Prime Minister had to react or face getting booted out next election. Or, perhaps it was motivated by how little impact the

billions of dollars spent on social issues in BC seems to be having, as was outlined in the November 8 Vancouver Police Department report, and echoed in the Auditor General’s housing report, and what is emerging from new reporting on BC Housing.

Over the past two months, our political leader ship has admitted that crime is a crisis. We all know that the social issues that are causing crime are a crisis – toxic drugs, widespread addictions, mental health, poverty and housing. And, it seems, the po litical solutions that have been aimed at managing both crime and social issues are also in crisis.

In this final installment of qL’s three-part series on crime, we are handing the pages over to the people in this community who are in a position to recom mend solutions to the crime wave that has manifest ed in this community.

Although qL has received many, many letters and phone calls about this series so far, most people who contacted us do not want to make their views public. They are afraid to do so. On the one hand, we can’t blame them; some folks on Facebook are mean these days, and avoiding their wrath is only rational. And on the other hand, letters to the editor and thought ful public discourse is a cornerstone of democra cy – how we solve our problems and move society forward together. If thoughtful people are afraid to openly discuss the biggest story in town, that is an other crisis (for another time).

1. September 27: A Tale of Two Provinces: Assessing the Opioid Crises in BC and Alberta

This report, by the Ottawa-based MacDonald Lau rier Institute for Public Policy, compares Alberta’s emerging recovery-centred approach, versus BC’s harm reduction approach. It is early days. Both prov inces have not-yet-fully-realized strategies to address the crisis, but numbers released in the early fall sug gest that overdose deaths are declining in Alberta, and climbing in BC. Although trying to pin down why overdoses may be climbing or declining in both provinces is complex, to say the least, anyone inter ested in drug policy will be watching for complete 2022 numbers of overdoses and overdose deaths in these two provinces, which will be released in the new year.

2. October 1: A Rapid Investigation into Repeat Offending and Random Stranger Violence in British Columbia is released.

This report, commissioned by then-Attorney Gen eral David Eby, found that crime is indeed surging in BC, is impacting front-line workers and contributing to the employee shortage, and the public has lost trust in policing and the justice system. The authors blamed dramatic public policy failures in support ing mental health care and addictions, for fuelling crime. They offered 28 recommendations for curbing the surge in crime.

Two things came out of the report immediately. First, the Province issued a statement listing the rec ommendations it is working on. Second, Provincial and Territorial leaders from across Canada met with Ottawa about crime, and Ottawa promised to re-visit 2019’s Bill C-75 – the so-called “catch and release” bill. Since that was announced, no further details have emerged.

3. November 1: Closing Gaps, Reducing Barriers: Expanding the Response to the Toxic Drug and Overdose crisis is released.

This report, from BC’s Select Standing Committee on Health, supports much of BC’s current policy, and

recommends expanding access to harm reduction such as overdose prevention sites and take-home nal oxone. The report was soon slammed by critics for failing to recommend “safe supply” of opioids – reg ulated, accessible and affordable drugs – and instead supporting just the current “safer supply” approach, such as Opioid Replacement Therapy (ORT) and In jectable Opioid Agonist Therapy (IOAT).

4. October 15: Powell River, Kelowna, Kamloops and Vancouver (among other BC cities) elect anti-crime mayors.

In Vancouver, Ken Sim and his ABC party won a sound victory on the promise to clean up the Down town East Side with policing and mental health working together. In Powell River, Ron Woznow – in his role as President of the Westview Ratepay ers – chaired two public meetings on crime during the election period, and promised to crack down on crime. He got more votes than the other two candi dates combined.

5. November 7: Vancouver Police Department’s “Vancouver’s Social Safety Net: Rebuilding the Broken” report leaked.

The public is spending $1 million a day on social supports in the Downtown Eastside and $5 billion a year on social supports in Vancouver, says this re port, which was commissioned by the VPD. And yet, overdoses, overdose deaths, homelessness and pub lic squalor are continuing to increase, rather than decrease, it claims. The Province questioned the fig ures in the report (some of the $5 billion includes universal programs like the Canada Child Benefit). The report recommends a focus on outcomes, rather than just inputs.

6. November 17: Soon—to-be-installed Premier Eby promises to help the Downtown East Side recover.

The day before he was sworn in, Eby spoke about the Downtown East Side – the most prominent neigh bourhood symbolizing social problems and failed so cial policy that are found throughout BC. He noted it was “headed in the wrong direction” and that it is increasingly desperate – much more so than when he worked as an activist-lawyer there 20 years ago.

7. November 20 on: Premier Eby promises to act on “public safety.”

In a series of announcements and speeches, Pre mier Eby announced significant new spending on

reducing crime. These include $240 million for addi tional RCMP, plus, according to the Vancouver Sun, “$12 million for repeat offender response teams; $44 million over three years for Indigenous justice centres; $10 million for peer assisted care teams; $3 million for integrated mobile community crisis re sponse by police and health care workers; $3 million a year to expand virtual bail hearings; and $4.5 mil lion over three years for brain injury services in 13 B.C. communities.” He also announced a stand-alone ministry on housing to solve the housing crisis.

8. Mid-November: Shakeup at BC Housing.

After a damning report on a major BC Housing con tractor was leaked, the BC Liberals demanded a full audit of the Provincial corporation. Before Eby be came premier, he was the Attorney General, and BC Housing was under his ministry. Later, Eby revealed that before he stepped down as Attorney General, he ordered a forensic audit of the Crown Corporation. BC Housing is responsible for much of the Province’s social housing, including the Supported Housing projects (such as the one on Joyce) that were part of the 2017 Rapid Response to Homelessness.

9. November 15: Federal Auditor General’s report on chronic homelessness released.

The federal government promised to cut chronic homelessness in half by 2027, and Infrastructure Canada spent $1.36 billion through the National Housing Strategy between 2019 and 2021 to do so. The Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation spent an additional $4.5 billion. However, the Audi tor General found that there was no reporting about whether the money had actually caused homeless ness to decline. The AG said the government had assumed “minimal federal accountability” to reach the target.

10. October through November: Crime continues.

On November 23 alone, in the Lower Mainland, an armed robbery shut down Highway 1 and several SkyTrain Stations, a stabbing left one teen dead at a Surrey High School, and another teen was found in a downtown east side hotel holed up with a stash of drugs and weapons. Here, in criminal court, a local who had been caught stealing from stores, homes and cars and breaking windows five times in late 2021 and early 2022 was convicted on one charge – for breaking and entering – and got a condi tional sentence of 30 days and a year of probation.

And much more.

Here is a short summary of what, politically, has changed on crime and the social issues underpinning crime, since qL went to press for Part I of this series:

his chart ran in the October is sue with the first crime story. The numbers of crimes came straight from the Powell River RCMP, but the percentage calculations were all mine (editor PW). And they were wrong. Thanks to an eagle-eyed reader, we

now know that crime has indeed in creased much more than I had original ly calculated.

Note too: 2019 is not part of the math (as I just compared 2018 to 2021) but crime spiked that year. Why? Bill C-75? Or something else?

Solutions to the toxic drug crisis must be in collaboration with people who use drugs: Lift

ift Community Services runs several programs in qathet, many with the aim to support people with mental health challenges and addictions, and people who live in poverty.

Here, Stuart Clark, Executive Director, Lift Com munity Services, answers some of qL’s questions. Although we sent Lift several questions about crime, Lift opted not to answer them, saying those questions were better posed to other agencies.

What supports does Lift offer at Supported Housing?

Stuart • Supportive housing is an opportunity for people to leave the streets and shelter system for safe and stable housing that will contribute to an improved quality of life.

Supportive housing is a self-contained studio home with various support services provided on-site, to ensure peo ple can achieve and maintain housing stability.

Supportive housing is for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness with varying health and personal chal lenges and needs. People experiencing homelessness are not a homogenous group and have had different pathways into homelessness. That’s why supportive housing tailors its response to clients, to help them maintain their hous ing and work on healing.

There are a variety of support services offered at the Lift Supportive Housing Building on Joyce Avenue. As each resident may require different support, we take an indi vidualized approach to further develop life and social skills such as employment planning and managing the transi tion to independence and recovery, as well as program ming space to facilitate training and food preparation. Lift

works closely with Vancouver Coastal Health and other community partners to coordinate connection and access to important health and community services. Depending on the needs and preferences of the individual, ser vices can be accessed at supportive housing or in the community.

In addition to individualized supports, res idents in the building have access to laun dry facilities, and a food program offering a light breakfast and a hot dinner. With Lift staff support, residents also organize other programs and workshops based on their own needs and interests, such as skill-based workshops, ex pressive arts programs, and social activities like karaoke and movie nights.

Lift’s community advisory committee had a neigh bourhood representative who would report back to the community. It sounds like that communication isn’t happening?

Stuart • The qathet Supportive Housing Community Advisory Committee (CAC) is a committee made up of a cross-section of Supportive Housing partners and com munity representatives, including BC Housing, Vancou ver Coastal Health, members of the public from the local neighborhood, all three local governments, all emergency services (fire, police, ambulance), other non-profits and business owners. The purpose of the committee is to:

• Build and maintain positive relationships amongst the com munity, the building operators and the program partners

• Facilitate information sharing and dialogue

• Identify and resolve any issues, opportu nities and concerns related to the building, operations and related issues

• Support the success of the supportive housing project

The intention behind the Committee is that each member will update their respec tive communities or agencies; all members have access to the non-public meeting min utes as a reference. If community members are not feeling adequately informed, they can reach out to us, and we will be happy to connect them with the most appropriate committee representative. Additionally, Lift summarizes the committee discussion topics in a quarterly newsletter, which anyone can sign up for. Please get in touch with Lift directly if you would like to be added to that list.

If locals have a negative experience with one of Lift’s clients, what would you like them to do?

Stuart • We encourage anyone with questions or con cerns or wanting to learn more and help support the program, to get in touch with us directly. Email us at info@liftcommunityservices.org, or call 604-485-2004.

We’re also in the process of refreshing our website, which will have a lot more current information about our pro grams, and additional resources for folks to learn more about our approach.

Our staff is always more than happy to meet with com munity members or groups to provide more information about services, and Lift has coordinated and will continue to coordinate larger community discussions or education

al sessions about our programs and services as well.

How does Lift support detox and treatment / re covery - as well as harm reduction?

Stuart • There is a lack of readily available and afford able detox options in our rural community, and the lack of immediate, affordable access to treatment is a real barrier for some of the people we support. Lift and our community partners continue to actively advocate with the Province to increase local access to detox services in the qathet Region. Lift supports detox and treatment as part of the range of supports available to individuals who use substances.

As part of our Community Health Services, we run an injectable Opiate Agonist Treatment (iOAT) clinic, which helps transition folks off unregulated and potentially tox ic drugs onto controlled, prescribed substances. This is an evidence-based medication program proven to treat opioid use disorder. We’re proud to be the first rural community in the VCH region to offer this program to our community.

Additionally, we work with partners like VCH’s Mental Health and Substance Use team and Miklat Recovery So ciety to make sure the individuals we support have access

to a full range of supports and options, including detox and treatment. For us, harm reduction means that we are making these additional supports available and accessible to individuals using substances, so we have licensed prac titioners like nurses and social workers regularly working out of our Supportive Housing program and Community Resource Centre.

What other supports should the provincial and fed eral governments be providing to address qathet’s addictions and overdose crisis?

Stuart • Any solutions need to be in collaboration with and for people who use drugs. Lift is proud to support the work of SUSTAIN (Substance Users Society Teaching Advocacy Instead of Neglect), a local peer network for substance us ers who advocate for each other, community action and policy change.

Lift is the non-profit lead of qathet’s Community Action Team, which includes community partners and City rep resentatives taking a multi-sectorial approach to mitigate the impacts of the toxic drug supply.

Over 10,500 people have died due to poisoned drugs since BC declared a toxic drug public health emergency in April 2016. Lift advocates for safe supply of substances, which would decrease the number of deaths in our com munity; lessen stress on our health care professionals, first responders, and community support services; and improve overall health and well-being for people who use substances.

Lift also operates from a housing first perspective, and we believe that permanent, safe, private and consum er-chosen housing is a crucial first step in addressing any social issues. We advocate for more affordable housing options, that will increase the quality of life in our com

Stuart • As announced on May 20, 2022, complex care housing is coming to our region at the end of this year, and will

in partnership with the Tla’amin Nation, Lift Community Services and Vancouver Coastal Health Complex care housing is a new program by the BC Gov ernment that works to address the needs of people who have overlapping mental health and substance use issues, trauma or acquired brain injuries, and who are often left to experience homelessness or at risk of eviction.

A common misconception is that this program will be funding the construction of new housing. To be clear, this program will not be constructing any housing facilities.

The Complex Care Housing funding in the qathet region will go toward funding a specialist, interdisciplinary team in the region that brings an enhanced level of health and social supports that serve people where they live, for as long as they need it.

Complex care is different than supportive housing. Sup portive housing provides services and supports that meet

The new Complex Care Services will include:

• Team-based primary care

• Access to addiction medicine

• Overdose prevention and education

• Individual and group counselling

• Social workers

• Occupational therapy

• Peer support

• Recreation therapy

• Home support and cleaning

• Cultural supports, including connections to Indigenous Knowledge Keepers

• Complex care housing will also provide life skills training and help people with medication management.

the needs of most people who experience homelessness.

Complex care housing services and supports are at tached to the individual and will look different depending on individual needs. In the qathet Region, complex care housing services will be integrated into existing support ive housing, and other homes in the qathet region where the services are needed, including on the Tla’amin Nation. The team is expected to be able to support at least 20 qa thet community members at a time.

Complex care housing will serve people who need a level of support that goes beyond what is currently available in supportive housing, including people at risk of eviction be cause of complex mental health and substance use issues, acquired brain injury and histories of trauma.

The qathet complex care housing team will work with a small case load, which will provide time and space for teams to build trust, relationships and connections, all helping people achieve their goals. Teams will have plans to prevent evictions or re-house clients if their housing isn’t a great fit. In qathet, people who live in supportive housing that qualify for complex care housing services, will receive those services directly in their home.

Poverty & inequality

the root causes of crime: MP

North

What are your thoughts on Bill C-75? Was it the right policy to address the over-representation of marginalized groups in jail?

Rachel • Bill C-75 was the federal government’s attempt at criminal code reform. It was passed in June 2019 and no doubt more reforms will be required in the future. This is a first step forward in addressing inequalities in the justice system and the over representation of marginalized groups in jail as it provides a way for judges to consider the unique circumstances of Indigenous peoples and offer alternates such as the Restorative Justice process.

It also respects the tenets of UNDRIP – the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act which received Royal Assent in June 2021. UNDRIP is about the respect and recognition of the human rights of Indigenous peoples and provides a framework for the Government of Canada and Indigenous peoples to work together to imple ment the Declaration based on lasting reconciliation, heal ing and cooperative relations.

More recently, Bill C-5 was passed in the Senate. This bill amends the Criminal Code and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act to allow for a greater use of conditional sentences and provides alternatives, such as treatment, for simple drug possession offences.

In fact, it requires peace officers and prosecutors to consider referring people to treatment programs or oth er support services rather than charging and prosecuting them through the court system. With all this talk of bills and courts and laws, we can’t forget we are talking about and dealing with people who are our community members, our

neighbours, sisters and brothers, our friends marginalized people who for various reasons find themselves struggling. They need our support and help.

Is the crime situation here in qathet acceptable to you? If so, how would you explain that? And, if not, what Federal changes would make a difference?

Rachel • The crime situation laid out in the first two parts of your series describes the results of a failed system. Homelessness, drug abuse and poverty, with all their resid ual problems, are untenable and unacceptable.

Unhoused people are people who have no where safe to go and statistics show us that people living with disabilities and seniors are the fastest growing population for home lessness, which is a big concern.

People want to lead meaningful lives and when they are whittled down and eventually disenfranchised they rebel. We all want better protection from crime, but I hope we re member to attack the situation and find solutions that will make life better for all, not just attack the most vulnerable of our community.

Recently a woman called our Community Office to talk about the rising cost of food. She’s a part time teacher with a special needs child and due to lack of ap propriate day care, the small family is living on a fixed income. Ten months ago, her twoweek budget of $275 for groceries bought between 18-20 items like milk, eggs, bread, fruit and fresh vegetables. Today, the same amount of money can purchase only 12-15 items and the other items are simply not af fordable, so they go without.

To me, this is wrong. To take food away from a child in order to make more profit is wrong.

Stories like these resulted in the NDP forc ing the government to ask the Competition Bureau of Can ada to launch an investigation into grocery chain profits. The increase of the price of food has hit a 41-year high, but people’s wages aren’t going up at the same rate.

People feel like they’re doing everything right, but they just can’t get ahead. In response, Loblaws announced they would be freezing the prices of No Name products, proving that rich CEOs have the power to reduce food cost for fam ilies. That’s what happens when New Democrats push the government to do better.

Do you have any personal experience with crime, courts and corrections? What is it?

Rachel • In my Powell River Community Office, we hear ev ery week from constituents concerned about the toxic drug supply, shrinking dollars versus rising costs and the lack of affordable housing. They bring their problems to our office and we help find solutions.

There are so many problems in life to fix and so many peo ple need time to heal from previous traumas. I try to focus on what I can do to help and to prevent further problems.

With the loss of non- market housing, increased poverty, and no meaningful strategy for rural communities to sup port local solutions, too many are falling behind.

Anything else you’d want to add on courts and corrections - or the Federal government’s role in reducing this crime wave?

Rachel • We are living in difficult, transitional times with COVID still creating uncertainty. Housing, coupled with increased poverty, is still a big problem. The courts must defer to the tenets of UNDRIP now and this will revitalize Indigenous laws and improve access to justice for Indige nous people.

We have to ensure we are treating sub stance abuse as a health and social issue not a criminal act. And we have to address the root causes of crime which are poverty and income inequality.

Crime is not driven by poverty alone, but by inequality. Although they often occur si multaneously, analysis shows that countries with high overall levels of poverty do not have higher levels of crime. It is places with high levels of income inequality that typically have the highest levels of crime.

Another driver of crime is the breakdown in social norms and values which results in and is worsened by factors such as unemployment, incomplete education, a breakdown in family structures, limited opportunities and exclusion from the formal economy.

Weak public services, particularly in rural areas, exacer bates the problem. We have so much work to do. It is im portant to work with the most vulnerable in our country: the children, seniors, veterans and those who are facing unemployment, drug addiction, homelessness and mental health problems.

Island - Powell River MP Rachel Blaney is the NDP party whip, and a former non-profit ex ecutive director.

Could restorative justice succeed where the courts are failing on crime?

owell River doesn’t have an alter native court system like Vancou ver does. If you commit a crime in that City’s core, you might get re ferred to the Downtown Community Court, or the Drug Treatment Court of Vancouver – both long-time triage for people who are committing crimes to feed their addictions.

Here, there’s only criminal court. And, there’s Restorative Justice – a separate, non-governmental, commu nity-based structure to better restore relationships after a crime has been committed. Powell River sees between 250 and 400 criminal cases a year. Of those, between four and eight make it to the restorative justice (RJ) process.

“Not all cases are appropriate for re storative justice,” said Siobhan Brown, the program coordinator for qathet Restorative Justice. “We have a robust screening process.”

That screening rules out cases where there is a safety concern. The person who commits the crime must accept responsibility for it. The victims must agree to the process, but there are a variety of ways for them to participate.

Siobhan notes that the group has taken on cases involving mental health and addictions, but few involving chronic offenders, and sees the need to build more capacity in that area.

“It’s hard to make a blanket state ment if RJ is appropriate for these kinds of cases,” she said.

“It really depends on the supports we have. I’m wary, as RJ does not al leviate poverty or take people out of addictions. There are a lot of things we cannot do. But it’s looking into the face of the person you’ve stolen from or assaulted, and hearing how your ac tions impacted them. That’s what stops reoffending. When you understand that what you do hurts people. It’s a strong deterrent. However, RJ is not a magic wand.”

And, it’s important to point out, un like Vancouver’s alternative courts sys tem, RJ has no core funding here. It exists on grants and volunteers.

“The joy of RJ is seeing everyone as a human,” said Siobhan. “It’s not pu nitive. It’s consequences. When you’re face to face, it’s so much easier to re member that we’re all humans.”

We all know that Powell River has a housing crisis, but I also believe that we have suites, apartments, and houses available to local ten ants that are not being utilized. Both the provincial and federal governments are failing landlords and law-abiding tenants.

While I write this letter, we are in the middle of evicting tenants for non-payment of rent. Five months are now owed. We are taking the legal steps necessary, but it is a long and arduous task. Not to mention costly.

The provincial government and BC Residen tial Tenancy Branch, the wait, has cost us another $2,800. Once we have the order and serve it, the tenants have two days to dispute. No dispute and we are off to the Supreme Court for our Writ of Posses sion and then the hiring of a Court approved Bailiff. More money as a $2,500 retainer is required, a mov er/packer will be hired, in case it is necessary to box them up for removal.

If they are home at the time of serving, great, as they’ll be boxed up and set at the property line. Not home, well then storage will have to be found for 30 days at yes more money and then should dispos al be necessary, we will take another monetary hit. When the dust clears, we should be owed slightly over $10,000.

So, this is where the two governments come back into the picture. Neither one is going to assist finan

cially, but the expectation is we’ll once again assist the housing crisis with our lovely rental suite. Not going to happen!

How many individuals and small businesses can afford to take this kind of monetary hit, not to men tion the stress of the process and then say, “Let’s get right back in there.” Our lovely little suite will re main empty, another casualty of governments that just don’t understand the impact that non-paying tenants have on the housing crisis. In chatting up our saga, I have learned of six other local suites of varying sizes sitting empty, casualties of inept gov ernment policies and backlogs.

Now this is what I see is necessary: A program much the same as FMEP (Family Maintenance En forcement Program). A program that will assist the landlord, once they’ve worked their way through the eviction process, to recover the debt incurred.

Or possibly the TICA program which Australia has in place, a data base of responsible / non responsible tenants, which allows landlords to weed out the bad.

Then loandlords, now with the backing of the gov ernments, will once again feel confident enough to open their suites, apartments, houses to the rental market and hopefully we will begin to see the back log in evictions decrease at the realization that there are consequences for actions.

Please wash your sweaters several times per year. We pay for the very best easy-care wool so that you can enjoy all the benefits of wool without the three problems usually associated with wool: • itchiness, • shrinkage, • and moth damage.

The first two are solved by the processing of the yarn itself, which is why Pollen sweaters are so comfortable and long-wearing.

Top Ten Reasons

The landlord wins, the housing crisis wins, and honest, hardworking tenants win!

- Kathy Pedneault

The moth damage can be eliminated by washing the sweater approximately once per month. Moths are especially attracted to soiled wool that is stored undisturbed in a dark place, like a closet or drawer, so they lay their eggs, which hatch into hungry, wooleating babies. This is one of the ways wool returns to the earth to be useful after you have worn it for a few decades, but let’s not allow it to biodegrade too soon!

Washing is easy; just toss it (preferably inside-out) into the washing machine with other soft, nonlinty items and run it on cold or medium temperature, short cycle (unless the other items are really dirty), and dry in medium temp dryer. Jeans, tee shirts, shirts and other Pollen sweaters are fine in the same load, but towels and velcro are not.

Thanks for reading this, and a huge thank you to all of our customers for your fabulous support for

Find us above Nancy’s Bakery in Downtown Lund 10-4 Tues-Sat • 604 483-4401 pollensweaters.com

Christmas present for dog lovers: New TOLLER TALES book!

Author Isabelle Southcott moved to Powell River from Nova Scotia in 1993. She owns and writes for qathet Living magazine. She was introduced to Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers at the age of eight when her father brought home a little red ball of fluff called Alexander Rufus of Schubendorf. Her Tollers, Jigs and Zunga, often make guest appearances in the pages of the magazine.

Artist Graham Harrop grew up in Powell River. His first cartoon appeared in the Powell River News when he was 14 years old. His work appears in the Vancouver Sun and for more than two decades, his cartoon BackBench appeared daily in the Globe and Mail. He also creates the online daily comic strip TEN CATS.

This delightful children’s book follows the adventure of Jigs and Zunga, two Nova Scotia Duck Tolling retrievers, who live in Powell River, BC as they visit Yarmouth County, NS to meet their relatives and learn more about their heritage.

Contact the author at isabelle@prliving.ca or 604-483-1786

HEART OF QATHET

Christmas Cheer: Volunteers brighten the holidays

Marnie Edwards and Frances McLay have been friends for 75 years. Their mothers were also friends before they were born – in fact they lived next door to each other. Marnie entered this world on July 1 and Frances on July 30. So, when, five years ago, Frances told Marnie that they needed more people to help out with Christmas Cheer and that she had the perfect job for her, Marnie jumped right in. Today Marnie is the volunteer school co ordinator with Christmas Cheer and Frances, who was in charge of shopping for food for many years, has a new role and helps organize gifts for young er children. The organization will continue to hand out grocery cards and gift cards for families with teens – a practice they initiated during the pandem ic. “We are all part of a team,” says Marnie. “It’s the team work that allows us to do this. Everyone that helps, no matter how big or small their role is, makes this committee a success.”

How did you start working with Christmas Cheer?

France • I’ve been with Christmas Cheer for 15 years. Marnie • I’ve been with Christmas Cheer for five years.

What attracted you to this organization?

Frances • I got involved years ago when someone became ill and I took over from her.

Marnie • Frances phoned me and said they needed some one to help because they lost their school coordinator.

What part of the work is the most satisfying?

Frances • All of it.

Marnie • For me, with the schools, the generosity from a couple of the schools has been really heartwarming. Last year, one of the recipients, a young mom, really touched

BEST FRIENDS FOREVER: Marnie Edwards and Frances McLay have been friends since birth for 75 years. Together, they help coordinate the region’s Christmas Cheer campaign.

my heart. We had arranged to meet at certain time in a certain place and when I gave her the gift certificates and grocery cards she broke down in tears. She had to sit there for a long time before she could leave.

What part of the work do you find the most challenging?

Frances • In the past, I had to check all the flyers and find the best deals and shop for non perishables three or four times a week. Grocery cards have made it easier for me. Marnie • Meeting all the deadlines and getting the letters out on time.

Miklat: Providing Refuge from The Storm

Miklat means ‘refuge’ in Hebrew - it’s a foundational concept of Miklat Recovery Society, a non-profit registered charity in Powell River that provides “a place of refuge from the storms of addiction.” The plan for the future of the society is to continue to expand to help more and more people.

In collaboration with qathet Regional District and Powell River Regional Hospital District, they have secured a long-term lease on the former firehall building, which will allow them to double their capacity.

To find out more about the meaningful and long-lasting impact this will have, visit our blog! firstcu.ca/blog/miklat

What do you wish other people knew about the work Christmas Cheer does?

Frances • That everyone who applies has to fill out an application and disclose their income and expenses. This information is confidential, but it is verified. We also veri fy that the children that they claim are actually living with that person.

Marnie • How extremely generous some businesses and private individuals here are and how they step forward to adopt a family or write a cheque. They are amazing.

Had you been involved in charitable or caring work before? What got you started?

Frances • I volunteered for Cystic Fibrosis.

Marnie • I began volunteering with the Hospital Auxiliary as soon as I retired 15 years ago.

How has

Christmas Cheer changed your life?

Frances • It’s gratifying to volunteer with Christmas Cheer. Distribution Day is the happiest day there is for me, it’s better than Christmas.

Marnie • My grandma always used to say it is better to give than receive. It is so gratifying to be able to help people as a group. Christmas is supposed to be a happy time, but it isn’t for everyone and together through Christmas Cheer we can make someone’s Christmas brighter.

Do you bring any unique skills to this organization?

Frances • My artistic flair in creating beautiful and unique gift bags.

Marnie • I worked in hospital administration for many years and I put my secretarial and organizational skills to work for Christmas Cheer.

Have there been benefits from volunteering with this agency that you didn’t expect?

Both • New friends and being able to help someone who needs it.

What would you say to other people who might be thinking about volunteering?

Both • It’s well worth volunteering with Christmas Cheer. It’s a great organization that helps those in need at Christ mas time.

Powell River | Courtenay | Cumberland | Union Bay | Bowser | Bowen Island | Texada Island | Hornby Island

MEMORIES OF THE MILL Living a teenage dream

BY MARIE RUMLEY

The year was 1965. There was excitement in the air in our little town of Powell River. Prepa ration and construction of the new Kraft Mill within our paper mill was in progress, as well as the construction of #10 paper machine and a new saw mill. Employment in the mill had reached an all-time high of 3,000 employees.

I was a teenager in grade 11, attending Max Cam eron Senior High School. I was enrolled in the Com mercial Program which consisted of all courses de signed to prepare me for a career as a stenographer/ secretary within the office world. My grades were outstanding and so were my typing skills, being able to type on a manual typewriter to the tune of 90 words per minute. In Grade 12 my reward was a tro phy on Awards Day.

One day my shorthand teacher, Mr. Strang, asked me if I would be interested in working part-time at the mill, in the wharf office. Each year the mill per sonnel department reached out to the school to help provide them with employees who were good stu dents. I was ecstatic, a little nervous, but very happy to accept this opportunity. This was my chance to start making some money and also a step towards my anticipated career. For a 17-year old, I felt rather privileged.

I was interviewed by the Mill Personnel Manager, Mr. Benny Birt, in the main mill office, which they called the “Top Office.” My job would be part-time, working mostly on weekends and holidays, and after school if need be. This suited me fine. My rate of pay was $1.75 per hour.

My first day on the job I was introduced to my supervisor, Claude Smith, also Hudson Pirie, super intendent over the wharf. Other staff members con sisted of Harry Blasius, Art Dodsworth, George Rich ards, Hilda Martin, Mary-Lou Mould (Bombardir), Marnie Henderson (Edwards), and Shannon Phillips. My primary job as a “Lister” was to add up the rolls of paper which were being shipped out to the vari ous main ports such as Seattle, San Francisco and Los Angeles. The numbers assigned to each roll of paper were recorded on sheets that would be brought into

the office. With the use of a very large mechanical Burroughs adding machine, I would punch in the figures, which would then be printed onto a roll of paper that used inked ribbon. The ribbons had to be changed by hand when the ink started to fade. It was a continuous job just changing the ribbons and re filling the rolls of paper. The mill supplied numerous newspaper businesses with paper all over the world. The rolls of paper came off the paper machines and were transported via the railway to the warehouse and from there they were fork-lifted to the cargo ships. These ships with their names of David Salmon, Michael Salmon, and Francis Salmon, were actually owned by MacMillan Bloedel Ltd.

Upon my graduation from high-school in 1967, I applied for a full-time position at the Mill and was able to obtain a temporary one in the Mill Stores working on the Kardex system. One day, Rex Need ham, the mill safety supervisor, approached me and asked me if I would like to work as a stenographer in the Safety Office. I was thrilled to pieces and accept ed immediately.

The Safety Office was situated almost directly be hind the Wharf Office, over the railroad tracks so I was familiar with the area. I began my job as a

Memories of the Mill Part 3

In the summer of 2022, anyone with memories of the Powell River paper mill was invited to submit stories to a special project, which was coordinated by the Library and the Museum, and sponsored by the First Credit Union. The mill, of course, closed indefinitely in February of this year, after a 110-year-long run. qathet Living magazine started in October running a series, based on some of the stories heard.

Stenographer which was exactly what I wanted. It was awesome. Rex was a wonderful boss and I got to work with all five of the First Aid Attendants. They were Marie Bailey, Dorothy Allister, Norma Fraser, Millie Crilly, and Elsie McDonald.

My duties as stenographer consisted of answering the phone, taking shorthand and typing letters and reports for the safety supervisor and his assistant, Doug Morrison. I also did filing, and kept track of all accident and first aid records. Another one of my duties was to perform eye examinations for all new employees. The Safety Office was a great place to work and MacMillan Bloedel treated their employ ees well. My boss came to me one day and said he was going to get me an electric typewriter. I didn’t think it was such a great idea because I was quite happy with the manual one I had, but he insisted. I still remember the first time I tried to use it and as soon as I put my fingers on the keyboard it went ev erywhere. Eventually, I got used to it. At Christmas the office employees were all invited to a Christmas party held at Dwight Hall. Everything was paid for by the company.

I remained employed in the Safety Office until 1971. My husband and I were expecting our first and only child and because there was no maternity leave at that time you either quit your job or you returned to work after the baby was born. I was looking for ward to being a stay-at-home mom and so I quit. It was a few years later that I decided to return to work and tried the Mill again, but it wasn’t meant to be. I landed a job at the Royal Bank where I remained for 17 years. From there I was successful at obtaining my position as manager of the St. John Ambulance Training Center. Ironically, I was once again work ing with first aid attendants and instructors, just as I was at the very beginning of my career. Back in the early days, in 1933, the Powell River mill estab lished a safety engineer and required all foremen to have first aid training and that is another story.

What I enjoyed most about my work in the Mill was not just the experience I gained, but the many people I got to know and the friendships I made that have lasted a life-time.

GLAM AT THE MILL: Marie Bailey and Marie Rumley outside the Powell River Paper Mill’s Safety Office, where Marie Rumley worked from her high school graduation in 1967, until 1971. Photo from Marie Rumley’s personal collection.

Water: the reason the mill was built here

Surrounded by water, the qathet region’s water potential is the main reason why Powell River was settled.

In the late 19th century, Alfred Carmichael sur veyed possible power sites in British Columbia for the development of paper mills. He recommended a list of the most suitable locations which includ ed the Powell River due the large layer and wall of

BLAST FROM THE PAST

JOËLLE SÉVIGNY

rock which now lays underneath the dam as well as the short separation between the lake, fed from the mountains’ snow melt, and the ocean front.

In 1901, to encourage industrial development in the province, the government of BC issued pulp leas es in various locations including Swanson Bay, Bel la Coola and Quatsino. These leases granted timber and power licenses with a tenure of 21 years and the ability to renew. As per the recommendation, one of the leases was also located on tiskʷat – land inhabited by Indigenous peoples.

This coveted piece of land was taken by the gov ernment of BC in the 1870s, displacing Indigenous peoples. After reserves were implemented, Tla’amin leaders pursued the government to survey more land for their exclusive use, however the Indian Land Commission did no further survey and left all Tla’amin lands outside the reserves open to settle ment and resource extraction.

The timber lease at tiskʷat was initially bought by the Canadian Industrial Company, and the power rights by the Pacific Coast Power Company. One of the terms of these leases, was that by 1909, at least

$500,000 needed to be spent on development of a pulp mill, with the daily capacity of 100 tonnes of pulp or 50 tons of paper. The two companies were unable to reach an agreement before the government deadline.

Subsequently, the Brooks brothers and M.J. Scan lon (Brooks-Scanlon Lumber Company) acquired both the timber and water rights, and in 1910 began the construction of the dam on tiskʷat, under the name: the Powell River Paper Company. Some of the earliest photographs of Powell River available in the qathet archives are of the river. Rod LeMay captured pictures of the falls and the river just before it was dammed, as well as the big log jam that was located at the mouth of the river – one of the ways people got across before any bridges were built.

In 1924, to provide additional power for an antic ipated mill expansion, the water level of the Powell River dam was raised by 14 feet to 284 feet above sea level. To expand mill operations again, and to harvest even more energy, in 1930 a temporary log crib dam was built on Lois River, and the permanent Horseshoe dam was completed in 1935. This was replaced by a much larger dam in 1940, called the Scanlon Dam. In 1947, it was raised 20 feet to the height of 421 feet above sea level.

By 1957, Powell River and Lois Lakes were at their maximum capacity for generating power, but to facilitate further mill expansions, the B.C. Electric Company built a 70-mile transmission line from the Lower Mainland to Powell River. Much later, under ownership of Pacifica Papers, all hydro-electric facil ities at Lois and Powell River were sold.

Blast from the Past is written monthly by qathet Muse um and Archives Programs & Education Manager Joëlle Sévigny.

|| programs@qathetmuseum.ca

Your skull.

It’s a beautiful thing.

Protect that gorgeous skull of yours: Make good choices this holiday season.

We know what a brain injury is. You don’t want to find out.

Powell River

ociet y

BRAIN INJURY SOCIETY tel 604 485-6065 info@ braininjurysociety.ca www.braininjurysociety.ca

THE FIRST DAM: Construction workers build the dam cross the Powell River in 1911. Photo courtesy of qathet Museum & Archives.

Chairperson Dale Lawson

was first elected in 2018

What you hope to accomplish as a trustee this term: I believe there's only one short way to answer this question fulsomely: a fan tastic strategic plan!

Your personal relationship with SD47: I'm a former student and SD47 graduate, both of my adult children also graduated here.

I hope SD47 graduates will go on to define their own success, enjoy whatever it is they choose to do and contribute to their commu nity in a positive way, and I plan to support them by helping to ensure there are as many opportunities for students to explore as pos sible.

The biggest opportunity for SD47 over the next few years: To embrace the growth of our district and that of our Ministry mandate as well as the potential both have in provid

Maureen Mason

was first elected in 2022

What you hope to accomplish as a trust ee this term: I look forward to advancing many of the new initiatives in the district. I am particularly interested in Indigenous teaching and inquiry-based learning.

Your personal relationship with SD47: I came to SD47 in 2013 as the Profes sional Development Coordinator and later served as faculty for 16 students doing their teaching certification in local schools. I have four grandchildren who at tend school here and a daughter and sonin-law who are teachers.

I hope SD47 graduates will go on to be active members of their community with a disposition of care that puts the needs of others before themselves.

The biggest opportunity for SD47 over the next few years: The possibilities for SD47 seem limitless. We are surrounded by a natural classroom that is second to none with skilled and passionate teach ers. I would love to see an international experience like PRISMA but focused on issues of the environment. World-class researchers and educators who come together to work with the enthusiasm of youth from around the globe.

What you hope to accomplish as a trust ee this term: Relationship building, listen ing and meaningfully addressing lived ex perience in policy, strategic planning, and oversight. Building understanding within the board of complex issues surrounding truth and reconciliation, our responsibili ties to such and ways to move toward it Your personal relationship to SD47: For mer student, parent.

I hope SD47 graduates will go on to be engaged and well-informed members of society, and I plan to support them by centring and supporting policy and stra tegic planning that nurtures and models caring relations and social, political and cultural awareness/aptitude.

The biggest opportunity for sd47 over the next few years: Systemic change; acknowledging and addressing ongoing settler colonialism, its ongoing harms, en titlement and the way such is deeply em bedded in all aspects of society, including public education; to engage with truth and reconciliation at every level, and build decolonial frameworks and practices.

Meet

new School District 47 Board of Education

Rob Hill

was first elected in 2021

What you hope to accomplish as a trust ee this term: I’m looking forward to the development of a new Strategic Plan with a focus on improving student success and graduation rates. I also want our board to strengthen our relationship with the Tla’amin Nation.

Your personal relationship with SD47: I’m a former student (graduated in 2009) and my two oldest attend Westview Ele mentary. My daughter is also in the newly created Just B4 Pre-School Program.

I hope SD47 graduates will go on to be positive, kind contributors wherever they end up, and I plan to support them by ensuring their voice and concerns around public education are heard by the board.

The biggest opportunity for SD47 over the next few years: The Tla’amin Nation wrote to the board in April 2022 asking the district to consider a name change. I think we have a real opportunity here to be leaders when it comes to Truth and Reconciliation. When we know better, we do better. I look forward to this engage ment.

Jaclyn MIller (vice-chair) was first elected in 2021

What you hope to accomplish as a trust ee this term: Solid strategic plan that keeps our momentum going. I like the direction we’re heading!

Your personal relationship with SD47: Parent and Service Partner.

I hope SD47 graduates will go on to feel competent in the world, and I plan to sup port them by ensuring the supports and learning options are available to best meet their needs.

The biggest opportunity for SD47 over the next few years: SD47 has so many pas sionate and talented staff that can wrap around our students to ensure nobody is left behind!

Here and happy, but

Dörte Barker grew up in Potsdam – Germany’s idyllic province of Brandenburg. As a child she often wandered through Park Sanssouci built by the Prussian King Friedrich.

Her family would drive two hours to the Baltic Sea so they could swim in the ocean. When they wanted to hike, they would drive eight hours to the Alps so they could tackle the mountains. She studied visu al communication, product design and media at the Bauhaus University and works as a graphic artist. She met her husband Matt on the Creekside bus in 2008 when skiing at Whistler.

Why did you choose to move to qathet?

Dörte • We moved to qathet because of the whales!

When? Where from?

Dörte • We moved to qathet in November 2020 from Pem berton Meadows.

What surprised you once you moved here?

Dörte • I was surprised to meet Canadians who speak flu ent German in my new community.

What made you decide to move to qathet?

Dörte • The ocean was calling.

Where is your favourite place in qathet?

Dörte • The Lund Harbour.

How did you first hear about qathet?

Dörte • I discovered qathet while visiting my sister-in-law and her first baby daughter 16 years ago.

& SKATING: Top, Dörte, Matt, Wilhelm aka Wild Bill and Miss Heidi Bee and Fritz Dawg Barker at the skate park. Dörte creates washable paintings on clothing (Follow her on Instagram: @doertebarker.)

Art photos by @freeburdscreative Névé Petersen

What would make qathet a nicer community?

Dörte • The skatepark update that the qathet skateboard society is proposing would be nice as our family uses the park regularly and it tends to get crowded quickly.

What aspect of your previous community do you think would benefit qathet?

Dörte • A place to showcase qathet’s local artists would be great; an art institute.

What challenges did you face in trying to make a life for yourself here?

Dörte • We’re still trying to find a house that we can call our forever home.

If you were mayor, what would you do?

Dörte • If I was mayor of Powell River I would swim a lot!

What are qathet’s best assets?

Dörte • I love king tides and the eclectic art scene.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Dörte • Riding my dirtbike, taking time for my art and ex ploring with my children. My dirtbike, a KX 125.

Which superpower would you most like to have?

Dörte • I’d like to be able to turn into a mermaid.

Happy Holidays!

SWIMMING

still looking for a home

BUSINESS AFFAIRS

SEAN PERCY

Base Camp hatches new foundation

Base Camp Coffee has new management. A cou ple from Vancouver took over operations November 4. Mark Thomson was the founder of well-known Foundation Eatery and Hatch breakfast parlour. An gie Harrach worked for Brassneck Brewery, JJ Bean and Parallel 49 Brewing. The couple catered a wed ding here two years ago, “and have been dying to move here every since,” said Mark, so they jumped at the opportunity to manage the three Base Camp locations in Westview, Townsite and the hospital.

“I came up with a menu in mind but I’ve already adapted it because there are so many local prod ucts available.” So, Base Camp will be switching to its own homemade mayonnaise, syrup and similar items. “We have a commercial kitchen. It’s a lot more elbow grease, but I’d rather spend the time making things and getting good local suppliers.”

The coffee shops remain owned by Colin McRae and Steve Brooks.

Uncharted territory

Having recently moved from Pender Harbour, Brandon Flood is re-establishing his business in qathet. The Uncharted Pest Control provides ren ovation and building services, along with furniture

restoration. As the name suggests, he will also help rid your home of unwanted guests, using poison-free methods. Call Brandon at 236-991-2388 or find The Uncharted on Facebook.

Jo with the flow

Joëlle Sévigny and Marta Rebalski are open ing a boutique yoga studio on Marine Avenue at 4566-A (between Base Camp and Costa Del Sol). Opening night Seaside Flow Studio is December 2 during the late night shopping event for Cheer Fest. Classes start December 4 and include, flow, slow flow, slow stretch, yin/yang, family yoga and kids yoga, yoga nidra, and more. To book a class, visit seasideflowstudio.ca.

Beck in focus

Jenna Beck is back in the photography business. The local farmer/photographer took a break from shooting, but says she is ready to get back behind the camera. Formerly known as Brownlee Photogra phy, her shuttered business has been re-branded as Jenna Beck – Photographer. Find her on Facebook, email jenna-beck@outlook.com or call 604-578-0770.

Blind ambition

qathet has a new window fashions option with Heidi Elvy’s new home-based business. Window Fashions by Heidi offers roller and solar shades, cellular shades and motorized blinds, and she brings samples to your location. Heidi says her interest in decor and interior design began while she was work

ing as a chief stewardess on private yachts.

“I am so looking forward to working with the resi dents of my hometown and to be invited into homes to help create a space people share with families and loved ones,” said Heidi. Find Heidi at windowfash ionsbyheidi.ca or email heidimelvy@gmail.com

Wood wizards post new partnership

Micheal Essex has left Lois Lumber (on friendly terms) to form a new company with Ryan Hanson of Hanson Land and Sea.

The new Post & Purlin (Forest Products) Inc. of fers CNC fabrication, extensive remanufactuing ca pabilities, and custom textures and finishes.

They have the tools and expertise to take on your timber design by offering prefabrication, or just sup plying the pieces to do it yourself.

Tops in Tourism

The new head of Tourism Powell River is Texa da’s Bob Timms. The organization elected directors during its November 3 annual general meeting. The executive includes Jock McLauchlan as past presi dent; Christie Mitchell is vice president; Ann Nelson is treasurer and Ann Snow is secretary. Kat Rich ards, Isabelle Southcott, Eagle Walz, Keith Laugh ton, and Zoe Ludski, are directors.

The following week, Sunshine Coast Tourism held its AGM, and a qathet resident was named pres ident of that body: Christine Hollman. Other qathet representatives include Jack Barr, as past president, John Hermsen, and Chris Tait

|| sean@prliving.ca

Flowers

These Great Horned Owls appear as May’s image in the Powell River Orphaned Wildlife Society’s 2023 fundraising calendar (see Page 60).

They are relatively rare here less inclined to stay in town than their cousin, the barred owl. “Don’t be fooled by the cute looks, though,” Merrilee Prior writes, “these are tough birds who can be real bullies, taking on eagles, ra vens and peregrine falcons and winning.”

PROWLS rescued more than 520 animals so far this year, from tiny hummingbirds, to cranky eagles, baby raccoons and more.

December in qathet

Thursday, December 1

World AIDS Day

Saturday, December 3 International Day of Persons with Disabilities

Tuesday, December 6

National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women

Thursday, December 8

Full Moon

Saturday, December 10

Human Rights Day

To December 10

16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence

Led by qathet Safe. Visit the Shoe Memo rial at the Library and Town Centre Mall display. Cash donations can be made to qathetsafe.ca.

Tuesday, December 13

Geminids Meteor Shower Peak

Best viewing after midnight. Up to 120 multi-coloured meteors at the peak. Light a candle in memory of your child

7 pm, Hospice Society office, 4675 Ontario, Unit C. Join PR’s Compassion ate Friends group with a picture of your child they may have died at any age, in

any way. Light a candle in their memory. See story on Page 23, and ad on Page 69.

Wednesday, December 21 Winter Solstice & Ursids Meteor Shower

First day of winter. Minor meteor shower, but with a new moon, the sky will be dark and the meteors visible.

Friday, December 23

Last day of school before Winter Break

Back in Session January 9.

Friday, December 23 New Moon

Dark skies make great star watching.

Sunday, December 25 Christmas Day

Saturday, December 31 New Year’s Eve Sunday, January 1 New Year’s Day

January 13

Nominations close: Chamber of Commerce Business Awards See ad on Page 14.

February 4 Chamber Awards banquet

6 pm, Dwight Hall.

Have a holly jolly

Through December

Third annual Light Up qathet Holiday lights contest and self-guid ed tour. Submit a photo of your decorated home and address to srahier@powellriver.ca by December 16. It will be added to the self-guided map. Vote on your favourite display. Winners get a three month pass to the Rec Complex.

Friday, December 2

Winter Wonderland Opening Night 6:30 to 8:30 pm.

Cheer Fest: Tree Lighting and late night shopping on Marine Ave

December 2 to 26

Winter Wonderland forest skate Skate through an enchanted forest filled with lights, to holiday carols. See powell riverprc.ca for the full schedule.

Saturday, December 3

Santa Arrives at the Town Centre Mall 11 to 12, Town Centre Mall.

Harbour Lights 4 to 7 pm, North Harbour. Yacht Club’s an nual boat light-up on the water, with music and refreshments.

Seasonal Snail Mail 1 to 2 pm, Library. Design and create your own unique greeting cards with Jenny Allen Taves in this fun, all-ages workshop. Participants aged seven and under must come with a parent or guardian. Materials provided.

Free Winter Wonderland Skate 10 til noon, Rec Complex. Sponsored by United Way and Royal LePage.

Photos with Santa Noon til 5 pm, Town Centre Mall. Please bring non-perishable donations for the Family Place cupboard.

December 3 to 24

Santa at Town Centre Mall Visit Santa noon til 5 pm starting Decem ber 3 Mondays through Saturdays, to December 24 (10 am to 3 pm Christmas Eve only)

December 3 & 4

Pet photos with Santa at Mother Nature

10 til 4 pm Saturday, 11 til 4 pm Sunday, $15 minimum donation.

Sunday, December 4

Santa Parade

3 pm, along Marine Avenue Powell River Chorus Christmas Concert

2 pm. Doors at 1:30. Dwight Hall. Tickets $20 (kids 12 and under free). Tickets avail able from Chorus Members and at the door

December 9 & 10

Carols by Candlelight

7:30 pm both nights, 1:30 pm Saturday as well, Dwight Hall. $30. powellriveracade my.org.

Santa Train

5 to 7 pm, Paradise Valley Railroad. Train rides in the dark with lots of Christmas lights, a bonfire, and the Kiwanis food concession. Admission to the rides is by donation for Salvation Army distribution (Non-perishable food items or unwrapped new toys, or Cash). ALSO on December 16 & 17.

Saturday, December 10

Winter Wonderland

Skate with Santa

10 til noon. Bring a camera for pix with Santa.

December 10 & 11

Swedish Yule Feast

5 pm and 7 pm seatings, The Boardwalk Restaurant. See ad on Page 46.

Sunday, December 11

Teddy Bear Storytime

4 pm, Town Centre Mall

Monday,

December 12

Chor Musica Christmas

7:30 pm, Dwight Hall. $25. powellriveracademy.org

Wednesday, December 14

Is This The Christmas:

A Holiday Musical Revue

7:30 pm, Evergreen Theatre. An evening with Joan Kristinsson and her 6-piece hol iday hit band. Tickets at the Rec Complex. $41.

December 16 & 17

Santa Train

5 to 7 pm, Paradise Valley Railroad. See Dec. 9 & 10.

Saturday, December 17

Elf Academy

Discover Creative Arts, Townsite Market. Drop your kids for crafts while you shop at the market (small fee). Also December 10.

Breakfast with Santa

Seatings at 9 and 10:30 am, Rec Complex. $2 per person or $5 per family. Prepared

jolly December

and served by the Rotary Club. Winter Wonderland skate, bouncy castles, festive face painting.

Cranberry Hall Seasonal Social 6:30-9:30, 6828 Cranberry Avenue. If you were ever curious about who we are, what we are, what we do and what we look like after our pre COVID renovation, please come and mix it up with us.  There will be food, (bring some, if you like), there will be laughter, there will be music (bring some of that too!), there will be singing. And there will be opportunities to renew membership, friendships and community!  Website is cranhall.org.

“Elf” Holiday movie sponsored by Royal LePage Patricia Theatre. 1:30 pm matinee.

Sunday, December 18

Teddy Bear Storytime 4 pm, Town Centre Mall

December 19 to 23

Light Up qathet map is live Self-guided tour of some of the region’s best-decorated yards and businesses. Go to powellriverprc.ca or the Rec Complex’s Facebook page for a map, and vote for your favourite by December 23 at noon.

Wednesday, December 21

Holiday Sweater Fitness

9:15 to 10:15, Rec Complex. Free, preregis tration required.

Winter Solstice Poetry Slam 6 to 8 pm, Library. Share the long night and poetry together in this competitive open mic event emceed by Amira Abouelalla! Top 3 poets go home with a prize, plus door prizes! All are welcome but registra tion is required for competing performers.

Visit prpl.ca for details and the online form or email Mel Edgar: edgar@prpl.ca

December 22 & 23

Special Holiday Dinner Buffet at Royal Zayka 4 pm to 9 pm nightly

Friday, December 23

A Jazzy Christmas Concert with Walter Martella & Friends

7 pm, St. David & St. Paul Anglican Church, Townsite. Suggested donation $10, all proceeds to local charities.

Saturday, December 24

Winter Wonderland Christmas Eve Skate

10 am to 11:30 am and noon til 1:30 pm.

Seasonal Puppet Show: A Festival of Fables

10:30 to 11:30 am, Library. Join Sonia, Deb, and Mel for our annual holiday extravagan za! Featuring puppet plays, stories and songs about animals who learn a variety of lessons, from the thrill of being daring to the joys of kindness and sharing. Drop-in, everyone welcome!

Christmas Eve Church Services

4 pm, Westview Baptist Church 6 pm, Living Water Foursquare Church 6 pm, Westview Baptist Church

6:30 pm Readings & Carols, PR United Church

6:30 pm Salvation Army

7 pm Assumption Westview (Catholic) 8 pm St. David & St. Paul Anglican Church candlelight eucharist 10 pm Sacred heart, Tla’amin (Catholic)

Sunday, December 25

Christmas

The Boardwalk Restaurant in Lund is serv ing Christmas dinner December 24 26.

Christmas Day Church Services

10 am Assumption Westview (Catholic) 10 am Westview Baptist 10 am St. David & St. Paul Anglican Church eucharist 11 am Living Water Foursquare Church 11 am United Church Noon Assumption Westview (Catholic)

Saturday, December 31 New Year’s Eve Sunday, January 1 New Year’s Day

January 2 to 6 Winter Break Camp 9-3 pm at qathet Art Centre. qathetart.ca

HEAR qathet’s many choirs SEE the rain-soaked lights SMELL the Douglas-firs Search out the spirit of the season at these everyone-invited events this month plus holiday markets (Page 51) and holiday charity events (Page 50).

HOLIDAY: CHARITY EVENTS

Saturday, December 3

White Leblanc Wealth Toy Drive & Community Breakfast

At the Salvation Army on Joyce. Bring a new, unwrapped children’s toy, book or cash and enjoy breakfast.

Saturday, December 3 & 4

Pet photos with Santa at Mother Nature

10 til 4 pm Saturday, 11 til 4 pm Sunday, $15 minimum donation.

Wednesday, December 7

Winter Wonderland

Hamper Skate

6 to 8 pm. Bring a food or toy donation, admission is free but rentals are extra.

Wednesday, December 7

Community Paint Night

6:30 to 7:30. Henderson Elementary Gym. Paint a kindness bag for Every body Deserves a Smile. Kate.boyd@sd47.bc.ca

December 9 & 10, 16 & 17

Santa Train

5 to 7 pm, Paradise Valley Railroad. Train rides in the dark with lots of Christmas lights, a bonfire, and the Kiwanis food concession. Admission to the rides is by donation for Salvation Army distribution (Non-perishable food items or unwrapped new toys, or cash).

December 10, 11, 17 & 18

Jr. Forest Wardens selling fresh-cut trees 9 am to 5 pm in the Crossroads Mall park ing lot near McDonald’s. Money raised for the youth program.

December 6, 10, 13, 17 & 20

Lang Bay Community Club Christmas Hampers donations

Will be accepting non-perishable and grocery gift card donations at Lang Bay Hall Tuesdays Dec. 6-20th noon - 1 pm and Saturdays Dec, 10th & 17th 10 amnoon. All donations will be distributed to our local families in need. Contact Carol 604-487-1259.

To December 10

PR Kings Shop Local raffle

Buy tickets at the Rec Complex.

To December 10

To December 14

Salvation Army Christmas Hampers

Drop off new toys, imperishable food and money at the Salvation Army on Joyce. Apply by November 30 if you’d like a hamper.

To December 15

Seniors Gift Drive

For Gerry Gray Place. Call 485-4008 to drop off gifts, and see more in the No vember qL mag.

Have a holly jolly December

Saturday, December 17

Brooks Students for Change Jingle Jog

10 am, Brooks start. Fundraiser for the Food Bank. $10 each or $20 per family. There will be prizes!

Friday, December 23

A Jazzy Christmas Concert with Walter Martella & Friends

7 pm, St. David & St. Paul Anglican Church, Townsite. Suggested donation $10, all proceeds to local charities.

To December 24

Salvation Army Kettle Campaign Volunteer at contact@salvationarmypr.ca

To January 2

Hay is for Horses fundraiser For Therapeutic Riding.

Coast

FM Stuff the Trailer and Pallet Challenge

Businesses can buy a $500 pallet for the Food Bank. Individuals can buy $5 and $10 bags at FreshCo. See Page 18 for more.

December 12 to 23

12 Nights of Christmas at Putters

5 to 8 pm nightly, Putters Mini Golf. Admis sion by donation to the PR Professional Firefighters Charitable Society – mostly to local school food programs. Coffee, cocoa, ice cream for sale.

January 8

Special Olympics Tree Mulch

10 til 1 pm, Mother Nature, minimum $5 donation. Also curbside tree pick-up tags can be purchased at 7-11, Top Shelf Feeds, and Mother Nature until the end of January 7.

To January 28

Knights of Columbus Appeal

Mon to Friday in Town Centre Mall. Fund raiser for various community benefits. Raffle for a 2023 Toyota RAV4 and other prizes.

Sundays

PR Farmers’ Market

4365 McLeod Road just off Padgett. 12:30 to 2:30 Sundays. See ad on Page 59.

Saturdays

Uptown Midweek Market

10 am to noon, outside the CRC on Joyce Avenue.

Through December

Christmas shop at Mother Nature

See ad on Page 8.

Thursday, December 1

Sunshine Gogos fundraising sale 10 til 4 pm, Town Centre Mall

Friday, December 2

Glam & Glow Fridays at Afterglow Pro-make-up application & blow-out for $69. Compli mentary drinks, giveaways, exclusive sales. afterglowhairlounge.com See ad on Page 43.

Friday, December 2

Late Night Shopping at Ecossentials, qathet Art & Wares, Pocket Books, Picked, A Collective, and Artique Til 9 pm, Marine & Alberni. See ad on Page 49.

Friday, December 2

Cheer Fest: Late night shopping on Marine Ave

See ad on Page 16.

Saturday, December 3

Cheer Fest: Cheer on the Pier Winter Market

See ad on Page 16.

December 6 to 8

Ladies Nights at Marine Traders

See ad on Page 38.

Friday, December 9

James Thomson School Winter Thrift Market

4 to 8:30 pm, at the school.

December 9 & 10

4th anniversary celebration at Townsite Market & Vinyl Flip

Prizes, specials and more at this event. Late night shop ping til 7 pm Friday night. Vinyl Flip (records) both days. See ad on Page 35.

32 Lakes Holiday Market

9 to 3 pm each day.

December

Elf Academy

10

& 17

Discover Creative Arts, Townsite Market. Holiday arts & crafts, storytelling, and general merrymaking for ages 5-12! Drop off your young elf at DCA and enjoy a festive, beautiful and unique holiday shopping experience in historic Townsite Public Market! 11 am-12noon / 1 2 pm / 2:30 3:30 pm. Register online to secure your spot $12 or drop In $15 cash at door (Limited space 15 max.) See ad on Page 35.

Saturday, December 10

Magic of Christmas Craft Fair

10 til 4 pm, Rec Complex

Springtime Holiday Market

11 to 2 pm, Springtime Garden Centre

Tla’amin Craft Fair

10 am to 2 pm, Salish Centre

Night Market at The ARC

Firelight: A seasonal soul warmer. 7 pm to midnight at the ARC on Alberni St. Art show, night market, dance party.

December 19 to 23

Late night shopping at Town Centre Mall

All stores open til 7 pm+. See ad on the back cover.

To December 31

Easy Bird Passes available to the qathet International Film Festival Online and at the kiosk at Town Centre Mall Thursdays and Fridays 12 2. qiff.ca.

December 1

Guitar Lessons

1:30pm & 7pm, The Patricia. Following the coming-of-age theme, Guitar Lessons is a film about a 15-year-old Métis boy who inherits an old guitar from the father he never knew, and is determined to learn how to play.

December 2 to 8

The Banshees of Insherin 7pm nightly, 1:30 matinee on Thursday. A period drama/comedy/tragedy set on a re mote island off the coast of Ireland at the end of the Irish Civil War in 1923. Starring Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson.

Friday, December 9

The C.R. Avery Orchestra and Victory on East Hastings

Doors open at 7 pm, show at 8. “A cinemat ic post-modern opera.” Tickets available through Tidal Art Centre or at the door; $25 in advance or $30 at the door. Limited seating.

December 10

Spiderman: Into the Spiderverse 1 pm, Library. Popcorn provided! Age 10+

Family Christmas Movie Party 6:30 pm, Evangel Church. Everyone welcome.

Sunday, Dec. 11

Wet’suwet’en solidarity event 2-4 pm, at the Library. Commemorate International Human Rights Day with two short films, discussion re: efforts to protect Indigenous territory from fracked gas pipelines

December 17

“Elf”

Holiday movie

sponsored by Royal LePage Patricia Theatre. 1:30 pm matinee.

January 13 & 14

Banff Mountain Film Festival 6 pm doors, 6:30 films, Max Cameron (Brooks). $25 at The Peak, TAWS, Pacific Point Market and Brooks.

Look for Black Panther Wakanda Forever, Puss in Boots, and special holiday events at the Patricia in December.

To January 31

Memories of Snowy Days Seasonal Winter Exhibition 10 til 3 pm, Tuesday to Saturday, qathet Museum and Archives. Come take a peak at the region’s snowy past through histori cal photos and memories of long ago.

Through December

Third annual Light Up qathet Holiday lights contest and self-guid ed tour. Submit a photo of your decorated home and address to srahier@powellriver.ca by December 15. It will be added to the self-guided map. Vote on your favourite display. Winners get a three month pass to the Rec Complex.

Friday, December 2

Late Night Shopping at Ecossentials, qathet Art & Wares, Pocket Books, Picked, A Collective, and Artique Til 9 pm, Marine & Alberni.

Saturday, December 3

Seasonal Snail Mail 1 to 2 pm, Library. Design and create your own unique greeting cards with Jenny Allen Taves in this fun, all-ages workshop. Participants aged seven and under must come with a parent or guardian. Materials provided.

Wednesday, December 7

Community Paint Night 6:30 to 7:30. Henderson Elementary Gym. Paint a kindness bag for Everybody De serves a Smile. Kate.boyd@sd47.bc.ca

Friday, December 9

The C.R. Avery Orchestra and Victory on East Hastings Doors open at 7 pm, show at 8. “A cinemat ic post-modern opera.” Tickets available through Tidal Art Centre or at the door; $25 in advance or $30 at the door. Limited seating.

Saturday, December 10 & 17

Elf Academy

Discover Creative Arts, Townsite Mar ket. Holiday Arts & Crafts, Story Telling, & General Merry Making for Ages 5-12! Drop off your young elf at DCA and enjoy a festive, beautiful and unique holiday shopping experience in historic Townsite Public Market! 11 am-12noon / 1 pm 2 pm / 2:30 pm 3:30 pm. Register online to secure your spot $12 or drop In $15 cash at door (Limited space 15 Max.) See ad on Page 35.

To December 14

Cowboy Blaire Hobbs Art Show Magpie’s Diner

To December 15,

2022

qathet ART at VIU: Of Mice and Men and Other Things Chris Roberts Exhibition

Viewing hours Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm

Thursday, December 15

Endangered

Species Memento

Mori Exhibition Artists Reception

5:30-7:30 pm at qathet Art Centre, every one welcome. Celebrate the artists!

December 16 & 17

Book Making Workshop

Join expert bookmaker Stuart Isto and learn how to make your own bound book from scratch. Spaces are limited and reg istration is required. To register, contact Mark Merlino. mmerlino@prprl.ca

January 2 to 6

Winter Break Camp

9-3 pm at qathet Art Centre

Your friends & neighbours are rehearsing now to entertain you in early 2023

Beanstalk Theatre Company • Feb. 16 to 18

Mary Poppins Jr.

Join Mary, Bert, and all the rest on the rooftops of London, in this award-winning musical adaptation that will sweep you off your feet.

Featuring a cast of 23 local performers ages 9-18 , the story about everyone’s perfect nanny is sure to be at hit amongst qathet audiences in the new year.

Beanstalk Theatre Company was founded in 2022 by Artistic Director Sydney Spenst for the purpose of cre ating fun and challenging performance opportunities for young artists in the qathet region.

Tickets go on sale in early December at the Recreation Complex.

- Sydney Spenst

Festival of Performing Arts

February 21 to March 3

It is the 79th year of qathet’s lon gest-running cultural event and the 20th time under the auspices of the Rotary Club of Powell River. Ama teur performers of all ages are invited to participate in adjudicated vocal/ choral, piano, strings, speech arts and dance sessions. They are open to the public by donation followed by a tick eted Grand Concert that is the culmi nation of the festival.

Registration is available at events. solarislive.com/prfestival.

-

istration fees. We will hold two shows on the same day 12:30 & 7 pm. Tickets will go on sale at the Peak paper soon!

- Paige Anderson

Townsite Actors Guild • March 2 to 4

WeedLube … a Slippery Slope

WeedLube had its world premiere run in October and entertained soldout audiences from beginning to end. Audiences laughed with the two main characters, Stevie and Carol, as they hilariously navigated the new world of legalized cannabis. Demand was so strong that TAG will be bringing back WeedLube to The Forest Bistro. Tick ets are $20 and available at Base Camp and The Forest.

- Stephen Miller

Theatre Now • March 23 26

Halfway There

After nearly three years of silence, Theatre Now is back on stage, with Norm Foster’s fabulous “Halfway There.”

There’s no such thing as a secret in Stewiacke. Not when the gossips meet for coffee every day at the local diner. Vi, Rita, Mary Ellen, and Janine are all as close as can be, and they know ev erybody’s business. But when Sean, a heartbroken doctor, moves in to take a temporary job at the clinic, he tips the Maritime town that’s famous for being halfway between the North Pole and the equator off its axis.

Saturday, December 3

Jim Byrnes & Friends

7:30 pm. Max Cameron. powellriveracademy.org

Sunday, December 4

Sunday Social Spud and Turnip 6 pm, Wildwood Pub

Powell River Chorus Christmas Concert 2 pm. Doors at 1:30. Dwight Hall. Tick ets $20 (kids 12 and under free). Tickets available from Chorus Members and at the door

December 9 & 10

Carols by Candlelight

7:30 pm both nights, 1:30 pm Saturday as well, Dwight Hall. $30. powellriveracade my.org.

Friday, December 9

Comedy night

5 pm Carlson Club. KC Novak, Sean Mc Donnell and Darcy Boon Collins. Tickets are $20 a person. Can be combined with steak night.

The C.R. Avery Orchestra and Victory on East Hastings Doors open at 7 pm, show at 8. “A cinemat ic post-modern opera.” Tickets available through Tidal Art Centre or at the door; $25 in advance or $30 at the door. Limited seating.

Saturday, December 10

The Angry Snowmans 8:30 pm, Wildwood Public House

Monday, December 12

Chor Musica Christmas 7:30 pm, Dwight Hall. $25. powellriveracademy.org

Wednesday, December 14

we are, what we do and what we look like after our pre COVID renovation, please come and mix it up with us. There will be food, (bring some, if you like), there will be laughter, there will be music (bring some of that too!), there will be singing. And there will be opportunities to renew membership, friendships and community! cranhall.org.

Desmond Day 9 pm, Forest Bistro

Wednesday, December 21

Michael Weiss Quartet

5 to 8 pm, Wildwood Pub. Townsite Jazz Fest 2023 Preview Party

Winter Solstice Poetry Slam

6 to 8 pm, Library. SLAM is back to cele brate Solstice. Share the long night and poetry together in this competitive open mic event emceed by Amira Abouelalla! Top 3 poets go home with a prize, plus door prizes! All are welcome but registra tion is required for competing performers. Visit prpl.ca for details and the online form or email Mel Edgar: edgar@prpl.ca

Thursday, December 22

Winter New Moon Wise Woman / Crone Sister Circle / Wise Woman Dance

6:30 pm, qathet Art Centre. Part of a fourevent series. $20 to $65. See qathetart.ca for more.

Friday, December 23

A Jazzy Christmas Concert with Walter Martella & Friends

7 pm, St. David & St. Paul Anglican Church, Townsite. Suggested donation $10, all proceeds to local charities.

DJ Riki Rocket 90s hip hop 9 pm, Forest Bistro

Saturday, December 24

Joyce Carlson

Laszlo Tamasik • Feb. 25

The Greatest Show

This entertaining show features LT’s company dancers in many genres of dance to include hiphop, lyrical, bal let, jazz, contemporary, musical the atre, acro & tap, opening with a high energy routine from “The Greatest Showman.” All proceeds go towards the out of town competitions for reg

- Nicole Narbonne

Brooks Theatre Company • May 11-14

The Addams Family: A New Musical

This kooky comedy is fun for all ages and will be performed at the Max Cameron theatre. Tickets $20 general admission and available from the main office at Brooks.

- Jennifer Didcott

Is This The Christmas: A Holiday Musical Revue 7:30 pm, Evergreen Theatre. An evening with Joan Kristinsson and her 6-piece hol iday hit band. Tickets at the Rec Complex. $41.

Friday, December 16

Petunia & The Vipers 9 pm, Wildwood Public House

Saturday, December 17

Cranberry Hall Seasonal Social 6:30-9:30, 6828 Cranberry Avenue. If you were ever curious about who we are, what

Seasonal Puppet Show: A Festival of Fables

10:30 to 11:30 am, Library. Join Sonia, Deb, and Mel for our annual holiday extravagan za! Featuring puppet plays, stories and songs about animals who learn a variety of lessons, from the thrill of being daring to the joys of kindness and sharing. Drop-in, everyone welcome!

Thursday, January 19

The Wardens in concert

7:30 pm, Max Cameron. $25.

February 21 to March 3

Festival of Performing Arts

Rachel Blaney, MP

Nicholas

December 2 to 26

Winter Wonderland forest skate Skate through an enchanted forest filled with lights, to holiday carols. See powellriverprc.ca for the full schedule.

To December 10

PR Kings Shop Local raffle Buy tickets at the Rec Complex.

Friday, December 2

Kings versus Merritt Centennials 7 pm Hap Parker. powellriverkings.com.

Saturday, December 3

Kings versus Cowichan Valley Capitals 7 pm Hap Parker. powellriverkings.com.

December 6

Winter Recreation with Joel Nordman 6:30 to 7:30 pm, Museum fall speaker series.

REACHING OUT

Friday, December 2

Tech Savvy Ancestry.ca 4 pm, Library. Learn about the genealogical resourc es, including DNA testing and how you can have free access to the Ancestry.ca through the Library. For info mmerlino@prpl.ca

Sunday, December 11

Wet’suwet’en solidarity event 2-4 pm, at the Library. Commemorate International Human Rights Day with two short films, discussion re:

Thursday, December 8

Track & Field AGM

7 pm, Henderson School Library. December 9 & 10

Kings versus Surrey Eagles 7 pm Hap Parker both nights. powellriverkings.com

Saturday, December 17

Brooks Students for Change Jingle Jog

10 am, location TBA. Fundraiser for the Food Bank. 10 am, Brooks start. Fundraiser for the Food Bank. $10 each or $20 per family. There will be prizes!

Wednesday, December 21

Holiday Sweater Fitness

9:15 to 10:15, Rec Complex. Free, registration required.

January 13 & 14

Banff Mountain Film Festival

6 pm doors, 6:30 films, Max Cameron (Brooks). $25 at The Peak, TAWS, Pacific Point Market and Brooks.

efforts to protect Indigenous territory from fracked gas pipelines.

Tuesday, December 27

Compassionate Friends support group meeting

7 pm, Hospice Society Office (4675 Ontario Unit C). Sup port those grieving the death of a child, no matter the age or cause. See ad on Page 69.

O Holy Night

Even for infrequent attendees, church on Christmas Eve was a sacred tradition. That was broken in 2020 by order of the PHO, when pews emptied during COVID’s height to prevent the spread of the disease. Now, churches everywhere are inviting people back old friends and new.

Welcome home for Christmas

Sacred Heart, Tla’amin Church of the Assumption

Christmas Eve Masses

Father Patrick

Assumption Catholic Church

Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Tla’amin Nation

It’s sad to say: we have lost half of our Church at tendees during the COVID experience. We hope that our non-attendees will once again venture forth to come and join us.

They would likely be surprised at the warm wel come they would receive. Our congregation is in pain at their absence. Some are there in the online forum.

Non-attendees would be truly overwhelmed at how much they are loved and cared for even in their absence.

At Tla’amin Sacred Heart we are making a special effort to reach out to those who need healing and comfort having suffered in the residential schools. We just hosted the Bishop of Victoria, who is gifted with a real love and appreciation of the First Nations. It was a healing time to welcome him last Sunday.

The Revd. Lucy Price

St.

David & St. Paul Anglican Church

At St. David’s & St. Paul’s during Advent or Christ mas, people will be met by a renewed sense of energy and hope for the future. We have learned to live with the new normal and everyone who visits receives a warm welcome.

The Advent and Christmas celebrations invite us to consider again, what do we place our hope in? Where is God present in our lives, and who are our neighbours?

The world is full of challenges and hardships, the surprise is that in the midst of it, Jesus offers a light to help navigate our way through. Come and see.

Saturday, December 24

Christmas Eve Church Services

4 pm, Westview Baptist Church

6 pm, Living Water Foursquare Church

6 pm, Westview Baptist Church

6:30 pm Readings & Carols, PR United Church

6:30 pm Salvation Army

6:30 Evangel Church

7 pm Reformed Church

7 pm Assumption Westview (Catholic)

8 pm St. David & St. Paul Anglican Church candle light eucharist

10 pm Sacred heart, Tla’amin (Catholic)

Sunday, December 25

Christmas Day Church Services

10 am Assumption Westview (Catholic)

10 am Westview Baptist

10 am St. David & St. Paul Anglican Church eucharist

10:30 am Reformed Church

11 am, Living Water Foursquare Church

11 am, United Church

Noon, Assumption Westview (Catholic)

Co-lead pastor Lucas Mitchell

Evangel Pentecostal Church

Over the last few years many of us have atrophied in our ability to be in community and gather together. For some we are confronted with feel ings of anxiety as we consider putting ourselves out there again.

You may be surprised to experience being wel comed home and witnessing communities of faith that have made family, friendship, and community a priority. Places of diversity that have found a way to walk, live, and grow together.

This Christmas we invite you to join us as we celebrate the One who unites us: Emmanuel, “God with us.”

Assumption Westview 7:00 pm

Sacred Heart, Tla’Amin 10:00 pm

Christmas Day Masses Assumption Westview 10:00 am 12 noon.

Confessions Assumption Westview

Thursday Dec 22 7 to 8 pm Friday Dec 23 11 am to 12 noon Saturday Dec 24 11 to 12 noon

Father Patrick 604-485-5300

New to town? New to church? We look forward to meeting you

St. David & St. Paul

Anglican Church

6310 Sycamore Street 604 483-4230 anglican1@telus.net www.stdavidandstpaul.com

Friday, December 23 • 7:30pm

A Jazzy Christmas Concert with Walter Martella & Friends

Doors 7pm. Suggested donation $10, all pro ceeds to local charities.

Saturday, December 24 • 8pm

Christmas Eve Candlelight Eucharist Sunday, December 25 • 10am Christmas Day Eucharist

qL asked local faith leaders: For those who have been away from church since before the pandemic (or longer), what might surprise them if they walk in to yours, during Advent or on Christmas Eve?

Rev. Dr. Paula Sampson

Faith Lutheran Church

Visitors and returning members to Faith Lutheran Church will find two changes since early 2020.

One is our location: we now share worship space with Powell River United Church. The other is our earlier worship time. We gather at 9:30 every Sunday morning. Other than that, the ministry and companionship that Lutheran worship inspire car ry on as before, with a reinvigorated focus on local community outreach.

As always, Advent expectation fills the weekly gatherings this month, followed by our joyful receiv ing of God’s historical presence among us in Christ at Christmas, a presence that continues today in all human acts of faith, hope and love.

Christ-Centered Holiday Celebrations

Christmas Eve 7 pm

Christmas Day 10:30 am

New Year’s Eve 7 pm

Pastors Sam & Katie Alescio

Living Water Foursquare Church

Ithink people might be surprised at how many peo ple have moved to Powell River! Despite the pan demic feeling like a season where a lot of things stood still (or maybe even got worse) the local church did not just stand still, but is alive and well, and our community too, and people of all ages have moved here!

We are journeying together to discover more about God, ourselves, and each other and YOU would be welcome here too, whether it’s the first time we would be meeting you or whether it’s been weeks or years!

Junior Forest Wardens selling Christmas Trees on

between McDonald’s and

in the Crossroads plaza.

Use the orthography below to write in how to pronounce each letter. Also see Dr. Elsie Paul’s more precise descriptions at bit.ly/3cc8iU4.

qoʔ may Snow on the ground č̓ɩč̓ χa ʔəm

qʷa yɛ gən

This orthography is based on the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). This guide offers a simplified version of the sounds; for an authentic accent, listen at firstvoices.com.

Books for young-at-heart people Our gifted writers, artists & musicians

Cozy Spaces: A Colouring Book

By Jenny Allen Taves

What’s it about: The Cozy Spaces colouring book is a collection of eight draw ings of cozy spaces for you to colour! From cozy seats around a campfire to a cozy loft bedroom with an ocean view, have fun colouring each image in with watercolour paint, pencil crayons, or markers.

Who is Jenny? This colouring book was print ed from digital drawings made by Jenny Allen Taves, an artist and illustrator living here in the qathet region.

Toller Tales: Jigs and Zunga Take a Trip

By Isabelle Southcott

Art by Graham Harrop

What’s it about: This delightful children’s book follows the adven ture of Jigs and Zunga, two Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Re trievers, who live in Powell River, BC as they visit Yarmouth County, NS to meet their rela tives and learn more about their heritage.

Who is Isabelle? Author Isabelle Southcott moved to Nova Scotia in 1993. She owns and writes for qathet Living magazine. She was introduced to Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers at the age of

eight when her father brought home a little ball of fluff called Alexander Rufus of Schuben dorf. Her Tollers, Jigs and Zunga, often make guest appearances in the pages of this magazine.

Who is Graham? Artist Graham Harrop grew up in Powell River. His first cartoon ap peared in the Powell River News when he was 14 years old. His work appears in the Vancouver Sun and for more than two decades, his cartoon BackBench appeared daily in the Globe and Mail. He also creates the award-winning online daily comic strip TEN CATS.

Where can I find it? Available at the Visitor Centre, qathet Living, Amazon or the library.

Price: $20 includes tax.

A Thought For The Day

Where can I find it? Find it and more art gifts at Jennyallentaves.com or at the Raincoast and Cheer on the Pier holiday markets.

Price: $24 each.

Saved by Frost

Story

What’s it about: When sevenyear-old Joey invited his two friends for a sleepover in his little cabin in the forest, he and the girls expected to have lots of fun. But the morning brought danger. What could Joey’s mom do? (Based on a true story). This is a chapter book for ages 6-10.

Who is Terry? Terry Faubert is author of  The Way Home and A Cat Called Ballet She worked in daycare and preschool for over 35 years.

Where can I find it? Available at Paper works, Pocket Books at Ecossentials, and Amazon.

Price: $12.

Vibra Amor Holiday Gift Shop

December 16th to 24th Find us in the Town Centre Mall in front of the liquor store.

Find something special and unique for you and your loved ones.

Vibra Amor Jewelry • MIKIbaby • Indulge Bath & Body

“The brightness of the fire of your love will no doubt fuse and unify the contending peoples and kindreds of the earth, …”

by Terry Faubert Illustrated by Draigh Creamer

Using Power Well:

Bob Williams and the Making of British Columbia

By Bob Williams

What it’s about: Long-time Powell River part-time resident (and BC NDP political guru) tells his sto ry–including his many impacts on BC including Whistler, Robson Square, the Agricultural Land Re serve, and much more.

Where can I find it? Online at Harbour Publishing, on BC Ferries.

Price: $22.95

My Magical Experiences as a Small Town Boy

By Colin Eckstrand

What’s it about: This is my record of the many inspiring, amazing, true-life experi ences I have had throughout my life as a boy growing up in the small town of Powell Riv er. These stories are particularly about the sports that I played, the lessons I learned, and my journey towards a more spiritual way of life. I strove to reach high in life, pursuing my goals and to be joyful as much as pos sible, even through some times that tested me.

Who is Colin? Born in 1961 in Powell River, BC. Got married and moved to Victoria in 1981 at age 20. Present occupations: Home share provider, author. Mar ried, have two adult daughters and two grandchildren. Colin has lived in Chemainus since 2018.

Where can I find it? TAWS Cy cle and Sports and the Tla’amin Convenience Store. Order a print copy or ebook on Amazon. It’s also

Rachel Blaney

available to borrow at the James Thompson and Edgehill libraries, plus the Powell River Public Library. $25.

Memoir

Don’t Tell: Family Secrets

By Pat Buckna

What’s it about: In Don’t Tell: Family Secrets, 59 writers tell their stories in either prose or poetry, of their own family se crets. So often, mothers bear the burden, stand over time as the keepers of these secrets, trying to keep families intact. Spanning continents, cultures, wars, belief systems, and the private lives of families, the secrets in this book range from over one hundred years ago to the present and include stories some serious, others quirky, some resolved, and still others that remain a mystery.

Pat Buckna’s story in the an thology “A Real Doozie” recounts how he learned about his four siblings over several decades, including a half-sister, whose existence was a secret his mother took to her grave.

Who is Pat? Pat Buckna is a writer and composer from Pow ell River. In 2019 he published “Only Children-A Family Memoir” available locally at Paperworks and Kingfisher Books or directly from Pat.

Where can I find it? Don’t Tell: Family Secrets can be or dered from Demeter Press: demeterpress.org.

Price: $44.95

By Carl Anderson

What’s it about: The Cal endar features images from qathet. Printed on high-quality stock it includes bonus imag es each month and ex amples of ʔayʔaǰuθəm words. A limited number of calendars are avail able.

Where can I find it? Pickup and delivery can be arranged in qathet. Email seaforestphotography@ gmail.com to order.

Price: $35 each

By Anna May Bennett

What’s it about: 12 images of stunning landscapes painted by local artist Anna May Bennett.

Who is Anna? A resident of the Powell River area for 16 years, Anna has been creating images of the local coastal scenery for over a decade. A mother of two boys, she juggles her career as an artist with the operation of a gallery, Turadh fine art, in the Townsite Public Market. Anna’s paintings can be found

in private collections in Canada, Aus tralia and the United Kingdom, and can be viewed in the public commissions for the BC Children’s Hospital, Sunny Hill Children’s Health Centre, Powell River Public Library, First Credit Union and Townsite Brewing Inc.

Where can I find it? Copies will be available at Turadh Fine Art, at Town site Market, mid December.

Price: Calendars are $35 and avail able on pre-order via facebook.com/ annamaybennettartist

What’s it about: The beautiful wildlife photos were taken in Powell River by local photographer Michelle Pennell. This year’s calendar features owls, cormorants, herons, otters and much more. Money raised supports the res

cue efforts of PROWLS.

Where can I find it? Get your copy at Mother Nature, Paperworks and Springtime Nursery.

Price: $25

Alexine Cleans

it about: Alexine Cleans is a sex-positive web series written and narrated by Amy Sharp fea turing illustrations and sketch animations by Brad Collins, photos by Amy, MOGRTs (mo tion graphic tem plates) along with ample grit and hu mour. The purpose of the project is to uplift working class women over 40, not just moms but all those everyday he roes, through levity and examples of strength.

Who is Amy? Amy Sharp had a 14-yearold son hellbent on trying every street drug he could find, along with her own financial chaos. In an attempt to save her sanity, she started writing a story about the in ner world of a wom an like herself, liv ing on the BC coast while her reality rippled and rolled. A year later, she had a professionally edit ed 93,000 word manuscript. After more twists and turns, she got a Conceptualization grant from Can ada Media Fund and her web series was born. More info: alexinereads.com

Where can I find it? YouTube channel Brace Your self: Alexine Cleans! The second episode should drop before the Winter Solstice. Amy plans to pub lish a hard copy with Brad’s illustrations in 2023.

The price: The episodes are free to view. However, Aubrey and Amy are raising funds with stickers and postcards to go on a Fringe Festival tour with three episodes that Amy will live narrate with the video behind her, TedX style. Aubrey will run the AV. Check out the Super Sharp Fringe Festival Tour Drive on alexinereads.com

Story by Amy Sharp Animations by Brad Collins

Many Axes, Many Styles

By Ron Campbell

What’s it about: I’ve always wanted to record an in strumental album. It’s eclectic Ragtime, EDM, Folk, Rock, Blues, each tune is different. I wrote all the music, and played 10 different instruments.

Who is Ron? For 57 years, I’ve played and recorded all over BC and Alberta, and in Toronto, LA, and New Orleans. But I love playing for my friends here in Pow ell River! I teach guitar and piano at the Academy of Music, and perform live weekly. This is my 6th fulllength album.

Where can I find it? Many Axes, Many Styles is a digital-only release. You can get it on iTunes, Am azon, etc. but the cheapest and easiest is from bandcamp.com

Price: At bandcamp.com, you pay whatever you wish, minimum $7.

Universal Love 2

By Harley Alexander

What’s it about: Harley Alexander returns with his eighth studio album and first project in two years, Universal Love 2, the long-awaited follow up to 2014’s Universal Love. The 14 track album deals with themes of overcoming and processing grief, confronting devastating truths, and self-acceptance. Universal Love 2 is out December 2nd, 2022 via Easy Freaker Records.

Who is Harley? Harley Alexander is the living example of a loose denim sleeve hanging from a suitcase flap ping about in the Canadian winds, delicately walking a tightrope from Halifax to Vancouver, to one side falls levity and the other profundity, and him, bare foot and balanced upright down the middle.

Where can I find it? Bandcamp.com and will also be available on all streaming platforms.

• Appetizers & beverages available when doors open and during intermission.

• General seating and access to theatre at 6:30 pm

• Each night is a different program of films

• Arrive early to enjoy our great atmosphere and interact with outdoor minded friends.

• Sell out expected, so get your tickets while they last.

Send your favourite people out for a meal. Gift certificates are available at: A&W (See Page 54)

The Boardwalk (See Page 46)

Royal Zayka (See Page 39)

The Shinglemill (See Page 53)

Supercharger Pizza (See Page 9)

Or, send them to see a show. Tickets or gift certificates are available for:

The Max Cameron Theatre (See Page 25)

The Patricia Theatre (See Page 52)

The qathet International Film Festival (See Page 37)

The Academy of Music (See Page 68)

Plus! Memberships and classes at the Rec Complex (See Page 2)

Towel tradition

Quality Pendelton towels, face cloths and hand towels at Tla’amin Convenience are woven of cotton velour in striking colors that stay true, wash after wash. Sheared on one side for softness, looped on the other for superior absorption. They’re a timeless luxury you’ll love for the beach, hot tub or pool. Visit the store for an assortment of the famous Pendelton wool blankets, too!

The Lust List

Take your art for a spin

Turn a blank page into a work of art with Spirograph from qathet Art + Wares.

A nostalgic return to the classic design. This commemorative edition set is a reproduction of the original, featuring throwback packaging and retro graphics. With all the iconic wheels and rings of the original, the precision engineered Spirograph gears work with the 3 design pens included (as well as most standard pens). Spirograph putty holds the pieces securely on paper to create intricately beautiful designs with no holes.

Cozy and chic

Pollen

Sweaters are a qathet fashion basic. At $210 for most sweaters, these locally made wool and bamboo sweaters are not fast fashion, but anyone who owns one will tell you they’re worth every penny, in comfort, warmth, style and longevity. They were hygge before hygge was cool. Plus they’re machine wash and dry and who doesn’t love that convenience?

A hoodie for your rider

The Chilco Anorak from 7Mesh is a thermal hooded pullover designed for everyday adventure, with a quarter zip and easy-access chest pocket. Pro prietary thermal insulation WTV, an advanced, lightweight loft fabric, dynamically retains or releases heat as you ride. Paired with a woven wind protective outer face fabric, it’s an exceptionally comfortable second layer that also feels great against the skin. Find both men’s and women’s for $220.

Using local beach glass found right here on the shores of the Salish Sea, Suzi Wiebe of Found Stone creates on a sterling silver chain,

Brace yourself

Suspenders from Thunder Bay Saw Shop come in a variety of colours and designs, from safety reflectors to branded braces.

Got bag?

GOT BAG is a sustainable, social-first fashion brand dedicated to raising awareness and cleaning our oceans from plastic pollution.

Available from Simply Bronze, this bag features a 13-inch laptop compartment and water-resistant material. Got Bag Day Pack perfect for your daily adventure. Featuring a protective pocket for your laptop, water resistant & stylish design. Available in more colours in store. Made from recycled ocean plastic.

Got dogs? Or kids?

Toller Tales: Jigs & Zunga Take a Trip is the first in what is sure to be a series by qL publisher Isabelle Southcott Find it at the qL office or the Visitor Centre.

Mismatched with love

Solmate socks from Fits to a T are made with sus tainably-sourced, eco-friendly fibers, for a guilt free gift that is also super comfortable.

Put these on the people you love:

Party likes it’s 2023

The perfect party dress is fun and flirty. Lace and beading highlight the bodice while layers of tulle fill out the skirt. Get this dress to perfectly fit you by Perfect Fit for Brides & Grads

Books make the

continues throughout December!

best accessories Make qathet Museum & Archives this year’s one-stop shop for your family’s histo ry lover with a wide variety of locally based historical books including “Desolation Sound: A History” and “The Powell River Mill Story”. The museum’s collection of books and gifts are curated to represent the qathet Region and their annual holiday sale

Good to the core

Pick up a used Apple laptop for a fraction of the price of new, but com pletely inspected and with a warranty, courtesy of PR Macs

Santa stays clean somehow

These adorable gnomes are, aptly, chimney sweeps. The larger size can hang from a tree or stand alone. The smaller ones are designed as tree ornaments. They come with or without chimney sweep tools. Find these decorations at Cadam Construction.

Easy as an easel

A candle by any other name Luna Rose candles are hand-poured in micro batches of 10 or fewer, ensuring that each one is meticulously decorated with crystals, dried flo rals & herbs. Find these in a variety of scents at Afterglow Hair Lounge

That’s amore

Each Moon and Mana candle at Mother Nature is handmade in small batches with coconut/ soy wax, essential oils and luxury phthalate free fine fragrance oils. Each candle is topped with a moon-charged crystal, dried florals/herbs and made with the intention of bringing warmth and comfort to you and your sacred space.

Get on board

at Paperworks

Why, oh why can’t you?

The large rainbow from Huckle + Berry is really versatile: small children stack, sort and build and as the children get older they will use it as a cradle for dolls, as fence for animals, like a tunnel or bridge for vehicles, build amazing sculptures.

This studio easel from qathet art + wares is constructed of oiled, stain-resistant beech wood, has a no-col lapse safety system with closing base and ratcheting canvas holder, and still offers adjustable working an gles by lever handles.

Star light, star bright Light up the night this holiday season with a Westerly Star. Light seekers will ooh and ah at the simple yet effective beauty of a classic star shape. Great quality and sought after, bring home one today from Westerly Studio. $125

Handcrafted “Ocean” boards and trays are made from black walnut and maple here in BC. Find them

Every day luxury

C&C Candle Company Inc. These candles by C&C Candle Company, are created with pure luxury in mind. Crafted from coconut soy wax and luxury fragrance oils, these are an incredible candle that is still priced well enough that you want to burn them every day! With hours of burn time, you can enjoy a new candle each month. Find them at Chrysalis Flowers & Gifts.

This gift sucks

Be ready for the messiest jobs around the house, garage, or shop with the 8 gallon Electric 3-1/2 Peak HP Wet/Dry Vacuum. Whether it’s dust collection in the workshop or cleaning up liquid spills at home, this makes clean-up easy. This multi-functional Craftsman vacuum from RONA also converts into a blower to remove debris from your yard or patio.

Lean, clean, green and quick State-of-the-art designs make the new DF9.9B from Suzuki the most technically advanced portable outboard on the market today. Designed with “Lean Burn” and battery-less electronic fuel injection, an industry first in this horse-power class, this four-stroke delivers quick starts, great acceleration, awesome performance and supe rior fuel economy. Find your next outboard at Two-Wheel Tech

Kitten stoppers

For any crafter with pets with a taste for balls of yarn, these hand-made wooden yarn boxes by Lykke are designed with a sliding lid to keep the yarn safe! Made from sustainably-grown and resilient hardwoods, these yarn boxes from Knitter’s Nest are as functional as they are beautiful!

Whale of a gift

Bring your ocean experience home with this Searam ics pottery humpback whale by Penny Eder, for $175 from Tug Guhm Gallery in Lund.

The Lust List Spiceupyourhome

Tea time Celebrate the tastes of the season with this Tea Advent Calendar 24 different teas to sip your way to seasonal contentment for $19.99 at the Powell River Visitor Centre

As we move through the longest nights of the year, many of us feel a pull toward cozy time indoors, maybe quiet crafting, reading, baking, or sipping tea while watching the weather outside.

Many also feel a call to gather with friends and family for feasting, revel ry, gift giving, and uplift ing spirits through what have traditionally been the leanest months.

Festivals, rituals, and celebrations abound through winter holy days of many traditions; Ha nukkah, Solstice, St. Lu cia’s Day, Kwanzaa, and Christmas are just a few! All are rich with acts of devotion that bring a sense of meaning, wheth er observed alone or with

It is also a time where many of us feel height ened pain of loved ones not present with us through our annual tra ditions. Long dark nights on their own can be very hard on a hurting heart. Added financial strain from social pressure to entertain, give gifts, or prepare feasts can compound feelings of overwhelm along with the incongruence of added busy-ness while the natural world invites us into slower living.

Wherever we land along this wide spectrum of experiencing this time of year, we may find soul level remedies with first honouring what is present within our feeling body, followed with a dedication to tend to what we personally need most, particu larly through any activities, obligations or expecta

tions – even those we are excited for.

This may mean reaching out to community for cultivating connection, or politely passing on invi tations being extended. It may mean finding alterna tives to increased spend ing like hosting a potluck rather than providing a full spread, or opting for one or two simple, mean ingful gifts rather than giving a pile of presents.

Collaborating with oth ers to plan a festivity, or letting others take the lead may bring relief to those who tend to “do it all” or provide an ave nue for those who desire company, but don’t know where to begin. Scaling back expectations or being honest about limited en ergy resources instead of travelling to multiple des tinations helps with tired tempers, and vice ver sa, increasing time with friends, family, or commu nity engagement can help keep loneliness at bay.

Even making efforts to pause for self nurturing times in between activities can make a big difference.

Take an extended coffee break, disconnect from social media for a little while, sneak away to nap mid-gathering, do what you need to follow your in nermost needs and restore a sense of alignment with Self and season.

Juliette Jarvis offers sacred living programs online, de votional arts, and divination sessions. Find her at www. SelkieSanctuary.com and www.3FoldBalance.com

The holidays can

brutal for families of alcoholics

For most of us, Christmas is a happy holiday. There are carol sings, baking, presents, shopping, glitz, glam and fun. We spend time with family and friends, attend a few parties, and exchange gifts.

We spend too much, eat too much, and drink too much, but come January we make a conscious ef fort to stop overindulging and return to our healthy selves.

Sadly, for some, it’s not that easy.

There are those among us who dread Christmas. The holiday may remind them that their loved one, who they used to do special things with at Christmas, is no longer with them. They feel sad and lonely without them and a wave of hope lessness washes over them.

For those with addic tions, the holidays provides the perfect excuse to over indulge. Years ago, when I was married, I would say I loved my husband be fore noon because that was when he’d have his first drink and with that, his per sonality began to change. Things were always worse in December with friends dropping by for drinks and the usual round of Christmas parties and family vis its that inevitably included alcohol.

I was one of those people who found a 12-step pro gram in my community. One cold, dark, night in late November, I took a deep breath as I walked into a church basement and attended my very first support meeting.

I’d almost gone the year before but I’d convinced myself that things weren’t really that bad and be sides, I didn’t want anyone to know about our prob lems. What if someone I knew was there? I was so embarrassed by my situation that I didn’t go. But the following year, I felt like I didn’t have a choice; un able to cope alone I turned to the only place I felt safe to ask for help.

There, I met others in similar situations. They had

husbands, wives, children, brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles, siblings, boyfriends, girlfriends and just people they cared about whose relationship with alcohol was impacting their relationships with the people they cared about to such an extent that they, like me, needed support.

That night I discovered I was not alone. I found tools, information and ideas that would help me cope with my situation. There was no magic wand that I could wave to change the situation because, as I learned, I couldn’t change someone else. But the support provided by others and the strength I found in listening to their stories gave me the courage I needed to face what was often an unpredictable time of the year for me and my family.

You may not be married to someone who uses drugs or has a problem with al cohol but you probably know or have known some one who does. Like cancer, more people than you think have been impacted by ad dictions. It may be your loud, red-faced Uncle Harry who’s always the life of the party and the last to leave a family function. Or the guy you played spin the bottle with in grade school who committed suicide when he was in his thirties.

There is no ‘us and them’ anymore when it comes to addictions, now it’s ‘we.’ Here in qathet, this is more apparent than in a bigger city where distance and population provides a buffer between people. In smaller, isolated communities like ours, life’s events are magnified and social media means that everyone can know everyone’s business if they want to.

Christmas can be especially difficult for many peo ple who love someone with an addiction.

Are you one of them? If so, help and understand ing are just a meeting away.

||

isabelle

@prliving.ca

LAST WORD ISABELLE SOUTHCOTT

The strength I found in listening to their stories gave me the courage I needed to face what was often an unpredictable time of the year for me and my family.

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