qathet Living December 2024 by Sean Percy

Bounty awaits!

Maroon yourself on Marine and shop locally this season.

Studio Ghibli, Pokémon & More

Pride-Positive Gear

Books, Graphic Novels & Manga

Crystal Jewelry & Earrings

Video Games & Consoles

Puzzles: 2D and 3D

Board Games

Tarot Cards & Books

Fantasy Figurines: Dragons & Fairies

Magic: The Gathering Cards

Fluffy Blankets

Dungeons & Dragons Supplies

Squishmallows, TYs & More

Decals, Stickers & Patches

Essential Oils & Sage

Art Supplies, Craft Kits & Stamps

Hockey Cards & Much More

days a week!

10 am to 5:30 pm

4721 Marine (the former Hindle’s)

604-489-3028

& dragons & games ahoy!

How to participate at Oceanside, to Dec. 11:

Tips for donation

All tips through December 11 are being used to purchase items and toys for the low-income children in Powell River. We “buy” the donated gifts at wholesale cost for the campaign so every dollar goes even further.

Shop to donate at 40% off

Also, through December 11, if anyone wishes to shop for the Christmas Campaign themselves, they can come down to the store and purchase a gift at 40% off for the program. They leave the gift here under the Christmas Tree and we will deliver them to the campaign in early December.

Gift Cards

Customers can also buy gift cards through December 11 to donate to the Christmas Cheer program.

Strangers: hosts that mean the most

This is my first Christmas with a kid out of the nest. As I write this, my 17-year-old son and his friend are rattling around Wales, sledding near castles, and sampling black pudding (less celebrated than haggis, but no less polarizing.)

As we follow their adventures on Instagram, I find myself almost weak with gratitude when I hear about strangers who help them. The campground manager who put them in a cabin when they were sick. The family who offered them a flat in which to stay, in Glasgow. And now, the woman who is cooking beautiful Welsh meals for them, as they stay in her garden house.

Hospitality is a core virtue practiced at Christmastime. It’s also a radical way of being in the world: offering genuine care, and the

best of what’s yours, to folks both known and unknown. I explain to my son that the way you pay back hospitality is to pass it on, when you can. This season, I am also reminding myself of that same lesson.

Many of the stories in this issue reveal that almost always, this community role models hospitality. We put so much love and joy into making gifts, ornaments, and food (Homemade Holiday, pages 6 to 19); we’re citizen scientists (Page 20); we clean up past pollution (Page 22); we pray (Page 24); we pass on the knowledge and wisdom we’ve gathered, through writing books (Page 31); and we organize music, sports, theatre, gatherings, markets and so much more – mostly voluntarily – and invite everyone (Page 45). I hope you feel this region’s hospitality this season.

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Editor & Graphics Pieta Woolley pieta@prliving.ca

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We were nominated by Kjeld Brodsgaard [less than 24 hours before he died]... [he] had always been impressed by the strong sense of community, fervent fan support, and the talented athletic accomplishments of the Villa team. – Tony Leach, Page 28

”

DECEMBER’S CONTRIBUTORS

ANDREA BENNETT is an award-winning journalist, a senior editor at The Tyee, a local parent, and the author of several books. See the excerpt from andrea’s by Hearty, “Trifling,” on Page 15.

LORRAINE RICHARDS has five children and 11 grandchildren who are scattered across Canada. Writing memoirs and keeping traditions is a great way to keep families connected. See Lorraine’s story, Traditional Fruitcake, on Page 14.

JENNY ALLEN TAVES is an artist and sentimental homebody whose love language is bringing group art projects to family events. jennyallentaves.com. See Jenny’s story, Pretty notes on bunting preserve fleeting memories, on Page 6.

DOUGLAS UNGER is a local nature photographer. See more of his work at douglasungerphotography.com See Doug’s image, The Message, on Page 45.

EMILY WHITE is the manager of treaty relations and intergovernmental affairs for Tla’amin Nation; a councillor for Klahoose Nation, and a beader. See Emily’s earrings (with her sister Saphire’s, and mom Cindy’s) on the cover.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Easy, pretty notes on bunting preserve fleeting memories

BY JENNY ALLEN TAVES

I’ve always made an effort to write down the significant things that happen to me, but more importantly, the insignificant things too. Since I was young I’ve kept illustrated journals and robust scrapbooks of my experiences. I find that looking back, the big events are easy enough to remember on their own, but it’s the little details that need to be intentionally kept.

A few years ago my kids, nieces, and nephews were all gathered around my sister-in-law’s table decorating gingerbread houses, and to fill the time while icing set I passed around little scraps of glittery and painted paper I had cut up, and invited them all to write down as many Christmas memories as they could.

Luckily, even the teenagers in my life indulge me with projects like this, and we now have a tall stack of sweet little sentences like “I’m always the first one up Christmas morning, and then I go wake everyone else!” or “Remember the year I was sick and Mum and Dad made a bed of blankets under the tree

Memory bunting prompts:

Family traditions

Inside jokes

Classic meals & special treats

Especially thoughtful/ generous gifts

Family activities

Loved ones

Earliest holiday memories

Favourite holiday songs or movies

“Remember the year ___ happened?“

so I could open presents with everyone.” They wrote about playing games, and their favourite foods, and all of us being together. Having them write these down means now we have this irreplaceable collection of the touching and adorable little memories that mean most to the kids, in their own handwriting.

So far I’ve kept these in a stack along with other little written memories from camping trips and about loved ones who have passed. My eyes and heart well when I read them. These quickly jotted anecdotes are like little treasures, little sheets of gold, and every year that passes they are more valuable than they were the year before.

This year I’m following through on what was always my intention with them. I’ve strung up a ribbon in the liv-

Homemade Holiday

TIME GOES BY SO QUICKLY: Christmas at Jenny Allen Taves’ house, 2013 (left) and 2023 (right). With Gavin, Phia and Lydia. Centre, memory bunting. Free resources to help you make your own bunting are available at jennyallentaves.com.

ing room and used tiny clothespins to hang them up as memory bunting.

I want everyone in the family to be able to share in remembering these sweet thoughts. To help you start

“My eyes and heart well when I read them.” –Jenny Allen Taves

a memory bunting of your own, I’ve designed a sheet of printable memory prompts that I’m sharing with the readers of qathet Living. For sturdiest results print them on card stock and then if you like, paint or stamp the back of the sheet to make sure both sides look interesting before cutting them out.

You can also just cut up any pretty

paper you have into bits big enough for a sentence or two, and then write on one side. Have everyone write as many little memories as possible, then use paperclips or mini clothespins to attach them to ribbon, twine, or garland, or punch holes in them on two corners and thread the ribbon through like bunting. It would also be cute to laminate them, punch a single hole in one end of each paper, and string it with yarn to hang the memories as ornaments on the tree!

I hope you and your loved ones spend some time together digging through your own holiday memories this year. And I bet you can’t help but smile as you do.

Part of what is great about these little stories is that they are quick to write and quick to read, and paper is such an easy and effective way to add quick colour and nostalgia to your holiday decor. And above all, aren’t memories the most treasured thing we share with each other over the holiday season?

This fall’s postal strike hit “pause” on some of the wilder consumerism Christmas can spark. What an opportunity to re-focus on handmade gifts and decorations.

Through Page 19, locals tell their own stories about what they make, and why.

Whether you craft your own, cook, shop or sell at craft fairs, or treasure the handmade gifts you’ve received, the specialness of thoughtful, hand-crafted items can breathe magic back into Christmastime.

Card-making

nights a “staple” tradition

RECYCLED AND REUSED: Paint, paper, and bits found at thrift stores become one-of-a-kind cards – appreciated by all who receive them.

BY ROWAN COCKSEDGE

In 2010, Laurel Tench decided to make all her holiday cards by hand using primarily recycled or second-hand materials.

The cards were such a hit that it became a yearly tradition. Laurel’s card-making nights, now attended by family, friends, and community members, have become a staple of the holiday season. Every year, Laurel makes 25 to 30 cards that she uses for birthdays, holidays, and anything else that might warrant the personal touch of a handmade card.

An added bonus, according to Laurel, is not having to support big corporations by purchasing cards every year. Instead, her money goes to the second-hand stores and garage sales, where she finds her supplies. Thanks to Laurel, the tradition of handmade cards has also become the norm in her family.

Tla’amin’s craft crew

On a dark and rainy Thursday night in mid-November, in a portable near the tišosəm graveyard, this group was enjoying shepherd’s pie, craft projects, and the company of each other – as they do nearly every week. With cedar and cotton flying, they were preparing for the annual Tla’amin Nation Craft Sale (see event box).

Organizer Sosan Blaney explained that her family gathered inner bark from cedar trees in the spring, in anticipation of this market. Her daughter Mekwan sells her own beadwork and sewing to help pay for hockey. Sosan also runs the kitchen at the event, serving bannock, soup and desserts.

This crew also makes regalia, and gifts for distribution on the summer Tribal Journeys.

“It’s nice to gather,” said Sosan.

This space sponsored by:

Diane Francis, Ochele Wilson, Jacqueline Mathieu. Back row, Laureen Williams, Gail Blaney, Sosan Blaney , Mekwan Blaney, David Leech, Karen Lawford, Kalious Mathieu, and Mary Courtney.

DECEMBER CRAFT SHOWS

Tla’amin Nation Craft Sale: December 7, 10 am to 4 pm, Salish Centre.

Springtime Winter Market: December 7 & 8, Springtime Nursery, 11 am to 3 pm each day.

Kla ah men Winterlude: December 7 & 8, Lund, 10 am to 4 pm each day

Vendorfest: December 7, Legion, 10 am to 3 pm

Super Sunday Sale: December 8, Cranberry Seniors Centre, 11 am to 3 pm

Magic of Christmas: December 14, Recreation Complex Upper Foyer, 10 am to 4 pm

Plus the markets: Farmers’ Market Sundays in the quonset hut 12:30 to 2:30 pm. Uptown market on Joyce Saturdays 10 am to 12.

HYPER-LOCAL DECOR: Above left, Mekwan Blaney works the Singer. Centre, woven inner cedar bark for earrings. Top right, Mary Courtney crochets tea towel holders. Right, cedar angels made by Betty Wilson, “brown angels,” she said. Because angels are “not always blonde n’ blue-eyed.”

Salmon need our help.

Successfully

To learn more about the Salmon Preservation Foundation’s work and ways to contribute, visit us on Facebook or at salmonpreservation.org. Your local champions for salmon

Invest in the future of pacific salmon for generations to come through planned giving.

Your generosity can align with your financial planning needs. Connect with a financial expert today to discover how to maximize the benefits of planned giving for you.

Your legacy gift will support the Powell River Salmon Society in all our enhancement, education, and conservation efforts.

This space sponsored by:

Wood Stoves & Inserts

Efficient & Low-Emission

Rowwie McKeown

What it is:

Stained glass

What it means:

“Stained glass is the medium I’ve always been looking for. As a smith, my options for colour come from gems, but glass allows me to use a lot of the same skills in as many colours as I want. Making colourful pieces to cast shadows into people’s homes has become a highlight of my business and enabled me to develop my ‘maximalism’ and capture my vision in such a rewarding way.”

Find it at:

Sharlene Reid

What it is:

“A stocking handmade by my mom for my first Christmas. Every year it would hang by the fireplace, waiting for it to be filled.”

What it means:

“Memories of Christmases with family – full of smaller items including candy, oranges. I was allowed to open it Christmas Eve.

“The Sunday Farmers’ Markets and Springtime Holiday Market. Flickerwood Forge is entirely handmade and one-of-a-kind and local with a focus on hand-forged sterling silver jewelry and whimsical stained glass.”

Theresa Pinel

What it is:

Bell ornament made of oat straw, handmade in Guatemala.

What it means:

“My first trip to Guatemala was at Christmas in 1971, and it opened my eyes to the heart of poverty. I ventured to visit my sister, Mary, who had

volunteered with missionary service with five other Sisters of Providence. My sister’s letters described her new experiences, but our family could not visualize her surroundings. She expressed gratitude that we grew up without electricity and running water. I wondered why she was thankful for our hardships.

“[While I was there] I was inspired by the strong spirit, generosity and deep faith of the Guatemalans I met. After that life-changing trip I returned home with a new appreciation for electricity and an abundance of clean water. Despite my visual disability, I resolved to finish my teaching degree and send money to my sister, so needy children could attend school.”

Lee Mackenzie

What it is:

Ornaments featuring Lee’s paintings in resin by Melissa Cain.

How I started:

“I began painting on a whim, really, a creative challenge, and fell in love with art.”

What it means:

“Making something ‘different’ with my images is another creative challenge, which is something I truly love.”

Megan Gros

What it is:

Chainmaille holiday ornaments

How I started:

“I started learning to make chainmaille during the pandemic and found it to be my passion.”

What it means:

“I love Christmas, and sharing my ornaments with others is such a joy. Chainmaille allows the creation of intricate ornaments, jewelry, and so much more with simple metal rings. You can make anything!”

Anne & Robin Williamson

What it is:

Annual year-in-review poems to tuck into Christmas cards.

How I started:

“I started writing these to keep up with friends and family when we moved here in 2001.”

An example:

Powell River is growing with newcomers galore It’s made house prices go up and soar COVID is scarce here with masks everywhere We’ve had our two shots and will now get a spare

The whole world is reeling, let’s see what to do

To welcome the New Year 2022

Our Christmas Traditions Room

DIY: beach glass Christmas trees

BY BELINDA FOGARTY

Acouple of years ago I was looking at all my beach glass treasures, items that I have gathered during my dog walks at the seashore. I started making jewellery with my finds, but wanted something more to display and add a beach vibe to my home. It was fall and I had a friend send me a picture of a beach glass tree on a Christmas card! That got me thinking: what if it was three dimensional?

So here we have it: How to show off your wonderful beach-combing treasures in a festive way.

Gather materials: 40 or so beach glass pieces (colour of your choice), cardboard, scissors, pen/pencil, Gorilla permanent adhesive dots, Mod Podge (paint brush) and something to use to make your circular (I used a small cup).

For the base: cut a circle from your cardboard (I made a 4 cm circle for this example).

Cover the circle with Mod Podge

and place a centre beach glass and six more around the centre piece (all pointing out).

Now we use the glue dots. Place a dot on each gap between the glass pieces. I used 5, some will overlap.

Build your next level: Take your time to find the right shape and face the points out. You may want to add smaller pieces as tips of your tree.

Repeat six times: Each time, reduce the number of pieces used so your tree tapers to three pieces of beach glass on top.

Finish it: Find a nice piece for your tree topper. Add a glue dot to it and place it on the top. Trim the bottom cardboard so it doesn’t show. You’re done!

Note: The glue dots allow the pieces to move about so don’t be afraid to squeeze the tree into shape as you go. After you’re finished you could use the Mode Podge or other glue to permanently hold it together. Time it took me to make a small (4 cm base) tree was 30 minutes.

Rodger Ripley

What it is: Tiny Homes and more.

How I started: “About 25 years ago, my nephew was building stick items with his papa McLean and I thought, ‘What a great idea.’ I could elaborate and make something similiar with my sons. “

What it means: “The most meaningful part is unwrapping the decorations from years past and creating a new one to adorn our tree and the trees of our family and friends.”

Nicole Quigley

What it is:

Fresh, seasonal wreaths

How I started:

“I started my business, Bloom Therapy, when I was on maternity leave with my first child, who is now eight years old. I started by creating contemporary fresh wreaths from my apartment in downtown Vancouver and my business evolved season by season, occasion by occasion.”

What it means:

“The therapeutic benefits! It is ‘active meditation’ for me and each piece I create is unique – no two are ever the same.”

What else?

Danyelle Draginda

What it is:

Real wooden seasonal decor

How I started:

“In the fall of 2020, I made some pumpkins for myself. When my friends saw them, they all wanted some and it kinda spiraled from there into Jag Designs. They are made of wood so they last forever.”

What it means:

“All my creations are made by hand, by myself. I make them because I love the process. Each one comes out unique.”

“I highly encourage a wreath for every season to welcome you home. A common misconception is that Winter wreaths need to be misted; no water is required for them – don’t waste your time! There is enough moisture in our air and our temperatures are cool so no fuss required.”

Warmest wishes & gratitude to all of our supporters whose generosity has helped us, together, make life a little brighter for local youth and families.

Mindful Moves Yoga Retreat Relax, Regroup and Restore

Sunday 29 December 1:30 - 4:30pm at Lang Bay Hall $40

Make some "Me Time" to release holiday busyness and recharge for the New Year. Registration only, limited space. Bring your yoga mat, a pillow or cushion and blanket. Register with Robin: robin.inison@gmail.com or text 604-483-6759

Lynn Price

What it is:

A wood moon, tied with a red string. What it means:

“My friend made this with the help of her always-supportive dad in the 1980s. Mr. Thorburn recently passed, and this ornament makes me think about them both.”

Barry Wood

What it is:

Christmas trees from bark and driftwood from our beaches

What it means:

“This is a hobby to keep me active in retirement. I’ve always found Christmas trees special because of the fond memories of tree cutting with my father.”

Monique Labusch

What it is:

Winter gnomes.

What it means:

“I started to make these gnomes long time ago! We used to have these, when I was a child, as part of our Christmas decoration. I continued this tradition for my kids and now for my grandchildren.”

“I don’t like plastic and make all my Christmas decor out of paper for stars, greenery for wreaths and wood for my gnomes. Fun for the whole family, because you go out in nature, walk our beautiful beaches to look for driftwood or branches which are suitable for this project!”

Family Tradition Christmas Cake

BY LORRAINE RICHARDS

Every year in mid-November our family made a batch of dark fruit and nut cakes in preparation for Christmas. The cakes were made at least six weeks ahead of time so they could age in a covered clay crock pot kept in the basement.

Aging allowed the flavours of the different nuts and fruits to transform the rich moist cake into our family’s rendition of the perfect Christmas cake. Our family consisted of my parents and my brother, David, but when it came time to make the cake, our Grandma always joined us. I remember what this was like when I was about six and we all lived in Vancouver.

Grandma took the trolley bus to our house. I went by myself to wait for her at the bus stop. When the bus slowed to a stop I eagerly looked to find her and wave at her while the driver opened the door and she came down the stairs.

I was so happy to see Grandma. She said she was delighted to see me and how nice it was that I was waiting for her. Holding onto her gloved hand we walked down the street to our house chatting about I don’t know what, but I felt special just being with Grandma.

Grandma’s visit made the importance of making the cakes even more meaningful. Making the cake together meant we all participated in its creation and when it came time to eat the cake we could all think about each other and fondly remember it was our shared cake even if we weren’t actually with each other. For this to happen it was absolutely imperative that everyone must take a turn at stirring it.

As the shells shot across the table and onto the floor, I scurried around picking up the pieces as I listened to them talking.

Preparing the ingredients was an elaborate process and everyone did something to help.

Mom, Grandma, and David sat at the kitchen table cracking the nuts. As the shells shot across the table and onto the floor, I scurried around picking up the pieces as I listened to them talking.

The candied fruit had to be cut into smaller pieces. I used child-sized paper scissors to cut each cherry into three pieces. It was hard to cut them because they were not only slippery but also sticky. Most of the pieces were not the same size but it was okay just as long as there were three pieces for each cherry. The handles of the scissors dug into my thumb and finger and kept getting stuck open so that while I was happy to have a job to do it was hard and it took me a long time. Grandma helped to cut some and she quickly snipped each one perfectly into three. I wished I could cut like that.

Once all the ingredients were prepared, the white enamel dish pan was thoroughly cleaned as it was the mixing bowl. I watched as Grandma broke 10 eggs into the pan and Mom whirled the egg beater

to turn the plump orange yolks into a frothy sea of bubbles.

I got to pour the sugar in and watch it disappear under the blades of the beater. Grandma measured and I poured. Soon Mom couldn’t turn the handle on the beater and she had to use a big spoon to mix. Everyone took a turn at stirring. Dad was last because the final ingredient was molasses and his powerful arms could turn the heavy batter over until what looked like black engine oil was spread evenly and the batter had a rich brown hue.

There were special tins to bake the cakes that were only used for Christmas cake. The bottoms were removable. I cut brown paper grocery bags apart and traced the pan bottoms so I could cut the paper the right size to line the pans. It was hard to cut on a curve and have the paper fit properly so I had to do some over.

The smell of the cakes cooking was delicious. Once out of the oven, the bottoms were gently pushed so the cakes were freed to cool on wire racks. The bottom tin was lifted off to reveal the brown paper that glistened with the butter from the cake. The paper peeled away easily and Mom let me suck on the paper to get a taste of the cake. I searched for crumbs to nibble as I watched her wrap each cake in a piece of cloth. Once the cakes were safely stored in the crock, I knew it would be a long time until Christmas and I didn’t want to wait.

I hope that my family will continue this tradition of the Christmas Cake!

A LONG, WONDERFUL PROCESS: Lorraine Richards’ life-long Christmas cake pursuit involved cutting liners, shelling and chopping nuts, mixing thick dough, and gifting cakes.

LAYERED STORIES: Author andrea bennett and retired MCFD local agency head Lorraine Richards, photographed at the qathet Living office. Both recently wrote stories that recall the impact of their grandmothers’ complex Christmas recipes on their lives – and their own joyful work to keep those recipes alive.

Trifling

A excerpt from qathet author andrea bennett’s 2024 collection of essays, Hearty: On Cooking, Eating, and Growing Food for Pleasure and Subsistence

Before I ever even thought of making my Grandma Garcia’s trifle recipe, I found myself buying a crystal dish from a thrift store in my small town. A few weeks later, I saw an even better trifle dish. It had a metal rim and little triangles and ridges like the back of a stegosaurus. I bought it and unceremoniously re-donated the initial one I’d purchased, feeling only a mild twinge of guilt.

Once I was in possession of the nicer trifle dish, it seemed only right to ask my Grandma Garcia for her recipe, like the dish was willing the dessert into existence. I knew the trifle took my GG several days to make, and I knew she used booze to make it—both the trifle and the rum cake she and my Granddad Ralph make at the holidays are boozy. I’ve eaten them both since I was a child, but this was the first time I felt called to recreate them.

Before my mid-20s, I’m not even sure I would have told someone, if they’d asked out of the blue, that I liked trifle. It’s composed of a base—sponge cake and jam—I can take or leave; a layer of tinned fruit, usually mandarin oranges, which I like okay; a layer of Jell-O, which I don’t otherwise eat; a layer of vanilla custard, which I’d only otherwise eat if hospitalized; and some finishing layers of whipped cream and fresh fruit (no gripes about either of those).

the exact second I blurted it out, thoughtlessly: “Trifle, please.” I tried to backtrack as soon as I said it. Not because I didn’t want trifle, but because I realized how selfish it was. I can’t eat gluten! It’s a days-long preparation! How would she even transport it so far in the car?

My GG, then in her late seventies, figured it out. When we ate it, it reminded me of all the holidays we’d spent at her and Ralph’s house playing cutthroat card games around their long dining room table.

It was only after I’d had a kid, moved back across the country, bought a house, and then bought two trifle dishes in succession that I finally asked GG for the recipe. She mailed it inside a card, on cardstock of its own. It read:

Cunliffe family trifle (Over 100 years old)

Simplified version

Day 1: Place pound cake, Swiss roll, or any sponge cake in bottom of large dish. (Can be stale.) Sprinkle generously with sherry or brandy.

Day 2: Open can of fruit—peaches, mandarin oranges, etc.—and place on cake base. Make a jelly, any flavour, using the juice to replace the cup of cold water called for in recipe. Stir well, and pour over the cake and fruit, cover and return to fridge to set.

But the year before Sinclair was born, when Will and I were living in a tiny three-and-a-half in Little Italy in Montreal, and my paternal family were going to visit from Ontario for Thanksgiving, and my GG asked me what I’d like her to bring, I learned I missed her trifle

Day 3: Carefully pour a can of custard over the above and smooth. Cover and return to fridge.

Day 4: Whip up, with electric beaters, a small carton of whipping cream and place on top of trifle. Decorate as desired—walnuts, maraschino cherries, etc.

I had no clue the recipe was so old. My GG later told me it had been handed down through the generations. My dad, who is good at holding onto family history even if he’s terrible at baking, went into more detail: it came from my great-great-grandmother Esther Clough’s mother, Sofia. “Esther was born in the 1880s as one of the children of Sofia’s second marriage to William Clough,” he texted me. “My gut says she got it likely from her mum, Harriet Mills Bradbury, but it was Sofia who first wrote it down.”

Trifle itself has its roots in medieval custards and sixteenth century fruit fools, which are made by incorporating stewed fruit into custard. By the eighteenth century, it looked more like it does today. By then, as our recipe suggests, it incorporated jelly and offered a way to use up stale biscuits. Initially, it used syllabub—milk or cream curdled with cider. Whipped heavy cream came later, via the Scots.

I’m currently in the process of changing my middle name, from my great-grandmother’s first name to her maiden name, Cunliffe. I’m making the change for gender reasons, but I chose another of her names, one I felt more comfortable carrying on instead; the trifle is another smaller link I know I can carry on too. One I wasn’t expecting.

into the oven and onto a steaming hot sheet pan of cake. If the cake is done, and it’s vanilla, it will have just a hint of goldenness around the edges. But you shouldn’t trust goldenness as the measure of doneness: if the cake is truly and uniformly golden, it will probably crack when you roll it.

The rolling part is where things get truly tricky. Some recipes suggest sprinkling sugar onto an outstretched piece of parchment and quickly flipping the cake upside down onto it. In my experience, this results in a mangled cake. My preferred method is to have an outstretched sheet of parchment ready alongside my sugar container and a trivet. Working

Because I can’t eat gluten and because I like making custard, my version unsimplified (or recomplicated) the trifle. Back to which generation in the past, I can’t be sure. Custard powder has existed in the U.K. since the 1830s, and it would make sense if my great- and great-great- and great-great-greatgrandparents cut whichever corners they could. They would have had a bunch of other things to prepare in the days leading up to trifle holidays. Long story short: I retained the store-bought Jell-O package but decided to make the jelly roll base and the custard myself.

Day One

I found a gluten-free recipe for a sponge containing four U.K. large eggs, 110 grams of gluten-free flour mix, 110 grams of sugar, and 20 millilitres of milk. U.K. large eggs are equivalent to extra-large eggs in North America, and I only had large eggs. So I looked up the weight of a large U.K. egg minus its shell, multiplied by four, cracked five large Canadian eggs, whisked them together, and poured them into a bowl on a scale, holding back half an egg, or maybe a third of an egg, which went into a tiny little Tupperware and then into the fridge.

Jelly rolls look deceptively simple—a swirl of egg-leavened sponge encasing some raspberry or strawberry jam—but they’re pretty hit or miss, especially if they’re gluten-free. This recipe called for whipping the eggs with the sugar until it left a trail after detaching the whisk and drizzling the mixture over itself. It then called to have the flour sifted over top, and the milk added afterwards, being careful not to deflate the eggs and sugar. After everything was gently combined, it went into a sheet pan lined with parchment paper.

The roll baked quickly, taking around thirteen minutes. Jelly rolls need to be removed from the oven the second they spring back from a finger—and it really is easiest to tell with your finger, because your finger will communicate far more accurate data to your brain than an implement, but yes, if you’re following along, this does mean putting your hand

STEGOSAURUS-INSPIRED CRYSTAL: andrea bennett’s trifle dish came from the Powell River Health Care Auxiliary Thrift Shop.

quickly, I took the sheet pan out of the oven, placed it on the trivet, sprinkled the cake with sugar, placed the new parchment paper on top, shielded my hands with tea towels, and flipped the pan over with the parchment covering it so that the parchment ended up on the counter with the cake and pan on top. Still working quickly, I removed the pan and placed it aside, chose a short edge, and rolled the cake up like a wayward little towel from the laundry.

The next step is to let the rolled-up sponge cake fully cool down on a wire rack, making sure, if you, too, have a cat who really loves eggy cake, to keep the cat away from the cake. Rolling the cake up while it’s hot allows the cake to remember how to roll back up when it’s cool, so you can spread it with jam or whipped cream or whatever you’d like to fill it with.

If you escape the making of this cake without any burns whatsoever, you’re either highly skilled, or you’ve done it wrong. On day one of my first attempt at making Grandma Garcia’s trifle, I was pleased with my efforts. When it was cool, my sponge unrolled well, spread easily with jam, and rolled back

up nice and smooth, with no cracks.

Later, after I’d lined the trifle dish with jelly roll slices, I dabbed on sherry with a pastry brush. There were a few slices left over, so I served them for dessert. And that is when I discovered that I had followed the recipe’s insistence to not overmix the sponge cake batter a little too zealously. The jelly roll, while visually appealing, was studded with funny little bits of flour that had not been fully hydrated by the whipped egg and sugar mix. Disappointing! But not disappointing enough to turf the entire thing and start over.

Day Two

On day two, I poured a tin of mandarin oranges over a fine mesh sieve, reserved the juice, topped the sponges with the oranges, whisked boiling water into a raspberry Jell-O packet, and added the mandarin orange juice. I cooled the Jell-O in the fridge for an hour, then poured it over a spoon for gentler distribution onto the orange slices and sponge. The cooling step and the spoon step are not included in the recipe, but both helped to ensure I didn’t mangle or, worse, cause the complete disintegration of the sponge cake by power-washing it with hot liquid.

Day Three

On day three, I made the custard first thing after breakfast, following a recipe from the Spruce Eats called “Classic English Custard Sauce.” It’s specifically billed as being for trifle; it calls for milk and cream to be heated in a saucepan with a teaspoon of sugar and then used to temper six egg yolks that have been beaten with a third of a cup less one teaspoon of sugar. The mixture is added back to the saucepan with vanilla bean seeds and warmed gently on the stovetop until it coats the back of a spoon (meaning that if you dip the spoon into the custard and run your

finger through the custard mix on the spoon, the line you draw will keep its boundaries).

This should not have been terribly difficult for me. I regularly make successful custard for churning into ice cream; I make pastry creams, which are similar but thickened with cornstarch; one of my favourite simple desserts is chocolate mousse, which is made by folding whipped cream into homemade chocolate custard. I followed the Spruce Eats recipe to a T. Even though I was certain I knew what it meant to warm the custard gently on the stovetop until it coated the back of the spoon, I used my thermometer just in case, bringing it to just over 170 degrees

If you escape the making of this cake without any burns whatsoever, you’re either highly skilled, or you’ve done it wrong.

Fahrenheit. I strained it into a bowl, covered it with clingwrap, and asked my partner to put it in the fridge after it came to room temperature—I was running out to do errands. When I came home, I poured it onto the jelly layer.

Six hours later, it was not set at all. So I poured the custard back off the cake and Jell-O, into a stainless steel bowl, whisking in one tablespoon, and then two—the second may have been a mistake?—of cornstarch. I heated it over a pot of steaming water until it reached 175 degrees Fahrenheit. Bringing it back to room temp, I cooled it in the fridge.

Friends came over for dinner, thankfully not for trifle, and when they left, I tasted the custard, realized it was a bit grainy, decided the culprit was the cornstarch, and heated it for the third time, this time directly in a saucepan again. I decided if the egg scrambled, that would be fine: it would be the universe telling me this custard was cursed and I needed to start over. It didn’t scramble. I let it thicken on the stovetop like pudding or, really, like pastry cream. It had seriously reduced in volume by this point. It was not perfect, but each scoop of the finished trifle would have so little custard-pudding-pastry-cream that I figured no one would notice that it was at best a five out of ten.

It was also on day three that I wondered why I was making this thing. Sure, vanilla custard is just one component of it, and Jell-O is also just one component, but I happen to dislike them both. There is an alchemy to all the layers coming together, I think. But I was also making it because I wanted to feel closer to my GG. I was conscious of the fact that she’d turned 85 last year, and that she would not remain hale and hearty and anxious and grumpy and funny forever. I wanted to get good at making her trifle while she was still around, so that when I was next in Ontario, I could make it for her.

I also wondered why I’d followed a North American recipe for custard on a website I find a bit uneven. In part, it’s because of the egg size issue I had with the jelly roll. I wanted six large egg yolks to be equivalent, without any math or partial yolks, to the six large egg yolks I had. (Laziness! Chastened for

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...I wanted to feel closer to my GG. I was conscious of the fact that she’d turned 85 last year, and that she would not remain hale and hearty and anxious and grumpy and funny forever. I wanted to get good at making her trifle while she was still around...

my impertinence!)

After I spooned my thick custard-pudding-pastry-cream over my jelly layer and set the whole thing back in the fridge again, I immediately began looking up Mary Berry trifle recipes. Surely she had a recipe for a custard that would actually work in a trifle. A representative one of her trifle custards (she’s made many over the years) calls for:

• 50 grams (2 oz) caster sugar

• 3 tablespoons cornflour

• 4 egg yolks

• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

• 450 ml (15 fl oz) full-fat milk

• 150 ml (5 fl oz) double cream

On YouTube, I watch a 1975 clip of Mary Berry making a trifle for the TV show Good Afternoon! Host Judith Chalmers asks Mary Berry, as she is adding five tablespoons of sherry to pear juice and maraschino cherry juice to soak her sandwiched sponges, what she thinks of sherry substitutes. “I don’t think it’s a good idea to use them at all,” Berry says, forecasting her later fondness for boozy desserts on Great British Bake Off.

In this clip, Mary heats half a pint of milk on the stovetop. “This is a vanilla pod, Judith,” she says. “That’s the real McCoy.” She adds three egg yolks to a glass bowl, whisking in an ounce of sugar and a teaspoon of cornstarch. When the milk is hot, she tempers the egg mixture and places it back on the stovetop, where she cautions to cook it slowly. “It is quite tricky,” she says. “You mustn’t let it boil or become too hot. It must be very, very hot, so you can hardly put your hand in, and it must coat the back of a spoon. Then let it get cold, and then pour it on top, and it sets like that.” Gently shaking her trifle bowl, Mary Berry demonstrates that her custard is firm, with just the hint of a wobble. I take notes.

you interested in . . . some trifle?” When Jen said yes, I added the caveat that neither the jelly roll nor the custard was perfect. “Oh, we’ve been following on Instagram,” she wrote back. (I had been Instagramming, via the Stories function, my trifle journey.)

Later, after they visited, Jen texted again: “Tastes pretty freaking good to me!” If I were a more normal person, I think I would have found this satisfying. But I knew I’d be remaking the entire thing again the following weekend, because I needed to perfect the sponge and custard based on what I’d learned from my first attempt.

To prepare, I watched more people make trifles. On the TV show This Morning, I watched Phil Vickery make a retro trifle, for Christmas, to what were apparently the Queen’s specifications: sponge sandwiched with jam, a ton of sherry, tinned mandarin oranges, Bird’s Instant Custard, no Jell-O, decorative elements that would be at home at a 1970s dinner party. The hosts are Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield; Willoughby, I recognize from another clip, a clip where she tells chef Gino D’Acampo that if his pasta dish had ham in it, it would be “closer to a British carbonara,” and in response, he tells her that if his grandmother had wheels, she would have been a bike. We’re an anti-monarchist family, so it’s a touch disappointing to discover so many similarities between our trifle and the Queen’s, but very little has ever turned me off eating dessert. On Ireland AM, I watch Karl Clarke make a traditional sherry trifle, again for Christmas. His incorporates sherry into the Jell-O as well as dousing the sponge with it. For kicks, I watch Nigella Lawson make an Anglo-Italian trifle, not for Christmas, with a base of sponge and jam, amaretti biscuits, lemon liqueur, and a layer of glossy, jammy blackberries topped with a whipped mascarpone.

Take Two

Day Four

On the fourth day, I whipped some cream, plopped it onto the top of the custard, and decorated the top of the trifle with raspberries. This is not canon according to my GG’s recipe, but it is something I’m sure I’ve witnessed her do. I texted friends of ours, Jen and Peter, who live just up the hill from us: “Are

The following Friday, I tried again. I remade the same sponge but mixed it more thoroughly. After watching dozens of clips of people in Ireland and England make trifle, I’d learned of something called “trifle sponge,” which appeared to be the same sheet pan sponge I’d been baking but cut into small rectangles, bisected through the centre of the crumb, and sandwiched back together with jam, instead of being made into a jelly roll. It was a good thing I

decided to do this before I made the second sponge, because even though I baked it for the exact same number of minutes as last time, it came out a hair too golden to roll. When it was cool, I used a bread knife to gently turn the sponge into two layers and

TRIAL AND ERROR AND SHERRY AND SUCCESS: Finally, a four-day, gluten-free masterpiece worthy of andrea bennett’s Grandma Garcia.

then a cheese knife to spread the raspberry jam. It was a rare Friday when my partner was working an evening shift; I tried to take my child out for sushi but the wait times were too long, and so I plied her with sponge scraps. “Did you make the jam yourself ?” she asked, chewing. No, no, I did not. When I shared the process pics from my first attempt with Grandma Garcia, she doled out compliments but also said the sherry should be drizzled! generously! and not dabbed. Which made sense, because the first trifle did not taste of sherry as much as it should have. So after I’d created two layers of little rectangles of trifle sponge at the bottom of the trifle dish, I poured some sherry into a pottery creamer and drizzled generously.

The next day, after swimming lessons, my child and I went to the grocery store to get more mandarin oranges, whipping cream, and eggs. The rec centre is closest to the grocery store that carries organic dairy in glass bottles, which I’ve developed a taste for; the double nice thing about this cream is that it’s 36%, even higher than the 33% available in cartons. (And it’s a true 500 millilitres, unlike the carton, which comes in at 473.)

On day two, I again poured the tin of mandarin oranges over the sieve, reserved the juice, topped the sponges with the oranges, whisked boiling water into raspberry Jell-O, and added the mandarin orange juice. I cooled the Jell-O in the fridge for an hour, then poured it over a spoon and onto the orange slices and sponge. I felt like this was a step I could do sleepwalking—but then it’s this type of hubris that leads to mistakes.

The morning of day three, I took what I’d learned from Mary Berry and made the custard recipe for her “celebration trifle.” It came together easily and reached the perfect consistency. I strained it, pressed plastic wrap lightly onto the top to prevent it from developing a film, let it come to room temperature on the counter, and then cooled it in the fridge for a couple hours before pouring it on top of the Jell-O layer.

At dinner, I whipped some of the 36% cream with sugar, added some vanilla extract, dolloped it on top of the custard, and smoothed it out. Then I added blackberries.

It was perfect. The sponge stood up well, and this time around, I had been generous enough with the sherry. The proportions were correct; the custard was delicious. The blackberries were nice and tart, and nothing was too sweet.

It tasted exactly like what I’d expect from Grandma Garcia’s trifle, and I felt like I’d learned a new magic trick. The only step remaining is to take everything I’ve learned a few thousand kilometres east, so I can make it for her. Only then will I really learn how she feels about my version and the idea that I’ll be carrying it on.

How healthy is the Salish Sea? Ask a seagull

BY PIETA WOOLLEY

If you see a seagull wearing an ankle bracelet – multiple, colourful ankle bracelets – it’s not fashion. It’s science.

Since 2020, a team of scientists led by Vancouver’s Dr. Mark Hepfner (Environment and Climate Change Canada) has been studying Glaucous-winged Gulls to learn more about the state of the coastal ecosystem. To do so, in 2024, they’ve banded 222 gulls, and attached GPS units to 28 more. That includes Willy, a Willingdon Beach-based gull they encountered in the first year of their study (see sidebar.)

According to the 2024 report: “The Salish Sea Gull Project is part of the Salish Sea Marine Bird Monitoring and Conservation Program: a five-year program to monitor marine birds as indicators of the health of the Salish Sea and to collect baseline data for conservation planning.”

Citizen science is a key part of the success of this project. The team has set up an online form to collect information from residents who see a banded gull. Snap a photo with your phone, if you can, and click on the QR code to report it.

Then, Mark, along with scientists from Simon Fraser University, the University of British Columbia, and the University of Lethbridge can assess age-related conditions such as the rate of molt and breeding success.

The report notes that “the Glaucous-winged Gull is one of the largest species of gull to occupy coastal habitats in both urban and natural areas in the northeastern Pacific from Oregon to Alaska. Along the coast of British Columbia, Glaucous-winged Gulls are abundant, generalist foragers that include variable amounts of both natural marine and human foods in their diets, making them excellent monitors and indicators of ecosystem health.”

Watch for more reporting from this project in the next year.

In the meantime, here’s Dr. Mark Hepfner on why he enjoys gulls:

What got you interested in gulls – both as a scientist and as a human on the coast? What do you like about them?

Mark • I have been working on seabird colonies since the late 1980s and have always been fascinated by gulls – they are intelligent and adaptable. You can almost tell what they are thinking, what they are up to, and that goes both ways. We have learned, for example, that to catch the gulls you can’t look at them; if you are looking at them they are suspicious about what you are doing .

What do you hope to achieve with the gull project? Why are gulls important?

Mark • We are doing research on the gulls as indicators of the health of the Salish Sea.

We catch them with noose lines most often baited with Cheezies – we think they lose their minds over the bright orange colour.

– Mark Hepfner

THE SCOPE OF THE PROJECT: Every red dot represents a spot where the Salish Sea Gull Project collected samples in 2024. Use the QR code above if you see a banded gull.

What are the differences between a glaucous-winged and California gull?

Mark • Glaucous-winged Gulls are the large white and grey gulls that you see everywhere on our coast – city parks, islands, landfills, just all over the place. They are BC’s marine gull, during the breeding season and in the winter. The California Gulls are much smaller, have black wingtips, breed mainly on the Prairies but then move to the coast in the winter. You see them here especially in the late winter and spring, just before and when the herring spawn.

How do you tag a gull? That sounds like a fight. Mark • Well, it certainly can be. We catch them with noose lines most often baited with Cheezies – we think they lose their minds over the bright orange colour (and the veterinarians on our team say it’s no big deal for a gull to get a few Cheezies. They eat worse.) Then once they get their legs caught in the nooses we run in and get them out of the traps and into bags and cages; measure and band them, collect a little bit of blood and a few feathers, take their photos, and release them, unharmed.

S/he is one of the key birds in the Salish Sea Gull Project, carrying a GPS on its back. For the past five years, Willy has traveled as far as Sechelt (2023), into Desolation Sound (2024) and Vancouver Island (2020) (see map, above). Mostly, though, he hangs around the waterfront in downtown Powell River. Centre, Willy gets a GPS in 2021. Right, Willy flies free at Willingdon Beach in 2021.

WILLY, THE WILLINGDON BEACH GULL:

Humble heroes

At Deep Search Diving, based in Lund, Dylan Smith leads a team of highly-skilled commercial divers, cleaning up decades worth of garbage in our ocean, lakes, and rivers.

Everything about this very good-news story requires chutzpah: a stern new law, a risk-taking businessman, and a gaggle of folks willing to submerge themselves in extremely chilly water year-round.

Will you tell me a bit about you? How did you get interested in underwater debris removal?

Dylan • I grew up in Campbell River on Vancouver Island and lived there until I was around 25. My entry into diving came while working at the Outdoor Education Centre on Hornby Island when I was 18. It was an incredible program where we taught students of all ages—Grade 4 through university—about Hornby Island’s unique environment. We had the chance to try out some of these programs ourselves, and one of them was diving.

At the time, I thought I’d pursue a handson career, maybe in massage therapy or as a sign language interpreter. But when I tried diving, it felt like I’d found the perfect blend— communicating through sign language underwater! Later, when I completed my first ocean dives, I encountered an octopus, and from that moment, I was hooked.

By 21, I’d become a Master Scuba Diver Trainer. Around that time, I began leading volunteer debris removal projects on Vancouver Island, partnering with local businesses to clean up the Campbell River Estuary.

What made you decide to start a company?

Dylan • I was working at a dive shop in Campbell River, Beaver Aquatics (now called Ocean Fix), and my boss was instrumental in my development. He taught me everything about the business, from compressor operations to gear maintenance, financials, and overall management.

He hoped I’d eventually take over the shop, but I had this persistent thought: “If I stay here, I’ll end up spending more time talking about diving and selling gear than actually diving.” That experience, though, sparked my desire to start my own company.

I decided to pursue my Commercial Dive certifications, earning both my Surface Supply and Occupational SCUBA certifications. After working with other companies for about eight months, I took the leap in 2016 and started Deep Search Diving Ltd.

Four years later, we built our first remotely operated vehicle (ROV), expanding our capabilities significantly. Now, we operate two ROVs and have plans to build a third, larger unit to keep growing our services.

Who are some of your local partnerships?

Dylan • Some of our past local partners include Let’s Talk Trash and Ocean Legacy, both based in Powell River. Emerald Sea Society is another great partnership we have worked with over the years, they are based on Vancouver Island.

More recently, in 2023- 2024 we worked with Rugged Coast Research on Vancouver Island, securing funding to clean up beautiful locations along the Island’s western coastline, hauling up derelict vessels and sub-surface debris removal as well.

What’s your relationship to the Ocean Plastic Depot at the RRC?

Dylan • We’ve worked closely with the Ocean Plastic Depot in the past, transport-

ing large volumes of debris for recycling after removal efforts in areas like Okeover, Redonda Islands and Saltery Bay.

The depot has been an invaluable resource, especially as we assist local shellfish farmers in adapting to new environmental regulations implemented over the last four years.

Tell me about the new regulations that came into effect in 2023.

Dylan • The regulations were actually announced in 2020. They mandate that all shellfish farms and tenures undergo regular sub-surface inspections and debris removal to ensure they’re free of any waste within their boundaries.

It’s been a challenging shift, especially for newer farmers who have inherited old sites and now face the burden of cleaning them up. With previous license agreements allowing a 10% loss of gear each year, you can see how this turn in mandate can be a huge change, or a huge surprise to those taking over an older lease.

Initially, a small portion of the Ghost Gear Fund was allocated through the BCSGA (British Columbia Shellfish Growers Association) to assist with cleanup costs.

However, that funding was quickly exhausted, leaving farmers—both new and experienced—to cover the expense themselves.

Will you share three of your favourite recovery efforts from around here and why they stand out to you?

Dylan • Our first major project with the Ghost Gear Fund was in Pendrell Sound, located on East Redonda Island. This project was monumental; it allowed me to assemble a crew of nine divers, six topside workers, and a barge. The project lasted three years, and in the final year, we partnered with Ocean Legacy to complete the job.

The transformation was incredible. Historically, Pendrell Sound had been used as an oyster spat (seed) collection site, but over time, some abandoned gear remained. Seeing the site restored to its natural beauty after such a concerted effort was hugely rewarding. The area is now closed to such activities, which helps preserve it for the future.

Another was working for the Tla’amin Nation, helping them with one of their active Aquaculture tenures that needed significant attention due to decades old build up from previous operators. It was a very successful clean up and working with the Nation was a pleasure.

We have also worked with the Klahoose Nation, on Cortes Island, for several projects. One major debris removal operation as well, when they adopted a site from a previous owner. They had also contributed to our Pendrell Sound operation as well.

How do you feel about the work you do?

Dylan • I love what we do. It’s challenging and requires unique strategies for each site we survey or are contracted to clean. It’s an honour to work in a field I’ve been passionate about for so long, and every project feels like an adventure. My entry into robotics and building two ROVs was an added challenge that pushed me further to create a higher level of production to our services.

What else should readers know about Deep Search Diving—or about you?

Dylan • Debris removal is just one aspect of our focus, but it’s definitely our favourite. We’re also heavily involved in marine impact assessments, habitat assessments, biomass surveys, anchor inspections and installations, and replacing flotation on docks and float homes. For larger projects, we collaborate with several local businesses to provide tug, crane, and barge services as needed. We’re passionate about supporting sustainable ocean practices along the coast and helping keep these waters as pristine as possible.

Recognizing the importance of investing in our community, we’ve also taken steps to grow the local workforce by sponsoring several aspiring divers through their commercial diving courses. With the help of government grants, this initiative has provided an incredible opportunity for locals to embark on rewarding careers in the commercial diving industry.

With over 50 years of accumulation there is a seemingly endless amount of debris found under our shorelines.

With the small amounts of funding currently available we are always looking to make new partnerships and sponsors to help tackle more projects we have on our lists. We have built up hours of surveys and found many locations in our local shores and along Vancouver Island where efforts could be made.

Anyone looking into helping in these efforts, volunteer work or even funding options and grant partnerships should get a hold of me, we are always looking to build new, strong partnerships with local businesses and individuals!

SEARCH AND YE SHALL FIND: Above, the St. Nicholas, in Heriot Bay, Quadra Island. Right, from the top: Shopping cart extraction, Gold River. Debris in Pendrell Sound, East Redonda Island. Underwater welding. One of two of Deep Search Diving’s ROVs. The diving crew at Pendrell Sound, 2023.

Why pray?

A friend gets sick.

A storm floods your house. A war breaks out.

The phrase “thoughts and prayers” has become as trite as “live love laugh.” Because prayer doesn’t do anything. Right?

Wrong, according to qathet’s faith leaders. Across denominations, they reveal why prayer – which can be as simple as silence – is a key spiritual practice at this time of year and beyond, opening a dialogue between the present and the eternal.

Father Patrick Teeporten

Former Pastor of Assumption and Sacred Heart, Tla’Amin

Why pray?

Prayer is a personal conversation with God. It involves setting aside time for quiet and reflection. Prayer is for everyone, not just the Church attendees.

Your favourite way to pray:

As a Christian, the Scriptures represent a treasure trove of stories, hymns, and meditations that are essential to my prayer. Prayerful reading of the scriptures is vital for me.

Your prayer for peace this Advent:

I’m sure all Powell River is praying that the devastating wars occurring globally will cease. I join them in this hope.

Note • Fr. Patrick has already left this parish, but Assumption’s new Priests (pictured above, Frs Meles and Camillus on his right, with Fr. Superior Francis on his left) felt they weren’t ready to answer questions here yet.

Pastor Miguel Chaparro Seventh Day Adventist Church

Why pray?

Juliette Jarvis Sacred Living Mentor

Why pray?

Prayer is a beautiful way of engaging with our deep soulful needs, is a means of working with our intentions, and recognizing unseen forces exist.

Your favourite way to pray:

A favourite way that I pray is by hanging eco-friendly prayer ties, or clooties, in a special tree for the wind and roots to carry.

Your prayer for peace:

My prayer this Winter Solstice, for those who wish it, is for greater connection to the natural world, each other, and our personal spiritual practices.

Prayer is opening your heart to God as you would to a close friend. Praying doesn’t bring God down to us; it lifts us up to Him.

Your favourite way to pray:

Matthew 6 says when you pray, go into your room, close the door, and pray to your Father who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you openly.

Your prayer for peace this Advent:

For the Second coming of Jesus; without Jesus, there is no peace.

Rev. Mary White • PR United Church

Why pray?

Prayer is an opportunity to let go of the ego, gaze into the soul, and hand over concerns to our Higher Power. Your favourite way to pray: I am constantly giving thanks for all those I encounter and for all I receive. Thinking about those who are sick, hurting, or troubled is prayer, as is say-

ing “O my God!”

Your prayer for peace this Advent: Creating Creator, Christmas is a time to celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace. Many in our world have never known peace. So, it is for them that I pray. May the tranquility of peace be gifted to them this Christmas and be everlasting. Amen.

Celebrate Christmas with your faith community

Christmas Eve, Tues, December 24

United Church Light-hearted Pageant 6:30 pm, Powell River United Church. All welcome.

Catholic Mass

7 pm Assumption, 7 pm Sacred Heart

Living Water Services

4 and 6 pm.

Anglican Candlelight Eucharist

4 pm, St. David and St. Paul in Townsite.

Baptist Services

4 pm and 6 pm, Westview Baptist Church. Reformed Church Services

7 pm. Rides available.

Salvation Army Candlelight Service 6 pm. 4580 Joyce Avenue.

Christmas Day, Wed, December 25

Catholic Mass

10 am, Assumption Westview Anglican Service of Morning Prayer 10 am, St. David & St. Paul in Townsite.

• For more faith-based Advent and Christmas events, see the ads on this and the next page, and see calendar listings starting on Page 46.

Christmas potluck gathering

All are welcome to join in sharing a meal, stories and singing.

Monday,December9at6pmto7pm Winter Wonderland

Family Skate

Recreation Complex, open to everyone with no charge.

Sunday,December15at11am

Sunday School Pageant

All welcome to attend.

Saturday,December21at6:30

Longest

David & St. Paul

Anglican Church

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

Sunday, December 15 • 10 am Advent Festival of Lessons & Carols

Tuesday, December 24 • 4 pm Christmas Eve Candlelight Eucharist

Wednesday, December 25 • 10 am Service of Morning Prayer

Everyone welcome!

Welcome home for Christmas

David Wulkan Powell River Reformed Church

Rev. Laurel Dahill

St. David & St. Paul Anglican Church

Why pray?

Prayer does two things for me. It continues as active conversation with God, and keeps my thoughts and actions focused on peace and justice.

Your favourite way to pray:

Prayer is a conversation with the divine. As such I prefer to make space to listen as much as speak. Some conversations need no words.

Your prayer for peace this Advent:

The work of peace requires us to pause and consider the impact of our intended words and actions on others before we speak or act.

Why pray?

Prayer lifts our hearts and our needs to God, who is our help and peace, who sent His Son to the world to bring hope, peace, and eternal life.

Your favourite way to pray:

With God’s help, I pray through the Psalms, for in them I encounter God in my joys and sorrows, and through them He teaches me to pray.

Your prayer for peace this Advent: This season, my prayer is for the troubled soul to find true peace in Jesus Christ, through the gift of the Holy Spirit, for the glory of God the Father. Amen.

Rev. Dr. Paula Sampson Faith Lutheran Church

Why pray?

Prayer is sacred conversation with our Creator where we express gratitude, name needs, and acknowledge shortcomings, all essential for loving human relationships.

Your favourite way to pray:

Raised in a prayer book tradition, I find guidance in the words of others as I search for my own.

Your prayer for peace this Advent:

Global disruption is overwhelming, but praying for personal peace remains achievable. Sharing personal peace is a small step toward restoring communal peace.

Katie Alescio Living Water Church

Why pray?

For me it’s a combination of a desire to connect with God, a desperation to see Him move, and always it’s an acknowledgment for me that I’m not God and I know who is!

Your favourite way to pray:

My favourite way to pray is just sitting on my couch and thinking through my day, my family, anything that comes to mind, really, and talking to God about it and then listening to His heart about it back to me!

Your prayer for peace this Advent:

God, You are peace, and I pray that each one of us would turn to you and experience You as peace in our hearts and homes this season.

Powell River Villa SC kicks into BC’s Hall of Fame

BY ISABELLE SOUTHCOTT

Villa scored its biggest goal ever when the team was inducted into the BC Soccer Hall of Fame last month.

qathet Living magazine caught up with the Powell River Villa Soccer Club coach and long-time Villa player, Tony Leach, who was still grinning from ear to ear, not long after the November 2 awards ceremony in Vancouver. Here’s what Tony had to say about receiving this very special honour.

“We received the Organization of Distinction award which speaks loudly to who we are,” said Tony, adding that the Club has celebrated many suc-

cesses over the years especially in the 1990’s when they were winning Jackson Cups and league titles.

“We were the first non-Vancouver/Victoria Club in 50 years to make it to the finals (of Provincials) and we did that twice. We had three players, Drew Ferguson, Brett Pence, and Robbie Veenhof, named to the Vancouver Island Soccer Leagues (VISL) AllStar Team of the Last 50 Years.”

Villa also attracted players from the Sliammon (now Tla’amin) Braves team with Larry Louie, Alvin Wilson, and Gerry Galligos, who were a key part of the first Villa VISL champion team.

The Villa contingent attending the awards ceremony with Tony included Ian Livingstone (Villa’s player/coach of the original team in 1973); Bill Cornwall (former referee and player); Dave McLennan (Villa president); Duncan MacDougall (former player);

“We were very rambunctious, but people didn’t mind – we even got a

Chris McDonough (Villa manager); Jamie Zroback (former player, coach, and president): Steve Orchiston (former player and current treasurer).

“We all went up on stage together to accept the award,” said Tony. “We were very rambunctious, but people didn’t mind – we even got a standing ova-

HAIL! HAIL! THE GANG’S ALL HERE: Representatives of Powell River Villa Soccer Club at the BC Hall of Fame ceremony: Chris McDonough, Duncan MacDougall, Steven Orchiston, Tony Leach and Jamie Zroback.

Villa President Dave McLennan said it is truly an honour to be inducted into the BC Soccer Hall of Fame.

A little about the history of Powell River Villa

In 1973, the soccer community in Powell River came together to form a club and field a team in the Vancouver Island Soccer League. The mission of the club which came to be known as “Villa” was primarily to promote the game of soccer in Powell River, bring quality competition to town, and provide local youngsters with a chance to advance to higher levels of the sport.

In the first season, Powell River won the VISL Division 3 and were promoted to the Premier Division, in which they finished fourth in 1974-1975. The banner years for Villa were the 1990s. Four times, Powell River were VISL Champions (1990, 1991, 1994 and 1997). Villa won the league’s Sir John Jackson Cup competition in 1991, 1995, 1997 and 2000. In 1994, Villa reached the semi-final of the Provincial A Cup, and in 1995 they reached the final match, losing 3-2 in extra time, the only team outside Greater Vancouver and Victoria to reach the BC A Cup final in the last 40 years.

As the city suffered harder times, so went their soccer club. Between 2008 and 2019, the club dropped to Divisions 2 and 3 of the VISL. But the community kept the club above water, and it regained its place in the top VISL division in 2019, where they continue to play. At times, Villa has also had a Masters team, and from 1985-1990 Villa Ladies fielded a team.

Villa’s home games are played at Timberlane park (affectionately known as The Zoo) with dedicated local fans who traditionally start the game by singing: “Hail, Hail, The Gang’s All Here…” In the words of Villa player Mark Cristante: “It was not only the results on the pitch that made this club so highly re-

Villa’s memorable successes at a glance:

• Four Division 1 League titles of Vancouver Island Soccer League

• Four Jackson Cup wins

• Finals of Provincials

• Two times semi-finals Provincials

• Several Villa players awarded MVP of Vancouver Island Soccer League

• Three Villa players are on the Top 50 Players of all Time VISL

• Powell River Villa has never missed or forfeited a game in its entire 51-year history! This is particularly significant given that Powell River is a remote community, and the team has to take the ferry to its games.

garded; Powell River Villa was built and carried on the backs of many volunteers, had a fan base that no one will ever forget, and had skilled, hardworking players who were willing to leave everything on the pitch to get the result.”

Powell River Villa Soccer Club is a product of local volunteers doing whatever it takes, and a community dedicated to providing for its young people. Villa celebrated its 50th anniversary in September 2023.

“The story of Villa getting there (to the BC Soccer Hall of Fame) was a tender moment and touching for all of us there,” said Tony. “We were nominated by the late Kjeld Brodsgaard – former president of BC Soccer and fellow soccer player who travelled many times to play in Powell River and had always been impressed by the strong sense of community, fervent fan support, and the talented athletic accomplishments of the Villa team.

“He played against Villa for many years coming up to Powell River with the London Irish Club (Victoria) and The Gorge Soccer Association. He understood the association we played under, and he became president of the Vancouver Island Soccer League and

today for a free consultation.

President of BC Soccer. Kjeld spoke at Villa’s 50-year celebration and reemphasized his thoughts about how much more devoted Villa players had to be than other members of the league because of the huge amount of time we must spend travelling.”

Tony paused as his voice choked. “Less than 24-hours before Kjeld died, he nominated Villa and a guy (Jamie Ackinclose) who played for Gorge in the player division who had a head injury and played on Drew Ferguson’s Paralympic soccer team.”

Villa has provided soccer players with the opportunity to play soccer at a very high level for more than half a century. It’s given this community a winning soccer team to call their own that has provided fun, entertainment, and a sense of community. “It’s been phenomenal to play in this environment,” said Tony noting how the fans come out with drums and horns and how sometimes the field even has to be ribboned off to keep fans off the field!

“It was a culmination of all those years and events coming together at the awards ceremony,” he said. “It was an honour that our club, Powell River Villa, was recognized.” || isabelle@prliving.ca

TAKE-HOME AWARD: The plaque the Powell River Villa Soccer Club received from the BC Sports Hall of Fame. The Provincial gallery is at BC Place, in Vancouver.

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.

ʔAYʔAǰUΘƏM?

YOU GOT THIS BRIANNE LOUIE

New! Hear Elders pronounce the words through the QR codes:

Praying

ʔayʔaǰuθəm orthography

| k̓ómoks | χʷɛmaɬkʷu | & ƛohos

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.

Most letters you’ll see in ʔayʔaǰuθəm are familiar. Pronounce them as you normally would, with the exception of the vowels and “y,” which are always pronounced:

ah e ay as in May

oh u oo y y as in yell

oo as in look

popping c

popping k

rounded, popping k

Breathy L sound

popping p

popping q

rounded q

rounded, popping q

PAPERWORKS

popping kl

glottal stop: uh oh

Rogers' Chocolates

Jewellery for women & men

Handcra ed soaps & candles • Fantastic selection of stocking stu ers

We have a NEW Look!

We have a NEW look! We have a NEW Look!

Last year, we embarked on an important journey — to officially change our school district's name to qatᶿɛt (qathet), a gifted ʔayʔajuθəm word meaning working together. Now, we are proud to bring this name to life visually with the release of our new logo.

Working closely with ɬaʔamɩn (Tla’amin) Nation artist Kobe Galligos and local qatᶿɛt graphic designer Rachelle Harvey, we developed a fresh visual identity that captures the spirit of our district.

Inspired by our district's mission, vision, and values, the beautiful territory we reside on, and our commitment to education, we chose a sketch from among many concepts that led to the orca.

We are excited to continue strengthening our partnership and working together with teachers, parents, students, and all members of our school district community under this beautiful new symbol. The thoughtful design, with each element carefully woven together, including the name qathet, represents the integration of our values, the land we call home, and the diverse groups of people that come together to create an inclusive and connected educational environment. This symbol reflects our commitment to nurturing the growth and success of every student in our district.

Known as the "teacher of the sea," the orca embodies the values we uphold in our educational community. Orcas live and learn in close-knit pods, working together and sharing responsibility in nurturing and raising their young - just as our schools are built on connection and collaboration.

Behind

the Orca Design...

Behind the Orca Design...

Kobe Galligos, the artist behind our orca design, shared that the Coast Salish-inspired artwork was based off a teaching his grandmother often shared with him while growing up, “The eye on the child, while looking to the older orca for guidance, is also a message to the older generation. It's a reminder to lead by example, that it's not enough just to tell children to be good. You have to actively show them, by example, in order for them to understand what it means to be a good person.“

Learn more about our journey and story behind our new logo by watching the video, “What’s In a Logo?” at sd47.bc.ca

Savour local Stories for the Holidays

Books, colouring, & calendars: give and enjoy what creative locals have published over the last six months (for more of 2024’s works, see Page 37.)

2024 Stuﬀ The Trailer

Making real peace, together

K’ʷunəmɛn and John Matterson • Now You Know Me: Seeing the Unhidden Truth in Settler Colonialism

About the book • John Matterson and Joe Gallagher both grew up in qathetJohn in town, and Joe in tišosəm. Although they played soccer to gether and went to highschool together - the gap in their life experiences, cultures and understanding of history made real friendship impossible. The two men reconnected as adults. This book aimed at true reconciliation as individuals - the beginning of friendship.

IN CONVERSATION

When & Where: 11am, December 7, Library

What: In conversation about their journey, the value of friendship, respect, communication, and truth, as they present their new book – Now You Know : Seeing the Unhidden Truth in Settler Colonialism. For information contact Mark at mmerlino@prpl.ca

About John and Joe • Joe Gallagher was a key treaty negotiator with Tla’amin Nation, and helped create the First Nations Health Authority. John Matterson is a management consultant with BC forest and IT industries. Buy it at • Pocket Books on Marine and online.

Dec 2-14, 2024

Donate at FreshCO and let’s beat last year, when we raised more than $62,000 for the Food Bank

Pallet Challenge

Inviting businesses, organizati ns and individuals o to help ll the Powell River Food Bank this 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 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 ll up the food bank and help those in need this Christmas and beyond!

REAL FRIENDS NOW: John Matterson and Joe Gallagher, in Vancouver.

Raincoast Books New Editions

About the books • The Curve of Time, the 1920s Desolation Sound family sailing memoir by widow M. Wylie Blanchet, was expanded in a new edition this year, to include maps and much more. $19.95. Raincoast Chronicles Collectors Edition V features Volumes 21 to 24 of the series, plus much more, into a cloth coffee table piece. $60. Where to buy • Pocket Books on Marine and online.

Cathalynn Labonté-Smith • Rescue Me: Behind the Scenes of Search and Rescue

About the book • Rescue Me takes you behind the scenes of some of North America’s riskiest search and rescue operations. Real-life stories as told by volunteer members of Search and Rescue teams, who find the lost and rescue the injured in the most extreme conditions and situations throughout Canada and US, including in our very own Powell River!

About Cathalynn

• The founder and president of the Sunshine Coast Writers and Editors Society. Where to buy • Pocket Books on Marine, caitlinpress. com/Books/R/Rescue-Me, $26.

Services & Property Maintenance

•

andrea bennett • Hearty: On Cooking, Eating, and Growing Food for Pleasure and Subsistence

About the book • Combining journalism, cultural commentary, and personal reflection, Hearty follows andrea bennett’s passion and curiosity into kitchens, gardens, fields, and factories, offering a compassionate and compelling perspective on food from seed to table.

About andrea • andrea bennett is a National Magazine Award-winning writer and a senior editor at The Tyee. They are the author of six books, and, with David Beers, the co-editor of the bestselling anthology Points of Interest. Where to buy • Pocket Books on Marine and online, $24.95. ecwpress.com/products/hearty

Norm Hutton • A Poor Man’s Guide to Placer Mining: From dirt to dollars, your guide to striking gold

About the book • From the basics of prospecting to the intricacies of drift mining, every aspect of the process is explored in detail. Readers will learn the art of panning, the precision of sniping, and the technique of crevicing, all essential skills for maximizing gold recovery. What sets this guide apart is its emphasis on self-sufficiency, teaching readers how to craft their own equipment.

About Norm • Norm was an electrician at the mill for 27 years. This is Norm’s second book. The first one (co-authored) was published in 2016 about the Masonic Lodge in Powell River.

Where to buy • Pocket Books. nshutton@telus.net. $22. He will be selling his book at a table in front of Walmart at the Town Centre Mall on December 7 and 14 from noon until 5 pm.

Nina Peers • Dancing With Addiction: Survivor’s guide to being addicted to the addict

About the book • My journey on how I overcame my addiction to rescuing the addict. I inhaled a lot of self help books and did a lot of hard work to reach a place of serenity. It was painful to let go of someone you love but necessary if I want to stay sane and live my life. I have written my book to give hope and inspire others that deal with the wreckage of addiction.

About Nina • It became increasingly clear on my own road to recovery how many people suffer the overwhelming effects of addiction. I wanted to give back by sharing my experience. Today. I work as a mental health substance use counsellor for a nonprofit society in Powell River.

Where to buy • Peersnina@gmail.com or Pocket Books. $25.

John Burton • Doug and The Slugs: 50,000 Slug Fans Can’t be Wrong

About the book • Doug and The Slugs—50,000 Slug Fans Can’t be Wrong is a real page turner written in a conversational style and definitely the author’s own voice. There is humility and humour, triumph and tragedy, defeat and redemption in this compelling read of the legendary party band’s rise, fall, and rise again.

About John • John Burton is a co-founding member of the notorious band Doug and The Slugs. Introduced to Doug Bennett by John ‘Wally’ Watson in the summer of 1977, Doug and the author quickly formed the personal and musical chemistry that led to the meteoric rise of the band from a basement Halloween party to national recognition in less than two years. Where to buy • friesenpress.com or at RockIt Music on Marine. $24.49 paperback.

COLOURING BOOKS & JOURNALS

Jenny Allen Taves • Patterns: A Mini Colouring Book

About the book • This mini colouring book is small enough to take on the go or tuck into a stocking, and features eight hand drawn geometric designs, super fun and perfect for colouring with markers, pencil crayons, or even watercolour paint. Where to buy • Available at Ecossentials or the Soapy Dragon Boutique. $9 each. Visit jennyallentaves.com to see more of my art.

TIDY T’S CLEANING SERVICE

TIARA CHRISTIE

COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL ECO-DISPOSAL PROGRAMS PREMIUM FLOOR CARE + MORE

604-223-8030 btccleaningltd@gmail.com tidy-t-cleaning.com

Jenny Allen Taves • Journal Kits

About the kits • These journal kits come in 10 styles to suit virtually any trip, from Road Trips, Concert Trip, Family Vacation, and more. Each kit includes a variety of materials, two different blank mini journals, an assortment of little papers and envelopes, a roll of washi tape and a glue stick, and a selection of illustrated stickers specific to each kit to help guide you in filling your journal with meaningful memories, and a mini “How to keep a journal” handwritten instruction booklet.

Ana Drikis • qathet Colouring Book

About the book • Showcases our region’s beauty: landscapes, local harbours, historic landmarks like the Patricia Theatre, and Sunshine Coast Trail huts. It’s a keepsake for visitors and a fresh way for locals to appreciate home.

About Jenny • I love learning and playing with new materials and creative techniques, and especially love working with watercolours, acrylic inks, pens, and pencil crayons. Where to buy • Prices vary from $7 – $24. Visit jennyallentaves. com to see more of my art.

About Ana • A local educator, artist, and nature enthusiast, has proudly called the qathet region home for the past eight years, drawing inspiration from its natural beauty and vibrant community. Where to buy • Available at PR Visitor Center, qAW, Artifact, the Lund gallery and other local stores. $23.

Katya Buck • Stacey Fletcher • Rob Villani Warren Peters • Brandon Henderson

M. Wylie Blanchet • A Whale Named Henry, New Edition

About the book • From the author of the bestselling Canadian classic, The Curve of Time, comes a story for children about a young headstrong orca whose recklessness lands him in a series of misadventures along the coast of British Columbia.

Henry is part of a pod of twenty-two orca swimming along the Strait of Georgia. As a young whale, Henry is desperate to prove that he can look after himself, but as his mother says, “Henry thinks after he gets into trouble instead of before.”

Sure enough, in reckless pursuit of a salmon, Henry is caught in the Skookumchuck Rapids, which carry him up inside a labyrinth of inlets until he finds himself utterly lost.

With original illustrations and maps by Jacqueline McKay Mathews, A Whale Named Henry is a story that has captivated and delighted children since its original release in 1983. Where to buy • Pocket Books

About the books • Ashes to Embers and Embers to the Flame are immersive fantasy novels that follow Elisa and Stella through a world of fierce alliances, dangerous power struggles, and bonds forged in fire. Epic and unforgettable.

About A.B. Duncan • As a devoted mother of three, I find joy in the world of words, diving into the realms of writing and reading. Crafting stories and exploring new books fuel my passion alongside the love I have for my family. Where to buy • Ashes to Embers can be found in Pocket Books on Marine, you can also purchase them both on Amazon. $24.99 for the paperback $4.99 for Ebook. author.a.bduncan@ gmail.com.

C.V. Gauthier • The Charlee LeBeau Historical Adventures Series

About the series • The Charlee LeBeau Historical Adventure Series takes place during the mid-19th century gold rush days in California and BC. The three-book series follows Charlee from age fourteen to sixteen, as she comes of age amidst hardships and challenges.

About C.V. Gauthier • With Métis ancestral ties to the Red River, the author’s historical fiction brings forth the echoes of those who have gone before, through engaging stories of struggle, resilience and hope that appeal to readers of all ages and origins. Where to buy • Print books are available at Pollen Sweaters in Lund and Pocket Books on Marine. Books and ebooks can be purchased on Amazon, Kobo. Paperback $20. Ebook $6. cvgauthier.com

LOCAL CALENDARS FOR 2025

Lee Mackenzie • 2025

About the calendar • This calendar is the result of many people who visit my studio asking for exactly this! I aim to please.

About Lee • Lee is a self-described “experimenter” who follows whatever catches her interest or challenges her to learn. Currently she is working in florals and the Townsite.

Where to buy • Contact lee on her Facebook page or email at leemackenziestudio@gmail.com

Note: Lee’s photo below is the cover of a small coffee table book, also available through her studio.

Douglas Unger • Powell River, Naturally

About the calendar • Local photographer Douglas Unger’s third calendar captures animals and landscapes that are iconic to the Upper Sunshine Coast. About Doug • My interest in photography stems from a need to capture the world around me and to portray interesting moments in time in an artistic manner. Find Doug’s fine prints at douglasungerphotography.com and at the markets. Where to buy • Also, it’s available for sale at Paperworks Gallery and by email to Doug (lobo0112@gmail.com) or Robert robert@powellriverprinting.com. $25.

Carl Anderson • 2025 Sea Forest

Photography Calendar

About the calendar • Twelve months of photographs of the qathet region. Each month features one of my favourite images from the past year and an associated bonus image. Printed on high-quality photo stock. Makes a great gift for locals, ex-pats, or visitors.

About Carl • An enthusiastic landscape photographer, born and raised in qathet, Carl enjoys capturing images of our amazing surroundings. He strives to present interesting and beautiful pictures without going beyond the plausible. Where to buy • For local pick-up or delivery, order by email to: seaforestphotography@ gmail.com or come see us at the Magic of Christmas Dec 14 at the Complex, $30. seaforestphotography.ca.

FC Co. • Perpetual Calendar (aka Birthday or Anniversary Calendar)

About the calendar • A limited edition of 27 numbered and signed perpetual calendars, painstakingly cut, printed and bound by hand. Printed at the Patricia Letterpress on 140lb Fabriano cold press watercolour paper using the Ostrander Seymour Co iron hand press (c. 1895).

About bad karen and Mirona • FC Co. is the brainchild of local artists bad karen & Mirona Motoc who shared a desperate need for a perpetual calendar. Special thanks to Stuart & Gary for their mentorship.

Where to buy • qathet art + wares, $75.

& Kathie Pritchard

About the Calendar • The calendar is photos of 13 of the species we have rescued, taken by local photographers Ken and Kathie Pritchard. All photos were taken locally.

About PROWLS • We rescue and rehabilitate injured and orphaned wildlife in the Powell River area. We provide a 24/7 service, right from picking up the animal to returning it for release.

Where to buy • Calendars can be found at Paperworks Gallery, Mother Nature, Soapy Dragon and Springtime Nursery. If people want two or more, they can be ordered at 604-483-9787. $25.

Art & Soul: Paintings by Autumn Skye • by Autumn Skye Morrison

Sea Beneath the Sea: Adventures of Wren • by Megan Dulcie Dill

Adventures in Desolation Sound • by Grant Lawrence

A Beginners Guide to qathet Cryptids • by Donna Gillenardo- Goudreau (Author), Christianne Gillenardo- Goudreau (Illustrator)

Fate: The Winx Saga • by Christianne GillenardoGoudreau

Idries Shah Foundation children’s books • illustrated by Prashant Miranda

How to be in Circle • by Juliette Jarvis

Death Calls: A Coroner’s Memoir • by Robert Crossland

Life with Dave & Gail: Memories • by Dave Harper and Gail Fennell

Let’s Call you Dave: Decoding the future with AI • by Caleb Parkhouse

Housetraining that Works: For all dogs of all ages, breeds and backgrounds • by Zoe MacBean

The Slough at Albion • by Hannah Main-Van der Kamp

One Weekend in May • by Gordon D. F. Wilson

Selara’s Rules • by James L Baron

The Dragon’s Tale • by Tanis Helliwell Gambari, a novella • by Don MacKay

Christian’s Cookie Journey • by Tamara and Christian Kulusic, with photos by Andrew Bradley

Points of Interest: In Search of the Places, People, and Stories of BC • by David Beers and andrea bennett

Please check your local retailers first: Pocket Books; Pollen Sweaters; Wolfy’s Book Den; Paperworks Gift Gallery; Artifact Gallery; qathet Art & Wares; the Farmers Market; and more.

Long before Dwight Hall became the community’s gathering place, there was the Central building—once the town’s vibrant social and commercial hub. In its heyday, the Central Building was more than just a structure; it was the heart of the town.

Built in the early years of the Powell River Company and rebuilt after a fire in 1911, the Central Building served many purposes. The ground floor housed the company’s department store, the town’s only pharmacy, a barber shop, the telegraph and radio offices, and the customs office.

good dance was the town’s favourite pastime.

Perhaps the most famous event held there was the annual Papermaker’s Ball, a grand New Year’s Eve celebration that marked the end of the year with music, dancing, and laughter.

BLAST FROM THE PAST

It was said that the proximity of the hall to the company offices made for an awkward contrast; while office workers scrambled to meet year-end deadlines, the sounds of music and merriment drifted from the next room.

Above, in the center of the company offices, stood an expansive hall that hosted dances and community events.

The Central Building: it was the pulse of Powell River, particularly in the long, cold winters when a

When Dwight Hall opened in 1927, it took over as the town’s premier dance venue, and the Central Building’s role as a social hub began to fade.

However, the building continued to serve as office space for the Mill until it was finally demolished in 1957, leaving behind only memories of its once-vibrant role in the town’s history.

From Incineration to Resource Recovery

In August 2024, the only recycling depot in our region with permission to collect packaging and paper products (PPP) generated by businesses was required to revert back to collecting PPP from residential sources only. This change was required by Recycle BC, the organization responsible for managing residential PPP recycling in BC.

For businesses, this means that materials, such as glass jars, paper and cardboard, and plastic containers, are no longer accepted for recycling at residential depots.

In response, qRD is actively seeking regional solutions to reintroduce recycling options for the industrial, commercial, institutional (ICI) sector while the provincial government works on a broader ICI recycling initiative.

The qRD is encouraging businesses to voice concerns to the provincial government and push for a sustainable ICI recycling program.

Monday – Saturday

8am – 5pm

Closed statutory holidays

Timeline of the Resource Recovery Centre (RRC)

The story of this site’s transition from incineration to resource recovery is embedded in its design. Materials left behind from its decades as an informal transfer station and open pit incinerator site are now incorporated into functional art pieces like fencing and tire-walled pathways.

Most evident is the presence of the old incinerator which has been left as a monument to remind us how far the region has come in rewriting its relationship with waste.

The Resource Recovery Centre’s (RRC) transfer station and recycling depot are now open!

Residents and businesses can now dispose of garbage (municipal solid waste) at the transfer station. Soon, the RRC will also receive scrap metal, tires, clean wood, yard and garden materials, and small loads of construction and demolition waste. Locations currently accepting these materials include Sunshine Disposal & Recycling (yard and garden materials) and Augusta Recyclers (scrap metal, tires, construction and demolition waste, and more).

The spacious, brightly lit recycling depot is now open and is currently accepting the same materials previously accepted at the (now closed) Town Centre Recycling Depot, including residential plastic, metal, glass, foam, and paper packaging, small appliances, and more!

I MADE THE MOVE

Mike and Kristina Wushke are a young couple with a giant dog and hoping to start a family.

Mike is a research and development engineer, designing electric and fuel-cell buses and vehicles. He is a free-diver and musician, playing guitar and singing in post-metal and metal genres. To listen to his music, search precambrian lights on youtube/spotify.

Kristina is a fashion designer, creating luxurious scarves and shawls, jewelry for semi-precious stones and other beautiful accessories. You can find it at kristinawushke.com. Kristina’s hobbies are her creative work and swimming in the ocean.

Pepper is a giant Newfoundland dog. If you meet Pepper on the street, don’t hesitate to say hi, he is a love-ball.

Why did you choose to move here?

Mike & Kristina • Because of the incredibly beautiful nature and affordable housing.

When? Where from?

M&K • We are originally from Winnipeg, but we have lived in Vancouver and Sechelt over the past four years.

What surprised you once you moved?

M&K • How united and friendly the community is. Also there are much more frequent and bigger events than we expected. It’s a great place to start a family. It allows

us to have a full lifestyle – to own our own property and to have quick access to the city centre.

Where is your favourite place here?

Kristina • Willingdon Beach: sunset swims in the summer, admiring misty evenings in the winter and fun events – all in one place.

Mike • The Sunshine Coast Trail near Powell River Bridge.

Pepper • His food plate.

How did find out about qathet?

Mike • I like exploring maps and found qathet through my research.

What would make qathet a nicer community?

Mike • A paved walking/biking trail underneath the power lines from Powell River to Townsite. People already use this corridor extensively for fast travel. It would make sense to develop it.

Kristina • I don’t drive because of a disability and my dream is to have more sidewalks around the town, for example from upper Alberni to the beach.

Pepper • An all-inclusive official dog beach on the ocean.

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

Kristina • As a fashion designer, I would love to have a more developed fashion

community.

Mike • Kick-boxing classes.

Pepper • More girls chasing him, like it was in Vancouver.

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

Kristina • Developing the client base for my business from the start. Also, there are not many places to walk to and to make new friends.

Mike • Setting up the house with no family support in the area.

If you were mayor, what would you do?

Mike • I would make a deal with the SRCD of Sechelt/Gibsons to have the Translink transit bus route extend from downtown Powell River all the way to Gibsons/Vancouver. Thus giving people an affordable option to travel all the way to Vancouver

and back as a foot passenger.

What are qathet’s best assets?

M&K • A lot of lakes and nature around.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Kristina • To dress up wherever I go.

Mike • All the apples and berries I collected this summer to make a lot of jams from them.

What talent or superpower would you most like to have?

Kristina • To teleport to Vancouver whenever I want.

Mike • To hold my breath forever so I can dive to the bottom of every lake.

Pepper • To leave the house with no parents and to go wherever I want including malls and pet stores and to get free goods there.

DOG DAYS: Kristina and Mike Wushke, with their robust Newfie, Pepper.

MAIL BAG

We welcome feedback from our readers. Letters may be edited for length. Email your comments to isabelle@prliving.ca, or mail an old-school letter in the post to qathet Living, 7053E Glacier St, Powell River, BC V8A 5J7.

Explaining the unexplainable: gas prices

Dear Pieta,

Thank you for publishing the latest BCUC report on the reasons for Powell River having the highest gas prices in Canada. The report brings to light some points as to why our prices are what they are.

The report finds that Local gas stations have lower sales volumes than larger markets therefore when the wholesale price decreases we have to wait longer for the higher priced fuel to be sold before we get the cheaper fuel delivered here. Do they think we believe that the same high priced fuel is still in the tanks from pre summer.

Their other reason was (logistically complex and costly fuel supply routes) this is to lead us to believe that it is cheaper to truck fuel to Port Hardy from the Bare Point terminal south of Nanaimo 425 kms one way than it is to put it on a barge from Delta to here.

The next reason was station owners noted the importance of maintaining competitiveness relative to other stations. I don’t know what this means but can only guess this means we stick together and all keep our prices the same.

If this is the best the BCUC can determine for the high prices here I don’t see any relief coming soon.

I encourage all residents to contact the BCUC and express your disappointment in their findings and contact our new MLA to see if she can get some relief for us that her predecessor could not do in 15 years.

- Dan Robinson

Dear Pieta,

I have enjoyed qL’s November issue, thanks, and I have read the articles regarding gas prices with great interest [Gassed, Page 8, and Stop the Presses, Page 38). I have a question and a suggestion:

• Question re. “Stop the presses” (p.38): “Retail station owners also noted the importance of maintaining competitiveness relative to other stations

in their local market.”

I think I am not understanding this correctly. All gas stations in PR sell the gas at exactly the same price, don’t they? If this is the case, what is meant by “competitiveness” here?

• Suggestion re. “Gassed!” (p.8): I think it is great to encourage readers to take action, as in this case, where we are prompted to contact our MLA and MP regarding the prices we pay at the pump. Given how “lazy” we can be, it would be nice to have the contact details right there as well.

Thanks again

– Ana Santos

“Inclusive and widefocused lens” appreciated

Dear qathet Living, I have just recently moved to Powell River. I just wanted you to know how valuable your publication is to engaging the community and showcasing so many important issues both locally and abroad and from our collective past.

Your publication provides such a good positive conduit to the events in our community.

I have enjoyed every issue but wanted to provide a special thank you for your article in Novembers edition on the displacement of Japanese Canadians from PR. As a third generation Japanese Canadian, former service member, and new addition to the community I wanted to express my gratitude for your magazine’s inclusive and wide focused lens that reminds us where we have been and how far we have come.

Your magazine has been crucial to assisting me on identifying volunteer and community events and organizations to join.

I did not see Devan Gillard listed in your regular staff directory and wanted to include this contributing author in my thanks as well for her excellent article.

Warm regards, Keep up the fantastic work!

– Robin Sano

WHAT’S UP

Board of Education selects new Superintendent of Schools

Following a rigorous national selection process, the qathet Board of Education identified Paul McKenzie as the ideal leader to guide the district in advancing its mission and strategic priorities to support the success and well-being of all learners.

Paul brings over 30 years of experience in public education. Most recently, he served as the Assistant Superintendent in the Saanich School District, His efforts have strengthened relationships between schools and communities through parent engagement and support for student success initiatives.

Previously, Paul held a variety of senior leadership roles with the Thames Valley District School Board in Ontario, a district made up of 84,000 students and 151 schools. In these roles, he was instrumental in fostering innovation, advancing Indigenous education initiatives, and promoting a culture of continuous improvement.

“Paul brings a dynamic vision and a wealth of experience to our district, and we are eager to see his leadership in action,” said Jaclyn Miller, Board Chair, qathet School District. “His focus on student well-being and his collaborative approach will be vital as we continue to create meaningful, positive outcomes for every learner in our district.”

Paul will officially join the qathet School District in the spring, shortly after spring break. In the interim, Vianne Kintzinger will continue on as Interim Superintendent of Schools. – Kristy Payne

Living wage in Powell River jumps to $26.49 per hour

A sharp spike in the region’s cost of living—primarily due to soaring housing costs and highlighting the region’s affordability crisis—has led Powell River’s living wage to rise to $26.49 per hour, a 5.7% increase from last year.

Although inflation has decreased from historic highs, cost increases for essentials continue to push up the living wage, which is calculated by Lift Community Services, Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, BC Office and Living Wage BC. It is the hourly rate that each of two parents working full-time must earn to support a family of four based on the actual costs of living in a particular community.

The financial relief provided by government measures, such as affordable childcare programs and increases in income-tested benefits, was intended to help offset rising costs, but is outpaced by the rising cost of rent.

Photo by Carlos

Dead Bob is touring!

From New York to Nanaimo, qathet’s own punk troubadors John Wright, Kristy Lee Audette, Ford Pier, Colin MacRae and Byron Slack are on the road this fall. qL caught up with John (formerly of No Means No) for a check-in.

Where you are

Nov 15 we were at Smalls in Detroit, or more specifically Hamtramck, the city within a city. This is a town established by Polish people originally and then entirely encased by Detroit.

We met up with our friends in the awesome band Lung in St Paul a few days ago and are with them for three weeks. They are very excited to be coming with us up to Ontario and Quebec. It’s great to visit some places I haven’t been in many years.

How it feels to be back on the road

Being on tour in North America is a lot of time in the van. For instance the 22-hour trip from Spokane, Washington to St Paul, Minnesota. But who’s kidding who, I love to play shows.

What the audiences are like so far

Folks have been excited and very friendly, but they usually are where we go. No Means No fans are ecstatic for sure, which is very nice.

“This year’s living wage reflects what we’re seeing and hearing in community; that families are having a harder time affording regular, nutritious food, or having a hard time affording rent. The difference between the cost of living and how much most people are getting paid is significant, and is taking its toll

on the physical, mental and emotional wellbeing of local families and individuals,” says Kim Markel, Lift Community Services Executive Director.

“Rent has been the most expensive item in the living wage family budget since the calculation was first produced, and this year is no exception,” says Iglika Ivanova, Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, BC Office senior economist and the report’s lead author.

Powell River’s living wage is calculated as over $2 more than the Comox Valley ($24.36) and on par with the Sunshine Coast ($26.42). Powell River’s living wage takes into consideration the cost of ferry trips that many families need to take to access medical professionals or even dentists.

“Living in a semi-remote and rural community adds a cost to our daily life and this living wage reflects that reality,” says Kim.

A strikingly large gap exists between the 2024 Powell River living wage and BC’s current minimum wage of $17.40 per hour. – Alexandra Bissley qL editor’s note: The annual local ‘living wage,’ as calculated above, works out to $55,099 per year, based on 40 hours a week, with year-round work. However, Statistics Canada recently sent qL the latest income reporting for the region (2022). For individuals who live here, the median annual income is just $37,160 – nearly $18,000 a year below the living wage, or $1,500 a month under the living wage.

Books & Blessed Silence

Book clubs are popular these days, and with good reason! They often introduce members to interesting titles they would not have chosen on their own, and having meetings prioritizes social connection in an era of social isolation.

But what if you are an introvert looking for connection who finds book clubs challenging? Join the qathet Silent Book Club!

Silent Book Club is simply a group of readers gathering to read together. There is no reading list; everyone brings their own current book to the meeting. For the first and last 30 minutes of the event readers can chat about their favourite books and authors – or not – as they choose.

For the rest of the time readers will read in quiet camaraderie.

The first meeting is on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, 6 to 8 pm at the Library. The program will continue every fourth Tuesday of the month. For more information check the PRPL website.

– Karen Wootten

Assistance dogs, teens and Christmas cards

Under the guidance of Brooks CALM program teacher James Mack, 18 students aged 15-16 are working with the Pacific Assistance Dogs Society to gain meaningful work experience and support a cause that makes a tangible difference.

The students recently completed their first project in this partnership: packaging over 500 Christmas card bundles for PADS.

They carefully assembled packs of ten cards and eleven envelopes, adding a personalized sticker that reads, “Packaged by the CALM Program Students at Brooks Secondary School, Powell River.” This touch not only recognizes the students’ hard work but also allows PADS supporters to connect with the story behind the cards they purchase.

Diving Labs make international splash

Ashley Almas and her two Labrador Retrievers, Duck and Luna, made waves when they competed at North American Diving Dogs National Championship in Springfield, Missouri last month.

“We were the only team from British Columbia to attend,” said Ashley, explaining that more than 700 dogs competed in different divisions at the Nationals. “Luna and Duck competed in Distance and HydroDash,” she said.

Distance Jump is the quintessential dock diving event where dogs compete to see how far they can jump from the dock into the pool. It’s a test of speed, strength, and agility, with dogs leaping impressive distances to retrieve their favourite toy.

Hydro Dash is a fast-paced race where dogs retrieve a toy from the 37-foot mark in the quickest time possible. It’s an exciting and action-packed event that showcases the speed and agility of participating dogs.

“At the beginning of this season we didn’t ever think we would make it to the National Championship, but when we found out that one of the Regional competitions would be held at our “home” pool, Pooch Pool School in Duncan BC, we decided that we wanted to try to earn an invite to the Regional event and we earned the invite to the Regionals at a qualifier event and by earning an Advanced Title. The next step was to go to the Regional Competition, again we thought we’d never place in the top three in any of the events at Regionals as all teams there were just as good as us if not better, but we did it. Duck placed second in Senior HydroDash and first in Junior Distance. Luna placed third in Senior HydroDash and third in Senior Distance. These placements earned them an invitation to the National Championship! A dream come true.”

Why travel?

Ashley, her husband Ryan and her mother Dianne, drove about 7,600 kilometres in total to attend the event.

“We enjoyed the driving part, from all the scenery we saw (beautiful) and all the people we met along the way.”

Ashley fundraised and received donations from family, friends, and the community.

| arbutuscoveretreat.com | info@arbutuscoveretreat.com

@arbutus_cove_retreat

Looking ahead, we’re excited to continue building on this partnership. Together with Brooks Secondary’s CALM program, we are creating not only meaningful experiences but also a resilient community dedicated to supporting assistance dogs and the people who need them. Thank you to Mr. Mack and the students for making this partnership truly inspiring!

– Jane

Short

BUSINESS AFFAIRS

SEAN PERCY

Massage therapist opens clinic

Alison Richmond, RMT, is no longer working from her home-based studio in order to make room for her growing family. She has rebranded and opened a clinic, Townsite Allied Health, beside the Old Courthouse Inn. She’s excited to see old faces in her new space and to share it with qathet’s newest Naturopathic Doctor, Robyn Land. Book online at townsitealliedhealth.ca. Keep an eye out for more practitioners joining the team.

New realty brokerage

Josh Statham, who brought 460 Realty to Powell River, is helping another real estate firm establish itself here. Josh is the local broker for EXP Realty, now open at 4561A Marine Avenue. Joining him are agent Andrew Roddan and marketer Johanna Jackson. Josh says the cutting edge EXP brand opens new horizons and resources for agent and client alike. “I’ve been following EXP for years,” he said. “I finally couldn’t come up with a reason not to make a move to this brand; it’s the future!” Now in his third year in real estate, Andrew joins Josh as the first two EXP agents in the area. “EXP let’s you be you,” Andrew said. “They cut out all the fluff, and just deliver the goods like no other brokerage can.” To find out more visit the EXP Realty office, or check out their sites and socials.

Woodworkers put finishing touches

Colin McKenzie and Dean Gryczka have established M&G Woodworking to provide custom cabinetry, joinery, closets, furniture, and finishing carpentry. They also provide solid acrylic countertops, which come in a variety of colours, patterns and price points. Contact Colin at 604-351-8940 or Dean at 250-797-0709 or follow m_gwoodwork on Instagram.

Roofer has you covered

Local roofer Dylan Wilson has started his own company, Got You Covered Roofing Inc. Born and raised here, Dylan has roofed off and on with R and R Roofing for 17 years, learning from one of the best in the business. He’s also a red seal Ironworker. He started this business to enable him to stay home with his family instead of working in camps. His lead hand is Todd Mineault, who has

roofed with R and R for the past 25 years. The two, along with a couple of part-time employees, specialize in asphalt shingle roofs, including new builds, re-roofs, cedar conversions and renovations. They offer repairs, inspections and maintenance and free estimates. Contact Dylan at 604-414-7371or GotYouCoveredRoofingInc@gmail.com

Familiar faces at concession

The new operators at the Recreation Complex Concession are familiar faces in the local food scene. Erin Gatt has worked for various contractors of the concession for the last 10 years. When Dawn Schulz moved to Powell River, she worked in the front of house at the Seasider Bistro and the Wildwood Pub. Both have full time positions with inclusion PR. Dawn says they plan to continue serving concession classics such as popcorn chicken, fries and hotdogs. They’ll also offer a selection of salads, wraps and healthy hot items such as chili, soups and baked potatoes, as well as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and allergen-free options. They plan to be open for all Kings and Regals games, as well as minor hockey tournaments.

Laser therapy back on Marine

Bodies in Balance returned to downtown in September, moving into the old Constellation Countertops location at 4561B Marine Avenue after a six-month sojourn at The Landing at Powell Lake. “We enjoyed the lake, but we’re also happy to be on Marine again,” said owner and laser therapist Randy Crites. The central location offers convenient street parking, as well as angle parking near Willow Rose Boutique, and level entry. Bodies in Balance offers cold laser therapy for recovery from injuries or surgery, as well as management of chronic pain. Non-registered massage is also available to complement laser therapy. For more information, call 604-223-7918, or visit rebalancemassage.ca.

Making some noise

Local artists wanting to produce music, and get it spread to the world, have a new ally in Sophia Sanford and her company Noise Machine. Sophia grew up on Texada, studied music in Montreal and London, returned in 2018 and has worked as an artist and producer since; in 2020 Noise Machine was conceived of and casually supported artists in different ways as it was developed, in 2024 Noise Machine was launched formally as a residency space, music studio, and label run out of a 625 square foot cabin, 150 square foot studio and a 120 square foot lab, all just north of tišosəm. Sophia offers music production lessons and coaching, as well as songwrit-

ing and vocal lessons. Sophia brings an international team to the record label and aims to help artists earn from their music. “I want to help artists push their music further into the world. Music production has been gate-kept for so long and the truth is it’s really not very hard. If you like sound and even have a phone, you’re ready to be producing music, and I’d love to help you find your sound. I work on a sliding scale basis, including through the homeschool program and various grants, and have equipment that can be borrowed.” Contact Noise Machine at info@noisemachine.studio or call 778-847-7692.

Massage and reflexology

New resident Margot Pronovost has created a niche by combining lymphatic massage and reflexology in a single treatment. She offers either service, but says they work best together. Find Margot at Scizzors Salon & Bodyworks on Thursdays. Book ahead by calling 519-301-7006 or email mjpro2@hotmail.com.

Tla’amin to build Townsite apartments

Tla’amin Nation plans to build 30 apartment units at the old hospital site, the original village site of tiskʷət. The Nation says it will provide affordable rental housing for Indigenous families, people with disabilities, women with children, and youth. “Tla’amin is returning home to our original village of tiskʷət” said Hegus John Hackett. “I’m flooded by emotion because for the first time in 150 years, our people, the descendants of those forcibly removed from tiskʷət, will once again be reconnected and caring for our original village site.” The project is Tla’amin Nation’s first major housing development located outside of the main community of tišosəm. In partnership with BC Housing, 30 affordable rental apartments (two- and three-bedroom units) are planned for Tla’amin families and other Indigenous people living in the qathet region. The blueprint for the project is inspired by the recently completed 24unit Elders and assisted-needs housing complex located in tišosəm, in order to offer “apartment style living that feels like home to Tla’amin citizens.”

Olympian ready to train you

Kinesiologist and cycling Olympian Gina Grain has moved her practice to qathet, working out of Suncoast Integrated Health with Brittney Chisholm. She will be doing personal training kinesiology and exercise therapy, with a focus on group training. She began rolling out programs in November and then new ones start in January. For info or to sign up, visit suncoastintegreatedhealth.com/classes || sean@prliving.ca

Make some noise

From the Powell River Chorus Christmas concert December 7, to Carols by Candielight December 13 & 14, to the Library’s “Time to Sing!” seasonal puppet show December 21, this month is all about big, beautiful sound.

This image is cropped from “The Message,” by qathet photographer Douglas Unger. Signed and numbered limited edition print. Edition is 50 printed on 100% cotton paper, 13.3” x 20.” Find this piece and more at douglasungerphotography,com

Doug Mobley

1

Sunday

Firefighters’ tree lighting

9 am, in the Westview Vet property.

Advent Celebration

11 am, Powelll River United Church. Hang decorations on the tree, refreshments.

qathet Concert

Band: Rhymes and Rhythms, music inspired by great writing

2 pm, Max Cameron. Conducted by Steven Cramero, narrated by Lee Coulter. Casey at the Bat, Harry Potter, The Hobbit etc.

Breakfast with Santa Toy Drive

9:30 am to 1:30 pm, Carlson Loft. Organized by Verecan Capital Management and Underwriters Insurance.

Kings vs Penticton

1:30, Hap Parker. Skate with the Kings.

Farmers’ Market

12:30 to 2:30 pm, Paradise Exhibition Park.

Santa Parade

3 pm, Marine Avenue. This year there will be a market featuring local food vendors, too, near The Nutcracker Market.

Doug volunteers at the qathet Museum, helping to digitize over 90,000 pages of historic local newspapers. On December 5, he’s co-hosting “The History of Local Newspapers” with Stuart Alsgard. What he makes: 3D-printed Christmas themed items, such as nutcrackers and trees with lights. Why it’s fun: The creativity. Even when I start with a standard design. Standard design is like a ‘recipe’ to change and improve on.

Photos with Santa at the Town Centre begins

See ad on Page 64.

Energy Democracy for BC Society AGM 7pm, Seniors Centre.

Tuesday

Film • Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution 6:30 to 8 pm, Library. Free film screening of the documentary Crip Camp which follows a group of teenagers on their journey from a summer camp for “the handicapped” to becoming disability rights activists. For information contact Karen at kwootten@prpl.ca

Gordon F. D. Wilson; Noelle Blue Moon and Susan Dixon. Followed by an open mic. Bring something to share or just listen.

Wednesday

Sports Columnist Ed Willes presents his new book Never Boring – the Up and Down History of the Vancouver Canucks 7 pm at the Library. For information contact Mark at mmerlino@prpl.ca

Top Ten Reasons

Film • Rad Reelz film festival

currently accessible. For information contact Mark at mmerlino@prpl.ca

Pop-up Thrift Store

4 pm til late, James Thomson gym.

Friday

Winter Wonderland

– opening night

6:30 to 9 pm, Recreation Complex. Enchanted forest in the ice rink, with holiday music and ambiance. To December 29th. Check out powellriverprc.ca for a full schedule.

Thursday

To Wear A Pollen Sweater

Monday

Stuff the Trailer begins at FreshCo Coast FM-sponsored fundraiser for the food bank. Donate bags or corporate pallets. Continues through December 14.

7 pm, Max Cameron. A fundraising event where all proceeds go to Brooks Berm Busters Mountain Bike Club. All submissions are filmed and edited by local amateur creators in and around the most beautiful place in the world: the qathet Regional District.

Elvis Christmas Show, featuring Robert Falls 1 pm, James Hall. By donation.

Mini-Curators

Exhibit Opening

4:30 to 6:30 pm, qathet Museum

qathet Safe’s Shoe Memorial And the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. Display at the library.

Winter Moon

Poetry Slam

No pop bottles were hurt making Pollen Sweaters. You’ll be helping sheep stay cool in summer. e pure wool stays warm even when wet. Non-itchy, and soft enough to wear next to sensitive skin. Machine washable and dryer safe at moderate temperature. We put the label on the inside where it belongs. Designed to layer smoothly under or over other garments. No o shore sweatshops. Ours is here at home. If it ever wears out compost it. Makes you 50 to 90% more handsome. (results may vary)

Spilled Ink Poetry Night at the Wishing Well 7 to 9 pm, 6251 Yew. Featuring writing from Lesley Rae Armstrong; Pat Buckna; Sandra Ritter; Jody Jankola; Cal Jankola;

The History of Local Newspapers

2 pm, Library. Stewart Alsgard and Doug Mobley will share stories about the history of local newspapers and discuss how old newspaper editions are

6 to 8 pm, Library. Doors open at 5:40 pm. Celebrate poetry at this slam-flavoured spoken-word event. Compete to win or join the open mic at the end of the night! Come listen and/or share at this friendly all-ages event. Do it for enjoyment, snaps, the chance to parade with PRPL’s slam medallion and cash prizes collected by optional donation at the door by the qathet Friends of the Library.

Christmas Vacation Parallel Bonspiel begins PR Curling Club, with dinner buffet and more. Through December 8. See powellrivercurling.com

Santa Train begins 6 to 8 pm, Paradise Exhibition Park. Train rides in the dark, but with many Christmas lights, a bonfire, and the Kiwanis food concession in the quonset. Admission to the rides is by donation for Salvation Army distribution (non-perishable food items, or unwrapped new toys, or cash).

Christmas Potluck Gathering

5 pm, Powell River United Church. All are welcome

to join in sharing a meal, stories, and singing.

Winterlude Buffet at The Boardwalk See ad on the next page. Nanaimo Steelmen vs. The Regals 7 pm, Hap Parker

Saturday

Tla’amin craft fair 10 am to 2 pm, Salish centre at tišosəm. See more on Page 8-9.

Uptown Market 10 am to noon, on Joyce at the Community Resource Centre.

Now You Know Me with K’ʷunəmɛn (Joe Gallagher) and John Matterson 11 am at the Library. In conversation about their journey, the value of friendship, respect, communication, and truth, as they present their new book – Now You Know Me –Seeing the Unhidden Truth in Settler Colonialism. For information contact Mark at mmerlino@prpl.ca. See story on Page 31.

Santa Train 6 to 8 pm, Paradise Exhibition Park. Train rides in the dark, but with many Christmas lights, a bonfire, and the Kiwanis food concession in the quonset. Admission to the rides is by donation for Salvation Army distribu-

tion (Non-perishable food items, or unwrapped new toys, or cash).

Klah ah Men Winterlude

Holiday festivities Lund style. 10 am to 4 pm. Winterlude Buffet at The Boardwalk

See ad on Page 47. Big West Wrestling 6 pm, Brooks Cafeteria Hall. Featuring “The Gambler” Bryce Lowe, Cremator Von Slasher, Todd Quality, “Big Rig” Jimmy Mitchell, Johnny Rostyn, Dash Dauntless, Marty Sugar and others! Tickets are $15 each, with $5 from each ticket being donated to Dry Grad. Tickets at the door or in advance from Blue Agave

Springtime

Winter Market

11 am – 3 pm both days, Springtime Nursery. A family-friendly two-day curated market featuring the best of local makers and food vendors taking place around Springtime Garden Centre and undercover in the greenhouses, featuring a beer garden, professional parking attendants, free children’s activities, giveaways and more! Springtime Garden Centre. 5300 Yukon Avenue. See ad on Page 8.

Powell River Chorus

Christmas concert

7:30 pm, Evergreen Theatre. Tickets will be $20 available from chorus members and at the Nutcracker Market. See Page 37.

Villa vs. Victoria Gorge

1:30 pm, Timberlane Park Film • Powell River Minor Hockey U15C Fundraiser: “MVP (Most Valuable Primate)”

Doors 12:45, film at 1:30 at The Patricia. Entry by donation.

VendorFest

Lower Legion Hall 10-3. Crafts, Artisans, Home based businesses, Services.

Nanaimo Steelmen v. The Regals 5 pm, Hap Parker

Winterlude Peek-a-boo

For our first ever Winterlude, Klah Ah Men (Lund) event, Wendy Drummond invited me to show my paintings at her beautiful fibre studio again.

Sure! I loved the idea. And so I painted this photo shoot wall, to be family-oriented and a fundraiser for the Food Bank.

After donating, join gnomes having fun in a winter wonderland, surrounded by local forest animals. Just stick your head through one of the holes in the backdrop. I will assist and even could take your picture, just bring a camera.

This photo could make a nice seasonal postcard.

I hope to see you all at Three Stone Soup Fibre Studio – December 7 & 8, 10 am – 4 pm. Check out our FB Winterlude event! – Monique Labusch

The Boardwalk Restaurant in Lund

Join us for the Klah Ah Men (Lund) Winterlude on December 7 & 8. Nibblers, small plates, cocktails & snacks at the Boardwalk. Hoodies & T-shirts 25% off. For the full feast at 6 pm, a reservation is required - call 604-483-2201.

Sunday

Springtime

Winter Market

Junior Forest

Wardens Christmas Tree sale

9 am to 5 pm, grass lot in front of Westview Agencies. Donations fund the Forest Wardens program. By donation.

Farmers’ Market

CANUCKS HISTORY IS

Wednesday

Last day to donate to Christmas Cheer via Oceanside

Entertainment See ad on Page 3.

Friday

Geminids Meteor

Shower peak

The “king” of the meteor showers – but a nearly full moon means a bright sky

Fill the Hamper Swim & Skate

12:30 to 2:30 pm, Paradise Exhibition Park inside the quonset hut. Local produce and meat, baking, canning, hot foods, artisan crafts, and much more.

City of Powell River 2024

Thea White’s

Retirement High Tea 11-3 pm Cranberry Seniors Centre.

Super Sunday Sale

11-3 pm Cranberry Seniors Center. A variety of new & used items.

Everybody Deserves a Smile, last day

Drop off donations at: SD47 schools/Knitter’s Nest/Powell River Public Library. Donations can be dropped Henderson School attention Kate Boyd or e-transfer to qathet@edas.ca

Monday

Gerry Gray Gift Drive, last day

Gift cards for gas, groceries, and restaurants can be dropped off at the ARC – 7055 Alberni Street.

Free Winter Wonderland Skate

6 to 7 pm, Recreation Complex. Sponsored by Powell

AND DOWN.... BUT NEVER BORING: Join long-time Vancouver Province sports columnist Ed Willes 7 pm at the Library December 4, where he’ll present his new book.

River United Church. All welcome.

Tuesday

The Compassionate Friends Candlelighting Ceremony

6:30 PM RSVP by December 1: powellrivertcf@gmail.com

Bereaved parents, grandparents, and siblings are welcome. You may bring a supportive friend. Cookies, tea, and coffee will be served following the ceremony. Please feel free to bring a photo, a memento, a special story, or simply yourself as we create a safe space to remember our children together.

Tech Savvy – Press Reader

3 pm, Library. Learn about this digital service that gives you free access through the Library to thousands of the worlds leading newspapers and magazines. To Register contact Mark at mmerlino@prpl.ca

Swim from 6:30-9 pm, Skate from 7-9 pm, Recreation Complex. Free admission to Winter Wonderland or swimming with a donation of a non-perishable food item or gift. Carols by Candelight begins 7:30 pm, Dwight Hall. Tickets through the Academy of Music Box Office.

Saturday

Magic of Christmas home-based business and craft fair

10 am to 4 pm, Recreation Complex upper foyer. One of the last craft fairs of the season. See ad on Page 61. Miklat Recovery Program “Magic of Christmas” Fundraising Dinner / Evening 5 pm, Evangel Church. Live music, motivational speakers, silent auction and more. Tickets are $100 each and money raised goes towards Miklat Recovery Programs. Tickets are available by calling John B at 604-578-0190. See ad on Page 6. Harbour Lights 5 to 7 pm, South Harbour. Coast Guard tour – kid-friendly. Salvation Army hot

– by donation. Vote for your favourite. PR Yacht Club.

Jingle Jog

Organized by Brooks Students for Change. Walk or run either a 6km or 3km route, and we donate all the money from registrations to a charity of our choice. Registration is $10 per person and $25 for families, and pre-registration is available at the Brooks office. Run starts at Brooks. Studentsforchangebrooks@gmail.

com

Carols by Candelight

1:30 pm and 7:30 pm, Dwight Hall. Tickets through the Academy of Music Box Office.

Holiday Destress Yoga!

10:30 to 11:30 am, Rec Complex. Do the holi-

days have you feeling a bit overwhelmed? Take one hour for yourself to breathe deeply, release that tension and calm your mind. Space is limited, so register early to secure your spot and please bring your own yoga mat if possible. FREE with a donated food item. Pre-registration is required.

Junior Forest Wardens Christmas Tree sale

9 am to 5 pm, grass lot in front of Westview Agencies. Donations fund the Forest Wardens program. By donation.

Uptown Market

10 am to noon, on Joyce at the Community Resource Centre.

Scout Mountain

100% proceeds to the Food Bank. Bluegrass concert at Cran Hall. Tickets $20 at the Nutcracker and bring a non-perishable food item.

Film • The Grinch who Stole Christmas

Doors 12:30, film 1:30 at The Patricia. Sponsored by Royal LePage. Free popcorn. Tickets must be picked up beforehand at the Royal LePage office4766 Joyce Avenue - with a donation to the Food Bank.

Sunshine Gogos

bake sale

10 am to 4 pm at the Town Centre. All baked goods $7 by cash or cheque.

Kings vs. Chilliwack Chiefs

7 pm, Hap Parker

Rev up for the Provincial Championships 2025 here in qathet, at Rad Reelz film fest

On December 3, head to the Max Cameron for the Rad Reelz film fest. Featuring short outdoor adventure videos filmed and edited by local amateur filmmakers, it sold out last year.

There will be Youth Under 16 submissions, various Outdoor Adventure Edits (hiking, climbing, skiing, etc), and Mountain Bike Edits.

All proceeds of Rad Reelz will go to the Brooks Mountain Bike Club for new jerseys and possibly a couple of out of-town trips too. Last year we competed at the High School Mountain Bike Provincials in Squamish and the kids had a blast.

Because the group was so new, we

raced in the school’s soccer jerseys last year.

This year, we’re hosting those same Provincials here in qathet May 22 & 23, 2025.

Graham Cocksedge, a teacher at Brooks is the main organizer for the school biking group.

The Mountain Bike club was not active for a few years up until last spring. A student approached him asking why there was no Mountain Bike Club and he decided to make it happen.

Last year’s BC Mountain Bike High School Championship event in Squamish saw well over 350 students and we anticipate at least that or more here this year. It’s a huge event.

– Matt McDowell

Merry Christmas

Joe Huetzelmann & Company thanks all our customers for another wonderful year. We look forward to many more.

Puppets, poetry and a whole lot more!

DECEMBER EVENTS AT THE LIBRARY

Free film screening: Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution

Tuesday, December 3, 6:30-8 pm

Mark International Day of Persons with Disabilities with a screening of the disability rights movement documentary Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution.

Now You Know Me

Saturday, December 7, 11 am-12 pm

K’

n (Joe Gallagher) and John Matterson in conversation about their journey, the value of friendship, respect, communication, and truth. They are presenting their new book Now You Know Me – Seeing the Unhidden Truth in Settler Colonialism. Come listen, learn, and become part of this important conversation.

Winter Moon Poetry Slam

Friday, December 6, 6-8 pm

Doors open at 5:40 pm

Celebrate poetry at this slam-flavoured spokenword event. Compete to win or join the open mic at the end of the night! Come listen and/or share at this friendly all-ages event.

Seasonal Puppet Show: Time to Sing!

Saturday, December 21, 10:30-11:30 am. Drop-in. Join Sonia, Deb, Mel and Marilee for our annual holiday extravaganza featuring puppet plays, stories and songs that celebrate music! Meet a brave bear who shares a song that’s true to him, some forest creatures who find a magical, musical box, and a pig who blows it on the trumpet! Join a chorus of Singing in the Rain and bebop along with Charlie Parker!

Winter Break Matinee Movie: Chasing Ice

Saturday, December 28, 1-2:15 pm. Drop-in. Hot chocolate and popcorn provided! Nature photographer James Balog documents the receding of the Solheim glacier in Iceland. His hauntingly beautiful videos capture ancient mountains of ice in motion as they disappear.

Check out our events calendar for more information. prpl.ca/calendar

DECEMBER EVENTS

15

Sunday

Full Moon

Farmers’ Market

12:30 to 2:30 pm, Paradise Exhibition Park inside the quonset hut. Local produce and meat, baking, canning, hot foods, artisan crafts, and much more.

Anglican Advent Festival of Lessons & Carols

10 am, St. David & St. Paul in Townsite.

Junior Forest Wardens Christmas Tree sale

9 am to 5 pm, grass lot in front of Westview Agencies. Donations fund the Forest Wardens program. By donation.

Pageant: all welcome

11 am, Powell River United Church.

Deadline to submit for Light Up qathet

Email a picture of your decorated home and your address to srahier@powelllriver.ca. It will be added to the Light Up qathet map, organized by the City’s Parks & Rec department. You could win a three-month family pass to the Complex or a gift basket. Open to the entire region. See more on Page 2.

It’s a Wonderful Life: a live stage reading Doors 6 pm, play 7 pm, Forest Bistro. $25. Desserts and bar available. Tickets at Rocky Mountain Pizza & Bakery. By Townsite Actors Guild. Also on the 16th.

Monday

Tuesday

Enchanted Christmas Forest walk begins 5 to 8 pm, Twin Eagles Road (ocean side of the highway). Lighted decorated walk in the woods, with hot cocoa and more. New: a third trail loop so the walk is now just shy of half a kilometre long. The new loop will be a wildlife sanctuary, where you will see rabbits, raccoons, roosters, beavers and bears (all in Christmas lights). Free / by donation. Also on Dec 18, 19, 20, 26 & 27.

Wednesday

Chor Musica Christmas 7:30 pm, James Hall. $25. powellriveracademy.org Light Up qathet map released See the Powell River Parks, Recreation & Culture FB page for the map. Enchanted Christmas Forest walk 5 to 8 pm, Twin Eagles Road (ocean side of the hwy). Free / by donation.

Win a First Aid Course at POWELL RIVER FIRST AID TRAINING Design a new school logo for us! Send entries to info@powellriverfirstaidtraining.com Best entry will be selected on Jan 31, 2025 FOR INFORMATION ABOUT OUR COURSE OFFERINGS: www.powellriverfirstaidtraining.com

Films coming up at The Patricia Theatre

See qathetfilm.ca for dates and times. Anora (Comedy/drama/romance). 2024 Cannes Palme d’Or winner. Modern and audacious take on a Cinderella Story. 18A, 2hr15 Dec 6-10, 7 pm nightly, 1:30 Sunday matinee 20 Days in Mariupol (Documentary). Presented by Cinema Politica. Introdcued by community members who have been directly impacted by the war. Ukrainian food. Suggested donation $20. Dec 11. Doors at 6, film at 7.

A Real Pain (Comedy/drama). Mismatched cousins David (Jesse Eisenberg) and Benji (Kieran Culkin) reunite for a tour through Poland to honor their beloved grandmother. 14A, 1hr35 Dec 13-17, 7 pm nightly, 1:30 Sunday matinee

Wicked (Musical) The untold story of the Witches of Oz starring Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, and Jeff Goldblum. PG, 2hr40 Dec 20-Jan 2 Check website for showtimes

Gladiator 2 (History, drama, action). Echoing its predecessor while upping the bloodsport and camp, Gladiator II is an action extravaganza. Directed by Ridley Scott, with Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal and Denzel Washington PG, 2hr28 Jan 3-9, 7 pm nightly, 1:30 Sunday matinee

Coming in January: Sonic 3 Moana 2

Thursday

Enchanted Christmas Forest walk 5 to 8 pm, Twin Eagles Road (ocean side of the hwy). Free / by donation.

Light Up Putters 5 to 8 pm, Putters Mini Golf. Walk through a lighted golf course with hot cocoa or ice cream. By donation to the PR Professional Firefighters Charitable Society, raising funds for local school food programs and more.

POWELL RIVER

519-301-7006

mjpro2@hotmail.com at Scizzors - Thursdays only - book ahead

HEY, LOOK WHO’S WONDERFUL: Townsite Actors Guild brings the 1946 supernatural story It’s a Wonderful Life back to the stage. Starring: Kaela George, Wes Brown, Tricia Andrews, Christine Cook, Tina Thompson, Jeremy Buhay, Stephanie Zaleski, Ken Brittain, Nicole Narbonne, Glen Roscovich, Doug Sutherland, Kelsey Roosenmaallen, (absent Kathy Szajnfeld and Carol Sutherland).

Lean in to those warm fuzzies this season

It’s A Wonderful Life is being brought to the stage by the Townsite Actors Guild this Christmas. This beloved holiday classic is the story of a typical person, George Bailey, who dreams of glory, lives in hope and only Providence puts a final value on his service to humanity.

Performed as a live stage reading by 14 of the best Powell River actors, it promises to entertain, educate and engage the audience.

Directed by Stephanie Miller, she states that, “It’s a beautiful story about an everyday person that searches for meaning in his life and through his journey he discovers how his presence is so important to so many of the people around him. It shows how important one person’s life is to the community, his friends and family.” – Stephen Miller

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE

When: Doors at 6 pm, play at 7 pm, December 15 & 16

What: Live stage reading

Where: Forest Bistro & Lounge.

Tickets: $25, on sale at Rocky Mountain Pizza and The Forest Bistro

Friday

Noon voting ends for the Light Up qathet contest

See Powell River Parks, Recreation & Culture for more.

Enchanted Christmas Forest walk

5 to 8 pm, Twin Eagles Road (ocean side of the hwy). Free / by donation.

Light Up Putters

5 to 8 pm, Putters Mini Golf.

Saturday

First Day of Winter Solstice

Seasonal Puppet Show: Time to Sing!

10:30 to 11:30 am, Library. Join Sonia, Deb, Mel and Marilee for our annual holiday extravaganza featuring puppet plays, stories and songs that celebrate music! Meet a brave bear who shares a song that’s true to him, some forest creatures who find a magical, musical box, and a pig who

blows it on the trumpet! Join a chorus of Singing in the Rain and bebop along with Charlie Parker. We promise it’s going to be a blast! Drop-in.

Confession

11 am to 1 pm, Assumption Westview

Longest Night Service

6:30 pm, Powell River United Church.

Light Up Putters

5 to 8 pm, Putters Mini Golf. Uptown Market

10 am to noon, on Joyce at the Community Resource Centre.

Ursids Meteor Shower peak Minor shower

Sunday

Light Up Putters

5 to 8 pm, Putters Mini Golf.

Monday

Light Up Putters

5 to 8 pm, Putters Mini Golf.

It’s time to start planning for Grad 2025

Or are you planning a wedding? We’ve got you covered for either, and you’ll look great! We stock many of the same dresses you might find in the city, but you can count on getting personal attention here at home

contest

Do you want to know where to find amazing Christmas lights and holiday displays this season? The 5th Annual Light Up qathet is back for 2024.

Do you put on an amazing holiday display? If you’re decorating your home for the holidays this year, we want to know! Please submit a picture of your decorated home along with your address to srahier@powellriver.ca by December 15 to be added to the 2024 Light Up qathet map for the community to enjoy!

We will also post all entry photos (photo only – addresses will be on the map only) to our Facebook page on December 18 and then YOU can vote on your favourite display!

Plus, there will be another winner by random draw. The winners will receive a three-month Family Pass to the Recreation Complex and a holiday gift basket. Voting will conclude on December 20th at 12 pm.

This contest is open to all residents of the qathet region.

– Shawna Rahier

DECEMBER EVENTS

24

Tuesday

Christmas Eve

United Church Lighthearted Pageant

6:30 pm, Powell River United Church. All welcome.

Catholic Mass

7 pm Assumption, 7 pm Sacred Heart Living Water Services

4 and 6 pm.

Anglican Candlelight Eucharist

4 pm, St. David and St. Paul in Townsite.

Baptist Services

4 pm and 6 pm, Westview Baptist Church.

Reformed Church Services

7 pm. Rides available.

Salvation Army Candlelight Service

6 pm.

Light Up Putters

5 to 8 pm, Putters Mini Golf.

25

Wednesday

Christmas Day

Catholic Mass

10 am, Assumption Westview

Anglican Service of Morning Prayer

10 am, St. David & St. Paul in Townsite.

Christmas Dinner for anyone who is alone at Christmas

5 pm, Westview Baptist Church. Rides available if needed. To register, contact Bill before December 20: 604-223-0811, or wbcchristmasdaydinner@ gmail.com

Thursday

Boxing Day

First day of Hanukkah

Enchanted Christmas Forest Walk

5 to 8 pm, Twin Eagles Road (ocean side of the highway south of town). Free / by donation.

Friday

Enchanted Christmas Forest Walk

5 to 8 pm, Twin Eagles Road (ocean side of the highway south of town). Free / by donation.

Formby, RHIP

Kate Dryden’s famous flying pig of Townsite.

Saturday

Sea Snake Swim

1:30 – 3:30 pm, Recreation Complex. Regular admission rates apply.

Uptown Market

10 am to noon, on Joyce at the Community Resource Centre.

Winter Break Matinee

Movie: Chasing Ice

1 pm Library. Drop-in. Movie-loving folks are invited for a free seasonal matinee at PRPL. Hot chocolate and popcorn provided!

About the Film: Chasing Ice (2012, 75 minutes, Rated PG-13)

Chronicles the efforts of nature photographer James Balog to document the receding of the Solheim glacier in Iceland. His hauntingly beautiful videos capture ancient mountains of ice in motion as they disappear.

Sunday A Yoga Retreat to Relax, Regroup and Restore.

1:30 – 4:30 at Lang Bay Hall, $40. Make some “Me Time” to release holiday busyness and recharge for the New Year. Registration only. Limited space. Bring your yoga mat, a pillow or cushion and blanket. Register with Robin: robin. inison@gmail.com or text 604-483-6759. See ad on Page 31.

Farmers’ Market

12:30 to 2:30 pm, Paradise Exhibition Park inside the quonset hut. Local produce and meat, baking, canning, hot foods, artisan crafts, and much more.

2025 is the Year of the Snake

The Lunar New Year begins January 29. The snake is associated with wisdom, charm, elegance, and transformation.

Tuesday

New Year’s

Eve Dance

Doors 8 pm, Italian Club. With the band “Overdrive.” $45/person. Champagne, party favours, midnight snacks. Tickets at Underwriters Insurance, Massullo Motors, or any of the board members.

The IG Living Plan

BIG CHANGES AT FOPA: Left, Theresa Hargrave is taking on the staff role of Festival Coordinator, from Val Thompson who did it for the past 15 years.

On behalf of Rotary, Mel Monroe takes on the position of Festival Chair, from Joyce Carlson who has been in that position since the service club took on FOPA in 2003.

With new folks at the helm, the Festival of Performing Arts is ready to step into the spotlight this winter

BY JOYCE CARLSON

In 2025, qathet Festival of the Performing Arts will present yet another iteration of the event that was first held in May 1945, making it the longest, continuous cultural experience in the region.

Next year’s festival runs from Wednesday, February 28 to Saturday, March 8 when it concludes with the annual Grand Concert.

Its aim is to provide an opportunity for amateur performers, from kindergarten to seniors, to display their talents. Many choose to be adjudicated for the chance to be recommended to perform at Performing Arts BC Provincial Festival in late spring. Others just want to be on stage.

A group of community volunteers first organized the festival until the Knights of Pythias and Pythian Sisters took over that task.

When the Pythian organizations were not able to continue, another group of festival supporters carried on until 2003 when the women issued a call for assistance from the community. That call was answered by the Rotary Club of Powell River which has supported the festival for 21 years.

has been taken on by another Rotarian, Mel Munroe. Theresa Hargrave is replacing long-time festival coordinator Val Thompson. Both she and Joyce Carlson will remain on the committee. Nicki Havener is the new treasurer and Kathryn Hjorleifson is the new volunteer coordinator.

The committee also is seeking a new secretary. Another new component is a change in the participant registration program as the company which was previously contracted for role is no longer in business.

LITTLEST PERFORMERS AT FOPA: Hanna Sommerville, left, and Kennedy Barrows performed a duet at the 2024 qathet Festival of the Performing Arts.

Since then, various Rotarians have been involved with the organizing committee along with members of the community.

Rotarian Joyce Carlson has chaired the committee since the club first became involved, a position that

As well, Kathryn is using an online system for volunteers and is inputting names and contact information into it. She invites other people to contact her at volunteerfpa@tdi.ca if they wish to volunteer for the festival.

Past performers include former Mayor Stewart Alsgard, who played in the very first festival and as a member of the school band in later years; Canadian astronaut Robert Thirsk and renowned pianist Don Thompson. Many festival alumni have gone on to earn a living as a performer or teacher.

While there was one adjudicator for all disciplines in 1945, there is now an adjudicator for each of six disciplines: vocal and choral, band and instrumental, speech arts, strings, piano and dance.

The festival has a Facebook page that will contain information on the 2025 event, so people are welcome to join it.

December 7 & 8

Kla ah men Winterlude

Festive studio tour and community-wide event in Lund. Scavenger hunt with prizes. Children’s crafts at Terracentric 1:30 to 2 pm (sign up at terracentricadventures.com); specials and more 10:30 am to 2 pm. Tug-Guhm, Great Balls of Wool, Three Stone Soup and Monique Labusch galleries open 10 am to 4 pm. Special buffet at The Boardwalk Restaurant noon til 8 pm, see ad on Page 47.

To December 24

Present Market and Fundraiser (a fundraiser for qathet Art Council) At qathet ART Centre Monday – Thursday from 12-5. No entry fee to visitors, donations happily accepted. A selection of thoughtfully curated art pieces made by local artists – for everyone and every budget. 100% of sales go to the artists and to directly support qathet arts and culture activities – making this THE annual fundraiser for arts and culture in qathet!

Through December

Artist Hana-Louise Braun

November 22, 7 pm, Library. Local artist Hana-Louise Braun will discuss the inspiration behind her artwork, which is currently on display at the Library. For information contact Mark at mmerlino@prpl.ca

LOOKING AHEAD TO JAN

January 11

Regals vs Apollos

5 pm Hap Parker

January 8

Nourish: Cultivating a healthier you Eight-week Whole30 health coaching program with Terri Cramb. See ad on Page 18 for more.

January 28

Silent Reading Club

6 pm, Library. The first meeting is on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, 6 to 8 pm at the Library. The program will continue every fourth Tuesday of the month. For more information check prpl.ca.

January 29

Scott Cook & Pamela Mae in concert

7 pm, Cranberry Hall presents Scott Cook and Pamela Mae. This modern day troubadour plays guitar and sings with his sweetheart Pamela Mae, who plays upright bass. They have been van living and touring since January 2022, clocking 150 shows a year. Scott is a writer, poet, singer, philosopher, and a genuine folk artist. An unforgettable experience awaits! Tickets at The Nutcracker Market Dec 7th. $25/$30

January 30

Deadline to enter the “Design a new logo” contest for Powell River First Aid and Training

See ad on Page 50.

By Lignum Pacifica

WHIMSY ON THE WING

Have you ever searched in the twinkling woods where the moonlight dances? There, amidst the fluttering leaves, lives the enchanting Scribe Fairy! With sparkly wings that shimmer like diamonds, she guards a chest filled with glittering jewels and giggling laughter! Let the adventure begin with a visit to Oceanside Entertainment.

INFUSED SPIRIT

Flavoured Smirnoff from Capone’s Cellar is a seasonal delight with cranberry, black cherry, blood orange, and ginger. The perfect pairing with soda, or try it as a seasonal getaway with a splash of orange juice.

TAME THE FLAMES

Nothing beats wood heat, but it can be messy. However, with this stylish fireplace tool set (made by Carbon Fired Technologies on Vancouver island and are available from Cadam Fireplace & Stove Centre) you’ll be able to keep the area tidy and poke away at the fire to your heart’s content.

GLASS ACT

Christmas tree decorations and pendants made by Found Stone are crafted from true beach glass. Imagine the stories these frosted fragments could tell!

GIFT INSIGHT, INSTANTLY

Selkie Sanctuary Card Reading Gift Certificates make great last-minute presents that can be emailed, or printed for stocking and card stuffers. Give the gift of greater insight or keep for yourself!

WILD COAST PERFUMERY

Handcrafted on Vancouver Island these perfumes are traditionally blended from only pure and natural plant base essential oils and are nasty stuff free; no synthetics, artificial fragrances, parabens, dyes, phthalates or animal products. They’re available exclusively on the Sunshine Coast at Bloom Therapy

A few of

OCEAN’S GIFT

Aptly titled “The Beach Master”, this piece is the work of Tug-Guhm Gallery owner and sculptor Debra Bevaart. This sculpture sells for $4,800 – an extra special gift for the ocean lover. Debra also curates works from many other local artists.

BEST FOOT FORWARD

Cozy Glerups slippers are gift-worthy, plus you’ll want a pair for yourself. Pure wool fibres naturally regulate body heat, expelling excess heat and moisture. They’re non-itch and available in men’s and women’s sizes from Fits to a T.

LIGHT IT UP

The Starry Lights Collection from Paperworks Gift Gallery is an enchanting addition to any space. With its beautiful orb of micro-dot LED lights and 50cm diameter, it’s perfect for indoors or outdoor use in fair weather. Get ready to be mesmerized! $145.

our favourite things

Hunker down

BEAUTIFUL ON THE OUTSIDE, TOO

These Louenhide jewelry boxes from Sublime Fashions are designed to hold your favourite jewels, including rings, necklaces and bracelets inside these beautiful vegan leather exterior, soft suedette lining interior. Great for travel or for home.

SEASIDE CHRISTMAS

CATCH THE LIGHT

The Crystal Prisms Suncatcher from Kelly’s Health Shop feature half-moon shapes that splash light everywhere, and hanging pendant glass prisms create rainbows, perfect for home, garden or porch.

Mother Nature has a huge selection of holiday accessories, including a collection of seashore-themed decorations and knickknacks, such as this starfish ornament.

CLASSIC CANADIAN FLANNEL

No west coat wardrobe is complete without a hooded quilted flannel shirt. This Forcefield jacket from Aaron Services is ideal for relaxing lakeside, camping, fishing or cooking by the bonfire. Show your national pride with this classic piece of Canadian-designed apparel.Find other styles and colours in store.

ZIP INTO COZY

Pollen Sweaters are most famous for their placket design, but the cozy washable wool sweaters are also available as cardigans, which allow you to zip them open for both cool and convenience.

SNUGGLE INTO ARBUTUS COVE

One of the qL staffers had the chance to stay a couple nights at Arbutus Cove Retreat, north of town, and he’ll never be the same. From relaxing in the saltwater hot tub, to sipping wine by the woodstove and watching the waves, time spent here recharges you. They’ve also just completed a glass sauna right on the edge of the beach. There’s a fully equipped kitchen, or ask them to connect you with Chef Charis of Off the Vine for a gourmet experience.

RELIABLE, ADJUSTABLE FIT

This halter neck tanning top from Simply Bronze offers ultimate adjustability and a luxe inner decorative trim. Those who wear this top either want a stronger lift for their busts, or they want something completely adjustable making it a super reliable fit!

VIBRANT RUFFLES

Embark on a whimsical journey in this tiered ruffle gown from Perfect Fit for Brides and Grads

Available in Marigold and Azalea Pink, the dress is a vibrant celebration of romance and style.

PRECISE & PLAYFUL PEN

The Carousel Fountain Pen from qathet Art + Wares comes in an all new Ocean Teal colour, Tumultuous Tides. The custom-ground steel nib produces nuanced lines with its subtle flexibility. Available in both fine and medium weights, this nib is stamped with a galloping horse that dances to your every word. Every Carousel fountain pen comes equipped with its own ink converter, ready to be refilled with your favourite Ferris Wheel Press Ink.

ACHOP SMARTER, NOT HARDER

The experts at Thunder Bay Saw Shop say that the right axe makes all the difference in getting the job done – from beautiful Husqvarna limbing axes to the ultimate splitting axe from Hults Bruk.

DEALS

Smoked Wild Sockeye

and other

SMOKIN’

Salmon

seafood selections from St. Jean’s are available at Tourism Powell River’s Visitor Centre.

MAXX POWER IN A MINI SIZE

few of our favourite things Explore and adventure

DON’T LUG YOUR LUGGAGE

Taking a trip? Start at Armitage Men’s Wear so your luggage doesn’t bring you down. A 100-liter Rip Curl Flight Bag is self-standing and rolls effortlessly with inline skate wheels. for your carry-on, try the 45-litre Class Surf Transit Bag, complete with laptop section telescopic handle, the same convenient inline skate wheels and lockable zips

Overbuilt and over-thetop, the all-new Mini Maxx® captures the engineering, unmatched power, and extreme durability that defines Traxxas Maxx® performance. Mini Maxx is the perfect, take-anywhere size, delivering 30+ mph brushless speed and legendary Maxx toughness that slides easily into a backpack. It comes with a 3500 mAh 2-cell LiPo battery for long run timesand the 2-amp USB-C LiPo balance charger provides quick and reliable charging. Find yours at Paradise Valley RC.

BEAUTY IN A BAG

With so many amazing items at Westerly Studio it is hard to choose one, but the Canadian owned So Young beauty bags are a favourite. Perfect to keep your makeup or jewelry tidy and easy to pack for travelling. They are well-made, useful and beautiful making them a great gift!

During a recent storm, my little cottage lost power for five hours - and it was just what I needed.

I could have kept working on non-tech dependent tasks, or tackled some household chores. Data was still available on my phone, so the time could have been spent scrolling or messaging or posting, but while the wind and rain whipped a frenzy outside, I took it as a cue to check out of responsibilities and into self-care.

The soft glow of candlelight and warm crackling fire in our wood stove weren’t only welcomed necessities, but also provided a soothing environment for my nervous system, and I leaned right in. First with a pot of soup set to slowly cook on the wood stove, followed by a yoga session, face and scalp massage, then time curled up with a cozy blanket and good book.

There were no emails needing a reply (okay there were, but I pretended) or errands to run, not even the hum of electrical appliances. It felt like a glorious mid-week staycation. Better actually, because there was no pressure to make the most of it and in this quiet, I thought perhaps I should shut the house off at the breaker once a month for an afternoon as a force stop measure, or at very least, ensure that I give myself - and the family - a day to unplug, reset, and truly rest.

We know well the natural world offers us a great map of seasonal rhythms to live by, but it can be really tricky to follow suit when society is structured so differently. December invites us to really slow down, turn inward, and nourish the stuff-of-soul through these longest nights leading us into, and out of Winter Solstice.

It can take effort to dedicate to this slower pace of life through the hustle of holiday gift making, busy shopping days, financial stresses, volunteer opportunities, and if we are fortunate, invitations to festive

social gatherings, meal planning, perhaps even travel, not to mention weather delays and anxious parcel anticipation.

If you’ve been go go going all year, take an honest look at how much down time you can build into this month to ensure you get the deep rest truly needed. Simplify everything. Take the easy route. Potluck that feast instead of cooking. Turn down the lights. Less gifts. More presence. Breathe. Stretch. Blessings of the season to you!

Juliette Jarvis is a best selling author offering sacred living mentorship, devotional arts, and divination sessions. Find her at SelkieSanctuary.com

CAN

AQUACULTURE

ARBUTUS

CAKE

CALENDAR

CENTRAL

CHEEZIE

CONVERSATION

CUSTARD

DECORATION

DIGESTER

DIVER

FAVOURITE

FESTIVAL

FORGIVE

GLAUCOUS HOMEMADE LANDMARK LIGHTS LIGNUM

MIKLAT MOUNTAIN MUSICAL

OYSTER PERFORMING PLACER PRAYER

RAVEN

RECIPE

REDONDA

SEAGULL STRIKE

TICK

TRADITION TRIFLE

VILLA

WILLINGDON WONDERLAND WREATH

Faith, family, friends & forgiveness

I am such an idiot.

It turns out that the West Coast is the best coast after all.

Friends and family tried to tell me how much things had changed in the 30 years I’d been away from Nova Scotia. But oh no, I didn’t listen to them. I had my rose-coloured glasses on and the lenses were clouded by the happy memories of my childhood and a good sprinkling of fairy dust.

In my own mind, I’d already written the story about how it would be. I wasn’t open to having it edited before it went live. Chalk it up to a mid-life crisis taking place in my sixties, if there is such a thing. I tried and it didn’t work out.

I’m know I’m not the first to move away and then move back, (Devon, Reba and there’s more) all you have to do is look at qL’s long-running popular column, “I Made the Move,” and you’ll see tons of stories about people who moved away and then moved back. I might hold the record for the shortest move away. But that’s okay. Better to have tried than not to have tried and always wondered.

Turns out I’m super freaked out by ticks and all the nasty diseases they carry. They gross me out – I even dreamed about them! I don’t want to stop hiking and stay out of the woods and that’s where they seem to hang out the most. My beloved duck Tollers like being able to run free and not come back from a walk covered in ticks. One day, I picked more than 20 ticks off the dogs. It was unbelieveable!

I also missed my family, friends and community more than I thought I would. (OK Deb…you were right). So, here I am and we’re getting ready for the holidays!

This Christmas I’m going to focus on faith, family, friends and forgiveness. As the days grow shorter and Christmas draws near, I find myself reflecting on all four, but I’m going to start with faith because faith is what brought me back and it’s an important part of Christmas.

LAST WORD

ISABELLE SOUTHCOTT

Christians take Christmas as an opportunity to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Faith is complete trust or confidence in something or someone. Biblically, faith is considered a belief and trust in God based on evidence but without total proof.

Life is like that and sometimes we just need to believe in something we can’t see.

I’ve done that many times in my life and most recently, in reversing what could have been a life-altering decision. You see, I thought that when I retired from qathet Living, I wanted to live on the East Coast where I grew up. But when I got there, I soon realized that although it is a beautiful place to visit, I don’t want to live there. I want to live on the West Coast. I want to be close to my family and my friends. I missed my community and I realized that after living here in qathet for half my life, it was my home, and the East Coast was not.

Am I a little embarrassed that what I thought I wanted turned out not to be what I wanted after all? Yes, but that’s fine. I’m a writer and as every writer knows the best stories are often based on real life situations that don’t turn out as planned.

I have faith that my family and

friends will forgive my detour and help me figure out my next stage in life. I don’t know what the future holds, but I have faith that whatever happens will work out. It has to because on Jan- uary 1, we enter a new year, and the magazine I conceived almost 19 years ago will belong to Pieta Woolley.

Pieta has been the editor of qathet Living magazine since 2018 and she and the entire team know what it takes to put out a fabulous, fiercely independent community magazine.

I can’t see beyond the bend in the road any more than any of us can see December 25 until it arrives, but if we have faith I believe the season for faith, family, friends, forgiveness, and of course love, will be exactly what we all need.

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. God Bless.

|| isabelle @prliving.ca