Powell River Living July 2012

july 2012

Mobbed!

Stores get a flash of cash

Beyond tattoos & fishnets Roller Derby girls get serious

Summer Living Treasures of Texada

RIVER TOWN RIOT!

with

Saturday, July 14th

POW! TOWN ROLLER GIRLS vs BRICK HOUSE BETTIES Complex ArenA Doors open 4:30 pm Junior Derby scrimmage 5:00 pm

First Whistle 6:00 pm Tickets $5 ages 12 & up | Kids FREE!

Leave your cares behind as you enjoy an afternoon of comfort and relaxation. Cruise with us on our 37-foot tri-cabin yacht while viewing the spectacular scenery & wildlife of our protected waters.

❧ 2 - hour Copeland Islands cruise $49/person ❧ 5 - hour Desolation Sound Lunch cruise $125/person ❧ 6 - hour Mitlenatch Island Lunch cruise $135/person Special occasion, custom day cruises & extended excursions also available.

Tickets • Ecossentials, Split Endz, Creative Rift, A&W, First Credit Union and at the door. www.powtownderby.com

“Our elegant designs and quality craftsmanship create equity in your home.”

Wheelchair accessible showers • Granite countertops • Stone Fireplaces Bathrooms • Heated floors • Custom Tile Installations In-home consultations at your convenience Still serving Powell River since 1994

www.PowellRiverCustomTileAndMarble.com 604 483-2012

vs.

vs.

Park & CamPground InformatIon

• What am I missing from Facebook?

• Why don’t my print/radio/online ads work?

• Is Twitter for me?

Southcott Communications has the answers!

isabelle@prliving.ca

marketing advertising social media media relations corporate communications community relations writing editing photography

sean@prliving.ca

604 485-0003

The weather was great for our

4th Annual Carnival for Kids

The Kiwanis Club of Powell River would like to thank our co-sponsors Quality Foods (Guy Sigouin & Marshall Hrynyk) Soap Box Derby crew of Andy McLeod & Kim Martin, Joe Huetzelmann, and The City of Powell River. Huge thanks also go to our crew, volunteers and our unsung heroes.

Without you we couldn’t have done it.

We would also like to Thank:

Alterra Power Corp, Arts Council, Augusta, ATV Club (Read English, Mario Gusola & Gord Keddy), BA Blacktop, BMO, Canadian Tire, CIBC, Clean By Ken (Ken Williamson), Coast Realty Group (Dawn Adaszynski), Crystal Clear Engraving, Dave’s Glass, Eagle Radio 97.3, Economy Rentals (John Turner), Emery & Raw Land Surveyors, First Credit Union, First Aid, Hospital Economy Shop, Kelly Creek Community School Association (Laurie Lee & Kevin Austin), Lions Club of Powell River (Marilyn Brooks, Cliff & Leena Gerhart), Lois Lumber, Lordco, Mar-Dee Oakworks (Marvin Pirart), Mark’s Work Warehouse, Mitchell Brothers, Nancy’s Bakery, Nicole’s Embroidery & Design, Otago Rugby Club (Chris Bakker, Jonathan Bakker, Keaton George), The Peak, Powell River Recreation Complex (Patti Coburn), Powell River Fire Department, Powell River Living, Rangers Search & Rescue (Barry Stroud), Quality Foods staff, Re/Max (Ron Ostensen), RONA, Shaw Cable, Shell, ScotiaBank, Shinglemill Pub & Bistro, Sky Dragon Restaurant, Suncoast Cycles, SUN FM, Sunshine Disposal (Marie & Darryl McCormack), TMS Moving & Storage (Denise & Rob Tremblay), Top of the Hill

Grocery & Gas Bar, Underwriters Insurance, Valley Building Supplies (Vic Spreeuw), Volunteer Powell River, Westview Agencies, Westview Pharmacy, Yellow Ridge Construction Ltd., Your Dollar Store with More, Mayor Formosa, Lorraine & Sid Allman Jr., Lynda Albury, Christine Bakker, Const. Chris Bakker, Bev Bligh, Lee Boese, Anne Gauthier, Brooks Students (Justin Couts, Carter DeGraag, Kelsey Lloyd, Alysha Mayenburg & Josh Stromson), Girl Guide Leaders (Bonnie Kent & Mayra Funes), Girl Guides (Santana Funes, Grace Hill, Christine Chinn, Arianna Shannon-Oliver), Ken Holley, Bill Hopkins, Kim Hrynyk, Holly Kliauga, Mike Lang, Ted Lloyd, Gary Lambeth, Janice Johnson, Lang Bay Hall Members (Bev Bligh, Cathy & Ed Giguere, Rhea Woodley, Diane & Paul Wolyneic), MacNeill Family (Alex, Andrew, Dyan, Lisa & Ward), Melvin Mitchell, Lois Millar, Laura Moffat, Paul Nassichuk, Lloyd Otiquam, Ray Peters, Larry Price, Bruce Robertson, Kristina Robinson, Nyla Ross, Debbi Salmond, Andrew Shaw, Angie Smith, Barry Stroud, Nellie Valentine, John Uren and the Lois Street residents!

We apologize if we have missed anyone.

Proceeds go to Kiwanis Club of Powell River.

Watch for next year’s Carnival and Race posters.

Haywire Bay Park Open for camping until September 4 $21 per unit/night

Caretaker: Roger Higgins, 604 483-1097 Shelter Point Park Open year round with seasonal food concession $21 per unit/night Caretaker: Bruce Mortson, 604 486-7228 Reservation Policy: No reservations for individual camp sites.

Call caretakers to reserve group sites.

Palm Beach Park Open year-round. Flush toilets open mid-April. Call caretaker to book kitchen and barbecue area.

Caretaker: Sean Palmer, 604 487-4305 Craig Park

Open year-round. Pit toilets only.

Call Parks and Properties Foreman to book the baseball fields, soccer pitch or gazebo.

Foreman: Shawn Gullette, 604 483-4812

Owned and managed by the Powell River Regional District For directions & info: 604 483-3231or www.powellriverrd.bc.ca

Road Safety enjoy the Working forest

Western Forest Products builds and maintains an extensive network of industrial roads that provide access to our many recreational opportunities. WFP wants you to enjoy your travels within our active working forest this summer and there are a few key points to remember for a safe trip.

• Industrial equipment can be expected 24 hours a day and 7 days a week – Always drive as if there is a loaded logging truck around the next corner.

• Call the 24 hour Road Hotline before you travel: (604) 485-3132.

This road hotline is kept up to date with all current closures and safety notices.

• If you have questions, please feel welcome to stop by our Duncan Street office for assistance.

• Drive with your headlights on at all times.

• Drive to road conditions – maximum 50 km/hr.

• Give logging traffic the right-of-way and do not park on the outside curve of any logging road.

• Follow all safety signage.

Our working forest is critical to our local economy and our livelihoods depend upon it. Campfires are only permitted in designated areas and please ensure they are out before you leave. Should the forests become sufficiently dry this summer, fire bans may be implemented and please respect all current fire bans and notices.

& COMPANY LTD.

& COMPANY LTD.

Powell River Living • july 2012 •

3

18

19

21

Contents • july 5

In this issue

6

What’s Up Powell River?

Kings & NHL, dancing for prostate cancer

Roller derby

It’s a real sport

10

Making guitars

12

50 years of Kiwanis

13

Finding the right fit

14

Literacy means more

16

Windsurf without getting wet

18

Explore Powell River

19

Cash mobs

21

Treasures of Texada

24

Geocaching

25

Business Connections

26

Pardon My Pen

27

Sandcastle Weekend

28

A Growing Concern

Club serves the community Boot camp starts early

Families are where learning starts Local invention simulates real thing Prawn Festival photo contest

Larocque is a local author and the Literacy Outreach Coordinator for Powell River. Her job is to raise awareness about literacy in the community.

Emma Levez

Helping local small businesses

Why you should visit the island Fun with GPS

What’s new in business

At 83, there are things George misses

It’s a smile, it’s a kiss, it' s a sip of wine... it’s summertime!

Kenny Chesney (1968 –) • American country music singer

Fun in the Texada sun

Meet maintenance man Ken Philip

Mia Tushslappa jamming through a hit by Blonde Slambition as Rhinoceref makes the call.

Photo by Jennifer Dodd www.jenniferdoddphotography.com

www.PRLiving.ca

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On the cover

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Faces of Education

entirely on paper made by Catalyst Paper. The cover and centre stock are PacificCote, made at Port Alberni. Most of the pages are Electrabrite, made at the Powell River mill.

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How a little cloche can help

our choice of paper • This magazine is printed

4•

(CaroleAnn Leishman) is a cofounder, board member and part of the coaching team of POW!TOWN Roller Derby. She is also the President of the “Salish Sea Rollers League” for Vancouver Island and Powell River roller derby teams. She is getting pumped to play with her teammates in their first bout, RIVER TOWN RIOT! on July 14 against the Brick House Betties.

Blonde Slambition

ZZ

30

Craftsman picks up skills in Portugal

F RP

7

is 19 years old and was born and raised in Powell River. She is a third year elementary education student at the University of Victoria and spends her summers working as a Visitor Information Counsellor at Tourism Powell River. Angela wrote Treasures of Texada while her sister Maria took the photos.

Angela De Vita

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Love summer living in Powell River

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Volume 7, Number 6

We welcome feedback from our readers. Email your comments to isabelle@prliving.ca, or mail to Powell River Living, 7053E Glacier Street, Powell River, BC V8A 5J7 Tel 604.485.0003

Publisher & Managing Editor

No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior written consent of the publisher. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the publisher cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions that may occur. © 2012 Southcott Communications. We reserve the right to refuse any submission or advertisement.

Graphic Design & Production

Complete issues are available online at:

Office Manager

www.prliving.ca

Isabelle Southcott Associate Publisher & Sales Manager

Sean Percy Robert Dufour, Works Consulting Sales & Marketing

Suzi Wiebe Bonnie Krakalovich

ISSN 1718-8601

Summer Living

S

chool’s out and summer is officially under way!

I don’t know about you but I’m ready for a vacation.

After reading Angela DeVita’s great story Treasures of Texada (on page 21) and oohing and aahing over her sister Maria’s photos, I pencilled in a weekend camping trip at Shelter Point Park in July.

Because Powell River has so many beautiful beaches we don’t have to travel far to enjoy sand and sunshine. For those of you who are visiting our community may I suggest Donkersley, Palm, Mahoods and of course Willingdon Beach. Then there’s Mowat Bay on Powell Lake with its stunning views and fresh water.

I enjoyed CaroleAnn Leishman’s Page 7 story on the truth about Roller Derby accompanied by some great shots by professional photographer Jennifer Dodd. Yes, it is a sport for girls and women and you do get to play with your alter ego, but roller derby is about more than tattoos and fishnet stockings.

If you haven’t spent much time in your garden this year, take heart, there’s still time! Powell River Living’s horticulture expert Jonathan van Wiltenburg says now is the time to get your winter garden in, so be sure to plant broccoli and brussel sprouts now.

As always, Jonathan’s column is filled with sage advice and contains lots of great gardening information.

We were so impressed with the photos entered in this year’s Spot Prawn Festival that we asked photographers Regina

Vecsey, Romeo Styles, Tristan Bellmane, Lisa Labree, Sandra McRobbie, Belinda Fogarty and our own Sean Percy if we could use their photos on our Explore Powell River page (18) and they said yes!

The Powell River Cash Mob is a new phenomenon that was introduced by members of the Christian Business Association to support small businesses and encourage people to shop locally.

I attended my first cash mob and wrote a story about it which you’ll find on page 19.

We kicked off summer with Summer Living on page 21. This month we focused on Texada stories along with a story about geocaching, and other summer activities.

Our oldest columnist celebrates a birthday this month. George Campbell has spent time reminiscing about how life has changed over the years and some of the things he misses! Read his column on pages 26 and 27.

If you’re taking holidays this month, enjoy! If you’re taking your vacation in August instead, hang in there. Maybe you can take a mini holiday and go camping for a weekend or take the kids fishing or cycling. Whatever you do, enjoy Summer Living in Powell River.

Isabelle Southcott, Publisher • isabelle@prliving.ca

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Celebrating 35 years of business!

Tel 604 485-9744

www.valleybuildingsupplies.com

Powell River Living • july 2012 •

5

Happy 95th birthday!

Friends and well-wishers helped Martin Rossander celebrate his 95th birthday at an open house held June 23.

Martin moved to Powell River in 1948. He is well-known for his work as an environmentalist in this community.

As a champion of sustainability, Martin couldn’t bear seeing things wasted. Not only did he talk the talk, Martin walked the walk and used salvaged materials when it came time to build.

Good luck at BC Games Two track stars will represent Powell River at the BC Summer Games in Surrey July 19-22. Calli-Ann Abbott, 14, will compete in 80m hurdles, 200m sprint, triple-jump and team relay. Zane Hernandez, 15, qualified for pentathlon and triple-jump, but, as a pentathlete, he cannot compete in any other events at the Games. The pentathlon include 100m hurdles, shot put, high jump, long jump and 1000m run.

Churches step in after fire

1000 & counting Powell River’s ORCA (On the Road with Children’s Activities) Bus Project just celebrated its 1000th child for 2012. In the last year, the bus made over 162 stops and has been to many places... from Saltery Bay to Lund and Texada Island. The ORCA Bus really is a community outreach project.

Several Powell River churches are helping residents of the Villa Anna apartment building by collecting financial donations for them.

A fire at the apartment building on June 19 forced its 45 residents to leave their apartments immediately with only the clothes on their backs. Since then they have been able to retrieve necessary items only.

“Ninety percent of the building’s residents are seniors,” said Captain Rick Robins of the Salvation Army. They are having a difficult time being displaced.

These residents will not be able to return to their apartments for at least three months.

Fortunately, Emergency Services has found temporary accommodations.

If you are able to make a financial donation please contact Captains Rick or Jennifer Robins at the Salvation Army. Please specify the Villa Anna Fire fund.

In the meantime, individuals and churches have been doing what they can to help out.

“It’s a big team effort. We are all working together on this,” says Robins.

Congrats Kings goalies!

Both goalies who started the 2011-12 season with the Powell River Kings have been drafted to the National Hockey League.

Powell River’s Sean Maguire was picked up by the Pittsburgh Penguins. Sean played hockey with Powell River Minor Hockey before joining the Kings. Now 19, Sean just finished his second season playing for the Kings in the BC Junior Hockey League. He was the Penguins second choice in round four of the draft. “We are very proud of Sean,” says head coach and general manager Kent Lewis. “He is going to work hard to get into that line-up.”

Powell River Living caught up with Sean hours after the announcement was made at his cousin's graduation ceremony.

“I’m pretty excited,” he said. Equally excited is his family and uncle Brendan Maguire, above, who couldn’t stop smiling.

Sean heads off to Boston University with a full athletic scholarship to begin his degree in education. There he will play NCAA hockey with the Boston University Terriers.

Sean was in Powell River watching the draft on TV with his mom. But Kings assistant coach Geoff Grimwood was at the draft, and personally delivered the Penguins jersey to Sean.

Former King Jamie Phillips was also drafted. He went 190th overall to the Winnipeg Jets. These two draft picks speak to the caliber of the Kings hockey organization.

Last month’s answers:

Scan this with your iPhone_

• Shape up or ship out • Over-the-counter medicine • Double or nothing

Dance for prostate

Safeway managers Dave Tessman, Kelly Wilson and Matt Hexter danced to raise money for prostate cancer last month after challenging clerk Melody Long to raise $200 by the end of her shift. If she did, they promised, all three Safeway managers would join her in a Zumba fitness class at the Complex.

Melody raised $315. The managers kept their word and a few days later Melody and the managers danced like no one was watching in a Zumba class!

As of June 26, Powell River Safeway had raised $6,000. “We have surpassed the goal originally set for the store,” said Matt, “and we are still going strong.”

The campaign has been extended until July 8.

6•

www.PRLiving.ca

Roller Derby

More than tattoos, fishnets and big hits

By CaroleAnn Leishman, aka "Blonde Slambition"

T

weet! The whistle blasts once and eight blockers start rolling forward in heightened anticipation as two players wearing stars on their helmets balance with muscles tense awaiting the dual whistle blast that will release them from their boundary.

Tweet Tweet! And the race begins! This is roller derby, and it has come to Powell River.

I am Blonde Slambition, number #343. At least that’s my roller derby name. I’m one of the organizers of POW! TOWN Roller Derby and I’m here to give you the goods on the sport I love.

On July 14, the arena at the Recreation Complex will be transformed into a roller derby venue complete with a flat track, food vendors, entertainment and merchandise tables ready to host players from Vancouver Island in POW!TOWN Roller Derby’s first ever bout “River Town Riot!” But is it still all fishnets, tattoos and throwing the big hits you ask? For some it is. But the culture of roller derby is changing and evolving as quickly as it is growing. What started out as more of a tough girl culture, a place where the more tattoos you had the better, it is now shifting into more of an athletic, strategic and skills-oriented sport. In the one short year since POW! TOWN Roller Derby formed, the sport has grown exponentially. This time last year there were 700 leagues in the world. Now, according to Roller Derby Worldwide, there are currently 1,244 leagues in 37 countries from Buenos Aires Roller Derby in Argentina to Jyväskylä Roller Derby in Finland and Chilli Padi Derby Grrrls in Singapore to Mother City Mayhem in Cape Town South Africa. If you want to watch or play roller derby, chances are there is roller derby near you.

Student

WorkS

Painting

In the blocks: Rhinoceref (Matt Lister) of Coastal Call Monitors officiates as Mia Tushslappa (Melissa Call) and Blonde Slambition (CaroleAnn Leishman) prepare for POW! TOWN's first bout against the Brick House Betties in "RIVER TOWN RIOT!" [Inset: Blonde Slambition in fine form.]

Photo by Jennifer Dodd aka "Coach Rocky"

Painting season, like summer, is way too short! Don’t wait until it’s too late!

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Powell River Living • july 2012 •

7

This leads me to talk about the inclusivity of roller derby. There is really only one hard and fast rule in derby. Don’t be a jerk! (Only we use a much more colourful phrase.) Roller derby attracts and accepts all kinds into its bosom with open

Know your Roller Derby (True or False?)

1 Four blockers from each team start on the track during a typical jam.

2 Jammers are the only players who score points.

3 A “jam” always lasts two minutes.

4 The head referee can expel a player from the game for getting too many major penalties.

5 The following items of equipment are necessary for playing roller derby: a mouth guard, a helmet, quad skates, elbow & knee pads, wrist guards, fishnets, booty shorts.

6 Roller derby is only played by women.

7 If you hit a skater out of bounds with your hip or shoulder and she falls down you will receive a penalty.

8 Yelling is not allowed on the track while playing in a “jam.”

9 The jammer and pivot blocker wear covers on their helmets called “panties.”

10 Arguing with the referees is common and accepted.

Answers

Team photo: Your 2012 Pow!Town Roller girls, destined to become a powerhouse on the roller derby circuit. Cheer them on at the Complex on July 14th.

arms. I am constantly amazed by the diversity of skaters, coaches and officials in roller derby. It attracts doctors, nurses, marine biologists, carpenters, baristas, stay-at-home-moms, graphic artists, designers, photographers, home support workers, business people, you name it.

And they all get along and have the same goals in mind: skate faster, hit harder, get lead jammer status or stop that jammer.

As long as you have a good attitude and play well with others you will find your niche in derby.

We have found in our short existence

as a team that fitness, endurance, agility and commitment are all important requirements for playing the game. Without these things injury is likely to happen. In May, POW! TOWN hosted two of Team Canada’s top players 8-Mean Wheeler and Luludemon at our own personal training camp here in Powell River. They taught us the Team Canada off-skates warm up (which was developed during the lead up to the first ever Roller Derby World Cup held last year in Toronto); team building skills; basic strategies; and key points to be more successful in the game. We fig-

(1) True (2) True (3) False – The lead jammer can call the jam off early (4) True – 7 major penalties is the maximum before you are ejected from the bout (5) False – Fishnets & Booty shorts are purely optional (6) False – There is a men’s team in Vancouver called “The Vancouver Murder” and there are co-ed leagues (7) False (8) False (9) True (10) False.

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In training: Blonde Slambition (CarolAnn Leishman) and Selena Gomad (Emily Lister)block Blonde Tornado (Esmé Long).

ured if you need to learn about your sport, you might as well learn from the best. Both these players live in the Lower Mainland and play for the Terminal City All Stars, the only WFTDA ranked team (Women’s Flat Track Derby Association) in Western Canada who just won the title of the “Best in the West” at the Western Canadian Championships 2012.

So where does POW! TOWN fit into the wide world of roller derby? After 12 months spent forming a league from scratch, learning a new sport that most had only heard rumours about, developing league policies and procedures and finding our own way, we have formed a really closely knit team, developed some common goals, played in several scrimmages and attended a few training camps to come full circle and land right on the

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quivering edge of our very first roller derby bout against one of our sister teams from the Salish Sea Rollers League; The Brick House Betties, who are based in Cumberland. Our bout on Saturday July 14 will be a Salish Sea Rollers official Intra-league bout and will be the first women’s flat track roller derby bout ever to hit the concrete at the Recreation Complex Arena. The doors will open at 4:30 pm for spectators to come on down and grab dinner from the Dominion Lending Community Event Trailer and enjoy some of Powell River’s own Townsite brews in the beer garden. It will be enjoyable for the whole family, even if you don’t yet know the point of the game or the rules, and the kids will enjoy seeing the junior derby scrimmage from 5 – 5:30 pm with kids ages five and up playing with players from up and down Vancouver Island. The main event starts at 6 pm and will end after two 30-minute periods with one half-time intermission jam-packed with entertainment.

The best thing about roller derby is anyone can get involved regardless of whether you can skate or not. There’s a place for kids and teens in junior derby, for adults who love to skate, for adults who love to referee and call penalties while blowing a really annoying whistle, as well as all kinds of other officiating positions like scorekeeper, penalty box timer and the announcers who keep everyone entertained and informed. A lot of these derby peeps never have to put on skates if they don’t want to. Whoever said you were too old, too big, too small or too anything hadn’t thought of roller derby because you can be whoever you want to be in this sport and you get to have a cool alter-ego along with it. For more information on the team, how to get involved or to check on the latest events go to www. powtownderby.com See you on the flat track!

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Financial Planning and Mutual Funds are offered through Qtrade Asset Management Inc., member MFDA.

Powell River Living • july 2012 •

9

A fascinating hobby Retired teacher makes guitars

By Isabelle Southcott • isabelle@prliving.ca

W

hen Robert Vilane visited his grandparents’ village in Portugal more than 30 years ago he was lucky enough to work with some talented and knowledgeable craftsmen in a carpentry shop. They built household items like chairs, tables

and coffins. After hours they built musical instruments.

“This was something that I always wanted to learn to do and here I had a chance to learn it,” said Robert.

Although Robert worked as a woodshop

MAKING WOOD SING: Robert Vilane forms the wood for a guitar body using a clamp designed specifically for the job.

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all in the details: Careful, detailed work is a measure of the effort and quality that Robert puts into his guitards.

Forming the body: Using a heated element simplifies the work or curving the wrap for a guitar body.

teacher back home in the United States, working with wood in a village where everything was done by hand without electricity was a huge departure from what he was used to.

In the village of Ribierinha Pico Azores, Robert Vilane’s onemonth holiday stretched out to a yearlong stay. Robert, Rita and their children learned about their roots and the culture of the Portuguese people.

The Vilanes immigrated to Canada from the United States in 1973. Robert worked with the hearing impaired and settled in Prince George where he taught school for 15 years before retiring. It was there that he built a 35-foot sailboat, a gaff cutter rig that now lives at the new Westview Marina. “We lived on our boat for 18 years before moving to Powell River,” he said.

Six years ago the Vilanes visited friends in Powell River. “They said come and have a look and we really liked it,” says Rita.

They were attracted by the art and music. “We thought it would be a good place to spend our twilight years,” she added.

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Although Robert enjoys music, he is not a musician. He enjoys making guitars for friends. Last year, they represented the Vancouver Island Luthiers Guild and visited Cuba. “We took some spruce and cedar and a router and sanders and held a workshop with guitar builders in Cuba,” said Robert. As a thank you, he built a guitar for their host.

Robert recently built a classical guitar for man in Maui and an acoustic guitar for a man in Edmonton. “The back and sides of the acoustic guitar are made out of OSB,” he said. The top is local spruce, the neck is local fir from Theden Forest Products, the inlays are gold mother of pearl leaves and the fret board is gumwood salvaged from the ferry dock repair,” said Robert.

Although this guitar was experimental, it ended up sounding pretty good. “And he offered me a price I couldn’t refuse!”

His guitar-making hobby has opened doors for him and because of it, he’s met many people. “We wouldn’t have gone to Cuba or Hawaii if it wasn’t for guitar making,” he said.

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Powell River Living • july 2012 •

11

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ark Amber Ale rown • Stanley P Sleeman Honey B ager • Alexander Keiths Pale Ale Hermans Dark L odelo

Guiness • Nego M r

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y Apple Cider Robert’s Creek Dr

Beer on tap!

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deral Building in in the historic Fe Powell River’s the heart of the historic Townsite

citrusy hops give pungent, piney, balanced with tInHat • Loads of bitterness that is this brew a strong vours: curry, ir with strong fla body. Pa a malty rgonzola cheese.

smoked meat, Go a light bitterness en blonde ale has ZUnGa • This gold ry, refreshing ody to create a d s. It’s the and a balanced b ean hop of Europ y up the lake. finish, with hints iment to a hot da perfect accompan yummy! ooth, amber and SUnCoaSt • Think sm th great friends and g out wi r hangin This is fo ghs. enjoying lotsa lau

www.WorksConsulting.ca Robert Dufour,

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w Create or edit content for your brochure, website or other marketing materials w Short run printing, in-house w Laminating, light to very heavy

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Print & design that works 604.485.8381 • robert@worksconsulting.ca

AAron serVIce & supply

T

he Powell River Kiwanis Club has been helping our community for 50 years. For 39 of those years, Bob Irving has been a member of the club.

Every year, the Kiwanis donates four or five scholarships to high school students that are valued at $1,000 each. They support breakfast and lunch programs at four schools and the Young Moms program at Brooks with money for supplies and gift certificates.

For the last 40 years, they’ve sponsored minor baseball, given money to the food bank and given hampers at Christmas. “We support the Festival of Arts, the Lang Bay Hall Seniors Dinner and donate to Sea Fair fireworks, Kathaumixw, Meals on Wheels, Orca Bus and Therapeutic Riding,” says Bob. The Kiwanis Club manages Kiwanis Garden Manor Assisted Living and Kiwanis Village, low-income apartments for seniors.

As well, they manage Kiwanis Lifeline call system for people who have health or mobility issues. They have over 130 clients.

Most recently, the Kiwanis ran the Soap Box Derby and Carnival in Wildwood. “Many children who cannot normally afford this have fun at the carnival or race carts that Kiwanis owns.”

The Kiwanis provides 44 benches at bus stops around town and with the help of the Lions Club, they will run a barbecue at Willingdon Beach for the Kathaumixw Children and Youth choir this month.

Did you know…

604 485-5611 • 4703 Marine Ave trevor@aaronservice.com

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Summer Boot Camp

By Isabelle Southcott • isabelle@prliving.ca They say that waking up is hard to do and now I know, I know that it’s true.

M

y spoof on the old “Breaking up is hard to do” may be a little corny, but waking up is hard to do!

Especially at 5:30 when you’re getting up to go to boot camp.

Okay, it’s not as bad as it sounds. The boot camp bit I mean. It’s not like I joined the army last month just so I could write a good story. But I did sign up for Terri Cramb’s T-Fit boot camp.

Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning, Terri and her exercise faithful, plus the odd drop-in and drop-out not-so-faithful, meet at Willingdon Beach just before 6. AM, that is.

Terri keeps telling me that waking up and getting out of bed is the hardest part of boot camp because once you’re moving you’re committed.

Once I actually make it to Willingdon Beach, it does get easier.

The view is spectacular! Imagine standing on the grass at Willingdon on a warm June morning. Birds are twittering, the ocean view inviting, the mountains breathtaking. Heaven.

Terri welcomes us with an early morning jog. Fair enough.

I can do that. I join a couple dozen others (all women) to get warmed up. By the time I get back I’m huffing and puffing.

We begin our exercises. They’re never the same but Terri likes to start and end with stretches and stresses the importance of stretching as part of the routine.

We do lunges, use weights, and do sets of exercises to get our heart rates up. Ab work isn’t optional so you don’t want to forget your mat. Ab work is always on the morning menu. Right after coffee.

Terri does have a few favourite exercises. One is called speed skater, which is exactly as it sounds but because I was doing it and not Olympic medalist Clara Hughes, it is actually much harder.

I enjoy the variety, but boot camp is not for the faint of heart. It is not easy. At least not for me. Women of various ages attend but there’s one young lady who reminds me of the energizer bunny. She’s slim, lithe and energetic. She likes doing marathons. She’s always in front on our runs and I’ve seen her go for a run once she’s finished boot camp. Oh to be twenty-something again!

But I am not and I work at my own pace. I have come to accept that we are all different and my best could well be your worst but does it matter? As long as you get out and exercise.

What’s really great about exercising first thing in the morning is that you can go home, have a shower and have your exercise over and done with by 7:30.

Around here, the outdoor boot camp season is short. It kicks off in May and runs till the end of August. But don’t worry, Terri holds a variety of classes at her T-Fit Yoga and Fitness Studio in Crossroads Village so you can stay fit all year long!

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Are you wAking up with heel pAin?

Want to improve your public speaking?

Need to develop your leadership skills?

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Toast to the Coast Tuesdays @ 7 to 8:30 pm starting in September Oceanview School

We welcome everyone, from the knee-shaking, tongue-tied beginner to the advanced communicator.

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Find out more by calling or emailing

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Thank you to all who made the 2nd Annual Powell River Blues Festival the great event that it was: to our patrons and audience members, to the volunteers, to our unsung heroes, the Powell River Search & Rescue Society, to all our sponsors and production and to the weather — a big thanks for not raining too badly on our parade!

See you all next year...

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Book an appointment at our monthly Powell River clinic 1-888-754-1441 or 250-339-2262 Visit www.mitchellpando.com for more information. Achieve the comfort and function you deserve.

www.powellriverblues2012.com

Powell River Living • july 2012 •

13

Literacy: It means more than you think Families make learning fun

By Emma Levez Larocque

W

hat does “literacy” mean to you? For many it evokes images of reading, writing, and maybe math. The word is often associated with children, and formal learning. But literacy is about more than that. It touches everything we do and experience, no matter our age or station in life.

The Powell River Literacy Council is launching a new campaign called Literacy: It Means More Than You Think. For four months we will be talking about how literacy impacts family, economy, health and community. Along with our partner, First Credit Union, we’re starting this month with a focus on family.

Where learning starts Early learning is important; from the moment babies are born they are soaking up information. Mary James is a School Board Trustee and retired educator who volunteers her time to her passion, early learning. “Early childhood is the most important time in a person’s life in setting the foundation for lifelong learning,” James says.

“During the years zero to five, 90 percent of the brain is sculpted.”

From day one, parents become teachers — their child’s first and most important teachers. Even after a child starts going to school, a parent’s role in their learning is crucial. But what if parents lack literacy skills themselves?

It’s not just about kids People sometimes think family literacy is all about children, but learning is equally important for parents. In fact, the concept of family literacy is to acknowledge that parents’ literacy skills have a strong influence on children. When parents are good role models and help to foster a love of learning, children benefit.

Parents who want to help their children develop as they get older often feel motivated to improve their own skills, and can turn to local programs. CALL (Community Adult Literacy & Learning) is a free and confidential one-on-one tutoring program for adults. Coordinator Deb Calderon says sometimes children are the best inspiration for parents.

“We have had parents come in because they are worried about the day they won’t be able to help their child with their homework,” Calderon says. “These are often our most inspir-

Summer Literacy Events Visit First Credit Union’s booth and story time station at summer events and enter to win the summer literacy draw for a 3-month pass family pass to the Complex!

Visit www.powellriverliteracy.ca for more information on families and literacy, and the events and contests coming up this month.

Find PRLiteracyCouncil on Facebook to join the conversation throughout July.

14 •

www.PRLiving.ca

SUMMER READING: Jordan and Anna Bennett take advantage of warmer weather to spend quality time reading with their sons, Fifer (6) and Finnan (2).

ing learners. They may have fallen through the cracks in the past, but they are determined to better themselves for the sake of their kids, and it’s heartwarming to see the progress and the difference it makes in all of their lives. ” Better literacy often leads to a trickle-down effect in people’s lives. Stronger literacy skills are directly related to improved health, a more secure financial situation, and a stronger sense of community connection.

It takes a community Although family literacy starts at home, there are many ways the community can help. One important connection is how businesses can support family literacy.

“Businesses have a responsibility to the communities they operate in,” says Sandra McDowell, Chief Marketing Officer at First Credit Union (FCU). “It’s important to give back to the communities that support us, and to help keep them healthy, vibrant and strong.” FCU has been setting a good example by supporting programs like Success by 6, the ORCA Bus, Heroes Read and Family Literacy Day. “First Credit Union is proud to support these programs,” McDowell continues. “Literacy is the foundation of strong communities so it makes sense that we would support such an important initiative.”

Businesses and organizations that support parents are key, says Jean Mackenzie, coordinator of Family Place. “We know that all children do better when their parents feel supported and competent. Feeling competent is a huge predictor of a parent being able to parent well. Children do better when communities respond and support families when their children are young, and they do better when services are consistent and available over long term, and available to all children equally.”

Contact West Wind Phone: 604-485-3737 Cell: 604-414-8512 Fax: 604-485-3730 dan@westwindgroup.ca www.westwindgroup.ca 4986 Fernwood Ave. Powell River, BC V8A 3L8

West Wind more than just electrical

F

or more than a decade, Dan Gaudreau focused his business on electricity. And for good reason. Since he started as a helper with GT Electric in 1989, through his apprenticeship, it’s what Dan knew best.

But along the way he picked up a lot of other skills that have helped him diversify his business. So in 2006, he started in the construction business, adding another two to four employees. He was already employing up to four with West Wind Electrical. “Last summer, West Wind had eight guys going,” says Dan. Unlike many construction companies, his workforce is young. The average age is 30. “I’m trying to keep families in Powell River that will bring up kids and make things go around.”

West Wind Developments is a licensed residential builder, specializing in project management. They recently completed a home in downtown Powell River, behind the Town Centre Mall.

“When we were putting this together, I was thinking of a retired couple, so it has a large kitchen and a large master ensuite. This will probably be their last home, so we picked up the quality - stone and solid wood cabinets from Country Woodworks

Dan Gaudreau says the latest West Wind Developments project in downtown Westview is perfect for a retired couple or a single-car family. from custom signs to trailers to checkand a sprinkler system in the lawn so you can go away and not worry about erplate dryboxes for pickup trucks. the lawn turning to dust.”

He recently purchased a 4x8 computer-controlled “CNC” plasma cutter The home is ideal for a single-vehicle for cutting out computer designs on family, since it’s walking distance to aluminum and stainless. all the amenities, including doctors, post of“Diversifying is always a good thing,” fice, shopping and the said Dan. “It creates opportunities.” hospital.

(If you’re interested in taking a look at the Learn more house, contact Dan at about West Wind 604-414-8512 for a personal viewing.) by scanning this, Dan has also recently expanded his or visit services even more, offering metal fabwestwindgroup.ca rication out of his 1800 square-foot shop. He’s been building everything

Custom high quality home for sale 1700 sq/ft. on a large lot located at 4760 Ontario Avenue in Powell River. Close to all amenities.

3 bedrooms, 2 baths. Heat pump ready.

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Call Dan @ 604-414-8512 for a tour.

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Powell River Living • july 2012 •

15

Learn to windsurf, without the water Local invention simulates wind and waves

W

indsurfing is an exhilarating watersport but learning can be cold, wet and frustrating. Peter Bakker recognized the barriers to newcomers to the sport he loves. That’s why he worked with the inventor team on the windsurfing simulator.

“Windsurfing is exciting once you know the techniques,” says Bakker, now 80, “but it’s the hardest thing to learn.”

In 1986, Peter Bakker, George Ouellet and Peter Vanichuck created the first computerized simulator here in Powell River.

Many readers will remember the enthusiasm and excitement of the town as they headed to Vancouver with their invention.

Bakker took over the company in 1990 and refined the invention. The unit has been on tour to a dozen major US cities, England, Germany, Greece, Holland, Switzerland and Japan. It has also been featured in windsurf and boating shows along with high profile appearances on Good Morning America, The Today Show, Donny and Marie, and Late Night with David Letterman.

The SureWind Simulator is still the only computerized windsurfing simulator in the world. It can be programmed for wind speed, stability, the weight of the sailor, add in gusts, and wave action.

One hour on the simulator is equivalent to five hours on the water and the skills required can be practiced in a controlled environment with an instructor alongside.

Because the SureWind simulates the outside environment, people who train on it can be prepared for ‘real’ windsurfing.

They learn to jibe, tack, waterstart and most importantly, how to return to the beach.

The SureWind has been tested and endorsed by world champion windsurfers such as Robbie Naish, Katie Anne Alie and Olympic silver medalist, Scott Steele.

During Watersport Week at Alpha Dive & Kayak, many enthusiasts and groups tried out the unit.

Next year SureWind has been invited to be a special feature at the Vancouver Boat Show. Outside Powell River, the SureWind is used at resorts, by cruise lines and at surf shops. To find out more about windsurfing and training on the SureWind visit www.surewind.com.

windsurf... indoors! Zoe Pelton demonstrates how to use the SureWind windsurf simulator.

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17

Spot Prawn Festival photo winners

People by the Sea

Underwater

Coastal Landscapes

Sealife

(1) Tristan Bellmane (2) Regina Vecsey

(3) Sean Percy (5) Lisa Labree

(7) Belinda Fogarty (8) Romeo Styles

(4) Romeo Styles (6) Sandra McRobbie

18 •

www.PRLiving.ca

Join a mob

Supporting small business in Powell River

By Isabelle Southcott • isabelle@prliving.ca

T

he look of total surprise on the face of Sean Dees, owner of Breakwater Books, was priceless. An expression of disbelief and confusion with a little bit of “What’s going on here?” could literally be read in his eyes as members of Powell River’s Small Business Cash Mob crowded into his store on a rainy Saturday in June.

Cash mob organizer Kathy Pedneault told Sean what was happening as mobsters spread out and began shopping in his store.

“We support small business,” Kathy explained. “Everyone here pledges to spend a minimum of $20 in your business today.”

Men, women and children browsed the books, checked out gifts and lined up

to purchase tea, coffee and food. More than 40 people enjoyed chatting with old friends and making new ones. At times, the lineup was six or seven deep but no one minded as they were there to shop, support and socialize at the same time.

Cash mobs are not unique to Powell River. Stories about them have been published in newspapers all across the province. This recent phenomena is meant to revive community spirit and bring people together in a way that only our ancestors can remember.

Kathy’s sister Lori Brown introduced the idea to Powell River after coming across an article about it on the internet.

“Lori phoned me after reading the article and my thoughts went instantly to Village Meats. Owners, Brian and Miranda MacDonald attend Westview Baptist Church with us and are members of our Christian Business Group. We knew they were struggling along with many other local shops and our group had been exploring different ways of bringing awareness to local mom and pop stores and change the way that we shop within our community.”

Kathy continued by saying that often people thought their small contribution was not worthy of changing their shopping habits. “When Lori read the article

A gathering mob: Something is afoot outside Breakwater Books! At right, owner Sean Dees reacts to the incoming crowd.

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Powell River Living • july 2012 •

19

to me it was incredible. It was exactly what we were trying to do. Show people that their small amount spent locally would make a difference. We can do it enmasse once a month but we can also do it weekly in our everyday lives,” she adds.

local businesses that they haven’t been in before.

A Google search of cash mobs reveals a website that tells you everything about the history of cash mobs and how to plan your own. Cash mobs are fairly new.

Mobbers: Marilyn Brooks, having fun at a cash mob and supporting local business.

Village Meats was the first store to be mobbed. About 100 people showed up for that one in March. Mitchell Brothers was the second business. Some of the food purchased at Mitchells that day was donated to the Faith Lutheran Church’s food bank. “I think they received about $200 worth of gift certificates and food that day,” says Kathy. Peter Mitchell, owner of Mitchell Brothers, also offered a 10 per cent discount to his customers.

“It’s a positive thing,” says Peter. He hadn’t heard anything about the cash mob before and was surprised when some 50 people came through the doors of his store!

The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy was number three and Breakwater Books number four on the cash mob’s list.

Cash mobs are all about building community at a grass roots level. They bring people together to boost the local economy and introduce people to some of great

They started getting established in 2011 in the United States as a grassroots response to the economic hardships experienced by local businesses.

Organizers choose a local independent small business. It has to be a mom and pop kind of operation, Kathy explained.

Big box stores and chains don’t fit the criteria. By using the power of social media like Facebook plus word of mouth, members let everyone know what’s happening and where a few days before about the event. The intention is to keep it a secret from the storeowner.

Everyone who is interested in going brings along at least $20 to spend at the chosen business.

Kathy really doesn't know how they choose. “I believe that God directs us to where we ought to be. We do look at those who could use a little pick me up, a little extra exposure or who have given to our community,” she says.

I went to the Breakwater Books cash mob with my neighbour Linda Wegner in June. Mobster Joyce Wolfe says the whole idea is to get people shopping locally.

Sean Dees says he had no idea what was going on when all of a sudden a whole bunch of people were standing around his till and looking at him!

“It was very unexpected but it was fun,” he says.

You never know how many people will show up at a cash mob. It all depends on the business being mobbed and what else is going on in town. It was pouring the day of the Breakwater mob. The Spot Prawn Festival was also taking place at that day so the mob had competition.

Often people don’t really know what a particular store carries because they’ve never been inside. And all too often, people order things they need online instead of giving local merchants a chance.

Some members of the small business cash mob took the opportunity to give back a step further by donating their Breakwater Books purchase to Westview Baptist Church’s Joy for Toys program, a Christmas gift fundraiser.

I like the idea of supporting local, independent businesses. When you support a locally owned business you know the money you spend helps put groceries on the table, pay for dance or music lessons for the owner’s children, and it helps pay the wages of an employee before it recirculates in the community.

I feel good knowing that it stays local instead of going to pay shareholder dividends.

I purchased two novels that day and a lovely card. Although we support Breakwater Books as much as we can all year by purchasing books and gifts and eating lunch there, it felt good to walk through the doors with the cash mob and spend money to support another independent Powell River business.

To get in on future Powell River cash mobs check out their page on Facebook or email Kathy at kdpedneault@shaw.ca to get on their email list.

Brandy Peterson Reliable answers to your real estate questions

604 485-4231 office 604 344-1234 direct 1-877-485-4231 toll free powellriverrealestate.net brandypeterson@shaw.ca 4766 Joyce Ave

20 •

www.PRLiving.ca

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Trevor Anderson Aaron service & supply Member for over 30 years

tel 604 485-4051 • office@powellriverchamber.com

Jewel of the strait Treasures of Texada

By Angela De Vita

Idents of Powell River have never been

t always surprises me how many resi-

to Texada. Chances are, unless you live in the wilderness, you see Texada every day on your way to work or home from hockey practice. So how, I wonder, could you not be intrigued to visit the “Jewel of the Georgia Strait?” My best guess is that the average person’s stereotypical perspective of Texada is an industrial island with little culture and not a whole lot to

offer (either that or the cost of the ferry).

To be quite frank, if this is your perspective, you are wrong.

Texada is an island full of history, stunning beauty and culture. Due to the low population on Texada, no matter where you go on the island you have privacy and a sense of stillness, which is a rare commodity these days. Being the largest of the gulf islands (and the least populated), Texada has thousands of acres of

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open space that you and your family can explore. Hikers, bikers, kayakers, bird watchers, ATVers, fishermen, and rock hounds alike will all find their paradise on Texada. Here I will describe just a few of the treasures of Texada, and I have no doubt that next time you drive down Marine Avenue and look out across Malaspina Strait to Texada, your interest will be piqued enough to jump on the next ferry and explore our beautiful island.

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akers. Unlike Shelter Point, there are no flush toilets and hot showers!

Pocahontas Mountain Pocahontas Mountain is the perfect spot for the avid hiker. Not for the faint of heart, Pocahontas is a steep five kilometre hike from Pocahontas Bay to the top of the mountain. That being said, the view at the top of the mountain makes the hike well worth while as the 360° views of both Georgia and Malaspina Straits are stunning.

Shelter Point Shelter Point is a regional campground and day use area that sits about half way down the island just south of Gillies Bay. Shelter Point faces west over the Strait of Georgia so the views of nearby Hornby, Denman and Vancouver Islands are phenomenal.

If you are lucky enough to get a coveted ocean front site you will be treated to the frequent viewings of cruise ships heading up the strait, coming so close you feel as if you could reach out and touch them.

Shelter Point boasts amenities such as a concession stand that serves hot entrees as well as ice cream, flush toilets, hot showers, drinking water, designated swimming area, a boat launch and more. If you are looking for the perfect family get-a-way, Shelter Point is the camping site for you.

The Nature Trail Located in Shelter Point Park is a beautiful 1.5 kilometre nature trail. The nature trail boasts huge, old-growth trees, stunning views and bird watching. This trail is great for hikers and bikers alike. Also, as there are over 250 species of birds on the island, and the trail and the island alike are a bird watcher’s paradise.

Shingle Beach If you love the private and rugged camping experience, Shingle Beach is the camping

The History Texada is an island packed with history. The island was discovered by Spanish explorers in 1791. In the late 1800s and into the early 1900s, Texada had a large whaling station at Blubber Bay. As the island is rich in natural resources — such as gold, copper, iron and limestone — it boomed starting in the late 19th century and still has two active limestone quarries today, as well as an active logging industry. At the peak of Texada’s boom days, the island was home to over 5,000 people. Texada also hosted the first Opera House north of San Francisco. There are also indications that First Nations people hunted and harvested on Texada Island before it was discovered in 1791 — although they never settled on Texada permanently.

For more information about the history on Texada, you can visit one of two museums on the island which have knowledgeable staff and ample artifacts and photos from Texada’s exciting history. and day use area for you. Shingle Beach is a forestry site located on the west side of Texada. From the beach you look across to Lasqueti and Vancouver Islands. Due to the low amount of boat traffic, swimming is very safe at Shingle Beach, making it a great escape for families and kay-

Tug-Guhm

Tug-guhm... “sun” in coastal Salish, is also the name of Debra Bevaart’s studio gallery. A showcase for more than 40 local artists with Debra’s stone sculptures brought to life on-site, strong coastal imagery is the theme of this gallery.

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www.SunshineCoastTours.ca

Princess Louisa Inlet (from Egmont) Sechelt Inlet (from Porpoise Bay)

ask about charter tours from Saltery Bay

22 •

A great community Texada is a community that has always supported me. When I was a young entrepreneur (at the ripe old age of six) the people of Texada bought bags of ice out of the back of our van at Shelter Point.

When it was time for me to take my first

since 1989

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Ever wanted to try skimboarding? Head over to Texada for Sandcastle Weekend and take in the Skimboard Jam July 21-22 at Gillies Bay. Skimboarding is kind of like surfing, but it takes place near the shore. The skimboarder stands about 20 feet from the shore holding his skimboard and waits for a wave. When they see a wave they run towards it until they reach wet sand. At that point they drop their skimboard and jump on as quickly as possible. Once on board, the skimmer must remain as stable as possible and prepare to make the transition to the ocean.

Deanna Parsley is a 40-something skim-

Skimboard fun boarder who discovered the sport three years ago. Deanna was nervous at first. “I bounce a lot harder now than I did at 16.”

Despite this, she loved it. “You have to jump on a moving board and ride a wave while using your arms as a rudder with your core balance grounded on the board.”

Skim boarding requires coordination to throw the board, sprint, jump on and ride the wave.

For just $5 you can enter this year’s jam, get a lesson and be eligible to win prizes. Lessons are taught by experienced skimboarders from Vancouver who love coming to Texada and introducing more people to this growing sport.

For more info about skimboarding check out their Facebook page at Texada Island Fourth Annual Skull Skates Skim Jam or email suemoon@xplornet.com.

school trip to Cuba, it was the residents of the island who saved up their bottles and donated countless pennies so that I could go perform with the school band in the sun. At graduation, it was the community of Texada that came together to support my first year of post secondary education with $3,500 in scholarships. In fact, as you drive around Texada you will undoubtedly be greeted by the famous friendly “finger wave” from each vehicle you pass. So why am I telling you all this?

In my opinion, the people make the place and I think the people of Texada are the greatest treasure of all.

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Powell River Living • july 2012 •

23

Geo what?

A modern day treasure hunt with a cache at the end!

By Isabelle Southcott • isabelle@prliving.ca

I

magine a bunch of excited kids with maps frantically running around a large property trying to find a hidden treasure.

There’s a birthday cake in the background, candles and dollar store prizes to be won.

The year? 1970-something.

Now imagine more children and adults armed with GPS united running pell-mell through the bush as they race to find the hidden treasure. Every now and then they stop, recheck the coordinates and talk about their plan of action before setting off again. The year? Yup: 2012.

More and more people are turning to geocaching as a fun, inexpensive family activity. Modern day, electronic treasure hunt players try to find hidden caches (containers) filled with everything from a tin whistle to a bag of marbles to fridge magnets.

Geocachers navigate to a specific set of GPS coordinates and then attempt to find the geocache container hidden at that location. Not long ago, students in Derek Elliott’s class at Edgehill Elementary School went on a geocache adventure. They searched the McLeod Road area. They were successful in their

treasures all around! Happy smiles all around after discovering a geocache.

Start with a plan: Edgehill Elementary students work out the clues to find their next treasure.

geocache quest but along the way, the boys uncovered something else…a garter snake.

Powell River has hundreds of geocaches. Some are easy to get to, others more challenging. When you find one with good swag, be sure to replace what you take with something else. Don’t forget to say thank you, which in geocache language is TFTH (thanks for the hunt), and to visit the geocache website and enter your info online when you get back home.

Jen Vasseur, Powell River Visitors Centre manager, says geocaching is big on Texada Island and around Powell River.

“We know it is attracting visitors but the funny thing about geocaching is that it is all top secret… you don’t let out information on where the geocache is!”

The Duck Lake Trail system has a number of geocaches, says Jen. “If someone came in and asked me where to go geocaching I’d send them there. Texada is another good place, so is Lund.

Even the Willingdon Beach Trail and the Seawall. They’re everywhere. It’s fun for the whole family!”

Geocaching is easy especially if you have an iPhone. You don’t even need a separate GPS. Just download the app and go for a hike. “Kids love it. It’s a thrill when they find a geocahe.”

For more info or to download caches, visit www.geocaching. com.

Brandy Peterson is happy to let her clients

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By Kim Miller • office@powellriverchamber.com

owell River’s business community heaved a sigh of relief on June 25, when Catalyst Paper Corporation’s creditors approved its restructuring plan under the Companies Creditors Arrangement Act. More than 99 per cent of secured and unsecured creditors voted to approve their plan. “With the cooperation of employees, vendors, customers, pensioners and investors, Catalyst has been able to make progress through a very complicated situation at an unprecedented swift pace,” said President and Chief Executive Officer Kevin J. Clarke. He noted that during the recent uncertainty, Catalyst has been able to keep all its customers. Catalyst also got some help from the provincial government, which will change some rules regarding the salaried pension plan to provide for a special portability election option and solvency funding relief, which the company estimates will save some $7 million annually. There are also some changes at the local mill management. Stew Gibson will be heading to the Island while Brian Johnston will return as the GM of the Powell River Division.

First Credit Union is planning to merge with the Cumberland and District Credit Union by buying up the island operation’s $24 million in assets and bringing its eight employees into the fold.

If approved by the members, the combined organization would have four credit union branches, six insurance branches, $223 million in assets, over 10,000 members, and over 150 employees, operating under the First Credit Union name. “Both credit unions will emerge stronger,” said Gerry Wray, Board Chair of First Credit Union. Once through the due diligence stage, the transfer of assets from CDCU to FCU must receive regulatory and membership approval.

Paula and Marius O’Keefe-Blitz moved here two and a half years ago from Vancouver to live in a friendly, small community with the goal of starting a small home-based business.

Blitz Beach House Creations is now producing handcrafted wood products from locally harvested and milled red cedar, alder and maple. They have created two product lines to begin with: grilling planks and small wood crates. The grilling planks appeal to the barbecue enthusiast wishing to serve food that offers optimum flavor and pleasing presentation, and can also be used as small appetizer platters. Heat branded with the company logo and Powell River, BC, they also make good gifts. The crates are made from first growth Douglas Fir, are portable and stackable, and work for both the retail and the home brew wine and beer market. You can find Blitz creations at Quality Foods, The Chopping Block, Marine Traders, Rona, Lund General Store, The Boardwalk Restaurant, and Squatter’s Creek Wines. Contact Paula and Marius at www.blitzbeachhousecreations.com or 604 414-9488.

Sarah Hooff CSNC (Certified Sports and Holistic Nutrition Consultant) has opened her office at 4680 Willingdon Ave, 604 485-4807. Call Sarah for a one-on-one consultation or join her the last Saturday evening of every month for a discussion and workshop, meal included. July’s topic is Energy and Fatigue, August’s topic is Children’s Nutrition and September ‘s topic will be Sports Nutrition. She also offers a free first consult for mothers with new babies. You can email Sarah at livenutrition@ live.ca or find her on Facebook.

Powell River’s 95.7 Sun FM will soon have a sister station in Sechelt, with Vista Radio entering into an agreement to purchase The Coast 91.7. The two radio stations will cover local news and promote local events. Together, they’re also launching www.HQsunshinecoast.com, which will be fuelled by both radio station newsrooms, serving as the Sunshine Coast’s only daily publication. Vista currently operates 12 HQ websites and with the recent acquisition of Haliburton Broadcasting, will soon hold a total of 62 radio licenses across BC, Alberta, the NWT and Ontario.

Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) Anthony McMorran has returned home to Powell River to work with Dawne Briggs, RMT and Erin Perrault, RMT at the new location of Westview Massage Therapy 5 – 4603 Marine Avenue, beside the Treefrog Bistro. He is available Mondays through Thursdays and taking new clients. He can help with soft-tissue and stress related disorders, biomechanical and movement problems and with relieving pain using myofascial release, craniosacral and selfregulation therapy. For appointments call 604 485-7085. He is now nationally certified in therapeutic massage and bodywork in the USA so will be available for snowbirds heading south next winter! Anthony was in Arizona for one year where he married physical therapist Katherine Dow, and started a new business in downtown Phoenix called Balance Within, providing yoga, physical therapy and massage therapy.

Lawyer Katya Buck recently moved to Villani & Company.

Originally from Powell River, she moved to Vancouver in 1991 for school, earned degrees in psychology and social work, she was admitted to the bar in Texas (where her family had relocated) in 2007. She moved back to Powell River and was called to the BC Bar in May 2011. Contact Katya at Villani & Company at 604 485-6188 or email katya@villaniandco.com.

A.C.E. Courier Services has expanded their services in Powell River. Derek Lobel, a seven-year resident of Powell River, is now working for the company in sales. A.C.E. has same-day service in Powell River, overnight service to Campbell River, Comox Valley, Nanaimo, Port McNeill and Port Hardy, and twoday service to the Lower Mainland and Victoria. They courier anything from large skids to small parcels and envelopes. Call A.C.E. at 604 483-4845.

Do you have any changes within your business you want Powell River to know about? New managers/owners or are you moving locations?

Starting a new business? Call Kim at 604 485-4051 to be included in the next issue of Powell River Living.

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Powell River Living • july 2012 •

25

By George M Campbell

T

his month I celebrate the 83rd anniversary of the day that I was born.

Some folks find this hard to believe. Oh, I don’t mean to say that they find it hard to believe that I’m 83 years old; I mean they find it hard to believe I was born in July, under the sign of Leo the Lion. They think I talk (and write) more like I was born under the sign of Taurus the Bull. Hm-m-m, I wonder what makes ’em think that? In any case, my advanced age has got me to reminiscing about the past and some of the things that I remember and miss.

Things like picking up the telephone and hearing a pleasant female voice say, “Number, please.” And the voice didn’t have a strange foreign accent, either. I’m thinking way back to the days when the telephone was fastened permanently to the wall and you had to stand directly in front of it to talk into the mouthpiece. If you were a little kid like me, you had to stand on a chair to use it. I can remember thinking, “Boy, when I get big enough to use the phone without climbing on a chair, then I’ll really be grown up!” Well, I’m finally grown up, but

the phone is no longer fastened to the wall. Nope, nowadays the phone is in the pocket, purse or sometimes even the ear of the person using it.

Another thing I miss is the lady tellers at the bank. Somehow the automatic teller machine just doesn’t have the same pizzazz as a real, live, pretty, female human being counting out your money. The machine may be faster, and make fewer (if any) mistakes, but it doesn’t look good in lipstick and a short skirt — and you can’t ask it out on a date.

I guess you could if you were some sort of a mechanical robot, but the teller machine is probably programmed to turn you down in any case.

I also miss going out to the movies on Saturday night. Oh yes, I know I can watch just about any and every movie ever made right here at home in my own living room on TV, but somehow that doesn’t have the same magic as getting dressed up and going out to a real movie theatre to watch a show. I miss those magic moments sitting in the dark while holding hands with my sweetie pie and staring up at that huge screen and watching Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall.

Oh yeah — those were the days.

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I miss seeing the ladies in skirts and dresses. Today, it seems, they all wear slacks. It doesn’t matter whether they are six years old, or eighty, they are in slacks. What happened? I liked it better back in the days when they wore those nylon stockings with the seams up the back, high heels, a nice pleated skirt and a frilly blouse. And lipstick.

How come women don’t wear lipstick anymore? I really miss those ‘good old days’ when women were women and the men were glad of it. It makes me think of that old adage: “The hand that rocks the cradle, rules the world”. Well, today she not only rules the world, she wears the pants in the family as well.

I can remember back to the days when a glass of beer was only ten cents. Boy, I really do miss that. Speaking of beer, I believe I have written quite enough about the old days and the things that I miss, and it is time I partook of a nice cold barley sandwich. A-h-h-h… the wonderful taste of a cold glass of beer! That’s one thing that hasn’t changed, and I am glad of that.

Happy Birthday George!

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Castles in the sand And lots of other fun stuff!

T

exada Island’s annual Sandcastle Weekend takes place July 21 and 22.

Activities get under way at 11 am Saturday with a parade on Gillies Bay Road from south of the village up to the RCMP station. There’s chalk-drawing and water fights plus bed-races at the tennis courts.

Both Saturday and Sunday feature skim-boarding classes on the beach. Food and craft vendors surround the ball field in Gillies Bay where there will be an ongoing softball tournament, bingo in the afternoon on Saturday and a pork roast dinner Saturday evening starting at 5:30. Then it’s on to Shelter Point Park for an evening of fun, including a lip sync contest, moonTHERE ARE INDUSTRY TESTprofessional STANDARDS. bags on the tide, and a dazzling laser light show.

THERE ARE INDUSTRY TEST STANDARDS. AND THEN THERE ARE TRANE STANDARDS. Sunday starts with a pancake breakfast at the Texada CommuAND THEN THERE ARE TRANE STANDARDS. nity Hall, then everyone heads to the beach to build sand sculptures and vie for the top prizes. Judging is by People’s Choice.

Sunday wraps up with awards at the ballpark around 3 pm.

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Powell River Living • july 2012 •

27

A growing concern

By Jonathan van Wiltenburg • edenhort@gmail.com

W

ith the weather being so wet and cool last month I have rediscovered how beneficial a little protection can be for those tender plants. I will admit I had some initial trouble with many of my plants this spring. Many were sitting idle in the beds The bean seedlings rotted and were ravaged by slugs. The solution was very simple, and inexpensive – a cloche.

So what exactly is a cloche? A cloche is a transparent bell shaped covering for forcing and protecting young plants. Using cloches is an old technique and although it may sound too simple to really give results it does actually work wonders. It works by creating a small microclimate around the plant and by doing so it gives the plant a heat boost during the day, and much needed shelter during the cool nights. The other bonus is they provide protection from slugs and bugs that can do major damage in the early part of the spring. Back in the old days, cloches were made of glass and were costly additions to the garden. Nowadays, most of them are made out of plastic, making them far more affordable. They are available from most garden centers, and sell for $2-$5.

Using cloches is not complicated. Typically cloches are used at the start of the season until your plants outgrow them, or until the weather warms up sufficiently. The instructions are simple. Plant your seedlings as you would normally, then cover them with the cloche. Be sure to secure it to the ground so they don’t end up blowing all over the yard.

So, if you are looking for a good investment for your garden next spring to give those tender plants a jump-start, think about the cloche. It will surprise you how well it performs.

Priorities for July 1 Harvest, harvest, harvest! Pick vegetables young. If you slow down on the harvest, plants will set seed and useful growth will decline. Don’t forget the fruits and berries.

2 Now is the time to prune back your Japanese maples if they need it. Also you can prune back your lilac, spirea, deutzia and other flowering shrubs.

3 Watering. If you do need to water, water deeply and in the morning. Try not to get foliage wet. Scuffle/scratch the soil to increase the probability of the water moving downward. In severe cases of compaction, get out the digging fork to loosen the soil.

4 If you have not already done so, prune back all your winter heathers and begin deadheading your annuals, perennials, and shrubs. This should encourage new flowers or advantageous growth.

5 Feed all container plantings every month. If your soil is sub-par in the garden a feed every now and then would be a welcome boost. Use a general-purpose organic fertilizer if possible. Water-soluble is an excellent option as you can water and feed all at once.

6 Watch for pests and disease. Be alert for powdery mildew, blackspot, tomato blight, aphids, carrot root fly, and cabbage white moth.

7 Train/tie up the tomatoes continuously, keep removing the suckers growing in the crotches.

8 Summer prune your fruit trees. Remove the water suckers (suckers are the new branches growing straight up) to slow down the suckering cycle and allow for air movement into the center of the tree.

9 In the raspberry/ bramble patch remove the weak new raspberry canes. Focus growth on new stronger canes.

10 Stop watering the garlic in preparation for harvest. As the garlic begins to die back, remove from the soil, cure, then store in a cool, dry, dark place.

11 The first week of July is the last time to plant up certain parts of the winter garden. Get those cabbage broccoli, kale, and brussel sprouts in ASAP. 12 If you’re into propagation, now is the time to take many softwood cuttings. Things like lavender, sage, and many of your ornamentals will root nicely in 4-6 weeks.

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ORCA: (On the Road with Children’s Activities) programs

JUly JULY July 11: Kale Force Potluck dinner at the Community Re-

source Centre (4752 Joyce Ave), 6 pm. Transition Town Powell River Picnic and outdoor event, 7 pm. For info contact Kevin at 604 483-9052 or email: transitionpowellriver@gmail.com.

July 13: Fun In the Sun! Free Activity - Reduce, Recycle, Re-use Day. 10:30 am – noon. Come down to Willingdon Beach and enjoy a morning of parent-child Interactive fun. Everyone Welcome. Donations welcome! Feel Free to stop by Family Place for further information or any questions about fun In The Sun. July 14: River Town Riot Roller Derby Bout, 5 – 7 pm at the Recreation Complex. Watch live Roller Derby action.

POW!TOWN Roller Derby League’s debut bout against the Brick House Betties from Vancouver Island. Doors open at 4:30 pm. Junior pre-bout scrimmage at 5 pm.

Tickets $5 for 12 and older. Kids are free. Tickets will be available at A&W, Ecossentials, Split Endz, Creative Rift, First Credit Union and at the door. Fun for the whole Family. For info email powtownderby@yahoo.ca, or visit www.powtownderby.com.

July 19: Sea Fair Kickoff Dance featuring 1006 Celtic Band at the Marine in Pub, tickets $30 each. Doors open at 6 pm, band plays from 7 – 11 pm. Join us for a great evening of dancing, sing-along, clap and cheer. For info call 604 414‑0574. Brought to you by the Powell River Yacht Club.

July 20: Fun in the Sun! Free Activity - Plants and Animals Day. 10:30 – noon. Come down to Willingdon Beach and enjoy a morning of parent-child Interactive fun. Stop by Family Place for further information or any questions.

July 21 - 22: Skim boarding jam during Sandcastle Weekend on Texada Island. 10:30 am – 1 pm on Saturday. Lessons and a skim jam with lots of prizes. $5 lets you join the jam and get you a lesson.

July 28: An evening with Sarah Hoof, Certified Sports and Holistic Nutrition Consultant, 4680 Willingdon Avenue, 6:30 pm. Cost is $25 and includes meal and demonstration on how to make your own Vitamin Syrup. Email livenutrition@live.ca or call 604 485-4807 for reservations.

August 3: Fun In the Sun! Free Activity - Coastal Living Day. 10:30 – noon. Come down to Willingdon Beach and enjoy a morning of parent-child interactive fun.

August 10: Fun In the Sun! Free Activity - Ocean and Beach Day. 10:30 – noon. Come down to Willingdon Beach and enjoy a morning of parent-child interactive fun.

August 11: Texada Artists’ Studio Tour. An artistic treasure will be unveiled on Texada Island. The island has been shy on the art tour circuit the past six years, but its artists, artisans and creators of amazing stuff have been hard at work. Some are new to Texada since the last island arts tour and some have refined their techniques.

Call Sandy at 604 223-0171 or 604 315-1708.

August 17: Fun In the Sun! Free Activity–Exploring Nature Day. 10:30 – noon. Come down to Willingdon Beach and enjoy a morning of parent-child interactive fun.

August 26: Run the Rock Marathon and half Marathon.

Registration is $40 before August 12. Later registrants pay $60 and will be accepted until August 23. Starts at 7 am from Shelter Point Park for Marathon, Half Marathon starts from Van Anda School (walkers at 8:30 am and runners at 9 am). To register, or for more info call 604 486-0377 or email rmcwill@gmail.com or visit www. avidfitness.ca/rock September 6: Fourth Annual Registration Fair! To book a table for your organization call 604 485-0023 or email info@sheridandanceacademy.ca. Location to be announced.

Now until August 31: Powell River Forestry Museum will be open for the summer from 12:30 - 4:30 pm.

Call for Artists: The annual Powell River Studio Tour is issuing an open call for artists wishing to participate in this year’s event. Now in its 8th year, the popular self guided tour showcases local artists and their studios in locations from Saltery Bay to Lund. This year’s event will take place Aug 25 & 26th, 10-5 PM. For more information and artist signup, please visit www.powellriverartists.com.

run Monday to Friday. For full schedule info visit www. successby6powellriver.ca or call Sheila at 604 485-2132.

Alcoholics Anonymous: 8:30 – 9:30 pm. Fridays at United Church basement, Saturdays at Hospital Boardroom, Sundays at Alano Club. For more info call 604 414-0944, 604 485-5346, 604 483-9736. Texada Island: 604 486-0117.

Sundays: Powell River Horseshoe Pitching Club, drop in of all ages 6 - 96 years young, takes place from 9:30 am - 12:30 pm, at the Complex, April to September. Anyone can join. Shoes are available. For more info contact Jim Hoffman at 604 483-4853 or Lorraine Hubick at 604 4855589.

Fairs & festivals July 3 – 7: International Choral Kathaumixw –

Tickets available July 1 – 7 at the Poplar Room of Recreation Complex at 5001 Joyce Avenue. 9:30 4:30 Monday to Friday & Saturday 9:30 -1 pm and at the door 30 minutes before the concert. More info at www.kathuamixw.org July 6 – 8: Diversity Festival - Shingle Beach on Texada Island. For details please visit www.diversityfestival.ca July 15: Texada Island Fly-In - Camping for out of town flyers at Texada Airport, pancake breakfast, viation oriented displays, AeroSpace kids camp displays, wind tunnel demo, flight simulator for kids, comedy act “Runway Mystery”, homebuilt aircraft judging, aviation contests, Fly-In Fling dance Saturday July 14th at the Legion. Watch the skies for a performance by the Fraser Blues. Contact: O.C (Doby) Dobrostanski, Email: artatdg@gmail.com, phone: 604 486-0334 July 20 – 22: Texada Sandcastle Weekend –This annual event is a week-end of fun for the whole family, with races, games, contests, a parade, skim boarding jam, finishing up with a pig roast. Contact: Cheryl Nyl (vendors) Email: mcnyl@aisl.bc.ca Phone: 604-486-7327. More info at www.texada. org/sandcastle.html July 26 – 28: 49th Annual Sea Fair Festival - The Powell River Sea Fair Festival is a fun filled family event that includes a midway, non-stop entertainment, a parade, contests and much more. Friday: 5 pm – 11 pm, Saturday: noon – 11 pm or at end of fireworks, Sunday: breakfast to 5pm. For more info visit www.powellriverseafair.com August 17: Blackberry Festival Street Party, 6 – 10 pm. Huge street party on Marine Avenue with music, entertainment, food and lots of family fun.

For info call Cathy at 604 483 9454.

August 18 and 19: ARTS Alive in the Park at Willingdon Beach. Join artists as they create and sell their creations during this weekend festival from 12 noon to 8 pm both days.

September 1 & 2: The Sunshine Music Festival is an annual event that takes place during the Labour Day Weekend. The Festival is a celebration of live music from across Canada and the world.

Expect to see world-class performances in a picturesque setting at Palm Beach Park on the waterfront. Shop at the craft market and enjoy some tasty treats from the many food vendors. Year after year, the festival gets better and better! Hope to see you there, and don’t forget your beachwear! For more info call 604 487-4107 or check out the website www.sunshinemusicfest.com September 22 & 23: Fall Fair and Horse Show.

Traditional country fair with entries for home canning, gardening, baked goods, crafts, art, wine and eggs. Exhibition of livestock, poultry, honey bees.

Opportunity for community groups to have information tables and displays. Pony rides, petting zoo, children’s play area, auctions, live music, entertainment, farmer’s market.

September 29: Third Annual Salmon Festival, 1 pm at Club Bon Accueil. Family fun. Banquet Dinner 6 pm, live entertainment to follow.

Contact: Linda Cosentino at 604 483-3966, email admin@clubbonaccueil.com or visit www.clubbonaccueil.com

Mondays: Family Place Garden Group: 10:30 am–12 pm

at the Community Demonstration Garden. Call 604 4852706.

Mondays: Cinch card games at RC Legion #164, 7 pm.

Newcomers welcome.

Mondays: Bike ride at Suncoast Cycle, 6 pm Mondays: Whist Club at Lang Bay Hall, 1 pm. 604 4879332.

Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays: Garage Sale, 4476 Cumberland Place (behind Massullo Motors), 9 am – 3 pm.

Proceeds to funding job skills training program for people with mental illness. Info: call Sasha at 604 485-0087.

Second Monday: at Family Place: “Multiples,” a group for parents with twins and more! 10 – 11:30 am.

Last Monday: La Leche League, breastfeeding support, 10 am at Family Place. Call Lynne at 604 487-4418 for info.

Tuesdays: at Family Place; “Toddler Time”; parent-child open drop-in and circle time 10:30 am–12 pm. “Parent Child Drop-in”; 12:30 pm–4:30 pm. Everyone Welcome.

Tuesdays: Soup Kitchen at Seventh Day Adventist Church (4880 Manson Ave), noon–1:30 pm.

First & third Tuesday: Kiwanis Club of PR, 7:30 pm at the Annex on Kiwanis Avenue. For more info call 604 487-9332.

Tues & Thurs: Bike Ride starting at RCMP lot, 6 pm First & Second Tuesday: Food Bank, 6812-D Alberni Street, 10 am – 2 pm. Call 604 485-9166.

Second Tuesday: Parkinson Support Group (Jan–June & Sept–Nov), 1:30 pm, Trinity Hall of the United Church.

For more info call 604 485-9129.

FFirst Wednesday: Fibromyalgia Self Help group meets from 1 – 3 pm at the Senior’s Centre in Cranberry.

First Wednesday: Family Place: “Stone Soup” cooperative lunch and “Open Space” planning, 12:30–2:30.

Second Wednesday: SPCA meets at Quality Foods Boardroom at 7 pm. Everyone Welcome.

Wednesdays: Family Place; “Baby and Me”; parent-child drop-in; 10:30 am – 12:30 pm. “The open Space”; parent led family programs; 12:30–2:30 pm. Parent-child Dropin 12:30 – 4:30 pm. Everyone welcome.

Wednesdays: Salvation Army Soup & Sandwich 11:30 am–1 pm, by donation. Everyone welcome.

Thursdays: Family Place, parent/child drop-in, 10:30 am to 4:30 pm. Please contact the Parent-Child Mother Goose program coordinator at mothergoose@prepsociety.org for info.

Thursdays: Soup Kitchen at Seventh Day Adventist Church (4880 Manson Ave), noon–1:30 pm.

Thursdays: River City Slims, a self help weight loss group.5:30 – 7:30 pm at Lighthouse Community Church (Burnaby and Michigan). New members welcome.

Thursdays: West Coast Swing dancing and lessons. Beginners or advanced welcome. Single or with a partner.

7-9 pm at the Carlson Community Club. $2 drop-in.

Thursdays: Crib Club at Lang Bay Hall, 7 pm. 604 4879332.

Fridays: Ravens Wheelchair Basketball, drop-in, everyone welcome, chairs provided. 4:00 - 6:00 pm in the Oceanview School Gym. For more info call 604 485-2688.

Fridays: Family Place, parent child drop in, 12:30–4:30 pm, everyone welcome. Please call 604 485‑2706 for info about “Rhythm Circle Time” & “Bi-lingual Playgroup”.

Second Friday: CrossRoads Neighborhood Café, Kelly Creek Community Church, 2380 Zillinsky Road, 7 - 9 pm.

Open mike, free refreshments. Everyone Welcome! Bring the whole family! For more info contact Catherine Morris at 604 578-8555 or cate.morris@gmail.com.

Saturdays: Knitting Group meets from 11 - 4 at Great Balls of Wool (4722 Marine Avenue). For more info, contact Roisin at 604 485-4859.

Saturdays: Ham radio enthusiasts meet at 10 am at A&W. Everyone welcome.

Second & Fourth Saturday: Faith Lutheran Food Cupboard is open 12 noon to 2 pm. 4811 Ontario Street (corner of Alberni). Call 604 485-2000.

Third Saturday: Senior’s Center in Cranberry holds their afternoon of cards, games and scrabble at 1 pm. Register by calling 604 485‑9562 or 604 485-2153. Everyone is welcome.

Please submit calendar items to bonnie@prliving.ca by the 20th of each month

Powell River Living • july 2012 •

29

Summer busy for maintenance team F

or most of us, the beginning of July signals the start of summer holidays and a more relaxed pace. But for Ken Philip and School District 47’s maintenance department, it marks the start of the busy season.

July 2 is the first day classrooms are empty and halls are quiet. It is the first day that they can begin painting, replacing floors and windows, and doing all kinds of other maintenance work that they can’t do while class is in session.

The school district’s maintenance department is made up of a six-person crew. “Five of us are tradesmen and one is a groundsman,” says Ken, who is School District 47’s maintenance foreman. He is also an A gas fitter/ plumber and pipe fitter.

Ken speaks highly of the district’s maintenance crew. “We are all very versatile.

We multi task. We do whatever needs to be done. It doesn’t matter if it’s weed eating, mowing, blowing, pruning, trimming, flooring, painting, siding, drywalling, plumbing, heating, roofing repairs or cabinetwork,” says Ken. The maintenance department may be small but Ken says his team strives to make a difference.

At the workshop on Abbotsford Street, they keep supplies in stock. “This is the maintenance shop and grounds shop. We keep supplies here. We also have the tool crib and a carpenter shop where we make the cabinets. As well, we hold all the custodial supplies for the district here.”

In many ways the maintenance shop is the team’s headquarters.

“We keep all the blueprints for all of the schools here and we keep catalogues on all the schools for reference.”

By looking at these documents Ken can tell when a particular school was built, what materials were used, where all the plumbing is and so on. “They’re like reference books for anything that has happened in the school.”

The crew will be painting inside and outside this summer and reroofing some schools.

A couple of months ago, the school district made a concerted effort with direction from the trustees to spruce up the grounds, says Ken. They have been busy mowing,

30 •

www.PRLiving.ca

weed eating and cutting more often at all the schools. “We have three guys dedicated to grounds right now. We are really trying to dress up the grounds and the entrance ways.”

Many windows will be replaced and new flooring installed. Playground cleanup is also a priority.

Last month, the BC government said they would spend $3.3 million to repair and replace playgrounds at more than 80 schools across the province. Both James Thom-

EFFICIENCY CHECKER: Maintenance foreman Ken Philip holds a combustion analyzer used to ensure that School District 47’s boilers are running efficiently.

son and Edgehill Elementary will receive $25,000 for playground equipment under the new program.

More improvements are planned for James Thomson Elementary. New windows provided by Modern Windows have been put in the heritage building. The

school is being repainted and sanitary and storm sewers are being upgraded to present day standards.

This summer they will fence the new DIGS – Discover Imagine Grow Schoolyard garden – to keep the wildlife at bay.

Oceanview School, which ceased operation as a school last month, is another project. It is being redesignated as a joint cooperative through the School District and Vancouver Island University with the carpentry program, the hairdressing program and media centre moving there along with the boxing club, the judo club and Westview Learning Centre’s programs.

“We have lots of renovations to do this summer with changes to Oceanview. We have washrooms to add, proper sinks for hairdressing, and washers and driers. We have to upgrade unit ventilators in all the rooms that are being renovated and we will be replacing the windows in those rooms too.”

As maintenance foreman, Ken is responsible for scheduling the arrival of supplies so everything arrives in time. It takes four to six weeks to get flooring and windows and everything has to be ready to go on July 2.

Ken enjoys working with the district’s administration. “They are progressive in their thinking and innovative in what they do to generate extra money for the district.”

When Brooks Secondary School was built, it was state of the art, and the new Westview Elementary School will be, too.

“They bought all state of the art heating and ventilation and there’s DDC (direct digital control) of heating and ventilation.” That means that Ken can sit at his computer in his office on Abbotsford Street and see why there is no heat in a particular classroom!

Ken likes the fact that the new systems are more energy efficient than the old ones so the district is able to realize a savings in energy costs.

“Everything is designed to cost less to operate.”

Ken and his crew have a lot of irons in the fire and will be busy renovating, tidying up the grounds, and doing repairs so that when the bell rings in September, School District 47 is ready to welcome students back.

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Chiropractic Roller Coaster We see it all the time. A patient faces a health crisis and shows up in our practice. We’re always delighted to help, but often as soon as the client feels better, they discontinue their regular care.

That’s how our society tends to view health care: attend to health matters only after losing your health.

The entire process is similar to riding a roller coaster.

After using lots of energy, the roller coaster is pulled up a steep incline. That’s like the frequent visits a new patient experiences when beginning care. Up on top the views are great, but when the power pulling the coaster up is removed, there’s only one way to go! Like patients who feel better and then discontinue their care, they coast.

Gravity wins every time.

Much of the healing and retraining of muscles and ligaments necessary for more lasting spinal changes happen after the relief of obvious symptoms. That’s why discontinuing care too soon invites a relapse.

Coasting right back to the bottom is fun on a roller coaster, but not much fun when it applies to your health!

604.485.7907

Conveniently located at 4683 Marine Ave • 604 485-5356

Blinds • Carpet • Laminate • Hardwood • Vinyl • Tile

Dr Ted Johnson www.powellriverchiro.ca

Are you coasting? If it’s been a while since your last chiropractic checkup, arrange one today!

See yourself living here?

You came for a visit, now you want to stay for a lifetime.

We get it. We love Powell River, too!

We also love helping people build their dream homes - from first design to the final touches.

Pick a property, then call WB Contracting.

What does WB do?

Project management Project design New Custom homes Foundations & Framing Renos (large or small) Interior Decorating

Wes Brown, Owner

www.wbcontracting.ca These logos mean our work for you is guaranteed!

3577 MacKenzie Avenue

(604) 485-6656

wes@wbcontracting.com

Powell River Living • july 2012 •

31

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