Powell River Living December 2016 by Sean Percy

FREE DECEMBER 2016

WORKING THE CHRISTMAS SHIFT • TRUMP • BIRDS • PLAN YOUR HOLIDAYS

DESTINATION:

CHRISTMAS

Light, lean and versatile, the Dyson V6 Slim Stick Vacuum handles any cleaning job. It features 15 cyclones on 2 tiers that create powerful constant suction to capture everything from heavy dirt to fine debris. The centre of gravity is in the grip so you can use it as a handheld vacuum to get at high places like ceilings, crevices and curtains.

Deluxe Equipment Rack for drying sports equipment. Ideal for hockey equipment, but fits gear from many sports.

Boxing Day SALE

days only

Monday-Thursday DECEMBER 26-29 Watch your favourite movies, TV shows or the big game on the LG Smart TV Virtual surround sound. Access content from premium providers like Netflix and YouTube. Customize your LG home dashboard with your most-used Apps. Built in Wi-Fi. TV screen: 32” (81 cm).

STORE HOURS

Monday – Friday 8 am – 9 pm Saturday 8 am – 6 pm Sundays 10 am – 5 pm 4720 Joyce Ave Store: 604 485-4649 Auto Centre: 604 485-4639

HOLIDAY HOURS

Christmas Eve open til 4 pm Christmas Day closed Boxing Day 8 am – 9 pm New Year’s Eve 8 am – 5 pm New Year’s Day closed

CANADIANTIRE.CA • december 2016 • prliving.caLocally owned and operated in Powell River by Michelle Hodgkinson-Kristof

AN EASIER WAY TO COLLECT YOUR CANADIAN TIRE ‘MONEY’ Plus it saves your receipt for you!

Stuff the trailer

For the Powell River Action Food Bank

The goal Fill a 36-foot trailer with food Coast FM, City Transfer and Safeway are joining forces to fill a 36-foot trailer for the Powell River Action Food Bank.

How can you help?

The big event

Friday, December 2 through Friday, December 16

You’re invited to our party! Come and shake your Christmas booty to Denis & The Menaces

Come by and drop off food in Safeway to fill the trailer.

The Kings game December 10, 5pm, Hap Parker Arena We will be at the Kings game with $5 and $10 food hamper bags to sell. The City Transfer 36 foot trailer, Coast FM, Safeway, and the Powell River Food Bank will all be on site. Bring non-perishable food items, purchase food hamper bags or donate cash!

The final stretch December 16, Safeway parking lot Bobby Fields and Kim Wall will once again co-host their show live at Safeway between 1pm and 5pm. Drop by and bring your donation – this is your last chance to drop off a food or cash donation before City Transfer hooks their tractor up to their 36’ trailer and delivers it full of food to the Powell River Action Food Bank.

Friday, December 2 Party at Safeway Bobby Fields and Kim Wall with 95.7 Coast FM will co-host their show live on location at Safeway between 1 pm and 5 pm. Come and meet your politicians! Mayor Dave Formosa and Powell River Regional District’s Chair Patrick Brabazon are joining the party!

POWELL RIVER LIVING • december 2016 •

Vote for your favourite businesses! See nomination form on Page 35 POWELL RIVER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

BUSINESS AWARDS

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

N OM IN AT ION F OR M

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES OF THE YEAR

This accredited business must exemplify innovation, professionalism and integrity. This category is limited to the professional company, not the individual employee or contractor.

BUSINESS NAME

HOME-BASED BUSINESS AWARD

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

CUSTOMER SERVICE - RETAIL

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

BUSINESS NAME

OWNER/MANAGER/CONTACT NAME

NEW BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

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

BUSINESS NAME

This business has demonstrated a superior ability to satisfy visitors’ expectations through their services and/or products. This business provides and promotes an outstanding visitor experience and actively encourages the growth of Powell River & Area as a destination.

CUSTOMER SERVICE - HOSPITALITY

A hospitality business that has consistently provided its customers with excellent service that goes beyond customer expectations. It also encourages its staff to meet the changing customer needs and stands behind its product or service with minimum customer inconvenience.

BUSINESS NAME

OWNER/MANAGER/CONTACT NAME

ENTREPRENEUR(S) OF THE YEAR

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

AGRICULTURAL AWARD

BUSINESS NAME

OWNER/MANAGER/CONTACT NAME

ABORIGINAL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

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

NOT FOR PROFIT EXCELLENCE AWARD

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

BUSINESS NAME

OWNER/MANAGER/CONTACT NAME

This business shows excellence and innovation in communications and sustainability in forestry, forest management or forestrelated industry by going beyond legislative requirements and wisely balancing the economic, social and environmental values of our forests.

EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR

A business owner or manager who creates a positive, fair, and supportive environment for all employees, while maintaining and even exceeding employment standards and safety policies. This employer models integrity and excellent communication skills. (Nominations must be accompanied by comments as to why this employer deserves this award.)

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

A business that has been in operation for more than 5 years and has consistently offered outstanding service and/or product to its customers, and displays a strong commitment to community involvement. A business that contributes to the social, recreational, cultural and overall well-being of the community. (Nominations must be accompanied by comments as to why this business deserves this award.)

BUSINESS NAME

OWNER/MANAGER/CONTACT NAME

Enter only one business per category. Duplicate nomination forms for the same business are not necessary. All entries will be submitted to a judging panel for final decision. Deadline for nominations is Friday Jan 20, 2017. All businesses must have been operating for a minimum of 12 months to be considered for a nomination. Mail or drop off your completed nomination form to Powell River Chamber of Commerce 6807 Wharf Street, V8A 1T9. Or enter online at powellriverchamber.com Your name:

Counting Crows

Annual bird count

BANQUET & AWARDS PRESENTATION SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2017

Phone #:

Trump in Powell River!

I Made the Move

Tiny Stories

Gifts for the mycophile

How to be a good guest

My special Christmas visitors

What’s Up

How his influence may seep here

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

OWNER/MANAGER/CONTACT NAME

FORESTRY SECTOR AWARD

A holiday paycheque

OWNER/MANAGER/CONTACT NAME

A business with under 10 employees that has demonstrated superior quality in all aspects of business operation and shows a commitment to the community through its involvement.

BUSINESS NAME

OWNER/MANAGER/CONTACT NAME

TOURISM AWARD

Working the Christmas Shift

BUSINESS NAME

OWNER/MANAGER/CONTACT NAME

SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

BUSINESS NAME

OWNER/MANAGER/CONTACT NAME

LARGE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

A business with over 10 employees that has demonstrated superior quality in all aspects of business operation and shows a commitment to the community through its involvement.

CONTENTS DECEMBER 2016

DWIGHT HALL • 6 PM Tickets: $50 each — Table of eight: $350 BOOK YOUR TABLE NOW!

Biz whiz moves for Mom

Library’s 420 character winners

For friends who love mushrooms Powell River Living is a member of:

Tips to make your stay merry

This magazine is supported entirely by our advertisers. We encourage you to choose the businesses that you see in these pages. We do.

A literary memoir

Crazy for compost Publisher & Managing Editor

Isabelle Southcott isabelle@prliving.ca

Associate Publisher & Sales Manager

Sean Percy sean@prliving.ca Editor & Graphics

Pieta Woolley pieta@prliving.ca Sales & Marketing

Suzi Wiebe suzi@prliving.ca Accounts Receivable

Lauri Percy lauri@prliving.ca

Still Standing

Youth transit activists

Business Awards

Teen mural collaboration

Huge holiday calendar!

Business Connections

Trees get a reprieve

Action works

Voting happens now!

With Luke Ramsey

Plus Chor Musica and Robin Hood

Change is afoot

Events What’s Up Krakens and Philosophers

Lust List Gift it to your favesl

ON THE COVER Celebrate the Season, a 2015 painting by Powell River’s own Alfred Muma. See story on Page 30.

• december 2016 • prliving.ca

Take a Break Charity tarot and arts crossword

Last Word Cracking the Nutcracker

47 48 52 54

CONTRIBUTORS ANDREW BRYANT is a selfemployed conservation biologist who specializes in the science and management of threatened species. With a Ph.D from the University of Victoria, Dr. Bryant has worked all across Canada on red-shouldered hawks, burrowing owls, hibernating bats, old-growth forest songbirds, aquatic plants, grizzly bears, rare butterflies, sundews and Vancouver Island marmots and on spider monkeys in Costa Rica. A relative newcomer to Powell River, he enjoys photography, paddling a canoe, problem-solving, and learning more about the history that brought us to where we are. JASON ADDY is a Stillwaterbased home brewer, mountaineer, photographer and cyclist. He is a board member of the Friends of Stillwater Bluffs Association, and the founding President of the Self-propelled Outdoor Club.. LOKMAN WONG is a Grade nine student at Assumption. She is a member of Powell River Youth Council and countless other organizations. With a love performing, you may have seen her in school or community productions. On rainy days (like Powell River winters), she likes to snuggle down in her room with a good book and a cup of tea. BEV FALCONER grew up in the Townsite during the 1930s and 1940s and has written about many of those memories. She enjoys reading to the residents of the Extended Care Unit and Willingdon Creek Village and listening to their stories. Bev is also a dedicated recycler, composter and supporter of local farmers. IONI WAIS is an educator and media producer living in Powel River, with an interest in people, plants and place. Trained in botany and anthropology, his wide range of interests and skills have led to collaborations with diverse groups and organizations. He is the mustard-mind behind Vegetation Station and the founder of the Powell River Mushrooms & Mycology Facebook page. For more information, visit vegetationstation.ca or email ionatan.ws@gmail.com

Volume 11, Number 12

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 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. © 2016 Southcott Communications. We reserve the right to refuse any submission or advertisement.

ISSN 1718-8601

Powell River Living is 100% locally owned and operated by:

Complete issues are available online at:

www.prliving.ca

PUBLISHER’S MESSAGE

Room for one more W

hen my kids were little, Christmas dinner consisted of our immediate family, grandparents and whatever aunts, uncles and cousins were available in a given year. As the years flew by and my boys grew, our family changed. We divorced, Grandpa Peebles died and Grandma moved to Comox. My children spent Christmas with their dad and I separately. Now our Christmas dinners include my partner and his family as well. I love my own two children but I also love my three step-children. We might think our hearts are full but somehow they have this ability to expand to make room for more. Vivian Phillips, a server at the Garden Court Restaurant, tells a story on Page 9 that beautifully illustrates how there is always room for one more. She talked about an elderly gentleman and his wife who used to come to the restaurant for Christmas din-

ner year after year but then, the gentleman’s wife passed away. Another family at the restaurant found they had room for one more. Making room for others in our lives is important. We do it as individuals, and we do it as a community. On Page 40, Powell River newbie Paul Miniato found a whole new social crew when he joined Chor Musica this year (they’re looking for new members!) And Theatre Now’s inclusive mandate showcases that even on stage, there’s room for everyone. Not everyone has lived in Powell River for generations. Some recent arrivals brought large families with them. Other new residents are on their own and have not yet found their tribe. Some have been here for years but still, they find themselves on their own. My Christmas changes a bit every year. My once starry-eyed toddlers filled with the magic of the season, are now young men on the brink of stepping away from the

family nest. I cherish the Christmases I have left with them for soon, they’ll have families of their own and Christmas will change once again. Christmas is about love and family, and family, we know, comes in many different shapes and sizes. Some of our family members are related and some unrelated but still we are all connected. For me, the most important thing is coming together and sharing. Do you know someone who is on their own? Someone who is lonely? If the answer is yes, won’t you open your hearts and squeeze the chairs together at the table this Christmas so you can make room for one more? Merry Christmas to all!

ISABELLE SOUTHCOTT | isabelle@prliving.ca

y e l l a v t a s p o h s a t n eve n sa Makita® Power Tools for the handy person, Nest® Thermostat and Nest® Protect for the techie. Stocking stuffers (flashlights, Otterbox®, nails), & much more!

A Holiday Hours

Closed Saturday Dec. 24, through Sunday Jan. 1 Regular business hours resume Monday, Jan. 2 Mond

POWELL RIVER LIVING • december 2016 •

Working the

Christmas Shift BY ISABELLE SOUTHCOTT | isabelle@prliving.ca

On Christmas Day most of us are cocooned in our homes with family, friends and relatives while warm Christmas lights twinkle softly in the background.

We’ve opened our gifts, admired the tree and if we are so inclined, attended church before sitting down to a turkey dinner with all the trimmings. But there are some folks, and you’ll read about them below, who don’t get to spend December 25 with their loved ones because they’re working. Essential service providers like paramedics, firefighters, the RCMP, doctors and nurses must be there 24/7 365 days a year because you never know when an emergency will occur. Others, like the ferry worker, the kid who pumps gas or the mill worker work in businesses that are open Christmas Day and they have to work. Powell River Living wishes to thank everyone who works on Christmas Day and let them know that their work does not go unnoticed. We caught up with some of them and asked them to share their stories.

• december 2016 • prliving.ca

Jennifer Laycraft

First Aid/Protection Officer Catalyst Paper Powell River

Kevin Cote

Firefighter Powell River Fire Rescue Number of Christmases worked: Six. What I like about working Christmas: Keeping my community safe. I chose the fire service because I wanted to serve my community and keep the community safe. What I don’t like about working Christmas: Being away from my family is always tough during the holiday season but that’s part of the job. I still get to see my family for a while before or after my shift on Christmas Day. Nicest thing or strangest thing to happen while working Christmas: I don’t think you can publish it! Best story: My aunt, Cathy Stogre, always has Christmas dinner at her house. One year she cooked and brought Christmas dinner down to everyone who was on shift at the firehall!

“We kept [Christmas dinner] warm on the engines of the lifeboat. Hours had passed by the time we finished up our call and by then we were all pretty wet and ‘hangry.’ ” - Jennifer Laycraft

Number of Christmases worked: I’ve worked many Christmas shifts in my life. But since being at Catalyst only four years and two of them have landed me here at Christmas time. What I like about working Christmas: Well I have a pretty solid relationship with my crew and we make the best of it. But above all the company is rather generous with overtime and banked days off when it comes to working major statutory holidays (also paying for this one). What I dislike about working Christmas: I have two boys at home, age five and seven, so it’s a pretty magical age to be missing Christmas with them. But there is always a silver lining, Mom’s pretty good friends with Santa and IF they are really, really good for the rest of the year, Santa has agreed to come early just for us. The boys can spend Christmas at their Dad’s house this year. Two Christmas mornings for them is a win-win for me, so I feel a little less guilty about being at work. Best or strangest story: Since being at the mill I’ve been pretty lucky as far as quiet shifts go. They use minimal manning over the holidays. I used to work for the Coast Guard and one year I decided to make a Christmas dinner for the crew as most of them were from out-of-town and away from their families. The power kept going out, as there was a heck of a good storm that year. Eventually I gave up on the oven and I wrapped the bird in tinfoil and finished it on the barbecue. A crew of very hungry sailors was about to sit down to a very late dinner and lo and behold our pagers went off! We threw dinner in a big tray and took it with us. We kept it warm on the engines of the lifeboat. Hours had passed by the time we finished up our call and by then we were all pretty wet and “hangry.” We tied up the boat and ate our 2 am Christmas Dinner right there at the dock in the pouring rain. Let me tell you that was the best barbecue/manifold dried out turkey dinner ever!

POWELL RIVER LIVING • december 2016 •

Shelley Brown

Primary care paramedic BC Ambulance Number of Christmases worked: Most Christmases for the past 17 years. What I like about working Christmas: Since I don’t have children and my family is primarily in town, I generally work holidays to allow others who have children and grandchildren, or who have to travel to be with their families, the ability to have Christmas with their loved ones. What I don’t like about working Christmas is missing family dinner, or other family activities, and not being with my partner, whose family is elsewhere. My family is quite flexible though and they try to work around my schedule. I manage to still get a fair amount of visiting and eating (though no drinking) in. There’s no long holiday walks either, whether working at the station, or just carrying the pager. Holidays for shift workers that work them, feel quite different from having a Christmas without work. It’s definitely a different, less relaxing pace. Best story: Christmas can be a time of cheer and a time of sadness. Tragedy and loneliness hit harder at that time of year. This makes tough calls sometimes tougher. But it’s what we do, all part of the job and as paramedics we know what we signed up for. I find working Christmas rewarding. It’s nice to share Christmas cheer and spirit with the families and patients we help, as well as co-workers, and the other emergency services we work with.

Kelly Belanger

Chef Edie Rae’s Café, Old Courthouse Inn Number of Christmases worked: Five in Powell River (plus another 30 in Alberta). What I like about working Christmas: Taking care of people. Feeding them and making their holiday stress free so momma doesn’t have to worry about cooking breakfast. What I don’t like about working Christmas: Getting up at 5 am to make sure breakfast is perfect on Christmas Day. Nicest or strangest thing to happen while working Christmas: The heart warming Christmas cards we get from all our guests and regulars. Best story: When we used to cook Christmas dinner there was such a sense of family and everyone had a good time. Even though we were amongst 30 potential strangers it felt like we were all family.

Wishing Powell River

hope peace love and joy This Christmas

... and thanking all our customers for another wonderful year. We looking forward to many more. Happy New Year! 8

• december 2016 • prliving.ca

Vivian Phillips

Server Garden Court Restaurant Town Centre Hotel

Constable Kerri Chard

Number of Christmases worked: 12. What I like about working Christmas: I love it. I love the people who come in on Christmas Day. Ninety per cent of them are people I serve all year round so it’s like one big party because they all know each other.

Powell River RCMP

Number of Christmases worked: I have been a police officer for over 19 years now. I have three children at home so other than during one year of maternity leave, I can't remember not putting my uniform on during the holidays. What I like about working Christmas Day: It’s the only day of the year where almost everything is closed, so it seems really quiet. While working during the holidays, my co-workers are in the same situation. We work as a team, through the good and the bad. In Powell River, I am fortunate enough to be able to go home for a quick meal break if time allows. What I don’t like about working Christmas Day: We have to bring our own Thermos - there’s no drive through open! Unfortunately, people who are calling the police for assistance on Christmas Day are usually having a really bad day. My job is to help try to make it a little better by helping families resolve conflict during traumatic, emotional times.

What I don’t like about working Christmas: I don’t really think there is anything I don’t like about working Christmas Day. It’s fun. If I’m not scheduled to work Christmas (if it falls on my day off) I always ask if I can work on Christmas Day.

Personally, it makes Christmas with the family difficult because my husband is a firefighter and sometimes we’re both working different times on Christmas. For a long time, the kids couldn’t read the calendar, so we just made Christmas a different day.

Nicest or strangest thing to happen while working Christmas: One year a gentleman came in for Christmas Dinner. He’d been coming for many years with his wife but she’d just passed away so this year he came in all by himself. Another family, who didn’t know him, asked me if I knew him. I said yes, why? They wanted to know why he looked so sad. I told them he’d just lost his wife. The next thing I knew they asked him to join them!

Nicest thing or strangest thing to happen while working Christmas Day: We’ve had random families we don’t know invite us for Christmas dinner.

Best story: We have one family I’ve served for 12 years that always comes in on Christmas Day. All 12 of them, including the grandmother. They all sing Christmas carols and hang spoons off their noses. They have a grand old time and they get the whole restaurant going.

What’s your best story about working over Christmas? I will have to give credit to some of my fellow officers who donated their own personal time and money to help a family in need during the holidays, providing them with gifts and food.

Rally Rally Rally SUPPO A LOCA RT LC & WINAUSE BIG PR IZES December 10/16 will be giving away another $7,000.00

e $50,000 Grand Prize g a k c a 2017 Chevy Trax Prize P udes: 2016 Honda Incl two $1,000 prizes

Great Prizes - 7 more chances to Win - Great Odds – Great Cause “You could be The Difference Maker” The Kings are looking to sell ALL of the tickets- only you can make it happen!

BUY ONLINE at PRKINGSDREAMLOTTERY.CA or at Town Center Mall Monday to Saturday 10am to 4pm and Capone’s Cellar daily. Dream Lottery Tickets $100 each • 50/50 Tickets $20 each Problem Gambling Help Line 1-888-795-6111 www.bcresponsiblegambling.ca • 19 + to play! KNOW YOUR LIMIT, PLAY WITHIN IT.

MAIN DRAW DATE JANUARY 7, 2017

Chances are 1 in 2,499 (total tickets for sale) to win the grand prize BC Gaming Event Licence #87575 Chances are 1 in 4,000 (total tickets for sale) to win the 50/50 prize BC Gaming Event Licence #87583

POWELL RIVER LIVING • december 2016 •

Construction has begun!

Make an impact this Christmas. Give the gift of a generation. SOLD! First Credit Union Community Room $40,000

Meeting Rooms $9,000

Various Book Collections $5,000

Teen Area $23,000

Townsite Brewing

Elsie Paul Literacy Centre Powell River Employment Society (PREP) $5,000 Study Furniture $200

Book Cart $500

Computer Area $15,000 Circulation Desk $20,000

Teen Furniture $500 – $1,000

Anne Woznow Children’s Reading Room Ron Woznow and Family $20,000 Reading Lounge $15,000

Lounge seating $500 – $1,000

Children’s furniture $500 – $5,000

BE A PART OF THE GRAND PLAN.

3 10

ways to give

1. Visit the campaign website: buildafuture.ca/donate

• december 2016 • prliving.ca

2. Visit the library 4411 Michigan Avenue

Foyer $250,000

3. Contact us: Terry Noreault, Chief Librarian buildafuture@prpl.ca 604-485-4796 Charitable donations are eligible for tax receipts.

Counting crows BY ANDREW BRYANT

bevy of bird watchers, armed with binoculars and telescopes, will soon be out and about to take part in the Audubon Christmas Bird Count. This annual event dates back to 1900, when Frank M. Chapman proposed a new holiday tradition. Chapman sought to replace the longstanding “side hunt” – which saw hunters competing over how many species could be bagged in a day – with something less lethal. The 27 participants of that first “Christmas Bird Census” recorded 18,500 birds, 89 species, in 25 locations from New Brunswick to California. They published their results a year later – and a really good idea took flight. What we now know as the Christmas Bird Count has grown since then, with counts occurring throughout the Americas and even far-flung places like Guam, Shemya and Bermuda. The Malaspina Naturalists have been helping with the Powell River count since 2004 – and we host another one just for kids and their parents. The Christmas Bird Count is the longest-running and best example of “citizen-science” – ever. Why? Simply this: with so many participants, such broad geographic coverage, and simple methods, the count has produced mountains of useful data. The point is not to count every last bird; rather it is to detect trends in bird distribution and numbers. Thus researchers can begin to ask, and answer, questions such as: Which birds are doing well, and which are not? What species show growing, or shrinking, ranges in the face of global warming? Which ones are showing response to habitat loss? How has the sound of the “dawn chorus” changed since the days of Mr. Chapman?

Counts in Canada are coordinated by Bird Studies Canada; their 2015 report says that over 14,000 people participated in 460 counts, recording over 3.5 million birds and 305 species – the highest tally ever. Impressive as these numbers are, so too is the volume of scientific work based upon them. The science is likely to appeal to other scientists, mostly. Studies typically emerge with eye-catching titles like ‘Synchronous eruptions of boreal seed-eating birds,’ or ‘European starlings and their effect on native cavitynesting birds.’ Occasionally you’ll come across a paper of direct, immediate relevance to humans, including my current favorite, ‘Crow deaths as a sentinel surveillance system for West Nile virus.’

“The Christmas Bird Count is the longest-running and best example of ‘citizenscience’ – ever.” – Andrew Bryant Small wonder that the idea of using volunteers to count things has been adopted by others, because it works – hence you can also find papers like Monitoring butterfly populations using the Fourth of July butterfly count. As they say, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Participants don’t need to be expert bird-watchers. Indeed, perhaps the very best thing about the Christmas Bird Count is that you get to hang out with, and learn from, more experienced birders. It’s fun. It’s free. It’s an excuse to learn about some of the other creatures that we share the planet with. Most of all, it’s inherently useful. Join us!

WISHING YOU AND YOUR FAMILY A HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON

brookfieldrenewable.com

POWELL RIVER LIVING • december 2016 •

Merry Christmas from The Salvation Army!

hat graceful words might I write this lovely season to encourage support of our work? Then as I stood in the rain at the cenotaph on Nov 11th, the words of William Booth, founder of The Salvation Army, spoken over 100 years ago, came to mind. “While women weep, as they do now, I’ll fight While little children go hungry, as they do now, I’ll fight While men go to prison, in and out, in and out, as they do now, I’ll fight While there is a drunkard left, While there is a poor lost girl upon the streets, While there remains one dark soul without the light of God, I’ll fight-I’ll fight to the very end!” To me these words tell the story of our heart as The Salvation Army. We fight. Every day all year long. We never stop. In some way we fight. Whether you make a donation to one of our Christmas Kettles this season, stop by 4500 Joyce Avenue for a visit, or find us online at www. salvationarmypr.ca, I want to ask you to stand with us for those who have no voice and who have no fight left. Will you join us in fight? Thank You and Have a Blessed Christmas. Captain BJ Loder Powell River Salvation Army 604-485-6067 contact@salvationarmypr.ca

The Salvation Army 2016 Christmas Appeal 4500 Joyce Ave, Powell River, BC V8A 3A6

Yes, I want to give others hope today. Here is my gift of $ Family Name (print) or Company name First Name Address

City Receipt requested? Yes [ ] No [ ]

• december 2016 • prliving.ca

Postal Code

Thank

you

Malaspina Christmas Bird Count 2016: When and how to participate December 17 • Christmas Bird Count Anyone can participate but you must first register with the compiler, who assigns you to a specified group within the count circle. Dress for the weather! Groups count from dawn till dusk, and then gather over a potluck dinner to compile the results. You can also participate by watching birds at bird-feeders at your own home! Contact Heather Harbord at hharbord@shaw.ca (604 485-5379) December 3 • Christmas Bird Count for Kids This is a less strenuous, two-hour event with spotting scopes, binoculars and hot chocolate provided. Open to children aged 5 to 12 years with their adult. Local birders will be on hand to help with identification. We will begin at Willingdon Beach Campground Shelter at 10 am and carry on until noon. Dress for the weather! Contact Janet May at youngnaturalist@gmail.com 604 487-9149) Interested in our club? The Malaspina Naturalists can be found at: www.malanat.ca

WHAT LOCAL COUNTERS SAW: Top: the chestnut-backed chickadee. Left: killdeer in flight. Above: John Treen, young Henry and others. Right: Elizabeth Tenhoeve tallies for the count. Top right: double-breasted Cormorant. Middle right: Barred Owl. Bottom right: Great Blue Heron at the Marina. All photos by Andrew Bryant

POWELL RIVER LIVING • december 2016 •

Santa Visiting Hours

Five ways Donald Trump could affect Powell River

photo by Gage Skidmore

BY PIETA WOOLLEY | pieta@prliving.ca

SANTA ARRIVES DECEMBER 4th

Sunday, December 4, 12pm – 4pm December 5 to 14, 1pm – 4pm December 15 & 16, 1pm – 4pm, 5pm – 7pm December 17, 11am – 1pm, 2pm – 5pm December 18, 1pm – 4pm December 19 to 21, 11am – 1pm, 2pm – 5pm December 22 & 23, 11am – 1pm, 2pm – 4:30pm, 5pm – 7pm December 24, Christmas Eve, 11am – 2pm

604.485.4681

prtowncentre.com

In short, no one knows what Trump’s gonna do when he’s President. Nearly everyone – likely Trump included – was surprised by his November 8 win. The former reality TV star will be inaugurated January 20 (barring other surprises) and that’s when whatever will be, will be. In the meantime, here are five ways Powell River might get Trumped.

New neighbours from the south

WOMEN, MEN & KID’S SIZES

NEW NIKE STOCK & SIZES!

Sportzone has a ton of NEW Shoes, Hoodies, Sports Bras, Shorts and Workout Apparel NOW IN STOCK - Just in time for Christmas!

EVEN MORE BRAND NAMES IN STORE

facebook.com/PRSportzone

604.485.2080

• december 2016 • prliving.ca

The folklore has already started: on election night, the Citizenship Canada Web site attracted so many searchers for “How to immigrate to Canada,” it crashed. There’s a precedent for this wave. Back in the 1960s, the upper Sunshine Coast was the final destination for dozens of draft dodgers and other under-the-radar immigrants fleeing the US. It could happen again. In a November 14 story, Global News reported that Trump’s promise to deport migrants living in the US illegally could mean those migrants move north; others, too, who may find the new regime dangerous or distasteful may choose the maple leaf over the stars and stripes.

Empty pockets

To workers south of the border, Trump’s protectionist promise sounds idyllic. Rip up trade deals? You betcha. But for workers who depend on that US trade – such as Canada’s forest industry, currently in the middle of trying to settle the softwood lumber dispute – these are scary times. BC sold $3.3 billion in lumber to the US in 2015, the Globe and Mail reported November 9, in a story illuminating how much damage a Trump presidency could do to BC’s forest sector. About one in six Powell River workers works directly in the industry – will the big companies be able to find new markets if the US dries up? Lafarge’s Texada Quarry, on the other hand, mostly sells limestone within BC (workers are currently locked out), with some sales to the Pacific Northwest.

Higher ground elsewhere

On the ballot in California November 8 was the choice to legalize recreational marijuana. It passed with 56 percent of the vote – meaning that smoking up for fun is legal along the whole coast from California to Alaska – except in BC. Dan Clarke, the director of Grassroots Botanicals Wellness Cooperative on Willingdon, said Trump could have an impact – it’s just impossible to know what it might be. “There could possibly be a border crackdown, but most of the talk has been the U.S.\Mexican border,” he said. “The US Drug Enforcement Agency already has over 100 agents operating in B.C., but its been that way for a long time, so no real extra concern.”

Bridging the divide

In the US, this election highlighted two demographics that rarely engage with each other. You know who they are. At their worst, one is an elitist, economy-destroying, urban, post-industrial love-in, while the other is a populist, planet-destroying, rural, racist throwback. Thanks to a repentant media, the discussion has become, thankfully, far more nuanced. The urbanites are discovering why their rural counterparts are so pissed off (and so resistant to their smugness and soaring rhetoric) and the ruralites are having to face their own deplorable motivations and actions. So there is hope that south of the border, the divided cultures are learning about each other, and how to speak to each other. Powell River is of course culturally divided, too. Hopefully we absorb some of the patience and open mindedness our American and British cousins are being forced to learn, post-Trump and Brexit.

WWIII

Well, thank goodness Clinton wasn’t elected. Her Syrian policies could have started WWIII (so said Trump in an interview in late October.) Realistically, though, if the worst happens and the new “Commander in Chief” ignites a new global conflict, Powell River is not particularly well-located. A quarter of the US’s nuclear arsenal is at Bangor submarine base, just north of Seattle, according to the Seattle Times. Which of course makes northern Washington a target. The worst effects of a nuclear bomb only spread about 80 kilometres. And let’s not discuss fallout. All of that being said, war, especially nuclear war, is not imminent. So let’s hope / pray that, instead of the worst predictions, 2017 ushers in a new, global Pax Trumpana.

Winter Wonderland Admission Prices Infant 0-3 years Free Child 4-12 years $3.40 Youth 13-18 years $4.65 Student 19-25 years $5.15 Adult 19-59 years $6.10 Senior 60+ years $5.15

Public Skating & Private Rentals Available Call 604-485-2891 to rent the ice with Winter Wonderland or for more info.

Family rate

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Winter Wonderland Everyone Welcome Noon – 2:00 pm

Shinny Hockey 14 & Over 10:00 – 11:30 am

Winter Wonderland Hamper Skate Bring a food donation Everyone Welcome 5:00 - 7:00 pm

Winter Wonderland Everyone Welcome 6:00 – 8:00 pm

Shinny Hockey 50 & Over 10:00 – 11:30 am

Shinny Hockey 50 & Over 8:30 - 10:00 am Winter Wonderland Toonie Skate 3:30 – 5:30 pm

10 Shinny Hockey 14 & Over Winter 11:45 – 1:15 pm Wonderland Everyone Welcome Winter Noon – 2:00 pm Wonderland Opening Night Everyone Welcome 7:00 - 9:00 pm

16 17 Shinny Hockey 14 Winter & Over Wonderland Winter 11:45 – 1:15 pm Skate With Santa Wonderland Everyone Welcome Skate With Santa Winter Noon – 2:00 pm Everyone Welcome Wonderland Noon – 2:00 pm Everyone Welcome 7:00 – 9:00 pm

20 21 22 23 Winter Winter Shinny Hockey Winter Winter Winter Wonderland Wonderland 50 & Over Wonderland Wonderland Wonderland Everyone Welcome Everyone Welcome 10:00 – 11:30 am Everyone Welcome Everyone Welcome Everyone Welcome 10:00 am - Noon 10:00 am—Noon Noon - 2:00 pm Noon - 2:00 pm Noon - 2:00 pm Adult/Senior Skate Winter Adult Shinny 11:00 - 12:30 pm Kid’s Shinny Kid’s Shinny Kid’s Shinny Wonderland 2:00 - 3:30 pm Noon - 1:30 pm Noon - 1:30 pm Noon - 1:30 pm Everyone Welcome Kid’s Shinny 6:00 – 8:00 pm Noon - 1:30 pm Winter Winter Parent/Child Wonderland Wonderland Hockey Winter Everyone Welcome Everyone Welcome 5:00 – 6:30 pm Wonderland 6:00 – 8:00 pm 6:00 – 8:00 pm Everyone Welcome Winter 6:15 - 8:15 pm Wonderland Everyone Welcome 7:00 – 9:00 pm

Christmas Day Complex Closed

Shinny Hockey 14 & Over 11:45 – 1:15 pm

Saturday

$12.65 9

Family skate (includes admission and skate rentals) $18.55 Skate rentals $3.25 Helmet Rental Free Skate Sharpen $5.50

Sunday

Friday

Winter Wonderland Everyone Welcome Noon - 2:00 pm Christmas Eve Closed At 2 pm

26 Boxing Day Opens 10:00am Winter Winter Wonderland Wonderland Everyone Welcome 11:00 am – 1:00 pm Winter Winter Wonderland Wonderland Everyone Welcome 2:00 - 4:00 pm CLOSED at 4 pm

Complex gift certificates and admission tickets make great stocking stuffers! POWELL RIVER LIVING • december 2016 •

Brooks Secondary School

Moving on up: Lauren English, Grade 10, left, and Catriona Hopper, Grade 11, right, catch up with Brooks Principal Jamie Burt just outside his office.

Bold changes for a

bright future W

hen Jamie Burt took over as Principal of Brooks Secondary School three years ago, he knew he was facing a challenge. “Our school is changing, much like our community. We are seeing fewer students coming through our doors.” With 800 students in grades 8 to 12 and 75 staff, Brooks is by far the largest school in Powell River - although it is considered a mid-sized high school provincially. “Being the only high school in the Powell River Regional District has challenges and opportunities. We get a wide mix of learners so we try to be everything to everyone,” said Jamie. “The close student-to-student and student-tostaff relationships make Brooks unique. People always say how positive the energy at the school feels.” Brooks is committed to providing as many good learning opportunities as possible – which Jamie notes has become increasingly challenging due to declining enrollment. For example, Grad 2017 is approximately 132 teens; last year’s grad class was nearly double that number, at 218 students. Compounding smaller student numbers is the high percentage of part-time students in the higher grades. This year’s 132 graduates are taking the course equivalent of just 99 full-time students. Brooks will continue to promote its dual-credit programs, as it benefits so many students: carpentry, culinary arts, automotive, welding, film and hairdressing. Plus Coast Mountain Acade-

• december 2016 • prliving.ca

my and first year academics at Vancouver Island University. “They have proven to capture the interest of many students as compared to a more traditional path,” says Jamie. “This gives them options.” But communication, says Jamie, is critical to any school’s success which is why a weekly student week at a glance (SWAG) is now emailed out to parents every Monday morning. “We’ve had quite a bit of positive feedback about this,” says Jamie. “Parents says they find it really helpful.” The introduction of X-blocks, high interest mini-courses, is new this year. They are designed to allow students and teachers to personalize their learning. “This has really changed the way kids see their learning. What we have is in many cases teachers sharing something they are passionate about that students may not know they are so interested in. It’s almost like a co-learning scenario. Mr. Bennet is offering a radio course and Madame Chevalier teaches Parisian tea. She gets into the history of tea, they learn about French culture and make crepes. In the spring Ms. Gunn will be teaching bee keeping.” The school’s athletic programs are also topnotch – especially given the size of the high school. The school’s senior girls volleyball team is ranked number one in BC and the junior boys cross country team recently finished third. “We will continue to work with our school community in an effort to create the best opportunities for our students in these changing times,” said Jamie.

What’s the best thing about Brooks? Lauryn MacKenzie, Grade 11 “I’m in band and vocal jazz and taking digital media. There’s just a huge variety of choices.” Malcolm Crocker, Grade 11 “There’s a lot of support to help us achieve our dreams.”

Want to learn more? Contact us. School District #47 4351 Ontario Ave 604 485-6271

www.sd47.bc.ca

I MADE THE MOVE Where is your favourite place in Powell River? Dan • I would have to say Haslam Lake. I have spent a good deal of time kayaking there. I also enjoy running on the trails around Wildwood and Scout Mountain. This summer both my kids visited and we hiked and camped sections of the Sunshine Coast Trail.

Biz whiz came for the hiking S

How did you first hear about Powell River? Dan • My younger brother discovered Powell River in the 70’s and I was really surprised when my parents chose to move here after being entrenched in southwest Ontario for 50 years. What would make Powell River a nicer community? Dan • More opportunities for gainful employment.

(and his parents)

ince arriving in Powell River two years ago, Dan Tatham has wasted no time making himself at home. In addition to pursuing his outdoor passions – skiing, hiking, biking and kayaking, Dan is a member of the Wednesday night water polo crew and the Star Dusters Square Dance Club. In 2015 Dan put his Industrial Design degree to work as a designer and project manager for Tourism Powell River and the Regional District’s signage programs which saw the placement of new signs for Earl’s Cove, Little River and from Saltery Bay to Lund. Dan recently joined Community Futures as the New Loans Officer/Business Advisor. “I’m excited to be part of a community with so much potential,” says Dan. “Powell River clearly offers economic and lifestyle advantages for young people and families. The timing is right to build support and incentives for new business.” Dan’s business career includes six years spent in project management for World Expositions in Vancouver, (Expo 86), Brisbane, Australia and Seville, Spain. He worked in residential design and development in Squamish, Whistler and the Okanagan. While in Squamish, Dan served on the Squamish Advisory Planning Commission and was a member of the Sea-to-Sky Com-

munity Futures Business Investment Committee. Dan has been involved in co-founding several BCbased technology companies, one of which sold to a Silicon Valley enterprise.

Why did you choose to move to Powell River? Dan • My parents, Charlie and Millie Tatham, retired to Powell River 20 years ago, so for two decades Powell River was a family holiday destination. My father, who passed away this past February, broke his hip in May 2014 and I moved to Powell River in 2015 so my parents could remain at home. Where from? Dan • I had been living in Kelowna for 12 years, but was born and raised in Woodstock, Ontario. Initially, I left Ontario and headed for Rossland where I worked and skied for two years before returning to Ontario to attend university. What surprised you about Powell River once you moved here? Dan • The friendly nature of the people I came in contact with; there was a sense of community, people being supportive and looking out for one other.

If you were mayor of Powell River what would you do? Dan • I would work towards developing a clear vision as to where this coastline has a unique advantage; where it can focus its efforts to create a sustainable future, attract young people and develop a vibrant community where momentum can be built, branded and touted to the world. If you were a fly, which wall in town would you like to inhabit? Dan • I would like to be present at a social gathering of young people; I’d like to hear their concerns and how they envision their futures here in Powell River. What are Powell River’s best assets? Dan • Definitely nature! Easy access to pristine lakes, rivers, backcountry, mountains, walking and hiking trails, Desolation Sound, shoreline, farmland and forests. What is your greatest extravagance? Dan • I love skiing so it’s off to Mount Washington when the snow flies. Which talent or superpower would you most like to have? Dan • I wouldn’t mind a shortcut to becoming an accomplished fiddle player. The same goes for the double bass, which I have taken up again.

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• december 2016 • prliving.ca

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Tiny Stories

he challenge: to tell a story in 420 characters or fewer - approximately one paragraph - with every letter, space and punctuation mark counted. The result: 61 superbly succinct entries to the Library’s 420 Characters Tiny Story Contest, 2016. With no room for a single throwaway word or image, the results are the literary equivalent of a tonic for the nervous system, an electrical bolt to the imagination. It wasn’t easy, but after careful deliberation local judges Jason Schreurs and Paul Kamon decided on a final three. Read them here. If you’d like to read all entries, including winners and honourable mentions, visit prpl.ca. Winning stories from all participating libraries will appear over the coming weeks at: 420characterstinystorycontest.tumblr.com. - Sonia Zagwyn

F irst P lace aa (noun)

By Rita Rasmussen Around 1983 my seventy-year old mother created her own hand written, two-letter Scrabble word list based on the 1978 Official Scrabble Players Dictionary. The first word she listed was aa. Thirty-two years later as I walked the rugged volcanic landscape of Iceland, the word aa remerged: the meaning being rough, cindery lava. I imagined my mother walking beside me, a dictionary in her hands and our eyes on the horizon.

Second P lace Orange

By Claudia Medina Being powerful. It was never a question. There was nothing else, really. It was the only thing holding my skin together, keeping my teeth firmly planted in my mouth. Without this incessant drive I wouldn’t even have taken a breath, let alone exhale all the force inside me. This force wanted out, and it wanted to destroy. And the people loved it, even when they hated it. And I loved them, even when I hated them.

Third P lace Lester Street

By Andrea Layne Black Ethan yelled, “Who cares, anyway?!” Watching Cage stomping away in her spiky weird clogs, he blew straw bubbles into the Big Gulp cup, feeling like the gurgling was inside his own brain. “I never even touched your dumb bike!” he added, but she had clogged away up Lester Street. “It’s not my fault,” he whispered, deciding whether it was safe to ride home yet. Stupid Cage. I hate her. But he knew that wasn’t true.

H onorable M entions Click

By Deb Calderon

s a m t is r h C Merryand a r a e Y w e N y Top Ten Reasons Happ l River! To Wear A Pollen Sweater Powel Top 5 reasons we know Santa wears a Pollen Sweater

98, 99, 100. She giggled as she heard the last num1. Pure wool stays warm even at altitude. ber. No one would ever find her. They could look all day. 2. Wool fabric is soft and layers well, perfect She would be the queen of hide and seek; the best in the for under a red suit. neighbourhood. There would be no more calling her Lit3. Santa supports small local businesses. tle Baby. She was four years old now, and she could play the game as well as any of them. “I’ll show them,” she 4. The elves at the North Pole are in solidarity thought as she climbed inside the old freezer, lowered with the hardworking elves in Lund. the lid and heard it click shut. pop bottles were are hurtmachine making washable, Pollen Sweaters. 1. No 5. Pollen Sweaters which

2. 3. By Angie Davey 4. So after the show there was time for autographs. Such5. a frenzy with breathless teens desperate for their 30 sec-6. onds of face time with their god. I crushed a dozen feet7. and caught plenty of lethal looks as I plowed my way to8. himself. My bail supervisor cautioned me to be of good9. behaviour and abstain from communicating directly 10.

Breaching My Conditions

or indirectly with this deity before me. That, and not to possess a firearm.

Wrong Move By Mary Lou MacMillan I am alone in the kitchen this quiet afternoon as my Mother naps, my brothers and sister at school. Stealthily, I climb up onto the counter and rifle through the cupboards, then gorge myself on sticky raisins and sweet coconut. Moving sideways, I step into something mucky and gooey. Later, at dessert time, my five year old face burns with shame. My older siblings taunt delightedly, “Who stepped in the pumpkin pie?”

You’llisbegood helping sheepwell, stay chimneys. cool in summer. because, The pure wool stays warm even when wet. For more fun, and fabulous sweaters, wool and bamboo Non-itchy, and soft enough to wear next to sensitive skin. ponchos, toques, scarves & skirts, books and jewelry, Machine washable andNancy’s dryer safe at moderate find us above Bakery in Lund. temperature. We put the label on the inside where it belongs. Designed to layer smoothly under or over other garments. No offshore sweatshops. Ours is here at home. If it ever wears out compost it. Makes you 50 to 90% more handsome. (results may vary)

Mayor Dave Formosa

Councillor Russell Brewer

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Councillor Maggie Hathaway

The Model By Teresa Harwood-Lynn

Councillor CaroleAnn Leishman

Naked, she stood shivering in the coolness of the room. Goose bumps were beginning to form on her skin that was stretched across her frame as tight as the canvass being used by the artists. Could they see the real her, or merely light and shadow cast from flesh and bone? With each dip of brush into paint, and no cloth to hide behind, she began to see herself for the very first time.

Councillor Jim Palm

Memoir By Marg McNeil I sat at my computer poised to write this week’s assignment. The topic - a past part of my life. Like an early memory at age three. Or at 18 the big blow up with my dad and storming out for good. Or going for the comicthe secret family skeleton that was never a secret. The instructor said to start with a hook to rivet a reader’s attention as with my first husband’s sudden death. I killed him and married my true love.

What now? By Angie Davey I missed the last bus by 20 minutes. Left in the street with the rain creeping down my neck, I was like an orphan on Christmas: forgotten, unloved, and emptyhanded. There was no one to call and no traffic at that hour. And of course there was the threat of thunder, distant in the east. In less than 12 hours I had to be in Tampa. Jangling the buck 50 in my pocket I wondered: What would Bill Murray do?

Councillor Karen Skadsheim

Modern Windows

wishes you a cozy, draft-free Christmas and an elegant, energy-efficicent New Year.

Councillor Rob Southcott

This greeting is not taxpayer-funded. modern.ca POWELL RIVER LIVING • december 2016 •

BY IONI WAIS | ionatan.ws@gmail.com

he winter solstice can serve as a time to slow down, reflect, and connect with our community and spirituality. With dozens of major holidays and countless celebrations happening around the world, many people choose to exchange presents at this time of year. But finding a gift that’s useful, original and environmentally-friendly can be a challenge... here are a few suggestions for the mushroom-lovers in your life:

mycophile Gifts for the Mushroom books

Foraged fungi

Mushroom books and foraging guides can make a great gift for the mycophile. I recommend Common Mushrooms of the Northwest by Sunshine Coast author J. Duane Sept. Another favourite is David Arora’s book All That The Rain Promises and More; it pairs useful information with hilarious photos and amazing stories. For more in-depth mushroom identification, check out Arora’s companion text: Mushrooms Demystified. Other excellent books include Paul Stamets’ classic guide to fungal ecology and mycoremediation Mycelium Running, and Tradd Cotter’s cutting-edge book on Organic Mushroom Farming & Mycoremediaton, as well as the mushroom punk bible Radical Mycology.

Wild-foraged mushrooms make a great low-cost, last-minute present as well. Be sure to pick within your skill range, get a few expert opinions, familiarize yourself with lookalikes and potential adverse effects, and be 100% sure about every mushroom you harvest. Edible mushrooms to look for at this time of year include Winter Chanterelles, Deer Mushroom, Winter Panellus and Honey Mushrooms. Fungi to harvest for tea and tincturing include Turkey Tails, Artists’ Conk, and Carbon Antlers. It’s also a great time of year to make fungi candies from Orange Jelly Fungus or Toothed Jelly Fungus... get in touch with me for the recipe!

Tools of the trade

Whether you’re picking fungi for use, profit, or identification, it’s important to carry specimens in a loosely-woven, breathable container to help disperse the fungal spores and sustain local mushroom populations. Mushroom-lovers will surely appreciate a handmade basket for this purpose. Alternatively, a nice mushroom knife (with a brush on the end of it) makes for a cleaner harvest and a wonderful gift! A “mushrooming necklace” can be made fairly inexpensively, and consists of a hand lens for magnification, a stainless-steel dental mirror for looking at the underside of mushrooms, and a whistle for safety and communication. What a gift!

Please remember to play it safe—you don’t want your killer presents to be killer presents. I hope you enjoyed this brief mushroom gift guide, though there’s much room for creativity! It’s up to you to put the fun in fungus!

• december 2016 • prliving.ca

Bring design to life

with the Tinkerine Dito Pro 3D printer at the Library. Certification course required before printing. Contact the Library to register. prpl.ca 604-485-4796 info@prpl.ca

POWELL R IVER PUBLIC LIBR ARY

Season’s Greetings

POWELL RIVER’S PREMIERE LOCATION FOR EVENTS, BANQUETS & CATERING!

from the Powell River Regional District Board of Directors We would like to extend a special holiday greeting to the many volunteers who generously contribute their time to our communities and to regional district services: Our dedicated culinary team offers a wide variety of creative and delicious menu options featuring locally grown and seasonal foods for your group or banquet event.

Volunteer Fire Departments: Malaspina, Northside, Savary Island & Lasqueti Island

Whether you are celebrating a milestone, throwing a birthday bash, or gathering the family for a reunion, an event with us will be an exceptional affair. Why not indulge in an exquisite fine dining experience in our Pow Wow Room that will inspire the palate while enjoying breathtaking ocean views.

Texada Island Airport Advisory Committee Savary Island Dock Advisory Committee

Our cozy Potlatch Dining Room offers expansive choices with buffet breakfasts and lunches, as well as a menu of classic dining favourites for dinner. Whatever occasion, we can design the perfect venue and menu experience to suit your needs.

Texada Island Heritage Commission

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POWELL RIVER LIVING • december 2016 •

e f r e How to be the P BY ISABELLE SOUTHCOTT | isabelle@prliving.ca

ou’ve probably heard the idiom that both “fish and visitors stink after three days” but did you know that it was Benjamin Franklin, who penned this for his Poor Richard’s Almanack? The idea is that fish start smelling if they’re left to sit around for awhile, and that visitors, who keep prolonging a visit, can get really annoying, really fast. fast. If you don’t want to be like fish this Christmas, read on so you can learn how to be the perfect Christmas guest. Christmas can be the most wonderful, magical time of the year. Everyone’s happy, they’re looking forward to a lovely Christmas dinner complete with turkey and stuffing and brussel sprouts. Oh, there’ll be a bit of rum and eggnog and some brandy on the Christmas pudding but no one will drink too much and say things they shouldn’t. Everyone will love the Christmas gifts they’re given and no one will stress about last minute shopping because we’ll all have it wrapped up by early De-

idealweightlosspowellriver.com • Lowers blood pressure • Reduces LDL • Improves glucose tolerance • Lowers risk for cardiovascular disease

cember. The house will be clean, Christmas baking done, you’ll have made everyone these incredible home-made craft gifts that family and friends will ooh and aah over and it will look the same as it does in Martha Stewart’s Christmas entertaining book. Not. A more likely scenario (unless you are a Jehovah Witness or have managed to figure Christmas out) will see you stressing about spending too much money on gifts no one really likes or needs and worrying about paying off credit cards in January. You’ll be stressed from attending too many Christmas parties and your clothes will be tight because you’ve been hanging out by the food at the parties you didn’t want to go to but knew you should. You console yourself that eating too many sweets is better than drinking too much booze and making a fool of yourself like your great Uncle Albert always does.

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• december 2016 •4706C prliving.ca Marine Avenue

Peace, Happiness and a Prosperous New Year From Board of Directors and staff

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Christmas guest

No one said Christmas would be easy, but we’ve put together a few tips and tricks that will help you make sure you never be the perfect Christmas guest should you find yourself in that situation.

1. Be on time. Don’t arrive late. Ever.

cell phone. We’ve all seen them.

2. Bring a hostess gift and goodies. If it’s a

6. Toast your host, then keep an eye on his or her glass. Refill if and when appropriate but don’t over do it.

potluck, don’t just buy a bag of chips and dump them into a bowl. At the very least, buy something that looks like you made it and put it into a nice Christmas dish that you can leave behind. If you’re staying overnight, a nicer gift is required. You know, one that requires a bit of thought.

3. Bring a bottle of wine or whatever alcoholic beverage you are going to drink. Don’t expect someone else to supply your booze just because they’re having a party. 4. Don’t drink too much! If you do chances are good you will say or do something to embarrass yourself and you’ll probably never get invited back. 5. Ignore your cell phone. There’s noth-

ing worse than being that guy or that girl who spends the entire time talking too loudly on their

7. Do the dishes. Offer to help out and you’ll

be an instant hero.

8. If you’re an overnight Christmas guest, be considerate with the bathroom. If you sprinkle when you tinkle, be a sweetie and wipe the seatie.

9. Leave memories not a mess. If you’re sleeping in the living area, put away the sofa bed when you get up and ask your host for the best place to store your luggage so it’s out of the way and no one trips on it. 10. Send a handwritten thank you note.

Not an email but a nice card with a few more words than simply thank you. Be creative and think of something personal to pen!

Get ready for the holidays with help from the Economy Shop and the Hospital Gift Shop

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POWELL RIVER LIVING • december 2016 •

My Special Christmas Visitors BY BEV FALCONER

A “One by one we stood our paper hats on the floor and made a wish. With a match, Uncle Bob lit each end of the hat. If it rose to the ceiling our wish would come true! “

lthough I have lived most of my life in Powell River, many of my childhood Christmases were spent at my grandmother’s home in Vancouver. Now I began thinking of her as I sat at my kitchen table working on my Christmas newsletter—a top priority on my to-do list. With some general topics jotted down I leaned over and put my elbows on the table. With chin in hands and eyes closed I pondered how to begin. My mind wandered as I thought of Nana and how the value I place on letter writing has been passed on from my grandmother to my mother and to me. Nana and Mom wrote to each other weekly for 20 years, and when my parents moved away Mom and I wrote every other week for the same number of years. When I opened my eyes to get back to my letter, there were Nana and Mom sitting across the table with amused smiles on their faces.

“How long have you been sitting there?” I asked. “I’ve just been thinking of all the letters you two wrote. And I remember a box of writing paper you gave me for my birthday, Nana, when I was learning to print. It was lined and across the top were orange silhouettes of children skipping and playing ball. I really liked that paper and felt so important – now I could write letters like you and Mom. “I remember we used to phone you every Christmas, Nana. I never wanted to talk long-distance. The line was so crackly and voices sounded so far away as if you were in Timbuktu. I couldn’t understand anything you said.” Mom and Nana nodded, remembering those connections. And I thought about the clock that would be close by to make sure we didn’t go over the first three-minute special rate. Each minute longer was expensive. The phone rang and I jumped. Had I been dozing? I put my letter-writing task aside for now. Instead, I put my camera on the counter to remind me to use up the rest of the film when the family came for Christmas. I had a vision of my dad’s accordion-folding Kodak camera, and the Baby Brownie camera he gave me for my ninth birthday. As I pictured him, voila! Dad appeared in my kitchen.

• december 2016 • prliving.ca

“Dad! I was just thinking of you and how you used to rig up your camera before taking our family picture at Christmas--with you in it! You had to press a delay button.” Then he really had to scramble to get over to sit beside me before the shutter clicked and in that whirlwind, he even remembered to smile for the picture! “You certainly left a precious record of our family life with all your photographs,” I told him, remembering how much time he spent experimenting with photography—and developing and printing his own films, too. “I’m sure if you were here now, Dad, you would have had a digital camera ages ago. I’m the one who’s dragging her feet, though I’ll have to get one now. Can you believe that films are now history?! The deadline for getting film developed was January 15, 2015. When I get my film developed I would write on the back of the photos that they were from the last film I used before film became extinct.” Then, like rolls of cameral film, Dad vanished. At Christmas dinners with Nana when I was a child, we always had Christmas crackers and after opening them with a loud bang, we wore the paper hats found inside. As I smile remembering what came next, Uncle Bob appeared in my kitchen with a mischievous gleam in his eye. “Oh, Uncle Bob, I remember how excited I was when you led us all into the kitchen for your spectacular fortune-telling feat.” One by one we stood our paper hats on the floor and made a wish. With a match, Uncle Bob lit each end of the hat. If it rose to the ceiling our wish would come true! As the flaming paper hats slowly rose, up and up, we kids were wide-eyed with mouths open and completely under the spell of a magician. We have continued the tradition of wearing the hats for over 80 years, despite protests from my sons-in-law. “Uncle Bob, didn’t you think you might set the house on fire?” He just grinned rose up and up evaporated into thin air. I went back to thinking of Christmas dinners of the past. Usually after eating we were all feeling sleepy from overindulgence and from the warmth produced from cooking the meal. A clear voice brought me, once again, back to my kitchen. It said, “I’ve had an elegance of sufficiency, thank you.” I looked around and was delighted to see Aunt Dorothy in the chair beside me. Many years ago, she told me of this quaint Victorian phrase that her mother had taught her. According to her and the times, it was a polite response to your hostess when she asked, after a meal, if you would like some more. “Oh, Aunt Dorothy, I often laugh when I think of what you said you added to that hoity-toity phrase when you were a youngster: ‘I’ve had an elegance of sufficiency, and if I eat any more I’ll bust’. That’s priceless.” We both laughed so hard the tears were streaming down our faces. When I wiped my eyes Aunt Dorothy had disappeared. I finally got back to writing my Christmas letter, but I certainly enjoyed all my special visitors and had many memories I could add to my letter.

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POWELL RIVER LIVING • december 2016 •

WHAT’S UP Community composting

As we approach a time of year known for festivities your mind may turn to watching your waistline. Residents of Powell River now have the chance to further reduce their waste as well! The community composting pilot project has come to town and it offers a place for those without backyard composters or with concerns about rodents and bears a better alternative than the garbage can. Food scraps and yard waste make up 40% of the waste stream and are now free to divert. The Powell River Regional District is committed to sustainable waste management and has started moving food scraps and yard waste out of the waste stream and into a pilot Community Organics Recovery Exchange (C.O.R.E.). Residents and businesses are invited to participate by dropping off food scraps at the new community collection bin located in the Town Centre recycling depot (in the parking lot beside Rona) Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 5:30 pm. Yard waste and large loads can be delivered directly to Sunshine Disposal at 4484 Franklin Avenue, Wednesday and Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm. As plastic is often a significant contaminant in municipal composting programs, compostable and biodegradable bags will not be accepted. For a full list of what goes in and what stays out, visit letstalktrash.ca.

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The Powell River Regional District wants to hear from you about garbage and recycling. If you take out the trash at home, the regional district is offering you a chance to win a $50 gift certificate for sharing your thoughts on the matter. The winner will receive a gift certificate, from a local retailer or restaurant, it’s your choice!

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Waste management questionnaire

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Food • Mu

BEFORE CHRISTMAS DINNER, THERE IS COMPOST: Now you can drop your food scraps at the Town Centre recycling depot (see story, left). Also, if you have something (really, anything) to say about garbage and recycling, the Powell River Regional District is all ears (see story, left below). The region’s solid waste management plan is being updated and the regional district wants your input. Let the Regional District know what you think is working and what is not. Find the questionairre at powellriverrd.bc.ca, commnityservices@powellriverrd.bc.ca or call 604 4852260 before December 16.

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T&R will close early (1 pm) on Dec. 23 and remain closed until opening Jan. 3.

Happy Holidays from the team at Powell River Living

Watch for the all new “Comfort & Joy” keepsake holiday issue, which is coming out December 15!

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• december 2016 • prliving.ca

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Food bank needs fridge and freezer

Imagine depending on the food bank. You’re grateful that they help with non-perishables but we all know how important it is to include fresh vegetables and fruit and fresh foods in our diet. Savanna Dee, coordinator of Powell River and District Food Bank, wants to be able to offer clients just that but alas, there is no place to keep them. “We need a commercial fridge and freezer,” she said. If you can help the food bank by donating cash so they can buy a fridge and freezer for non-perishables to feed those in need, call Savanna at 604-485-9166. In November, the Food Bank gave out 238 hampers. There were 19 new clients and 105 children were fed. The Food Banks Canada poverty line is $1,535 a month for one person, and $2,902 a month for a family of four.

Dr. Adams appointed

Tla’amin Nations Dr. Evan Adams has been appointed to the board of directors of the Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research. Adams boasts an impressive list of accomplishments, including serving as chief medical officer for the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) and being a former deputy provincial health officer. He was also chief resident at St Paul’s Hospital/University of BC, where he completed his aboriginal familypractice residency and has a masters of public health from Johns Hopkins University. An award-winning actor, Adams is also a proud member of Tla’amin First Nation. The Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research was created in 2001 by the BC government and has supported hundreds of researchers.

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New Karate World Champs! They did it! Canadian Martial Arts Academy students rocked this year’s World Karate Organization’s championships held in Hamilton, Ontario last month. Sensei Frank Clayton’s students brought home the hardware with Kolten Lane winning a gold medal in Kata; Chloe Labree, winning gold Weapons and a silver in Sparring; Cody Oliver winning gold in Weapons and Delaney Long winning two golds, Kata and one in Sparring in the Junior under Black Belt divisions. Dylan Clark won silver in Weapons and bronze in

Merry Christmas Powell River!

Team Kata. Matt Ure picked up a bronze in Team Kata, too. Sawyer Long won a silver in Kata, a silver in Sparring and a bronze in Weapons while Mckenna Long won a silver in Kata; a bronze in Sparring and a bronze in Weapons. Cody Oliver won a gold in Weapons; a silver in Kata; a silver in Sparring and a bronze in Team Kata.  “We won five gold, seven silver and six bronze for a total of 16 medals brought back to Powell River!” What’s next? The Olympics? Said Frank, “Who knows!”

Christmas Tree Cutting Permits are available from the Sunshine Coast Resource District located at 7077 Duncan Street, or online at for.gov.bc.ca/dsc/xmas/ Depending what you find under your tree on Christmas morning, you may be undertaking a variety of recreational activities. Before heading out check Western Forest Products Road and Safety website for updates: wfproadinfo.com/powell-river.html Junior Forest Wardens Christmas Tree Sale Trees cut from authorized areas within our local working forest will be for sale at the Shell gas station (4799 Joyce Ave) on December 10-11 and 17-18 from 9 am - 4 pm each day.

POWELL RIVER LIVING • december 2016 •

As you contemplate your own brightly-lit tannenbaum this holiday, know that 2016 meant a shift for some local trees. Here are three decisions that left more Douglasfirs, Western Red Cedars, alder and spruce standing and growing around Powell River.

Still Stand Home Tree, right, by Alfred Muma. See Page 30 for more

1 • Province says ‘cut less’ around here BY PIETA WOOLLEY | pieta@prliving.ca

n August, the province of BC decided to harvest 250,000 cubic metres less (roughly a quarter of a million fewer mid-size trees) each year from the biggest chunk of the “working forest” around Powell River. Tree Farm License 39 (TFL 39) extends north of here and west, to Port Alberni.

Diane Nicholls is the Ministry of Lands Chief Forester . With advice from multiple groups, she decides how much timber leaves Crown land each year. She regularly weighs sustainability factors such as climate change and re-growth, and determines how much timber can be cut. Since Nicholls was appointed in February of this

year, she has reviewed the cut allowances in several TFLs and TSAs. While the overall cut will be less in TFL 39, the cut in Block 1 (the area of the TFL closest to Powell River) went up slightly. However, Nicholls notes that may be reviewed based on changes in First Nations interventions, and climate change.

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• december 2016 • prliving.ca

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It’s coming!

2 • ALR and ‘dusty contracts’ may protect Lot 450 BY ANDREW BRYANT | consulting biologist

ding

ho remembers Powell River’s War In The Woods? As it turns out, it’s not over. It’s been quietly continuing with some unlikely new ammunition – in the form of dusty old contracts, a little-known legal procedure, and a spacecraft launched by NASA over two decades ago. Lot 450 made national news. It was Powell River’s “story of the year”. It was an attractive story, with a spirited band of protestors facing Goliath in order to protect a nice chunk of urban forest from logging giant Island Timberlands. History will record that when push came to shove, it was a raven, some red-breasted sapsuckers, and a handful of women with big hearts and a foosball table that stopped feller-bunchers in their tracks. Heady days indeed. And then…not very much happened. Island Timberlands presented its harvest plan for the area in October 2015. It wasn’t favourably received. So far as I know, that’s still the operational plan – but I suspect IT is under no illusions

about what might happen should the feller-bunchers return. A new year began. Pebble in the Pond Society disbanded, leaving few ripples. The Powell River Forest Coalition never really “coalesced”, so while their Facebook page lists 400 members, it’s no longer the beehive of activity it once was. The Green Heart Environmental Protection Society came and went. My own proposal to the City, a plan to map the history, ownership and ecological characteristics of Powell River’s forests, disappeared into the ether. Poof. Nothing stands still, so it wasn’t long before other things emerged. There’s Sino Bright, of course. Less well known is the enormous land deal in Wildwood, which saw a single foreign investor purchase 600 acres from Catalyst, 30 acres on Wildwood Hill, and a pending offer on another 245 acres adjacent to Gibson’s Beach, subject to removal of those lands from the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR). Ah, the ALR…we’ve seemingly viewed it as a hindrance for years. See next page

3 • Old Growth remains at Stillwater A BY JASON ADDY | Friends of Stillwater Bluffs

rough sketch of the Stillwater area runs from Eagle River in the west to Scotch Fir Point in the east, stretches south to the Stillwater Bluffs and extends north into cut blocks above the highway. In 2016, Stillwater saw a lot of logging activity. The most visible cut is the 20-hectare swath of forest that runs from just above the highway down to the Olympic Log Sort, between the Stillwater Tower and Loubert Rd. Powell River Energy owns the upper section of this parcel and Island Timberlands (I.T.) owns the lower part. These lands were cut this fall in a continuation of a trend that has been going on for the past 10 years: harvesting much of the private-managed forest lands in this area. The good news in Stillwater concerns a small section of very old second-growth forest that was recently saved from logging. This section of forest surrounds Roberts Road. The canopy of large trees close off the sky for a brief moment as you pass through. Thanks to the efforts of a vocal group of local residents, and the willingness of Island Timberlands to meet with them and hear their concerns, the roadside trees will be left standing. According to Ron Smid, “[I.T.] have offered to leave the

SEE MORE STILLWATER

There is an online tool, Timelapse, which plays satellite imagery in a loop. Watching the transformation of the Stillwater area from 1984 to 2012 gives a potent overview of the scale of deforestation. Once you are on the site (http://world.time.com/timelapse2/), type “Powell River” into the search and it will zoom in automatically.

north side of the road completely as is. All the canopy trees along the south side of the road will also be spared, including a large section of the main grove that stretches approximately 100 meters into the forest along 100 meters of Roberts Rd.” For most people, “Stillwater” means Stillwater Bluffs, which Island Timberlands has said it has no plans to log in the immediate future. Powell River residents held a series of meetings this summer that culminated in the formalization of a group, Friends of Stillwater Bluffs Association (FOSBA). The group’s purpose is to protect the ecological integrity of the area and to secure low-impact public pedestrian access to Stillwater Bluffs. To join the group or get involved watch for their upcoming AGM announcement.

BIG TREES: Jason Addy stands among the giants some residents are trying to save at Stillwater. Recently, Island Timberlands promised to protect some very old second growth there. photo by TJ Watt POWELL RIVER LIVING • december 2016 •

I remember being surprised to learn that the very spot occupied by the foosball table last May used to be in the ALR – that particular land parcel was excluded back in 1994 to accommodate a planned industrial park and residential development that never happened. A later proposal to remove substantial parts of the ALR came as part of the strangely-named Yrainucep (pecuniary spelled backwards) proposal of 2006. This was to have resulted in “a new international airport, an 80-room hotel, a convention centre, three restaurants, a golf course, tennis courts, an equestrian centre and a nature park, in addition to fairway, oceanview, oceanfront, and taxiway home sites.” Hope springs eter-

could easily accommodate the required footprint. My personal opinion is that all of the foregoing presents a unique opportunity. Here’s why. Despite absence of funding, and because I’m stubborn and curious, I began to download Landsat imagery, make maps and explore documents concerning the forests of Powell River. One of the curiosities of the Lot 450 issue is the divergence that occurred, back in 1998, when MacMillan Bloedel Ltd subdivided itself into a “landowner” and a “timber rights owner”. This separation of assets continued over time. Depending on the property, the landowner became Pacifica, Norske Skog Canada, Norske Canada, Catalyst, and the PRSC Limited Partner-

Artist captures the grace of old trees Alfred Muma painted this month’s PRL cover, plus the “home tree” image on the previous page

I nal, but the proposed ALR exclusion was flatly turned down by the Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) in 2007. The latest proposal was that concerning Sino Bright, the proposed international school that would host 400 students – and boost our local economy. Once again the purchase of land was contingent upon removal from the everpesky ALR. In June, City Council unani-

“What bright future could be imagined... [if] we the people have the right to 134 acres of largely-forested land.” – Andrew Bryant mously voted to endorse the exclusion of 30 acres in support of the application. In November we learned that the ALC had taken its mandate to protect agricultural opportunities seriously – and said “no”. The story has not ended with the recent ALC decision; indeed I hope that Sino Bright can be welcomed elsewhere – because there are adjacent properties that

• december 2016 • prliving.ca

ship. The timber rights owner became Weyerhaeuser and then Island Timberlands. After studying the language of the original contracts, and placing that within the context of the satellite imagery that showed forest harvesting, a legal question has been raised: Who owns the trees on what I call the Sino Bright parcel? At least one lawyer is of the opinion that because a planned harvest occurred there in 1999-2000, ownership of the remaining standing timber has reverted to the landowner – which is the PRSC. What bright future could be imagined were it to be legally-determined that we the people have the right to 134 acres of largely-forested land, sandwiched between Upper and Lower Millennium Park, Brooks Secondary School, and the soon-to-be-rehabilitated old incinerator site, that has legal constraints imposed upon it by virtue of being within the ALR? What if those trees didn’t have to come down? Imagine… For readers interested in learning more about Lot 450, there’s a website dedicated to that, complete with maps, analyses, and links to primary sources. www.imaginelot450.ca

n another time of his life, Alfred Muma would have whipped through painting this stump without a thought. At the height of his career, he finished a dozen paintings a day outdoors in the Queen Charlotte Islands. Abandoned villages. Totem poles. Towering cedars. The sun. His work – watercolours, acrylics, oil and prints - was collected by both corporations and individuals, and rented through the Ontario Art Gallery and the Vancouver Art Gallery. The House of Commons, in Ottawa, once showed his paintings. He took his constant energy for granted. A dozen years ago, though, his thyroid stopped working. Earlier this year year, a new diagnosis: polymyalgia. Together, they make him tired and sore. But the Toronto-born artist adores big trees. He’s compelled to paint them. “Trees are individuals,” he said, explaining why he’s still, at 63, enamoured. Last year, Alfred created the work that is Powell River Living’s cover this month: wild trees lit up against the night, the Christmas lights shining in the rain-soaked boughs. In November, he created a print of the iconic Home Tree at Stillwater Bluffs, overhanging the cliff, in support of the movement to save the area from logging. “When I moved to the coast and saw

BC trees for the first time, I decided we didn’t have trees back east. They were kind of small, in comparison. It was in the Charlottes that I learned about trees. We found a 1,500 year old stand. Right there, that was something for me to be interested in. They’ve seen a lot. That impresses me and inspires me. And the size.” Which is why, on a sunny day in early September, Alfred drove his paints and a bulky 40” x 59” canvas to the end of a logging road near his Maywood Road home, to paint the giant stump. Never logged, never burned in a fire, he’d been sketching the stump for days. He parked. Alone, Alfred carried the canvas half-way to his destination, put it down and returned to the car. He picked up his paints, and walked them to the canvas. Then he picked up the canvas again to find the stump – but took a wrong turn. “Why am I doing this to myself?” he remembers thinking. Eventually he found it, and hiked his paints in too. Using the fallen log as an easel – never mind the salal and berries – he painted for three hours, snapped a photo of his completed work with the log in the background, and hiked out. Like the trees he captures, Alfred is still standing.

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POWELL RIVER LIVING • december 2016 •

Political youth demand better transit - and get it BY LOKMAN WONG

he Powell River Youth Council was initiated by several city councillors with the aim to have a voice for youth in the community and to provide an opportunity for youth to learn how municipal government works in Powell River. At our meetings, we discuss different issues; many that concern youth in some

We wanted to know why they would spend $20,000 on improving the bus stop when that money could go towards rerouting the bus so that it would go to the Complex. – Lokman Wong

form or another. One of the more prominent issues that we discussed in a number of meetings was the fact that there was no bus stop at the Recreation Complex. This issue was first brought up in April, appearing on the agenda as “Increased Transit Service to the Recreation Complex.” The youth council thought it was a big issue and wanted the bus to go straight to the Complex. We were told that to reroute the bus, it would cost from $60,000 to $70,000. There was a proposal that BC Transit put out that stated they wanted to improve the bus stop at the Complex bridge, which would cost $20,000. We wanted to know why they would spend $20,000 on improving the bus stop when that money could go towards rerouting the bus so that it would go to the Complex, possibly increasing the number of people who use the bus? With that in mind, we decided to compose and send a letter to City Council, showing our support for rerouting the bus so that it would go directly to the Complex.

It was May when people volunteered to write the letter. However, it was soon put off when in June, we decided to try to do a petition first. This was because we thought there were enough people wanting a bus stop at the Complex to collect signatures, and if we did a petition first and sent it to BC Transit, we might be more capable of proving our point. This was discussed further in July. Then a councillor told us that that in the city council meeting on July 5, the city’s director of infrastructure services, Tor Birtig, came in and talked to them about possibly rerouting the bus to the Complex. A councillor talked about how the Youth Council was already trying to bring the bus into the Complex. At the time, City Council was to vote on the issue on July 21. We decided to put the petition on hold and instead talk to people about the issue, and get them to email City council about their opinion on the issue. Council voted unanimously to install a bus stop at the Complex, and we, considering what we tried to do, might just have influenced them.

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• december 2016 • prliving.ca

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ile by Stephen Cantryn

(604) 485-201533

POWELL RIVER LIVING • december 2016 •

POWELL RIVER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

BUSINESS AWARDS

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

NO M I NAT I O N FO RM

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES OF THE YEAR

This accredited business must exemplify innovation, professionalism and integrity. This category is limited to the professional company, not the individual employee or contractor.

HOME-BASED BUSINESS AWARD

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

CUSTOMER SERVICE - RETAIL

BUSINESS NAME

OWNER/MANAGER/CONTACT NAME

NEW BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

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

SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

A business with under 10 employees that has demonstrated superior quality in all aspects of business operation and shows a commitment to the community through its involvement.

CUSTOMER SERVICE - HOSPITALITY

BUSINESS NAME

OWNER/MANAGER/CONTACT NAME

LARGE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

A business with over 10 employees that has demonstrated superior quality in all aspects of business operation and shows a commitment to the community through its involvement.

ENTREPRENEUR(S) OF THE YEAR

AGRICULTURAL AWARD

BUSINESS NAME

OWNER/MANAGER/CONTACT NAME

TOURISM AWARD

ABORIGINAL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

NOT FOR PROFIT EXCELLENCE AWARD

BUSINESS NAME

OWNER/MANAGER/CONTACT NAME

FORESTRY SECTOR AWARD

EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

BUSINESS NAME

OWNER/MANAGER/CONTACT NAME

Phone #:

• prliving.ca

BANQUET & AWARDS PRESENTATION SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2017 DWIGHT HALL • 6 PM Tickets: $50 each — Table of eight: $350 BOOK YOUR TABLE NOW!

Nominate your favourites! Powell River Chamber of Commerce Business Awards BY ISABELLE SOUTHCOTT isabelle@prliving.ca

id you receive exceptional service from a Powell River business this year? Were you impressed by the level of professionalism you received from your dentist, lawyer, massage therapist, counselor or sales rep? Is there a hospitality or a retail business that goes beyond your expectations? What business is your all time favourite? Why? We all have them. I know mine; you know yours so let the Powell River Chamber of Commerce know! Fill out a nomination form (found left in this issue), drop it off or mail it to 6807 Wharf Street, V8A 1T9 or enter online at powellriverchamber.com We have some pretty great businesses in Powell River but all too often we take them for granted. The other day my son chipped his front tooth. I called Dr. Varma’s office at 8:40 am to make an appointment and was told that he was leaving town at noon for a week but if I could bring Alex in right away, he could see him. Less than an hour later, my son had been seen, had an x-ray taken, delivered to Brooks and I was sitting in front of my computer at Powell River Living. How’s that for service? When I wanted great, made in Powell River stocking stuffers I thought of Windfall Farms organic garlic. I emailed Lisa Daniels and she delivered three pounds of fat, fresh, pungent garlic to my doorstep. When my partner’s shoes fell apart at work I zipped down to Pagani’s to look at new shoes for Dwain. “What does he do?” asked Rob. “He’s a meat manager at a grocery store and he’s on

his feet all day,” I said. I left the store a few minutes later with a pair of shoes for Dwain to try. Guess what? They fit perfectly and he loves them! I returned to Pagani’s the next day to pay for the shoes feeling so grateful that I am able to shop like this and knowing that I would never get this kind of service in a big city. In smaller communities like Powell River, you get to know business owners and their employees. It’s true, you are your business. Some women would rather (okay almost rather) divorce their husbands than break up with their hairdresser. We form a relationship with businesses and we trust and depend on the people we deal with. “Does this make me look fat?” a woman trying on a new outfit at Fits to a T asks Tanya. “Is this a good colour for me?” another asks Kristl at Sublime. Both women will trust the answers they are given and that information will help them decide. Take a look at the Chamber’s business awards nomination form and make sure you nominate your favourite businesses today. Everyone, businesses included, need a pat on the back every now and then. And when they learn they’ve been nominated, they’ll excitedly post their nomination letters on Facebook and tell their friends. The business awards is Powell River’s biggest event for Powell River businesses of the year and Powell River Living is proud to be the media sponsor. The awards take place on Saturday, February 4 at Dwight Hall. We all need recognition. It’s what keeps that great wheel of life turning.

We wish you a safe and happy holiday season. Gift certificates! Give the gift of relaxation.

Marie Eve Barnes 604 414-9772

Eve Stegenga

604 414-5991

Mobile service available

Powell River’s only locally-owned, full-service grocery store

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Mitchell Brothers’ Good Neighbour Loyalty programs helps support the community that

What’s under your tree? Make it easy. Make it awesome. Shop at Taws.

Ryders Sunglasses

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Sanuk Footwear

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Happy Holidays

Please note the following branch hours over the holidays:

December 24th to December 27th Closed

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Reiki Zen shiatsu Reflexology Aromatherapy Couples massage Four hands massage Pre & post natal massage Swedish & deep tissue massage

December 28th to December 30th Open regular hours December 31st to January 2nd Closed Tuesday, January 3rd Open regular hours

6804 Alexander Street

Everything you need for your holiday entertaining is at Mitchell Brothers

www.firstcu.ca 4721 Joyce Avenue, Powell River

POWELL RIVER LIVING • december 2016 •

Celebrate

Christmas

Hope, Peace, Love and Joy Experience the reason for the season with Powell River’s Christian community

Salvation Army Church & Community Services Serving with our hearts to God and our hands to the people of Powell River PLEASE JOIN US

Ongoing until Dec 24, Christmas Kettle shifts available at five locations throughout town. For info call 604-414-4102 or 604-485-6067.

Dec 11 Community Dinner at the Carlson Community Club. For FREE tickets call 604 485-6067 Dec 24 • 6:30 pm Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at The Salvation Army, joint service with the Lighthouse Community Church

4500 Joyce Ave

✝

604 485-6067

✝

salvationarmypr.ca

Kindle your heart

Your local United and Lutheran congregations warmly invite you for hope, peace, love and joy this December. Christmas Eve  7 PM at Faith Lutheran  Carols and Candlelight

Christmas Day  10:30 AM at United Church  Carols and Readings

New Year’s Day  10:30 AM at United Church  Starting the Year Anew United Church 6932 Crofton Street • Lutheran Church 4811 Ontario Ave

Anglican Church

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

10:00 am 10:00 am 7:00 pm 10:00 am

nternational muralist, illustrator and graphic novelist Luke Ramsey has been commissioned to design and paint a mural for the Teen Room in the future Powell River Public Library. As part of the design process, Luke gave two workshops for teens on October 22. Participants did several exercises that took recognizable works of art and abstracted them through a series of drawings. Luke then scanned and manipulated the drawings in Photoshop to demonstrate how they will be incorporated into a final mural design. The workshops provided a unique glimpse into the world of public art, introducing young people in Powell River to the design process of a public mural. They also provided an opportunity for a professional artist to meet and share his work with local youth. The goal is for installation to take

Convenient Townsite location Great selection of beer, wine & spirits

Everyone welcome!

3676 Joyce Ave 604 485-5040 604 485-9607

• december 2016 • prliving.ca

- Sonia Zagwyn

Competitive prices! (taxes and deposit included on shelf price)

Children’s Pageant Lessons & Carols Traditional Eucharist Morning Prayer

Westview Baptist Church

place in late Spring 2017. The project is supported through partnerships between the Friends of the Library, Literacy Outreach Powell River, the Powell River Arts Council and the Powell River Public Library. The workshops were funded by Literacy Outreach Powell River, in partnership with the library. The greater mural project is made possible by a fundraising initiative by the Friends of the Library with contributions from the Powell River Arts Council and public donors. Youth participants were Jayden Rehaume, Hannah Krausz, Maya Laramee, Rianna Louie, Ben Leahy, Lokwing Wong, Jaik Arnold, Evan Dandewich, Elijah Hueston, Jing Zhong, Noemi Mazurek, Lola Calder Williams, Ginger Calder Williams, Tyler Koopman-Gogh.

Rodmay Heritage Liquor Store

St. David & St. Paul

Dec 11 Dec 18 Dec 24 Dec 25

Cool collaboration for mural

“Always a Place For You”

604-483-7715 rodmayheritagehotel.com

Open every day 9 am to 11 pm

Community Futures Powell River welcomes Dan Tatham to the role of Loans Officer/Business Advisor. Dan looks forward to helping new and existing businesses to grow and thrive. Give Dan a call and get your business on the road to success!

C hristmas E vE sErviCEs

December 24 • 4 pm and 6 pm No service December 25

Regular Sunday Services 10am Muffins & coffee 9:30am Oskar Arajs, lead pastor Martin Wriglesworth, community life pastor

wbchurch.ca

Dan Tatham Loans Officer Business Advisor

604 485-7901 • www.prfutures.ca • info@prfutures.ca

Find the differences

Can you find 11 differences between these two photos? This is difficult. When you choose Valerie Griffiths as your realtor, the difference is easy to see.

604.483.6930 val@griffithsproperties.com

griffithsproperties.com Office 604.485.4231 Toll-free 1.877.485.4231 4766 Joyce Avenue

There are actually 12 - just to keep you guessing! 1.Placemat colour changed. 2. Second soap bottle. 3. Sponge colour changed. 4. Double handles on drawer. 5. Fourth knife in block. 6. Red flower turned yellow. 7. Third knob on stove. 8. Lights missing on stove. 9. Extra handle on cupboard. 10. Taller stack of dishes. 11. Tap moved. 12. Line on dishtowel different.

Enjoy family and friends over the holidays. I wish you all good health and happiness in 2017! Valerie

POWELL RIVER LIVING â&#x20AC;˘ december 2016 â&#x20AC;˘

Tla’amin Nation & the Powell River Regional District

How much land? Tla’amin now owns over 8,000 hectares of land. It’s spread out throughout this region, but represents an area slightly smaller than the City of Nanaimo.

How much government? With the exception of a few parcels, the Tla’amin Nation has law-making authority with respect to management, planning, zoning and development on Tla’amin Nation lands.

The Tla’amin Final Agreement took effect on April 5, 2016 creating a new order of government in the region. The Final Agreement outlines how local governments, including the Tla’amin Nation, can work together.

According to the Final Agreement, here are six things Tla’amin Nation and the Powell River Regional District may work on together (there are more!): • Protection of culture and heritage interests • Coordination of land use planning • Coordination of water use and watershed planning • Development of infrastructure • Cooperative economic development • Environmental protection and stewardship

On the board Tla’amin Nation is now represented on the Regional Hospital District Board by Executive Council member Larry Louie. They may also, at their discretion, hold a seat on the Regional District Board.

The Powell River Regional District looks forward to a continued and long-term cooperative government to government relationship with the Tla’amin Nation.

Services: choose only the ones you want

With the exception of the few mandated services, member jurisdictions cannot be forced to participate in regional district services.

Individual jurisdictions, in general, are free to choose which services, if any, they wish to enter (or initiate). Jurisdictions make their choices on the basis of self-interest. Put differently, individual jurisdictions choose to participate in regional district services when it is in their best interest to do so. Self-interest, it should be emphasized, is not necessarily measured by the short-term benefit to be captured through participation.

A jurisdiction’s interest may instead be determined by a combination of other factors, such as the desire to build a strong regional body, or the wish to establish a base of inter-jurisdictional goodwill that can be called upon in future years. Or, a jurisdiction may wish to leverage taxes to create synergies, efficiencies and economies of scale. These other factors expand the notion of self-interest beyond immediate considerations, and for that reason, lead to the concept of enlightened self-interest. It becomes a collaborative and cooperative relationship that is truly ‘regional’ in nature.

202 - 4675 Marine Avenue Powell River, BC V8A 2L2 604-485-2260 administration@powellriverrd.bc.ca

powellriverrd.bc.ca • december 2016 • prliving.ca

Nonperishable generousity If you’re lucky enough to have some extra bills in the bank this Christmas, you might want to buy some extras at the grocery store and keep them by your front door. Many of December’s most colourful events double as drives for the Powell River Food Bank, Salvation Army, and other local meal-makers. Dry pasta, soups, beans, canned fruits and vegetables, tuna, and other goods are most welcome.

December Events

Christmas is a financial strain for many families. And for those living on social assistance and disability payments, there’s an extra-long hungry stretch between cheques each year in January.

Merry and bright strategies for a perky SAD season Winter woes? These entertainers can’t wait to jing-jing-jingle you back to your jolly old self.

1. O Christmas Tea

Vancouver Fringe Fest veterans James & Jamesy bring their awardwinning comedy for one show only on Tuesday, December 6 at the Max Cameron. See Page 43 for more.

2. Winter Wonderland

Break out the skates! At the Recreation Complex, the rink is transformed into an enchanted forest, with Christmas lights, real trees, snow and decorations. Pretend you’re skating under the stars on an outdoor rink. See schedule Page 15.

3. Rock n’ Roll Trivia

Your momma said listening to that garbage wouldn’t get you anywhere - but just look at you now! Make a team and test your knowledge against Powell River’s top rock afficianados at That Sugar Vault December 9.

4. Santa Parade

Bring a chair for the full experience. Holiday-themed floats parade along the city’s main streets, as the big guy in red saunters into town. Bring nonperishable goods for charity - QF buggies will pick them up along the route. Starts at 3 pm Sunday, December 4.

5. Pick your New Years Party

Powell River’s biggest local bands are playing all the local hot spots that night. Pick a party, or party-hop. See Page 45 for the line-up as it is at press time. Undoubtedly, more will be planned as December unfolds.

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POWELL RIVER LIVING • december 2016 •

CHOR MUSICA CHRISTMAS What:Powell River’s men’s choir performs sacred and secular seasonal music under the direction of Walter Martella When: December 15, 7:30pm Where: James Hall

1 stop shop for all things vacation! swimwear • flip-flops tanning • lotion

shop online at simplybronze.ca 6975 Alberni St

604 485-4225

Catch these men

hor Musica’s newest member has a message for local men who might be on the edge about joining the men’s choir. Just do it. “I went in once [in June] to check it out, and I thought it would just be talking, but they had me up and singing in about five minutes,” said Paul Miniato, a computer guru-turned digital conflict resolution pioneer. “We go for beers after. It’s a real mix of people from all walks of life.” While he’s never had a proper voice lesson, Paul has casually sung in a few choirs starting in his university days. With Chor Musica, he said, director Walter Martella works with whatever talent walks in the door. And they’re looking for more talent. The choir currently has about 50 members. Ideally, it would have 60 or 80 members, so the men could travel more. Where are those men going to come from? Perhaps from more newbies like Paul. He and his wife Cheryl moved to Powell River in May from Vancouver – retiring to the community they’ve visited regularly for 28 years. With energy to burn,

Paul jumped in to small city life, volunteering to teach English through Immigrant Services, joining a cycling group, and continuing his international development work through Sawa World Vancouver, from here. Joining Chor Musica, he said, is part of his retirement project to express himself musically and develop male friendships – something that can be difficult to do. “I’m not a sports bar or football game guy,” said Paul. “Here, you still get that irreverent men’s energy, that attitude. Maybe men just relax more when they’re with other guys.” Hmmm. Say more? “Sometimes in a mixed group, guys hang back, In my all-boys high school, there was less posturing. .With the men’s choir, they let their hair down There’s a relaxed feeling.” Still undecided? Catch Chor Musica in the choir’s December 15 Christmas concert, where their resonant voices will tackle Panis Angelicus , and if they can conquer it in time, Franz Biebl’s Ave Maria, among other pieces.

Festive & fresh for the holidays Book your Christmas appointment now and receive a gift from your pet stylist! Spots are going fast. We groom cats and dogs, big or small. We do them all!

Dog Gone Grooming

GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE!

6758 Cranberry Street • 604 483-2293

Top Shelf Feeds wants you to enjoy what Powell River has to offer!

Stop by every month and enter to win tickets to one of Powell River’s happening events! Until Dec 30, enter to win a pair of tickets to The Banff Mountain Film Festival No purchase necessary. Details in store.

• december 2016 • prliving.ca

We allow pets to bring their people into the store. Everything for your pet, livestock, farm and garden needs.

4480 Manson Avenue (corner of Duncan) • 604 485 2244

Robin Hood and the babes in the woods

Low on pressure and budget, high on passion and positivity A BAND OF MERRY MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN: Theatre Now’s production of Robin Hood features locals - you probably know at least one person who’s on stage. They’ll sing Rockin’ Robin, Bad to the Bone and I’m a Lumberleft last year’s Theatre Now production of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs wondering who played the jack as part of the updated version of the classic British folk tale. photos by Nicole Narbonne

BY PIETA WOOLLEY | pieta@prliving.ca

flamboyant housekeeper-in-drag Dolly Dingle. Des Hussey? I’d never heard of him, but he’d kept the audience roaring. My Google search turned up very little. How did Powell River have a resident expert drag queen I’d never heard of? My curiousity went hungry for nearly a year… until now. Desmond “Des” Hussey, I found out, is directing this year’s Theatre Now Christmas musical pantomime: Robin Hood and the Babes in the Woods. On a cold Tuesday night in mid-November, he was on stage giving notes to the cast. “You haven’t creeped me out enough,” Des half-jokingly told one character. “Be louder!” he exhorted another. It turns out, Des is a long-time Vancouver actor, writer and director who made his way up the coast a year and a half ago for the lifestyle. Last year he auditioned for a role in Snow White to get to know the community a little better. His turn as Dolly Dingle was his first in drag, he told me in a later interview. “Dolly was a fun character – she brought a lot of energy to the show,” said Des. “I don’t hold back.” This is also his first time directing community theatre, which has its own benefits and challenges. Over two nights of auditions for the 12 roles plus chorus, Des shared, seven people showed up each night – and four of those showed up both nights – for a total of 10 auditions. He had to “call in a few favours” from friends and acquaintances to make up the shortfall. Blake Brezet is playing the sheriff; Blake is a set designer who built the castle at The Vale’s Haunted Hal-

lowen event at Dwight Hall. Local musician Mitch Burton is cast as the henchman. And Coastal Cookery waitress Miriam McCarthy will star as Robin Hood – her first time on stage. Rockin’ Robin, Bad to the Bone and I’m a Lumberjack are just a few of the songs the cast will tackle to bring the 14th century English folk myth to 21st century Powell River audiences. “Pantomime throws all the rules out,” explained Des, on why he loves the form. “There’s not a lot of pressure to dramatic greatness. It’s slapstick and fun characters without the stress of historical accuracy or technical stuff. It tends to be a positive ensemble piece.” I told Des my live theatre conversion story from last year (see last Word, Page54), and he seemed to know exactly what I meant. “Highbrow stuff can get a little dry,” he said. “Magic can happen when you’re forced to work with low budgets. When people come with their passion instead of for a paycheque. Sometimes the novelty is, ‘What are people able to do with low budget and the talent in the local community?’ Also, lowering your expectations, people feel more comfortable. Panto is very interactive. You boo, you cheer. It’s been lost in a lot of modern theatres.” Hmmm. Lowered expectations? Not for this Theatre Now fan. Last year’s show was an absolute blast – and we’ll be at the front of the line for Robin Hood and the Babes in the Woods, too.

ROBIN HOOD PANTOMINE What: Robin Hood and the Babes in the Woods, by Theatre Now When: December 9, 10, 11, 16, 17 & 18, 7pm Fridays and Saturdays, 1:30pm Sundays Where: Evergreen Theatre Why: Great fun for the whole family; by donation.

Celebrate the season at Tree Frog

s Eve ends a s Fri ’ m r t ris Yea &

Refreshingly Different

4603 Marine Avenue

•

Ch New amily F

Reservations recommended

•

Merry Christmas from our house to yours! Closed Dec. 24 @ 3 pm Closed Dec. 25 & 26, Jan 1

604-485-0010

•

www.treefrogbistro.com

POWELL RIVER LIVING • december 2016 •

Big Dates December 5 Curriculum Day, SD47 No school

December 16 Last day of school before winter holidays (first day back: January 3)

holidays Plan your

Arts & DIY Events December 2 & 3

December 18

The Gift of the Letterpress Workshop

Last day to save 50 percent off vehicle fares on BC Ferries

Create a Letterpress poster and make prints for your friends and family using an authentic old fashioned flatiron press. Free. Register for one session only. 10 am to 1 pm. Call 604-485-8664.

See bcferries.com for details.

December 21 Winter Solstice Shortest day. Sunrise 8:13am, Sunset 4:19pm

Sunday, December 4 Book signing with Barrie Farrell

December 15 Chor Musica Men’s Choir

Le petit salon du livre community book fair

7:30 pm at James Hall. Tickets $18 at Academy.

10 am til 6 pm at James Thompson

December 23

December 15 to 18

Paradise

December 8

Pop up shop at 4712 Marine featuring original paintings, sculptures, new products and inspiring gifts.

December 25

Tech Savvy – Mango Languages

Dec 17

New Year’s Eve January 1 New Years Day

Flowers make cherished gifts

Autumn Skye: Transmission

Murder Mystery Dinner

Sunday, December 11 Sunday Song Circle

Sunday, December 18

Flowers by Cori-Lynn Beautiful gift ideas jewelry purses ponchos scarves

• Pre-order centerpieces • Poinsetta and other Christmas plants available

See the Lust List on Page 49 for more!

Sacred Dance Circle

(or maybe especially if...)

Gift certificates in any denomination or for any service.

December 23 The Red Lion Pub, 8 pm. All you hep cats bring visiting relatives and returning family. No cover - donation to Food Bank accepted instead.

December 23 The Red Nose Giddy Up DJ party 8 pm-midnight at That Sugar Vault. Especially for people home for Christmas! Prizes. No cover.

6:30 Cranberry Hall

CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS WITH A

HAPPY TURKEY

Order your holiday Free-range party trays and turkey today. Hormone-free Antibiotic-free Humane 4741 Marine Ave From 9 to 25 lbs 604 485-4838

604-485-7673 #104-4801 Joyce Ave Crossroads Village

Even if she’s been naughty.

The Zoo, 10 pm. Bring an item for the Food Bank.

Christmas Gig: Sam Hurrie Band

6-9 pm That Sugar Vault. With host Kyle Auclair and his dramatic flair. $15 gets you dinner and part of the action.

2 pm Cranberry Hall. All ages gathering and celebration of song is open to the public. Admission

December 9 Rock n Roll Trivia

Monday, December 12

Christmas Eve

December 31

Fondu with Lalu / Cecil Brooks 8 pm-midnight at That Sugar Vault. Cheese fondu party with Cecil Brooks. No cover, $13 for fondu fun.

7 -11 pm at That Sugar Vault. Rock n Roll Trivia hosted by radio personality Zane Sampson. Bring friends to make teams, food and drink specials. Prizes. No cover.

December 24

7 pm at the Library. Discover this digital language learning resource for 72 different languages. To register call 604-485-8664.

December 3

by donation ($5 suggested). Come and play some tunes, or sing along, or play along, or simply come to enjoy the music.

Pender Habour author of Boats in my Blood is signing copies at Coles in the mall at 1 pm. See ad on Page 52.

Christmas Day

Live Music

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Order today from:

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• december 2016 • prliving.ca

Season’s Greetings

from the Support Staff at School District #47, represented by CUPE 476

Live Theatre December 3 and 4 Live: The Polar Express At the Evergreen theatre. 6 pm on Dec. 3, 2 pm on Dec. 4. Adults $15. Children and Seniors $8. Sheridan Dance Academy and Showstoppers Musical Theatre. Kids encouraged to wear their pajamas.

O Christmas Tea When catastrophe strikes at James and Jamesy’s Christmas tea party, flooding the world with tea, the friends leap into action, finding innovative and hilarious solutions to keep them afloat. Redefining immersive theatre, these masters of physical comedy— with over a dozen comedy awards to their name—sweep the audience out to sea in a jolly aquatic escapade brimming with whimsy, action, and ingenuity in a celebration of friendship at Christmas. James and Jamesy are in Powell River for just one night, December 6, at the Max Cameron Theatre at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $15 / $24 / $26, and are available online at maxcamerontheatre.ca, or at 32 Lakes, the Red Lion, The Peak and the Old Courthouse Inn. You won’t want to miss this fun holiday show.

December 6 O Christmas Tea Max Cameron Theatre, 7 pm. Vancouver’s awardwinning comedy duo James & Jamesy are premiering their hilarious holiday presentation. Tickets $15 to $26. Tickets available at 32 Lakes, The Peak, The Red Lion, the Old Courthouse Inn, and online at jamesandjamesy.com.

December 9, 10, 11 & 16, 17, 18 Robin Hood & The Babes in the Woods Pantomine with Powell River’s Theatre Now! Fridays & Saturdays at 7 pm, Sundays at 1:30 pm. Admission by donation.

Polar Express - live!

Sheridan Dance Academy’s Show Stoppers Musical Theatre Program proudly presents: All Aboard the Polar Express! This production has been adapted by its director, Brittany Service, keeping all of the excitement and holiday joy of the original story, with just enough tweaks to make it a Powell River original! More than 20 Sheridan Dance Academy students have been working hard on this production since early September, and look forward to sharing the joy of Christmas with you and your family. The jolly guy himself will be appearing on the stage and will be available for photos with children before and after the show! All Aboard the Polar Express shows on December 3 at 6 pm and December 4 at 2 pm at the Evergreen Theatre. Tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for kids and grandparents. They’re available at Sheridan Dance Academy, River City Coffee, The Peak, and at the door.

Congratulations to local athletes

at the World Karate Organization World Championships in Hamilton, Ontario

Kolten Laine

Delaney Long

2x Jr Champ Sparring and Kata

18-22 Kata World Champ

Chloe Labree

Jr Weapons World Champ

Cody Oliver

Jr Weapons World Champ

POWELL RIVER LIVING • december 2016 •

Film

Get Sporty

December 2 to 9

Allied Tentative schedule. Please check. At The Patricia. 7 pm nightly.

December 3

December 21 to 29

Film Festival

Sing

For the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Jean Pike Centre, $5, 2:30pm.

December 9 to 15

7:15 Hap Parker

Winter Wonderland opens 7 – 9 pm ice rink. Join us for a magical festive skate. Wear a Santa hat and admission is just a toonie.

5-7 pm ice rink. Skaters are encouraged to bring a non perishable food item or a new toy donation, admission is free with a donation. Skate rentals are extra.

December 17

At The Patricia. In 3D 7 pm nightly except 24th & 25th; 1:30 pm matinees 24 & 26 in 2D. Closed December 25.

December 9 to 26

Skate with Santa

Winter Wonderland

December 30 to January 5

Enchanted forest-themed ice rink decorated for the season. See Page 15 for the full schedule.

Noon-2 pm, ice rink. Santa would like to invite everyone young and old to this special Christmas Skate. Santa will be making an appearance and handing out candy canes and posing for photos.

Doctor Strange

Moana

At The Patricia. 7 pm nightly in 3D and 1:30 pm weekend matinees in 2D.

Tentative schedule. Please check. At the Patricia. 7 pm nightly in 3D except 31st 1:30 pm Weekend matinees in 2D.

January 6 and 7

Ed Wood Sexy Sweater Club 8 pm-midnight at That Sugar Vault. Prizes for best male & female sweater wearer. Film. No cover charge.

Christmas Hamper Skate

Kings versus Alberni Valley

Trolls At The Patricia. 7 pm nightly in 3D and 1:30 pm weekend matinees in 2D.

December 16

December 14

December 9

December 16 to 20

Banff Mountain Film Fest Max Cameron Theatre in Brooks. 5:45 doors open.

Book a full set of faux mink lash extensions with fill for just $100

Only until Dec. 10!

GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE

December 10

December 26

Kings versus Alberni Valley 5 pm Hap Parker. Also: Stuff the Trailer (see Page 3 for more) will be at the game to collect nonperishable food for the Food Bank. Hampers for $5 and $10 will also be available, and cash donations are always welcome.

Kings Dream Lottery gives away $7,000!

Boxing Day Skate See ad on Page 15 for more.

December 27 to 29 Reid Kyfiuk Memorial 3 on 3 tourney Hap Parker Arena hockey action.

December 30

December 11

Kings versus Nanaimo

Jingle Jog 2016 5 km Run or Walk at Willingdon Beach. $10/person $20/family. All proceeds to the Powell River Action Food Bank. 9:30 am start for the walk, 10 am start for the run. Organized by the Brooks PE class.

Krampus vs. Christmas roller derby 1-3 pm scrimmage at the Thunderdome. Entrance by donation or canned goods for the Food Bank.

NuEssence Salon & Day Spa info@nuessence.ca 4553B Marine Ave 604-485-6336

5:30 pm Hap Parker

January 7 Sea Snake Saturday 2:30 to 3:30 pm at the pool.

Kings Dream Lottery Main draw.

US! TAKE A CUE FROM Aaron Service & Supply now carries pool cues and accessories for billiards & darts

More than shoes & boots!

Stocking stuffers galore! Custom baskets Candys & nuts Coffee Kitchen gadgets Knives

We have accessories to meet your every need. And some great gift ideas, too.

PAGANI & SONS SHOES & REPAIRS “the fit specialist since 1956”

4670A Marine Avenue 604 485-5110

• december 2016 • prliving.ca

yoga fitness dance

Gift certificates, punchards & memberships available for purchase online or in studio.

AARON SERVICE & SUPPLY

aaronservice.com • fb.com/AaronServiceSupply

604 485-5611 4703 Marine Ave

http://www.nourishstudio.ca http://www.tfit.ca #118 4801 Joyce Ave #117 4801 Joyce Ave. Find us centrally located in Crossroad's Village

Celebrate the Season -

Secular

To December 19 Festival of Trees Fundraiser for Inclusion Powell River, taking place at Capone’s Liquor Store, Duke’s Liquor Store and Aaron Service & Supply. Winning ticket drawn Dec 20.

December 1 to 3 8th Annual Town Centre Hotel Gingerbread Contest Bring in your creations for display throughout December – and prizes!

December 2 Stuff the Trailer campaign kickoff

SECOND ANNUAL SANTA TRAIN DECEMBER 9 &10, 5-8 PM - RAIN, SHINE OR SNOW!

Party at Safeway 1-5 pm. 95.7 Coast FM will be live on location. Denis and The Menaces play 3 pm to 5 pm.

Top 10 for Christmas Break Keep your kids burning off their gingerbread men December 17 to January 2. 1. Winter Wonderland skate - and more! See ad Page 15. 2. Christmas puppet show - December 17, 10:30, Cran Hall 3. Carol sing-a-long with Santa December 18 at 2 pm at the Patricia

Last year, hundreds of children came out for the first Santa Train event. This year, there’s more! An all-new tunnel and length of track add to the experience of travelling through the forest at night on a miniature train surrounded by thousands of twinkling coloured lights. Enjoy music, visiting with Santa, warming up by the bonfire, plus a bake sale, activities for kids and a concession in the quonset hut. Hundreds of hours by our volunteers from our society, the Powell River

December 9 and 10 Santa Train 5-8 pm. Families are invited to ride the Paradise Valley Railroad train with Santa in attendance. New route, more décor and a tunnel. Plus, bonfire!

4. Kings games - See Page 44

December 9 and 10

5. Moana at the Patricia - Likely starts December 30. Double-check!

Carols by Candlelight

6. Autumn Skye’s show, Transmission December 15 to 18 on Marine. See Page 42 for more.

December 11, 18, 15 and 22

7. Robin Hood and the Babes in the Woods pantomime December 16 - 18. See Page 25 for ad. 8. Pageants and other church services. See Page 46 and Page 36.

Pet photos with Santa At the Town Centre Mall. See ad on Page 47 for details.

December 11 Pere Noel Santa visits the French club 1-4 pm. Family activities. Everyone welcome. Free.

9. Reid Kyfiuk Memorial 3 on 3 hockey tourney December 27-29. 10. Polar Bear Swim January 1 at noon.

Thunderdome, 10 am-4 pm

December 4 Santa arrives at the Town Centre Mall

Chor Musica Men’s Choir 7:30 pm at James Hall. Tickets $18 from Academy.

December 16 Final stretch for Stuff the Trailer Coast FM broadcasting live from the Safeway parking lot 1-5 pm, in the final hours of the Food Bank campaign.

December 17

December 25 Free Christmas Day Dinner Westview Baptist Church, appies at 5:30 pm, dinner at 6 pm. For singles, seniors and couples who would otherwise be alone for Christmas. Reservations by December 21, please. RSVP to 604-485-9607 or Marg Cooper 604-485-2143.

Ring in 2017

Christmas Bird Count Anyone can participate but you must first register with the compiler, who assigns you to a specified group within the count circle. Contact: Heather Harbord hharbord@shaw.ca 604 485-5379. See Page 12.

Christmas puppet show 10:30 am, Cranberry Hall. The Library’s own childrens author Deb Zagwyn is premiering her original script based on Kate Beaton’s award-winning book, King Baby, with colleague Sonia Zagwyn.December 18

2 pm at The Patricia. Song leader Roberta Pearson & Organist Jim Dickson on our new Theatre Organ! Admission by donation.

Christmas Bird Count for Kids

Christmas Shopping Extravaganza!

December 15

Annual Community  Christmas Carol Sing-along  With Santa & Mrs. Claus

December 3 Spotting scopes, binoculars and hot chocolate provided. Open to children aged 5-12 with their adult. Local birders will be on hand to help with identification. Begin at Willingdon Beach campground shelter. 10 amnoon. Contact Janet May youngnaturalist@gmail.com 604 487-9149. See Page 12.

Forestry Heritage Society, went into building the track. Without the help from other non-profit organizations and 20 local businesses the event would not have been a success ! Train rides are free. But please bring a new unwrapped toy or nonperishable food items in support of our local Salvation Army. ~ Hans Maurer

New Year’s Eve: December 31 New Years Eve Glow in the Dark Party 8 pm to 2 am. That Sugar Vault. $15 late buffet.

Denis and the Menaces 10 pm to 2 am at the Cranbar. Grand prize: Schwinn Mountain Bike and more. Bring a nonperishable item for the Food Bank.

Paradise Band performs at the Carlson Community Club.

Frenzy Red Lion Pub. 9 pm to 2 am. A night of dancing and food. $25.

New Year’s Day January 1 Polar Bear Swim Willingdon Beach, in the water at noon. Fire and cocoa. powtownrollerderby.com for more.

WHERE’S SANTA? Pere Noel at the French Club Dec. 11 (see photo above from 2015, with cookies) Town Centre Mall December 4 to 24

Happy Holidays!

Santa Parade December 4

Get your photo taken! See ad on Page 14 for full details.

Santa Train December 9 & 10

Santa Parade

Carol Sing at the Patricia December 18

3 pm. Sponsored by MABA. Please bring nonperishable items for the Salvation Army.

Your house, late, December 24

(604) 485-3758 www.bankingonit.ca

POWELL RIVER LIVING • december 2016 •

Celebrate the Season -

Christian December 1 Christmas Tales

Westview Church, 7 pm. Storyteller Justyn Rees and singer Russ Rosen deliver the songs and stories like you’ve never heard before.

December 1 to 3 Annual Nativity Exhibit Church of Latter Day Saints. Begins Thursday evening with choirs singing in the chapel . Viewing after the singing and/or on Friday from 10 am to 8 pm; and on Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm. Free.

December 7 A Blue Christmas Service United Church, 7 pm. A low-key reflective time with readings, music and candles, for those who find Christmas a difficult time of year.

December 11 Children’s pageant 10 am, St. David and St. Paul’s Anglican Church.

Free community dinner Salvation Army. 604-485-6067 for tickets.

December 18

December 18 Lessons and Carols 10 am, St. David and St. Paul’s Anglican Church.

December 24 United / Lutheran Christmas Eve services 7 pm at Faith Lutheran Church. The ABC’s of Christmas: Carols and Candlelight.

Anglican Eucharist Service 7 pm, St. David and St. Paul’s Anglican Church.

Candlelight Service At the Salvation Army with Lighthouse Community Church. 6:30 pm.

Baptist Services At 4 pm and 6 pm at Westview Baptist Church. Note: no service December 25.

December 25 Lutheran / United Christmas Day services 10:30 am at the United Church. Lessons and Carols.

December 25 Christmas Morning Prayer 10 am St. David and St. Paul’s Anglican Church.

Christmas Pageant

January 1

10:30 am United Church. Please join us for this special intergenerational, interactive worship service.

Lutheran / United New Year’s Worship 10:30 am at the United Church.

CXC: By the end of October, every single ticket for Carols by Candlelight has sold out. Here, Isabella Colasanto takes centre stage in 2015, with Walter Martella. photo by Robert Colasanto

Celebrate the Season -

Solstice

December 21 Solstice Tarot with PRL’s Teresa Harwood-Lynn 6-9 pm at That Sugar Vault. Solstice Celebration at Weird & Wonderful Wednesdays: an intro to Tarot and other ethereal delights. This is the kick off W&W Wednesday that will happen every other Wednesday. Make a dinner reservation! 15 min reading for $10.

Solstice Fire Ceremony and festive social gathering The Vale, 4-7 pm. All our members (and members to

be) welcome to join around the yule fire and evoke hopes and dreams for the year to come. This friendly, non-denominational ceremony (consisting of a short dedication, a simple bell meditation, and a community vision-sharing circle), will be followed by a fun holiday hang-out, where friends and neighbours can cheers-in the new year with hot food and delicious beverages available for purchase at the Vale Saloon. (You must be a Vale Society member to attend this free event, but memberships will be available on site for $10 )

FRIDAY & SATURDAY

JANUARY 6 & 7

BROOKS SECONDARY SCHOOL & MAX CAMERON THEATRE

A different lineup of films each night! 5:45 pm Doors open for some social time; reacquaint yourself with friends and other adventure fans. Enjoy a bite to eat and a beverage, and bid on silent auction items. 6:45 pm Move into the Max Cameron Theatre for this year’s lineup of BMFF films.

The World’s Best Mountain Films

Tickets at Taws, Pacific Point Market and River City Coffee For more information contact Jim Palm at 604 483-3171 or james.palm@sd47.bc.ca

• december 2016 • prliving.ca

BUSINESS CONNECTIONS BY KIM MILLER| office@powellriverchamber.com Gail Warning Boat Checks is a new service offered by Gail Warning Charters that provides peace of mind to boat owners that their vessel is secure. Neil Woloschuk, owner of Gail Warning Charters, has been in the charter business since 1986, and is well-known within the boating community. “We offer options for the security and safety of your vessel. In all options, your boat will be checked pre and post all storm force winds. You will be contacted immediately should anything compromise

the safety or security of your boat,” he says. Neil can be reached at neilgailw@ gmail.com; 604-485-4468 or on his cell at 604-483-6296. The law office of Gregory Reif has moved to a new location in Crossroads Village. They are now located near River City Coffee at Unit 106-4871 Joyce Avenue. The phone number remains the same at 604-485-2056. Jennifer Furcall and Dave Geertsma have launched J&D Signs, having bought out the operations and equipment of Brian Bomprezzi of Brian’s Vinyl Signs. Working out of her home at 4710 Bowness Avenue, Jennifer and

Your skull. It’s a beautiful thing.

Dave also added a wide-format thermal transfer printer and they do stencils. They specialize in custom decals and signs of all shapes and sizes, indoor and outdoor, wall or window signs as well as boat and car decals. Contact Jennifer at signs@jdsignspro.com or call 604-5780510. Paul Kamon is the new executive director for Sunshine Coast Tourism. Paul, who was Tourism Powell River’s executive director for the past five years, will fill the newly created position at Sunshine Coast Tourism. The development of Sunshine Coast Tourism was made possible through the col-

Contest winner

That was a tough one, eh?

The word search contest on Page 28 of the October issue of Powell River Living stumped more than a few of you. But Denise Abbott found the answers and won a catered event from That Sugar Vault!

lection of the two per cent hotel tax that Sunshine Coast Tourism brought in last August. PR Appliance and Mattress is now open. Owned by Carl Haakenson, the locally owned and operated business is located next to Westcoast Furniture in Crossroads Village. The phone number is 604-489-1700. PR Glass Shop (formerly Dave’s Glass Shop) will be under new management next year. The previous owners retired and new owner Richard Nordentoft will open under the new name PR Glass Shop on January 2 at the same location 7468 Duncan Street.

Pet Photos With Santa

In case you’re still stumped, here are the answers:

Ho Ho Hold on there: don’t let your holiday celebrations end in substance-related trauma. We know what a brain injury is. You don’t want to find out. rain

njur y oc t ie

life

beyond acquired brain injury

• college across from Willingdon beach: MALASPINA • motel on Alberni: COOKS • who was Brindy: BRYNJOLFSON • amalgamated with Powell River News: TOWN CRIER • unique ingredient in cinnamon bun: BACON • collision in Cranberry: KINGS • coiffures of distinction: RUDYS • hardware store on Marine: BOWES • mocha ice cream cake: UP ALL NIGHT TO GET LUCKY • owner of radiator shop: JACKIE SING • drink made with fresh ginger and organic cane sugar: BUDDAH’S LEMONADE • house made dairy lemon ice cream: PUCKER UP SWEET CHEEKS • house made non dairy coconut lime pineapple ice cream: COCO LOCO • raw menu item made with cashews, almonds and beets: RAVIOLI • pineapple tumeric and lavender are flavours of what kind of drink: SHRUBBED BUBBLES • finger licking good fried chicken: BROWNIES • first Texada car ferry: ATREVIDA

PET PHOTO HOURS

Sundays, December 11 & 18, 3pm – 4pm Thursdays, December 15 & 22, 6pm – 7pm Sponsored by

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

604.485.4681

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A gift that truly keeps giving. Donate to the Powell River Hospital Foundation.

604-483-9749

604 485-3211 ext 4349 | 5000 Joyce Avenue, Powell River, V8A 5R3

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www.nelsonroofing.com

(604) 485-0100

Daily runs to Savary Island • Charters serving Savary Island & surrounding areas, including Sunshine Coast Trail • Phone for reservations • Phone hours 8 am – 6 pm

POWELL RIVER LIVING • december 2016 •

For flirty eyes 1 Surveys show half of women would choose mascara if they could only use one makeup product - because eyelashes are so important. Take it up a notch with eyelash extensions from NuEssence starting at $100.

For windy days 2 Everyone still wants to find a Pollen Sweater under the tree. But a Pollen scarf makes a great runner-up prize. Or a secondary present. They’re silky and soft and long enough to wear in a variety of ways.

For toasty feet 3 It’s winter in Powell River - it’s gonna rain. But you’ll welcome it with these cozy socks and stylish waterproof boots from Fits to a T.

For timeless style 4 You can never go wrong with some classic gifts. And while Paperworks might be better known for more unusual choices, they also do classic very well, like these classy ladies watches and purses.

For tropical wrists 5 In the depths of winter, we love to dream about sunny beaches. The Lotus and Luna bracelets, available at Simply Bronze, are handcrafted in Thailand by talented female artisans. Made with cotton cords, coconut shell clasps, semi-precious stones, and lots of positive vibes, we’re particularly fond of the “Endless Summer” collection, and this Barefoot Stroll triple wrap puts us in mind of warmer times.

According to Heather Claxton at Mother Nature, Caldrea has the best Christmas scent for 2017 with their unusual and refreshing Juniper Laurel Mint. Mother Nature carries this in hand soap, hand lotion, and dish soap.

For a sharper kitchen 7 KitchenAid cutlery sets are not afraid of the dishwasher, and come with an integrated diamond knife sharpener. Available at Canadian Tire in black and stainless steel or in sexy red apple with this bamboo block.

For the skateboarder 8

RDS-branded gifts for the skateboard fan start at $3.95 at Armitage Men’s Wear.

• december 2016 • prliving.ca

No need to head out of town, when there are so many gift options right here in our city. Powell River Living, with

For cozy toes 9 For work, for play, for sport, Darn Tough socks live up to the name. Find them at Pagani and Sons Shoes & Repair.

For mad money 10 Men’s and women’s wallets make great gifts starting at $26.99 at Flowers by Cori-Lynn.

For a happy New Year 11 Celebrate the holiday season with bubbly. Capone’s Cellar has a wide variety of champagne, prosecco and sparkling wines.

THE Lu

For the trendiest scent 6

ust LIST

help from our advertisers, has rounded up a list worth lusting after, whether for a loved one, or to treat yourself!

3 4

11 POWELL RIVER LIVING • december 2016 •

THE Lu

For a warm home 12 Home monitoring and temperature control has finally gotten smart. The Nest Cam Indoor security camera gives 24/7 live streaming, a versatile magnetic stand, person alerts with Nest Aware. The Nest Thermostat learns your routine, and can be controlled from anywhere. There’s one app for all your Nest products. Ask Leah at Relish Interiors for info.

For date night 13

That Sugar Vault has selected just the right variety of meat products for their tasty charcuterie plate - perfect for date night. Follow it up with an “Up All Night to Get Lucky” mocha ice cream cake, and you just might.

• december 2016 • prliving.ca

For Mr. & Ms. Fix-it 14 Get twice as much done with the 1/2” cordless drill and 1/4” cordless impact driver from Makita, which come in a kit with two 18V, 4.0 Ah lithium ion batteries, a rapid charger and a case for $389 at Valley Building Supplies.

For adventurers 15 Go-Pro videos are great, but sometimes you really need to put yourself in the picture. This floating extension pole from GoPro extends 14 inches up to 24 inches. Go Pro calls it their GoPole Floating Extension Pole. Everyone else calls it a GoPro selfie stick. Find it at Taws.

ust LIST 15

For enhancing natural light 16 Light through glass is such a pleasure to the senses, and Chris Motloch, a glass blower from the lower Sunshine Coast, has given the art a west-coast twist with these hand-blown sea urchin pieces. Visit Tug Guhm Gallery in Lund to see other works of his.

For the birds 17 Help be a good neighbour to your feathered friends by installing this natural woven birdhouse. Available for $28.99 at Top Shelf Feeds.

For serious beer-o-philes 18 Sometimes one growler is just not enough. Fortunately, the folks at Townsite Brewing thought of that and bring you the Townsite Growler Carriers.

For traditional elegance 19 Find unique bentwood boxes and original plaques with abalone inlays at Tla’amin Convenience Store.

POWELL RIVER LIVING • december 2016 •

TAKE A BREAK

Charity challenges us

Powell River Tarot: a community reading, by Teresa Harwood-Lynn Teresa is available for individual readings, parties and special events. You can contact her directly at 604-485-5620 or by email at teresaann@telus.net www.coastfitness.ca info@coastfitness.ca 604.485.5160

LTD.

Certified

Complete Auto Repair Any Make & Model

7050 Alberni St C 604 485-7003

Great local gift! The autobiography of Barrie Farrell, one of British Columbia’s most prolific— and colourful—boat builders.

Get your book signed by the author Sunday, Dec 4 at 1 pm at Coles in the mall! $24.95

harbourpublishing.com

ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR “CHARITY OF CHOICE” + “FREE BUSINESS BOOTH”

Apr 28 + 29, 2017

Don ’t dr ink & 604.485.7676 4487 Franklin Avenue pinetreeauto@shaw.ca

COFFEE

with coupon

• december 2016 • prliving.ca

ut of all the tarot cards in the deck, I find the six of pentacles the most difficult to read on its own. I prefer to look at it in combination with other cards in order to narrow down its intent. This card is about giving and receiving, generosity and willingness, abundance and wealth. It is a card where we may find ourselves playing all the roles of the characters I am about to introduce you to. Depicted on this card is a man in a red robe and hat tossing coins at a beggar dressed in yellow. In his left hand he holds a scale, which appears to be balanced. We see another beggar dressed in blue waiting for his share of the wealthy man’s generosity. If you look closely our three appear to be on a stage. Of the two beggars, the man in yellow appears to be better off than the man in blue. He has a hat, and his wrap looks to be in better condition. The beggar in blue is somewhat disheveled. His cloak is in disrepair. With a red ticket falling out of his pocket, he has given the wealthy man the impression that he does not look after, or value, his possessions.

The wealthy man has decided that the beggar in yellow is more apt than the beggar in blue to use his gift to move himself forward. The scale he holds gives him the power to decide what is just and fair, who is deserving, and who is not. We can only hope that he has made the right decision, and that he is not using this opportunity to help as a stage to show the world how great and powerful he is. This card is a reminder that there is a responsibility that comes with being both a giver and a receiver. Are we sharing our time and talents to help others achieve, or because we wish to be seen as generous in the eyes of the world? When we receive, do we accept graciously, and take the opportunity to use what is given in ways that move us to a better place; a place where we can repay the kindness by helping others? In this month of giving and receiving, I am grateful to my mentors, past and present, who have so generously given of their time and talent. I hope I have used their energy wisely. Merry Christmas, and may you enjoy all the gifts of the season.

SIX OF PENTACLES GIVING RECEIVING GENEROSITY WEALTH POVERTY RESPONSIBILITY JUDGEMENT

driv e. W . e’d rath er not have that business

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Valid until January 31, 2017.

December Powell River events

2 3 4

5 6

7 8

A great gift idea!

Why get away, when you can stay?

GETAWAY

15 16 18

• • • • • •

21 22

25 26 27

STAYCATION

• Private Dinner four courses for 2 • Superior King Room • Full Hot Breakfast of your choice

Return Ferry Ride $160 Executive Room $155+ Dinner For Two $100 Breakfast $40 Additional Meals $100 Gas $20 Total $575+ . . . but the ferry’s cancelled $ 0 and you have an upset mate

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Customized Packages available for two or more people

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6243 Walnut Street • oldcourt@telus.net OldCourthouseInn.ca

Across

Down

3) World-flooding beverage 6) Evil Santa 8) Skaters in Kyfiuk tourney 10) Car part, or art show 11) Archaic Christmas 14) Supper west of Rockies 15) Train by __ Heritage Society 16) Convey, mail speedily 18) Power outage ambiance 20) Creches 21) Thug or bonnet 24) __ of Trees 25) Region far north or far south 27) Walk or skate in winter 28) Bird or folk hero 29) Songs or Burnett’s

1) Fall or artist 2) Cecil Brooks 4) Jamesy’s partner; Jesus’ brother 5) Tracked transport 7) Can’t catch man at TC Hotel 8) Shortest day 9) Complex theatre 12) __ in the woods 13) Stuff this for Food Bank 17) New Year’s at CCC 19) Patricia or Now 20) Not later 22) Roller Derby home 23) Bank seeking freezer 24) Boats in my Blood Barrie 26) Christmas __ Count

Sara‛s Hands Massage 3 packs Available Dec 1st - 24th Three 30 minutes for $97 Three 45 minutes for $130 Three 60 minutes for $165 Gift Certificates Available

Catch the Santa Train! At the Paradise Valley Exhibition Grounds

December 9 & 10, 5-8 pm

Bring a non-perishable food item or unwrapped toy for the Salvation Army. This space available to non-profit organizations, courtesy City Transfer

Where service and safety move volumes.

Next day, damage-free delivery. WWW.CITYTRANSFER.COM

F A R E

T R A

Helping Hands

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Solution for last month’s puzzle:

310-CITY (2489)

POWELL RIVER | SUNSHINE COAST | VANCOUVER

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POWELL RIVER LIVING • december 2016 •

T d r o ast W

with

PIETA WOOLLEY pieta@prliving.ca

his was the big night I’d been waiting for. In early December 2015, I dropped $300 on tickets to take my mom and two kids to see The Nutcracker in Vancouver. Alberta Ballet’s production promised enormous sets (with a $1.5 million budget) inspired by Imperial Russia and Faberge eggs. ‘Magic!’ I thought, as I punched my credit card number into Ticketmaster’s web site, remembering with misty nostalgia my own childhood trips to The Queen E for this accessible Christmasy show. I imagined the ballet’s effect on my kids. They’d be enraptured. I’d feel like a great mom. My mom would enter grandma nirvana. All holiday season, we’d enjoyed live theatre in Powell River – so I was sure The Nutcracker would be the biggest hit yet. It started November 7 with the Bollywood show at the Max Cameron. I’d brought my daughter, Abi, then age six, for a special girls night. We loved every minute of watching the local women – many of whom we knew – swirling in their saris, their bare feet taking on the unfamiliar but entrancing bangara steps. During intermission, we tried pakoras, and a volunteer designed a henna flower on Abi’s hand. My daughter and I walked home through Townsite in the dark, still feeling full of joy from the evening’s performance. All fall, Abi and David, then nine, had practiced in their Academy of Music choirs for Carols by Candlelight. We’d never been to the event, so we didn’t know what to expect. It was very intense. Two and a half hours of choral music in the beautiful tudor-revival Dwight Hall, in the glow of a towering Christmas tree and hundreds of “candles.” On December 10 and 11, both of my kids sang to a delighted audience, powering through Handle’s Messiah and other pieces now etched into their little brains. The next weekend, we took a chance on Theatre Now’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs pantomime. I’d avoided pantos forever, because participatory theatre fills me with dread. But it looked light and fun, and again – always a slave to motherhood – I thought the kids would enjoy it. Attending the production was probably the

This holiday, may the force be with you, and your toes Instance socks are available in many other colours and patterns, including NBA and Christmas designs.

604 485-9493 In the Town Centre Mall

• december 2016 • prliving.ca

I cracked this nut most fun we’d had as a family the entire season. The inclusive cast showcased many familiar faces and talented musicians. Audience participation was thankfully restricted to heckling the performers (lots of ‘boos’ and ‘yays’ for the villains and heroes). It was a rowdy, funny night – and it was “by donation.” Nearly two weeks later, as we sat in the theatre waiting for The Nutcracker to begin in Vancouver, I thought of these Powell River experiences. The kids, already exhausted from a full day in the city and the stress of eating at The Spaghetti Factory during the Christmas season, sagged in their plush seats. To re-energize them, we walked down the aisle to see the orchestra warming up. They peered in to the pit briefly and then looked away. I took them to see the recently renovated ‘modern’ lobby, a design marvel when it was built in 1959. “Mom can I have a KitKat during intermission?” asked David, spotting them in a concession basket by the soaring glass walls. Really? Sure. We sat down again. Abi, who was taking ballet lessons at the time, started getting antsy. “When is it starting? Are they coming out now? When will they dance? What’s happening, mom?” She asked these questions about 4,000 times, before the lights finally faded and the first dancers appeared. Abi, who was watching with an intensity that would have caused her wires to short-circuit if she were a robot, started bopping up and down in her seat, dancing along with the sugar plum fairies on stage. Like Clara, her arms were winging around, ballet-style. If this were happening in Powell River, no problem. But the family in the seats behind us had also, no doubt, dropped $300 for a “magic” night out. I asked Abi to sit. She resisted. We tussled, and she agreed to sit in my lap. After flopping around like an angry fish, she fell asleep… missing nearly all of Alberta Ballet’s $300 The Nutcracker. David’s highlight of the evening? The KitKat. Lesson learned. Where does Christmas magic happen? Here. Not there. Here.

pick up your perfect platters We’d love to help make your festive feast fantastic. We have over 40 delicious platters to choose from. Pick up a brochure in store or visit saveonfoods.com Please allow 24 hours notice when ordering.

7100 Alberni Street - Town Centre Mall saveonfoods.com • 604 485-4823 OPEN EVERY DAY • 7 AM – 9 PM POWELL RIVER LIVING • december 2016 •

A Magical Christmas

Twinkling lights and festive décor bring the Magic of Christmas to Powell River Town Centre

SANTA CLAUS ARRIVES SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4th AT NOON! EXTENDED MALL SHOPPING HOURS

Thursdays December 8th & 15th, 9:30am to 7pm December 19th to 23rd, 9:30am to 7pm Christmas Eve, 9:30am to 4pm Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day 9am to 4pm

• december 2016 • prliving.ca

604.485.4681

prtowncentre.com