April 2018 eyesonbc magazine by EyesOnBC Publishing

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10 What is a Fireﬁghter • 12

John Beaton’s: “Standing Firm” •

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I’m Not Sure •

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The Oceanside Community of Bowser •

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MAGAZINE

THE FEATURES vol 14 No 04

APRIL 2018

4 The Oceanside Community of Bowser 10 I'm Not Sure 12 What is a Firefighter?

THE ARTS / EATS / OUTDOORS

EyesOnBC Magazine is published monthly Showcasing our community since 2004 Main Email: info@eyesonbc.com Phone: 250-757-9914 Mailing Address EyesOnBC Magazine, Box 182, Bowser, BC V0R 1G0 Hours: Tue - Thu 10-4 Our Contributors this month: Georgia Nicols, Joanne Sales, Linda Tenney Bill Veenhof, John Beaton, Dawn Hunter Clark, Sue Murguly, Bill Lovegrove, Micki Findlay, Heather Vopni On the Internet www.eyesonbc.com & www.facebook.com/eyesonbc For Advertising Options Call 250-757-9914 to inquire or visit www.eyesonbc.com/advertise to request ad rates. VISA & MasterCard accepted Printed on Vancouver Island, BC

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John Beaton’s “Standing firm” At the MAC: Tales for the Telling ECHO Players present: Selected Stories Part 2 Tide Table - inside back cover

COMMUNITY LIVING 15 Cut Broom in Bloom 16 From the Desk of the RDN Director, Area H - Bill Veenhof

THE REGULARS 8 21 22 23

Georgia Nicols Horoscope Community Calendar At Your Service - Local Services & Trades Classifieds

Articles and opinions expressed in this publication are those of the writers and published for general information purposes only. Articles are not intended to provide specific advice - the publisher will assume no liability. Articles and/or data may not be quoted or reproduced, in part or in whole, without permission from the publisher. Freelance writers & photographers Queries can be directed to Linda Tenney, Publisher at info@eyesonbc.com

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The Oceanside Community of Bowser

Mike the Dog serving patrons of the Bowser Hotel - circa 1940. Photo courtesy Vancouver Archives.

by Dawn Hunter Clark

n the area known as Lighthouse Country, Bowser sits comfortably on the shore of the Salish Sea just twenty minutes north of Qualicum Beach. Currently home to about 1,700 residents, this thriving hamlet claims a pioneer history of homesteading men and women who set down their roots and grew their families here.

part in building the community in its early days. While it's unlikely that he ever visited the area, Bowser is named after British Columbia’s 17th Premier, William John Bowser, who held the position from December 1915 until November 1916. A little mystery surrounding Premier Bowser is, no one knows where his final resting place is, but his name lives on in this quaint, friendly village.

It was first settled in the late 1800's by a handful of pioneers. One of the earliest was Phil Nile, an accomplished cabinet maker, who cleared land for his homestead known as Nile Creek Ranch. In the early 1890’s, Phil sold the ranch to John May who, along with his sons, established a successful fruit orchard. The land has passed through many hands over the years, including those of carpenter and boat builder Henry Thames, his son Oscar and his grandson, Cyril Thames. The family name is still well-known in Bowser with Thames Creek forever a tribute to their

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create much of a boom in the village, in fact Bowser hasn't changed very much over the years, but it has been the focus of some famous and interesting characters.

In 1914, Bowser became a stop on the newly constructed Esquimalt & Nanaimo Railway. It didn't

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By 1925, there were about ninety residents, primarily farmers. And back then, there were no houses between Bowser and Deep Bay.

William John Bowser photo courtesy Vancouver Archives

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Deep Bay was the industrial centre of the area with enterprising businesses like the Dog Fish Plant, BC Packers and all the fishing boats in the bay. It was where folks of the area went to work. Bowser, on the other hand, was the commercial hub CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

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with its general store, gas station, hotel, dance hall, and a post office, for shopping, congregating and generally letting loose. In the 1930’s, Bowser became famous for the Bowser Hotel. Although it wasn’t a grand hotel, a staff member made the hotel famous. His name was Mike. He became so famous that folks came from all over to see him and he was also featured in the New York Sun, Life Magazine and Ripley’s Believe It or Not. Mike wasn’t just a server at the hotel, he was a dog – a sheepdog terrier. His owners, Florence and Cappy Winfield trained Mike to serve the patrons. As the story goes, when a customer would come into the Bowser Hotel, Cappy would say, “Okay Mike.” Mike would get off his seat behind the bar, grab a bottle of beer to take to the customer. He would either grab a seat next to them or jump on their lap and place the bottle on the table. He would take their money and bring back change. He was quite the celebrity. Mike would also run across the road to the General Store with a note in his mouth and bring back supplies to the hotel. At the end of each night, Cappy would say, “Go shut the door Mike.” And Mike would go shut the door. Along with Mike, the Winfield’s other staff members included other dogs, a deer, a bear cub and a raccoon. In a sad turn of events, Mike was struck and killed while running across the street to the General Store in 1941. Letters of condolences were sent from around the world. After eight years of service, Mike was laid to rest beside the hotel. And then in 1969, the era of the Bowser Hotel came to an end when the hotel burned to the ground. And although it has been almost fifty years, the tale of Mike the dog and the Bowser Hotel lives on.

contributions to the community. And in-store, besides a full range of grocery items, you'll also find helpful, friendly staff like Sharon, who has been cashier for more than a decade. Recent additions to the village include the construction of the ambulance service building at Magnolia Court, a small strip mall that houses the Union Bay Credit Union, the Brew Coffeehouse, Bowser Library, Powerhouse Fitness Club, Crops 'n Bobbers Hair Studio, the Salish Sea Market, among others. The Bowser Legion seems to be a central location for a variety of community events and always has something going on. Bowser Builders' Supply, in its new location beside Brian Boyes' Lighthouse Feed & Garden, is an impressive store for a small village. There are countless tales from this little seaside community and you can learn more about the history of Bowser in the book, Images & Voices of Lighthouse Country, written by Rita Levitz & Leah Willott. Pick it up for sale at the Georgia Park Store and Salish Sea Market, or you can borrow it from the Bowser Library. Bowser is also famous for fly-fishing, hiking, exploring, wildlife viewing and clam & oyster picking. It has become a haven for artists who have flocked to the area over the years for its peace, beauty, and tranquility. This oceanside community of Bowser is a place to visit and enjoy. A place of true, natural inspiration and historically oceanside. ~

The ‘downtown’ core of Bowser has remained almost the same for the past 70 years, but in the past ten years, Bowser has seen more changes than in its entire history. The Georgia Park Store has been run by owners Lo and Dave Des Meules for many years. Stop in for a coffee, pick up the mail or some wine and have a chat with any one of their awesome staff like Danielle, who you are guaranteed to share a laugh with. Two local businesses that continued to operate in the same location for decades are Bowser Builders' Supply and Bowser Esso. Bowser Builders', after acquiring a much larger property more suitable for their growing business, recently moved into the middle of the Village across from Magnolia Court. Tomm’s Food Village is where 'locals shop local' for their groceries. A family-owned business, the Quints are well-known for their charitable

Cappy Winfield and Mike the Dog at the Bowser Hotel, circa 1940 photo courtesy Vancouver Archives

Dawn Hunter Clark is a local author living in Bowser, BC. Her recently published book "Paranormal Canadian Tales: A Supernatural Journey" has received rave reviews and is available on Amazon.

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Predictions for April 2018 Aries (March 21-April 19) Happy birthday! Your hour has arrived! Not only is the Sun in your sign where it will stay for the next four weeks, retrograde Mercury and Venus are in Aries as well. This means you will energize and replenish yourself in the next month. It also means you will attract people and favourable situations to you, especially ex-partners and old friends from the past. Note: You will also have to deal with silly, goofy mistakes. Aagghhh. On the upside, it will be easier to finish old business.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) You’re popular this month! You’re out there flying your colours and everyone wants you to be on their team. You will also attract old friends and people from your past, especially people from clubs, groups and organizations. These interactions will give you a chance to bounce your ideas off someone to get helpful feedback. Avoid disputes about inheritances, shared property, insurance issues and taxes. Keep smiling! Cancer (June 21-July 22) This month the Sun is at the top of your chart shining a flattering spotlight on you. Bosses, parents and VIPs will be impressed, even if you don’t do anything special. Obviously, you can use this “smoke and mirrors” to advance your agenda. Expect to meet old bosses from the past who can provide you with contacts. The only downside is you might feel annoyed with a partner or close friend. Cope and be a good friend.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) An auspicious influence is in play now: Those who want to study the past or research history or seek out answers to old problems will be successful because Mercury retrograde will encourage any journey into the past. You will find hidden answers! You will discover arcane information and solutions that previously eluded you. Good news for academics, authors, researchers, historians and anyone who wants to know more about their family skeletons and where that treasure is really buried. Boo!

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) Lucky Leos will travel this month. You want a change of scenery and some adventure! Fun and

stimulation! “Yeehaw! This is my first rodeo!” You will also enjoy increased study or a chance to take a course to broaden your horizons. Note: Because of the influence of Mercury retrograde, it’s best to visit or travel to places you have been to before. If not, don’t worry but double check all details. Fiery Mars will keep you working hard this month. Work hard – party hard! Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) You have an increased focus on shared property, taxes, debt, insurance issues, inheritances, wills and estates i.e. how your wealth and assets interact with the wealth of others. This same focus might include a difference of values. This month you will deal with these areas. Fortunately, Mercury retrograde will help you clean up loose ends and finalize areas that have been dragging on due to disputes, confusion or procrastination. Meanwhile, your sex drive will be amped. Lots to write about in your diary! (But who has time to write?) Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) The Sun is opposite your sign this month drawing

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continued from page 8 your focus to partners and close friends. Meanwhile, Mercury retrograde increases your focus on ex-partners, exspouses and old friendships. Fair Venus, opposite your sign will sweeten these relationships and make them charming and delightful. You will, however, need more sleep. Respect your need for more rest because you are erratic in your sleep. Increased activity and chaos at home are likely. Stay on top of this because you like harmony at home. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Call it spores in the air, call it a shift in the universe but you will be hard-working, effective and efficient this month. This influence comes along only once a year, which means you must use it to your advantage. Get as much done as you can! You want to improve your health. You want to eat better. You want to exercise more. Thoughts of a summer bathing suit loom ahead and you want to be svelte! Do what you can to buff that bod. This month you’re busy with errands, short trips, reading and writing and mucho conversations. Go, go, go! Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) It’s fun city for you this month! This is the one time of year when your mandate is to be yourself, have fun, flirt, play and express your creative talents. This is the perfect time to take a vacation. It’s also a great time to focus on physical sports, the entertainment world, the hospitality industry and anything to do with working with or teaching children. If you work in the arts, you will be productive because your desire to express your creative energy will be strong. Meanwhile, old flames from your past are back in the picture. Look sharp! Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) You value home and family. This month, your focus on home and family will increase, especially your involvement with a parent figure. Relatives and family members you haven’t seen for awhile might be parked on your doorstep. (Stock the fridge.) You will also enjoy redecorating your digs and buying pretty things for your home. Will you have the energy for all this? Of course! Fiery Mars is in your sign for the next month, giving you lots of vim, vigour and vitality! Remember to steal quiet time to enjoy the beauty of your lovely home. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Fasten your seatbelts for a busy month! Suddenly, you’ve got things to do, people to see and places to go! Short trips, errands, conversations with others, more time spent with siblings, neighbours and relatives plus increased reading, writing and studying are why you have a jam-packed schedule. Unfortunately, retrograde Mercury will create confused communications, lost paperwork, travel delays, transportation problems, flat tires, missed buses and appointments. But you will have a chance to rethink things and replan and renegotiate. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) “Show me the money!” This month, you’re focused on earnings, cash flow and your possessions. You want to save money and earn more money. Some want to buy beautiful things. The good news is that Venus and the Sun will attract money to you. The bad news is retrograde Mercury will delay money coming to you. Whaaat? Cheques in the mail will be late. People who owe you money will be slow to pay up. Grrrr. Meanwhile, you’ll be active with groups, clubs and friends. Save your pennies for travel. Bon voyage! ~ A P R I L

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repetition is necessary because it might take 1008 swings of the hammer to break through the mental sludge. I had an infinite number of choices of how to relate, what to think of all this, how much of myself to commit to the act of throwing rice into the fire.

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I’M NOT SURE by Joanne Sales

here has to be a link between Socrates, hatching ducks, fire ceremonies, Quantum physics, and the wavering modern mind. “I’m not sure.” I was on the ferry to the mainland. I quickly realized that the science in the book I had brought was way over my head, so I skipped to the end. Reading the last chapter changed my experience of the whole journey that followed. In the book, Reality is Not What It Seems, Carlo Rovelli points to the first pages of Plato’s Phaedo. We are told that Socrates said that he believed the Earth was a sphere – but he ended his hunch with, “I’m not sure.” Rovelli rejoiced in the phrase, “I’m not sure.” Socrates was wisely acknowledging the limits of the knowledge of his time. Science in its best moments is on a quest to prove itself wrong. Rovelli says that the key to the success of science is not because science knows it all, but because it knows that it doesn’t know it all. Nevertheless, it uses what it does know to find out more. This was the perfect message I needed before going to the wild-wild west of California. A humble, curious perspective. I liked it. I took it on the plane with me. I doubt that the author intended his closing words to be inspirational for Westerners finding themselves sitting at a series of Hindu fire ceremonies, but a good attitude can leap across disciplines. What did I do in L.A.? Mostly I sat in traffic jams. That’s what people do there. (Support fast rail!) Then I went to three Hindu fire ceremonies. That’s when the “I’m not sure” message helped me out.

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My very cool, sophisticated, modern mind was going – “This is so old. What is the use of throwing rice into a fire and mumbling words in an ancient language. It’s unique but isn’t it rather arbitrary?”

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Meanwhile, elsewhere on the planet…. It’s springtime, and chicks, ducklings and other birds are hatching out of their eggs, and fearlessly following the first thing that they see. Now that is an interesting evolutionary tick. A chick opens it eyes, sees her mother, and instinctively knows - “That’s what I am… I’m following her.”

It was then that I remembered the intelligence inherent in making use of “the best answers we have at present.” Socrate’s words opened the door for me: “I’m not sure.” Well, I wasn’t sure either! But there I was, and there was this ancient ritual which has stood the test of time. It showed up and I showed up. It was all I had at the moment, along with the message: “Use what you have…” That was the permission I needed to step outside of the modern mind that always thinks it knows more than the ancestors. If Socrates can say, “I’m not sure,” then I can too. He gave me permission to dive right in. It was awesome.

In birds, primary imprinting happens in the first 30 hours after hatching. Even though the human imprinting period can last for years, we too are inclined to follow the first thing that shows up. It can be a good thing. Mom knows where the food is, and how to stay warm and dry. In the early years, following the rules and accepting the provisions of the family is a wise thing to do. Later on, we find that some of the things our family and society imprinted on us may not be so life sustaining or in our best interests.

The Scientific Method #1 that we learned in school: Question, Hypothesize, Experiment, Observe & Record, Analyze, Share. Scientific method #2 that we didn’t learn in school: Use what we have at the moment to move forward – even if it feels inadequate or arbitrary; even if you know it isn’t the final edition of the story. We might never read the final edition! So we need to treasure the rough drafts.

Even animals make mistakes. Some baby chicks once adopted our golden retriever as their mother, and nestled up against her big furry belly. And then there is the fully grown man who decided he wanted to become a mother turkey. As the wild turkey eggs hatched, this man made sure that the baby turkeys saw and heard him and only him. Sure enough, they followed him everywhere. He became their mother. Now that is imprinting!

 On a cold October night in Portland, Oregon, a man was killed on a motorcycle right in front of our home. The man died on impact. Neighbors and I stood on the sides of the road, staring at the blanket that covered the lifeless form of the man who went out to buy milk. Somehow I became the person trying to comfort the woman who drove the car that hit him. She was not allowed even to go to the bathroom alone.

 Or, maybe this is imprinting. One night at the Hindu fire ceremony, we repeated a sacred phrase 1008 times, throwing a pinch of rice into the fire with each repetition. If there is something you want to remember, something you want to show up in your mind frequently, say it 1008 times in a row. Or maybe the •

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had no inclusive ritual or cohesiveness, not even a common trajectory. There is an emptiness in the modern mind. Being cool has its moments, but is essentially unsatisfying. Still, we play cool so as not to embarrass ourselves. That leaves many of us standing on the side of the road staring at the mystery, not knowing what to do.

Things will change; I will change; the details of the trail will change. This is not the end of the quest. The trajectory may be more important than the goal. Maybe the trajectory is the goal.  “What was your face before you were born?” Like other Zen koans, this question is meant to stop the mind. Certainty is not the goal. Such questions and stories are used in Zen practice to provoke the "great doubt." Why would we want to doubt?

Much of what we think is because, like the baby turkeys and the chanters beside the fire, we are being imprinted all the time - by news (fake and real), television, our familiar settings and the company we keep, what we read and watch and hear. We listen to pop music until we know it by heart. Advertisers have our number. We deliberately imprint ourselves with our path of education. Marshall McLuhan’s 1960s books on The Media is the Message explain how the medium will likely be more influential than the message – so we’re even being imprinted by the technology that allows us to be imprinted by everything else! Even without outside intervention, our recycling thoughts are so familiar we may stand back and say, “You again?”

If we are certain that we know what we were before we were born, or absolutely certain that we were nothing, we can be certain that we have been imprinted, if not by the facts which we don’t know, but by the certainty. Because the brain, the equipment of being certain, is part of that which was born. We can’t use a tool inside the system to define what is outside the system. We can try – and we do all the time – but we can’t be certain of what we find until we have a better tool. A better tool than your brain? Access denied.

But let’s say we have an insight that we have been chasing the wrong mother duck around the pond, and we want to change – to wake up – to see and act differently. Can we un-imprint ourselves? Researchers are discovering that imprinting is a “more plastic and forgiving mechanism than was originally thought.” Fortunately, we are trainable, and re-trainable. Back to the barnyard, the duckling doesn’t assume that following the mother to the pond is the only thing he will ever do. But at the moment, with all his little beating heart, it is the best he can do. Likewise, when we end up at unfamiliar fire ceremonies of life, we may feel that our choices are arbitrary and inadequate. But even when we know that we don’t have the ultimate truth, the most profound practice, or the final edition, we can do what science does - use what you have to move forward!

Actually, we can’t even be certain that access is denied! That leaves us in a quagmire. The same quandary that Socrates recognized with his words, “I’m not sure.” It’s a really deep well and it opens up down there below our wisdom. One of Leonard Cohen’s best lines is from Suzanne, speaking of Jesus, “he sank beneath your wisdom like a stone.” Real wisdom is very deep. How do we get there? One step at a time, down. Rovelli writes, “These are tracks we are following, I believe, in seeking a better understanding of the world around us.” All we can do is follow the tracks, just like the ducks.  The world currently looks like a highly dysfunctional family. We are inclined to stand back in shock and helplessness. Given the seriousness of the situation,

everything will feel inadequate. What can I do? The Dalai Lama says, “My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness.” How simple are such practices of gratitude and generosity. Inadequate and arbitrary? Better than nothing. Maybe better than everything! “I’m not sure.” I’m thinking also of the thousands of people standing up for the waterways and coast of BC, fighting the big oil Kinder Morgan project. And the Streamkeepers, homelessness task forces, organic farmers, educators, on and on. Given the magnitude of climate change and pollution, does it make sense for Broombusters to go out and cut broom? Yes, because it keeps us facing in the right direction, on the right trajectory. Towards health, community, peace, beauty, life and love. This “better than nothing” philosophy can help our personal lives as well. Our prayers, meditation or spiritual practice may be inadequate – but they may be the best tools we have at the moment. The same thing goes for a yoga practice, affirmations, brain training games, exercise regimes, reading to the children, writing letters. They are guaranteed to be inadequate, just like we are guaranteed that our brains don’t comprehend “our face before we were born.” But if they are the best we have at the moment, then do it until we know better. Like scientists, we keep proving ourselves wrong, over and over, generation after generation, century after century. What a blessing! It means we are going somewhere. I love the chorus of this 1911 song. It’s not perfect, but it's the best I have on the tip of my tongue right now. Farther along we’ll know more about it, Farther along we’ll understand why; Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine, We’ll understand it all by and by.

Joanne Sales is a freelance writer, blueberry farmer, and offers workshops in EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique), and the fine art of brewing Kombucha. Comments and questions about her articles and/or upcoming workshops can be directed to joanne@glasswing.com. A P R I L

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WHAT IS A FIREFIGHTER? By Deputy Chief Bill Lovegrove M.I.Fire E

Who am I ?

I'm a sales person, labourer, utility worker, teacher, cook, mechanic, cashier, retired. I'm the person who lives next door, down the street, around the block. I'm the person who may work all day, and sometimes all night. I'm the person who may disrupt a family dinner, a meeting, a conversation by arriving late, or by leaving early. I'm the person there in your darkest hour, knowing also it might tragically be mine.

I am a Volunteer Firefighter. A firefighter is a first responder extensively trained in firefighting, primarily to extinguish fires that threaten life, property and/or the environment. That is what we do. However in this modern age we have had to develop many more skills in order to to be able to tackle whatever abnormal situation we are called to. • A P R I L

order to free them from the vehicle. These incidents also require traffic control in order to keep all the Emergency Personnel on scene safe, another skill of the firefighter. Many MVIs also present another danger. This is to the environment through spills and leakage of fluids, oils and fuels. We are trained with the use of materials that help to mitigate environmental damage by absorbing these liquids.

All of our firefighting skills for safe operations are practiced regularly during our

I'm a husband, a wife, a mother, a father, a brother, a sister, a son, a daughter, a friend.

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Our goals remain the same: Save life · Save property · Save the environment.

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training nights and we train to the standards laid down by the National Fire Protection Association. The basic skills of firefighters include:

As a firefighter we are issued with protective turn-out equipment to use when called to most incidents. This equipment does offer a degree of protection from heat, and when combined with our SCBA (self contained breathing apparatus) allows us to enter many hostile environments for the purpose of rescue and fire suppression. Attached to the SCBA is a PASS (personal alert safety system) which we can use if we find ourselves trapped or in need of assistance to get out of the building. It will also activate if a firefighter remain motionless for a specified time.

• fire suppression, • rescue, • fire prevention, • basic and advanced first aid. There are other skills we train in, depending on what each Fire Department requires. The most common of which is the Medical First Responder. These members are often the first emergency personnel on scene to a medical call. The First Responders will assess the patient and begin caring for them prior to the Ambulance arriving. First Responders are trained in the use of AEDs (Automatic External Defibrillators carried on certain Fire Department vehicles) and CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation).

Firefighters also attend weekend courses from time to time, on specialist subjects, for instance, Low Angle Rescue, auto/ machinery extrication, live fire training. Volunteer Firefighters are the most important asset of many local Fire

The second most used skill is Auto Extrication. This is required at many motor vehicle incidents (MVI) to gain access to the vehicle’s occupants in •

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Departments and Bow Horn Bay is no exception. Our members are always there, ready to put their skills to work to correct the many abnormal situations they are called to attend. They make it the great place to work that it is. If you enjoy learning new skills, like working in a team environment, and want to serve your community by helping protect lives and property, then come and join us at the Bow Horn Bay Fire Department.

What do we need from you ... • able to attend Thursday evening fire practice (7-9 p.m.) • live in the communities of Bowser, Qualicum Bay, or Spider Lake • be at least 18 years of age (we do have a cadet program for up to two members, 16-18 year olds) • be reasonably physically fit • have a valid BC drivers licence (abstract required) • complete a RCMP security check • provide references, and complete an interview.

We will provide ... • Firefighter and Medical First Responder training • fire-related courses, both in-house and at other locations • uniform and all necessary protective equipment • paid-on-call emergency response • paid training attendance • insurance coverage, both on and off duty • an interesting, rewarding, and challenging experience • a friendly working environment with some great people

Why choose ordinary when extraordinary is a much better fit?

So, have I given you the urge to become a member of your local community Fire Department? Bow Horn Bay Fire Department is currently accepting new recruits. We will be happy to see you come along on our Thursday training night and show you what it is all about. If you just want a chat, the Hall is open on Mondays for most of the day and the Chief will be happy to have a chat with you and answer any questions you may have about being a firefighter. You can also email the Fire Department on bhbfire@shaw.ca or deputybhbfire@shaw.ca . We also have a web site that will give you contact information as well as more about the department itself. http://bowhornbayvfd.ca

UNIQUE • FUN • STYLISH

1080 Resort Drive in Parksville

250-586-4338 dressforles.ca

MISSION STATEMENT The Bow Horn Bay Fire Department is dedicated to protecting life, property and the environment in the communities of Bowser, Qualicum Bay, and Spider Lake by providing an emergency response for fire suppression, rescue, auto extrication, and First Responder medical response.

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Can Art Change the World ? By Micki Findlay

rt can be so many things; a captivating painting, a compelling photograph, a memorable piece of music, a beautifully-choreographed dance, a memorable story, a thought-provoking video. There is no denying how important it is to express oneself in whatever medium we feel connected to and are passionate about. Nor is there any denying how a painting or a piece of music can stir something inside of us, rekindle a memory, help us feel alive. Artistic expression is something that makes life on this planet worth living. But can it actually change the world? Can it inspire people to be the best version of themselves? Can it make a difference? I believe it can and that is the kind of art that gets me fired up. Certainly, we may never know how our art has impacted the world. There are some things that are impossible to gauge. But I feel challenged, as a creative human being, to try and create art every day in the way that I live.

communities worldwide to create positive social change. So, you see, art can take many forms. And if you can bring a community together in unity, as you express your creativity, that is not only meaningful; it is powerful. When you hear of all the violence and tragedies in our world, it is clear we need change. But, contrary to what some might say, we do not need more walls; we need to tear them down. We need to build more bridges between people by breaking down the barriers caused by ignorance, fear and misunderstanding toward those who are different from ourselves. We need to listen more and talk less. We need to put aside our preconceived ideas, assumptions and fears and learn from each other. Art, music, dance… they can help us get our message across. They also have the ability to open hearts and once our hearts are open, we are better able to listen. ~

Perhaps we may never write a book, paint a painting, or compose a song. We may find other way to express ourselves. For instance, this past February, our new, creative, humanitarian group organized our very first community event, in which we invited people of all ages and from all walks of life, to join us in creating a ‘huge human heart’ in solidarity for the victims of bullying. We will be using footage from that event to produce a film intended to inspire individuals and Micki Findlay is the founder of Works of HeART Project, a Vancouver Island-based initiative that challenges racism and bullying and promotes kindness and inclusion through creative and artistic means. To find out how you can help make a difference go to: Website: www.worksofheartproject.com · Facebook: www.facebook.com/worksofheartproject · Twitter: www.twitter.com/WOHproject

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Cut Broom in Bloom! by Joanne Sales

APRIL STEPS TO TAKE

cotch broom is a disaster for our ecosystem, as it spreads densely over fields and green spaces, strangling native plants and preventing forest re-growth. Broom also creates an extreme fire hazard because of its high oil content and dry branches, and the dense thickets it forms along highways and under utility corridors. Scotch broom is not a plant we want in our community! You can help stop the spread. In fact, only you can stop the spread. But Broombusters will help. Since 2006, volunteers have cleared the broom that used to line the roads of Qualicum Beach. In recent years, small groups of volunteers began clearing the broom on Horne Lake Road, in Bowser, and in North Qualicum. They need help. Last year, over 400 volunteers cut broom for 3500 hours, where they live, from Campbell River to Duncan. Can you cut broom for two hours a year in your community? Beware - it’s fun. You will want to go out again!

Contact Broombusters first Adopt a road, park or green space Talk to your friends Watch videos to learn techniques Join others for 2 hours/year. Have fun. Cut Broom in Bloom! It works! info@broombusters.org www.broombusters.org

CUT THE BLOOMIN’ BROOM

Cut Broom in Bloom - to Ground Level Why Cut Scotch Broom?

Broom is an aggressive, alien invasive plant. It spreads densely, chokes out native plants & stops trees from growing. It’s a fire hazard that overruns farmland, parks & wilderness.

Here is how: Cut broom in bloom before seed pods form. (April-May). Cut flush to the ground. The cut plant will die in the summer’s dry heat. Don’t pull, as disturbing the soil will encourage more seeds to germinate. Go after light infestations and advancing edge first. Stop the spread. ~

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Joanne Sales

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six years and older can register and attend with an adult. Englishman River Regional Park, course is led by RLC Park Services Staff. Thursday, April 12th from 7:30 to 9:00 pm. Cost is $17 per person.

FROM THE DESK OF THE DIRECTOR BILL VEENHOF

Golden Shoe Hunt - The 12th Annual Golden Shoe Hunt will have you exploring the regional and community parks in electoral areas A to H, to find the hidden shoe. Clues and instructions for the locations of the shoes will be posted weekly to rdn.bc.ca/recreation, RDN Facebook and RDN Twitter starting April 13.

Regional Director, Area H billveenhof.com ph: 778-424-2810 bill.veenhof@shaw.ca

Area H Update – April 2018 I expect that most of you are aware of the speculation tax that was announced by the Province, in the budget, earlier this year. It seemed to me that this tax could have had devastating consequences for our rural areas. Certainly, this perspective was shared by RDN Board members. In an effort to gauge the opinions of the constituents of Area H, I sent out an email update to my constituents list asking for feedback. Here is where it got very interesting. The email went viral and I received an incredible number of responses from all of BC. Easily 97% of these responses were against the tax and a great many people provided excellent insights. Armed with these responses and our own analysis of the tax, I asked for and received a meeting with Minister James. We had a cordial and respectful interaction and I was given a great deal of time to lay out our issues. I like to think that, partially in response to this meeting (and a great many other inputs), the Minister announced on 26 Mar that the RDN Rural Areas, Qualicum Beach and Parksville would be excluded from the tax. This is a very significant and positive change. I am grateful that the Minister listened to our concerns and responded to them.

Recreation Events for April 2018 Stroke Improvement Clinic - Be ready for the triathalon. This class will focus on stroke technique and drills. You will also receive a workout to continue your swim training on your own.

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Prerequisite: Able to swim 100m nonstop. Tuesday, April 3th from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Ravensong Aquatic Centre. Cost is $21/person.

Babysitters Certification Program 1114yrs - Become a Red Cross certified babysitter. This course introduces basic first aid, how to respond to emergency situations, explains baby and child care, offers advice on becoming a responsible babysitter, and tips for finding babysitting jobs. Price includes manual and certificate. Qualicum Commons, on Saturday, April 14th from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, cost is $46.35.

Create your own Swim Workout Clinic - Review the basics of working out in the water using the FITT principle. Your instructor will help you create a workout that is specific to your abilities and goals and you can do on your own in the pool. Prerequisite: Able to swim 100m non-stop. Thursday, April 5th from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Ravensong Aquatic Centre. Cost is $21/person.

Wilderness Skills Course - With all of the beautiful parks and trails on Vancouver Island you will never lack for places to explore...but do you know how to explore them safely? Learn some of the skills needed to safely explore our backcountry. This program will begin with a classroom session that includes the free Adventuresmart presentation for outdoor safety followed by an overview of outdoor skills. The second half of the day will be spent on the trails in several locations, with practice at navigation, shelter building and fire starting. Lighthouse Community Hall, Saturday, April 14th from 9:30am to 3:30 pm. Cost is $60 per person.

Flip Turn Clinic - This clinic will focus on how to flip turn. Practice this key skill that will improve your swim time in the pool. Saturday, April 7th from 9:00 to 10:00 am at Ravensong Aquatic Centre. Cost is $15/person. Splish Splash Everyone Welcome Swim - Splish splash everyone welcome swims at Ravensong Aquatic Centre are a water adventure you don't want to miss. The lifeguards are going to bring out all the pool toys for you to enjoy. From the rope swing to the snake to the dino ribs there will be water play for everyone. Regular admission. Saturday April 7th from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. Phone RDN, Recreation and Parks 250-752-5014 or view skate and swim schedules online at rdn.bc.ca/recreation.

Hiking Information Session - Have you ever wanted to explore some of the area's beautiful mountains? A local alpine guide shares tips and resources for family adventures and avid hikers. Ask questions before heading out on our guided hikes or self-guided exploration in Regional Parks. Get advice on clothing, equipment and route planning to help you stay safe and enjoy the outdoors. Note: This course is MANDATORY for all new participants in the Alpine Hikes.

Night Walk/Hike - Nighttime is a very special time to be out in the parks and on the trails. When our sight is limited, our other senses step up to compensate. You'll be amazed at the sounds and smells you notice when your sight isn't overpowering your brain. A special nocturnal snack is included. Children

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Session is on Monday April 16th 6:30 to 8:30 pm at Oceanside Place Arena, and cost is $10 per person. Canvas Art for 7-13yrs - Jenny Hughes will guide you through how to paint a fantastic yet surprisingly simple acrylic painting. No experience necessary. All supplies are provided. View painting project online. Thursday, April 19st from 4:00-5:30 pm at Qualicum Commons, cost is $25. Foraging for Wild Edibles 16yrs+ Curious and hungry foragers will be led in small groups on a foraging excursion, learning about ocean delicacies, Pacific oysters and manila clams direct from their shells on the shellfish research farm of Vancouver Island University at Deep Bay. Local experts will discuss where and how to forage for shellfish and other edibles locally and how to make sure that your shellfish is safe to eat. Participants will also receive recipes for delicious ways to cook their ocean treasures. Thursday, April 19th from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. Cost is $30/person. Wesley Ridge Guided Hike - Hike steep, old-growth forest trails to the ridge for a look at the Salish Sea and the nearby peaks of Mt. Cokely and Mt. Arrowsmith. This is a chance to test your personal fitness and make some alpine hiking goals. Hike intensity rating is 1 star: long stretches of steady incline and steep terrain. Saturday April 21st, 8:00 am start. Cost is $45 per person. Sea Lion Sea Kayaking Tour - The California sea lions make the Oceanside area their home from October to May. We paddle past their haul-out and watch as they cavort and fish in the local waters. Perfect for beginners, these tours include a certified guide, the kayak, gear and instruction in paddling strokes and safety procedures. No experience necessary. Double kayaks are available to paddle with a friend or a younger family member. Children 10 years and older can register and attend with an adult. Saturday, April 21st from 9:45 am to 12:00 pm. Cost is $55 per person.

Pickleball Free Drop-In - Pickleball is a game for all ages. From beginner to competitive player, everyone can play. Nine courts are available at Oceanside Place Arena. No attendants on duty during drop-in session. Check it out for free on Monday, April 23 from 9:00 am to 11:00am. Phone RDN, Recreation and Parks 250-248-3252 or view pickleball, skate and swim schedules online at rdn. bc.ca/recreation. Pouring Paint Class for 11-15 years Let's get creative. Use liquid vitreous medium and acrylic paint to create your own modern resin-like artwork. No experience necessary. All supplies are provided. View project online. Thursday, April 26th 4:00 to 5:30 pm, cost is $30. School's Out Everyone Welcome Swim - Stay active on your day off from school with a swim at Ravensong Aquatic Centre. The lifeguards will have the inflatable toys out for a splashing good time. Friday, April 27th from 1:00 to 2:30 pm. Reduced rate admission. Phone RDN, Recreation and Parks 250-752-5014 or view skate and swim schedules online at rdn.bc.ca/ recreation.

Red Cross AED/CPR C - Save a life when only seconds count. Get trained. This course is required for lifeguards and health care professionals. Topics covered are CPR and blocked airways for adults, children and infants and an introduction to automated external defibrillators (AED). Qualicum Commons, on Saturday, April 28th from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Cost is $73. Red Cross Emergency First Aid with AED/CPR - Be prepared and get trained in first aid skills. Training includes home hazards, accident prevention, safety education, CPR, first aid skills for common emergencies and automated external defibrillators (AED). Retraining is recommended every three years. Qualicum Commons, on Saturday, April 28th from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, cost is $86. Red Cross Standard First Aid with AED/CPR - Be prepared; get trained with a two day course in first aid and cardiopulmonary (CPR C) skills. Training includes home hazards, accident prevention, safety education, CPR level C, first aid skills for common emergencies and automated external defibrillators (AED). Retraining is recommended every three years.

Pro D Camp - Parents this is your Pro D day solution. Our experienced play leaders will provide a great day off school that is filled with creative art, and active games. Friday, April 27th from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm at Qualicum Commons, RDN Activity Room 12. Cost is $38. Family Paint 5yrs+ - Let's create art and memories together. Family members will take part in painting their own canvas with the guidance of our experienced art instructor. No experience necessary. All supplies are included. View painting project online. Saturday, April 28th from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at Oceanside Art Studio, cost is $25.

Qualicum Commons, on Saturday and Sunday, April 28th and 29th from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, cost is $159. Red Cross Youth Only Emergency First Aid with AED/CPR 14-19years - Be prepared and get trained in first aid skills. Training includes home hazards, accident prevention, safety education, CPR, first aid skills for common emergencies and automated external defibrillators (AED). Retraining is recommended every three years. Oceanside Place, on Saturday, March 28th from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, cost is $86. Phone RDN, Recreation and Parks at 250-248-3252 to pre-register for these programs, unless otherwise noted. View recreation programs online at rdn.bc.ca/ recreation.

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POETRY

n the Brooks Pensinsula at the north end of Vancouver Island, there are mountains called the Refugium Range. Several are nunataks, or mountains that protrude above the level of glaciers, and withstand their movement. The most recent ice age lasted from 70,000 to 10,000 years ago. During it, the ice around these mountains never exceeded 2,300 feet. The taller ones were therefore a "refuge" for vegetation that existed beforehand. The ice age made many animals extinct, including sabre-tooth tigers and some types of mammoth. While other rock formations were ground down by glaciation, the nunataks survived.

ABOUT THIS POEM

or this poem, I chose an old form: Anglo-Saxon alliterative verse. It was used for ancient sagas like Beowulf and it exudes power. There's no rhyme or regular meter. Instead, there are four strong beats (the rhythm is sometimes described as BANG, BANG, BANG -CRASH!) and the words are connected by strong alliteration. The poem uses some vocabulary that may not be familiar to everyone: "berg" means mountain (not just iceberg); "barrow" is a mound of earth placed over a burial site (just as the till of the moraine covers the remains of the animals); and "numinous" means spiritual. This poem has been previously published in "The Rotary Dial."

STANDING FIRM The bastion berg shattered sheet-ice that crepitated, creeping across domains of mountains. Its shadow shook as crumbling crags creaked, cracked, and foundered before the force that flowed, bearing migrations of birds and beasts south to the sun. Life fled or fell. The glacier wove a winding-sheet, a gruesome mausoleum for mammoths; mounded moraines of ripped rock bore skeletons with sabre-teeth. Black above these barren barrows, the numinous nunatak withstood.

PHOTO: A fine example of a nunatak, the Starr Nunatak, on the coast of Victoria Land, Antarctica by Stephen Bannister

John Beaton lives in Qualicum Beach. His poetry has been widely published. He served for four years as moderator of one of the Internet’s most reputable poetry workshops and is a Spoken Word performer, a member of the band Celtic Chaos, and a co-organizer of local events, including a community showcase for musicians and Spoken Word performers, the Qualicum Acoustic Café (QUAC). You can find samples of John’s work by searching online for “John Beaton poetry”. To receive a monthly newsletter about local community events organized by John and his family and friends, email him at jabeaton@gmail.com. ~ 1 8

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Photo: Chris Hibbs

AT THE MAC ·

Try not to blush when you hear them say ...

TALES FOR THE TELLING PRESENTS

"Newfoundland Tales,

Ghost Tales & Legends" ll the way from the East Coast, we are pleased to bring you one of the A premier storytellers of Newfoundland, the founder of the Haunted Hike in St. John's, author, and folklorist extra-ordinaire, D ale Jarvis. Dale works as the Intangible Cultural Heritage Development Officer for the Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador, helping communities to safeguard traditional culture, the first full-time provincially funded folklorist position in Canada. Dale holds a B.Sc. in anthropology/archaeology from Trent University, and a M.A. in folklore from Memorial University. He is a past president of the Newfoundland Historic Trust, and has contributed as a board member and volunteer to many local arts and heritage organizations. He regularly teaches workshops on oral history, cultural documentation, folklore project management, and public folklore programming. By night, Dale is the proprietor of the St. John’s Haunted Hike ghost tour and raconteur of local tales. As a storyteller, he performs ghost stories, stories of the fairies and little people, tales of phantom ships and superstitions, and legends and traditional tales from Newfoundland, Labrador, and beyond. His repertoire includes long-form folk and fairy tales from the island, with a wide-ranging knowledge of local legends, tall tales, and myths. A newspaper columnist and author of several books on Newfoundland and Labrador ghost stories and folklore, he is a tireless promoter of local culture. ~

McMILLAN ARTS CENTRE · BOX OFFICE 133 McMillan Street, Parksville online at www.mcmillanartscentre.com or call the Arts Centre 250-248-8185.

Friday, April 27, 2018 7PM Tickets $18 or $15 OCAC Members

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Love your style!

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Fashion at Arbutus Eye-catching! • Memorable! Select jewellery 40% oﬀ!

147 West Second Avenue Qualicum Beach

250-738-9008

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by Sue Murguly, Director

ECHO PLAYERS PRESENTS

COLLECTED STORIES

A PLAY BY DONALD MARGULIES

“An actor’s dream. An audience’s reward” - Hollywood Today

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I’m throwing down my key. My key, my key! I’m throwing down my key!” With this opening, the renowned short story writer and Columbia University professor, Ruth Steiner literally and figuratively unlocks her apartment, and her life to a mentor- protégé relationship with Lisa Morrison, a breathless, eager graduate student. In six scenes covering six years, the relationship between the two women grows and changes from student-mentor, friend, to rival. After publishing a well-received collection of short stories, Lisa decides to seize Ruth’s life story as the basis for her novel. The stage is set to debate what is personal, private and “Some things you just don’t touch” or is it fair game to rummage through another person’s life and experiences for ideas. Beth DeVolder’s Ruth, “is a mature, Jewish spinster and an esteemed member of New York City’s literary intelligentsia is a study in contrasts: pride and vulnerability, independence and human need, public persona and private pain. One part Joan Rivers and one part Jane Eyre, she describes herself both as “a feisty older woman who cracks wise and gets away with saying just about anything” and, in her younger years, as “one of those passionate, virginal girls who’d read Dickenson and Hopkins and sob her eyes out.” Her wry humor and poetic sensibilities play against each other as she discovers that she is as susceptible to the youthful adoration of a protégé half her age as she was to the destructive brilliance of a mad poet old enough to be her father.” Jennifer Kelly who plays Lisa describes her character as, “an intelligent, aspiring young writer seeking approval. Her vulnerability and innocence enables her to break boundaries. Her character matures in many ways over the course of the play, but in the end, she is challenged by the idea that she may have done something that was not morally correct. Her argument is that her teacher, Ruth has taught her everything she knows and therefore, who owns the right to tell your story when you have given it away.” Collected Stories by Donald Margulies “digs into its engaging tale of aesthetics and ethics told with intelligence and sharp, literate humor,” (Charles Isherwood, New York Times) runs at the Qualicum Beach Village Theatre from April 19th to May 6th, 2018. ~

PERFORMANCES

Show Nights .............. 7:30 pm (Sharp) Sunday Matinées ....... 2 pm

TICKETS

Theatre Box Office ..... 250.752.3522 Tues. - Sat ................. 10 am - 3 pm Show Nights .............. 6 - 7:30 pm Matinées ................... 12:30 - 2 pm Tickets online ........... echoplayers.ca 2 0

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Not Suitable for Children

V I L L AGE T H EATR E

PRODUCED WITH SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT WITH DRAMATISTS PLAY SERVICE

Box Office will be open from April 3rd onward. For tickets contact the Box Office (250-752-3522) or e-mail info@echoplayers.ca. To order tickets on online or for more information visit our website at www.echoplayers.ca

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APRIL 19 - MAY 6, 2018 Official Media Sponsors