FRIDAY JUNE 7, 2013 VOL. 39, NO. 2
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Headed for NYC
Bowen Islander finalist for the Independent Handbag Designer Awards
Looking for a best friend?
You need to go no further than page 5 of this week’s edition
Paddling season
BISK is getting ready for kayaking enthusiasts
Record your health choices
Launching pad
Caring Circle hosts two health service events
Community campus could accommodate multiple needs
SUBMITTED
SUSANNE MARTIN
CARING CIRCLE
EDITOR
avigating the healthcare system can often be a confusing, daunting task. Knowledge and support are critical to deciding bestcare options when we or our loved ones become vulnerable. The Caring Circle Resource Centre is a grass-roots organization aimed at providing education, resources and support, helping people to bridge the gap between illness and health and remain vital, active members of our community. Two upcoming events will highlight the work of the organization. On June 14, a My Voice session is designed to help participants to determine and record their personal wishes concerning health care decisions. And an open house is planned for June 15. “With the support of a generous donation from Dee Elliott, the Caring Circle has purchased 100 copies of the Ministry of Health’s My Voice - An Advance Care Planning Guide, which is a legal document that will assist people, if incapacitated, to express their wishes for future health care treatment,” said Caring Circle coordinator Colleen O’Neil. “Because the document is somewhat complicated, an educator from the North Shore who has been working with this document and community members for quite a while, will be available to explain the jargon and legal terms. This is a tremendous resource for community members who want to ensure that if they are unable to express their treatment wishes to health care providers, they can refer to My Voice documents that have been recorded in advance.” O’Neil explained that a relative cannot trump any wishes that are properly expressed in this document. “This is part of new incapacity or personal planning legislation that came into force in B.C in 2011. This advance care plan helps to alleviate some of the stress that family and friends could face if they are asked to make important health care decisions for a loved one,” she added.
he site is close to Snug Cove and Bowen Court. It has an interesting topography and beautiful views. The lot of the community lands that borders Government Road and Seniors Lane has long been earmarked for the site of Bowen Island’s future community centre but a new sketch reveals Bowen council’s bigger plans. The sketch is rough and not to scale but it clearly illustrates the idea of a community campus, showing five different buildings that could potentially house a municipal hall, community centre, performing arts space, library, clinic, housing for seniors, affordable housing and more. Mayor Jack Adelaar and councillors Cro Lucas and Darron Jennings explained that this new approach has a number of benefits. Jennings calls the sketch “an educational exercise” that was created to give people clarity. He added that that the property falls within the water district and that connection to the sewer lines is possible. “That is the only piece of property [of the community lands] that has that capability,” he said. One of the advantages of developing the concept of a community campus, is that it can start relatively soon, according to Lucas, who said, “It’s council’s job to enable it to happen. And by enabling, I mean that council is providing the space and ensuring that the infrastructure is in place and the zoning is done. What happens then is basically up to community.” The starting point was taking a look at the community lands to identify areas that could be potential building sites and Lucas sees those sites as “launching pads” for various projects. Such an approach would accommodate multiple needs and ideas that have been identified by the community. Lucas said that the board of the Snug Cove House Society has already approached council to express an interest in being part of it.
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Father’s Day is coming up but Santosha and Ella Rose don’t usually wait for special occasions to cuddle up to their dad. Bowen Island families with young children are invited to a Father’s Day picnic in Crippen Park’s Bowfest field on Sunday, June 16, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The free event is hosted by Family Place. Debra Stringfellow photo
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BISK Presents: Kayak Birthday Parties! Come celebrate your special day with a unique Bowen Island Sea Kayaking Birthday Party! Parties consist of 1.5 hours of supervised kayaking instruction and fun, age appropriate games and activities conducted by Bowen Island Sea Kayaking Instructors. Boats, paddles, life jackets, PFDs and FUN included!
Little Paddlers Parties (5-12 yrs) Cost: $240 Big Kid Paddling Parties (13 years & up) Costs: $299 (up to 12 paddlers) Each additional paddler: $25/per
BooK your Party today!
Ph: 604-947-9266 | www.bowenislandkayaking.com