THURSDAY AUGUST 16, 2018 VOL. 44, NO. 31
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CELEBRATING THE CITIZENS OF THE YEAR
The Undercurrent (by way of the Citizen of the Year Committee) features just some of the islanders who go above and beyond in serving their community.
Making a difference on Bowen CITIZEN OF THE YEAR COMMITTEE CONTRIBUTOR
Once again, let’s honour some of our Bowen neighbours who make such a difference to life on this island. How inadequate it is to choose just eight citizens of the year. There are hundreds of citizens who volunteer their time and expertise in a variety of ways. For example, there is the traditional volunteer who donates the essential hours needed to staff our public facilities such as the library or art gallery. There are others who accept truly daunting challenges to run events or develop new amenities. Some go far beyond their day jobs to offer visionary planning or conceptual expertise. Others initiate tiny projects that nevertheless enrich our daily lives. Then there are the low-key heroes who have quietly focused, year after year, at making the island a better place. Remember that our children’s growth, our seniors’ needs, our aid to our unwell and unfortunate, and just about every significant service or diversion is made possible by the gift of someone’s time. This year we recognize eight more role models and will continue to do so each year in the future. We have asked those nominated and profiled in these brief stories to join our jury. From among themselves, they will help us choose an “Islander Who Made a Difference” to represent them as Citizen of the Year in the Bowfest Parade. Let’s all show our appreciation. Continued on pages 10 and 11.
Aaron Johnstone (number 7) and his Diggers teammates celebrate a grand slam Sunday afternoon during the Men’s Fastpitch Championship. The play cinched the Diggers’ seat in the final, which they won handily. See more coverage page 6. Bronwyn Beairsto
Fire above Horseshoe Bay 100 per cent contained MARIA RANTANEN NORTH SHORE NEWS
Though Bowen has spent much of this week shrouded in smoke, the good news is that the fire that started above Horseshoe Bay Aug. 8 is now 100 per cent under control. However, the terrain is still so dangerous that crews haven’t been able assess the damage. Trails in the area remain closed until further notice as there are still hot spots, hazardous trees and loose terrain. West Vancouver Fire and
Rescue has taken over the scene after initially working with Metro Vancouver and other crews from the North Shore. Fire Chief Randy Heath said the department is in the patrol stage, watching for hot spots and deep-seated heat in the ground. “It’s a real slow process of watching and using our senses of smell and sight,” Heath said. If any smouldering is spotted, crews are going in and putting it out immediately, he added. As Boweners (or the ones with
east-facing homes at least) watched from their windows, the fire grew to three hectares in size, prompting the closure of the Baden Powell Trail and the Black Mountain Trail. The trails will remain closed until further notice and the public is asked to stay out of the area. Last week, assistant fire chief Jeff Bush said the fire looked like it was human caused, but added he didn’t think an exact cause would be found. In the meantime, the wildfires from the Pacific Northwest area
have prompted an air-quality advisory from Metro Vancouver because of airborne particulate matter. According to the advisory, the concentration of smoke can vary across the region depending on winds, temperature and how the fires develop. Anyone with chronic medical conditions is being advised to postpone strenuous exercise. This is especially important for infants and the elderly or anyone with diabetes or lung or heart diseases, according to the health advisory.
BOWFEST AND BOWEN ISLAND PUB PRESENTS
Ginger 66 SATURDAY AUG 25TH AT 9:00 PM $10 cover at the door