Bowen Island Undercurrent November 29 2018

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 29, 2018 VOL. 44, NO. 46

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including GST

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GIVING ON BOWEN

We celebrate individuals and organizations dedicated to making the island better.

Muni Morsels

Pot shop clears hurdle, Islands Trust contributions to be rexamined BRONWYN BEAIRSTO EDITOR

The following are brief reports from the November 26 regular council meeting.

The new joint in town: A pot

shop on Dorman Road is a step closer to reality after council voted unanimously to grant the Happy Isle Cannabis Company a temporary use permit for their store.

The municipality sought community input on the presence of a pot shop on Dorman Road through a flyer campaign (some islanders received three or four flyers.) The majority of respondents supported the store, some citing the potential business, tourism and health benefits of having such a store. Concerns about the shop included worries about the smoke affecting local residents, the potential for substance abuse and the potential health hazards, especially for youth.

Earlier this year, council amended Bowen’s Land Use Bylaw (which regulates land, building and structure use) to prohibit the growing and selling of cannabis on Bowen, with the understanding that anyone who wished to undertake these commercial ventures would either have to ask for a temporary use permit or apply for rezoning. The Happy Isle Cannabis Company is the first applicant for such an endeavour.

Continued on page 3

Max the dog supervises the Knick Knack Nook tree decorating for the Festival of Trees, part of Light Up Bowen Saturday evening. The annual cove Christmas party festivities start at 6 p.m. in Village Square. Photo: Bronwyn Beairsto

Gingerbread Rudolph is raising money for sick children

BRONWYN BEAIRSTO EDITOR

In the waning days of 2017, a snowman stood at attention while an octopus wrapped in a scarf gazed out to sea and a mermaid

lounged on a rock under a blue-frosted lighthouse.

This first (ever) attempt at a gingerbread house won Burle Konopa and Jessica Skett of the Sweet Stand second place in Grouse Mountain’s Gingerbread

Village Challenge.

This year, with help from a certain red-nosed reindeer, Konopa and Skett have their sights set on gold.

For the annual fundraiser for B.C. Children’s Hospital, the baking shop owners

recreated a scene from the 1964 television special, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.

“It’s just a classic,” said Konopa. “I think everybody can recognize Rudolph.

Hopefully it appeals to a

bigger crowd.”

Konopa and Skett started the Sweet Stand around three years ago as a creative outlet and to fill what they saw as a baking gap on island.

Continued on page 11

2 • THURSDAY NOVEMBER 29 2018

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Event Calendar

Business Licences on Bowen

Nov 30 2018 8:30 am Firehall Facilities Steering Committee Meeting

Dec 3 2018 7:00 pm Advisory Planning Commission Meeting

Dec 4 2018 9:30 am Snug Cove Sewer Local Management Committee Meeting

Dec 7 2018 9:30 am Housing Advisory Committee Meeting

Effective January 1, 2019, businesses operating on Bowen Island will need a business licence.

This applies to commercial, home-based, non-profit and contractor businesses. This also applies to off-island businesses who are coming into the community to perform work.

Types of businesses that will need a licence include commercial businesses such as grocery stores, restaurants, bed & breakfast accommodations and contractors. Homebased businesses will also require a licence; the nominal licence fee will depend on whether the business has hours open to the public.

Some types of businesses will not require a licence, such as garage or yard sales, buskers and street performers, and vendors who are selling goods at a farmer’s market or craft fair that is already licensed.

Public Notice SEEKING PUBLIC COMMENT (1325 Catalina Rd) PROJECT DESCRIPTION: A Development Variance Permit application has been submitted for 1325 Catalina Rd (shown on map) to reduce side setback. Variance will enable use of existing concrete foundations for the construction of a house.

MORE INFORMATION AT MUNICIPAL HALL: The applications may be viewed at Municipal Hall between 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday (excluding statutory holidays) or on the Municipal website at

www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/planning

A transition period will apply in early 2019 while municipal staff work on setting up the program, including an online business directory. Applications will be accepted beginning in January 2019.

Regular Council Meeting All meetings are held in Council Chambers unless otherwise noted.

Council and Committee meetings are open to the public. We encourage you to attend in person or watch online.

The fees for business licences are nominal and based on a simple structure to minimize impacts to businesses.

For more details about the Business Licence Bylaw and program, please visit our website at: www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/licences

Committees seeking members Bowen Island Municipality is seeking volunteers to serve on the following Committees of Council: Economic Development Committee LOOK FORWARD TO MORE FUN AT THE NEW COMMUNITY CENTRE!

The Economic Development Committee engages actively in the business community and provides advice to Council regarding community economic growth on Bowen Island.

Public Art Advisory Committee The Public Art Advisory Committee will advise Council and develop policies to guide the integration of art into public spaces throughout Bowen Island.

help us raise $4 million to build our community centre for all to enjoy

For more information about these committees please go to our website www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/committees or contact Stef Shortt, Committee Clerk at sshortt@bimbc.ca for an application form. Forms can also be obtained at Municipal Hall, 981 Artisan Lane. Applications must by submitted to the Committee Clerk by November 26, 2018.

General Enquiries

Contact Us

Phone: Fax: Email:

Bowen Island Municipal Hall 981 Artisan Lane Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G2

604-947-4255 604-947-0193 bim@bimbc.ca

YOUR COMMENTS ARE WELCOME: Written submissions may be delivered to Municipal Hall (contact information below): • In person • By mail • By fax • By email to bim@bimbc.ca Submissions may also be made to Mayor and Council at the meeting: 6:15 PM on Monday, December 10, 2018 in Council Chambers, Municipal Hall To ensure a fair process, submissions cannot be accepted once the meeting has ended.

Questions? Please contact Emma Chow Island Community Planner at 604-947-4255 or echow@bimbc.ca

BC Building Code Updated BC Building Code (2018) comes into effect on December 10, 2018. All Building Permit Applications received on or after that date will be reviewed and permitted under the BCBC 2018. A copy will soon be made available at the Bowen Island Public Library. Inquiries can be directed to Greg Cormier, BIM Building Inspector at gcormier@bimbc.ca.

All building permit applications for new dwellings received on or after December 10, 2018 will be required to undergo airtightness testing. Requirements must be clearly indicated in the application documents and the final report is required before Certificates of Occupancy can be issued.

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THURSDAY THURSDAY NOVEMBER NOVEMBER 29 29 2018 2018 •• 33

Ferry marshalling bylaw coming up Business licences are BIM’s

Continued from page 1 Council is also recommending that the provincial Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch issue the store a licence (municipal consent is required to proceed with licensing.) Council suggested that the provincial licence include a requirement that the shop post no smoking signs outside of the store to discourage consumption in the vicinity.

Happy Isle’s co-owner, Glenn Cormier (who also owns the Bowen Pub) says that they’ve made it through most of the process and the next step after this council meeting will be the province granting “conditional approval” for the store.

Cormier says that he’s expecting the shop to open sometime in early 2019.

the last vehicle in line. The bylaw is to address line jumping, an issue that comes to a head during the summer’s seasonal overloads.

Councillor Alison Morse said to council that she doesn’t support the bylaw as you can’t regulate good behaviour.

“This thing is a big waste of time and money,” she said. “I don’t think it’s worth our time and effort.”

Councillor Maureen Nicholson argued that the community has been calling for something to be done.

“If we’re not going to address it who would?” She said.

First reading of the bylaw has been deferred to a future council meeting.

Regulating manners: The days

into any regulatory authority the municipality may have in managing invasive animal species such as racoons and skunks. Councillors for the most part weren’t optimistic that they could do much as wildlife management is provincial jurisdiction.

Councillor and Islands Trustee Sue Ellen Fast noted that many nearby municipalities are dealing with similar wildlife issues to Bowen

of parking in the ferry lineup and running into the Snug for a quick coffee and then driving off to the day’s next errand could be drawing to a close. A bylaw regulating parking in the ferry lineup came before council Monday. The regulations would include that that traffic may only enter the lineup for the purpose of boarding the next sailing and must enter behind

At least they’re not being koi: BIM staff will be looking

(racoons killing chickens and fowl, rabbits killing gardens, deer overpopulation) but have little power to do anything about it.

Mayor Gary Ander said part of the message needs to be cohabitate.

“Just be grateful we don’t have koi and an otter,” said Nicholson, referring to the mustelid that’s been snacking on prize koi in the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden in Vancouver.

Looks like a taxing process:

The Island’s Trust’s executive committee will be discussing Bowen’s financial contribution to the federation in a future meeting.

In 2017, Bowen paid $242,048 to the Islands Trust (to Metro Vancouver Bowen paid $86,550.)

Fast, who sits on the trust’s executive committee explained that reducing Bowen’s contribution isn’t straightforward.

“There’s a calculation, an equation for how to figure out the contribution, that’s actually in the legislation,” she said. But their plan is to look at if there are different ways of manipulating the factors in the equation, especially since Bowen’s tax assessment values have been rising faster than on other islands.

New Year’s resolution

SOPHIE IDSINGA BOWEN ISLAND MUNICIPALITY

At the regular meeting held October 9, council adopted Business Licence Bylaw No. 465, 2018. The bylaw will regulate all businesses on Bowen Island, and takes effect on January 1, 2019.

Types of businesses that will need a licence include commercial businesses such as grocery stores, restaurants, bed and breakfast accommodations and contractors. Home-based businesses will also require a licence; the nominal licence fee will depend on whether the business has hours open to the public. Non-profit organizations will need to obtain a business licence at a cost of $0.

Off-island businesses that are coming into the community to perform work are also subject to the bylaw, and will pay a licence fee of $100.

Some types of businesses will not require a licence, such as garage or yard sales, buskers and street performers, and vendors who are selling goods at a farmer’s market or craft fair that is already licensed.

Off-island businesses that are delivering goods to island merchants for resale will not require a licence.

A transition period will apply in early 2019 while municipal staff work on setting up the program, including an online business directory. Applications will be accepted beginning in January 2019.

The fees for business licences are nominal and based on a simple structure to minimize impacts to businesses.

A business licensing program ensures that the Municipality’s land use regulations, building and fire codes and other community health and safety requirements are followed by local businesses. It also assists in collecting important statistics about local businesses to help understand trends that impact Municipal policy decisions. It will help the Municipality better understand the economy of Bowen Island, allowing for better planning, and enabling support for Bowen Island businesses.

For more details about the Business Licence Bylaw and program, please visit our website at www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/ licences.

A digger at work fixing the washed out Mt. Gardner Rd. Earlier this week, heavy rains washed out roads, flooded basements and caused treacherous conditions around Bowen Island.

BIGC presents

Tumbling with

10

Santa

Children under 5 r must have a parent o ian present d ar u g D IL H C R PE

$

CRAFTS | COOKIE ITING DECORATING | WR ES LETTERS WITH ELV VISIT WITH SANTA

AND TUMBLING

SATURDAY DECEMBER 15TH 10AM-12PM At BICS Gym

d on gymnastics All Children will be supervise s Equipment by certified coache

www.bowengymnastics.co

m

4 4 •• THURSDAY THURSDAY NOVEMBER NOVEMBER 29 29 2018 2018

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The Write Stuff.

The Undercurrent encourages reader participation in your community newspaper. You must include your full name and a daytime phone number (for verification only). The editor reserves the right to edit for clarity, legality, brevity and taste.

Here’s how.

To submit a letter to the editor, fax 604-947-0148 or mail it to #102, 495 Government Rd., PO Box 130, Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G0 or email editor@ bowenislandundercurrent.com.

National NewsMedia Council.

The Undercurrent is a member of the National NewsMedia Council of Canada, which is an independent organization established to deal with acceptable journalistic practices and ethical behaviour. If you have concerns about editorial content, please email editor@ bowenislandundercurrent.com or call 604-9472442.

If you are not satisfied with the response and wish to file a formal complaint, visit the website at mediacouncil.ca or call toll-free 1-844-877-1163 for additional information.

The library can help you detect an invisible threat TINA NIELSEN BOWEN LIBRARY

The Bowen Library may specialize in books but its latest acquisition is a little bit different.

Radon gas is radioactive and comes from naturally occurring uranium in soils and rocks. It is an odorless, tasteless and colourless indoor air hazard that can lead to serious health issues. There are several regions in Canada that have higher levels of uranium than others and parts of the Lower Mainland fall into that category.

Bowen Library is launching a new collection of radon-detection kits that islanders can borrow to measure radon levels in their

All Advertising and news copy content are copyright of the Undercurrent Newspaper. All editorial content submitted to the Undercurrent becomes the property of the publication.

The undercurrent is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, art work and photographs. We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage.

#102–495 Bowen Trunk Road, PO Box 130, Bowen Island BC, V0N 1G0 Phone: 604.947.2442 Fax: 604.947.0148 Deadline for all advertising and editorial: Monday, 4:00 p.m. www.bowenislandundercurrent.com

homes or places of business. Our aim is to increase awareness about radon and encourage people to test their homes as the majority of exposures occur where people spend most of their time.

A group of Simon Fraser University researchers have been working with Health Canada and the B.C. Lung Association in order to raise awareness of the dangers of radon exposure. Through a grant, this group has made radon detection kits available to all public libraries in North and West Vancouver, as well as the Sea to Sky and Sunshine Coast regions.

Radon detection kits are available for fourweek loan periods. The digital monitors are

extremely easy to use: all you have to do is place the device in a specific area of the home, or work, for three to four weeks to determine the radon level in that environment. The kits come with information about the gas, factors that influence indoor levels, and strategies to reduce exposure.

The digital monitors used in this program are intended for short-term testing and do not replace the long-term tests recommended by Health Canada. Because the loan period needs to be limited, the intent of providing these devices is to simply allow customers to get an idea of the radon levels in their home.

Visit www.bowenlibrary.ca for more information about the Bowen Library.

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Bowen Island Undercurrent Subscription Rates: Mailed 1 year subscription on Bowen Island: $45, including GST. Within Canada: $65 including GST Newsstand (Single Copy) $1 per copy, including GST

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THURSDAY THURSDAY NOVEMBER NOVEMBER 29 29 2018 2018 •• 55

Island similarities Why the big cannabis shop fuss?

EDITOR

Despite the 7,400 per cent land mass (and four million person) difference, the minister of conservation for New Zealand, Eugenie Sage, found some resonant similarities between her home island and Bowen when she stopped here earlier this month.

The Green Party minister from Aukland (Tāmaki Makaurau) was on her way back from a biodiversity convention in Egypt and had a stopover in Vancouver. Her principal advisor is from the Vancouver area and has family on the island and so in a fortuitous string of events, this year’s citizen of the year and tireless letter-to-mayor-and-council-writer, Bruce Russell mobilized a small faction islanders for a breakfast meeting at Doc Morgan’s.

Mayor Gary Ander, councillors Sue Ellen Fast, Alison Morse and Rob Wynen briefed Sage on Bowen’s environmental efforts.

Sage was particularly interested in Bowen’s land and water management and how the municipality deals with increasing tourism and population, prescient issues in New Zealand.

Morse explained that Bowen is unique as the only municipality in the Island’s Trust, the federation of islands dedicated to preserving the communities and environment in the Salish Sea. Fast described the Trust as a “blue belt” between Vancouver and Vancouver Island.

Fast, now in her second term as an Islands Trust trustee and newly-elected vice-chair of its executive committee, explained that because Bowen is also part of Metro Vancouver, it was part of Metro’s regional development planning. In this planning, Bowen was usually designated a green space, something of a getaway spot, working in the favour of conservation.

Conversation turned to conservation and Fast noted that being an island protects Bowen from some

of the invasive species plaguing the mainland but it suffers from a lack of predators for some pestilent species.

Sage heard that the municipality has little recourse for four-legged pests as wildlife management is provincial jurisdiction, which she met with some surprise.

“Part of conservation in New Zealand is killing,” said Sage.

However, the conservation story that particularly captured Sage was that of Howe Sound’s environmental recovery. How reclamation and environmental work led to cleaner waters. How the herring returned after a group of conservationists noted that the herring had been laying their eggs on creosote-coated pilings (the creosote was to keep the wood from rotting) and were consequently poisoned. The conservationists wrapped the pilings and the herring came back. The larger sea mammals – including whales – followed suit.

“That’s an amazing story,” said Sage, noting that she’d be bringing this learning back to New Zealand.

“It’s been really inspiring,” she told the group.

After the meeting, Sage toured the Grafton Lakes development with the site’s developer, John Reid.

Grafton Lakes is a notable development as Reid is setting aside a large portion of the land to be protected, is providing the land for the new Cove Bay water treatment plant and is building a new trail system.

In an email after the visit, Sage’s advisor Kayla Kingdon-Bebb (the one with family on Bowen) said, “Already she’s spoken at length in some meetings on her very positive impression of the various initiatives underway on Bowen Island.

“The minister was particularly taken with John’s approach to the development at Grafton Lake, and also enjoyed her very interesting exchanges with mayor and council.

I think she found a kindred spirit in Sue Ellen, as her own journey to political life similarly began with conservation advocacy work.”

KAMI KANETSUKA CONTRIBUTOR

In my postbox I received not one, not two, but four notices about the potential cannabis store on our island. For some reason the serious tone of these notices made me chuckle. My mind rewound to over half a century ago when I lived in Kathmandu, where cannabis bushes grew in every available space. In the garden of my rented house it grew abundantly.

The government store for ganja and charus, (marijuana and hashish) was a 10-minute walk away.

The only occasion I had to visit this funky little shop in the bazaar was when Barry Bishop, a member of the first team of Americans to conquest the summit of Mt. Everest, eager to try hash, asked me to get him some. Barry, as something of a celebrity among the foreign community in Kathmandu, was

JENNIFER HALL

B.I. COMMUNITY F O U N D AT I O N

With the end of daylight savings time already three weeks behind us and with Christmas less than a month away, winter has arrived.

As we settle into shorter days with more hours spent in the dark, many of us may find ourselves dreaming of sunlight. While more sunshine would be welcome, for one project on Bowen it’s nothing short of essential.

Since they were installed in August 2016, the solar panels gracing the rooftop on the Bowen Island Community School have been converting sunshine and daylight into energy, much to the delight of BICS students.

“Students have enjoyed learning

Places of Worship Welcome You BOWEN ISLAND UNITED CHURCH BOWEN ISLAND UNITED CHURCH Shelagh Mackinnon Marie Paul Rev.Rev. Shelagh MacKinnon

Helan Wallwork Helen Minister of Music: Lynn Williams

FOOD BANK

FOOD DROP-OFF BANK DROP-OFF

BOWEN ISLAND COMMUNITY CHURCH Pastor Clinton Neal ST. GERARD’S ROMAN 1070 Miller Road 604-947-0384 Service 10:30 a.m.

Sunday School 11:00 a.m.

CATHOLIC CHURCH

Sunday Mass: 10:30 a.m.

ST. GERARD’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH Administration Office: 604-682-6774 Mass: 10:30 a.m. Priest: Father James Comey

604-988-6304

CATES HILL CHAPEL

www.cateshillchapel.com 604-947-4260 CATES HILL CHAPEL www.cateshillchapel.com 604-947-4260 (661 Carter Rd.)

10:00 a.m.

W 10:00 a.m. Worship

(661 Carter Rd.)

10:00 a.m. Worship • Sunday School: Tots to Teens Sunday School: Tots to Teens

Pastor: Dr. James B. Krohn

Pastor: Phil Adkins

and charus were taken down. After leaving Nepal, Laise gave an interview to an American publication where she was questioned about drugs in Kathmandu. She made the extraordinary statement that few Americans participated in drugs and it was mainly European hippies because they could travel cheaply overland to get to the source.

When I turned up on the shores of Canada in 1971, I found that although cannabis was illegal here, 4th Avenue in Kitsilano seemed to be a stronghold for its consumption.

Now cannabis is legal in Canada and its medicinal components are being recognized. It will be interesting to see if the store on Bowen will materialize. If it doesn’t, I imagine the Garden Club will organize a speaker who will give a talk on the best way to cultivate, in our very own gardens, what much of the third of the world considers to be a sacred plant.

about the solar panels and the fact that they can see up-to-date reports on Greenhouse Gas emissions savings,” says BICS Principal Scott Slater.

The project has included blending the learning from the solar panels into the curriculum in myriad ways.

“For something that is ubiquitous in the lives of students, electricity is typically invisible. While kilowatt and megawatt hours are still obscure terms, the panels have provided students with a tangible object to identify and understand electricity,” adds Slater.

The installation of the solar panels was made possible through a project involving Clean Energy Canada, BICS, and the West Vancouver School District. The panels were gifted to BICS through a private donor who offered $25,000

to CEC’s Solar Now! project, provided that Bowen Island could match that amount. The Bowen Island Community Foundation provided a Community Impact Grant of $12,500, which provided a base from which CEC raised a further $12,500.

We’re happy to report that, to date, the solar panels have produced 15 MW of energy, saving about 10 T of carbon dioxide, which is the equivalent of planting 500 trees or the energy given off from 42,000 light bulbs.

The Bowen Island Community Foundation is currently accepting applications for the 2019 granting cycle. If you have a bright idea for a project that would enrich the lives of Islanders, we’d like to hear from you. Get in touch: www.bowenfoundation.com.

Schedule in Effect: October 9, 2018 to March 31, 2019 On December 25, & January 1 service will begin with the 8:35 am sailing from Bowen Island and the 8:00 am sailing from Horseshoe Bay.

▼

BOWEN ISLAND Snug Cove

5:20 am^ 6:20 am> 7:30 am< 8:35 am 9:40 am 10:50 am 12:00 pm 1:10 pm 2:55 pm 4:00 pm† 5:10 pm * 6:15 pm 7:25 pm* 8:30 pm# 9:30 pm 10:30 pm

VANCOUVER Horseshoe Bay 5:50 am> 6:50 am< 8:00 am 9:05 am† 10:15 am 11:25 am 12:35 pm 2:20 pm 3:30 pm 4:35 pm 5:45 pm* 6:50 pm 8:00 pm* 9:00 pm# 10:00 pm

Distance: 3 NAUTICAL MILES Crossing Time: 20 MINUTES

Leave Horseshoe Bay

Service and Sunday School: 10:30 a.m.

Service and Sunday School 10:30 am Collins Hall Bookings: Helen Wallwork MinisterCollins of Music: Williams HallLynn Bookings:

reluctant to be seen entering the store where one had to climb the rickety wooden stairs to a crowded room of clients sampling the goods.

The usual cliental of the store were Hindu holymen, the Nepalese at Hindu holidays, a sprinkling of embassy and foreign aid officials and the so-called hippies. Here you could find the highest quality cannabis. I even heard some of it had the royal stamp. With the stuff bought on the street, the hash was often mixed with cowdung.

The year after I left Kathmandu in 1971, I found out that Carole Laise, the American ambassador to Nepal, was very upset that U.S. citizens were smoking and smuggling out the “evil weed.” She was on good terms with King Mahendra, and convinced him to make the sale of cannabis go underground. It was reported that he was paid over a million dollars – a fortune in those days. All the signs offering ganja

Harvesting sunlight on Bowen Island, even during the dark winter months

Leave Snug Cove

BRONWYN BEAIRSTO

* DAILY EXCEPT SATURDAYS > EXCEPT DEC 25 & JAN 1 < EXCEPT SUN AND DEC 25 & JAN 1 # DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAYS ^ EXCEPT SAT, SUN AND NOV 11, DEC 25 & JAN 1 † DC WEDNESDAY SAILINGS WILL BE REPLACED

BY DANGEROUS CARGO SAILINGS. NO OTHER PASSENGERS PERMITTED.

6 • THURSDAY NOVEMBER 29 2018

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Giving on Bowen

Giving on Bowen edition Welcome to our annual edition dedicated to everything and everyone who gives on Bowen (I’d bet that’s most of you in some way or another!) The Undercurrent is the beneficiary of a great deal of giving. I receive articles, letters and pictures every week from the community and I couldn’t do this paper without them. We have our regular-ish contributors: Marcus Hondro, Len Gilday, Tim Rhodes, Anton van Walraven, Susan Redmond, H.C.

Behm, Sarah Haxby, Elaine Cameron, Rob Wynen, Susan Swift, Bruce Russell, Sheana Stevenson, Mary Letson, the Community Foundation, everyone at the Museum and Archives and BIAC (I know I’ve left people off the list, I sincerely apologize, I’m sleep deprived – as we all are this season) and then we have the man who keeps us thinking (and not only about jazz) – Ron Woodall. Thank you everyone! - Bronwyn Beairsto, Editor

Bowen Island Community Centre FINALLY!

A Community Centre on Bowen Island is within reach! We are so close to making this much desired public space a reality.

The Community Centre will enhance our lives by providing new opportunities to learn, work, connect, socialize, and play together. It’s time, Bowen Island!

HELP US BUILD COMMUNITY

We have an unprecedented opportunity. Federal/ Provincial government funding through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure grant program is available to help us build our Community Centre.

The grant will pay for 73% of eligible costs, approx., $7.3 million.

contact us

604-947-4255 OurIslandPlace@bimbc.ca www.ourislandplace.com

Our project meets the grant criteria perfectly.

We have: • A shovel ready project with a compelling case for support • Local government support • Demonstrated and ongoing public need and support But the deadline for the grant application is extremely tight. It is due January 23, 2019.

We need to act fast!

To be successful, we must demonstrate solid community support for the Bowen Island Community Centre through pledges, donations, and letters so we need your help.

Our community needs to raise approximately $4M to put towards the $14,500,000 capital cost of the project before January 23, 2019. Remaining funds are available through Municipal reserves and tax-neutral borrowing.

Securing $4M in pledges* and donations will ensure we have a winning application to submit to the government for approval.

Can we do this Bowen Island?

Every Dollar Counts. Each letter could make a difference.

So, please donate, pledge or write today and let’s build this Community Centre together.

Together, we can make a difference.

* - Pledges will be called in after successful grant announcement, expected summer 2019

This long list is just some of the friends who spring to mind when I think of the people with whom I have volunteered over many years on Bowen Island. It is but a small fraction of the multitude of people who volunteer their time for the myriad of organizations and events that help make Bowen Island such a special place.

Thank you for all that you do.

Katherine Gish

There is no naughty, only nice Twas a few weeks ‘till Christmas and all through the house came memories of friends and volunteers, quiet about it, like a mouse No visions of sugar plums danced in my head Their generous giving of time played there instead Then I heard Santa whistle and shout, and call them by name; now Helping, now Caring, now Making Friends and Having Fun!

On Pitch In! On Community! On Giving and Receiving!

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle, And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.

But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight, “Happy Christmas, time is the best gift of all! And to all a good night!”

Katherine Gish

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THURSDAY NOVEMBER 29 2018 • 7

A foundation for community

HOLLY GRAFF

B.I. COMMUNITY F O U N D AT I O N

A garden is planted, an art gallery is built, a seniors’ residence is designed. Playgrounds and bike parks are constructed and a children’s centre is expanded.

Graduating students are given scholarships for school, all the while, a neighbour is quietly helped through a personal emergency.

These are just some of the things that your Bowen Island Community Foundation has been able to accomplish with your support. Community is powerful. And the Bowen Island Community Foundation allows us all together, as a community, to give back beyond our individual means.

The foundation distributes the interest earned from the endowment funds back to Bowen Island to help build a more vibrant, sustainable community. As each endowment fund grows, so does our ability to give money to important local projects. Since we started making grants in 2004, we have granted back to Bowen Island over $600,000.

Most nonprofit organizations have a specific mission. But a community foundation’s mission is very broad: to improve the quality of life in a given geographical area. This breadth of mission reflects our ability to make grants in any field of interest with a charitable benefit to our local community. This flexibility allows us to serve a wider group of potential donors on the one hand and, on the other, a wider group of nonprofit organizations whom we consider our partners in improving

our Bowen Island community.

Bowen nonprofits benefit from having a local community foundation because the community foundation helps money stay in our community. Community foundations benefit local nonprofits in other ways: besides having local grant money available, some nonprofits ask the community foundation to manage an endowment on their behalf.

As it grows, your Bowen Island Community Foundation gradually becomes a center for charitable giving in the community. We help make connections between the people who want to give and the people who need their support.

When we all talk about building stronger, healthier communities, we mean the process of people working together to tackle what matters to them. This wouldn’t be possible without us all coming together. This is where the magic of a community happens.

This is part of the magic that is your Bowen Island Community Foundation. You can read more about that at https://bowenfoundation.com/news/.

The gateway garden plaque. Photo: Bruce Russell

The cancer support fund MARY LETSON SWIMBOWEN

Bruce Russell (left) presents Hood Point West residents with the community spirit award at the Community Challenge golf tournament in May. Photo: Terence McKeown

The swinging social sporting spot BRUCE RUSSELL

B . I . G O L F A S S O C I AT I O N

Our beautiful community golf course owes its existence to the generous and unselfish giving by the community-at-large, be it by way of volunteerism, donations of money or offering of words of praise and appreciation. Many likely are not aware, or have forgotten, that the Bowen Island Golf Association is a registered non-profit society. The mission statement for which was to develop and operate a nine-hole public golf course. In likely what has been, and may forever be, the largest “pass-the-hat” fundraising campaign in the island’s history, over $3 million was raised, without any government assistance, to develop the community’s award-winning golf course and clubhouse. We thank the community-at-large for both their passionate initial giving and wonderful ongoing support.

The course provides both recreational and social enjoyment to a wide range of users including members, non-members and visitors, for regular and tournament play. In addition, it is used by many entities

and non-profit groups to raise funds for their operations. Youth clinics are held to teach the game, lessons are available for adults, scholarships are provided annually to juniors and employment is provided for locals.

Most importantly, it is the social melting spot on the island where a great number of people meet, enjoy casual and competitive golf and establish long lasting friendships.

Thank heavens there is no limit on fun, laughter and having a good time!

Our nine-hole public course was a municipally imposed high priority recreational amenity in the Cowan Point Comprehensive Development Plan. Thanks to the joint efforts of Bowen Island Properties, who made the lands available and the Bowen Island Golf Association who designed, raised the funds, constructed and operates the course that mandated municipal requirement was met in a timely, first class manner. The finished product speaks for itself. Since its 2006 opening, it has been a gift by the community to the community that just keeps on giving every day of the year.

SwimBowen’s inaugural open water 1000 and 500 metre event held last July at Tunstall Bay was a sold out, roaring success, raising $31,000 to assist Bowen Islanders in active cancer treatment. The newly-incorporated SwimBowen Society’s board is excited to announce that bursaries of $1000 and $1500 are now available to all Bowen Island residents in active cancer treatment and in need of support for their self care.

Support is sorely needed for those in our community lacking the financial means for crucial self care services. Enduring cancer treatment is beyond difficult. But one can lighten the load with physiotherapy, massage, acupuncture, food delivery, counselling etc.

Thank you Bowen Island and beyond for your incredible generosity and support! See you on the beach July 20, 2019 for the second annual SwimBowen extravaganza. Get more information at Swimbowen.com or call 604 9479601.

Photo: Tristan Deggan Visuals

Giving on Bowen Bowen Island Memorial Garden Memories... quiet thoughts.... to counteract the activities of an ordinary day, all these are the heart of a memorial garden.

Did you know that Bowen Island has just such a garden? It exists and is a place of meaning for friends, neighbours and strangers alike where families can have plaques installed in honour of loved ones who are no longer with us. The present memorial garden consists of one acre of leased land from Metro Vancouver Parks and is located in Crippen Park across from Snug Cove with easy access from Cardena Road.

You may order a memorial plaque on our website and we will install for you on one of our garden archways.

Bequests and donations are ways to contribute to our Bowen Island Memorial Garden. Membership and involvement of time and interest above all are key to the success of a vital living memorial society. As a registered charity we will be happy to give tax receipts for all donations of $10.00 and over.

The Annie Laurie Wood Annex is ready for new furnishings that will welcome all to settle in and stay awhile

Bowen Island Public Library Foundation

contact us

www.bowenislandmemorialgarden.org

How to donate We’re pleased to report that we have already raised $10,000. Help us reach our goal of $40,000 by donating online, by mail or in person. Tax receipts will be

Bowen Children’s Centre

provided for all donations of $20 or more.

Online credit card donations are accepted through the library website. Click on About Us > Support the Library > Donations.

Cheques can be mailed to Bowen Library

650 Carter Rd, Bowen Island

Foundation, P.O. Box 10, Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G0

Thank you In this season of giving, we would like to say “Thank you” to all our friends, neighbors and supporters who have made Bowen Children’s Centre a community gem of early learning and care.

We wish you all a very happy holiday season and a peaceful, healthy 2019!

The Families, Board and staff of BCC

Library Annex Furnishings Campaign – Our Goal: $40,000

Email or call us anytime for more information.

Toddlers Creating

contact us

Bowen Children’s Centre 650 Carter Rd, Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G2 604 947 9626 info@bowenchildrenscentre.ca

contact us 604-947-9788 info@bowenlibrary.ca www.bowenlibrary.ca

The Library Foundation and the Cove Commons

Bowen Library Foundation works to support the needs of our library and library patrons. We have contributed to library programs and services and most recently, with the Bowen Island Arts Council, raised more than $700,000 for the Cove Commons construction.

The Annie Laurie Wood Annex (named for the very first library on Bowen) is the library’s half of the Cove Commons and is a beautiful, light filled space with room for events, group meetings, webinars, author talks, presentations, seminars and individual work or study. Since the opening of the Annex in February of this year, the number of people visiting the library has increased by 37% - proving the adage “If you build it, they will come”.

Furnishing the Annex

Help us build upon the success of the new building and support our campaign to raise $40,000 for the purchase of new furnishings and equipment for the Library Annex. To make the most of our new space, we want to provide furnishings that are suited to the purposes of the space and flexible for a variety of users and programs.

Design work is underway that will add colour, sound-softening elements, cozy lounge furniture, study desks, whiteboards, and configurable tables for maximum flexibility of use. With your help we can make this new space more functional, effective and as cozy as a welcoming living room.

Settle in and stay awhile

Vibrant and attractive furnishings will make the Annex a space you’ll want to spend some quality time in. A place to chat with friends, to relax and read, to attend a webinar or author book launch, to meet with a tutor, or to hold a small meeting – having comfortable, adaptable furnishings will make those experiences even more appealing. The Library is your space, a community gathering spot where we aim to make you feel at home. Help us put the finishing touches on our new space so that everyone feels welcome to settle in and stay awhile.

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The charitable landfill alternative

CATHERINE BAYLY

KNICK KNACK NOOK

Library volunteers at a Christmas party. Photo: Tina Nielsen

The knowledge centre

Many thanks to all of our donors – for their time, their financial support and their belief in the continued value of a free and open public library.

Should you wish to help the library further please consider a gift to the library’s annex furnishings fund or to the joint plaza and landscaping fund we are running with the arts council. The plaza fund will give the finishing touches to the grounds around the Cove Commons and create a beautiful new town square in the heart of Snug Cove. The library’s fund for furnishings in the new annex will make the new space as functional and inviting as possible by adding sound softening elements, cozy lounge furniture and new desks, table and whiteboards for multifunction public use.

Donations to either of these projects can be made through the Bowen Island Public Library Foundation. Cheques to Bowen Island Public Library Foundation can be mailed to the library at P.O. Box 10, Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G0. Online donations with credit card can be found on our website under the “About Us” tab at this link https://bowenlibrary.ca/about-us/ support-the-library/donations/ or by searching Canada Helps.

TINA NIELSEN

BOWEN LIBRARY

Bowen Library is grateful for a remarkable number of gifts. Starting with the gift of time, we have benefited since our inception from hundreds of thousands of volunteer hours. Volunteers are on the front desk checking your books in and out, in the back office covering new books, on the library board setting policy and planning and working as Friends of the Library sorting, packing, moving and selling donated books. All of these community members are giving their time and expertise to ensure your public library is able to be open six days a week. Volunteers ensure that we’re able to plan for the future and are able to support special projects outside of our regular budget.

And the giving doesn’t end there.

Our recent Cove Commons addition to the library was 69 per cent funded by private donors. From $10 to $100,000, the donations to the Cove Commons project were diverse. The community pulled together. They called upon their friends, colleagues and family to fundraise more than $700,000 toward the building of the library’s additional annex space and an art gallery and office for the Bowen Island Arts Council.

The Knick Knack Nook is grateful to our community. We appreciate the resolve of local government, organizations and individuals to reduce landfill. We especially appreciate our amazing volunteers who ensure that the Nook is open five days a week to receive and sell gently-used items. Through their handwork and commitment the Nook is an island success story. This success allows us to return money to the community through grants, bursaries and scholarships.

The Knick Knack Nook has proudly lent a financial helping hand to these outstanding

non-profit organizations: Bowen Children’s Centre; Bowen Heritage; Bowen in Transition; Bowen Island Agricultural Alliance (Farmer’s Market); Bowen Island Ambulance Centre (staff support); Bowen Island Arts Council (workshops); Bowen Island Christmas Hamper Fund; Bowen Island Community Foundation (KKN Environmental Endowment Fund); Bowen Island Community School (public water bottle filling station and Jora composter); Bowen Island Community School Homework Club; Bowen Island Food Bank; Bowen Island Health Care Society; Bowen Island Literacy Task Group; Bowen Island Museum & Archives; Bowen Island Park Working Group; Bowen Island

Public Library; Bowen Island School Association (children’s playground); Bowen Island Scouts Group; Bowen Island Gymnastics Club; Bowen Island Seniors Housing Cooperative (garden upgrade); Bowen Island Football Club; Bowfest; Caring Circle; Clean Energy Canada (solar panels installation at BICS); Coast Animal Welfare & Education Society (CAWES); Cove Commons; Family Place; Helping Hands Endowment Fund; Montessori School (zero waste initiative); Refugee Project 30/30; Rotary Club (trailer guide for Bowen residents, defibrillator); Seniors Keeping Young (SKY); Seniors Luncheon Program; Snug Cove House; Steamship Day

The island’s historical safe CATHERINE BAYLY

B.I. MUSEUM AND ARCHIVES

The words of Joni Mitchell in “Big Yellow Taxi,” “You don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone,” have always resonated with me. There are so many ways you can lose your history – theft, fire, lack of interest – and not all of us have a “tree museum” to keep it in. However we are fortunate to have a wonderful local museum and archives on Bowen Island to keep our history safe.

We are especially grateful to the individuals who donate their Bowen-related archival documents,

photographs, maps, postcards and artifacts. We appreciate the community members who sit with us and record their memories, adding to our growing oral history collection. We are also thankful for the volunteers who assist in the museum and archives (we can always use more.) It is always our pleasure to offer public programs to the schools and community and appreciate all those who attend. We love seeing you at the carefully curated museum exhibits. In addition, we are extremely grateful to the municipality, other organizations and individuals for their financial support.

Our mandate is to collect, pre-

serve and make available our island history. We are grateful to share our history with the community through museum exhibits, newsletters, our website, newspaper articles, our books and booklets and archival collections. We continue to collect so that we don’t have to say “you don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone.”

Please support your local museum and archives by becoming a member, making a financial contribution, volunteering or stopping by to see what we are doing. It is your history. For more information please contact bihistorians@telus. net or visit bowenislandmuseum.ca.

Giving on Bowen BowenIslandHealth CentreFoundation

Bowen Island Community School Association (CSA)

1041 Mt Gardner Rd V0N 1G2

PO Box 313, Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G0

Mission Statement:

The CSA supports the Bowen Island Community School as the hub of community life on Bowen by encouraging community development and life-long learning, leading to strong families, a healthier community and enhancement of the quality of life for all ages.

What does the CSA do?

• Assist in coordinating community involvement in the community school and school involvement in the community • Promote and support community use of BICS facilities through community engagement • Fund community projects and events that will bring together various community groups

How can you get involved?

• The Christmas Craft Fair – Our Biggest Event and Fundraiser of the Year! https://www.slotted.co/csaccf2017 • BIRD Refundable Containers – Recycling fun! https://www.slotted.co/csabird2017

Bowen Island Golf Club

WE HAVE IT ALL

Non-members always welcome. We are open year round and from November 1st until February 28th are on the honour system.

Just drop by, place your $20 all day green fee in the pro shop mail slot and tee off. No reservation needed.

Volunteers celebrate the opening of the Gabriola Health Centre.

contact us 604 341 9488 bit.ly/BIHealthCentre

For Bowen For Ever

PUBLIC AMENITY #1

COME HAVE TEE WITH US

Last year at this time we wrote, “... we may have to refocus our efforts on a new location, and we are already addressing this challenge.” We are pleased to report that we have met the challenge and have a site on Miller Road directly south of the proposed new Fire Hall—at the end of the day a better location with room for expansion well into the future. This success is due in large part to the support of Council, the advice of municipal staff, the encouragement of the community, and the dedication of volunteers. As we move into the fundraising and design stages over the next months, we look forward to your continued support. Let’s bring health care close to home.

Bowen Island Community Foundation

Conceived, constructed and operated by the community for use and enjoyment by all of the community.

Scenery, serenity and at peace with and amongst nature. A 1st class course, fun and friendships. The rest is up to you!

Bringing health care close to home

contact us

On weekends during the off-season call us at 604-947-GOLF (4653). www.bowenislandgolf.com or proshop@bowengolf.com.

Four simple words with a powerful meaning. For Bowen: give where you live.

For ever: the community savings account for the future. In 2002, the Bowen Island Community Foundation was established to create and manage endowment funds to support the artistic, cultural, educational, recreational, and social well-being of residents on Bowen Island. Today, through donations large and small, and through bequests, the community has generously given $1,200,000 for the Island’s future.

An enriched quality of life for all Bowen Islanders

The Foundation distributes the interest earned from the endowment funds back to Bowen Island to help build a more vibrant, resilient community. As each endowment fund grows, so does our ability to give money to local projects that are important to the community.

To date, the Foundation has granted over $600,000 to local charitable organizations and individuals who have used the funds to make a big impact on the quality of life for all Bowen Islanders.

The Bowen Island Community Foundation is your investment in your community’s future.

contact us

www.bowenfoundation.com info@bowenfoundation.com https://www.facebook.com/ BowenIslandCommunityFoundation/

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THURSDAY NOVEMBER 29 2018 • 9

So many more people than can fit in this newspaper give on Bowen. Here are just some of the giving people we’ve covered over the past seven months (of Bronwyn’s tenure here).

There are the people who look after animals, like the Bowen Island Recycling Depot staff who care for Peanut the dog (top right) and the community members who donate food for her. There are the charitable organizations that seek to improve locals’ lives, such as the Rotary Club, which donated money for childrens’ soccer jerseys, among other endeavours (bottom right). There are the individuals who spend thousands of hours volunteering on-island, such as Rev. Shelagh MacKinnon (bottom left) who moved away earlier this year. There are the individuals who donate money for specific causes, like the Dongs (middle left) who donated $10,000 to the infant toddler wing at the Bowen Children’s Centre. There are the firefighers, who donate time to training and protecting the island, and who have fan-favourite event contributions, such as running the firetruck hose on Canada Day for the children (top left) and the Halloween fireworks display. Photos: Bronwyn Beairsto

Giving on Bowen

Knick Knack Nook

1063 Mount Gardner Rd, Bowen Island

KKN Mission

Our mission is to provide a welcoming community service that fosters environmental and social responsibility primarily through sale of used items in good condition.

Where does the money go?

contact us

604-947-NOOK (6665) info@knickknacknook.org knickknacknook.org

We care about our community! The financial success of the Nook generates thousands of dollars for scholarships, bursaries and small grants.

The beneficiaries are students, individuals, and charitable organizations that develop initiatives in support of environmental and social responsibility on Bowen Island.

Bowen Island Arts Council

430 Bowen Island Trunk Rd., Cardena Road entrance

BUILDING BOWEN STRONGER Arts and culture help create a healthier, more resilient community. They are the threads that weave together our social fabric, enhancing a sense of identity and belonging. They increase our quality of life, contribute to the local economy and inspire us to dream. We are honored to play a lead role in forwarding arts and culture on Bowen Island.

contact us info@biac.ca 604.947.2454 biac.ca

It’s been a good year

The Bowen Island Arts Council just held its 31st Annual General Meeting. It had much to celebrate: a new home in the Cove Commons, an inspiring new brand story and visual identity, an historic agreement with the Bowen Island Municipality for core multi-year funding, updates about the proposed Community Centre; and a good news budget and annual report announcing that the charity had reached 11,300 people through 36 events and activities in the past year.

We are grateful.

All of these achievements – everything that we do and all the services and programs we provide our community – is thanks to our talented and industrious volunteers. Their true value is immeasurable, but from a market-based perspective alone, it is very impressive. They filled 150 roles, dedicating 5,129 hours at a (modestly calculated) value of over $124,000. We applaud them for their contribution. And we are indebted to the donors and supporters of our organization, including those who gave generously to the Cove Commons capital project, allowing us to partner with the Public Library to create the new public amenity.

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Santa coming to town this weekend BRONWYN BEAIRSTO EDITOR

BOTTLE DRIVE SAVE YOUR EMPTIES! WE’RE COMING TO GET THEM! Dec 9th

Support BIGC on our way to

Jan 5th & 6th 11am-3pm

the 2019 Worlds Gymnaestrada in Dornbirn, Austria

Please email pick up location to bigcbottledrive@gmail.com

And with a cannon’s boom, the cove illuminates.

It’s a Bowen tradition – the first Saturday of December (the night before the massive Community School Association craft fair), Christmas lights adorning Bowen’s commercial district flicker to life and usher in the holiday season.

Light Up Bowen has evolved over its twenty-plus years of existence. Rondy Dike, the Union Steamship Company Marina staff and Cates Hill Chapel began the annual event. Back when it began, it was called Light Up the Cove. The lights only went up as far as the Bowen Pub (the old one) as Village Square didn’t yet exist.

The cannon is Dike’s – he either sets it off from the USSC tower or the middle of Trunk Road.

“The lights were never on until he set off the cannon,” says Basia Lieske, who has organized the event for the past ten years. “It was all dark.”

The event always included a live nativity (there was a time when it included live animals,) put on by Cates Hill Chapel and some years ago a children-led lantern parade was added along with Family Place’s Festival of Trees.

This year’s Light Up Bowen starts in Village Square, where stores, including the Soup Fairy, pet shop, Phoenix and the Ruddy Potato, will have open houses.

Men on the Rock, Bowen’s all-male choir will sing and some special guests – the Snow Queen and Snow King among them – will make an appearance.

Basia says that this year’s mascot costumes have received some special

Angels participate in the annual live nativity put on by Cates Hill Chapel.

Submitted: Basia Lieske

attention in the form of a professional costume designer from Los Angeles.

Liz Nankin and her husband moved to Bowen in the past month or so and Liz quickly volunteered to help out fixing up the garb. The Snow Queen and King were her ideas.

After the Village Square festivities, a Lantern Parade will proceed down the path behind the pub to Davies Orchard.

With more sponsors than ever before, Basia bought a lot of lights (which she still needs help stringing up Thursday and Friday if anyone is interested in volunteering) which will be strung up along the path. Lit reindeer, dogs and giant candy canes are among the decorative additions this year.

“It’s kind of like a travelling show,” explains Basia.

With a stop at Out of the Blue, the live nativity, organized by Karen Cowper, will tell the Christmas story. Cowper will have extra angel and shepherd costumes for any children in the audience who e

33rd Annual

CSA Christmas Craft Fair Sunday, December 2nd, 2018 10:00 am – 3:00 pm BICS Gym Youth Craft Fair 10:00 am – 12:30 pm Unique local crafts, yummy Café menu, Cake Walk for the kids, excellent silent auction items, raffle draws and more! ~An Island Tradition~

want to participate in the play. All children are welcome says Basia.

The procession will end on the USSC lawn and Santa will arrive, not by sleigh but by tugboat. A party at Doc Morgan’s concludes the evening’s festivities.

This year, for the first time, Basia put together a small team to help her coordinate the event, which, when all’s said and done, she’ll have put more than 200 hours into organizing.

Though the work is demanding, Basia says that she does it because she loves Christmas and how Light Up Bowen brings the community together.

“Everybody loves it. I can’t let them down,” she says. “Santa Claus has to come to town.”

Basia asks that people bring a non-perishable item for the food bank to Village Square and dress for the weather (rubber boots for the muck are a good idea she says.)

Light Up Bowen starts in Village Square at 6 p.m. Dec. 1.

Shari Ulrich’s “Trust Me” Series Presents

e

John Reischman & the Jaybirds “Melding hard-won bluegrass chops, great songwriting, superb ensemble playing, and a tight-knit sound many bands never achieve, John Reischman and the Jaybirds have forged a unique and utterly engaging style that should appeal to fans of first-generation bluegrass to those seeking more modern tones.”

Bluegrass Unlimited

Fri. Nov. 30th 7:30pm Tir-na-nOg Theatre 585 Rivendell Drive

Tickets $25 advance $30 door at Phoenix and online at trustme.bpt.me thejaybirds.com

“A Christmas Journey” The Rivendell Retreat Community invites you to our Open House “A Christmas Journey” Sunday December 9, 2018 from 2:30 to 5:30 pm We will pause at 4:30 pm around our traditional candlelit tree.

Refreshments will be provided At the top of Cates Hill off Rivendell Drive.

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Gingerbread house design required computer Continued from page 1

The self-taught bakers specialize in cakes and cookies but they also do the odd pie.

The gingerbread scene, which sees Yukon Cornelius (the miner-looking fellow) and reindeers Rudolph and Clarice standing outside of the Abominable Snowman’s cave, required some expertise beyond the culinary.

“It turns out you don’t just draw a geode,” said Konopa with a laugh, referring to the difficulty of building a domelike structure with flat-baked gingerbread.

Luckily, Konopa’s husband is a 3D artist could design the pieces needed to form

The 2018 entry. the dome on his computer.

The computer design yielded printed templates, from which Konopa and Skett cut a cardboard mockup. Then came the baking.

The entire creation is edible but after the competition

is over, Konopa doesn’t think she or her kids are going to eat it.

“We dried out the pieces for two weeks before putting it together,” laughed Konopa.

“So they’re rock hard.”

Other entries in this year’s Gingerbread Village Challenge include a Nightmare Before Christmas scene and a Grinch stealing a bag full of toys.

The winner of the competition is decided by online vote and a panel of celebrity judges. Konopa and Skett’s creation is currently in third place. To vote or donate to B.C. Childrens’ Hospital, visit grousemountain.com/gingerbread-village-2018.

Bowen Island Community Choir

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 29 2018 • 11

LIGHT UP

BOWEN SATURDAY DEC 1st

6:00 pm VILLAGE SQUARE

Meet at the RUDDY POTATO Open House for warm cider & cookies. Get your glow sticks from PHOENIX. Visit BOWEN PET SUPPLY & THE SOUP FAIRY for treats (& soup!) The MEN on the ROCK CHOIR will be singingCarols.

CROSSROADS BUILDING

BOWEN ISLAND REMAX is serving mulled wine & popcorn FABULOUS FINDS has Christmas cookies and the BOWEN PUB will be handing out warm mini donuts!

6:30 LANTERN PARADE Through Davies Orchard, Lead by our Christmas mascots

Christmas at BOWEN HERITAGE MUSEUM 6:40 Cates Hill Chapel LIVE NATIVITY SEA BREEZE BUILDING Concert

Saturday

Dec. 8

SNUG COVE MERCHANTS

OUT OF THE BLUE & BOWEN BARBER ~ hot chocolate & cookies CONNIES CLOTHING & KNIT SHOP ~ home made short bread SQUIRREL GIFT STORE ~ yummy EGG NOG

Performance: 2:30pm & 7:00pm

7:00 FAMILY PLACE FESTIVAL OF TREES LIGHT UP

Adults - $15, Seniors - $10, Children - $5

7:10 SANTA ARRIVES at the USSC MARINA

Cates Hill Chapel

Music director: Ellen Maclntosh

By CORMORANT MARINES “Barney Mack”

Accompanist: Sheilagh Sparks

Tickets available at Cates Pharmacy or at door

BOWEN COMMUNITY RECS SANTAS WORKSHOP Mulled Wine provided by MACDONALD REALTY Fruit punch & goodies provided by USSC MARINA, BI REMAX REALTY & PARAGON GROUP

Join us after Light Up Bowen

MARTINIS WITH SANTA 2018

7:20 PARTY WITH SANTA AT DOC MORGANS

PLEASE BRING SOMETHING FOR THE FOOD BANK Info: lightupbowen@gmail.com

An ugly sweater Christmas Party Saturday 1st Dec 8pm

Live music from Violet Finch & Special Guest Santa!

BIG THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Thursday November 29 Duplicate Bridge Bowen Court 6:45 - 10 pm Info call Irene 604947-2955

Jason Campbell on Virtual and Augmented Reality.

Collins Hall at the Little Red Church 7:30 p.m. Bowen Rotary presentation. Free.

Friday November 30

Storytime Library 10:30 a.m. Free drop-in program for 2-4-year-olds

Dinner at the Legion Bowen Island Legion Doors 5:30 pm Dinner at 6:30 Members and guests welcome Sounds of Christmas Cates Hill Chapel 7:30 p.m. The Ladies Madrigal Singers present their annual concert. Tix at Cates Pharmacy or at the door.

Saturday December 1

Get prepared!

Bowen Court Hall 1-2 p.m.

Learn about what you can do to prepare yourself and your home for an

emergency or disaster

Knowing Our Place: The Book Club Library Flex Room 11:00- 12:30 pm The Book Club discusses Leanne Betasamosake Simpson’s “Islands of Decolonial Love.”

Register at bit.ly/ BookClub2Fall2018 Light Up Bowen - Lantern parade and Santa Arrival Starts at Village Square 6 p.m From goodies to carol singing, to a lantern parade, live nativity, festival of trees and the arrival of ol’ St. Nic’ by ship and more; it’s Bowen with a heart truly three sizes too big. Full schedule on page 11 inside paper.

Martinis with Santa Doc Morgan’s Pub 8 p.m. Top off your Light Up with an ugly sweater Christmas Party at Doc’s featuring live music from Violet Finch and special guest Santa!

Sunday December 2

33rd Annual CSA Christmas Craft Fair Bowen Island Community School

10 - 3 p.m. Local crafts, cake walk, yummy cafe, silent auction, raffle draw and more including a notto-be-missed youth craft fair until noon.

Outdoor Meditation Circle Meet at the picnic tables at the entrance to Crippen Park 11 a.m. Open to everyone. Dress warmly, tea will be served. No cost. lisa.shatsky@gmail. com Fashionably Bowen: Island Bears exhibit opens Bowen Island Museum Runs until Dec. 30

Monday December 3

Seniors Keeping Young 1070 Miller Rd. Exercise at 9 am, coffee at 9:45, Guest speaker at 10, Yoga at 11:15. Annual membership $20 or drop in $3.

Tuesday December 4

Art Workshop 1070 Miller Road(Seniors Court) 9 - noon.

Informal painting-drawing group meets every Tuesday. All stages and ages welcome. Drop-in $7

Wednesday December 5

12 Step Codependency Group Elliott Hall, 1070 Miller Road 6:30 - 7:30 pm

Thursday December 6

Duplicate Bridge Bowen Court 6:45 - 10 pm Info call Irene 604-9472955

Friday December 7

Wine tasting with Andrew Moon, chief viticulturist, Tinhorn Creek Bowen Beer and Wine Cellar 3-7 pm More holiday entertaining ideas at this free wine tasting.

Dinner at the Legion Bowen Island Legion Doors 5:30 pm Dinner at 6:30 Members and guests welcome Storytime Library 10:30 a.m. Free drop-in program for 2-4-year-olds

Saturday December 8

BAA Winter Market and Craft Fair Bowen Island Community School

10- 1 p.m. Crafters, artisans, sauces, jams, preserves, food, fruit leather, kale, squash, winter veggies baked goods and more.

Kid’s shopping day at the Nook Knick Knack Nook 12 - 2 pm. A secret shopping day for kids while their parents mix and mingle outside! Volunteers will help the wee shoppers and items will kid priced.

Kids only! age 3 -12 BI Community Choir Winter Concert Cates Hill Chapel Two performances 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.

A perennial holiday favourite directed by Ellen Macintosh with accompanist Sheilagh Sparks.

Sunday December 9

Outdoor Meditation Circle Meet at the picnic tables at the entrance to Crippen Park 11 a.m. Open to everyone. Dress warmly, tea will be served. No cost. lisa.shatsky@gmail. com Free Poker League

Bowen Island Pub 7 -10 pm

The Art of Giving Arts Pacific Gallery at Artisan Square 11 - 4 pm Enjoy festive treats and seasonal music while you browse for the perfect gift. Plus enter win a draw for a gift of your choosing ($150 value).

A Christmas Journey At the top of Cates Hill off Rivendell Drive 2:30 to 5:30 pm The Rivendell Retreat Community invites you to their Open House.

Refreshments provided.

“Should We Colonize Other Planets ?”

Bowen Library 2 p.m. Local author and philosophy professor Adam Morton talks on his book, “Should We Colonize Other Planets?”

Monday December 10

Seniors Keeping Young 1070 Miller Road Exercise at 9 am, coffee at 9:45, Guest speaker at 10 Yoga at 11:15. Annual membership $20 or drop in $3.

DEPARTS SUN to THURS FRI & SAT SNUG COVE 11:15PM 12:15AM SNUG COVE 11:15PM 12:15AM HORSESHOE BAY 11:30PM 12:30AM HORSESHOE BAY 11:30PM 12:30AM

Scheduled Afternoon Commuter Runs OPERATING 7 DAYS WEEK Mon - Fri Horseshoe Bay -ASnug Cove

Proudly Celebrating Over 40 36 39 Years of Trusted Transport for Bowen Island & Howe Sound

Patient of the Week Meet Oscar.

Oscar underwent an enterotomy (abdominal surgery) after a full work-up, including x-rays, indicated he had a suspected foreign body. Two objects were found lodged in his small intestine and large bowel. After a successful surgery, Oscar is expected to make a full recovery back with his sister and loving human family.

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THURSDAY NOVEMBER 29 2018 • 13 THURSDAY NOVEMBER 29 2018 • 13

BOWENBEAT

Bowen Island Arts Council’s “It’s A Wrap!” exhbit party last Friday saw artists, friends and community members gathering to celebrate the end of a wild year for BIAC. They moved into their new home at Gallery@Cove Commons and launched the community centre capital campaign.

Top left: Sarah Haxby, Anne Boa and H.C. Behm.

Top right: Ingrid Hauss, Jacqueline Bell-Irving and Greta Smith.

Below: Alfred and Laura Rahn.

Photos: Bronwyn Beairsto

New Zealand minister of conservation, Eugenie Sage (centre) met with councillors Alison Morse, Sue Ellen Fast, mayor Gary Ander, and councillor Rob Wynen a couple of weeks ago to discuss Bowen’s environmental efforts.

14 • THURSDAY NOVEMBER 29 2018

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ADVERTISING POLICIES

All advertising published in this newspaper is accepted on the premise that the merchandise and services offered are accurately described and willingly sold to buyers at the advertised prices. Advertisers are aware of these conditions. Advertising that does not conform to these standards or that is deceptive or misleading, is never knowingly accepted. If any reader encounters non-compliance with these standards we ask that you inform the Publisher of this newspaper and The Advertising Standards Council of B.C. OMISSION AND ERROR: The publishers do not guarantee the insertion of a particular advertisement on a specified date, or at all, although every effort will be made to meet the wishes of the advertisers.

Further, the publishers do not accept liability for any loss of damage caused by an error or inaccuracy in the printing of an advertisement beyond the amount paid for the space actually occupied by the portion of the advertisement in which the error occurred. Any corrections of changes will be made in the next available issue. The Bowen Island Undercurrent will be responsible for only one incorrect insertion with liability limited to that portion of the advertisement affected by the error. Request for adjustments or corrections on charges must be made within 30 days of the ad’s expiration.

For best results please check your ad for accuracy the first day it appears. Refunds made only after 7 business days notice!

TODAY'S PUZZ

HEALTH & WELLNESS Dr. Susanne Schloegl M.D.

Appointments Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri, 9am - 5pm ECG and HOLTER monitoring Artisan Square

Bowen Island Chiropractic

Dr. Tracy Leach, D.C. Certified provider of Active Release Techniques Artisan Square Tues. & Fri.

778-828-5681

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BODY VITALITY MASSAGE THERAPY James Goldfarb RMT HOLISTIC BC#05279 COUNSELLING Fri, Sat, Sun, Mon Brooke Evans,

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INHABIT SOMATIC CENTRE Massage Therapy Matthew van der Giessen

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Lifelabs Dr. Zandy’s Office Tues - 6:45 - 8:45 a.m.

Thurs. - 6:45 - 8:45 a.m.

For routine lab tests.

Specialized tests & children may be referred to the mainland.

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WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM WWW.BOWENISLANDUNDERCURRENT.COM Three-year-old Lauren attended the bells of peace service on November 11 to commemorate 100 years since the end of the First World War. Community members and officials rang the gong 100 times and Lauren, as the only child there, was asked to participate to symbolize the passing to the next generation. Her grandmother, Myrna Braun, said, “It seemed fitting that it was her as her grandfather served in both the RCMP and was in the Canadian Army during the First World War.” Photo: Bronwyn Beairsto

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 29 2018 • 15 THURSDAY NOVEMBER 29 2018 • 15

NOTICE Date of initial publication of this notice: November 22, 2018 Terrance Phillips Address Unknown Notice of request for authorization to take possession of and remove a vessel under section 20 of the Navigation Protection Act

SUBJECT: A VESSEL LOCATED AT CATES BAY, BOWEN ISLAND, BC IS CURRENTLY CONSIDERED TO BE ABANDONED AND WRECKED.

Are you a former resident of Woodlands?

If you were a resident of Woodlands, also known as Woodlands Institution and Woodlands School, in New Westminster, B.C., you may be eligible for a payment from the provincial government.

People who resided at Woodlands prior to August 1, 1974 will receive $10,000 in an ex-gratia payment. In addition, people who resided in Woodlands after August 1, 1974 will receive up to a maximum of $10,000.

A Request for authorization to take possession of and remove a vessel under section 20 of the Navigation Protection Act has been made and if you do not reclaim your vessel by December 29, 2018, the Minister of Transport may authorize Bowen Island Municipality to take possession of, permanently remove and dispose of this vessel.

Section 20 of the NPA reads as follows: “20. If any vessel or thing is wrecked, sunk, partially sunk, lying ashore, grounded or abandoned in any navigable water — other than in any minor water — that is listed in the schedule, the Minister may, under the restrictions that he or she considers appropriate, authorize any person to take possession of and remove the vessel, part of the vessel or thing for that person’s own benefit, on that person’s giving to the registered owner or other owner of the vessel or to the owner of the thing, if known, one month’s notice or, if the registered owner or other owner of the vessel or owner of the thing is not known, public notice for the same period in a publication specified by the Minister.”

If you wish to reclaim your vessel or if this vessel does not belong to you or if you have any information about the owner(s) of this vessel, it is important that you contact Transport Canada, Navigation Protection Program at: 604-775-8867 or NPPPAC-PPNPAC@tc.gc.ca and reference file number 2018-500470.

The process to determine eligibility is very simple.

To apply, you or your guardian or caregiver can call toll free 1 888 523-7192 or email woodlands.care.facility.residents@gov.bc.ca.

Notice posted by: Bowen Island Municipality by order of Transport Canada

cc. Transport Canada, Navigation Protection Program

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16 • THURSDAY NOVEMBER 29 2018

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Wooden toymaker tugs on the heartstrings in West Vancouver MARIA SPITALE-LEISK NORTH SHORE NEWS

ISLAND PACIFIC SCHOOL

Tuesday December 11, 2018 6:15-8:15pm

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The lines on the old woodworker’s hands lead to his heart.

For 25 years, Bill Chalmers has toiled in a Santa’s Workshop of sorts attached to his house high in the hills above Caulfeild. Blocks of wood are piled in the corner, waiting for Chalmers, a retired butcher, to turn them into special presents for extraordinary kids.

The 200 wheeled wooden toys – mostly trucks, race cars, Scottie dogs, and the occasional whale – are each handcrafted with love and precise detail. In this age of electronics, Chalmers’s gifts are rare and made to last.

He will soon deliver the fruits of his labour to the North Shore Christmas Bureau, which provides food, toys and other presents for local, low-income families.

“It’s a great feeling to wake up on Christmas morning and know that children across the (North Shore) are waking up to a present,” says Chalmers, who was particularly inspired to take on the role of toymaker after learning many single mothers couldn’t afford Christmas.

Two hundred handmade toys times 25 years equals about 5,000 delighted children on Christmas morning – thanks to Chalmers and his charitable craftsmanship. Affixed to each wooden toy is a package of candy, for an extra special treat.

Of course, the toymaker has a little help from Mrs. Claus, a.k.a. Bill’s wife of 57 years, Margaret, who is by her husband’s side in the workshop.

For Chalmers, this is more than a hobby – it’s a way for him to pay it forward. You see, the toymaker understands the feeling of emptiness at Christmas.

As a child growing up in the repressive cul-

Bill Chalmers has spent the past 25 years crafting wooden toys for needy children at Christmas. Photo: Mike Wakefield, North Shore News

ture of 1930s Scotland, Chalmers faced much adversity. The young lad was six when his father was killed in a car accident, leaving his pregnant mother to raise ten children.

Times were tough, not only around the holidays, but every day for Chalmers and his siblings. On Christmas Day he would reach into his stocking only to pull out a shiny penny, an apple and an orange.

At nine years of age, Chalmers started working to support the family. He took a job in a butcher shop, running errands, sweeping up and learning to be a meat cutter.

Fast-forward to 2018 and Chalmers says he’s been very blessed in his long life.

Chalmers embodies the spirit of Christmas, as he turns his attention to another toy that will soon light up a child’s face. By all accounts, the 88-year-old altruist is showing no signs of slowing down, which is a good thing.

Christmas morning wouldn’t be the same without Bill Chalmers.

December 3-9 is BC Buy Local Week.

A message from the BIM Economic Development Committee.