Bowen Island Undercurrent September 23 2021

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94 FLAGS: A National Day of Truth & Reconciliation project

Thursday, September 23, 2021 • A1

$1.50

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 , 2021 MENDING CRACKS

VOL. 47 NO. 37

BIUndercurrent

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Raghavendra Rao at the Hearth Gallery PAGES 67

Weak trees cut power

DROUGHT-AFFECTED TREES WREAK HAVOC ON POWER LINES

BRONWYN BEAIRSTO

Editor@Bowenislandundercurrent.com

MARGARET BUTLER / BOWEN ISLAND FC PHOTO

THE BOWEN ARROWS’ PAPARAZZI: Bowen Island Football Club (now nicknamed the Bowen

Arrows) U10 team poses for a photo on the mainland last weekend. The Bowen Arrows have six teams playing in the North Shore Youth Soccer Association Intra-District League, says club manager Morgan Quarry, icluding U9 girls, U9 boys, two co-ed U10 teams, U12 boys and U12 girls. In the younger age groups there are 55 kids signed up over the U6, U7 abd U8 divisions and nearly 40 kids in the U5 division, says Quarry. The adult league also started Monday evening with 55 players of its own. Later this fall, rugby is starting up for older teens, as is BIFC’s soccer academy. More info: bowenfc.com.

Weiler wins a tight race (probably) BRENT RICHTER

North Shore News

All three North Shore Liberal incumbent MPs are projected to keep their seats and return to Ottawa under a second minority government led by Prime

Minister Justin Trudeau.

By far, the closest of the North Shore races was in West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country, where leading candidates did not even expect to have a winner declared on election night.

After a “pins and needles” night and only a narrow gap between Liberal Patrick Weiler and Conservative John Weston, CBC News called the race for Weiler around 10:30 p.m., even with 6,130 mail-in ballots left to be counted.

CONTINUED ON P. 9

Power outage season started early this year.

A late-summer rainstorm last Friday saw power knocked out in many areas of the Lower Mainland, including for 750 homes on Bowen. Some 250 homes on the west side of the island were still without power Saturday afternoon.

BC Hydro is warning of drought-damaged trees being more susceptible to storms – and therefore more likely to fall on power lines – this year.

Four of the Bowen outages were caused by trees that brought wires down, said a BC Hydro spokesperson in an email and one pole needed to be replaced. “Our team travelled to Bowen Island as fast as they could using ferry service in the middle of the storm,” said the spokesperson. “They were able to restore service the next day.”

Bowen Island Fire Rescue was extremely busy with storm-related calls between 4:30 p.m. Friday and 8:30 a.m. Sunday, with eight calls related to downed powerlines and trees, said fire chief Aaron Hanen in an email, including a call where two trees had fallen on a house, leaving it unsuitable for occupation. The number of callouts was double what BIFR has seen in other storms estimated Hanen, and this storm did not have the extremely high winds of other storms. “Based on this I would expect we could see more trees down and power outages this fall and winter especially if we see higher wind events,” he said.

What can we expect with weakened trees? BIM’s emergency program coordinator has more on p. 8.

BOWEN ISLAND ROOFING ROOFING & REPAIRS

604-987-7663

Trade ticket certified #00012-RO-96

A2 • Thursday, September 23, 2021

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Request for Expressions of Interest: Snug Cove gateway mural progress!

Housing development on Community Lands Snug Cove gateway mural artists Di, Paula Love and Sarah Haxby

Events September 23, 2021 11:00 am Public Art Advisory Committee

September 27, 2021 11:00 am Emergency Program Executive Committee

have been crafting together a mural that encompasses and reflects the wishes of our community. Follow Bowen Island Municipality on Facebook to watch progress of the mural as it unfolds!

As part of Council’s commitment to improve housing diversity, Bowen Island Municipality invites Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the development of a housing project on Lot 1, Area 2 of the Community Lands. Intended to identify potential partners and creative ideas for housing projects, this request welcomes responses from non-profit housing providers, developers, community organizations or partnerships of any or all of these entities.

Regular Council Meeting

Located on the southeast corner of Lot 1 of the Community Lands, Area 2 consists of 1.88 ha (4.64 acres) and is zoned as Comprehensive Development 22 (CD22) (Community Lands Lot 1), which allows for a maximum of 20 attached dwelling units under current zoning.

September 28, 2021 3:00 pm

Full details of the Request for EOIs can be found on BC Bid or the Municipal website. The closing date for submissions is November 10, 2021.

September 27, 2021 6:15 pm

Advisory Design Panel

bowenislandmunicipality.ca/rfps-and-tenders

September 30, 2021 4:30 pm

Free Green Shores® Training Level 1

Finance Advisory Committee All meetings are online via Zoom and

open to the public, unless noted otherwise.

Max 20 participants Bowen Island, BC

Get vaccinated - everyone over 12 is eligible

Stay home if you’re sick

Trees down over power lines, or a downed or damaged power line is conisdered a danger. Always assume a power line is live - stay back 10 metres and call 911. BC Hydro electricians will need to clear downed power lines from.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

November 4, 2021

Help stop COVID-19:

Down or damaged power line?

Open to homeowners, shoreline professionals, or anyone who has a general interest in shoreline protection, this workshop introduces participants to basic shoreline ecosystem principles and management practices, with emphasis on the purpose and application of the Green Shores rating systems.

Topics covered include an overview of shoreline ecology including threats and improvements, an overview of shoreline governance, and an introduction to the Green Shores program. A visit to local shorelines will allow participants to consider the concepts in a practical setting. The workshop will conclude with a guided group discussion around how to implement key concepts and put new learning into practice.

September 30 will mark Orange Shirt Day and the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Canadians are encouraged to wear orange to remember the Indigenous children who were sent to Residential Schools and never returned home as well as to honour the Survivors, their families, and their communities.

It’s a day to recognize the legacy of Residential Schools, and the painful, ongoing impact it has had on generations of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. It is a day to honour both the Survivors and the many children lost forever. Listen to their stories, learn from them and let’s all walk this path forward together.

Register at http://ow.ly/OCrL50G9hlO or search “Green Shores” on the Uvic Continuing Studies website: continuingstudies.uvic.ca Wear a mask in indoor public spaces

Contact Bowen Island Municipality Phone: Fax: ADVERTISEMENT Email: September 23, 2021 Website: PAID

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

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

www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca

Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Monday to Friday Closed statutory holidays

Find us on Facebook Bowen Island Municipality

Subscribe to our mailing list bowenislandmunicipality.ca/subscribe

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Thursday, September 23, 2021 • A3

Metro Parks planted a second chestnut tree in Davies Orchard on Wednesday, which happened to be the fall equinox. The new tree is a “Bouche de Betizac” bred in France from castanea sativa and castanea crenata. It will serve to cross-pollinate with the 150-year-old sweet chestnut tree that stands roughly 10 meters away and is currently laden with half-formed nuts. Pauline LeBel welcomed the new tree with a poem. A video of the planting and welcome will be included in the online Applefest celebration in October.

Meribeth Deen, photo & cutline

Help with the hummingbird project for National Day of Truth and Reconciliation BRENDA MORRISON & MERIBETH DEEN

Contributors

Thank you so much Circular Bowen. It was so great to host you on Hummingbird Lane for your first pop-up recycling. We collected all the hard stuff, learned so much and I am so thankful that you helped us recycle everything from toothbrushes, to potato chip bags, to garden hoses, to textiles and pillows, and more.

Thank you so much Bowen Island. You came with your hard-to-recycle stuff and we filled the bins. Be sure to sign up with Circular Bowen on Facebook for more information about future events and for recycling-oriented education in general.

And you were so generous with your donations, which will be used to recycle and fund a second event at 828 Hummingbird Lane on September 30, the first ever National Day of Truth and Reconciliation (also known as Orange Shirt Day).

Between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., we will be making orange flags inspired by a simple and powerful parable: Flight of the Hummingbird. The story is based on one

originating with the Quechan people, but re-written and illustrated by Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas. As so many of us feel overwhelmed and powerless as the horrors of residential schools mount alongside the bodies found in unmarked graves, the hummingbird urges us to take responsibility, and find a way to make a contribution - however small we may be. Thank you Michael for gifting us the use of your beautiful illustration of Dukdukdiya - the little hummingbird.

Our goal is to see 94 hummingbird flags hung up around Bowen Island, one for each call to action outlined by Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission. There are some specific ways islanders can help us reach this goal (beyond simply showing up, which will be of critical importance!) If you have silkscreen experience, sewing experience, and/or would be willing to print and cut out each of the calls to action for us - we would love your help! Please contact brenda_morrison@sfu.ca or meribeth.deen@ gmail.com.

Looking forward to seeing you on Thursday, September 30 at 828 Hummingbird Lane.

Do you have a housing solution for Lot 1?

BRONWYN BEAIRSTO

Editor

Housing is as big an issue as ever on Bowen, and with a year left in its term, Bowen Island Municipality’s council wants to see what housing opportunities are out there.

BIM is inviting “non-profit housing providers, developers, community organizations or partnerships of any or all of these entities” to propose a housing project on Lot 1 Area 2 of the Community Lands (on the West side of Carter Road, past Belterra before the turnoff to Camp Bow-Isle.)

The nearly 1.9 hectare property (just over 4.5 acres), has neither water nor sewer service, nor is subdivided. It is zoned for a maximum of 20 attached dwelling units but a BIM press release said that rezoning for higher density could be an option. The 20-unit zoning came from recommendations from the previous council’s Mayor’s Standing Committee on the Community Lands, who felt that 20 was a reasonable

number, given the site constraints, said BIM’s manager of planning and development, Daniel Martin. “It has some steep areas and the need for septic to service it and the need for setback from ALR land.”

But in developing the request for expressions of interest, council left the door open for ideas for more units (but that would trigger a rezoning.)

This move isn’t coming out of specific inquiries but rather council wanting to generate some more diverse housing on Bowen, said Martin. It’s also the piece of community land that’s zoned for densified housing and is easily delineated from the other municipal parcels.

While Martin’s not aware of BIM issuing such testing-the-development-waters callouts like this in the past, other municipalities, such as Vancouver and Coquitlam, have been known to send out requests for expressions of interest for projects the cities are interested in pursuing.

One may find more details at bowenislandmunicipality.ca/rfps-and-tenders. The closing date is November 10.

Brian Lee Hoover

June 27, 1949 – September 20, 2021 Brian was born at Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria. His family relocated to the lower mainland when he was a baby and he lived his young life in various communities in Metro Vancouver.

A lifelong musician, his first instrument was the guitar, which he took up in his teens.

He began playing string bass in the high school orchestra and went on to become a professional symphony and jazz musician. Brian played with the Victoria Symphony from 1975 to 1982 where he met his wife Shasta Martinuk, who joined the orchestra as a bassoonist in 1976. They were married in 1982.

Brian had many loves – music, poetry, tea, cats, friends, fixing violins, riding his e-bike.

But the greatest of these was Shasta. Everyone who knows them could see that she was the love of his life. This love has carried them through every blessing and every challenge for the last 43 years.

They enjoyed a rich and beautiful life together: being professional musicians in the symphony, Brian’s years at violin making school in Chicago, launching Brian’s business the Village Violinmaker in East Vancouver, building their beautiful home together and the last 28 years of living on Bowen, hosting drum, song, and rhythm meditation circles, bringing music into the lives of so many.

Brian and Shasta were out for a bike ride when he suffered the catastrophic stroke that prematurely ended his life. He is survived by Shasta, his brothers, John of Bowen Island and Donald of Telkwa, and his fairy goddaughter Raia Landry.

Shasta wishes to thank the many people who helped her and Brian during the last difficult week of his life: the kind concerned Bowen citizens who stopped to help at the roadside when the stroke caused Brian to fall off his bike; the paramedics, nurses and doctors who attended Brian at Lion’s Gate and VGH; the Threshold Choir members who sang so beautifully at Brian’s bedside; the staff at the North Shore Hospice who were all unfailingly kind, competent and generous; their many friends and family who came together to weave a safety net of support around Shasta and Brian, in particular Brian’s brother John, Shasta’s sister Sandie Bradley, and her friend Stephanie Berryman. And finally, she wishes to thank Brian for a lifetime of love, kindness and generosity, and for giving his loved ones the gift of that precious week after his stroke to be with him, to sing, cry, laugh, tell stories and celebrate him on his final journey home.

It’s not easy to summarize a life so richly lived as Brian’s. He leaves behind a huge community of people who loved him and will be deeply missed and forever in our hearts. Brian died the way he lived: peacefully, surrounded by friends, family, music and poetry, with Shasta holding his hand all the way.

Donations to the North Shore Hospice in Brian’s memory would be greatly appreciated.

A4 • Thursday, September 23, 2021

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VIEWPOINTS An election note

It looks like Liberal Patrick Weiler will return to Ottawa (though 2020’s provincial near winner Jeremy Valeriote offers a lesson in it’s not over until it’s over).

But I want to note something else. Last week’s Undercurrent election edition didn’t include Q&A responses from Conservative candidate John Weston – his campaign initially declined our invitation to participate – but I received a phone call from Weston Saturday apologizing for the oversight, citing many people exchanging information and a missed deadline. His answers to our questions and an apology note were added to our website Saturday evening.

Bronwyn Beairsto, editor

Last chance:‘On the Edge of Beauty’

DEAR EDITOR: If you haven’t had a chance to visit The Hearth Gallery to view the current exhibition, try to find time to drop by….

This is a stunning show by two Lower Mainland artists who have melded their outstanding talents to complement each other’s work. Cathy Jenkins is a sculptress of wild creatures and birds, and Niina Chebry is a painter who has explored the beauty and mystery of icebergs.

Together they have created a special space for contemplation and awe which is uplifting for the viewer.

It continues until Sept. 27, don’t miss it!

Mary Farris

Magic of Tir-na-nOg re-emerges JACK & JULIE

Tir-na-nOg

As the mists of ancient Irish legend would sometimes drift aside to reveal the mysterious Island of Tir-na-nOg, Land of the Ever-Young, where before had been only empty sea, so too the Tir-na-nOg Theatre School appears in view once more, bringing again the magic of Live Theatre to the young and the young-at heart on our very own Emerald Isle.

The Theatre School has served the community of Bowen Island through a continuous arc of time from 1988 to March of 2020, renting various rooms for classes in the first half of its earthly incarnation and building, then disassembling, theatres in every available empty space: meeting halls, barns, in ’94 a big-top tent; then in and out of the A-frame at Camp Bow-Isle for a few successive years; the Legion and a former brewery space in Artisan Square; all the while, through

the Tir-na-nOg Theatre School Society, a registered charitable organization, ceaselessly working to secure a permanent, dedicated facility for live theatre by young people.

Those years bore fruit in the construction of the Tir-na-nOg Building atop Cates Hill in 2004. There, in addition to a full raft of Theatre Arts courses for children, youth and adults, the Bowen community has enjoyed full-text productions of the time-honoured plays of Wm. Shakespeare, Oscar Wilde and Bernard Shaw; modern classics by Michael Frayn and John Patrick Shanley; Alistair Beaton’s Fracked!; old favourites by George Kaufman, Edna Ferber and Moss Hart; and more. The Tir-na-nOg auditorium has become a favourite gathering place for fine live music and for theatre productions by other organizations, both domestic and from overseas.

Now, to end an extended enforced sabbatical, it’s all back! And the beat goes on . . .

PHOTO COURTESY OF TIR-NA-NOG THEATRE SCHOOL

Young folks of Bowen Island bring the joy of live theatre back to the Tir-na-nOg Theatre stage this past summer.

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. Please limit to under 500 words. 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.

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.

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EDITOR Bronwyn Beairsto editor@bowenisland undercurrent.com

ADVERTISING Tracey Wait ads@bowenisland undercurrent.com

CARTOONIST Ron Woodall

PUBLISHER Peter Kvarnstrom publisher@bowenisland undercurrent.com 2011 CCNA

CANADIAN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER AWARD 2011

SPECIAL THANK-YOU Audrey Grescoe

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 604-947-2442.

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.

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Build more community greenhouses, more food resilience THRIVE BOWEN AND KWANTLEN POLYTECHNIC SEEKING LOCAL SUPPORT

DAVID ADAMS

Contributor

path for their realization. These analyses will benefit you, your family, and the entire community.

“It’s become ever more apparent that our resilience is not just a nice thing for Bowen to have but increasingly essential,” said Jae Mather, THRIVE Bowen co-founder and global sustainability expert. “Climate change is now beginning to directly affect our island life and this is only the beginning. COVID19 has highlighted fragility in our society, supply chains and helped to focus us on the sanctity of our island hom “THRIVE is exactly the type of endeavour that is needed for us to take a deeper look into what is possible on Bowen.”

But Bowen needs to act fast. From donors such as First Credit Union, Vancity and Bowen Island Municipality, THRIVE has raised over $23,000 of their $36,000 target.

“When we were approached by the proponents of THRIVE Bowen about their project to bring community owned commercial greenhouses to the island, we were excited to have the opportunity to support them,” said Kevin Manning, First Credit Union’s

Eighteen months ago, Bowen Islanders faced a reality that had previously been unimaginable: The continuous flow of food and other necessities, brought in through long supply chains from all over the globe, suddenly felt shaky and uncertain.

From farm labour shortages to slaughterhouse closures, COVID19 interrupted global food sources, including ours. Local food production shifted from being “nice to have” to an essential element of community and family resilience.

THRIVE Bowen shares the concerns of many other islanders actively concerned about local food resilience. We are a dedicated group of Bowen residents with extensive local, and global experience in sustainability, community economic development, regenerative economies, environmental strategies, and leading initiatives big and small.

“How do we produce enough local food?” is a key question for community and family resiliency. We know that agricultural technologies, such as greenhouses, are essential to local yearround food production. What THRIVE wants to know is: Are community-owned, commercial greenhouses, viable on Bowen Island? Are they part of the solution?

In partnership with Kwan A multi-pack of short plays tlen Polytechnic University ’s Institute for Sustainable Food Systems, THRIVE Bowen wants to conduct a feasibility study for community-owned, commercial greenhouses on Bowen. This analysis would confirm whether greenhouses are viable here or not, and COMING if they are, would lay out the SOON!

BRIEFS

Bowen Island Branch Manager.

“Getting behind grassroots initiatives like this, initiatives that create sustainability, food resiliency and a healthier community, is possible because of the support we get from our members on Bowen.

“We are thrilled to be channeling some of our profits back in to the community this way!”

Unless THRIVE can raise the other $13,000, Bowen will forgo an opportunity to help secure our food production and our future.

Can you help? Your donation is tax deductible through KPU. Register your pledge by emailing Sherri Magson, director of advancement at sherri.magson@kpu.ca. Please include your full name and pledged gift amount. Please also CC Caroline Chiu, project manager at caroline.chiu@kpu. ca.

Subject line should be “Pledge for Bowen Island KPU ISFS Research Project.”

When THRIVE has reached their target of $36,000, KPU will convert your pledge and issue you a tax receipt.

notice of

Annual General Meeting: Saturday, October 2nd 1:30 - 2:00 pm at Collins Hall

Join us for an

OPEN HOUSE

Sat & Sun Oct 2 & 3, 2pm - 5pm

Interested in collaborating with us? Please attend and share your talents!

Open auditions for new actors: scripts available to read with us - give it a try!

Planning for the Community Centre: fundraising support welcome!

Other volunteer interests? Let's talk!

Thursday, September 23, 2021 • A5

ART STUDIO WANTED TO RENT Looking for a small studio space, a sink and washroom would be ideal but not necessary.

Rent negotiable.

Please call David 604-690-0616.

Thanksgiving is just around the corner!

Order your JD FARMS

TURKEY in store

TODAY!

Or choose from our local hams, grass-fed beef, roast lamb, chicken, or vegan options.

We’ll have all the classic side dishes & vegetables, plus fresh bakedpies,vegan & gluten-free desserts!

Your source for fresh, local, food, at great prices

order@ruddypotato.com

online success for your business here, there and everywhere

call Tracey at the Undercurrent 604-947-2442

A6 • Thursday, September 23, 2021

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Inside the Pearl

RAGHU PHOTO

One of the works that’s part of Raghavendra Rao’s “Mending Cracks: Beyond” exhibition at the Hearth Sept. 29 to Oct. 18.

JUDE NEALE’S LATEST BOOK OF POETRY, ABOUT JOY KOGAWA HOUSE, LAUNCHES

The following is a Q&A between the Undercurrent and Bowen Island poet Jude Neale.

How many books is this now?

I have written ten books now. This was my most difficult one to write by far. I chose to write what I thought were haiku…unfortunately the 5/7/5 syllable structure I had learned was wrong! It took six months of research and many hours speaking to haiku masters to even have an idea of what a true haiku is—a glimpse, a gesture, a snapshot of a fleeting moment. This beautiful art form is something I began to understand. Twenty drafts later, I finished these 60 apparently simple three-lined poems!

Inside the Pearl is from your time at Joy Kogawa House – to start, who is Joy Kogawa?

Joy Kogawa is a Japanese-Canadian woman whose family was interned during the Second World War. They were imprisoned from 1942 to 1946 in the Slocan valley. Her home and all her family’s possessions were sold by the Canadian government. Joy was one of 22,000 Japanese Canadians who were sent to camp, completely displaced.

Her parents’ gift “was to not bruise us with bitterness”. She became a gentle articulate activist who demanded justice.

In 1981, Joy wrote her now classic and startling book called Obasan. It was her ‘fictitious’ account of life in an internment camp through the eyes of a child. She is a recipient of the Order of Canada and the Order of British Columbia, as well as being instrumental in the Canadian Government recognition and apology extended to her fellow Japanese Canadian citizens. She writes and lives in Toronto and wrote a gorgeous blurb for my book! Joy Kogawa is a national institution. She took out the disgraceful Canadian complacency and shone a spot light on it.

What do the poems tell in this book?

Well , this is a book of seeing something in just the corner of your eye. A piece of wainscotting, a tin, a calligraphy brush, a calendar, a trunk were just some of the subjects I examined on every level. One of my favourite ones is: hollow bowl plump cherries small fingers choosing So a simple image can be read many ways. It should leave a hint of the image, like a fine perfume.

These poems are truly of the moment.

What was the most difficult element to capture?

The whole thing, Bronwyn!!! I had to pare down my usual

NEXT AT THE HEARTH

PHOTO COURTESY OF JUDE NEALE

Signing books at Joy Kogawa House last weekend.

40-line narratives into 10 words. To become the tip of a brush. The stroke of a hand.

In relation to your earlier works, what was it like working on this book?

It was a beautiful thing to be writer in residence at such a historic house. To be given complete freedom to explore every part of the house, in and outside. To sleep in Joy’s little bed and see the white lace curtain blowing in the breeze as she did. And most amazingly, to open a suitcase and find all the things the family took with them to the Slocan. Every day was a gift that inspired and illuminated.

This is a collaboration between you and husband Paul Hooson– was this your first time collaborating on a book?

What was that like? No, I’m the Queen of collaboration in writing. Two and a half years ago Bonnie Nish and I wrote a book together in just 50 days, me using my phone while camping in Southern Oregon and Bonnie on her computer in Vancouver. It was published soon after and was called, Cantata in Two Voices. Paul and I knew what we were going to do six months before we got there…he would take photographs, many at my suggestion, and I would write a poem about it. It gave him the freedom to look in every nook and cranny allowing me to see things like the original white picket fence stored in the garage. That inspired a poem for sure!

The photographs and poetic imagery fit together really well!

The title of the book – what’s the “Pearl”?

Interesting question. I chose the title about a year before I went, when I had been accepted into being writer in residence. I always thought we were going to be given the opportunity to go to a place where precious gems would be found. Then I thought of Joy Kogawa House as the oyster and the stories ‘the Pearl’.

Neale is holding a multimedia book launch Oct. 1 at 7:30 p.m. at the Hearth Gallery.

Mending Cracks

TRAUMA & THE JOURNEY TO HEALING

BRONWYN BEAIRSTO

Editor

Gallery visitors will witness the complexity of healing and hope amid broken landscapes at the Hearth’s next exhibition, “Mending Cracks: Beyond.”

Twenty years ago, an earthquake trapped Raghavendra Rao (Raghu) under a pile of rubble.

The multimedia artist was teaching at the Srishti Institute of Art, Design and Technology in Bangalore, in the south part of India (where he was born, raised and trained at the prestigious Ken School of Art). Raghu had brought about 18 art students to the Kutch region in northwestern India, when the 7.7 magnitude earthquake hit. The teacher and students were near the epicentre. No one died but after getting trapped under rubble, Raghu was left with a slightly paralyzed left arm and PTSD. “A lot of my friends went back there for rehabilitation work…I said, I can't face the place. I just tried to shut it out.”

Raghu tried behavioural therapy, medication and all kinds of things but it wasn’t until after he moved to Canada in 2011 that he started processing the trauma through his artwork.

“Because I was physically away from the place, I guess I could deal with it.”

In 2012, Raghu started with watercolours – broken sculptures from the site, temple ruins, but didn’t realize he was processing the trauma until his wife pointed it out.

And then he delved more purposefully into it – he became an honourary research associate at UBC’s Centre for India and South Asia Research and kept painting broken things in broken landscapes – “I look at it as, like a sense of hope, you're still there.”

When he first moved to Vancouver, heading up to the eighth floor in a tall building wasn’t possible for Raghu – the PTSD was overwhelming.

Delivered to your mailbox every week for $55 per year ($85 to off island addresses)

604-947-2442 ads@bowenislandundercurrent.com Thank you for your support of local journalism now and always.

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Thursday, September 23, 2021 • A7

RAGHU PHOTO

Raghavendra Rao (Raghu) was trapped under earthquake rubble in 2001 – a traumatic event that caused PTSD and some arm paralysis. It wasn’t until years later that the now-islander could deal with the trauma through his art. Some of this art is part of the “Mending Cracks: Beyond” exhibition at the Hearth.

CONTINUED FROM P. 6

But, the project has allowed the artist to confront his experiences. “Every day I'm making these watercolours, drawings and stuff. So this does help me to confront it more, accept it.”

Raghu, his wife and their son moved to Bowen’s Miller Road in March 2020, just before COVID-19 hit (though they’d been visiting here for a decade). The (relatively) new islander’s Hearth exhibit next month is something of a retrospective of this work.

The Hearth show will feature paintings and an installation Raghu has made over the years since 2012, looking at “Mending Cracks: Beyond”: “Beyond my own experience, looking at other experiences,” explained Raghu.

The show “explores disability, trauma and the complex process of recovery. How do

we respond to pain, personal and political, individual and social?” Explains the Hearth’s blurb. “In these works, we see struggle, acceptance, resilience, protest, and action, woven together in a series of portraits in watercolour, acrylic, and cloth on tarp, paper, and canvas, and arrayed on hanging Xray sheets.”

This Hearth show is a springboard for Raghu’s new project. Just recently, the artist received a Canada Council for the Arts research grant for a new project “Dissenting views, viewing dissents,” looking at dissent around the world. “That is also connected to trauma and how you will get trauma that can lead to dissent. And how that becomes a very complex process.”

“Mending Cracks: Beyond” is at the Hearth Gallery Sept. 29 to Oct. 18.

Having an event?

Listings are always free in our weekly community calendar.

Please email your listing to Bronwyn by Tuesday 5 p.m. for that week's edition. editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com

Thank you!

Patient of the Week ADOPT EMBER Adopt Ember! This lovely young girl recently weaned her kittens and is now looking for a home.

She may be shy at first, but it doesn’t take long for her to show you her very affectionate and playful personality. She is extremely sweet! She is looking for a quiet home, but has been fine with a calm dog, and is likely ok with other friendly cats.

Please apply through VOKRA to set up a viewing.

REGULAR HOURS Tuesday to Friday 9- 5 Saturday 9- 1 Closed Sunday and Monday

To schedule appointments, please call

604.947.9247

or email reception@bowenvet.com

A8 • Thursday, September 23, 2021

bowenislandundercurrent.com

Summer drought leads to compromised tree health

STEER CLEAR OF TREES DURING WIND STORMS

CHRISTIE STASHYN

Bowen Island Coordinator

Emergency

Program

The effects of this year’s long, hot summer were in plain sight on Friday evening during the South Coast’s anomalous late summer rainstorm. Public Works staff toiled after hours securing areas of concern, such as downed power lines, and removing trees that had toppled onto transportation routes.

Between the hours of 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., Public Works attended five calls for service. The Bowen Island Fire Department was also busy responding throughout the evening to reports of trees into structures, downed power lines and live wires as well as a downed power pole.

Part of the reason that this moderate summer storm wreaked so much havoc on our tiny, forested island is that this past season’s drought has left trees weakened and unhealthy. Drought has longterm effects on tree health and is not always externally visible. Be on the lookout for the following indicators that a tree may need to be assessed: • Curling or wilting leaves • Leaves or needles falling

when they haven’t matured Drooping branches Thinning canopy Yellowing or browning in leaves • Poor or stunted growth • Evergreen trees with discoloured tips If you think you have a tree on your property that needs attention, please seek out an arborist to assess the tree’s health especially if the tree is located near a structure, roadway or power lines.

Residents and visitors to Bowen Island should also be aware when walking or hiking in treed areas in windy conditions. If you’re heading into a familiar area, you are probably aware of seasonal wind patterns but if you are relatively new to a trail, check the local forecast for wind or weather advisories before you head out.

Weather updates can be found on the Environment Canada website.

If you can, find the latest weather forecast for the exact area you’ll be hiking in.

Why should you care about trees during high winds?

Seemingly innocuous smaller detritus such as branches, bark, pinecones, leaves and other tree parts suddenly become danger• • •

PHOTO COURTESY OF BOWEN ISLAND MUNICIPALITY PUBLIC WORKS

Stay at least 10 metres back from downed power lines and well back from objects in contact with power lines.

ously unpredictable projectiles.

High wind events tend to groom treetops of dead wood (picture flying logs).

Beyond flying logs and tree appendages hurling past you at high speeds, the tree itself could break off and, hypothetically, if there was a fight between you and a falling tree, the tree would win.

Every. Time.

The best way to avoid this fate is to stay well away from treed areas during windy weather events.

It’s best to stay away from hik-

Places of Worship Welcome You BOWEN ISLAND UNITED CHURCH E BOWEN ISLAND UNITED CHURCH Sunday Worship 10:30 am v l Rev. Lorraine Ashdown M Lynn Williams - Minister of Music.

Helen Wallwork leads Sunday School.

FOOD

FOOD BANK DROP-OFF

ST. GERARD’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH 00 Sunday Mass at 9.30

Contact Angela Powell 604-947-2515

CATES HILL CHAPEL

A

6304

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

00 am W Now offering worship services via Zoom.

A link available on website.

Pastor: Phil Adkins

SHIRAT HAYAM (Song of the Sea) BOWEN’S JEWISH COMMUNITY Shabbat Gatherings ~ Holidays Contact aryana.rayne@gmail.com

o

ing during heavy rainfall events as well. Trees sink their roots into soil and when that soil gets saturated (like during the atmospheric river event we had on Friday) the roots lose their purchase and can tip the crown of the tree to the ground.

This afflicts all trees, regardless of disease, and there’s no way to predict when a tree is going to fall.

And although Bowen managed to escape this year’s devastating fire season unscathed, it’s worth mentioning that forests that are recovering from wildfire will be more

susceptible to falling trees during times of inclement weather.

If you are caught out in a forested area during wind or heavy rain and if it’s minimal distance and reasonable to do so, try to hike back out of the danger area.

If egress is not safe, try to find a rocky but stable overhang or a large, hollow log to hunker down beside or inside. Try not to succumb to panic and logically think through the safest resolution to your situation.

Queen of Capilano Ferry Schedule September 7 to October 11 2021

DEPART BOWEN ISLAND

DEPART HORSESHOE BAY

5:20 am except Sundays & Oct 11 5:50 am 6:20 am 6:50 am 7:30 am 8:00 am 8:35 am 9:05 am except Wednesdays 10:15 am 9:40 am m 11:25 am 10:50 am 12:00 pm m 12:35 pm 1:10 pm 2:35 pm 3:10 pm 3:45 pm 4:15 pm except Wednesdays 4:50 pm 5:20 pm 5:55 pm 6:30 pm 7:10 pm 7:45 pm except Saturdays 8:20 pm except Saturdays 8:50 pm 9:20 pm 9:50 pm 10:20 pm 10:50 pm Note: Schedules subject to change without notice: Please check BCFERRIES.COM Schedule changes on statutory holidays

bowenislandundercurrent.com

Liberal candidate re-elected in riding for the first time

LOST EARRING

CONTINUED FROM P. 1

“Of course it’s never official until it’s official but it does feel very, very good, and I think it shows that hard work pays off, running an honest campaign pays off,” Weiler said.

As of Tuesday morning, with 257 of 258 polls counted, Weiler had 19,424 votes or 34 per cent overall. Weston had 17,247 votes or 30 per cent. The NDP’s Avi Lewis had netted 14,833 votes (25 per cent) while the Green Party’s Mike Simpson and People’s Party’s Doug Bebb trailed at 3,850 votes (seven per cent) and 2,178 votes (four per cent), respectively.

Elections Canada has told the candidates the mail-in ballots won’t be counted until Wednesday or Thursday but Weiler said he believes his margin will only grow, in part because so many university students voted by mail when voting on campus was not an option.

“From what I understand from some of the exit polls done, people that did mail-in ballots are four times more likely to vote Liberal than Conservative. So, if it’s close, and it comes to mail-in ballots, I’d be more confident,” he said.

The vote does make political history in the riding – it’s the first time a Liberal candidate has been re-elected there.

Weiler credited his campaign staff and volunteers for the feat.

“I’m just so proud of what our team accomplished,” he said.

Weiler said he had no qualms about sitting in another minority government, which he predicted will be productive with a fresh mandate when the new government is sworn in.

“We do have a lot of common ground with the Bloc, with the NDP, with the Greens and I’ve developed some great friendships and working relationships over that time,” he said. “I think this does kind of reset the clock and we’ll be able to kind of get things unstuck and get things done again.”

Weiler also acknowledged the strength of his competitors in the race, and promised to represent their supporters in Parliament as well.

“I didn’t get 100 per cent of the vote. I am now the MP for everybody, even people that didn’t vote for me,” he said.

“That is a challenge that I take very seriously and a responsibility that I take very seriously. And I’m just really excited to be able to get back to work.”

Speaking to his supporters after the polls closed, Weston praised his volunteers for helping to knock on three times as many doors in the riding as the last Tory candidate did. He also commented on the Conservatives’ platform as being the best, most compassionate and environmentally progressive one he’d ever seen.

He also commended his opponents for their respectful campaigns.

Thank you

to all those who came and celebrated my birthday. It was so wonderful to see some old, familiar faces.

You all made my day.

Much love to you all.

Kit Dale

Thursday, September 23, 2021 • A9

BRENT RICHTER PHOTO

West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country Liberal incumbent Patrick Weiler, with partner Nicole Pedersen, talks to supporters at his election party on Sept. 20, 2021.

Weston said he was “forlorn” knowing the next government would be another Liberal minority.

“As people said time and again, this was an unnecessary election call in COVID when the country should have been focusing on other matters. I think it was very ill advised and selfish, and history will suggest that this was not a legacy moment for a prime minister,” he said. “It concerns me that erodes respect for the institution of prime minister. … A leader should be a healer and a unifier. This unnecessary election was not healing or unifying.”

Lewis said he was pleased with the NDP’s showing, doubling their 2019 vote share and setting a personal best in the riding.

“I said that it was always an uphill battle for the NDP in this riding in a first-time campaign, and that we’re building something. And I committed from the very beginning to run at least in two cycles,” he said. “As I go out and pick up signs and anxiously await the mail-in ballot results and do all of the wrap-up things for a really fast and big campaign, I’m feeling extremely buoyant.”

For the Greens, the result was devastating – receiving only a third of the vote they did in 2019. It reflected a wider collapse in their popular vote share, nationally.

“It’s pretty obvious, I think, that we have some strong leadership and internal issues that we have to be able to face.

We’re an opinionated lot. There’s no doubt about that but at some point, we also have to have the discipline to have some unity and work with leaders and so on,” Simpson said.

Since 2004, the riding has only ever been held by the Liberals and Conservatives minus a brief stint in 2007-’08 when MP Blair Wilson was forced to quit the Liberal caucus amid a scandal. Weston served two terms with the Conservatives, from 2008 until 2015 when he was defeated by former mayor of West Vancouver Pamela GoldsmithJones. Weiler won in 2019 with 34.89 per cent of the vote.

The Conservatives finished a little over eight points back, with 26.71 per cent.

(white gold with 4 rubies and 3 diamonds) on Sept 16th either on the ferry, at the Snug Cafe or on the Crippen Park trail. I can be reached at 604-298-1572. Leave a message.

LAND BLESSING AND GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Tuesday, September 28, 2021 1037 Miller Road

We are thankful for the many financial donations from our generous Bowen community and to have reached this milestone without burdening the tax payer. We are also grateful for the encouragement received through the constructive relationships we are developing with Bowen Island Municipality and Vancouver Coastal Health. info@bowenhealthcentre.com

DEPARTS SUN to THURS FRI & SA. ed SNUG COVE 11:15PM ns suspend5AM ru HORSESHOE BAY 12:30AM muter m o c d n a t igh Afternoon Commuter Runs S Late n

Mon - Fri Horseshoe Bay - Snug Cove

We’re still here for essential services such as ambulance transport and we’re here for your private charter needs. Please feel free to call us with your questions as we chart these waters together.

Proudly Celebrating 42 Years of Trusted Transport for Bowen Island & Howe Sound Telephone: 604-947-2243 Cellular: 604-250-2630 Tug & Barge services Special Event Cruises PRIVATE CHARTERS AVAILABLE ANYTIME

email: cormorantmarine@telus.net web: cormorantwatertaxi.com

604-947-2243

Since 1978

A10 • Thursday, September 23, 2021

bowenislandundercurrent.com

Your Community

MARKETPLACE bowenislandundercurrent.com

Call or email to place your ad, Monday through Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm

604-444-3000 • 604-653-7851 classifieds@van.net

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

SPROTTSHAW.COM

BC WIDE CLASSIFIEDS AUCTIONS WARD’S & BUD HAYNES FIREARMS AUCTION, Saturday, Dec.11th, Edmonton, Alberta. Hundreds of Lots in all Classes. www.WardsAuctions.com. Call Brad 780940-8378; Linda 403-5971095 to consign.

INDUSTRIAL/ COMMERCIAL INTEGRITY POST FRAME BUILDINGS since 2008.

Built with concrete posts.

Barns, shops, riding arenas, machine sheds and more. adam.s@integritybuilt.com 1-250-351-5374. www.integritybuilt.com

MOVING

2 Guys With A Truck Moving & Storage 604-628-7136

Community News

SUDOKU

ONLINE

www.bowenislandundercurrent.com

Your Community Newspaper

ANSWERS

HEALTH & WELLNESS CALL TO PLACE YOUR AD call to place your ad 604.653.7851

604.630.3300

FLU SHOTS FOR OUR PATIENTS

To advertise please call 604-947-2442 or email ads@bowenislandundercurrent.com

bowenislandundercurrent.com

In the event of a power outage...

Following a particularly fierce windstorm in January 2019, BIM’s then-emergency program coordinator Jennifer McGowan wrote this piece for the Undercurrent about being prepared for multi-day power outages. The piece seems pertinent as we head into fall.

Prepare your home for a multi-day outage: • Regularly clean your chimney if you have a wood-burning fireplace.

• Consider purchasing a secondary power source (e.g. generator, solar panels and battery.)

• Consider installing non-electric appliances when possible (e.g. stoves, heaters, ovens, etc.)

• Keep flashlights and candles in easy to find places;

Landscape Lighting Irrigation

Seascape Bruce Culver

Office: 604-947-9686

Cell: 604-329-3045

Now serving Bowen Island Free estimates nelcan.ca 604.428.1119

Certified electricians Service calls, renovations, new construction

ensure batteries are charged and spares are available.

Protect sensitive electrical appliances such as TVsand computers with surge-protecting power bars.

• Keep a small bag of ice cubes in your freezer – if you find it has melted and refrozen, there’s a good chance your food has spoiled. If in doubt, throw it out!

During a power outage: • Report the outage to BC Hydro and stay at least 10 metres away from any downed power lines. Assume all power lines are live.

• Turn off all tools, appliances and electronics, and turn thermostats down.

• Do not open your freezer or fridge unless necessary – a full freezer will keep food frozen for about 24 to 36 hours if the door stays closed.

•

Keep Calm and Call Econo

604.980.3333

991 West First Street, North Vancouver, BC www.economovingandstorage.com

• • • •

Never use charcoal or gas BBQs, camping heating equipment, home generators or other carbon monoxide producing devices indoors.

Use candle holders, keep candles out of reach of children and don’t leave lit candles unattended.

Extinguish candles before going to bed.

Listen to battery-powered or hand-crank radio for information if standard methods are unavailable.

Make sure your home has a working carbon monoxide detector, with battery back up if hardwired into your electrical system.

In the event of an extended island-wide power outage, this warming centre is likely to be at municipal hall or one of the fire halls, which all have backup generators.

Window Blinds On Bowen 778-995-1902 I&I TOWING HAULING LTD

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Vehicles • Construction Equipment Sea-Can Containers • Tiny Homes Bowen Island • Greater Vancouver Vancouver Island • Sunshine Coast

Licensed Electrical Contractor Michael Bingham • 604 947 1717 ianditowhaul@gmail.com

PARK ROYAL CONSTRUCTION BOWEN ISLAND SPECIALISTS! QUALITY SERVICE GUARANTEED!

•

Thursday, September 23, 2021 • A11

Home Renovations & General Contracting Water ingress • Dry rot • Mould removal Decks • Docks • Ramps

604-925-8711

778.266.6465 www.bowenislandelectrical.com

BOWEN ISLAND ROOFING ROOFING & REPAIRS

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live the life you love To reserve a spot on this page, contact us at 604-947-2442 or ads@bowenislandundercurrent.com

A12• Thursday, September 23, 2021

bowenislandundercurrent.com

BOWEN’S CALENDAR SEPTEMBER

September StoryWalk® Bowen Library; A free selfguided family activity! Read pages of a story as you stroll around the library grounds, use your imagination to complete the activities and search for the next page in

the story. Find the first page outside the front of the library. September’s book is Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn by Kenard Pak. PhonoFun video & activity Released every Saturday for

September Literacy Month at Bowenlibrary.ca and pickup in the Library. We guide you through playing simple sound games with your pre-reading child.

Bowenlibrary.ca/phonofun

UNTIL SEPT 27

On the Edge of Beauty Hearth Gallery Cathryn Jenkins -Sculpture and Niina Chebry - Mixed Media

SEPT. 1630

Catching Stars Gallery features photography by Cindy May Open daily 11 am - 5 pm catchingstarsgallery.com

THURSDAY SEPT 23

In the Style of Lawren

Harris- Mountain Light painting class with Marie Neys Fine Art Zoom 9:30-11:30 am; Designed for those with a beginner understanding of acrylics. Enjoy expanding your knowledge. Details & Registion at marieneys.com under the classes section.

SATURDAY SEPT 25

BAA Farmers' Market BICS 10 am - noon Made, grown, baked on Bowen.

Bring a mask and cash and please follow the signs Teen Advisory Group Bowen Island Public Library 2 pm Join the TAG and have a say in the library’s teen program and collection and earn volunteer hours! Signup at bill.link/TAG ; Drop-ins welcome.

Mosaic Art Workshop On Bowen 2-5 pm Transform your old dishes into art with artist Mariana Gassman.

Materials included, no experience required. For one class: $70; for 2 classes $135; for 3 classes $200.

More info / to register email: BowenMosaic@ marianartstudio.com

SUNDAY SEPT 26

Outdoor Meditation Circle Meet at undercover entrance to Crippen; 11 am More information: lisa. shatzky@gmail.com

MONDAY SEPT 27

Paint Tall Trees with Marie Neys Fine Art Zoom 1:30-3:30 Blended backgrounds and use of layering along with Colour Theory will be reviewed.

Details & Registion at marieneys.com under the Classes section.

Regular Council meeting Zoom 6:15 pm

TUESDAY SEPT 28

Tuesday Art Group (TAG) Zoom 9:30-11:30 am Will be painting an ocean wave on Zoom. Contact Marie@ marieneys.com for details Land blessing ceremony: Bowen Island Health Centre Health Centre Lot on Miller Road 11 am - noon

WEDNESDAY SEPT. 29

Paint it Forward with Marie Neys Fine Art

Zoom 9:30-11:30 am "Recieve the class and materials for free with the intent to donate funds towards the next group of Budding Artists. Learn all about Acrylic Paintingno experience necessary.

Details & Registion at marieneys.com under the Classes section.

THURSDAY SEPT 30

National Day for Truth & Reconciliation Reading for Reconciliation free book giveaway Bowen Island Public Library 11 am-5 pm Pick up one of two children’s books by Indigenous authors and a Calls to Action booklet per family on the first National Day for Truth & Reconciliation.

In the Style of Lawren Harris- Mountain Light painting class with Marie Neys Fine Art Zoom 9:30-11:30 am Designed for those with a beginner understanding of acrylics. Enjoy expanding your knowledge. marieneys. com.

SEPT. 30  OCT. 18

At the Hearth Gallery: Mending Cracks: Beyond Artist: Raghavendra Rao Karkala

MONTH OF OCTOBER

October StoryWalk® Bowen Island Public Library October’s book is At The Old Haunted House by Helen Ketteman.

FRIDAY OCT 1

Inside the Pearl' book launch Hearth 7 pm; Multimedia launch of Jude Neale's new book

SATURDAY OCT 2

BAA Farmers' Market BICS 10 am - noon Made, grown, baked on Bowen.

Bring a mask and cash and please follow the signs NERP kiosk celebration NERP kiosk at the entrance to Cates Hill Park 11-11:30 am Join the celebration: The kiosks are the first in a longterm initiative that starts with information centres but will hopefully grow into "emergency hubs"

COVID-19 numbers for Bowen

BC CDC data shows that for the 5,000-odd people of Bowen-Lions Bay: • The average daily case rate per 100,000 was 5 between Sept. 13 and Sept. 19 (Keep in mind this rate not an actual number, the actual number is closer to two over that entire period).

• 84 per cent pf people 18 and over are fully vaccinated as of Sept. 19.