Bowen Island Undercurrent October 21 2021

bowenislandundercurrent.com

ANOTHER COVID HALLOWEEN: No fireworks planned

Thursday, October 21, 2021 • A1

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2021

VOL. 47 NO. 41

BIUndercurrent

BowUndercurrent www.bowenislandundercurrent.com

THEATRE TREASURE: Bowen Island’s costume wonderland PAGES 1617

Gymnastics in a pack-up gym LISA BROUGHAM REFLECTS ON 25 YEARS OF COACHING ON BOWEN

BRONWYN BEAIRSTO

Editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com

PHOTO SUBMITTED

FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE OCEAN: Despite pouring rain, volunteers showed up in force for the

Oct. 16 Dive Against Debris in Mannion (Deep) Bay. Participants helping collect the debris brought ashore by divers included Bruce Russell (far left), organizer Amber Spitkovski (in bright yellow) and Barry Pynn (far right). More on p. 12

Building a Jewish community on Bowen

HOW ISLANDERS HAVE CONNECTED THROUGH CULTURAL AND RELIGIOUS JEWISH CELEBRATIONS BRONWYN BEAIRSTO

Editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com

For 40 years, islanders Gail Gallander and Lidia Patriasz have thrown Hannukah parties together. These aren’t religious affairs, but rather cul-

tural celebrations continued from fond childhood memories.

Quite independently, Aryana Rayne and her family started their own Passover Seder tradition in the late ‘90s – piecing together the events from what they knew, learning more as new families joined and they expanded the cele-

brations of Jewish holidays.

On a small island with a strong Christian influence in community events, the families carved out spaces for their own traditions – rooted in Bowenia as much as Judaism. And as the island’s population grows, so does its informal Jewish community and the breadth of local celebrations.

On Friday afternoons, a team of parents and coaches pull out the floormats, pommel horse, still rings and other large pieces of equipment and transform the Bowen Island Community School gym into a gymnastics centre. Saturday afternoon, they take all of the equipment down, store it away. And the next week, they do it again. So has been the routine for the past 25 years for Lisa Brougham.

There are no points for artistry and composition – but it’s all part of the job that keeps Bowen Island Gymnastics Club’s program coordinator coming back year after year.

In the early days, before there was soccer or dance on the island, gymnastics was the big thing on Bowen.

They’d have well over 100 kids enrolled in gymnastics, says Brougham. “There were no other really organized things.”

Brougham moved to Bowen the day she gave birth to her daughter Callie, in September 1996.

The new Islander had worked in gymnastics before but had no intention of starting a club on-island. But, word spread as it does in small towns. The on-island rec program had some equipment and the coordinator of the day, Colleen Huskisson, asked Brougham to do some coaching.

“It snowballed from there because there was a bunch of girls in their teens and they really needed something.”

A group of parents, including D.G. Blair and Brougham, started fundraising, bought equipment, and eventually became a non-profit club.

CONTINUED ON P. 10

CONTINUED ON P. 19

It is a Seller’s Market on Bowen island, and it has been like that for some time.

But what does that really mean for you?

There are many Buyers but there is not enough inventory to keep up with the demand. That means it is an excellent time to list your house for sale now.

If you want to wait until spring, which many Sellers like to do, there will typically be more listings.

There may be other homes similar to yours and they could end up in competition with each other.

Knowing the value of your property is the first step, but then what should you do?

Do you have to add a fresh coat of paint? Should you remodel the bathroom? What about curb appeal and staging?

As your Realtor I’ll be there to answer these questions, and more, and together we will come up with a strategy to get you to an accepted offer.

Selling your home can be a stressful and scary process. Having a confident and trustworthy Realtor on your team makes a difference.

My passion for real estate and people is evident in everything that I do. From helping to get your home ready, to marketing and promoting it, and to dealing with contract negotiations, I’ll be your strategic partner and by your side every step of the way.

Macdonald Realty AWARD of EXCELLENCE 2020

604.220.7085 buyonbowen.com

A2 • Thursday, October 21, 2021

bowenislandundercurrent.com

Seeking Public Comment

Events

Council will be considering the following Development Variance Permit (DVP) application at 7:00 PM on Monday, October 25, 2021 at the Regular Council Meeting via Zoom.

October 25, 2021 6:00 pm Committee of the Whole - Metro 2050

DVP-2021-0243 (1673 Evergreen Lane)

October 25, 2021 7:00 pm

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: A Development Variance Permit application has been submitted for 1673 Evergreen Lane (shown on map) to reassign side and rear lot line setbacks. The proposed variance would assign the western property line the required rear yard setback of 7.5 metres and would assign the southwestern property lot line the required side yard setback of 3 metres.

Regular Council Meeting

November 3, 2021 1:00 pm Committee of the Whole

November 4, 2021 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Greenshores Workshop All meetings are online via Zoom and

open to the public, unless noted

Come and work with us Casual Youth Workers

Bowen Island Community Recreation is seeking Casual Youth Workers. This is an exciting part-time position supporting the Youth Services Coordinator in the running of the Bowen Youth Centre, and community programming for Bowen Island youth. The Youth Worker primarily responds to the needs and interests of young people who attend Youth Centre programs by providing a variety of recreational activities for youth.

Roads Crew Person BIM seeks to fill a vacancy for an existing Roads Crewperson position in Public Works. The Roads Crewperson is an outside labourer and will primarily be responsible for assisting with the maintenance of the Municipality’s roads and drainage as well as some labour tasks related to other Municipal infrastructure. In addition, winter maintenance requirements would consist of snow clearing from roadways and applying anti-ice material amongst other duties.

On-Call Ice Patrol/Snow Removal Services

otherwise.

BIM seeks applications for interest in the following:

Help stop COVID-19:

MORE INFORMATION AT MUNICIPAL HALL: The application 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 TIMELINE:

Ice Patrol - Temperature Dependent Snow Removal - Weather Dependent Please provide a written response expressing interest in the On-Call position(s) by email before Friday, November 12, 2021 at 4:00 PM

www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/jobs

FireSmart Is your home FireSmart? Free home assessments and rebates available.

Get vaccinated - everyone over 12 is eligible

Stay home if you’re sick

YOUR COMMENTS ARE WELCOME: Written submissions may be delivered to Municipal Hall by 4:00 pm on the meeting date (contact information below): • In person • By mail • By fax • By email to mayorandcouncil@bimbc.ca Submissions may also be made to Mayor and Council at the meeting.

See www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/council-meetings for details.

To ensure a fair process, submissions cannot be accepted after the meeting has begun.

Wear a mask in indoor public spaces

Questions? Please contact Daniel Martin, Manager of Planning and Development at 604-947-4255 or by email at dmartin@bimbc.ca

Contact Bowen Island Municipality PAID ADVERTISEMENT October 21, 2021

Phone: Fax: Email: Website:

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

Get involved in the FireSmart program and you could be eligible for rebates of up to $500 per property.

1. Schedule a free home assessment by emailing fire@bimbc.ca or by calling the fire department at (604) 947-9324.

2. Complete the activities recommended in the assessment (for example: landscaping, removal of combustible debris, pruning trees, etc.)

3. Apply for your rebate.

You must have a home assessment done by one of our qualified local FireSmart representatives. We’ll reimburse you 50% of the costs for work completed on your property as recommended in your FireSmart assessment, up to $500 per property.

www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/fire-smart

Find us on Facebook Bowen Island Municipality

Subscribe to our mailing list bowenislandmunicipality.ca/subscribe

bowenislandundercurrent.com

Thursday, October 21, 2021 • A3

It’s small business week

Oct. 17 to Oct. 23 is Small BusinessWeek in Canada. In the spirit of the week, we asked for shout outs – from businesses and customers alike – celebrating the people and businesses that keep this island chugging along. service is prompt. Joon’s smile as he hands From the businesses

over my meal makes my day better. – Sally Freeman

Riley’s Cidery would like to thank our awesome customers for their amazing support. We are so grateful to be part of this community.

I would like to thank Moss Hair, & Calypso for their never ending referrals and Bowen Pub for their customer and family support.

– Alex McNeill, Peach Fuzz Wax Bar & Spa

Thank you all of the loyal customers of Branch on Bowen. Most importantly I want to thank my incredible staff who did a fantastic job through a busy summer!

Bowen Island Soap Company would like to thank all of our amazing customers for their support over the past three years. We couldn’t do what we do without you.

MARIA LOBACHEVA PHOTOS

An atmospheric river drenched Bowen with 132.6 mm of rain between Oct. 12 and Oct. 17 (as recorded on Westside Road by Anne Franc de Ferrière-Chollat & André Chollat). It was so wet that even local goats Pickles and Peanut donned rain coats last weekend.

“It was a birthday surprise for a visitor from Vancouver, from his girlfriend, Maria, and his brother. They all endured the downpour thanks to some delicious Cocoa West hot chocolate,” writes “goat parent” Kristina Calli.

If the goats seem familiar, earlier this year John Reid hired them and “big sister” Vegas the horse to mow the lawns of the Lakelands development at Grafton Lake. “But alas, the boys were let go due to their propensity for eating fruit trees,” says Calli. “Now they just get to take people on walks around Grafton Lake.”

Can’t get enough of Pickles and Peanut? You’re in luck –they have an Instagram account @ peanutpicklesnfriends.

Many thanks to all my customers for your support this season.Your flower enthusiasm inspires me to continue to grow beauty to feed the soul. – Flora Shamana Blooms

From their biggest fans

HAIG FARRIS PHOTO

SANGRE

DE

FRUTA

ALDERWOOD FARM ART

BY

DI

THE

THE REAL RAPUNZEL GIFTS BOTANICALS

WATERING

TACOS & GIFTS

FOOD

ON

THE GYM ON BOWEN CAN

I’ve relied on Bowen Sushi for those nights I don’t feel like cooking. Last night they were closed and it made me realize just how reliable this little business is. Food is great,

DELIVERY WREN

BOUTIQUE

GLOBAL

E-BIKES

BOWEN

THE

HEARTH

GALLERY

BRANCH

CLOUDFLOWER CLAY WORKS

ISLAND

SANSKAR

0N

BOWEN

SNUG COVE

DOC MORGAN'S PUB & RESTAURANT COCOA WEST RUSTIQUE BISTRO

LEGION

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TAPAS

&

WINE

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BAR

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SALON CALYPSO & SHIATSU

BOWEN

ISLAND

COMMUNITY

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ON

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ARTS

FLORA SHAMANA BLOOMS TUSCANY ITALIAN

DIE GOLDSCHMIEDE JEWELLERY BY GEROLD BOWEN PET SUPPLY

MAISON

DESIGN

UNION STEAMSHIP COMPANY STORE MOSS HAIR STUDIO CONNIE WRIGHT ORIGINALS

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THE SNUG CAFE CATCHING STARS GALLERY

PHOENIX

GENERAL STORE CANDY IN THE COVE TELL YOUR FRIENDS CAFE CHOCOLATIER

Sending our sincere appreciation to all of the hard-working local businesses who help our school thrive by... providing hot lunches and special occasion catering to our students and staff; allowing us to learn about community service by engaging our students in your non profit organizations events and community activities; partnering with us to help our students experience outdoor learning opportunities… and so much more. We couldn’t do what we do without the support of our community!

–The students and staff at Island Pacific School

Alderwood Farm is off the beaten path of the cove, but a must visit. Their curries and soups make the perfect addition to the freezer for anytime meals. And don’t miss their tiramisu, you’ll be transported to an Italian cafe! –Kristin Ganske

BOWEN ISLAND GOLF CLUB

CATES PHARMACY

Michael Bingham at I&I Towing and Hauling.

Reliable, prompt service, and a creative solution to get your vehicle out of a jam. All delivered with a smile. –Liam Scrivins

The Sweet Stand has been filling my sweet tooth cravings. Their cupcakes and cookies are delicious, but it was the kringle that got me, it was truly love at first bite! –Kristin Ganske

THE RUDDY POTATO

BOWEN

To Bowen Vet Clinic: Our senior cat Sara, with a myriad of existing health problems collected over her 21 years, was made more comfortable in her sunset weeks because of your care. Thank you. – Harmonie and Guy

Bowen Pet Supply goes above and beyond.

They not only bring in a raw food supply, but DELIVER it to my home! My furry friend is beyond happy and always looks forward to Sam’s visits. –Kristin Ganske

But Fairweather’s resident heron needed no raincoat as it showed off its pantaloons, recently purchased from the Knick Knack Nook. (According to Haig Farris – we’ll have to take his word for it.)

BOWEN ISLAND PUB

I’d just like to give a “hat’s off” to Zac Bligh and Renee Turner of ‘Tell Your Friends Cafe’ on the Pier in the Cove. They started this VERY small business just before COVID adjusted the entire hospitality industry.

They have a following of Island families (best coffee on the island) and have transformed the Pier into a gathering spot for island families and visitors alike. –Murray Atherton

RECREATION

JUNIPER GALLERY BOWEN BEER & WINE

HOME

FARM

GARDENS

NECTAR

YOGA

FIVE

BLOSSOM GATHERINGS BOWEN ISLAND SOAP CO PEACH FUZZ WAX BAR BOWEN ISLAND TATTOO SHOP BOWEN ISLAND EVENT

RENTALS

BOWEN VET

CINDY

MAY

PHOTOGRAPHY

BOWEN ISLAND FREIGHT

MR

POTS

BOWEN BARBER

RILEY'S

CIDERY

BOWEN

FARMERS

GREEN CHAIR RECYCLING

MARKET

SUGAR

CUBE

A4 • Thursday, October 21, 2021

bowenislandundercurrent.com

VIEWPOINTS EDITORIAL

On misunderstandings Misunderstandings are at the core of my job.

That is, how to avoid them.

How do I convey what I need to say – what other people need to say – from them, to me, to you, without changing the nuance of the conversation. We all may walk away with different interpretations, but we still all understood the same information.

When I was studying the dense theoretical texts of my undergrad, I often vented to my supervisor that I thought the authors should team up with journalists – that the circuitous and redundant writing that seemed designed to exclude rather than include, was bulldung. This is a longstanding critique and discussion in academia, but it was a point of passion for me. It was a major reason, if not the reason, I went to journalism school.

I’ve jumped down from that high horse a little. I’ve come to understand just how hard it is to accurately convey an idea so that it isn’t misinterpreted. Especially when you have to assume that the audience has little context and that they’re not necessarily going to read a story entirely or deeply.

Actors have a similar but harder job.

They need to get a director’s interpretation of a playwright’s script to an unknown audience.

They have a hard enough job without a journalist bungling up her mission to avoid misunderstandings.

It was a lesson in assumptions and asking the “stupid little questions” when I published the photo of two Theatre on the Isle members in their underwear, assuming that the photo was to go with their upcoming show, Briefs. It was instead meant as a joke about a long-time and beloved costuming whiz needing a new home for decades worth of gorgeous garments. Understood in that light, rather than being a quick gag, the photo should have been a beautiful moment of vulnerability and thanks.

The upcoming TOTI play multi-pack Briefs has no nudity – I’m sorry for the photo implying that it does.

I suppose this editorial was a circuitous way of saying I’m sorry for causing embarrassment and for wrecking a tribute.

It was a lovely idea.

Bronwyn Beairsto, editor

In gratitude of the Mighty Zowzer

My heart is heavy as I announce that Zoe left us on October 15.

Through the heaviness of grief though, specks of happiness quickly found an opening during Saturday’s rainstorm. I considered the source, puzzled. I certainly wasn’t feeling happy, yet couldn’t ignore that subtle tingling sensation inside. “This has to be from Zoe’s spirit!”

I thought.

Zoe inspired happiness in countless people we met during our walks through Snug Cove. They asked to say hello and I would pick her up, glad to share her very large spirit with them. They marvelled: how wise, how cute, how tiny, and ohhh… look at that tongue! Delighted, I watched their hearts melt.

People smiled down at her, and then up at me. One woman crossed the street just

to say hi. Another joked: “It’s like you’re walking with a celebrity.”

Zoe lunched on salmon and green peas on Friday, and went peacefully in my arms at home, around 4:30. Thank you for your compassion, Dr. Ritchie and Teresa.

And to all at Bowen Vet, thank you.

If Zoe touched your heart, please consider donating to CAWES’ account at First Credit Union; quote the memo: Zoe. Love you Zoe. See you again.

Davina Haisell

Kudos to Dive Against Debris crew DEAR EDITOR: I was delighted by yet another timely and appropriate Ron Woodall cartoon in last week’s Undercurrent, in advance of this year’s Dive for Debris (D4D) event held off the shores of Sandy Beach and in the depths of Mannion Bay. Right on Ron! I was one of the 30 on-shore volunteers who off-loaded the wide variety of debris from Bruce Mcdonald’s landing barge. The debris was salvaged by the volunteer divers, then sorted, weighed, and carried to the Bowen Island Municipality trucks on Cardena Road.

I leave it to the D4D committee for an official report with photos. I just wanted to thank the organizers for the event and volunteers who made it such a success.

This meaningful event was most productive, educational and a great deal of fun working with so many islanders I had not previously met. I can just imagine how much more enjoyable the four-hour event would have been on a sunny day, rather than having to smile and work in the monsoon-like rains.

The only thing worse than the weather was the lesson learned by us all that too many

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, 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.

#102–495 Bowen Trunk Road, PO Box 130, Bowen Island BC, V0N 1G0 Phone: 604.947.2442 Fax: 604.947.0148 bowenislandundercurrent.com DEADLINE for advertising Monday, 4 p.m. DEADLINE for editorial Tuesday 5 p.m.

Bowen Island Undercurrent Subscription Rates: Mailed 1 year subscription on Bowen Island: $55, including GST. Within Canada: $85 including GST Newsstand (Single Copy) $1.50 per copy, including GST

ISSN 7819-5040

individuals carelessly and unthinkingly use the bay and ocean as a garbage can. How sad, but all was not bad thanks to the creativity of the event organizers and many local artists who are going to use some of the debris to make creative art pieces. That is the height of what I would consider, “thinking outside of the ocean,” by turning a negative into a positive!

Kudos to the artists who will transform environmentally harmful debris into works of art, not solely to please the eye but to educate and encourage us all to give more thought to the proper and responsible disposal of unwanted debris and remind us that neither Mannion Bay, the Salish Sea nor any other parts of our oceans are garbage cans. I encourage more locals to watch for this event next year and lend their volunteer support, a most gratifying and educational experience.

Not only will you feel better for your participation, the fish and other marine life will love and flourish because of it.

Bruce Russell Friends of Mannion Bay Spokesperson

National NewsMedia Council.

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.

bowenislandundercurrent.com

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

In divided times golden rule will guide us towards better outcomes

DEAR EDITOR: Many of us are familiar with the saying “whatever you want others to do for you, do also the same for them,” where, in the broader context of Jesus’ teachings, “others” include not only our family and friends, but also our neighbours and enemies. If this “Golden Rule” is truly universal, then let’s explore its potentially ameliorating effects on our behaviour in these turbulent times.

Within this moral law are embedded essential values: altruism, because we seek for others the good we want for ourselves; respect, because, as fellow humans, they are worthy; unity, because we are seeking a harmonious outcome from the good we do.

Here are some examples of the Golden Rule in action, with responses ranging from easy to hard.

Let’s say I approach a hiker as I’m jogging on a trail. I hope they’ll greet me, so I wait for a split second and then smile and say “Good morning….”.

Or, let’s say we’re in the ferry lane slowly driving down the hill and a westbound driver facing us signals, waiting to turn left into Village Square. What should we do?

Or when we see the ferry cars lined up the hill and then spot an opening near Snug Café but with cars parked beside it. How would the Golden Rule guide us?

Or (it’s getting harder) how would we interact with a neighbour who wants to explain why healthy people shouldn’t wear masks?

Or let’s say a friend told us they were just fired for refusing the COVID shots, which they believe is morally wrong to accept and a fundamental right to decline. How would we respond?

No matter the situation, the Golden Rule will guide us towards better outcomes for ourselves and our families, our friends and our neighbours, and yes, even our enemies.

Chuck Venhuizen

Bouche de Bétizak fulfilling destiny in a way not imagined DEAR EDITOR: Many thanks to David Weir, Summerland arborist, for acknowledging in last week’s Undercurrent, our efforts to plant a mate for our beloved chestnut tree – the Diva of Davies Orchard.

Turns out she may be fulfilling her destiny in a way we had not imagined.

David informs us that the newly-planted Bouche de Bétizak – a fast grower producing large tasty chestnuts – is not a good pollinator: his pollen is, gulp, sterile.

Well, these things happen, as John Riley, orchardist extraordinaire, explained to me over the phone, giving the example of the Bramalea Apple, a delicious heritage apple also unable to pollinate other apple trees. It is our Diva who will be pollinating the young hybrid. And judging from the

CLARIFICATION

Theatre On The Isle would like to correct the record regarding last week’s Undercurrent publication. A photo of two cast members in their underwear was mistakenly published out of context alongside a promotional piece for BRIEFS: A multi-pack of short plays, which did not reflect the intention of TOTI or the actors in question. The photo was intended to be printed alongside this week’s story about Shirley Wrinch’s costumes, with the stated key message being “this is what you’re going to see onstage if we

photo, John declared Bouche de Bétizac to be a healthy, vigorous tree and that we should anticipate a harvest in a few years.

Although my poems assign gender to the trees, the chestnut is, in fact, both female and male, but cannot serve itself (end of botanical lesson).

As an artist, I learned many years ago to enter into every project with a full heart, and to remain open to the possibility that the whole thing might shift. Like this one.

For those who haven’t seen Meribeth Deen’s playful, heartwarming videos, get over to Youtube: The Chestnut Agreement, a poem (youtube.com/watch?v=tptm5u0g_ w8) and Planting of Le Bouche de Bétizak (youtube.com/ watch?v=s0Db_S_xJiA).

Pauline Le Bel can’t find a place to store these beautiful costumes.” TOTI would like to clarify that there is no nudity in the upcoming production of BRIEFS, and that the risk and vulnerability associated with appearing nearly-nude in print was supposed to be matched by the reward of finding an adequate storage solution for the wonderful costumes of Shirley Wrinch. We would never have published the photo in the brazen context in which it appeared, and we apologize to anyone who may have taken offense to it.

KAMI KANETSUKA

Sadly, due to COVID most of us have had to curtail our travel for the past nineteen months. For those with travel in the blood it has been difficult.

Consequently, it may have been a time for reminiscing and checking out old photos. And for those of us of a certain age there is a long lifetime to ponder.

In that process I have relived the pivotal point that changed my life forever and in a circuitous way brought me to Canada.

This summer, after reading at the local Writers Festival, the Hearth’s Jami Scheffer invited me to offer a storytelling talk at the gallery.

With so much material to pluck from, I have decided that my storytelling talk will focus on the wonderful gifts of living in an entirely different culture on another continent. One that had been closed to foreigners until 1951 and yes, one that had not been colonized. (Not that we thought much about that in the 60s.)

I am talking about the Himalayan Kingdom of Nepal, which it was when I arrived in 1966. At that time not much had changed since it opened up. After living in swinging London and a stint in Rome at the time of La Dolce Vita, it was exciting living in a place that had the feeling of going back in time.

The lanes of Kathmandu reminded me of what Dickensian London might have been, unpaved, muddy and with some giant size rats. But one only had to look up at the mountains and the mythical Buddhist temple of Swayambunath high up on a hill, with the all-seeing-eyes of Buddha looking down on us, to know we were in an extraordinary place. Many tribal people would come into Kathmandu bringing their wares to sale and there were many Tibetans who had left at the time the Dalai Lama did in 1966.

Almost everyone wore their traditional clothing. Yes there were difficulties like no bottled water or toilet paper (which seems bigger now than then.) But the jewels of the beauty and living life in a place not yet contaminated with cap-

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The Knick Knack Nook is

Kami to revisit her great travels: Hearth talk

Contributor

Thursday, October 21, 2021 • A5

looking for VOLUNTEERS to bring us up to date with pre-covid staffing.

KAMI KANETSUKA PHOTO

Kami’s first winter in Kathmandu. italistic possessing, had its rewards.

It was a breath of fresh air to live a simple life, especially after travelling overland through sixteen countries for three months. In my naivete I thought I might stay there for the rest of my life.

As with all good journeys we will start there, and like all travel it may veer off to other locations. At one point I did have to go and work in Bangkok, but my yearning brought me back to Nepal and many adventures for the better part of five years.

Hoping all interested will come to “Ramblings of a Committed Traveler” at the Hearth, Nov. 10 at 7 p.m.

Let’s go on a trip together.

If you are interested in an opportunity to be involved in a community service, please telephone David Wrinch at 604-947-9639 @bowenislandundercurrent.com

A6 • Thursday, October 21, 2021

bowenislandundercurrent.com

Take care: improve your mental and physical wellbeing Sponsored Content

By Dr. Allan Burgmann

Life has been pretty challenging lately, hasn’t it?

These past 18 months, maybe even more, have been a struggle.

Many individuals have had to give so much of themselves to try and navigate their way through this pandemic. Whether it has been from personal or professional experiences, the way our daily lives shifted has resulted in many increased feelings of stress and anxiety, and the results are still to come on what this has meant, and will mean, for our wellbeing.

Get moving!

Exercise does wonders. It leads to new brain cells with better connectivity, improved mood, healthier weight management, better sleep, and a reduction in inflammation. You don’t need to take up cross-fit or train for a marathon to see the benefits — daily walks or yoga sessions are a perfect way to get started.

Eat for your brain Wholesome nutrition such as following the principles of the Mediterranean diet is another key component for wellbeing and can prevent or delay cognitive decline and possibly also Parkinson’s disease.

book, stretching your mental muscle every day is not only satisfying, it’s good for you!

Take a mindful moment Mindfulness is the practice of purposefully focusing your attention on the present moment and accepting it without judgement. By immersing yourself in the sights, sounds and feelings of a particular moment you can improve your ability to focus, reduce stress and better manage anxiety and other mental health challenges.

Following these steps can help improve mental and physical wellbeing. But if you find yourself in need of additional support, you can visit vghfoundation.ca/take-care for additional resources.

This means more greens and other vegetables, nuts, berries, beans, No one is perfect. We’re all facing whole grains, fish and poultry and less butter, cheese, pastries, sweets, our own challenges in our unique and nuanced ways during this red meat and fried or fast foods. global pandemic. Do what you can, and if you’re able to implement some Connect with your community Connections with your friends, family of these steps into your day, then that’s wonderful. and neighbours are key aspects to your mental health.

Just remember above all to take care.

Social integration and community Learn more about wellness are crucial for happiness and longevity. So foster relationships with resources available to you at vghfoundation.ca/take-care. friends and family and reach out if That said, I think it is remarkable you need help. Talking with a friend that so many of us are still caring for when you’re feeling down can have Dr. Allan Burgmann BSc, MD, ourselves while taking care of others. a profound impact. Likewise, helping FRCPC (Psychiatry) (pictured Just don’t forget—you’re important. above) is an adult psychiatrist others also has health benefits for You matter. And sometimes it’s OK to the helper. working at Lions Gate Hospital. take time for yourself.

He works in both the acute inpatient and outpatient services, at the Keep learning Take a walk. Take a break. Take a Hope Centre.

An active brain is a healthy brain. moment. And if you find yourself Learning or practicing new skills needing a little more help, here Content Provided By helps keep your mind sharp and are some research-based tips that The Kelly Patrick Dennehy Foundation, can be a lot of fun. Whether it’s can help improve your mental and working on a craft project, becoming Lions Gate Hospital Foundation, VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation. a puzzle master, or reading a new physical wellbeing.

bowenislandundercurrent.com

Thursday, October 21, 2021 • A7

SECOND RELEASE NOW SELLING The Home Sites are the founding phase of The Lakelands neighbourhood. Eleven exceptional lots sit on a gentle westfacing hillside, with year-round sun and unique lake views.

All conveniently positioned just minutes from Snug Cove and Bowen Island Community School.

Open HOUSE: Sunday October 24th, 12pm – 4pm LOT 1

0.31 acres

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LOT 7

0.40 acres

$600,000

LOT 2

0.33 acres

$525,000

LOT 8

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SOLD

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$850,000

LOT 4

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LOT 10

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FOR MORE DETAILS OR TO SCHEDULE A TOUR: Frazer Elliott | Macdonald Realty Ltd. info@thelakelandsbowen.com | 604.722.5332

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Register today thelakelandsbowen.com Follow us @thelakelandsbowen

The developer reserves the right to modify the information contained herein should it be necessary. This is not an offering for sale. Any such offerings may only be made with a Disclosure Statement. Availability, rates, sizes, specifications, layouts and materials are approximate only and are subject to change without notice. E.&O.E.

A8 • Thursday, October 21, 2021

bowenislandundercurrent.com

Pet Blessing Sunday at Bowen Island United Church REV. LORRAINE ASHDOWN

Bowen Island United Church

St. Francis of Assisi is known as the Patron Saint of animals. He called all creatures his “brothers and sisters” and was known to regularly preach to the birds.

October 4 is generally known as St. Francis Day so we are a bit behind the times. However this Sunday, October 24, at Bowen Island United Church, we will be holding a Blessing of the Animals service.

You are invited to bring your beloved companion animals to church where they will be given a blessing – and a treat. All creatures are welcome but dogs must be on leashes, cats in owners’ arms or a pet carrier and any other creature can join us in a cage or terrarium or whatever makes them feel the least amount of stress.

There is one thing Bowen Islanders certainly have in common- we love our animals. And we love them even after they leave this life. So if you have a photo of a beloved pet who has gone into the next world to chase squirrels and balls forever, or to curl up in the eternal sun, please join us and bring a photo of your pet and we will bless the memory of your beloved companion.

LORRAINE ASHDOWN PHOTO

Georgie.

Our service is at 10:30 a.m. Sunday morning. We are at 1122 Miller Road. We are masked and distanced and we ask that you follow the same protocols. All are welcome: two legged, four leggeds, winged and more.

If you have any questions, please contact me at 778-688-2061.

Can’t get enough of the Undercurrent? Don’t forget we have a Sunday newsletter. To subscribe visit bowenislandundercurrent.com/account/mailinglist.

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World Polio Day this year is October 24.

It is a day where Rotary International Clubs around the world celebrate the achievements made in more than 40 years of fighting to eradicate polio and where Rotarians pledge to fundraise more money to help make the world polio free. We only need three straight years of no cases to be world-free of the wild poliovirus. Please help us reach that historic goal.

It is within our reach by 2026 according to Aidan O’Leary, World Health Organization’s polio eradication director. On August 25, 2020 the World Health Organization declared that transmission of the wild poliovirus had been eliminated in all 47 African countries. The last country in Africa to have cases, Nigeria, had tested as wild polio free for three years running thus, allowing Africa to be declared wild polio free. The U.S. was declared polio free in 1979, the Western Hemisphere in 1991, the Americas and Canada in 1994, the western Pacific region – Australia to China in 2000, India and South East Asia in 2014, Nigeria in 2019, Africa 2020. There are only two countries left in the world that remain endemic with a case each of wild polio (January, 2021) – Afghanistan and Pakistan. We only need three straight years of no cases to be world free. Please help us reach that goal.

Polio or poliomyelitis, is a highly infectious, paralyzing and potentially deadly disease that most commonly affects children under the age of five. The virus can spread person to person via water droplets or contaminated water and food, can attack the central nervous system, the brain and spinal cord leading to paralysis. Polio transmission can happen from a wild or naturally occurring virus in the environment or can be caused by vaccine-derived strains.

There is no cure but it can be prevented with a safe and

effective vaccine developed in 1955 by Dr. Jonas Salk and with an oral vaccine created by Dr. Albert Sabin (licensed in the U.S.) in 1960.

Every newborn child in every country needs to be vaccinated and then given reinforcing, multiple doses up to five years of age. Rotary International first became involved in 1979 with a five-year joint project to immunize 6 million children in the Philippines. It was so successful that in 1985, Rotary International pledged $120 Million USD to fund Polio Plus and raised $240 million. Rotary was a founding member of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) in 1988 with other partners (WHO, CDC, UNICEF, Gates Foundation, Gavi) and we have reduced the incidence of polio cases by 99.9 per cent since the GPEI was launched.

Every donation helps in obtaining vaccines, transportation and materials needed to test for (surveillance) and fight against polio. An End Polio Now/Rotary website stated it takes an average of $3 to fully protect a child (430 million children were vaccinated in 39 countries in 2017) and $100 million cost to conduct polio surveillance world-wide.

Rotary’s yearly campaign to raise funds centers around Oct. 24 – United Nations Day. The Bowen Island Rotary Club invites Bowen Islanders to help young children of the world to avoid this deadly disease. We will be placing polio piggy banks near the tills of several Bowen businesses where you can empty your change pocket/purses and add your contribution. Or if you wish to donate online and get a receipt: my.rotary.org/en/donate or at endpolio.org/donate.

Please reference Bowen Island Rotary ID 83903 More than a million Rotarians all over the World have volunteered their time and resources to end polio. We have helped immunize 2.5 billion children in 122 countries.

Please help us continue our good work and check bowenrotary.com to learn about our other endeavours.

y

LYNN KRUKOWSKI

gro c er

EFFORTS TO ERADICATE THE DEADLY DISEASE CONTINUE IN TWO COUNTRIES

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Thursday, October 21, 2021 • A9

COFFEE BAR NOW OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK! 11AM - 4PM

A10 • Thursday, October 21, 2021

bowenislandundercurrent.com

How Bowen’s formally informal Jewish community came to be FROM NON-RELIGIOUS CELEBRATIONS OF JEWISH CULTURE TO ACQUIRING A 200-YEAR-OLD TORAH SCROLL, BOWEN’S JEWISH COMMUNITY IS POINTEDLY INDEPENDENT AND DIVERSE IN BELIEFS

CONTINUED FROM P. 1

“People who move to Bowen are independent,” says Rayne. “If you are really an observant Jewish person or family, you would stay in Vancouver so you could be close to a synagogue, to a Jewish school – be part of the community there.”

But once people move here, and they have children, there’s often a desire to share the Jewish celebrations of their own childhoods.

involve other families and friends– not necessarily Jewish people.

“It really enriched our lives,” says Gallander.

The women also started going into the schools at Hannukah time – each of them independently and into the classes of whichever teachers invited them, bringing the menorah, making potato pancakes and telling the story of Hannukah.

Nostalgia

Learning

Forty years ago, Gallander and Patriasz moved in next door to one another. Neither of them were (or are) religious but were interested in the cultural side of Judaism.

They had young boys the same age and wanted to celebrate the holidays. In the much smaller Bowen of those days, there weren’t many Jewish families. “We weren’t out there scouting them, either,” says Gallander.

Patriasz was born in Hungary and after the 1956 revolution, escaped to Israel, where she lived for a few years before coming to Canada. “I grew up with Jewish ceremonies and Jewish culture – and that’s what I’m continuing,” says Patriasz – later adding that she’s been to a synagogue only twice in her life.

Gallander grew up in a conservative Jewish household in Toronto. “It’s not the religion as much as it is the culture of the religion that [I] enjoyed. And it was something that I wanted to maintain with my child.”

The two families started with celebrating Hannukah in about 1981, when their boys were two years old, and have kept up the tradition ever since, adding in Passover celebrations in the spring. Another Jewish family moved in nearby and so the celebrations rotate through the three homes. Over the years, they would

In the late 1990s, Rayne and her husband had young kids and the family started gathering with five or six others for Passover Seder, which eventually evolved into Friday night Shabbat dinners.

Rayne – whose mother is Jewish and whose father was Roman Catholic but converted to Judaism on his wedding day – didn’t grow up in an observant home. Shabbat dinners weren’t part of her childhood but someone on the mainland introduced the idea.

“You light candles, the family sits around the table…it’s just a nice way to get a family together,” she says. “Gradually, we started inviting some of the families that we knew over and it morphed into a monthly potluck gathering.”

They ended up with about 10 families with kids in the one to 11 age range.

“It became a really important gathering.”

Then there’s Passover. Where Christians tend to congregate for Christmas, for Jews, it’s Passover (in the early spring). “Everyone goes home for Passover Seder,” says Rayne. These days, even people who’ve moved off-island return and bring friends with them – there are so many people that they have to cap the event at 55 to 60 people.

Growing

In the early 2000s, a rabbi from

Vancouver on her way to Israel, stayed on Bowen for a time. A group of women started asking if Rabbi Nomi Ehren-Lis could teach them more about Judaism and about 10 women started gathering monthly. They started studying Judaism, even Kabbalah – the more mystical aspect of Judaism – with the well-respected rabbi.

She became an important figure for the community and those delving into the more religious side of Judaism.

Gallander worked as community school coordinator for many years and when Jewish families moved to the island and asked if there was any local Jewish community – she’d send them Rayne’s way.

As the community grew and changed, Rayne and the rest of the community learned more.

One woman, who had lived in Israel with her husband, inquired after Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, celebrations. “I’d never done that, so she showed me,” remembers Rayne.

The new couple brought songs and traditions, and this launched an annual Bowen Rosh Hashanah party with the kids. “[The community] evolved in its own way,” says Rayne.

It was at a crisis time for one of the members of the local Jewish community in 2002, that Gallander saw the Jewish community solidifying. “We started to do prayer circles and that sort of gathered a fair bit of the Jewish community that was here, together.”

For Rayne, it was the Rabbi Nomi Ehren-Lis’s unexpected death in 2005 that spurred a new chapter for the local Jewish community.

Before she died, Rabbi Nomi had written Rayne a letter about her vision of Bowen being a sanctuary for Jewish families in Vancouver – to come for a weekend, to join a

Shabbat dinner. She wrote a poem about “Song of the Sea,” (Shirat HaYam) from Book of Exodus.

As Rayne and fellow islander Effron Esseiva were leaving the cemetery following Rabbi Nomi’s funeral, they started talking about formalizing the Bowen Jewish community in their mentor’s honour. “Formalize us informally,” says Rayne. “Because, again, people [who] come here, they’re very independent.”

Rayne recalled the poem.

“So that’s what we named it.”

Shirat HaYam. At the time the Undercurrent had a weekly ad – “churches on Bowen.” Of course, Shirat HaYam wasn’t a church. So Rayne approached the newspaper and asked about a listing – and the weekly ad became “places of worship,” which it remains to this day.

A Torah for Bowen

Esseiva was (and still is) knowledgeable in reading Hebrew and in chanting and knew how to prepare someone for a bar or bat mitzvah.

“He became...I would call it, our unofficial rabbi.”

Esseiva also managed to find a Torah (the first five books of the Hebrew Bible – in Christianity known as the Old Testament) the community could buy. “They’re very, very expensive,” explains Rayne. “It’s all in Hebrew, and it’s all handwritten by a scribe, and it’s all on parchment.”

“It’s considered a very holy object.”

During the Second World War, when the Nazis tried to exterminate the Jews, they destroyed the synagogues but kept the valuable Torahs. The scrolls were rescued, restored, and synagogues started buying them. Shirat HaYam purchased what’s believed to be such a Torah. “Some of the writing has faded [on ours], so it’s not considered a kosher Torah for an actual synagogue,” explained Rayne, “but it’s usable for us.”

Esseiva found a seller in Israel through eBay and an on-island dedication for the 200-year-old scroll was held in June 2006.

PHOTO COURTESY OFI EFFRON ESSEIVA

In 2006, a group of Bowen Islanders bought a 200-year-old rescued Torah scroll. Above, the scroll is being used in Kai Tubinshlak’s 2012 Bar Mitzvah on Bowen Island. Grandparents Yana and Arkadi, parents Mika and Jana, and Janet and Effron Esseiva were the the lay leaders.

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Antisemitic experiences on Bowen Island Formally informal

The informality of the community remains – Friday night Shabbat dinners happen when someone decides to pull one together and sends an email out to the mailing list, says Gallander.

“It isn’t just Jewish people who come to these Shabbat dinners, it’s anyone that’s so inclined or feels some kinship toward Judaism,” says Gallander. “We do do some Hebrew prayers and sing some Hebrew songs we all know that from our childhoods.”

Patriasz, on the other hand, isn’t involved with any of the community groups or events – “My celebration of Jewish culture is completely personal,” she says.

COVID-19 disruption

Of course, for the past couple of years, COVID-19 has interrupted holidays for every religion. Bowen Passover Seder was virtual in 2020 but no one had the heart for such an event in 2021. Yet, the community didn’t disintegrate. Over last summer, Friday night dinners resumed – often at the beach or on people’s decks. “We’re all missing it,” says Rayne.

“We’ve actually created a pretty important community for ourselves.”

She estimates that there are

between 15 to 30 families who are part of the more official Bowen Jewish community – some are quite non-religious, like Gallander, and others are more regular synagogue goers, like Rayne. Some attend many events, and others may just come for the Hannukah and Passover parties.

“It’s been lovely,” says Gallander, of watching the local Jewish community grow. “It’s a very supportive group and a very poignant, very lovely time.”

Antisemitism on Bowen

But, antisemitism is an ever present threat. Security, even at Vancouver synagogues, is high during the high holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, says Rayne. Even having a story such as this one, in the Undercurrent, is a source of discomfort.

“Particularly first-generation Holocaust survivors carry, not just the epigenetic trauma, they carry their parents telling them hide that you’re Jewish; it’s not safe to be Jewish.

“Some people have told me… ‘I can’t get that fear out of my system of revealing that I’m Jewish. I can’t trust what people’s reactions will be.’

“It’s a real concern on the Jewish community,” says Rayne. “So what

we’re doing with this [awareness] project is stepping out of a comfortable zone that we’ve created here.”

But this story isn’t coming out of nowhere.

“I experienced an antisemitic incident [in July]. Someone who was also a Holocaust denier,” says Rayne. “That shook me to my core.”

While Patriasz says she’s never experienced antisemitic incidents herself, Gallander says she has a couple of times, which made for quite uncomfortable situations.

Between 2017 and 2019, police-reported hate crimes against Jewish people made up nearly half of the religion-based hate crimes in Canada – more than any other religion, according to Statistics Canada.

After her encounter, Rayne talked with her rabbi, who warned that there is a dangerous rise in antisemitism and Holocaust denial. Rayne talked with the other members of the island’s Jewish community, and after more discussions with her rabbi, came to the idea of visibility and education.

She contacted the Bowen Island Community Foundation about a small grant (which they granted).

As well, the Undercurrent places of worship ad had long-since lapsed, so Rayne relisted it, and got in touch with me, asking if I’d be interested in writing an article.

This is the first in a series of three.

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Thursday, October 21, 2021 • A11

CALENDAR Audition Call - Carmina Bowena, Bowen’s new vocal consort, is auditioning for basses and altos. We rehearse on Monday evenings 5:30 - 7pm at Collins Hall. More info: call Nicole at 778-926-4286 or email to ntzharmonium@mac.com SKY members & those interested in joining SKY, may be interested in knowing we are walking together on Wednesday afternoons. Contact 778-8863600 October StoryWalk® Bowen Island Public Library

OCT. 14  27

Catching Stars Gallery featured artist: Victoria Stop by to see her full collection of gorgeous floral jewellery.

OCT. 22  NOV. 9

"At the Hearth Gallery: Standing on Their Shoulders

SATURDAY OCT 23

register email: BowenMosaic@ marianartstudio.com Library Teen Advisory Group Library 2 pm Riparian forest planting: EcoBlitz 9 am - noon Metro Vancouver will provide work gloves, shovels and training. Make to sure bring your own water and snacks.

Latecomers welcome Groups are welcome. More info: shorturl.at/ wxySU" Standing on the Shoulders Artist pARTy Hearth Gallery 6-8 pm The Pier on Bowen rezoning meeting The Pier; 10 am - noon Owners of the pier are applying for a rezoning to bring current use to BIM compliance.

Paint West Coast Glow Sunset Zoom 1:30 - 3:30 pm Details and registration marieneys.com

OCT. 25  29

Nightwatch: Stargaze with an astronomer Bowen Island Public Library 6:30 pm Stargaze with visiting astronomer John Reid.

Carve up the Cove pumpkin drop off Bowen Island Integrated Health

Mosaic Art Workshop On Bowen 2-5 pm Transform your old dishes into art. Materials included, no experience required. For price info /

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bowenislandundercurrent.com

Divers collected debris from the sea floor and brought it all ashore to waiting volunteers.

Dive Against Debris PHOTOS: SUBMITTED

Help Rotary eradicate polio from the world!

Look for the Polio Pig on the counter of your favourite Bowen shops. Many thanks from the Rotary Club of Bowen Island!

It wasn’t just small items – big items like this boat came out from the waters.

Autumn becomes you

Wide smiles and wet feet abounded last weekend at the first Dive Against Debris in five years.

The mission to clean up Mannion Bay saw 1272.65 pounds of garbage from the bottom of the estuary.

The event, co-sponsored by Bowen Island Municipality, The Hearth, and Diving In: The Art of Cleaning Lakes and Oceans saw 33 volunteers, eight divers, four boaters and two artists.

Artists will now take the debris and make artwork.

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Eco fashion made locally

Sarah Haxby & Liz Nankin show off the latest Sandy Beach fashions.

BIM’s manager of environment and parks planning Bonny Brokenshire wished to give accolades to Spitkovski. “This initiative that Amber’s organized is really helpming improve the ecological integrity in Mannion Bay,” Brokenshire told the Undercurrent recently.

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Spitkovsky was full of thanks following the event but particularly wanted to recognize the“amazing participation of the local restaurants and General Store.”

bowenislandundercurrent.com

Thursday, October 21, 2021 • A13

A14• Thursday, October 21, 2021

bowenislandundercurrent.com

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No community fireworks for Halloween

DEEP BAY’S PARTICIPATION MORE MUTED THAN THE COMMUNITY CELEBRATIONS OF NON-PANDEMIC YEARS

Dear community of Bowen Island and all the amazing neighbourhood groups who love Halloween on Bowen: I have had a few people asking “what is happening with Halloween this year.” My answer is that I believe that we all want to have another safe Halloween and to observe all current health protocols. I hear, similar to last year, that various neighbourhoods will step up and create trick-or-treating opportunities all across Bowen Island.

I’m planning on making something to have trick-or-treating be fun...perhaps a long candy tube to deliver treats and and a few decorations up, but nothing too major. I won’t have a haunted yard again this year as I don’t want to risk too many people in one place at one time.

In checking in with various other people in the Loop area, the common sentiment is similar: that we can’t go back to the pre-pandemic-style Halloween for 2021, but there will be a few people decorating and open to

receiving trick-or-treaters to keep the spirit of the event alive. Most people I spoke to are saying that around 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. is when they expect trick or treaters to be out and about. I’ve heard that individuals in various neighbourhoods are going to post more Halloween information on Facebook closer to the day, and there is a rumor someone is creating a Halloween map?

Haunted Bowen is still on hiatus, I am not organizing anything community-wide for 2021, and there are no B.I. Volunteer Fire Department fireworks again this year. So, similar to last year, so there are no plans for big community Halloween activities.

Although we can’t all gather together on the Causeway watching the fireworks, I hope that these new traditions of neighbourhood-based fun continue to keep the Halloween spirit alive all across Bowen and that everyone will have a safe and happy Halloween this year!

Sarah Haxby

B. I. Integrated Health holding pumpkin carving contest

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Bowen Island Integrated Health is holding its second annual pumpkin carving contest.

Carved pumpkins can be dropped off at the clinic the week leading up to Halloween (Oct. 25 to 29). All the masterpieces will be displayed outside the clinic at Village Square leading up to Halloween.

Submissions will be shared on BIIH’s Facebook page on the evening of Oct. 29 and voting will be done virtually by “liking” the photos of favourite pumpkins. Voting will be open until noon Oct. 30 with winners announced in the afternoon. That evening, there’ll be a pumpkin lighting party from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. where everyone can take part in spooky games, pick up grab bags and prizes for the winners! After the lighting,

contestants can take their pumpkins home.

Don’t want to grab a gourd yourself? BIIH will be taking donations at the clinic for pumpkin sponsors who want to let them buy a pumpkin from local suppliers and donate it to a youngster who’s willing and eager to get carving!

The contest is for everyone with winners selected for every age group. Mom and Dad can help little monsters not yet ready to carve.

In addition to generous prizes from BIIH, they are accepting donations from other businesses and people in the community.

So, if you’d like to stoke the bonfire of creativity by donating a prize, let them know.

Edited from BIIH’s Facebook post

bowenislandundercurrent.com

Thursday, October 21, 2021 • A15

PREPARE FOR A CHALLENGE AND GET INTO THE MUD - TO GET KIDS OUT OF THE MUD! Fundraising Goal: A fundraiser to raise $400K in support of Student Bursaries and our new community Field House Compete: A 1.5 km obstacle race competition for ages 11 to 111. Gather a team of 2-4 players and pick a theme!

Bid: Online and silent auctions

When: Saturday, November 20th | 1:30pm - 4:30pm Island Pacific School is a middle school and a not for profit organization.

All donations over $25 qualify for a tax receipt.

A16 • Thursday, October 21, 2021

bowenislandundercurrent.com

The first lady of Bowen theatre SHE NEVER TAKES TO THE STAGE BUT SHIRLEY WRINCH IS THE STAR BEHIND SOME OF BOWEN’S BIGGEST PLAYS

BRONWYN BEAIRSTO

Editor

The first time Kat Stephens donned one of Shirley Wrinch’s costumes, it was the early 2000s and she was playing the impetuous child genius Thomasina of Tom Stoppard’s Arcadia.

The pale minty green, flower-patterned piece in a girl’s pre-debut Georgian style looked straight out of the Regency era – “I was stunned to learn that Shirley had in fact made it by hand and specifically for me,” remembers Stephens.

“Every time I see it in her basement, that whole memory comes flooding back.”

The Thomasina dress – which the perennial stage favourite, Stephens, has worn in subsequent plays – is just one of hundreds in the Wrinchs’ home. A home now brimming with meticulously and skillfully crafted clothing ranging from the Elizabethan era, through the Regency era, even into the 1920s.

“It’s full of costumes that really are characters unto themselves,” describes Stephens.

“It’s going into a sort of magical lair,” says Graham Ritchie. He started working with

Wrinch, first as an actor and then as the force behind the annual Bard on the Rock plays. “They’re hanging off the beds, they’re on racks, on more racks, there are dressmakers’ dummies everywhere, there are racks of materials, there are more racks upstairs.

“It’s a paradise.”

“They are crammed together in the tens, hundreds probably,” says Ritchie. “You can extract one little costume from a rack of 70 costumes and there’s an entire story in this one costume.”

“You remember having to run in that costume through the rain outside of Cates Chapel to get backstage because we don’t have a theatre,” laughs Stephens.

“A pair of tights that I distinctly remember ripping a hole in when I took a big step and the look at disapproval on her face,” recalls another frequent presence on Bowen stages, Calder Stewart. “And then she brought them back to me the next day, fixed.”

“And all of the hats,” says Stephens. “It’s always a battle. Graham Ritchie insisting that we don’t need hats in this Shakespeare production and Shirley, of course, making sure that we’ve all got our hats.

“Shirley always wins and we always look amazing.”

GRAHAM RITCHIE PHOTO

Just some of Shirley Wrinch’s Elizabethan collection in her home.

PHOTO COURTESY OF TIR-NA-NOG THEATRE SCHOOL

Love’s Labours Lost in 2003 was one of the first Shirley Wrinch costumed for Tir-na-nOg.

“I believe it was Lois Meyers Carter who first had the idea of introducing Shirley’s love of sewing with our love of theatre,” muses Jack Headley of Tir-na-nOg Theatre School. It was the early 2000s. Tir-na-nOg was working out of a little studio in Artisan Square and had a particularly enthusiastic group of teenagers who were interested in doing Shakespeare. So that all of the kids could have chances at good roles, they put on two plays – Love’s Labour’s Lost and Hamlet. Wrinch costumed both.

“She was always just wonderful with kids,” recalls Headley. “She would take their measurements and have them for fittings and adjust the pieces.

“Just absolutely remarkable.”

“Most people build costumes in sort of a temporary fashion. But hers were actually like real clothes,” recalls Headley – who has also had occasion to wear the garments.

“Really comfortable and extremely well made. Inside and out. Every detail perfect.”

“Her frame of reference for fashion through the eras is staggering,” says Stephens. “It’s every detail – what you see and what you don’t see.”

There are the bum rolls for women’s hips to help the Elizabethan skirts bell out properly – there are undercoats and petticoats of different shapes and sizes.

“It’s so carefully curated to make sure that it cuts the right shape when it’s on the actor.

And it depends on our body type as well,” says Stephens.

“She’s just phenomenal, incredible,” says

Tir-na-nOg’s Julie Tetzner. “Also her delight of being around the youngsters – her and her husband both.”

(David Wrinch, though not famous for his skills with a needle and thread, is too part of the costume crew, helping out Shirley.

Not to mention it’s his house too, filled with costumes. Headley and Julie also mention David helping build the risers for the audience seats in the Tir-na-nOg theatre when it was built. ) After she worked with Tir-na-nOg, word and knowledge of Wrinch’s prodigious talent and generosity was out and soon enough, she was costuming other plays.

She’s been key to the Bard on the Rock series – dressing seven, going on eight Shakespeare plays in that series. “She is amazingly amenable,” says Ritchie, who counts the Wrinchs as dear friends. She turns up at rehearsals, measures people, and is always in the background in the dress rehearsals and in the initial runs of the play to make sure everything goes well and make last-minute adjustments.

“She didn’t get the title of first lady of Bowen theatre for nothing,” says Ritchie.

“Without the costumes, it wouldn’t be a spectacle. It wouldn’t be theatre.

“With my plays in particular, there are no sets, there are no props. It’s just black curtains and good lighting, good acting, and good costumes. Plus, the viewers’ all-powerful imaginations,” he says. “Those ingredients are all completely interdependent, and you remove one and nothing works.”

bowenislandundercurrent.com

Thursday, October 21, 2021 • A17

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Shirley Wrinch’s hand was at work in Blood Relations (2019), featuring Graham Ritchie, Frazer Elliott, Kat Stephens, Davin Killy, Morgan Darcy, Ann-Marie Delawsky, Sam Spear.

‘Such a better theatre experience when Shirley Wrinch is involved’ CONTINUED FROM. P. 16

After starting his stage days on Bowen, Davin Killy left the island for a time and dabbled in theatre elsewhere. “You don’t have that [collection] elsewhere,” he observes.

One resorts to the black pants from the closet and a borrowed collared shirt.

“That’s the usual theatre experience,” says Stephens, “you’re picking up scraps whenever you can because everything is low budget.

“The costume is such a big part of the character. How you how you step, how you carry yourself, and especially in those different periods, because they actually can pull your body in a different way,” says Stephens.

“You could go to a Bard on the Beach show and compare their costumes to our costumes. And I don’t know, I think we look better.

“The community as a whole gets such a better theatre experience when Shirley Wrinch is involved.”

Losing the costumes, should Wrinch no longer have the space (or patience for costumes filling every nook), would be nothing short of a tragedy, says Killy.

“We’re extremely nervous at the thought

that she will one day finally and quite rightly say nope, that’s it,” says Ritchie.

So Theatre on the Isle – a long-time beneficiary of Wrinch’s costume wonderland – is scouting out potential homes for the staggeringly valuable (in terms of artistic contribution to the island) collection.

Attempts to store the clothing in the past have been hampered by the need for heated and ventilated storage (once the fabrics take on a moldy or mildewy scent, it’s impossible to get out I’m told). There’s also a need for the costumes to be accessible – for a troupe of actors to try on clothing.

If you have ideas (or even perhaps talents to lend a hand to Wrinch), Theatre on the Isle’s email is bowentoti@gmail.com.

As much time and effort she invests into the costumes, Wrinch won’t take a penny for her work, and even dislikes accolades at the shows (“I go out of my way to embarrass her if she turns up at the play,” says Ritchie, “just to make the point that she is fantastic. And she gets furious and everybody applauds.”)

In the end, all Wrinch asks is for is a photo of all of the actors in their costumes.

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PHOTO SUBMITTED

Shirley Wrinch costumed the 2020 Bard on the Rock production of Hamlet, with actors including: Doug Elliott, Ross Bragg, Martin Clarke, Sarah Cormier, Davin Killy, David Cameron, Kat Stephens, Calder Stewart, Jessie Perry, John Parker, Amanda Szabo, Frazer Elliott, and Adrian van Lidth de Jeude (front).

A18 • Thursday, October 21, 2021

bowenislandundercurrent.com

Get to know your neighbour

THIS WEEK MEET: CHARLES MCNEILL When did you first come to Bowen?

When I was two years old, in 1954. I moved here, June 2020, from New York, due to the pandemic.

How did you come to be on Bowen?

My grandparents moved here in 1918. At the end of World War One. My grandfather was in the Canadian Army, and he got injured and he came here to recuperate and to heal. He loved the place and decided to buy a little piece of land on the end of Mount Gardner road for the exorbitant

fee of $350. And so my mother basically grew up here on Bowen and I would visit the grandparents throughout my life as a child.

Where on Bowen do you live?

At the end of Mount Gardner road, beyond the government dock.

What’s your favourite place on Bowen?

Oh my goodness, there’s so many. The Bowen Gym! It’s such a great service for Bowen Islanders to have access to exercise, rain or shine, sun or night. It’s just a gift to Bowen Island. Brad keeps that

thing open for us, through thick and thin.

But in terms of a wild place on Bowen, the Cape is a real favourite and I am working with others to get the remaining 300 acres in the public domain as a park so everyone can continue to enjoy it forever!

What’s something Bowen Islanders have in common?

It’s an interesting almost…contradiction. There’s a kind of fierce independence but a connection to each other and a loyalty or a commitment to the community and to the island. It’s different than New York City, obviously. But there’s

this sense of community that’s so evident in everything from the farmers’ market to the shops and the way people take care of each other.

What’s your favourite Bowen fact or story?

That Bowen Island is the same size as Manhattan – 20 square miles – and there are 3,600 people here and maybe five million there.

What do you do for fun these days?

Swimming in the ocean every day and wine tasting.

When you go around Killarney Lake, do you go right or left?

I’ve been doing it since I was about two years old. So I know a little bit about Killarney. I used to run around it – I used to zip off two or three laps with no problem.

UNDERCURRENT PHOTO

Now it’s much harder than it used to be. But it depends on what kind of workout I want. If I want to have the work later on, I go left, if I want to have the work in the front end, I go right.

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Queen of Capilano Ferry Schedule October 12, 2021 to March 22, 2022

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

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This is one of the last setup take-down gyms

Thursday, October 21, 2021 • A19

Help Save a Life !"#$#%& #( )*&+&,-./0&1 2,34,& $., 5.6& . %#77&*&,$&1

CONTINUED FROM P. 1

In the quarter century since, BIGC has hosted Western Gymnaestrada and zone five championships and has attended the non-competitive team display event World Gymnaestrada three times. “I’ve probably taught thousands of kids on Bowen Island in 25 years.”

The thousands of kids include Brougham’s own daughters and now, they’re grown up, and BIGC has turned into a family gig.

Callie, 25, has coached in Squamish, Fernie and New Zealand, and is back, helping Brougham run the club while also attending school full-time. Brougham’s other daughter Katie, works full-time elsewhere but does some coaching too.

“I’ve had really good coaches who travel from off island to come and coach because they really like the vibe in our gym,” says Brougham. “It is a really special small-town vibe.”

In the early days Brougham juggled a job as recreation director at Vancouver Phoenix Gymnastics – with its 5,000 kids and 50 coaches and staff – and Bowen’s rag-tag club that depends on parent volunteers and coaches spending two hours a week on the laborious task of setting up and taking down the gym. Though it used to be more commonplace, BIGC is one of the last setup-take-down gyms around, something Brougham doesn’t see changing (there isn’t necessarily demand for a full-time gym.)

The BIGC kids only train twice a week, so the club’s goal isn’t to produce Olympians, it’s to have kids enjoy gymnastics. “We do have gymnasts who compete, but our atmo-

LISA BROUGHAM PHOTO

Bowen Island Gymnastics Club has programming for kids as young as one. sphere is for kids to learn good gymnastics and have fun.”

Following a year-and-a-half hiatus because of the pandemic, Brougham thought it may be time to leave the club behind, but with her daughter in town to help, she decided to keep going and classes resumed this fall.

“And holy cow has the uptake been amazing,” says Brougham. Classes filled up in a week.

These days, over the nine hours of classes every weekend, BIGC sees 86 kids between the ages of one and 14. Usually, there’d be adult classes, but those are not yet running because of COVID-19.

“It’s great to be back,” says Brougham.

“Every year you get attached to a new group of kids.”

Most of the gymnasts go on to other things, but Brougham tries to encourage them to get their coaching certification. “So many have and have coached back in our gym and then gone off to university and coached while they’re in university.”

For Brougham herself, while she’s gone on to other management jobs – ski patrol at Cypress, the kayak shop on Bowen, ski school at Whistler – Bowen gymnastics has been her constant.

“It’s just been a really special thing,” she said. “The community has always been so supportive.”

Charles McNeill on day 200 of cold water swimming.

200 days of ocean swimming and counting Last Wednesday, for the 200th day straight, Charles McNeill took to the water, overcoming his trepidation of going into the ocean.

Inspired by islanders he calls Iceman (Lieven Callewart) and Icewoman (Judith Heezen), McNeill started his daily ocean dips in April, when temperatures were 6 C or 7 C, and continued through the summer and now into fall. While travelling, he’d find another body of water so as to not break the streak – a lake in Whistler, the ocean in Tofino – or, in the case of a business trip that required flying through England, Switzerland, and Austria, finally landing in Germany just in time to take a swim before midnight, in Lake Constance. “It turns out to be much more doable than my fear would have it,” says McNeill. “It adds a little bit of adventure to the day,” he says, and adds to his connection with nature. “There’s something primordial about being in that cold water and feeling alive and connected.”

“My relationship [with the ocean] has changed,” he says, an affinity has grown. “It’s a familiarity. It’s a closeness. It’s a respect

and an appreciation.”

McNeill had tried before to do cold ocean swimming twice a month but could never stay in the water for more than 10 or 20 seconds. Callewart and Heezen taught McNeill to overcome the initial shock. “They showed me how deep breathing and screaming allows one to go through that threshold,” says McNeill. “And on the other side of that terror and pain is a deep relaxation and deep peace and an exhilaration.”

Even Tuesday morning, as McNeill was set to head to New York City, where he lived and worked before the pandemic, he was out at 6 a.m. with a flashlight and a twinge of terror to jump into the ocean beneath the stars. Whether the streak can continue until McNeill returns to Bowen next month is a bit up in the air. He still do some research to see if he can swim in the East River by his New York apartment, or if it’s a smidge too polluted. McNeill’s also headed to Glasgow for COP26 (he is senior advisor on forests and climate for the United Nations), so then there’s finding a river or lake there.

safeTALK is a half-day workshop that teaches “connector skills”, including recognizing signs, engaging a person with thoughts of suicide, and connecting them to an intervention resource for safety and further support.

November 6, 2021 12:00 – 4:30 p.m.

Light Lunch available at noon – workshop starts 12:30

(Proof of vaccination requested – masks recommended)

Cates Hill Chapel 661 Carter Road Fees: $20 Register: Email info@caringcircle.ca For information: Call Colleen at 604-947-0232

Organized by the Caring Circle and Crisis Centre of BC. Funding support by North Shore Community Foundation

A20 • Thursday, October 21, 2021

bowenislandundercurrent.com

Hidden Gems

Over two evenings last weekend, the Hearth invited a couple dozen local non-artists to paint pieces that will be displayed in the gallery next month and then silent auctioned off in a fundraiser for the arts organization. Each participant had to find a sponsor to cover their costs because, well, painting is hard and not always...attractive.

Not pictured: Undercurrent editor’s depiction of space blobs.

The show opens Nov. 11 with a Gary Ander (Basia Lieske photo) reception Nov. 13

Hal Barber and Shari Ulrich

s David Cameron (Basia Lieske photo)

Lynn Hartle Kami Kanetsuka (Basia Lieske photo)

Lynn Beattie

Louise McIntosh (Basia Lieske photo)

Nancy Lee (Basia Lieske photo)

Cpl. Adam Koehle was on duty during the event. His family also dropped by to see the fun. (Mary Lynn Machado photo)

Bill Hoopes and Scott Herrington

Yvonne McSkimming

David Wrinch

Artist Diane Buchanan mentors brother Pat Buchanan. (Basia Lieske photo)

Les Meszaros and Bill Hoopes

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Thursday, October 21, 2021 • A21

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A22 • Thursday, October 21, 2021

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2021 has been extremely busy and there are still many buyers wanting to move to Beautiful Bowen Island.

If you are interested in finding out how much your home is worth please let me know and I’ll be happy to provide a FREE MARKET ANALYSIS and give you advice on how to improve your home to be more sellable.

Wishing you a wonderful Fall season!

Our SOLDS for 2021!

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If you are thinking of selling or buying a home Call Peter or Carmen for a Complimentary Market Analysis and friendly knowledgeable advice.