GIVING ON BOWEN: Changemakers in the Community PAGES 9-11
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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2023
THE TUNSTALL TOTEM
VOL. 49 NO. 47
BIUndercurrent
Structure is back up
BowUndercurrent www.bowenislandundercurrent.com
PAGE 13
Name chosen for Cove stage EAGLES AND GATHERINGS PROVED MAJOR THEMES OF THE SEARCH ALEX KURIAL Editor
DECK THE HALLS Island crafters are out and about for the Holidays. They started the Bowen Craft Fair circuit last Saturday at the Little Red Church at Collins Hall. The entrepreneurial Islanders included artist Heather Doherty and horticulturalist Hans-Christian Behm. The Christmas Craft Fair at the Legion Hall followed on Sunday (pictures on Page 17), and this Sunday it’s the famed Community School Association Craft Fair at Bowen Island Community School starting at 10 am. / Alex Kurial photo
The new stage at the Cultural Corner will be known as the Eagle Gathering Stage. The open space located outside the Library and Hearth Gallery has already seen plenty of use since its completion last year. This includes a place for children to meet Santa Claus last December, the return of the Green Man Festival this spring, and the unveiling of a new carving by Bowen artist Simon Daniel James in the summer. It was that carving which ultimately ended up inspiring the name, a task both the Library and Hearth Boards have been working on for the past few months. Members of each group, along with chief librarian Tina Nielsen, explained how the choice came about during council Nov. 14. CONTINUED ON PAGE 7
T LDAGEN SOR’S
YE BU
1555 EAGLE CLIFF RD LISTED AT $1,320,000
3 BED | 2 1/2 BATH | 1,488 SF | 0.30 AC
RoB
ONE OF THE BEST VIEWS ON BOWEN
856 VALHALLA PLACE | OFFERED AT $2,750,000 4 BED | 3 1/2 BATH | 3,766 SF | 2-CAR GARAGE | 1.05 AC
RHODES ON BOWEN
going that extra mile www.rhodesonbowen.com
Tim Rhodes REALTOR® tim@rhodesonbowen.com 604.341.9488
LOT ZONED FOR DUPLEX | 1116 FOXGLOVE LANE OFFERED AT $500,000
Ready for pricing & permit submission. Design & Structural drwgs included Unit 1 | 1,081 sq.ft. | 2 Bed | 2 Bath • Unit 2 | 1,035 sq.ft. | 2 Bed | 2 Bath
Friday, December 1, 2023
A2 • bowenislandundercurrent.com
Seeking Public Comment TUP Renewals
Seeking Public Comment
1:00 pm on Monday, December 11, 2023 Regular Council Meeting
DVP 2023-0244 211 Highland Trail
Events All Council meetings are open to the public to attend in person or electronically, unless noted otherwise. December 6 2023 Municipal Hall CLOSED for Emergency Operations Centre simulation December 11 2023 1:00 pm Regular Council Meeting
Insurance Office at 1034 Miller Rd TUP-02-2019 Renewal
1:00 pm on Monday, December 11, 2023 Regular Council Meeting
A Temporary Use Permit renewal application has been submitted for 1034 Miller Road (shown on map) to allow for office use. The existing PROJECT DESCRIPTION: A Development Variance Permit application insurance offices on the premises have been operated for the last three has been submitted for 211 Highland Trail (shown on map) to legalize years under a Temporary Use Permit. The applicant has applied to several non-conforming accessory buildings. renew the TUP for another 3 years. The applicants wish to legalize two storage sheds and a deck constructed within a side setback area by a previous owner. The request is to reduce the minimum side setback from 3 m to 0.25 m. Staff will introduce the application to Council at the December 11, 2023 Council Meeting. At that meeting Council will decide to set a date to consider issuing the permit, or may choose to not proceed further with the application.
Jobs Cidery at 620 Laura Rd TUP-2021-0017 Renewal
Temporary On-call winter roads staff www. bowenislandmunicipality.ca/ work-with-us
MORE INFORMATION: More information available at Municipal Hall by contacting Daniel Martin, Manager of Planning and Development, by email at dmartin@bimbc.ca or by calling 604-947-4255 ext 230 between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday (closed on stat holidays) or on our website at: www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/planning-notices/
BIM has received an application to renew TUP-2021-0017 for an additional three year term. Bowen Island Council originally issued TUP-2021-0017 to Rob Purdy and Christine Hardie on March 22, 2021 for a three year term. TUP-2021-0017 permitted 620 Laura Road “cidery” as a permitted principal use, and included conditions including regulating the maximum floor area of retail space, maximum exterior patio space, maximum hours of operation, and parking requirements.
YOUR COMMENTS ARE WELCOME:
Fill the Fire Truck with new unwrapped toy donation for kids aged 0-18 years, a minimum $15 gift card or a cash donation. Drop off: Fire Hall on Miller Rd 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Mon - Fri Last day: Saturday, December 9, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm
Written submissions may be delivered to Municipal Hall before 11:00 am on Monday, December 11, 2023: by email to mayorandcouncil@bimbc.ca, in person, by mail or fax. See contact details below. To ensure a fair process, written submissions cannot be accepted after the deadline. YOUR COMMENTS ARE WELCOME: Please forward any comments or questions by email to planning@bimbc.ca or call 604-947-4255 ext 6. Verbal submissions may be made to Mayor and Council at the meeting. Questions? Please contact Daniel Martin, Manager of Planning and Development, by email at dmartin@bimbc.ca or by calling 604-947-4255 ext 230 between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday (closed on stat holidays).
Contact Bowen Island Municipality PAID ADVERTISEMENT December 1, 2023
Phone: 604-947-4255 Bowen Island Municipal Hall Fax: 604-947-0193 981 Artisan Lane Email: bim@bimbc.ca Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G2 Website: www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca
Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Monday to Friday Closed statutory holidays
MORE INFORMATION AT MUNICIPAL HALL: More information available at Municipal Hall by appointment. Please contact Planning by email at planning@bimbc.ca or by calling 604-947-4255 ext 6 between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday (closed on stat holidays) or on our website at: www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/planning-notices/
Find us on Facebook Bowen Island Municipality
Subscribe to our mailing list bowenislandmunicipality.ca/subscribe
Friday, December 1, 2023
bowenislandundercurrent.com • A3
Bowen Island Municipality Tax Sale Notice Please be advised that Bowen Island Municipality by public auction sold a property on September 25, 2023 for which Carl Martin Gilbert is the registered owner. The Collector for the Municipality has been unable to locate Carl Martin Gilbert, and hereby provides notice of the September 25th, 2023 Tax Sale of the following property pursuant to Section 657 of the Local Government Act: The Property can be redeemed by paying the amounts set out under Section 660 of the Local Government Act, which consist of the above noted Upset Price of $3,062.93 plus other applicable amounts, including daily interest, as provided for in Section 660(3) of the Local Government Act. The redemption period (i.e. the period allowed for redemption) ends September 25, 2024, which is one year from the day of the tax sale of the property. If the property is not redeemed by that date, the title to the property will transfer to the tax sale purchaser. If any person or party feels they have an interest in this property or wishes to redeem the property, please contact the Collector at the Bowen Island Municipality at finance@bimbc.ca or 1-604-947-4255 Kristen Watson, Collector Bowen Island Municipality 981 Artisan Lane, Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G2
d. posting the Notice on the Municipality’s website at www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca; e. posting the Notice on the Property; and f. mailing the Notice by regular mail to the registered owners of an adjacent property at 730 Buchanan Road, namely Edward Weismiller and Donna Mae Pringle, PO Box 112, Bowen Island, BC, V0N 1G0 and service shall be deemed to have been made on the date that the Notice is published, posted or received via regular mail, with mail deemed to be received 7 days after mailing. THE FOLLOWING PARTIES APPROVE THE FORM OF THIS ORDER AND CONSENT TO EACH OF THE ORDERS, IF ANY, THAT ARE INDICATED ABOVE AS BEING BY CONSENT:
Signature of Anthony D. Price Ò party Å lawyer for Bowen Island Municipality
By the Court Digitally signed by Iyer, J
Registrar
PAID ADVERTISEMENT
A4 • bowenislandundercurrent.com
Friday, December 1, 2023
VIEWPOINTS
EDITORIAL
Time Flies By Today (Wednesday) marks two years to the day since I hopped on the ferry to come to Bowen Island and start a new job as Editor of the Undercurrent. It was a full day - guided by former Editor Martha Perkins we visited many of the Island hot spots including the Snug Cafe where we had a chance meeting with Ron Woodall (I’ve understood most of your ~100 or so comics since I’ve been here Ron), and a trip to Endswell Farm, where nobody was home save for a pair of donkeys and a very curious cat (I would meet the whole team soon after at their Christmas Celebration, which I look forward again to this year). It has been a full two years since as well, and while I know so much more about this special island compared to November 29, 2021, there is still so much to go. As Bob Turner said last week while discussing his new film, if he is still finding new spots after 35 years, I have much more exploring ahead of me. As I drove I-90 across the States to get here, I often wondered if there would be enough news to cover on Bowen. Boy is there ever. And, as importantly, there are so many human stories here that I’ve found fascinating to learn, and make sure other people know about too. There is so much tucked away on this island, and given all that I’ve discovered in two years, it makes future prospects here very exciting. And of course a big thank you to everyone who has made me feel welcome on this little rock, starting from the very Monday I arrived and the 730 days since. It’s a wonderful community to be part of, and looking back, coming here is a choice I would absolutely make again. See you all at Light Up on Saturday! - Alex Kurial, Editor 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 Bowen Island Trunk Road, 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
National NewsMedia Council.
EDITOR Alex Kurial editor@bowenisland undercurrent.com
ADVERTISING Tracey Wait ads@bowenisland undercurrent.com
CARTOONIST Ron Woodall
PUBLISHER Matt Blair publisher@bowenisland undercurrent.com 2011 CCNA
CANADIAN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER AWARD 2011
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.
Friday, December 1, 2023
bowenislandundercurrent.com • A5
VIEWPOINTS Reader says Bowen does enough re: short-term rentals Hello Mayor and Council, I adamantly oppose any law that takes away private property rights and my right to use my property for what I see fit to do. The provincial law will not increase long-term rentals and will impose pain on people like me who might be forced to sell my house. I hope that Bowen Island Municipality does not adopt the proposed provincial law. The current regulations on Bowen do more than enough to regulate short-term rentals on Bowen. Thank you for considering my thoughts,
Meet you at the Mail
You never know who you might run into at the Post Office, especially during the busy Holiday mailing season. In this case it was a family affair as Amy Nosek bumped into her parents Jack and Julie Headley. Karen Shea from the Post Office made sure to snap a family photo. There are sure to be many more chance encounters at the depot as we roll into December.
- Andrew Schouten Editor’s Note* Learn more about the new rules for shortterm rentals at https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/short-term-rentals
The CSA Craft Fair is Here!
FAIR HAS RUN SINCE 1984
Come see what our community crafters have to offer this Sunday at the Bowen Island Community School gym from 10 am to 3 pm. Make sure to bring cash as most vendors don’t take plastic. Entry fee is by donation and you can purchase a raffle ticket for one of our three beautiful gift baskets. Happy Shopping! - Caroline Hurd Community School Association
A wide range of merchants will be heading to BICS this Sunday. NEW LISTING
1530 DOUGLAS ROAD
$1,850,000
This newly-built Bowen home sits in the midst of a welcoming west-side neighbourhood - the growing Evergreen community that was designed with peace, tranquility and sustainability in mind. Built on a flat and sunny 0.84 ac. lot, this custom home features a gorgeous chef’s kitchen, DR/LR opening out onto a partly-covered patio, and three bedrooms - including primary - above, with a 4th bedroom/office on the main floor. Lots of storage available. Heat pump for air conditioning. Outside is recently landscaped, with plenty of room for veggie gardens that enjoy all-day sun, or spaces for kids and dogs to play. Bordering trails up Mt. Gardner and down to nearby Bowen Bay Beach, and close to Riley’s Cidery, Aaron’s Field and the Bowen Island Golf Course.
FRAZER B. ELLIOTT Personal Real Estate Corporation
604.910.3401
Bowen’s Top Producing REALTOR® for 2021 & 2022* *based on reported MLS sales
felliottbowen@gmail.com | bowenhomes.ca Specializing in BOWEN ISLAND and HOWE SOUND
2020-2022
Top 10% of Realtors in the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver
A6 • bowenislandundercurrent.com
ESS & NERP teams work together to further promote Emergency Response Capability CAROLYN MCDONALD Director / Emergency Support Services Emergency Support Services (ESS) volunteers work as part of a team and receive the training necessary to assist their communities in the event of a disaster. In mid-November, Bowen Island ESS hosted three Justice Institute of BC emergency courses. Volunteers from the Neighborhood Emergency Response Program (NERP) also
took part in this training which was really appreciated by ESS. Working together, we can help ensure that people forced from their homes in an emergency receive immediate assistance and the support they require, allowing first responders to focus on the task at hand without distraction. To find out more, visit https://bowenislandmunicipality.ca/services/emergency-program/emergency-supportservices/
Friday, December 1, 2023
ESS & NERP teams collaborate during a recent joint exercise. / Submitted photo
Eat. Drink. Shop. Local.
Lights and decorations keep popping up around the Cove, so be sure to make your way down after dark one night to check them out in all their glory. And don’t miss the Light Up Bowen event taking place this Saturday night, Dec. 2. You can find all the info in our Calendar and Holiday Guide. / Alex Kurial photo
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Hearth Arts on Bowen (Bowen Island Arts Council)
Wed December 6th at 7 pm Hearth Art Gallery Review of:
Annual Report Financial Update Election of Board Directors
This year, keep your holiday activities safe, fun and local.
CEDC
Community Economic Development Committee
Friday, December 1, 2023
bowenislandundercurrent.com • A7
Stage name rooted in Island history CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
James’ piece, which he titled ‘Eagle Descending’, “told the story of a Thunderbird which showed itself in a dream to him after his grandfather passed away. The dream was about keeping going, about pursuing his dream as a carver,” recalled Hearth board member Kate Thomas-Peter of an explanation James gave for the carving. “The Eagle that he created for the stage is his representation of that dream. Simon also mentioned that the Thunderbird in his dream had come to take him home,” she added during the council meeting. James, also known as Winadzi, suggested a good name for the stage could incorporate themes of gathering, space and place, along with Eagles themselves. He added a good follow-up would be to talk to Squamish Nation to see what the translated phrase for ‘gathering place’ would be, and later add it to the stage name. The two boards also referenced a song which is well known among Bowen Island Community School members, ‘The Gathering of Eagles’, gifted to BICS music teacher Cindy Fairbank by Bob Baker of Squamish Nation. “You
might begin to hear that there’s a little bit of a theme going on,” pointed out Thomas-Peter. Discussions with the local Museum & Archives delved into the history of Indigenous Peoples on Bowen Island, along with later examples of the community gathering to complete a task, such as moving the General Store or hoisting the Totem Pole at the Bowen Island Lodge. “We’ve landed at this place where lots of different threads were coming together,” said Library board member Jeb Gutelius of the evidence their search was turning up. “It just kept coming back to this idea of gathering of Eagles and gathering of people. So we landed on the idea of
what if we name the stage Eagle Gathering Stage, first in English… and then the proper Squamish translation,” said Gutelius. Council expressed their enjoyment with both the process and final result of the name search and approved ‘Eagle Gathering Stage’ in a 4-1 vote. Coun. Judith Gedye was in opposition, having expressed the desire for more consultation with Squamish Nation before settling on a name. Councillors Alex Jurgensen and Tim Wake were away. Library and Hearth members will now discuss an equivalent Squamish name with Squamish Nation.
The Magic of Christmas COME CELEBRATE THE MAGIC LIGHTS
OF
CHRISTMAS AT ENDSWELL FARM 1461 Mount Gardner Rd | December 15, 16 & 23* | 6 - 8 pm
Visit with Santa, see over 40,000 lights, have some hot chocolate or warm apple cider, light up a sparkler, roast marshmallows on a stick and take home a box of Christmas treats made special for you by Mrs. Claus herself. Minimum donation of $25 per person or $80 for a family of four with partial proceeds going to Bowen charity FOR TICKETS OR TO GET ON THE LIST www.homefarm.ca *Dec. 23 to be confirmed
Simon Daniel James stands underneath his carving ‘Eagle Descending’ during the unveiling ceremony for the piece at the Cultural Corner stage in June. The space will now be known as the Eagle Gathering Stage. / Kathleen Ainscough photo
Please bring your own utensil or stick for marshmallow roasting
Friday, December 1, 2023
A8 • bowenislandundercurrent.com
Community Choir offers up double dose of Holiday cheer LORRAINE ASHDOWN Bowen Island Community Choir The Cove is lit up ( many thanks to Basia Lieske and her elves); the craft fairs are coming and going… Lynn Williams and her Ladies Madrigal singers have sung, and now it’s the Bowen Island Community Choir’s turn to sing! The BICC will perform two concerts on Saturday, December 9 at Cates Hill Chapel. The first is at 2 pm and the second is at 7 pm. Come and join us as we offer a varied program of classical, jazz, folk and funny songs. For over 20 years now we have been led by the stellar, patient and good humoured Ellen Macintosh. Sheilagh Sparks accompanies us on the piano with her steadfast sense
FOR SALE
of timing, rhythm and everything a choir needs to stay on task. This year, as almost always, our trusty MC is Graham Ritchie and our guest musicians are Laurie Beesting on the recorder; Julia van Walraven on violin, and Peter Clarke on cello and bass - and he has a few more percussion tricks up his sleeve. The choir has worked hard and we will be very excited to entertain you with beautiful music of the season. Come and see and hear your friends and neighbours sing their hearts out for you. It’s a guaranteed spirit lifter in these busy and unusual times. Please join us. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for seniors. They are available at Cates Pharmacy or at the door.
NEW PRICE
1178 MILLER ROAD $424,000
FOR SALE
586 COWAN ROAD $1,075,000
FOR SALE
799 HUMMINGBIRD LANE $1,299,000
Cindi Keep (left), Jane Kellett (right), and a peeking Susan Leithead get ready to sing their hearts out with the Bowen Island Community Choir. / Submitted photo FOR SALE
1105 MILLER ROAD $1,150,000
FOR SALE
407 CARDENA DRIVE $1,449,000
1609 ISLEVIEW LANE $1,799,000
SOLD
SOLD
FRANCES FROST
Personal Real Estate Corporation
RE/MAX Crest Realty - Bowen Island #3 - 479 Bowen Trunk Rd. V0N 1G1 1546 WHITESAILS ROAD $1,550,000
1504 ADAMS ROAD $1,599,000
NEW PRICE
1256 EAGLE’S NEST ROAD $1,235,000
FOR SALE
1591 EAGLECLIFF ROAD $2,315,000
Friday, December 1, 2023
bowenislandundercurrent.com • A9
Giving on Bowen
Bowen Island Community Foundation Celebrates a Year of Generosity and Impact GREG GIBSON Bowen Island Community Foundation The Bowen Island Community Foundation (BICF) serves a triple role: assisting donors in making lasting contributions, supporting charitable organizations, and addressing community needs. As we reflect on these responsibilities at the Bowen Island Community Foundation (BICF) and look back on a year marked by profound generosity and engagement from the community, we have much to celebrate. In the past fiscal year, BICF received $238,864 in donations to continue building endowments, interest on which is given back to Bowen through a combination of Community Impact Grants,
Neighbourhood Small Grants, numerous scholarships and bursaries, the Youth at Risk Fund, and the Helping Hand Fund. At the heart of BICF lies the Community Impact Fund, built through donations large and small and designed to adapt to community needs as they evolve. Recent grants totalling $60,000 have supported various projects, which promise to enhance community life: Bowen Island Community Centre, furnishing the Community Living Room ($9,500); The Green Man Festival, youth-led project to reinstate the festival ($2,500); Bowen Island United Church, Collins Hall improvements ($17,000); Rotary Club, greenhouse at Grafton Commons ($8,000); Bowen Health Centre, healthcare
AV equipment ($10,000); SKY (Seniors Keeping Young), vehicle rental for off-island excursions ($7,000); Bowen Birth Collective, funding for outreach and to provide access to resources ($3,500); Bowen Island Museum and Archives, exhibit by the blind for the sighted, A New Way of Seeing ($2,500). The Foundation touches and supports all aspects of life on Bowen—whether you wish to support the Community Impact Fund, the arts, education, seniors, the environment, or friends and neighbours facing difficult circumstances, we can help facilitate your investment in community. Visit bowenfoundation.com to learn more about our work and how you can take part.
LEARN MORE
Members of Seniors Keeping Young (SKY) embark on a day-trip, thanks to an accessible-vehicle rental supported through a Community Impact Grant. Trips so far have included Granville Island and the fishing village of Steveston in Richmond. / Leah Gregg photo
IN
THE
COVE
Festival of Trees
2023
All are welcome TREE
DECEMBER 2ND 5PM LIGHTING & TIPI BLESSING
DECEMBER 7TH 5PM HANUKKAH MENORAH LIGHTING
A Heartfelt Thank You for Your Generosity
We are overwhelmed with gratitude for your steadfast support of Island Pacific School’s Student Bursary Program and the Colin Ruloff Community Field House.
Thankyou to our sponsors and our BCC families SHIRÀT
HAYÀM
A10 • bowenislandundercurrent.com
Friday, December 1, 2023
Giving on Bowen
Gratitude in Action: A Heartfelt Thank You for Your Generosity
CASEY JAMES Island Pacific School
As we reflect on the incredible generosity over the past year, we are overwhelmed with gratitude for your steadfast support of Island Pacific School’s Student Bursary Program and the Colin Ruloff Community Field House. The Colin Ruloff Community Field House ensures that our students and the wider community have a dedicated space for physical activity, community events, and shared experiences. This facility stands as a beacon of collaboration and unity, made possible by your commitment to enhancing the overall well-being of our school community. Your role in this journey is invaluable, and we are honoured to have you as a vital member of the Island Pacific School family.
Wishing you a season filled with light and hope! If what we do speaks to your heart, there are many ways to give...
Share the Spirit of Giving with those in need in our community Donations to the Bowen Christmas Hamper Drive can be made to PO BOX 19 Bowen Island BC V0N1G0 or by etransfer to bowenchristmashamper@gmail.com TAX RECEIPTS will be issued. If you or anyone you know needs assistance please call Pernille Nielsen at 604-947-2210 or Linda Pfieff at 604-947-2210 Confidentiality assured.
Friday, December 1, 2023
bowenislandundercurrent.com • A11
Giving on Bowen
Rotary’s History of Service LYNN KRUKOWSKI Bowen Island Rotary Club Why did I join the Bowen Island Rotary Club? I liked the way they respectfully said thank you to each member to recognize the generous volunteering and community services contributed. Their motto is: Service Above Self. They actively look for ways to help, in any way possible, to improve the quality of life on Bowen Island. Be it trying to make citizens safe at night by purchasing and giving away free wearable reflectors; by selling reflective double-sided street address signs that help emergency services locate their homes quickly day or night; by coordinating neighbourhoods to contribute financially toward and then, setting up Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in their areas. By building a Cove water fountain bottle refill station; by looking for local group projects
that need support, and fundraising with them (Recycling Depot tent, Grafton Community Garden Sheds and Greenhouse, Bowen Island Community School Outdoor School); by inviting guest speakers and Bowen Islanders to their meetings to showcase Rotary values of ‘working with integrity and contributing their expertise to the problems and needs of society’, such as environmental and health issues. I also like that Bowen Rotary not only serves local public interests on our island but through Rotary International we endeavour to promote peace and understanding globally in a non-political fashion by sponsoring and volunteering on international projects, often with partners from abroad. We have supported projects in Mexico; the Run for Rwanda; PolioPlus; and Beautiful Gate orphanage in Lesotho with the PEKA project. I enjoy the fellowship and potlucks too. To learn more be sure to check out our website at bowenrotary.com
Wildlife Club gives back to People and Environment TIM PARDEE Bowen Island Fish & Wildlife Club The Bowen Island Fish & Wildlife Club (BIFWC) is a Non-Profit Society formed in 1967. Our members are 100 per cent volunteers focused on operating the Terminal Creek Salmon Hatchery in Crippen Park, monitoring the health of Bowen’s salmon-bearing creeks, riparian habitat rehabilitation, and other conservation projects which impact salmon. Our Constitution Purpose also states, “To educate local school children, other volunteer organizations, residents and visitors about the importance of protecting wild salmon and
their habitat”. Last Friday Fisheries & Oceans Canada (DFO) delivered chum eggs to the hatchery and coho eggs will be delivered in January. With DFO guidance, BIFWC volunteers will monitor and care for the eggs until Coho Bon Voyage in June when the final coho fry are released into Terminal Creek by children from Bowen and the mainland. New volunteers are welcome to help in our salmon enhancement activities. Please check our website at www.bowenhatchery. org or contact timpardee@shaw.ca for details. BIFWC partners include DFO, the Pacific Salmon Foundation, the Pacific Streamkeepers Federation, and Metro Vancouver Parks.
you’re also supporting the Rotary Club of Bowen Island and
BOWEN ISLAND FOOD BANK
dozens of other worthwhile Bowen causes!
Show your generosity this December!
#CommunityGrowsHere #BetterTogether #ForBowenForEver
Donations by e-transfer: biucfoodbank@gmail.com Drop off nonperishable food donations and cash/cheques at: Collins Hall, 1122 Miller Road, Bowen Island, V0N 1G1 Times: 10 AM until 1PM Daily: Monday, December 11 until Sunday, December 17.
When you support the Bowen Island Community Foundation,
Tax Receipt for financial donations available upon request.
bowenfoundation.com
A12 • bowenislandundercurrent.com
Friday, December 1, 2023
Susan Hogan recognized with Lifetime Achievement Award ALEX KURIAL Editor Island actress Susan Hogan was honoured with the Lorena Gale Woman of Distinction Award last weekend. The award, named for Canadian actress and playwright Lorena Gale, was created by the Union of BC Performers (UBCP) following her passing in 2009. Each year it recognizes a woman in the performing arts who has worked to advance women’s issues both on-stage and in their personal lives. For Susan Hogan, whose acting resume is a sit-down read of its own, this has been a priority since she began her career decades ago. “When I first started working in film, being on set I would look out at the crew and you wouldn’t see a single woman anywhere. It was just a sea of men,” recalls Hogan. “Directors, grips, camera operators, directors of photography, anything. You wouldn’t see a woman in those positions.” Diversity and gender equality were causes Susan took up, and continues to fight for to this day. This often consists of pointing out disparities on-set, with the acting industry at-large, or even with source material itself. There is much work still to do, but she points out how far things have come since she started. “Just look at us now,” she said during her acceptance speech on Saturday, earning a standing ovation from the crowd packed into Vancouver’s Commodore Ballroom. One of her favorite memories of challenging establishment norms was during a production of Taming of the
Shrew (spoilers ahead) in Toronto. The William Shakespeare play concludes with the male lead, Petruchio, successfully convincing – through nefarious means – his wife Katherina to extol the virtues of being subservient to men. “You can see why I had trouble with that,” says Hogan. So, along with her husband and fellow actor Michael, they flipped the script and had Petruchio deliver the final speech about the joys of being tamed. Susan says the resulting audience conversations about topics such as sexism and the patriarchy made her feel that the switch had a positive impact regarding these issues. Even with her decades of work, Hogan was still in shock when she received the email with the news in the fall. “I kept going back to my laptop and reading it again, walking around the room again, then going back and reading it again. I walked around my living room about 100 times,” she says. But, via confirmation with a call to UBCP the next day, Susan found out it was indeed real. “I couldn’t grasp it, the size of what this felt like to me. To even be considered for something like this, I’m just so honoured and so grateful,” she said. Susan chose Anne Wheeler, an award-winning B.C. director she’s worked on past projects with, to give her introduction speech. Wheeler actually had a trip planned to Mexico during Nov. 25, but delayed her travels to be there for Susan’s big moment. Then it was up to Hogan to write a speech of her own. Susan says she finds it hard to talk about herself, especially to a large crowd, but over the course of a few weeks she found a shape for her talk, including stories about
Susan Hogan was honoured with the Lorena Gale Woman of Distinction Award. / Submitted photo her acting history, her focus on gender equality, and her family too. Finally the speech was finished – but while previewing it UBCP said it would run too far over the allotted five minutes. Her son Gabriel, along with her good friend who had flown in from the Maritimes, each had the same advice for her: “Don’t change a single thing.” They explained that you can’t fit a lifetime of achievement into five minutes. So Susan went for 10 on award night, and did not find herself played off the stage before she’d completed it all. Hogan says it was a night she’ll never forget, made perfect by the fact her entire family – husband Michael, and children Gabriel, Jennie, and Charlie – were all able to be in attendance, along with many friends. “It was a pretty extraordinary night, like no other,” says Susan.
FREYA Meet Freya a beautiful Maine Coon. Freya came in recently for her kitten exam and to get her wellness vaccines. Freya also came in for her flea and tick prevention it is important to remember your furry friend can still get fleas and ticks because our area does not get cold enough to stop their activity.
REGULAR HOURS
Mon-Fri 9-5
CONTACT
Closed Sat & Sun
reception@bowenvet.com
3-4PM Saturday Dec. 2nd | Collins Hall A monthly open house sponsored by Judi Gedye, BIM councillor and Islands Trustee.
604.947.9247
Friday, December 1, 2023
Small Grants Spark Unity among Neighbours through Collective Projects GREG GIBSON Bowen Island Community Foundation
A Neighbourhood Small Grant from the Bowen Island Community Foundation was all that was needed to get Rafal Izdebski’s big idea off the ground — and to get the cedar sculpture at Tunstall Bay standing upright again. For more than five decades, the Tunstall “Totem,” as many locals know it, had been perched on a bluff overlooking the beach. Not a traditional First Nations totem at all, but in fact a former prop from the 1966 film The Trap, filmed locally, the sculpture was nearly blown over by a powerful windstorm last November and significant rot at the base was revealed. Motivated to preserve this cherished local landmark, Rafal applied for a Small Grant to pay for tools and materials and teamed up with volunteers Adam Taylor, Galen Evans, and Iishan Cruz to restore
the piece, which is now securely re-installed and welcoming visitors to the bay once again. This year, the Community Foundation funded seven diverse initiatives that brought neighbours together for a common good. The impact of Small Grants (up to $500) is diverse and far-reaching, including a butterflyway at Josephine Lake; regenerative community gardening for seniors; an Eaglecliff neighbourhood beach party; a Little Free Library in Miller’s Landing; enhancement of the bus shelter in the Bishop’s Hill community; a spa night with an offers-and-needs market for moms; and, of course, restoration of the Tunstall Bay sculpture. Your monthly or one-time gift to the Bowen Island Community Foundation supports Neighbourhood Small Grants so community members can put their ideas into action, making Bowen neighbourhoods better places to live. Visit bowenfoundation.com to learn more about giving.
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bowenislandundercurrent.com • A13
Before & after shots of the Tunstall Totem restoration. / Rafal Izdebski photos
Friday, December 1, 2023
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SAT DECEMBER 2nd at 6 pm GATHER on Docs’ Boardwalk Carol singing with the Christmas Story presented by Cates Hill Chapel LIGHTING of the FESTIVAL of TREES
VIST WITH SAnTA & his North Pole friends Bring a lantern & join us
SANTA PARTY At the HEARTH
Everyone Welcome! Sit with Santa, enjoy mulled wine & cider, treats and kids can decorate a sugar cookie!
Thank you to all those
who helped us decorate the cove & provide for this annual celebration
Merry Christmas
MARIE NEYS FINE
Friday, December 1, 2023
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Irene Howard’s impact on history of Bowen and beyond ROD MICKLEBURGH Contributor There was a time not so long ago when you couldn’t visit someone’s home on Bowen without seeing Irene Howard’s landmark history of the island displayed prominently on a sidetable. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the publication of Bowen Island 1872-1972. Commissioned by the Bowen Island Historians, with its evocative front page photo of an old Union Steamship, the book quickly went into a second, then a third printing, then a fourth, and copies are still available at the local museum. Irene Howard died last month, just short of her 101st birthday, ending a remarkable life that took her from a hardscrabble childhood as the only daughter among the five kids of a peripatetic, immigrant miner to a respected career as an academic and published historian. At an early age, she had been shooed away to the kitchen, as her mother Ingeborg Nelson breathed her last on the living room sofa, worn out from the hardship of raising a perpetually cash-strapped family always on the move. Howard’s moving memoir, Gold Dust On His Shirt, is a vivid account of her family’s working class struggles, skillfully woven with events of the time. In addition to numerous historical articles, she published two other books: Vancouver’s Svenskar, a history of the city’s Swedish community, and The Struggle for Social Justice in British Columbia: Helena Gutteridge, the Unknown
Reformer, the definitive, prize-winning biography of Vancouver’s first woman councillor, who spearheaded myriad progressive causes during the early decades of the 20th century. But for local residents, Howard’s legacy lies with her detailed history of Bowen Island, which is a story in itself. Back in the 1960s, longtime islanders Katie and Dick Carter noted the passing of an increasing number of Bowen pioneers. Not wanting their stories to be lost, they marked Canada’s 1967 Centennial by forming Bowen Island Historians, a grassroots group dedicated to researching and preserving the island’s history. Out of this emerged the bold decision to commission Irene Howard to write a book detailing Bowen’s first 100 years. Amplifying the work the amateur historians had already done, Howard combed historical records, sifted through old family letters, verified island anecdotes, and interviewed numerous old-timers to produce what Vancouver Province reviewer Alan Jessup called “a fine and substantial record of the island, its pioneers and some who still make their homes there.” As an aside, coming across a copy of Howard’s history by chance, Filipino journalist and radio host Joseph Lopez noticed a mention on Page 36 of Filipino Ben Flores living on Bowen in 1898. Intrigued, Lopez researched Flores’ life, eventually producing a four-part radio series on the province’s first Filipino immigrant. Author, historian, progressive intellect and feminist, Irene Howard is survived by her son Steven (Louise), and grandchildren Katie and Nick.
ARTISTS CALL Here's Bowen Arts Tour 2024 is seeking Bowen Artists to showcase their works May 25th & 26th, 2024
Irene Howard on her 97th birthday in 2019. / Submitted photo
RIVENDELL OPEN HOUSE Sunday, December 3 2:30 – 5:30 pm 600 Rivendell Dr. The top of Cates Hill
No studio? No problem! We have secured 15 Art Hubs set up at key locations including Bowen Golf, Riley's Cidery, Bowen Cider House, The Hearth, Artist Studios, along with Art Enthusiasts Homes & our Galleries. Join over 55 artists in displaying and selling your art to Locals and Visitors Painters, sculptors, photographers, ceramic artists, jewellery artists, fiber artists, etc- we want to feature ALL of you! & your work at this exciting 2-day event. Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity to share your creativity with the world! Register today: bowenartstour.com/pages/artist-registration For further info contact: Marie Neys & Liz Nankin Co - chairs of the Bowen Arts Tour Bowenartstour.com Bowenartstour@gmail.com
Celebrating the Season Sharing some Celtic Christmas Traditions Sunday, December 3 - 2:30 – 5:30 pm Gathering around the tree at 4 pm WE LOOK FORWARD TO WELCOMING YOU
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Friday, December 1, 2023
CALENDAR
Everyone 55+ welcome. Thursday, December 7 Hanukkah Menorah Lighting Come and join Bowen’s Jewish Community to light the first candle at the start of Hanukkah. Gather at 5 pm at the Driftwood Menorah in Snug Cove’s Festival of Trees. Music and refreshments to accompany the candle lighting. Saturday, December 9 Community Choir Concerts Join the Bowen Island Community Choir for a pair of concerts at 2 pm and 7 pm. Tickets $25 for adults and $15 for seniors at Cates Pharmacy or at the door. More on Page 8. Saturday, December 9 Danish Julefest Dinner $75 Family Style and $25 Cider Pairings. Tickets at Meadowbrook Market or Bowen Cider House. 6 to 10 pm. Saturday, December 9 Martinis with Santa The annual festive event featuring live music and the Jolly Old Elf himself. Doc Morgan’s from 8 to 11 pm, adults only. Sunday, December 10 Knick Knack Nook Children’s Shopping Day An event for children ages 3 to 12 to choose gifts for their families. More info at knicknackknook.org Sunday, December 10 A Christmas Carol Reading The 25th annual dramatic reading of the Charles Dickens classic will be presented by Snug Cove House at Collins Hall at 7:30 pm. Marc Gawthrop will provide festive music and Tina Nielsen, Martin Clarke, Kat Stephens, & Graham Ritchie will provide the words. December 11-17 Bowen Island Food Bank Donations Show your generosity this December! Donations by e-transfer: biucfoodbank@gmail.com. Drop off nonperishable food donations and cash/cheques at: Collins Hall, 1122 Miller Road. 10 am to 1 pm until Dec. 17. Tax Receipt for financial donations available upon request. Thursday, December 14 Movie Night at the Library 23 Décembre / Two Days Before Christmas (2022). Come a little early and grab a comfy chair — film starts promptly
Saturday, December 2 French Connections at the Library Drop in and join us to practice your conversational French, and get to know other French speakers on Bowen Island! The focus is on beginner and intermediate speakers, but all levels are welcome. We meet 10:30 to 11:30 am but participants are welcome to stay longer if the conversation is still rolling! bipl.ca/French Saturday, December 2 Judi Gedye Open House Come chat about all issues with Bowen Councillor Judith Gedye. 3 pm at Collins Hall Saturday, December 2 Light Up Bowen Lantern parade on the USSC Boardwalk, Cove Light Up, and party with Santa at the Hearth! Starts at 6 pm. Come early at 5 pm for the Christmas Tree Lawn light up! Sunday, December 3 Community School Association Christmas Craft Fair An Island Tradition since 1984! From 10 am to 3 pm in the Bowen Island Community School gym. The Youth Craft Fair is back this year upstairs from 10 am to Noon. Sunday, December 3 Rivendell Open House Celebrating the Season and sharing some Celtic Christmas Traditions. From 2:30 to 5:30 pm with a gathering around the tree at 4 pm. We look forward to welcoming you! Monday, December 4 SKY Stretch & Strength Morning exercises with Tanis at 9 am. Everyone 55+ welcome. Takes place at Bowen Court, 1070 Miller Road. Tuesday, December 5 SKY Musical Movement Come join Marc Gawthrop on piano at 10 am. Everyone 55+ welcome, event at Bowen Court. Thursday, December 7 SKY Sit Stand Yoga Morning yoga with Diana at Bowen Court at 10 am.
Places of Worship Welcome You BOWEN ISLAND UNITED CHURCH www.biuc.ca | 1122 Miller Road
FOOD BANK
Sunday Worship 10:30 am Rev. Lorraine Ashdown
DROP-OFF
778-688-2061
OFFICE HOURS WEDNESDAY 10-4 OR BY APPOINTMENT
ST. GERARD’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH Sunday Mass at 9.30
Contact Angela Powell 604-947-2515
CATES HILL CHAPEL
www.cateshillchapel.com 604-947-4260 (661 Carter Rd.)
Sunday Worship 10:00 Rev. Phil Adkins SHIRAT HAYAM (Song of the Sea) BOWEN’S JEWISH COMMUNITY Shabbat Gatherings ~ Holidays Contact aryana.rayne@gmail.com • www.shirathayam.ca
at 6 pm, and runs 102 minutes. Rated G. In French with English Subtitles. More info: bipl.ca/movies Saturday, December 16 Carmina Bowena Winter Concert Join Carmina Bowena for their Winter concert at Tir-nanOg Theatre at 7:30 pm. Tickets $25 at Cates Pharmacy and on our website at: carminabowena.ca Tuesday, December 19 A Child’s Christmas in Wales Annual reading with Martin Clarke and music by Bob Ducet. 7 pm at the Little Red Church. TUESDAYS Chair Yoga At Collins Hall. Drop-in from 1 to 2:15 pm. Classes are $20 or by donation. Contact Jackie Minns for more info, 604-2209092, or jackie.minns@gmail.com Bowen Bridge 1:30 to 4:30 pm at Bowen Court. Fee $5 per person per session. Your place must be arranged by email no later than 6 pm on Monday. To make your booking or to seek more information, please email bowcates04@gmail.com WEDNESDAYS Storytime at the Library A free, drop-in program of stories and songs for 2-4 yearolds and their caregivers! Runs thru Dec. 13, from 10:30 to 11 am. bipl.ca/storytime THURSDAYS Babytime at the Library A free, 1/2 hr drop-in program of songs, books, and rhymes for babies 0-18 months and their caregivers! At 11:30 am, thru Dec. 7. Join us afterwards, at 12 pm, for a casual baby & caregiver social hour in the Annex. Thursday Art Group Meetings The Thursday Art Group meets 9 am to Noon every Thursday to paint, sketch, draw and create. Always welcoming new members. More info: shannonrondeau@shaw.ca FRIDAYS Legion Dinners Dinners held every Friday except for long weekends. $13 for members and $15 for non-members. Doors open at 5:30 pm, with dinner at 6:30 pm. Tickets on-sale at Legion on Thursday afternoon, and at door Friday if not sold out.
Queen of Capilano Ferry Schedule NEW OCTOBER 10 - MARCH 31 2024 DEPART BOWEN ISLAND
DEPART HORSESHOE BAY
5:50 am 5:20 am - except Sundays 6:50 am 6:20 am 8:00 am 7:30 am 9:05 am - except Wednesdays 8:35 am 10:15 am 9:40 am 11:25 am 10:50 am 12:35 pm 12:00 pm 2:20 pm 1:10 pm 3:30 pm 2:55 pm 4:35 pm 4:00 pm - except Wednesdays 5:45 pm 5:10 pm 6:50 pm 6:15 pm 8:00 pm - except Saturdays 7:25 pm - except Saturdays 9:00 pm 8:30 pm 10:00 pm 9:30pm 10:30 pm Note: Schedules subject to change without notice Schedule changes on statutory holidays. Please check BCFERRIES.COM
Friday, December 1, 2023
bowenislandundercurrent.com • A17
Legion & Little Red Church first up
Island Craft Fairs got underway last weekend at the Little Red Church on Saturday (right) and the Legion on Sunday (below). Along with the vendors, food was a focus of each fair. Helen Wallwork made homemade chili at Collins Hall, and Melanie McCready was serving up hot dogs and burgers at the Legion. / Alex Kurial photos
Moonlight Over Mannion Bay new card design by Liz Watson
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at BICS Craft Fair Sunday Dec. 3rd Also at Cates Pharmacy & the Hearth
Friday, December 1, 2023
A18 • bowenislandundercurrent.com
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bowenislandundercurrent.com • A19
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Friday, December 1, 2023
A20 • bowenislandundercurrent.com
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