CRAFT FAIR SEASON Paul and Basia Lieske (left), proprietors of the Bowen Arrow Trading Company, operated a booth at the annual Christmas Craft Fair at the Legion on Sunday, Nov. 30. The energetic Holiday enthusiasts sell hand-crafted gifts and regular home-items like ornaments, fridge magnets and their renowned Bowen Tea Trays. The two are instrumental in our island’s Holiday celebrations, with Basia the chief organizer of Light Up Bowen, upcoming on Saturday, Dec. 6. That date also sees a Christmas Crafts Fair at the Little Red Church and The Endswell Farm Christmas Market You can see the Holiday Maker’s Guide, available throughout town, for details on other island Holiday events. Also present on Sunday was artisan Eva Inner (right) seen here beside her goods and wares with the Fair in full swing behind her. Inner creates hand-crafted items such as savoury, simple and serviceable sea-shell-shaped candles and stress-relieving Self-Care Ritual baskets. The event also included the chance for a photo op with Santa Claus. Claus and his wife, Candy, and a small group of helpers and staff had only just arrived from their home in the North Pole to kick off the Christmas season here on Bowen. / Marcus Hondro photos
Can we believe it’s suddenly December and the Cove is sparkling with reindeer and angels, and You Know Who is coming this weekend for Light Up!
Feel the full glow of the festive season in full swing! The Bowen Island Community Choir has been working hard to polish their program of seasonal music, so get ready, save the date, and be sure not to miss the annual Christmas choral concert happening on Saturday, December 13 at Cates Hill Chapel. You will not regret it
Guided by Ellen MacIntosh, we are putting the final touches on music from a wide spectrum of cultures and influences and we are excited to entertain you with a fabulous mix of folk, jazz, traditional and classic
tunes. Robert Frost could enter the room!
Certainly, themes of skating rinks, snow, plum puddings, whiskey and nutcrackers (although not necessarily in that order!) and a Celtic band to boot. Sheilagh Sparks accompanies us on the piano, and talented local guest musicians, such as Peter Clarke, will feature in selected songs.
Do come, and see and hear your friends and neighbours sing their hearts out for you If you weren’t in the spirit of the season yet, this will put you there! Refreshments available by donation.
The choir will perform two concerts on Saturday, December 13 at Cates Hill Chapel. The first is at 2 pm and the second is at 7:30 pm. Please join us.
Tickets are: Adults $25, Seniors and Youth (11-17) $15, Under 11 Free. They are available at Cates Pharmasave or at the door. See you there!
On November 10 the Bowen Island Memorial Garden came alive with the sounds of exuberant kids laughing and bounding down the pathway with their Grade 7 teacher in tow. The 12 Island Pacific School students got to work with enthusiasm and boundless energy. They groomed the walkways and loaded debris into wheelbarrows. Always with a smile and much laughter. They say that “many hands make light work”, you also brought joy and purpose to your work The Garden was perfectly groomed and ready for Remembrance Day Celebrations Heartfelt thanks to you all - Bowen Island Memorial Garden Society
Well folksitistime,the BICS Christmas CraftFair is this weekend and as evidenced each year this is trulythe SuperBowlof island markets.One year Ithoughtthe ferry lineup wasbackedupuntil theveryend... Turns outthat the space just becomes ade factoparking area as much of theisland headsovertothe event! So be prepared to do abit of parkinghuntingifyou’regoing toheadby.
Don’t forgettwo other craft fairstheday before, at Endswell Farm andthe Little RedChurch. They help make up abusy schedule whichculminates in theLight Up Bowenfestivities startingat5:30 pm atthe Marina.Carolingwilltakeplace prior to the SantaParade whereSaint Nick will make his wayovertotheSp’ákw’us GatheringStage to meetthe young(and theyoung at heart) to hear their Christmas wishes.WordisSanta hasbeenbolstered by ajollyimpressiveappearance at the Legion last weekend wherehemet many localpeople and pets
Earlier in the dayour cityhas achampionship on the line as the Vancouver WhitecapsplayLionel Messiand Inter Miami for the MLSCup.We’ve hadavery excitingrun to the final so farand agreat seasonwhichevenincludedawin over Miami in April. If the Whitecapscan pull this off they’ll join the Vancouver Rise as champions of the Canadian soccerscene after the women’steamwon theNorthern SuperLeaguelastmonth.Add in theWorld Cupnextyear, and it’s averyexcitingtime for Vancouver soccer fans! Saturday’s Vancouver vs.Miami title game starts at 11:30 am Pacific time,enjoy!
-AlexKurial, Editor
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CARTOONIST
VIEWPOINTS
Letter: Remaining Informed and Vigilant
SAM KNOWLES Letter Writer
What do you think of when you hear the term “child sex trafficking”? I suspect many imagine mostly girls and young women being abducted, held against their will, smuggled away from home.
This is partly true, but the bigger picture involves more insidious and revolting realities that could be happening within your own home or neighbour’s without you realising it. Boys are now making up a growing number of victims too due to the popularity of online gaming sites.
Last month, the Bowen Island Rotary Club hosted Cathy Peters (former Islander) who presented her work aimed at educating the public, police, politicians, and many other groups Cathy has been recognized with many notable and distinguished awards for her work.
From Cathy’s material: “Human trafficking is the recruiting, transporting, transferring, receiving, holding, concealing, harbouring or exercising control over a person for the purpose of sexual exploitation and in conjunction with prostitution, is the fastest growing crime in the world”.
We were surprised and shocked at the statistics and facts. Awareness is everything. Cathy has a fantastic website and resources to share. Her new book “Child Sex Trafficking in Canada - and How to Stop It” is a very readable accounting of indi-
vidual survivor stories, alongside her experiences with all the stakeholders that her advocacy work brings her in touch with, and the steps both communities, schools and families can take alongside legislation to change the monumental tide that this horrific industry is causing.
The global sex trade is growing fast, targeting children and fuelled by the internet where most of the luring is taking place. One of our RCMP officers was in attendance and it gladened my heart to see him there.
Thank you Rotary Club for hosting. I hope our local schools can all benefit from Cathy’s work. In my ideal world I would love to see her invited to talk to staff, parents and school boards/PAC, and/ or a presentation to the age appropriate children of our three middle schools. She has materials to share and her book is available at the Bowen Island Public Library.
Sexual exploitation is ruining lives. We need to see it to stop it. Knowing how to spot the indicators when someone is lured and victimized is crucial. Understanding who the traffickers are, who the buyers are, what is needed to stop these crimes and what part pornography and social media are playing is vital.
Cathy’s website is BeAmazingCampaign.org
- Sam Knowles
Letter: Disapproval of Canadian Government’s climate policy rollbacks
ANTON VAN WALRAVEN Letter Writer
To Patrick Wieler, MP West Vancouver - Sunshine Coast - Sea to Sky Country,
I am writing to share our deep concern with the climate policy roll backs of the Canadian Government, and its doubling down on further expanding fossil fuel production and exports.
The ill-conceived idea of another oil pipeline to the BC coast is neither up for discussion nor consideration. And as you know, I stand against any building of LNG processing and export plants. We must invest in renewables yesterday. Wasting taxpayers dollars on fossil fuel subsidies and approvals is simply ludicrous if not criminally irresponsible at this point in time.
For that matter, I have a hard time comprehending in what world some members of the Canadian government think they are living in. Are
they living on Mars? At times, if feels like it.
As the Member of Parliament for our riding, you’ve been a leader when it comes to climate issues, seeing through that legislation was passed to end industry green-washing of their products and services, and furthering wilderness protection in and outside our riding. It is the reason why I suggested those who asked me in the last federal election to vote for you, not so much the Liberal Party, but for you as you have been a good MP.
I have no doubt you are equally disturbed by what PM Carney and the Liberal Party are pushing through, and I therefore ask you to publicly distance yourself from these policies, and ask you to consider becoming an independent Member of Parliament. I will back you when you make that decision to do so.
Looking forward to your early reply, I remain.
Kind regards, - Anton van Walraven
The Cape Roger Curtis Lighthouse on a late November morning. / Ron Paley photo
LesCornell retiringfromBICS
Leshas been the devotedBowen Island CommunitySchoolcustodian since1999. He hasalwaysbeentherewhenthereis a problem- bigorsmall. Staff andstudents of BICS couldall tell youone timeLes has helped them out.
He is alsoanaccomplishedguitar player who hasbeenknown to join in theschool concertonce or twice impressing thechil-
dren.Hehas awealth of knowledge of theschool’shistory,aswell as awealthof knowledgeofmusic history! Thankyou,Les,fromall of us for your dedicationtokeepingour school cleanand safe alltheseyears.Weappreciateyou!
CATES HILL CHAPEL www.cateshillchapel.com 604-947-4260 (661 Carter Rd.)
SHIRATHAYAM (Songofthe Sea)
BOWEN’S JEWISHCOMMUNITY
Shabbat Gatherings~ Holidays
Contact aryana.rayne@gmail.com •www.shirathayam.ca FOOD BANK DROP-OFF Sunday Worship10:00 SundayMass at 10:00
DEPART BOWENISLAND 5:15 am -exceptSundays 6:15 am 7:30 am 8:45 am 10:00am 11:15am 12:35pm 1:55 pm 3:15 pm 4:40 pm -exceptWednesdays 6:00 pm 7:15 pm 8:25 pm -exceptSaturdays 9:30 pm 10:30pm 11:30pm DEPART HORSESHOEBAY 5:45 am 6:50 am 8:05 am 9:20 am -exceptWednesdays 10:35am 11:55am 1:10 pm 2:35 pm 3:55 pm 5:20 pm 6:35 pm 7:50 pm 8:55 pm -exceptSaturdays 10:00 pm 11:00 pm QUEEN OF CAPILANO FERRY
Where’sthe ferry rightnow?- liveupdatesatwww.bowenferry.ca Schedule changesonstatutory holidays. Stay up to date at www.bcferries.com
NERP hosts Emergency Program gathering
EDWARD WACHTMAN
Neighbourhood Emergency Response Program
On Saturday, the Neighbourhood Emergency Response Program (NERP) hosted a meeting, bringing together NERP volunteers and members of Emergency Support Services (ESS). One of the key objectives was identifying how NERP volunteers might support the municipality’s overall Emergency Program.
Mayor Andrew Leonard opened the meeting by highlighting the importance of community volunteers in ensuring Bowen Island is prepared in the event of a major emergency.
Tess Taylor, coordinator of the municipality’s Emergency Program, presented an overview of how ESS, NERP and other components of the Emergency Program work together to assist in preparing for and responding to emergencies Taylor was also instrumental in addressing participants’ questions throughout the meeting.
Edward Wachtman, NERP’s Lead Coordinator, stressed NERP’s critical importance to Bowen’s safety and reviewed the roles and responsibilities of NERP volunteers. He was followed by Wendy Hackney, who provided an overview of ESS’ mission in supporting island residents who may be displaced or severely affected by an emergency.
Corporal Brad Savage of the RCMP and Deputy Fire Chief Ian Thompson shared their perspectives on emergency preparedness. Cpl. Savage spoke about his personal
and professional experiences with the recent large and devastating wildfires in northern B.C. The fires forced his family and hundreds of others to evacuate, while his duties required him to remain and work with firefighters and fellow RCMP officers to help contain the fires and protect local residents.
Deputy Fire Chief Thompson discussed the potential for wildfire on Bowen Island, explaining that as our local climate becomes drier, the threat of wildfire increases. When asked what residents should do in the event of an emergency, both he and Cpl. Savage emphasized the importance of following instructions from local authorities and, unless directed otherwise, staying off the roads so emergency vehicles have clear access.
Stephen Edwards, the municipality’s Fire Smart Coordinator, closed the gathering with an informative overview of the Fire Smart program. Noting that Bowen is a community with many areas of wildland/urban interface, he outlined a number of ways NERP volunteers can help their neighbourhoods reduce risk in the face of increasing wildfire threats
With roughly half of all island NERPs attending, participants exchanged ideas about how to strengthen neighbourhood resiliency and better integrate with broader emergency planning efforts on the island. The NERP leadership team were deeply gratified by the enthusiasm and engagement shown by everyone present.
Anyone interested in becoming a NERP volunteer, please contact nerp@storytellings.com
Members of NERP and ESS discuss emergency preparedness on Bowen Island. / Don Shafer photo
TheArtisan SquareHolidayMarket rode the momentum of asuccessful debut lastyear into another lively and well-attended eventlast Saturday. Vendors were posted up inside and outsideand special treatsincludedlivemusic, crêpestation and apopcornbar.The new market has quicklyestablished itselfasamust-stop on the busy Bowen holiday circuit. /AlexKurial photos
This Sundayisthe BICS Christmas CraftFair,which has runat BowenIsland CommunitySchool since1984. Theevent runs 10 am to 3pmand features artists and creators across manymediums.One of theseisIsland Pacific SchoolstudentDean Mountain who is developing hisown woodworking business centredaroundaJapanese burning techniquecalled Shou-SugiBan which enhances the wood grain and createstexture.Come seeDean on Dec. 7plusdozens more talented Islanders,and the YouthCraft Fair too!
CLIO REGULAR
Meet Clio, our charming 12-year-old Labrador who melted everyone’shearts during her visit this week. With her soft eyes, sugar-frosted face, and asprinkle ofmischief still showing on her nose, Clio is every bit as lovable as ever. In her younger days, she was alegendary escape artist—happily hopping over walls and kennel gates like it was nothing! These days she’sslowed down, but her sweet expression andadventurous spiritare still going strong.We’re sograteful to care for Clio and to celebrate the wonderful life she continues to live.
CONTACT
reception@bowenvet.com 604.947.9247
Mon-Fri 9-5
Closed Sat &Sun
Fr uit ca ke :L o ve It or Ha te It ?
On Bo we n, op inions a bou tf ru it ca ke ru na bou ta ss tr ong as th eb ra ndy it ’s soak ed in .You ei th er lo ve it —t ru ly ,m adly ,d ee pl y— or yo up olit el yp ass yo ur slic e a long to som eone who does.
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Honour ALifeceremonyoffers space forGrief& Remembrance
LORRAINE ASHDOWN
Bowen Island Threshold Singers
Theholiday season is often described as “the most wonderful time of the year.” Yetfor many, it canalsobeatime of sorrow and reflection.
Amidstthe sparkle of festive lights, grief and lossremain aquiet realityfor thoserememberingloved ones who have passed —whether recentlyoryears ago. As author Jaime Andersonreminds us,“grief is love with nowheretogo.”
On Sunday,December14at 4pmCollins Hall will hostthe annual Honour ALife ceremony, agatheringthat providesagentle space for remembrance.The event will featurereadings from diverse faith traditions,music fromthe Threshold Singers, and asymbolic
opportunitytoplace ablue ribbonona memorial tree during anoutdoorprocession in the winter night.
TheThreshold Singersare adedicated groupwho bringcomfort through song, offeringtheir voicesat bedsidesfor those whoare bereaved,undergoingtreatment, recovering from surgery, orsimplyinneedofsoothingpresence. Their music, often described as a “songbath,” or “kindnessmade audible”isintendedtoeasethe heart and spirit
This ceremonyinvites communitymembers to step away from the bustle of the season and enter a spacewherememories,tears, and tender hearts arewelcomed andhonoured
TheHonourALife Team looksforwardtosharing this meaningfultime with allwho attend.
Come jointhe carol singingatthe Live Manger Scenebehind DocMorgan’sat5:30 pm this SaturdayaspartofLightUpThe Cove.Children welcome to participateinthe sceneasangels, shepherds &sheep (costumes provided). Followed by the Holiday Parade along theboardwalk as Santatravels to the Hearth. /Sylvia Adams photo
Capturethe Spiritofthe Season with Santaat CollinsHall
As you stroll through the Cove thisweekend, enjoying allthe festive sights and activities, we invite you to stop by Collins Hall for the Little RedChurchCraft Fair on Saturday, December6.
Whileyou’rethere, step into the church where Santa Clauswillbewaitingtogreet familiesand friends.Rev Lorraine will be delightedtohelpcapture the moment with aholiday photoalongside Santa.
We’llbethere from 10 am to Noon,offeringphotos on a donationbasis.Simplyleave youremail address, and adigital copyofyourfestive photowillbesentstraighttoyou It’s awonderful waytopause duringthe holiday bustle, shareasmile with Santa, and takehomeakeepsaketotreasure.And,I must say, ourchurchislooking extremelycozy these days.Once you areinthere with me and Santa, you mightnot want to leave.
The Importance of Checking In
ALEX KURIAL Editor
A pair of sporting events over the next week aim to emphasize mental health awareness as the most important result on the field.
Island Pacific School is hosting the Smash the Halls ping pong tournament on Friday, Dec. 5 followed by an Ultimate Spirit Game - Frozen Disc-ember - on Wednesday, Dec. 10. Both are open to anyone in the community who enjoys either or both sports
While there will certainly be a healthy element of competition the games are primarily meant to highlight the vital role coaches can play not only in their players’ athletic development, but regarding their mental well-being too. To do this IPS recently partnered with the Victoria charity Buddy Check for Jesse Society. The organization was created in 2018 to honour Jesse ShortGershman who passed away due to mental health issues when he was 22-years old.
“Stu (Jesse’s dad) basically put out a call to action to all coaches - because he was a coach as well - saying hey we’re just as responsible for checking in with players mental health as anyone,” says Dylan Gromen, athletic director at IPS. Student
athletes initially began by expanding their post-game Spirit Circle to acknowledge the efforts of an opposing player.
“We would recognize somebody who went above and beyond the game to check in with our team that was a great way to connect our athletics program to something bigger than us,” says Gromen.
This fall IPS took another step forward with their partnership by beginning to wear Buddy Check’s distinctive green wristbands and bracelets to games along with talking to their competitors about the charity and its goals. “One of the things that we love so much is how receptive people are to the message and wanting to do more with it,” said Dylan, listing the school’s ultimate, soccer and volleyball teams as some of the groups who have carried that message to games and tournaments across the province this season.
Turning their attention home, Dylan explains there was a priority on hosting community events as part of the school’s ambassador work. From that focus, Smash the Halls and Frozen Disc-ember were born “It’s going to be rooted in those themes of checking in with people There’s usually a positive connotation with the holidays, and that is true I think for a lot of families and a lot of people. But it’s not for everybody.”
“So making sure that no matter what your holiday situation is, that you’re seen and you’re heard and that everyone knows their presence is valued and they matter,” says Gromen on the overall goal of the games.
Smash the Halls had around 30 competitors signed up earlier this week, with registration open even up through drop-in spots on Friday The event runs from 3:30 to 6:30 pm at Island Pacific School or the neighbouring Cates Hill Chapel (depending where the ping pong tables will best fit). The $10 entry fee includes a minimum of five games along with drinks and snacks.
Next Wednesday action will shift to the Bowen Island Community School field as a free open-invitation ultimate game takes
place for all ages The glowing disc will be out in recognition of the lack of light during the 3 to 5:30 pm activity, and players are encouraged to wear neon or other bright colours to boost the vibes while also aiding the ability to see each other.
In addition to seasonal spirit-boosting, the events will also highlight the efforts of the Buddy Check for Jesse program to participants “We’re always sharing that message, handing out swag, giving opportunities to break down the invisible barriers that exist. Because that’s how it started with us originally wanting to do more with it - our kids seeing the value of checking in with people because they feel the value of people checking in with them,” says Gromen.
Dylan Gromen and members of the IPS Junior Soccer team wearing Buddy Check for Jesse wristbands during a game this season. / Submitted photo
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
December 1toDecember6
Food Bank Drive
Hosted by BowenBuildingCentre. Bring adonation for BowenFood Bank &get 5% off BuildingCentrepurchase. Friday,December5
Festival of TreesDecorating Party
Join FamilyPlace for hot chocolate, cookiesand decoratingfun! 1to3pmatthe Marina Grassy Area in theCove. Friday,December5
ANight at theMovies
WhiteChristmas at the BowenTheatre. Getintothe holidayspirit with this belovedmusical classic! Starts 6:30 pm
December 5toDecember24
Art Market at theHearth
The6th annual DecemberArt Market at the Hearth Gallery. Handcrafted creations andgift items from localartists.Visit hearth.catofind outmore.
Saturday, December 6
Little RedChurch CraftFair
Annual ChristmasCraft Fair at BowenIslandUnited Church featuringlocal artisans andfestive treats.From10 am to 2pm, photos with Santauntil Noon.
Saturday, December 6
HolidayBookSale at theLibrary
Come to the Friends of theBowen Island LibrarySociety’s Holiday Book Sale! All funds raised supportthe Bowen Island Library. From 10 am to 2pm.
Saturday, December 6
Men’sShedHoliday Gathering
All ages of men welcome.Complimentarycoffee/tea, snacks and greatcompany!Thismeetupisour holiday gath-
ering. Island PacificSchoolfrom10:30 am to Noon
Saturday,December6
Endswell Farm Christmas Market
Localartisans,handmade crafts,deliciousbites,farm stand, hot apple cider and farmtours!From11amto4 pm
Saturday, December 6
Judi GedyeOpenHouse
Come chat with Bowencouncillor JudithGedye at Collins Hall.3 to 4pm, specialRCMPmeetand greet.
Saturday,December6
Light Up BowenFestivities
Theevent getsunderwayat5:30 pm with carolsinging and alivenativityscene performedbyCates Hill Chapel members, abovethe Union Steamship Marina boardwalk on the smalllawn. Followed by theSanta Parade on theboardwalk,along with letters to Santa, cookie decorating, Festival of Trees, and aparty withSanta at theHearth!
Sunday,December7
BICS PACChristmas CraftFair
An Island Tradition since1984! At BowenIsland CommunitySchoolfrom10amto3pm, with theYouth Craft Fair upstairsinthe multi-purposeroom. Featuringpop-up performances by CarminaBowenaRenaissance choir.
Sunday,December7
‘A ChristmasCarol’Reading
Kick offChristmas with Scrooge, Tiny Timand the Cratchit family, assorted ghosts,TinaNielsen, Martin Clarke, Kat Stephens,GrahamRitchie &Marc Gawthrop!7:30 pm at CollinsHall,tickets $30 cash or cheque atCates Pharmasave Fundraiser for Snug Cove HouseSociety.
Monday,December8
Rotary SpeakerSeries
TheRotaryClub hasinvited ourmayor Andrew Leonard to be ourspeaker.Everyonewho wouldliketospend time with himiswelcome to join us at 7:30 pm at ArtisanEats.
Tuesday, December 9
Speakthe Spark
Anight of Storytelling on Bowen. Come listen to your neighborstelltruestories from their lives. Theevent is by donation. Starts 7pmatthe BowenLibraryAnnex.
Thursday, December 11
ArtsonBowen AGM
BowenIsland Arts CouncilAnnual General Meetingat7 pm at the Hearth Gallery. Everyone welcometoattend
Saturday, December 13
Community Choir ChristmasConcert
‘Come AllYe’ to the BowenIsland Community Choir’s seasonal concerts at CatesHillChapelat2and 7:30 pm.Find ticketdetails and moreinfo on Page 3.
Saturday, December 13
Martinis with Santa Theannual festiveevent at DocMorgan’s. Live musicand the jollyold elfhimself! From 7to10pm, adult event.
Sunday, December 14
Children’s Shopping Dayatthe Nook
A dayfor children to shop forspecial giftsontheir own. From Noon to 2pmatthe KnickKnack Nook forages3-12 More info at knicknackknook.org
Sunday, December 14
Honour ALife Ceremony
Interfaithgatheringofsongs,sacredreadingsand poetry to honour thosewe’ve lovedand lost.FulldetailsPage12.
