HAPPY BIRTHDAY RON! Bowen Island legend Ron Woodall celebrated his 90th Brithday on Saturday with a party at the Community Centre. In addition to his family - including daughter Jamie and wife Heather - Ron was joined by many friends and community members who came to celebrate this very special member of Bowen life. Check out more photos from the party on Page 5! / Charles McNeill photo
ALEX KURIAL Editor
The municipality will explore stronger measures to fight invasive species on the island.
The direction comes in part due to the rapid growth of certain invasive plants in the southern region of the island. Residents of the Cowan Point Drive, Seymour Bay Drive and Golf Course areas recently wrote to the municipality (BIM) asking if more could be done to prevent the spread of species such as gorse, scotch broom and euphorbia, particularly on private land.
Manager of environment and parks planning Carla Skuce explained BIM has waged a fairly successful campaign against gorse on their own land to the point where its presence is manageable. But, she added that reduction or elimination of gorse on private properties remains a large issue.
Skuce explained there is little BIM can do to force property owners to deal with invasive species. Potential options for changing this include requiring a plan to control invasive species as a condition of approving certain permits, such as rezoning, developments or subdivisions. Such a plan could also be included in site alteration permits for largescale development projects.
These ideas for enforcement will be discussed at a future Strategic Initiative Review session The environment manager added that in the meantime BIM supports groups or volunteers who organize invasive species cleanups of their own, including the use of tools and assistance with disposal of the flora once collected.
Council thanked the letter writers for bringing the invasive species issue to attention. “The concerns are real and I’m really glad that they’re expressing their concerns to the municipality,” said Coun. Sue Ellen Fast.
“I think that prevention and involving private property owners and trying to limit and control the gorse would be the best solution,” said Coun. Judith Gedye, adding she also supported educational programs and cleanups while BIM works on expanding their bylaws on the matter.
East Van Sax Quartet returns for Garden Encore
JACQUELINE MASSEY Contributor
Following a well-received concert last August, the East Van Sax Quartet returns to Bowen Island on Sunday, July 20, for an encore performance at the outdoor amphitheatre in the resplendent gardens of David and Aubin van Berckel
Group leader and soprano saxophonist Mike Spindloe recalls, “The weather was a bit iffy last year when we performed, but in the end the sun came out and treated us with a perfect warm late afternoon. The audience response was fantastic; David and Aubin immediately invited us back, and we’ve been looking forward to it ever since.”
The group’s playbook includes classical and jazz selections arranged for the quartet format along with contemporary pop, tango and even progressive rock.
“The main criteria for choosing a piece is do we think it’s a great piece of music, and can we come up with an arrangement if there isn’t one that exists already,” says Mike. “Some of it is pretty challenging, but being a bit out there on the edge keeps us on our toes!”
CONTINUED ON PAGE 6
Full-time (37.5hrs perweek) & permanent unionized position
Startsat$30.42/hr at Step 1& $33.77/hr at Step 2 Full benefits after3 months of employment No commuting off-Island! EnjoySpringbreak, Winter break, &Summerbreak off!
Please reachout to hr@wvschools.ca forany questions.
Volunteer cleanups are a big help in controlling invasive species. This one by the Bowen Island Weed Warriors and Crippen Park Stewardship Group in 2021 took on an explosion of scotch broom. / Moira Greavan photo
VIEWPOINTS
Here’s to Ron!
It wasa greatpleasurebeingable to join in the festivities for ourintrepid cartoonistRon Woodall last weekend. My firstday on thejob at the end of 2021 waswhen Ifirst met Ron, and in fact he wasthe first person Iwas introduced toduringmytourofSnugCovewithMartha Perkins.Wewenttothe Snug Café andsitting rightthere, as Martha pointedout,was Ron. We all chattedand Iquicklylearned that in additiontobeingthe Undercurrentcartoonist, Ronhad left his imprintonmanylivesthrough manydifferentmeans,beithis toons, art, marketingwork, or mostimportantly by gettingto knowyou and havingaconversation.
Many people in life arehighlysuccessful professionally, buttheir personal livesare another story. Seeingthe turnout for Ron’sbirthdayparty tells me he is rich in both regards; the chair nexttohim wasbarely emptyfor a momentbeforeanew person came to sitdown, celebrate, and chat. HappyBirthdayRon,it’s been apleasureworking with youeachweek! (Even if some of your toons fly over my head!)
-AlexKurial, Editor
This Week’s Toon
Vlad “The Impaler Week”seemedthe ideal eventtofill the midsummer gap. Alakeside venuewas chosen and theMuniacquireda state-of-the-artpointy stickmakingmachine. Unforeseenwas the total lack of volunteers, so the eventwas neverheld. Happily,the infrastructureremained, mainlybecause the pointy stickshad been installedwith gorillaglue.It wassoonnamedaUNESCOPhoto Spot,one of only11places on Earth where-ifyou point your phone -itwill giveyou aphotographic masterpiece.
-Ron Woodall, Cartoonist
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ACommunityBirthday!
RonWoodall’s90th Birthday celebration lastSaturdaygenerated plenty of community interest,with scoresofIslanders showingupthroughout the afternoon to wish himwell,look over someofhis many contributionstoBowen lifeand beyond over the decades,and reminisceongood times.(Charles McNeillphoto,above). Therewas no shortage of family present, including Ron’sson Adam who many locals know forhis musical performances (DarrylDeegan photo, below).Ron’s birthday festivities also included awell-earned dessert platterw/friends on the DocMorgan’s patio(Jamie Woodall photo, left).
Jude Neale BlackPace Book andCDLaunch
Join Jude Neale, Mwayi Mphandeand ShaelWrinch (Black Pace andthe Kuluma BongoBand) foranafternoon of evocativepoetryand originalmusic as they jointly celebratethe releaseoftheir latest creative projects: “GatheredinPockets” and “HIDE” Free admission
Places of Worship WelcomeYou
BOWEN ISLAND UNITED CHURCH
www.biuc.ca |1122 Miller Road 778-688-2061 OFFICE HOURS WEDNESDAY10-4ORBYAPPOINTMENT
16 year old Izzy is shifting from arobust life chasing dogs and cats off her land to aquieter senior existence. She can still run agood house; she knows when her owners shouldget up, what times, and what, to feed, when to provide sinkwater.Her lap, or bed, choices are sometimesbased on recent owner service provision. Izzy has been helpedalong the way inher olderyears with special meds, foods, examinations, by Dr.Midge. She’samost wonderful part of herowner’sdays!
SaxPerformanceinthe Garden
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3
The groupisrounded outbyDaniel Seguin(alto), Greg Kennedy (tenor)and Topher Johnson (baritone).
“We’re four very different personalities,” Mike says, “but everyone bringstheir ownconsiderable experience and sound to it, and as agroup, Ithinkwejust keep getting better. We’vebeen working on a lotofnew repertoire since last summer andare excited about presentingitfor the
first time.”
Thegardens will open at 6:30pm, and the concert will begin at 7pmand run forapproximately75minutes. The ground at thevenue is naturally somewhat uneven, sosturdy shoes are recommended. Attendees are invited to bring along alawn chair or blanket for comfortable seating.
Tickets are limitedand can be found onlineatbrownpapertickets.com
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 10:00pm 11:00pm QUEEN OF CAPILANO FERRY
Where’s theferry rightnow?- liveupdatesatwww.bowenferry.ca Schedule changesonstatutory holidays. Stay up to date at www.bcferries.com
Artist & Q A
Bowen author and poet Jude Neale is set to release her new book, Gathered in Pockets, later this month. She answered some questions about the work of poetry, as well as her writing process in general. Jude will debut her work at a book launch later in the month, where she’ll be joined by Mwayi Mphande and Shael Wrinch of Black Pace and the Kuluma Bongo Band who will be debuting their new CD entitled Hide You can find details on the July 20 event on Page 16 in the calendar.
Q: What can readers expect to experience while reading Gathered in Pockets, and what inspired the stories in the book?
A: The themes of Gathered in Pockets are deeply human, rooted in emotional truth, memory, and survival. This collection bears witness to personal and inherited trauma, but also to resilience, tenderness, and light. The poems move through the lingering effects of abuse, familial estrangement, and mental illness, often balancing those shadows with moments of grace, kinship, and revelation.
Q: Can you talk about your writing style?
My writing style is lyrical and emotionally intimate. I work with distilled language and layered imagery, often drawing from memory, silence, and the body’s quiet truths. I try to leave space for the unsaid, letting a single gesture or object carry the weight of a story. Nature, loss, and resilience frequently appear in my poems, not as themes to resolve, but as companions. I’m drawn to the silences between people— the things we carry but do not see.
Q: You mentioned you have other projects underway, can you give us an idea of which topics or ideas you are aiming to explore in the future?
I’m currently working on a lyrical prose narrative based on my father’s WWII diary. He served on HMCS Sioux, and I’m exploring his experiences during missions like D-Day and Murmansk, weaving in memory, silence, and the legacy of war. I’m also developing a new poetry collection that examines tenderness and rupture within family—how love persists, even in fractured spaces. Going forward, I’m interested in the intersection of aging, voice, and the body—how we speak through what we’ve survived, and what we choose to pass on.
I’ve applied for a Canada Council grant to support a lyrical prose manuscript based on my father’s WWII diary. He served on HMCS Sioux, and the project explores his wartime experience through a personal, poetic lens—drawing on memory, silence, and generational inheritance. I’m also developing a new poetry collection about tenderness, estrangement, and how families hold both love and damage. Recently, I completed the libretto for a chamber opera, which was a thrilling shift in form and collaboration Going forward, I’m drawn to projects that combine voice, memory, and music—where language becomes something we feel in the body.
Q: Do you have a favorite piece from Gathered in Pockets?
One of my favourite poems from Gathered in Pockets is ‘Grief and Grace’ It holds the tension between sorrow and survival in a way that feels true to my voice. A verse from the poem reads:
“I come back to myself stitched with golden thread and the smallest apology.”
It speaks of how we mend after loss not perfectly, but with intention, humility, and a kind of quiet beauty.
Q: How did you come to poetry first, as opposed to fiction or non-fiction?
I’ve always written poetry. So did my grandfather. He memorized and orated all of Robert Service to me before I was five. I won my first poetry contest at eight in a BC CBC contest for young people.
Q: How long does it take to start any particular writing project? Does your writing initially come quickly, or is it a slow process?
It takes me a month to write a book. I write using my own prompts so I can complete a manuscript of 60-80 poems. I learned how to edit for three years at Humber college with the acclaimed writer Elisabeth Harvor. She always sits on my shoulder when I write so I never have to go back and edit. I have written nine books on my IPhone.
Q: What kind of writing routine do you tend to keep?
I write on my phone sometimes for as long as 18 hours. I like the the otherworldly way it feels then.
Q: Are public readings part of or counter to your creative process?
I am an opera singer who loves to perform, so readings are an extension of that. I’m not happy until someone is in tears! Even better, if it’s me
Jude Neale at the Here’s Bowen Arts Tour
Swimmers at theinaugural SwimBowenevent in 2018. /Jason Wilde photo
We’vecome a longway Baby!
8TH SWIMBOWEN SATURDAY
July 2018 was the inauguralevent and Iwas flying by the seat of my swim trunks.Weall were. There was no budget andtherefore no plan for official timing.Instead we had someone with astopwatch. Oursightingbuoys were cobbledtogetherfromhereand there.Our sighting mechanism on the beach (important so swimmers can head back to the finish lineinthe right direction)was in fact abunch of orangeand blue balloons that- althoughsweet and festivewere inadequate to assistswimmers meaningfully.
We changed the course twoweeks before the event because my original coursewas not well thought out. And someone was smart enough to say so. AndI was (barely) smartenough to agree.Wedidn’t know if anybody would come.Orifwecould possiblyraise any funds for my dream CancerCare Fund.
With $148,000 in CancerCare Gifts awarded to date,this iswhat Iknow: we are all craving an experience thatisperhaps notglossywithperfection,thatis70’s stylegrassroots andhostedwithheart for agood cause. Andyes,now we have proper sightingflagsand course buoys,wehirea professional timing company and ourcourseiswellthought out.But the heart-part of SwimBowenisthere in spades. And growing.
Come join us this year and see how life-changing things happen when we come together foracause that affects us all.
To our corporate and community sponsors, thank you for your incredible support: Fresh Tracks, Brian Smallwood, Allan Financial, SitkaProperty Services,Marie Neys Fine Arts, Bellwater Island Treatment Systems, Ratcliffe LLP, First CreditUnion, Orchard Recovery,Ross McCorquodale Edward Jones, Bowen Island Properties, Irly BowenBuilding Centre, Bowen Event Rentals, Tunstall Bay Beach Club, Eleanor Rosenberg,GordRose/Arcteryx, Bowen Island Sea Kayaking,BowenWellness Centre, Karen Shea, Bowen Pub, Tippy’s, Phoenix, Tuscany, BowenIsland Flower Shop, UnionSteamshipMarina, Cocoa West,CatesPharmacy, The Ruddy,TellyourFriends, Fabulous Finds, Squirrel, Millers Meats, Artisan Suites, Kathy Clarke Jewellery, BC Ferries, CheeseMan, Outofthe Blue, Bowen Golf Club,BowenIsland IntegratedHealth, Alderwood Farms, ArtebellaSkin Health, Scott Robarts Photography, Alys Williams Photography.
SwimBowen event Schedule: Saturday, July 12
8:30 am: Swimmer check-in begins for 750 &1500 events
9:30 am: Check-in closes
9:30 to 9:40 am: Swimmer warmup
9:45 am: Swimmersafety briefing
9:55 am: Swimmers to start line
10:00 am: 1500m start,self seeded
10:05 am 750 mstart self seeded
10:15 am: Refreshment Table opens
11:00 am: Course closes
11:15 am to 11:45am: Awards &Prizes
12:00 pm: Event closes
MARYLETSON SwimBowen
Canada Day Reimagined
Bowen Recreation hosted the annual Canaday Day Reimagined at Bowen Island Community School last week. Now a few years into its existence, the revamped vision of July 1 focuses on community, celebration, and reconciliation.
Visitors to the event are able to learn more about reconciliation by visiting the Project Hummingbird station, where the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action are on display This year there was an Indigenous Food Truck along with bannock
making and an Indigenous film screening.
Activites included face painting, field games including disc golf, musical performances, and a community art project. Many island organizations were also present including Bowen Island FC, Bowen Pride, Island Pacific School, Camp Bowen and Bowfest. The classic potato sack race and tug-o-war were also on display.
The day wrapped up with the traditional spray down Bowen Island Fire Department.
Bowen Rec photos, more on Page 12!
Please email your
editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com
FASTPITCH
forgamesthruMonday, July 7. RF/RA-Runs For/ Runs Against
TheTwinsand Brewersplayedanentertaininggame on asunny Monday night.Atthe end of the battle between the twomajor league-named teams itwas the Twinsontop by ascore of 11-9. Twooftheir starsatthe plate were Andy Behm (#13) &Stacey Shannon (#10),eachhittinghome runs which turned outtobecrucialtothe final score. With the Brewers threatening a comebackinthe 7th inning,Brent Molinski (#47) got the final outwith a falling backtrack catchonapop-up to the shortgrass.The feat of athleticism delighted fansofboth teams.The nightwas also special as it featured the rareoccurenceofthreebrothers in asingle game.Tyler Jacquet (Twins #17), MatthewJacquet (Brewers#98) &Jason Jacquet (Twins #18) all battled it out, with Tyler &Jason earning the braggingrightsatthe next familydinner. / Alex Kurial &LauraJacquet photos
Two long-long-time Islanders, the affable George Helenius (left) and Lonn Proudlock (right), sat for a chin wag on a bench outside of Cates Pharmasave last Saturday. Both George and Lonn’s families arrived on Bowen Island not so long after Black-tailed deer, and many old friends stopped by to say hello and wish them well. / Marcus Hondro submission
Woodfibre LNGhouses non-localworkers on a floatel, reducingpressureonlocal housinginSquamish.
woodfibrelng.ca@woodfibreLNG
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Friday, July 11
Adult Summer Camp: Hazed & Confused w/ Bowen Rec
You’re getting thrown into the deep end with a crew of Jocks and Dorks, battling it out in a series of fun hazing challenges that’ll leave you feeling more dazed than confused. When the sun goes down, we’re heading to Pebbly Beach for a Hot Dog Beach Party – floating on the giant yellow camp mat, grilling dogs, and listening to the best of the 70s tunes. 70s Dress Code is a must! Snack at the start, hot dogs at the beach. Register & full details on Bowen Rec website.
Saturday, July 12
SwimBowen Day
Annual fundraiser in support of Islanders battling cancer and their families More info on Page 8.
Sunday, July 13
Garden Club Open Garden
Bowen Island Garden Club meets at 1747 Arbutus Point Road to explore Patty Root Smith’s Garden This south facing one acre garden was started in 2002, come see the beauty of it as it matures Members free, non-members $5. From 2 to 4 pm. Purchase a membership for $25 at the open garden.
Sunday, July 13
Nature Club Meadow Hunt
Join the Bowen Nature Club for a Meadow Bug Hunt! Meet your six-footed neighbours dragonflies, frog hoppers, lace wings, tortoise beetles, spit bugs, & many more Naturalist Will Husby leads the catch and release bug hunt in Crippen Meadow. From 2 to 3:30 pm, sign up by emailing bowennatureclub@gmail.com
Monday, July 14 (& other dates)
SKY Swimming
Seniors Keeping Young pool swimming at Tunstall Bay Meet at TBCA Clubhouse. Also July 16 & 19. Times vary, full details and RSVP by writing info@skyonbowenisland.ca
Tuesday, July 15
Sunset Summer Jazz Concert
Join the Tunstall Trio Plus Two for our 5th annual summer concert on the lawns of the TBCA w/ Buff Allen (Drums), Cindy Fairbank (Keyboard), Julian Selody (Alto Sax), Mike Allen (Bass Sax) and Russ Botten (Bass). Members & NonMembers welcome. Brink a chair or blanket. Refreshments by donation. Tickets can be purchased at Tunstallbay.ca
Wednesday, July 16 & Friday, July 18
SKY Walks
Seniors Keeping Young meeting at the picnic area at Killarney Lake for this week’s walks. Both start at 9:45 am
Thursday, July 17
Mixed Media Art Journaling at the Library
Create your own junk journal in this workshop that combines collage, printmaking and doodling. Take home a unique creation of your very own! Ages 5-8 from 1 to 2 pm and ages 8-12 from 2:30 to 3:30 pm, both in the Library Annex Please register for both at bipl.ca/SRCevents
Friday, July 18
Movie Night with Bowen Film Society
To Kill A Mockingbird is this month’s film, along with a short and a cartoon to make a night at the movies, 1962. Show starts at 6:30 pm promptly. Tickets available through Bowen Rec or at the door.
Saturday, July 19
Logger Sports Show
Veterans Park, all day free bus to/from Snug Cove Vendors
& gold panning, cheer on your favourite lumberjack! Food by Miller’s Meatcraft, liquor and entertainment! Cash only event, 10 am to 4 pm. bowenloggingsports.com for more.
Sunday, July 20
Jude Neale & Black Pace Book & CD Launch
Author Jude Neale & musicians Black Pace launch their new works, book Gathered in Pockets & CD Hide Bowen Theatre from 3:30 to 5 pm. Free admission & light refreshments, book & CD available for purchase/signing.
Sunday, July 20
East Van Sax Quartet Performance
Concert in the Garden. 7 pm, full details on Page 3.
SATURDAYS
Bowen Island Farmers Market
The Bowen Island Farmers Market season is underway! Come to Bowen Island Community School from 10 am to 12:30 pm to check out all of the vendors and special events.
SKY Mahjong
Come and play Mahjong at the Seniors Cottage on Cardena Drive. 1 to 3 pm, RSVP info@skyonbowenisland.ca
MONDAYS
Meditation Mondays
Happy Mondays! Buddhist teachings and meditations to awaken the heart. Your journey to inner peace begins here! From 7 to 8 pm at the Bowen Island Community Centre. $12 drop-in, meditateinvancouver.org/bowen-island
WEDNESDAYS
Family Storytime Plus at the Library
Drop in for a free program of stories and songs, PLUS a craft or fun activity! 10:30 to 11:30 am in the Library Annex. Ages 0-6 with caregivers. No registration required.
Aone-of-a-kind opportunity to purchase this special property that comes completewith your ownmini VanDusen Botanical Garden. This land must be seen to appreciatethe years of passion and dedication by the owners.
Thereare multiplepotential buildsites and agentlysloping driveway has been roughed in. Waterstorage with afull irrigation system is in place. This is Howe Sound waterfront at its
