identifiedasadesignatedareaforgrowth ontheisland.WeknowthatBowencontinuestoface ahousingcrisis,andthat communityneedsarenotbeingmetdue toaninadequaterangeofhousing on theisland.”
“Isatrightatthattable(council)there havingthesesameconversations,”said Jennings(aformerBIMcouncillor),sayingthere’s been anabsenceoflargescalehousingdevelopmentoutsideSnug Coveoverthepastdecade.“Someofour goodfriendsareleavingtheislandas wespeakbecausetheyhavenowhereto retiregracefully.”
BIMstaff’sassessmentofthesituation wasthatwhilePolicy147allowsforflexibilitytowardprojectsin Cowan Point, exceedingthe176allowedCDAunits referencedinOCPPolicy146wouldstilltriggeranOCPamendmentprocess.Turning tocouncilfortheirthoughtsonthetopic, therewasconsensusaroundthetablethat moreinformationwasneededtoreach adecision.
“There’sanumberofpointsofinformationthatvariouscouncilmemberswould liketohearonvarioustopics,”said mayor AndrewLeonardfollowinglengthydiscussionaboutissuessuchaswateravailability, transitandtransportationtoBowen’ssouth
Thelandsproposed for312 unitsofhousingdevelopment at Seymour Bay lienorthofthe Golf Course,generallyoneithersideof Seymour BayDrive.
side,housingavailabilityontheisland,and nuancesregardingtheOCP(adocument whichisalsocurrentlygoingthrough a reviewprocess,theresultsofwhichwon’t beknownuntilnextyear).
“Itsoundslikewe’renotgoingtofigure outwhether we’reallgung-hoforarezoning atthispoint– we needsomemoreinfor-
Wowwhat apaperthis week! A robust amountofsubmissionswhichcovered awide spectrumof Bowenlife,what agreat wayto rollinto the summer break. There’slotsofloggerpicsof ourwoodchoppingathletes,baseballupdatesasthe tournamentapproaches, and acoupledetaillooksatthealwayspopularandinspiringWrite on BowenFestival in September.
FirstupisBowfestthough,andthecommitteemembers have amessage foreveryonelater oninthe paperinorder to make itthebest festivalit canbeonce again.Earlierthat day isthe RotaryRun -find outmore aboutthatin thisissuetoo!
As you cansee this paperisacommunity effort, and weekinand week outnewand returningcontributorsmakesureithitsthe standsand mailboxes with strong, localcontent. Thank you to everyoneforall you do,and formakingsuresomanyisland voices andperspectivesfind representation.The paperison breaknowfor abit,but we’ll be back at it after BCDay,withthenextissue outFriday, August 8. Have agreat few weeks, and seeyou then!
All Advertisingandnewscopycontent arecopyrightof theUndercurrent Newspaper.Alleditorial contentsubmittedtotheUndercurrent becomesthe property ofthe publication. TheUndercurrent is not responsible forunsolicited manuscripts,art work and photographs.
National NewsMedia Council.
TheUndercurrent is amemberoftheNational NewsMedia Councilof Canada, whichisanindependentorganizationestablished to dealwithacceptable journalisticpracticesandethical behaviour.Ifyou have concerns about editorial content, pleaseemaileditor@ bowenislandundercurrent.comorcall604-947-2442. If youare notsatisfied with the responseand wish to filea formal complaint, visitthe websiteatmediacouncil.caorcall toll-free 1-844-877-1163 foradditional information.
CARTOONIST
VIEWPOINTS
LETTERS TO THEEDITOR
HelpingHands at the Food Bank
REV. LORRAINEASHDOWN & CAROLINEPARKER
BowenIslandUnitedChurch
On behalfof theLittle Red Church,thankyoutoallthe communitydonors,bigand small,whosegenerositykeeps theFoodBank’spantrywellstockedandwell-functioning. Wearetrulyblessedtolive in a community filled withso many helpinghands.
Furtherthanks to Sue Ritchie(BetterMealsdelivery),JayeRoutledge(recycling),CarolineRowles(townpickup),MurraySkeels(townpickup),andReneeTurnerandZac BlighofTellYourFriends Cafe(townpick-up).
Therehasbeenmoreacknowledgementin recentyearsabouttheburdenthat caregivers carry.Andthatburdenisamplified when you live onanislandwheremanyappointmentsandproceduresinvolveatiringtriptothemainland.
ThereisanorganizationontheNorthShore calledNorthShoreCommunityResourcesand oneoftheirprogramsisthe“Caregiver Support Program”.Theyoffer:
-Men’sCaregiverSupportGroup
-CaregiverSupportGroupMeeting
-BereavementSupportWalkingGroup
-MemoryCafé(caregivers socialize with a family member with memorylossinasocialsetting withothers)
-CaregiverSeniorsAnnualExpo
-NorthShoreCaregiversNewsletter
TofindoutmoreabouttheCaregiverSupport Program you cancontactthecoordinator Vic Gailiunasat:vic.gailiunas@nscr.caor call604982-3320.Theyalsohaveanewslettercalled“The Grapevine” whichcomesouteverytwo months
andcanbereadordownloadedandprintedfromthislinkontheirwebsite, available at seniors.nscr.ca/caregiver-support-program
TheGrapevineaimstosupportcaregiversbyproviding a platformtoshareinformation,resources,andconnectwithothersin similarsituations.
The newsletteroftenfeaturesarticles on caregivermentalhealth,self-carestrategies,andnavigatingthechallengesofcaregiving.Italsoincludes informationaboutNSCR’sprogramsandservices, aswellasresourcesforcaregivers.
Only onemonth to go untilthe 15th BowenIsland RotaryRun!
Have you seenallthose runners outonthetrailstrainingfor our communityfun run!? It takesplace just beforethe BowfestParade,this yearon August 23, so everyone hasa chance to enjoy both events.
Youwillalsohavethe best spot to watch the paradewhile perhaps enjoyingany left-oversnacksfrom ourrefreshmentstand, generously suppliedbythe General Store, the Ruddy,ArtisanEatsand Savary Island Bakery in West Vancouver.
TheRotaryRun starts at 8:30am with aKids’(up to 9years old) run of1.5Kinto CrippenParkfromthe ferry dock.Parentsorolder siblings canaccompany the youngest participants, and everyoneis rewarded with arunmedalastheyrunthroughthe finishline.
Therewill be prizesforthefirst boyandgirl, snacks and juice forall finishers,anditonlycosts$10forall thatfun!
Next uparethe5Kand10K events at 9am. 5K participants can either walkor runthedistance,and the 10Kisa run, with twoloops of the5K course.Mostofthecourse takesyou throughCrippen Park asfarasthe lake.Thecourse will be floured and
marshals will guide runnersalong theway.Check outkomeracanada.ca to registerfor theruns.
After waterand snacks have been consumed, awardsare givenout at 10:15, with somegreatprizesfrom localartistsandmerchants. There will be prizesfor12sandunder,as wellas1st,2nd &3rd for older runners. Theremay even be some spot prizesaswell!
Sign up at komeracanada.ca,or if youmissthedeadline,registrationsare acceptedfrom7:45amon runday.
We have acompetitionforthebest teamname,and so far we areliking Loebtrotters froman Ontariofamily!Alsoavailable aresomeexcellent maroon T-shirts.
This eventisheldasafundraiserforthe16 young women Komera Canada supports astheyattend schooland universityinRwanda. Thankstoour sponsors andvolunteers, we have practicallynooverheads,so nearly everypennywe receivegoesstraighttosomedeservingyoung girls.
Manyofour participants have been withus everyyearsince2011, and we really appreciate their loyalty to ourrun. Can’tmakeit this year? Donations arerewardedwith acharitable taxreceipt.
We lookforwardtoseeingBowen Islanders, visitorsand tourists on Saturday, August 23!
BorninVienne,France, atownrichin Romanhistoryandarchitecturallegacy, André’s formativeyearsamongancientruinsseemed to plantaseed forthe connection betweenpeopleandtheirsurroundingsthatwoulddefinehislife’swork. As ayoung man,hisgodfather recognized André’srestlessenergyandsuggested apathin agriculture. Andréwouldgoon to studyhorticultureatastate agriculturalschoolnear Lyon, graduating at the topofhisclasswithhonors,despiteearning azeroindiscipline. “I wassupposed to receiveagoldmedal,”helaughs,“but Ionlygot asilverone.”
AndréChollatexplainedthathisagriculturaleducationin Francewas at acollegelevel —but rigorousand recognized,forming agateway to higherstudies.His ownacademic path wasinterrupted by compulsorymilitaryservice. Hehad hoped to pursuelandscape architecturebut wasconscriptedinto thearmy instead.Andréserved inthe French militarywiththe Alpinedivision(ChasseursAlpins),trained formountain combatbut was sent instead to Algeriaduring aviolentcampaign. These experiencesdeeplyshaped hisperspective, reinforcinghis convictionthatmilitarysolutionsnever resolvehuman problems.The experienceleftanindeliblemark. “When youcomebackfrom war,”André explained,“youdon’t gobackinto the ranksofsocietywithoutdifficulty.”Upon return, hechosenot tocontinueschoolbutinsteadbeganhands-on work inplantnurseries andtropical greenhouses,eventraininginHolland.
AndréChollat leftFrance in1969,andstartedanewin Canada. Hisfirst year wasspent in Montreal,maintainingplants at the QueenElizabethHotelandPlace Ville-Marie.He foundthe restofhis work unfulfillingso Andréleftwith acolleagueon across-country winter roadtripin aVolkswagen. WhentheyarrivedinVancouver,thecitywasblooming. “Ineverleft,”hesmiled.“Thatwas1970.”
Alongsidehislandscaping,Andréalso workedwith FrenchCBC-Radio Canadafrom1970 to 2002,including afour-yearstintasamorningshowco-anchor.Helaterbecamea roving reporter, producingseriesonenvironmentalissuesandplants—oneofwhichled him to VanDusen Gardens,wherehemethisfuturewife, Anne,aformergeologist.
When AndréChollatarrivedon BowenIslandin1988,hedidn’t justbringhis toolsand talent—hecarriedwithhimgenerationsofhistory, curiosity, andafierce beliefinthe importanceofplace. Overthe courseofseveraldecadesandmorethan200garden projectsontheisland,hisvisionandhandshelpedshapethelandintosomething not onlybeautifulbutdeeplyalivewithstory. OnBowenIsland, Andréfound acanvasthat methisstandards.Hislandscapecreations went alltheway fromagardeninHood pointwhereheplanted5,000plants to hismostvisible communitycontribution—the BowenIsland Museumand Archivesgarden,whichisfilledwithpurposefulchoices where“Everyplanthas areason. Everypartofthegarden wasmeanttoserveastory.” Hisworkonthe BowenIsland Museumand Archivesgardenstandsas alasting example ofhisphilosophy: thatbuildingsshouldblendinto theenvironment, that nativespecies shouldbe celebrated,andthatplants,likepeople,thrivewhen giventhespaceandcare to belong.Hesharedhis knowledgefreely,mentoringothersand teachingworkshops wellinto hislateryears.
Through a22yearlong collaborationwithJohn Riley,Andrédesignedandhelped cultivatedoneofNorth America’s largestprivatecollectionsofappletrees.Andréwas
Amanof humor,generosity, and conviction, Andréneversought recognition.Heoften said,“Moneyisonly atool. Whatmattersiswhether youenjoythe workof yourlife.” He lived by those words, turningdown projectsthat clashedwithhis valuesandbuilding relationshipsthatlastedaslongashis gardens.Andréexemplifiedquietstrengthand enduring commitment.He wasproud to livea lifethat was, inhis words, “marginal”—not onthe periphery, butinthesenseof beingdeeplyindependent,guided by values,and lovinglyunconventional.André emphasizedthatwhilegardening canberepetitiveand demanding,thejoy liesincreativity, adaptability, and connection to nature. “Youdon’t justdesignfor people,” heexplained,“youdesignfortheplants,forthelight,fortheland. It has to all work together.” Heleaves behind alandscapemade better by his touch,and acommunityenriched by hiswisdom,artistry, andquietdefianceofconvention. André became awell-knownand respectedfigureinthe BowenIsland community: heservedonthe Greenways Committeeandparticipatedinlocalplanning efforts,advocatingforthoughtful developmentandenvironmentalstewardship.
Andréand Annebecameactivemembersofthe BowenIsland community. They deliverednewspapers forsix years,whichhelpedthemmeet residentsandunderstand theisland’ssocialfabric.Theylatercontributed to civiclifethrough avarietyofcivic, cultural,andenvironmentaleffortsand continued to deepentheirinvolvementinthe BowenIsland community
Andréissurvived by wifeofmanyyears Anne Francde Ferrière, his Godson RylandJames,his adoptedniece Gemma Watts.He issurvived by 4ofhis 6siblings,spousesand aplethoraof nephewsandnieces.
Aheartfeltthank youtoAndré’smedical team: Dr.J.Fleetham,who caredfor Andréfor 41years,Dr. Wortmanat“Docs ontheBay”andmanyothersas wellastheMAID team. Thank youDarylNixonforthelovely music.Thank youCathyBaylyforgivingaccess to the BIHistorians’filesand RichardHelmforthe2020videos.Thevideowill be available to the BowenIslandMuseum &Archives Facebookpage.
Inorder to helpfightclimate change,you maywish to plant adeciduoustreein André’s memory, his favoritetreesare Ash: Fraxinus Americana(forthescentandthe beesinthe spring)and /orhandkerchieftree Davidiainvolucrate(forthe beautyofthetree).
“Wenevertried to make thelandwhat we wanted.Weletit teachuswhatit could be.”— wordsthat captureAndré’slifephilosophyandtheenduringgiftheleaves behind.
An informal celebrationof André Chollat’s lifewill be heldat André&Anne’s Froggy Garden onSunday August24th from 2to4PM(Potluckwith fingerfood only)
André’slogobyAndré’slatebrotherRégisChollat
‘Beyond Braille: A New Way of Seeing’ attheMuseum & Archives
BOWENISLANDMUSEUM & ARCHIVES
Aninnovative multi-sensoryexhibition, BeyondBraille: A New Wayof Seeing, isnow open at the Bowen Island Museum&Archives. Thiscollaborativeeffort between Camp Bowenand VocalEye DescriptiveArts Society redefineshowhistory is accessedandexperienced— making it moreinclusive, tactile,andimmersive
The relationship between Bowen Islandandtheblind community dates back overacentury.As earlyas1902, duringthe Terminal Steamshipsera, blindvisitors began arrivingforpicnicsand retreats—oftenorganized incollaboration withgroups such asthe Canadian Federation ofthe Blind. These outings, supported by steamshipcompaniesandlocal hosts, offered blindindividuals safe passage, companionship,andconnection to theisland’s natural beauty.
In 1963,CNIB launchedthe Bowen Island Lodge, a revolutionary retreatforblindand partially sighted individuals. Designed with ramps, tactile signage, and textured paving, itembodiedinclusivedesigndecades beforethe term became mainstream. Camp Bowencontinues thislegacy today,advocatingforaccessibilityandfull participationin islandlife.
During an oralhistory session two years ago, Camp BowenDirectorAlex Jurgensenhighlighted Bowen Island’s long-standing reputationasa safeandinclusivecommunity. He emphasized howfriendly residentsandtheisland’s slower pacecontribute toa strong senseof belonging. Jurgensen alsoadvocated for improvements— such asincorporating Brailledocumentsinto thearchivesand creatingtactile museumexhibits.
The MuseumandArchivesaccepted the challenge to improve itsaccessibility,providinganopportunity to expand ourunderstandingand sensitivity.
We are hoping the exhibit will startaconversation aboutimprovementsthat can be made within ourcommunityandinspireothercommunities to make changes. Oneofthe challenges we facedwhenlooking at improvements was working withina budgetand we discoveredthereare many things that can be done:high contrast largeprint signage with sans seriffonts likearial, Braille signage forentryandexit points,QRcodesfor audiodescriptions.
What to Expect from ‘BeyondBraille’
Thisexhibit marksanew chapter inthe museum’s commitment to accessibilityactingasa catalystfor change. With guidancefrom Camp Bowen, we are working toward greateraccessibility:introducingbraille resources, touchableartifacts,andnew waysto interprethistory through multiple senses.
Tactile Stations& Audio Descriptions
Ahighlightisa3D-printed topographical map of Bowen Island,along with touchable replicasofartifacts—like sawbladesfrom Higgins Cabin—produced by 3D SMITH Printing.
‘Bowen Fables’ Film Series
Created by Liz Nankinand Daniella Sorrentinoincollaboration with Bowen residents,these eerieandwhimsical shadow-puppetfilmsexploreisland stories andhistory. Additional narration by VocalEye, each filmincludes audio descriptionforblind audiences,ensuring rich access to visual storytelling.
WithGratitude
Theexhibit has been made possible by the generous support of the BC Arts Council,the Bowen Island Community Foundation,and3D SMITHPrinting.
Beyond Braille: A New Way of Seeingisopen daily through August,from10am to 4pm. Fall hours willfollow. We inviteallvisitors to experiencehistory through touch, sound,andinclusivedesign—where everyone belongs.
Membersoftheblind communityfrom Bowen, Vancouver& Victoria explorethe‘BeyondBraille’ exhibit duringasoftopening at the Museum& Archivesearlierthismonth. / BI Museum & Archives photos
TheBowenLibrary’snewmonthlyWriters’Feedback Group happening thissummer and fallinvites writersofalllevelsandagestosharetheirworkand receiveconstructivefeedbackinawelcomingand supportiveenvironment.
Ifticketcostisabarrierandyou’d like to attend, pleasecontacttheBowenLibrary.Through thesupport of theFriends of theBowenIslandPublicLibrary Society,twofullysubsidizedfestival passesareonce againbeingofferedtocommunitymemberswho wouldneedfinancialassistancetoattend. These passesincludeaccesstodaytimeworkshopsandthe luncheon(FridayandSaturdayeveningeventsare notincluded).
Whetheryou’reanemergingvoice or anexperienced writer,TheBowenLibraryanditspartnersofferinspiration thissummerandfall—andacommunityreadytocheer youon!
Longbeforethebrightlightsofopeningnight,artistsare busy doingthe heavy lifting to prepare piecesfortheirexhibits.Di& Guthrie Gloagare no exceptionastheyputtheir worksintoplaceprior to theopeningof‘Returnto Nature’ at theHearth Gallery.Oncecomplete, theartists could celebrate with the exhibit’s openingand abustling ArtistpARTy lastSaturdaynight.The Bowenartists’worksareon displayuntil August4. /AngelSpendlove photos
Mary EllenDeGrace (orangejacket) wasthefirstcoordinatorof volunteersat theKnick KnackNook formanyyears and wasactiveinmanyislandprograms. Shemost recentlylived at BowenCourtwithherhusband,Hal,and together movedintoEvergreen House by Lions Gate Hospitallast Fall.MaryEllen celebrates her90thbirthdayonJuly 24,and is wished averyhappy birthday by herfriendsin theNook &Bowen communities! -MaryLeslie submission
SundaytoSundayJuly27-August3
in Canada Knit Sweaters!
Maisieis abrand-newpuppy living thedream onBowen Island.Sweet,energetic,and full of sunshine,she’ssoakingupher firstsummer with wideeyes anda wigglytail. Whethershe’sbounding through thegrass,napping in awarm sunbeam,or just tagging along fortheday’sadventures, Maisieis always right intheheartof it all. Sheshares herislandhome with her brotherRoy—herbuilt-in best friend and partner in fun.The twoare thesameage andloveexploringsidebyside, but Maisie’s charm andplayful spiritalwaysseem to steal theshow.Thissummer isjust thebeginningfor Maisie,and it’salreadyclear: she’sgoing to bea bright lightonBowen for yearstocome.
Registernow for the Writeon Bowen Festival of Writers & Readers
EARLY BIRD TICKETS UNTILEND OF MONTH
JACQUELINEMASSEY
WriteonBowen
It’s time to act! There’s just afew days left–until July 31– to purchase discounted early-bird registration to the5thAnnualWrite on Bowen Festival.
Theannualliterarycelebration,whichthis year runs September12–14, promisesavibrant weekendofinspiration,creativeexploration,andprofessionaldevelopment. Presentedinconjunction withthe Bowen Island Public Library,andthe Hearth,thefestival welcomeswritersofallexperiencelevelsandacross all genres—from poets andnovelists to mem-
oirists, journalists, and emergingcreatives.
It offers culturally rich eventsforallwhoshare a love forthewritten word.
The literary celebration kicksoffonFriday night with Island Voices, West Coast Words, at the LibraryAnnex, showcasing local authorsand writersasthey presentan eveningoffiction andnon-fiction, storytelling, poetryandother creativeforms.
The Saturday NightGala featuresthe award-winning and critically-acclaimed Canadiannovelist, journalistandcreative writingprofessor, Timothy Taylor. Joinus at the Bowen Theatreforaninsightful andentertaining evening
ofconversation,moderated by oneof Bowen’snew residents, Tara McGuire, also an author, freelance writerandformerbroadcaster. Thisis typically a sold-out event, so grab your tickets early so you won’t be disappointed. Spaceis still available inoneoftheeightinspiring, engagingandinteractive workshops running on Saturday and Sunday Facilitated by professional editors, authorsand writingcoaches,there’s anarrayof sessions,from poetry,memoirand story structure to gettingunstuck and becoming a resilientwriter. We promise you’llcome away withnew toolsandfuel to light your creativefire.
SELECT VIEWINGS Opening Night for the View - staring Kat Stephens, Frazer Elliott, Jackie Minns&David Cameron-is Friday, July25. TheSupernatural Sex Farcefrom Bowen’s Kingbaby Theatrealso runsJuly26,and August1 & 2. Tickets foreachnightare availableon Eventbrite.
Anotherhighlightis our Saturday lunch at the LibraryAnnex, featuring adelicious cateredlunch anda hands-ontalk, Fixing the Bones:Diagnosing Story Structure Issues, with Michelle Barkerand
DavidGriffinBrownofthe DarlingAxe. To learnmore aboutthe Writeon Bowen Festival of Readers & Writers, and to register, please visit our website at writeonbowen. com
Timothy Taylorwill speak at the Saturday Night Gala.
Setwithinthegrowing community of Seymour Landing at CowanPoint on BowenIsland, theserareand picturesquelotsrangefrom0.64to1.03acres and offer theperfect canvas to buildyourdreamhome.Eachpropertyfeaturesgentlysloping terrain with amix of open spaceand naturalvegetation,ideal forcustomresidences with spacefor two-cargarages, gardens, andprivategreenareas. With sweeping ocean views, proximity to theBowen Island Golf Course,andaccess viapaved roads, thesefully serviced lots combine conveniencewith stunningnatural beauty.Whetheryou’replanning aweekend retreat or afull-time residence, this is auniqueopportunitytocreate somethingtruly specialinone of theisland’s most peacefulandscenicsettings.
BowenRCMPStatsJune2025
E-BIKESAFETYENCOURAGED
BOWENISLANDRCMP
Therewere66filesin June:
2Uttering Threats –Partiesknown toeachother, no charges.
7AssistOtherAgencies –AssistedWestVancouver Police Department, NorthVancouverRCMP, BowenIsland Fire Department.
2Animal –Dog attack, injureddeer.
Police MonthlyMessage:
Withthe startofSummer,Bowen Island RCMP have received numerouscomplaints regardingE-bikeridersridingdangerously throughoutthe Island.Riders arereminded that if you areonthe road, you must followthe rulesofthe road, much likeamotor vehicle.
Cycling-specificoffencesobservedunderthe Motor Vehicle Actinclude:
-Ride Cycleafter dark withoutlights, Section183(6),
-Cycle without required bicycle helmet,Section184(1),
- Permit ayouth to cyclewithouta helmet,Section184(2).
Risktothe ridersand pedestrians are heightened withthe increasedspeed/powerofE-bikes.
Can you believe this will be the49th Annual Bowfest? On Saturday, August 23, we’rebringing back allthe music, games, food,andfun you love,and we need your help to make it happen.
It nowtakes over100 volunteers to bring this belovedcommunitytradition to life. That’s where you comein!
We’re callingon you (and yourfriends, family,andneighbours!) to jointhe Bowfest 100,amighty crewoflocalswho each give just twohours oftheirtime. No special skills needed, just alittle spirit.
The chance to laugh,connect, and give back to this wonderfulcommunity.
We need help at the gates,duringthe parade, behindthe scenes,and at setup andtakedownthe day beforeandafter.All ages welcome.
Sign up today at bowfest.org/volunteer—
andbring twofriends!
While we’ve got you: The49th Bowfestis jam-packed!
This year’s musiclineupincludeslocal bands Jeepand The60’s Band, rising youth rockers Queenof Colour,and our electrifyingheadliner Coco Jafro, bringingtheir signatureglobalfunkfusion to the mainstage. Plus,crowdfavouriteDJ Mayor McCheese is back to open and closethe day witha bass thumping dance party.
We’ve gotcommunity food vendors, community booths,lip sync battles,inflatablefunfor kids, gamesfor grownups,Pipers, Morris Dancers, face painting, the world-famous Slug Races andmore!
Newthis year, Bowfest is pleased to announcetheoptionfor credit card tapforentry at Gate #1.Andin a timeof rising costs, we’reproud to say that Bowfest works hard to keep entryaffordablethanks to the generous support of our sponsors and communitygrants.
So,here’swhat youneed to donext:
September 12-14
1. Sign up to volunteer(and bring two friends) at bowfest.org
2. Mark your calendar: Saturday, August 23—afull dayof music, food,andfun!
TraceyQuigley’sportraitofthePacific SidebandSnailrevealed aquiethero of theforestfloor,helpingspreadfungal sporesandmaintainhealthysoils Nova Pon’sjewelbeetleshimmeredwithcolour, showinghowevendeadtreessupport
newlife.
Julia Lisboa’s waterlily revealed a floatingworld— hometoinsects,algae, and fishalike while Wendy SealeBakesintroducedus tothe Red-legged Frogsandtheiressentialroleconnecting landandwater.
JordanWickett’sspringarbutus bloomedwith colourandlife,drawing pollinatorstoatreespeciallyadapted to Bowen’s dry,rocky outcrops
Charlotte Gruneau’s haunting“Still Standing”remindedusthatdead trees arefarfromlifeless—theyarehubs of biodiversity.
Enterthe2025CaringforNaturePhoto Contest.DeadlineisAugust19.Winnersand prizeswillbeannouncedatBowfest. Let your photo speak for nature. Detailsare availableonthe Bowen Island Conservancy website.
Standings forgamesthru Monday,July21.RF/RA -Runs For/ Runs Against
Withtheregularseason rapidlycomingtoaclose eachteam is trying to positionthemselves forthe best draw in the tournament, which takes place from August 8-10. TheDiggers helpedtheircauselast Thursdaybyholdingoff theTwins9-7.AaronJohnstone (left) reachedbaseineachplate appearance with 3hits&awalkwhileadding an RBI.Tom Woodward(middle)recorded apairofclutchhitsinthe2nd&3rd innings whichbrought 4Diggersruns acrosshomeplate.Two of thoseruns were Erik Miller(right) who went 2/2 at batwhilealsopitching 2innings and notching astrikeout.Meanwhilethe Cruisersalsolookdestined forthe tophalfofthetable afteranincredible comebackversus the Brewers on Monday.Down7-0 halfwaythrough the gamethebats camealivefor the blackandgoldastheyclosed things outon a14-5run. GradyHuskisson (#3) enteredinthe 5th &scoredarun thatinning before hittinga 2-runsingleinthe 6th,laterscoring.BradMacDonald (#2) alsoentered midway and went 2/2with 2runs&3RBI.Healso recorded the finaloutofthegamesnagging arockethit to 1st to quashthe Brewers rally.
Quiet Crises. Quiet Help.
Sometimes we,orour friendsandneighbours, face invisiblestruggles alone. Rentarrears. Food insecurity. Job loss. Medicalemergencies. Smallthingscan mean everything in momentsof crisis. TheBowenIsland Community Foundation’s HelpingHandFund offers confidential supportfor Islanders facing unexpected hardship. OnBowen, we helpone another.
To applyor refersomeone: HelpingHand@bowenfoundation.com
To donate:
bowenfoundation.com/helpinghand
9thAnnualBowen Lumberjack Show
TheLoggerSportsShowatVeteransPark lastSaturdayonceagaingatheredthe best lumberjacktalentfrom Bowen Island to the Seato Sky to the Sunshine Coastand beyond. Competitors hacked, sawed, climbedand tossed their way towardsbragging rightsand medals overthecourse ofthe day, bolstered by thefanbaseswho came out to cheerthem on. Next year’s event will mark a decadeof theshow,a strong credit to thecommitment and camaraderieofthelogger sports community. Findmorephotos on our website!
SK8 Daywith Bowen Rec Biggerand better, SK8 days nowincludenew ramps, rails, boxesandobstacles. The pop-up skate park at Fire Hall#2 has challengesforalllevels.From10am to Noon,freeforall ages. Helmets mandatory.
Saturday, July 26
90s Dance Nightatthe Pub
WithDJ Big Shiny Rube.From8pm to Midnight, tickets $10inadvanceor$15 at thedoor, available at the Pub. Monday,July28(&otherdates)
SKYSwimming
SeniorsKeepingYoungpoolswimmingat Tunstall Bay. At TBCAClubhouse.AlsoJuly30& August 2.Timesvary, fulldetailsandRSVPbywritinginfo@skyonbowenisland.ca Wednesday,July30&Friday, August1
SKYWalks
SeniorsKeepingYoungmeetingatthe Catholic Church on Miller Roadforthisweek’swalks.Bothstartat9:45am. Thursday,July31
WildlifeMysterieswithMetroParks at theLibrary Nature hasmanystoriestotell.Get curiouswithMetro Vancouverparkinterpretersandlearnaboutthemysterious
Comeenjoy barbecue from Miller’s Meatcraft on the Pub patioduring Sundaysthis summer. Thisoneis poultry, with a beefsmoke outon August 31.From Noonuntilall BBQis sold out!
Wednesday, August6
Artinthe Forestat the Nook
Come outforafundraiser which will go toward theessential reconstructionofthe Knick Knack Nook.From5 to 8pm, rainorshine. Buy someart&enjoy some refreshments!
Thursday, August7
MeettheSRC IllustratorattheLibrary
Meetthe Illustrator! This year’s Summer Reading Club Artist, Lauren Achtem, will teach you aboutherprocess andhelp you create your owncolourful creature!From1 to 2pminthe Library Annexfor ages5-12. Please register at: bipl.ca/SRCevents
Friday, August8 to Sunday, August10
Fastpitch Tournament
Comedown to Snug Cove Field to see whichofthe Bowen Fastpitch League teams- Firemen,Diggers, Cruisers, Shakers, Brewersand Twins- will claimthe championship! Thursday, August14
More Wildlife Mysterieswith Metro Parksat theLibrary
Nature has many stories to tell. Get curious with Metro Vancouver park interpretersandlearn aboutthe mysterious livesofisland wildlifethroughfunactivities, gamesand stories. For ages5-12from1 to 2:30pminthe Library Annex. Please register at:bipl.ca/SRCevents
Thursday, August14
Writers FeedbackGroupattheLibrary
Whether you’rea seasonedwriteror just starting out, all agesand typesofwriterare welcome to share andgive constructivefeedback on each other’s writinginthis positiveand supportiveenvironment. From5 to 6:30pm. Registration required – please register at bipl.ca/write
Collaborativeexhibitionbetween CampBowenand VocalEyeDescriptiveArtsSociety.Experiencehistory throughtouch,soundsandinclusivedesign-whereeveryonebelongs.Opendailythroughthe end of August.
