West Vancouver Beacon | November/December 2023 | Edition 59

Shedding light on the communities from Lions Bay to Dundarave

A fall stroll on the Seaview Walk.

Photo: courtesy of Landon Steele

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COMMUNITY KIDS

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MUSIC FEST

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CHARITY CRUISE

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OPINION

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IN THIS ISSUE 2

November/December 2023

We are grateful to live and work on the unceded traditional territories of the Coast Salish peoples.

TALKATIVE TEEN

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THE No. 59

BEACON

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November/December 2023

LINDY PFEIL OPINION TEAM

Chris Stringer Publisher

chrisstringer @westvanbeacon.ca

Lindy Pfeil Editor

lindypfeil @westvanbeacon.ca

Penny Mitchell Advertising

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It’s all about perspective

by-product of immigration is the long-haul flights to visit family left behind. For 25 years, I have travelled from Canada, through Europe, to South Africa. So, I have flown over Greenland – many times. But until recently, I’d never seen it.

Maybe I was distracted by my children. Maybe we flew at night. Maybe there was cloud cover. Maybe I’d never had a window seat. So

many possible reasons. But what matters is that Greenland has been there all this time, and I’ve never noticed it.

After my most recent visit to South Africa, I boarded the plane in Paris – the final leg back to Vancouver – feeling just a little sorry for myself. The ten days I had spent in the town of my birth were miserable. Family drama is so exhausting, isn’t it?

pennymitchell @westvanbeacon.ca

Melissa Baker Creative Director

melissabaker @westvanbeacon.ca Please note that all contributing writers for The Beacon retain full rights and that the full or partial reproduction of feature articles is unauthorized without the consent of the author.

Personal opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed are solely those of the respective contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Beacon, the publisher or the editorial and creative staff.

Submissions for The Beacon The Beacon is delivered bi-monthly to 5000+ households between Lions Bay and Dundarave.

For submission guidelines and queries, please e-mail the Editor: lindypfeil@ westvanbeacon.ca Please note that all submissions are subject to space constraints and editing.

For advertising queries, please e-mail the Director of Marketing: pennymitchell@westvanbeacon.ca For all other queries, please e-mail the Publisher: chrisstringer@westvanbeacon.ca All editions of The Beacon (beginning in September 2013), can also be read online at: www.westvanbeacon.ca.

Chunks of ice bobbing about in the ocean.

Photo: L. Pfeil

I curled up in my window seat, halfheartedly watching The Fabelmans. My visit had gone nothing as planned. Such noble intentions I had – to swoop in, like Jesus, and miraculously convert family chaos to calm. But that’s not what happened.

Maybe it was the power outages. Maybe it was not having water. (Filling buckets with swimming pool water thankfully allowed us to flush toilets – indoor plumbing with a twist.) Maybe it was jetlag. The reason doesn’t matter. I failed. Not only did I not calm the chaos, I ended up being the villain in the story.

If the seat next to me on Air France had been empty, I would have sighed dramatically. But, of course, it wasn’t. Which made me even grumpier. I declined lunch. (Or was it breakfast?) The food was bound to taste like cardboard anyway.

As I removed the red blanket’s plastic wrapping, the couple in front of me leaned into their window, oohing and aahing, taking photos. I paused The Fabelmans, raised the shade, and found myself looking down on the most magnificent mountain range cutting through vast white expanses. Sunlight ricocheted off the peaks at fantastic angles, transforming the mountains into shadowy castles in the snow. Where were we?

I switched the movie channel to the flight path. The little screen showed us heading across Greenland. As we flew west, it introduced me to places I’d never heard of before: Charcot Land, Gaasefjord, Fonfjord, Nordvestfjord.

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November/December 2023 Far below, two tracks sliced through the snow. Were they moving? Was it possible to see movement from this distance? I watched the tracks, wishing I’d brought binoculars, so that I could see the husky-drawn sled I was convinced was down there.

It was Fyodor Dostoevsky who said, “There is no object on earth which cannot be looked at from a cosmic point of view.” And as I stared in awe at the ‘objects’ outside my window, the story I’d been telling myself disintegrated, making way for a new ‘cosmic’ viewpoint. I was no longer the unappreciated would-be saviour, the villainized sister, the hard-done-by victim in a messy family saga. I was simply another speck in this universe of wonder. No less – or more – precious than the huskies pulling their sled a thousand miles away.

Greenland changed my perspective.

Much like literature.

My love of books began with childhood bedtime stories. Books gave me access to other people’s thoughts and dreams. Alternate ways of being. A bigger, more exciting world than my own.

I went on to teach undergrad English

literature, until marriage, motherhood, and immigration took me down a different road.

(Many different roads.) Then, in the midst of an interesting midlife crisis, I returned to the words I had always loved. I went back to school, wrote a couple of books, and started

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lier suspended from the ceiling narrate it, or the raven on the telephone wire outside the kitchen, or God. Telling the story through different eyes results in fascinating ahas.

Like seeing Greenland for the first time.

Paying attention to something that has always been there – unnoticed – can irrevocably alter the meaning of our stories. And meaning, I have discovered, is not some unbending truth that exists independently of the story.

Meaning is made. By the storyteller.

As the cloud cover filled my porthole, I leaned back into my seat, a little softer. No longer angry for the time spent away from home, trying to accomplish the impossible. Or indignant that my family had not appreciated the effort it took to visit. To help (such a loaded word).

Maybe, I thought, it wasn’t entirely personal.

Maybe it was not about me. Maybe it was the final goodbye. But maybe it wasn’t. The possibilities were endless. What mattered was that I had finally seen Greenland.

It’s all about perspective.

In writing.

In life.

“ “There is no object on earth which cannot be looked at from a cosmic point of view.”

- Fyodor Dostoevsky facilitating writing workshops. Most of my clients are writing their life stories. And with this territory comes the slipperiness of memory. The trickiness of truth. And the understanding that it’s all about perspective.

We do one exercise where we write a story that is “hard” – one that elicits feelings of guilt, or embarrassment, or shame – you know, all those fun feels. We write it in first person. As we experienced it. Then I ask everyone to write the same story from a different viewpoint: let the antique chande-

Greenland’s spectacular mountain range and fields of ice.

Photo: L. Pfeil

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November/December 2023

Funding for restorative justice on the North Shore

BY Lindy Pfeil

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est Vancouver Foundation is providing $216,000 in funding to support seven projects in West Vancouver and Bowen Island through the Government of Canada’s Community Services Recovery Fund. The Community Services Recovery Fund is a one-time in-

vestment of $400 million to help community service organizations adapt, modernize, and be better equipped to improve the efficacy, accessibility, and sustainability of the community services they provide.

Jenna Sudds, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, says: “Community service organizations are at the heart of communities like West Vancouver and Bowen Island, creating a sense of be-

The Eagle My nest Is high I watch the world With eagle eye

Photo: courtesy of Robert Alexander

I live above The mortal coil I have no need For human toil A bird of prey I hunt, I fly Above it all – I rule the sky Alison Jopson

longing from coast to coast to coast. The NSRJS will use the $30,000 in funding Community Services Recovery Fund will received from West Vancouver Foundaenable the organizations that serve our di- tion, via the Government of Canada’s Comverse communities to adapt and modernize munity Services Recovery Fund, for their their programs and services and to invest in developing framework and tools for their the future of their organizations, staff, and data-driven evaluation program. volunteers.”

“We are grateful to the The local commuWest Vancouver Foundanity service organization and the Government “Community service of Canada for investing tions receiving this funding are Bowen in community service ororganizations are Island United Church, ganizations like NSRJS,” at the heart of Dundarave Festival says Interim Executive of Lights Society, the Director, Mara Veneman. communities like Harvest Project, Kay “COVID was a period of West Vancouver...” shifting, responding, and Meek Arts Society, Lions Gate Hospital adapting our programs to - Jenna Sudds Foundation, 365Give, meet pressing commuand the North Shore nity needs and increased Restorative Justice Society (NSRJS). demand for our services. We look forward NSRJS is a non-profit charitable orga- to using this grant as an opportunity to renization that advocates for and supports flect and develop a comprehensive framerestorative responses to crime and con- work for critically evaluating outcomes and flict. The Restorative Response Program progress on our strategic priorities.” is a community-based initiative that has NSRJS enjoys strong partnerships with been providing an effective alternative to other community agencies, the RCMP, the court system since 1997. The program West Vancouver Police Department, and responds to situations of crime and conflict North Shore schools. The Society’s abilthrough the facilitation of mediation, con- ity to serve the citizens of the North Shore ferencing, peacemaking circles and shuttle has been made possible through the commediation based on the principles of re- mitment of volunteer facilitators and board storative justice. members as well as caring staff and comIn 2013, the Schools Initiative was es- munity partners. tablished, utilizing a strengths-based eduTo learn about the Community Services Recation approach to provide children and covery Fund, visit communityservicesrecovyouth on the North Shore the skills to eryfund.ca. For information about West Vantransform conflict, heal relationships and couver Foundation, visit westvanfoundation. create stronger communities. In 2017 the ca. And for enquiries or information about initiative received the District of North the services offered by North Shore Restorative Vancouver’s Outstanding Supporter of Justice, visit nsrj.ca.

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Mayor’s boat cruise for charity

BY Chris Stringer

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n September 16, a spectacular sunny day, Mark Sager piloted his 96-foot Oriana to the dock beside Lonsdale Quay. An hour later, 40 revellers boarded, each having generously donated $500 in support of West Vancouver youth programs at the behest of the mayor himself.

The fundraiser was due to the extraordinary efforts of the small Rotary Club of West Vancouver Sunrise, a service club that consistently practices the Rotary motto of Service Above Self. This year, club efforts have included the February Shelterbox campaign, where tents equipped with tools, and household items like solar lights, water filters, and cooking sets, were sent to Turkey and Syria, to help families rebuild their lives after the earthquakes. The ‘little club that could’ also raised $77,000 with their annual Ride for Rescue up Cypress Mountain, with North Shore Rescue and Horseshoe Bay Marine Search and Rescue being the major fundraising beneficiaries.

The September 16 cruise was the second of Mark Sager’s involvement with the Sunrise Rotary Club. The first was in 1993, during his first term as a young mayor. On that occasion, as the boat toured along the shore towards Horseshoe Bay, he regaled guests with stories and historic information about West Vancouver’s waterfront properties. Funds raised during that first cruise went towards launching and developing the ongoing Youth Outreach Program in West Vancouver.

As a charter member of the club, I was the only surviving Rotarian and organizer of the 1993 event so, when I reminisced about it with Mark at a civic gathering in

December 2022, his instant response was, “Chris, we are going to do it again and this time it will be on my boat.”

This was all that Karen Harrison, immediate past president and lead organizer of the Ride for Rescue, needed as encouragement to take charge of this year’s cruise.

Under her efficient and energetic management, the cruise sold out in short order.

Rotarians Vicki Haller, Sharon Thompson, Karen and myself took turns bartending, hosting and cleaning up after the festivities.

A huge thank you is due to the hardworking docking and casting-off volunteer crew. They loaded the boat with catering supplies and valuable libations and assisted guests with the precarious step from shore to ship. At the end of the cruise, they unloaded the post celebration spoils.

Before the sun set.

The support of attending West Vancouver councillors Linda Watt, Christine Cassidy, Sharon Thompson, and Scott Snider – who also volunteered onboard – is greatly appreciated. We Rotarians would like to extend our sincere thanks to the generous guests, supporters and, of course host and captain, West Vancouver Mayor, Mark Sager.

For further information on the Rotary Club of West Vancouver Sunrise and for donations towards its youth projects, please visit rotarywestvancouversunrise.com.

Mark Sager at the helm, with Sharon Thompson and Mark Vaughan.

Photos: courtesy of Tania Ryan Photography

Nick Belmar, Duncan Wlodarczak and Kevin Carpenter enjoying their on-board beverages.

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November/December 2023

CHRIS ADSHEAD

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The rise and fall of St. Monica’s

he temperature was getting close to 88 F on a sunny day in July 1941, when the Rev. E.W.P. Carter visited families in Horseshoe Bay, Garrow Bay and Whytecliff. His mission was to ask them if they would attend regular services at the Cottage Inn or at members’ homes. The positive response he received led to an Anglican Women’s Guild being set up under his guidance. This group of seven women was tasked with raising money to buy the empty lot from the District of West Vancouver and in January 1942, with a major donation from Mrs. McLean, they wrote a cheque to WVD for $108.00 which included registration fees.

Further volunteering efforts raised money to build the original small frame building, with the first service being held on January 14, 1951. That September, the first Sunday School opened with Frank Libby assisting. Previously, in 1947, Lydia Libby had started a girls’ auxiliary which sang at

St Monica’s in 1960.

LOOKING BACK

services. The Libby family were, like many local families, deeply involved in the church and local events.

By 1957 the congregation had increased and there was a need to expand. An adjoining lot was purchased, and a new contemporary church was planned alongside the existing building. Architects Underwood and Cameron, both church members, donated the drawings. (Their other celebrated work includes the Vancouver Parks Board Offices on Beach Avenue.)

Mrs. Bell wrote in her history of the church: “With the appointment of Canon Taylor in April 1958 as Priest in Change, changes were instigated. The Women’s Guild had always been very strong and had made many decisions in the church. Canon Taylor was chairman of the church committee meetings. When it was proposed that one of the ladies be elected to the committee, Canon Taylor stated that there would be no women on the committee as long as

Photo: courtesy of Frank Libby

he was Priest in Charge.”

You can only imagine the reaction and dismay of the ladies. Times, thankfully, have changed.

On Sunday June 12, 1960, the new church was officially opened. Aside from religious services, many events were held there, creating memories for locals and visitors alike. There were musical concerts and community theatre productions including Christmas 2010’s original adaptation of Charles Dickens’ Scrooge and an entertaining version of Snow White, with both matinee and evening performances selling out.

There were also pub quiz nights, meditation groups, scouts and guides meetings. And the fundraising Nifty Thrifty Shop ran there for many years under the supervision of Karen Hardie and her group of volunteers.

There was always an interesting variety of treasures for sale – everything from vintage light fixtures to lightly used clothing, comic books, and household essentials.

St Monica’s Church circa 1980.

With the dramatic decline of parishioners at St. Monica’s, the once vibrant Anglican community church held its last service in November 2014. When a church closes its doors, it is an emotional event for its community.

The building continued for a while as home to recovery groups, a day care and the Revolution Church. Then the Anglican Archdiocese put the church up for sale. After it was sold, there were plans to redevelop. However, it is still unclear what is going to happen on the site.

The temperature was getting close to 30 C on a sunny day in July 2023, when a Reverend Gentleman was seen standing on Rosebery looking at the now closed church.

I’ve no idea what he was thinking.

Thanks to Susie Alexander for her file of information on the church’s history, including Mrs. F.C. Bell’s 1991 brief history of St. Monica’s Church.

Photo: courtesy of WVML002840815

November/December 2023 ELSPETH BRADBURY

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BACKYARD ENTERTAINMENT

Questionable rock-frog and devil’s matchstick

t was only when Ray heard the patter of tiny claws in the attic beside his studio that we knew the time had come. Confirmation came next morning when a pretty little roof rat appeared on the corner of our lean-to greenhouse, gave us a look, scampered up the roof and vanished. We called in the roofers.

However handsome, waterproof, and ratproof our new recycled-rubber shingles may be, I still miss the old cedar shakes. On their accommodating surface, miniature forests of lichen had grown up, quite distinct from anything else in the garden. I liked the way

these living communities gave the house a well-established look. Otherwise, I paid them little heed.

To be ignored is apparently a lichen’s lot in life, and for this very reason lichenologists led by the Canadian Museum of Nature began a publicity stunt a few years ago on behalf of their overlooked and under-appreciated subjects. While the rest of us were wringing our hands over the latest atrocities in the news, these admirable stalwarts were calculating Canada’s lichen biomass (probably the world’s greatest) and organizing an online contest to choose Canada’s National

Mea culpa

BY Chris Adshead

T

he last issue of The Beacon had hardly hit the streets when I discovered that my research was flawed. However, the good news is that one of the subjects of that story is still very much alive and living in Horseshoe Bay. Here is a photograph of Noreen Wilson with her daughter Tricia Warrington celebrating Noreen’s 90th birthday earlier this year. Family and friends joined Noreen for high tea at the Hotel Vancouver and the event was enjoyed by all.

Apologies for any confusion created by the September article, and huge gratitude to Chris Wilson for reaching out in such a gracious manner, to notify us of the error.

Photo: courtesy of Debbie Hoogendyk Noreen Wilson celebrating her 90th birthday recently.

Lichen. They selected seven species out of a possible 2,500 (no one knows for sure) and asked the public to pick a winner. Not included in the short list were questionable rock-frog and devil’s matchstick. Bloodspattered beard, pencil script and antlered perfume also failed to make the grade. Lichenologists obviously had far too much fun when they named these things, but if you spend your days gazing at something as easy to miss as a dab of chewing gum on the sidewalk and that grows – flat out – more slowly than your fingernails, I suppose you get your jollies where you can.

With my pale Scottish skin, my choice in the contest would, of course, have been the common freckle pelt. The prize, however, went to the star tipped reindeer, which grows in every province and is important winter food for caribou. A sound choice.

The 1,800 biologists and other fans who voted during the month-long popularity poll are probably passionate and dedicated individuals, willing to scrounge a living and spend their vacations on hands and knees in remote, blackfly-infested locations peering at rocks through a hand lens. A lichen hunt with one of them is likely, I imagine, to turn into a slither, although neither of these adaptable life forms restrict themselves to lying flat on the ground. Fine collections of them cling to the trees in our own backyard (though disappointingly not a single li-

chenologist) and I take this as a good sign. Lichens don’t tolerate poor air quality.

Encouraged by all those enthusiastic voters, I decided it was time to learn a few basics about these – what? These enigmatic crusty things? With minimal effort I discovered a story as engaging and odd as any science fiction. Lichens are not a single form of life.

We can think of them as fungi that have learned to farm algae for their sugars, or we can think of them as algae that have latched onto fungi for security. Although the two have lived as one for eons, some, if separated, can still return to their ancient lives as singles. And it turns out that the relationships can be more than two-way; cyanobacteria and possibly other evolutionary scraps have joined in. These little nonconformists may not shout and leap about, but their living arrangements are stirring stuff for biologists, and even I’m on the way to becoming another of those lichen fans.

Illustrations by Elspeth Bradbury

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November/December 2023

JINI PARK

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COMMUNITY KIDS

Making puppet memories

ome childhood memories never fade.

One of my special memories growing up was attending the puppet show which was part of a traveling circus. The circus came to town in the middle of harvest season when mountains were covered in red leaves, rice heads were starting to bow in golden fields and persimmons ripened to perfection.

Each year, the puppets performed a different story. But it was always one of the folktales that I knew from the bedtime stories I was told. My favourite story was The

Magic Pond, about how a nice old couple discovered the fountain of youth when they saved a deer from a hunter.

I always had just enough money to pay for the puppet show and ppopgi, a delicious treat made with brown sugar and baking soda. The sweet ppopgi tickled my tongue as I enjoyed the show I’d been waiting for all year. Absolute bliss.

I was excited when I first discovered the Winter (Christmas) Puppet Show at West Vancouver Memorial Library. Attending the puppet show is now a family tradition.

We’ve been going since my daughter was a toddler.

This year, the Winter Puppet Show will feature well-known Christmas characters.

It takes place on December 15, and is free and family friendly. Detailed information can be found at westvanlibrary.ca/eventsprograms/.

Please contact Jini at communitykids tbwv@ gmail.com if you have an exciting event(s) kids can enjoy with their parents, grandparents and guardians.

Photo: courtesy of West Vancouver Library Puppets from the Winter Puppet Show.

Is estate planning only for the wealthy?

BY Micheline Varas

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here is a common misconception that estate planning is only for wealthy philanthropists living their fabulous fall years travelling the world, while managing family trusts and foundations. But even those with modest means need a plan to ensure their wishes are followed once they pass on, and their assets go to those they care about.

More than one professional should be involved in estate planning, so that the plan is legal and tax effective. Ideally, a team of advisors – lawyer, accountant and financial advisor or insurance professional –works cohesively to provide best outcomes.

Dying without a will is called dying intestate, meaning that instead of choosing how our estate is managed and distributed after death, intestate succession legislation comes into play. All our assets (and debts) are put into our estate which the court then distributes. Apart from the added stress on the family, dying intestate means our final wishes may not be met. A will should also be kept current.

In addition to a will, there are other documents that protect our health and financial stability. Make a family inventory – a list of personal information, advisors, documents (and their locations), accounts, financial assets, and passwords – and put this in a safe place. This ensures assets are accounted for. An up-to-date inventory is

invaluable to heirs, executors, and advisors as the estate is settled.

While some people cringe at the thought of life insurance, insurance can provide immediate funds to look after surviving family, pay estate taxes, create a legacy, or give to charity.

An enduring power of attorney allows us to appoint a trusted person, giving them legal ability to make decisions about our financial affairs, business and property based on its terms.

An advanced health care directive allows us, as capable adults, to provide a written summary of our wishes and instructions for our future health care. It guides a substitute decision maker (if asked by a physician or other health care provider) to make a health

care treatment decision in case of our incapacity.

A tax specialist can structure the most tax-effective way of distributing assets. It may mean rolling over RRSPs/RRIFs to a spouse on a tax-deferred basis or leaving appreciated securities to a charity tax-free.

Major life events – the birth of a child/ grandchild, separation, divorce, death of a parent or the inheritance of property/assets – prompt modifications to our plan.

Let others know about your plan. A family meeting may minimize future disputes.

Speaking openly to the executor gives them the information needed to administer the estate.

Estate planning is for everyone. It’s never too late to start.

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PAGE 9

A music fest to remember

BY Kathleen Glynn-Morris

an Music Competition, at age 13. He made his debut with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra at age 14, performing Rachn Sunday, October 2, Karen Lee- maninoff ’s Rhapsody on a Theme of PagaMorlang, music director at St. nini. That same year he won the junior diviFrancis-in-the-Wood, organized sion of the Missouri Southern International a music afternoon to remember, when in- Piano Competition. Six years later, he won ternationally recognized pianist, Avan Yu, the senior division of the same competition played to a sold-out crowd at Caul– the only person in the history of feild Cove Hall. that competition to ever do so.

Karen also arranged an He won the Canadian Choeducational Composer’s pin Competition at age 17, Corner, which showthe competition’s youngcased her talent, as well est-ever winner. as her sense of humour.

The ultimate perAs a pianist herself, her former, Avan demonpointers on what to strated superb musical listen for were instrucskill and brilliance at tive and useful. his St. Francis perforAvan played on a mance. Equally talentSteinway – Tricentened in connecting with nial Art Case (designer his audience, his personDakota Jackson) First ality shone brightly as he Limited Edition – grand shared his love of the compiano donated by Phillip Leith posers and his interpretation a WW1 and WW2 aviator. A of their music, leaving the auAvan Yu signing CDs stunning instrument, it was dience dazzled and enthused. and programmes. well suited to the formidable Following multiple standtask and challenge Avan was ing ovations, he gave not one to give it during his only North American but two encores: Ravel’s “Pavane for a Dead performance.

Princess” and Chopin’s “Minute Waltz.”

Avan’s extraordinary musical talent was Following the performance, guests enjoyed by an appreciative audience at St. gathered in the church lounge for refreshFrancis-in-the-Wood. His choice to play ments while Avan signed CDs. He was surRavel’s Gaspard de la Nuit (1908) which rounded by well wishers, many of whom includes “Scarbo” – one of the most diffi- were musicians and music educators. Two cult pieces for piano – was extraordinary to of those in attendance – Ken Broadway witness. and Ralph Markham (known to be music Raised in West Vancouver, Avan started educators’ educators) – were Avan’s early piano lessons at age five, and won his first teachers. (Avan also studied with Kut Kau national piano competition, at the Canadi- Sum.) I can only imagine how proud they

O

must have been to see the tangible evidence of their lifelong and dedicated professionalism and passion.

Avan moved to Berlin, Germany, to study with Klaus Hellwig at the Berlin University of the Arts. Having Berlin as a base, allows him to perform extensively throughout Europe.

After the performance at St. Francis, which truly was a feast for the soul, Avan left for concert engagements in Honolulu and Adelaide. It is thanks to Karen LeeMorlang that the community was able to experience this world class talent.

Avan with Karen Lee-Morlang, and Avan’s piano mentors, Ken Broadway and Ralph Markham of Lions Bay.

Avan Yu, playing to a full house at St. Francis-in-the-Wood.

Photos provided

It’s Beginning to Look a lot like Christmas Friday Dec 1 st 7:30-9pm A lively and festive concert at St. Francis-in-the-Wood featuring: Steve Maddock (vocals), Nick Apivor (percussion), Karen Lee-Morlang (piano/vocals), The Coast Mountain Men’s Chorus, St. Francis-in-the-Wood Choir

Tickets: caulfeildcovehall.ca

PAGE 10

November/December 2023

How the grass roots grew

BY Trudie Carlson

T

wenty-seven years ago, five ladies from a church group banded together: a librarian, a care worker, banker, OR nurse, and a social worker. Their concern was victims of domestic abuse and the families who lived in fear. After several months of research, they presented a proposal to the Council of the Catholic Women’s League who readily supported the incorporation of a standalone nonprofit society, supported by the CWL. Their motto reflected the goal: To Live Without Fear.

A helpline of trained volunteers was established, accepting calls from all ethnic and religious backgrounds, providing access to available resources. Because safe houses have a stay limit (often only 30 days), many women have to return to abusive situations. So, the group began fundraising to provide a second level

home to help such women.

A generous bequest by Eva, one of the helpline volunteers, was matched by her husband. When the women opened a bank account with the original donation they were asked the names of their executive.

“You be president, I’ll be secretary,” they said, pointing to one another.

Then they gave the banker the required names.

A variety of fundraising projects began: chocolate sales, walkathons, golf tournaments, and a creative project involving creating a poster of a home surrounded by a brick wall, which had been drawn by a granddaughter of one of the women. The bricks on the poster were each “sold” for $25.

The $750,000 raised was used to purchase Eva’s House – a mortgage-free home with four residences. The house was furnished with donations. At the time, I had several clients in my realty business who were downsizing or relo-

cating. It was gratifying to have a good home for their unwanted furniture.

A housemother was hired to screen applicants and assist the women and their children in getting their lives on track and living independently. The nonprofit actively supports the home in ways large and small: children receive gifts from their Christmas list, and a psychologist donates a portion of their counselling fee, with the society taking care of the balance.

Women stay approximately six months and are helped with education and job training. Another offshoot of this grass roots society is dating abuse workshops which are presented to students in the lower mainland.

To support the home, a thrift store called Thrifters’ Paradise was opened in Langley’s Thrifters’ Corner. Any unused items are passed on to other stores so no donations are wasted. My husband and I have an unused bathtub in our home which has become a collection point for donations. We often get calls

Donations in Trudie’s tub.

Photo provided

asking, “Is your bathtub full yet?” North Shore residents have certainly kept it filled.

The original Eva’s House has since been sold and a six-unit apartment building has been purchased to continue to house the residents. The need is great: for every vacancy there are 25 applicants applying from primary level safe houses who would all like to live without fear.

For donations please contact thecarlsons@ telus.net. Help Line: 604-640-7549

DAVID ROBERTS

FROM THE INKWELL

A panhandler to remember

M

y shopping list included wine, and a bottle each of gin and dry vermouth—necessary ingredients for the manufacture of dry martinis. Beside the liquor store’s double doors, a man wearing a baseball cap was clutching a paper cup, held out in front of him at chest height – an earnest and humble supplicant for charity. Not looking at passersby, he was staring across the

road as if transfixed by some heavenly vision.

One of life’s mildly demented panhandlers, I thought. I was minded to slip a dollar into his cup, but I didn’t have one handy, and in any event my attention to this minor act of philanthropy was distracted by the thought that I recognised the man’s face.

I entered the liquor store and as I passed the bottles of imported scotch my mind wan-

C U S TOM PLAN

dered back to the beggar. It dawned on me –as I reached the brandy shelves –that I did know his face. He was a member of the bar, with a remarkable resemblance to the current Attorney General, Geoff Plant.

Of course, he wasn’t Geoff Plant, or at least, I supposed he wasn’t. Why would the attorney general be loitering outside the local liquor vendor, in the town where he had

grown up, begging for money?

Though I had met him on a couple of occasions, I did not know Plant well, and I had not seen him for some time, so I was still in doubt about his identity. He had been well liked when he was in private practice and was regarded as a talented counsel.

See page 11

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November/December 2023

PAGE 11

ROSE LEPIN

T

TALKATIVE TEEN

RCMSAR members recognized at 2023 awards

he Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue is a volunteer-run rescue team that keeps civilians safe on the water.

For many at Station 1 in Horseshoe Bay, SAR is a labour of love, demanding the time and mental commitment of a second job.

The 2023 Station 1 awards and recognition event was the largest one to date. The ceremony was held at the West Vancouver Yacht Club on September 20. It recognized those who have gone above and beyond to keep the station running smoothly and maintaining aquatic safety. Guests consisted of Station 1 members, both recipients and non-recipients, and their families.

The evening was emceed by Coxswain Joshua Lepin, who recognized a vast group of Station 1 members for various achievements, including spending 1000+ hours on the boat, and being sent out on 50+ missions.

A variety of recognition awards were given for outstanding service in areas including finance and administration, training and develop-

ment, alumni and community outreach, vessel and equipment, and fundraising.

Station leader, Jason King, was presented with the National Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary award, in part for his outstanding leadership through the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rob Frost was the recipient of the Leader Award, to recognize his 10+ years of service to the community, and his leadership in reviving the station’s annual Dinner on the Dock fundraiser once COVID-19 restrictions allowed.

Award recipients were met with thunderous applause from their respective families, friends, and fellow SAR members. Most were presented with certificates, and some (such as the National Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary Award) included a token or medal to be engraved with the recipient’s name and added to a display in Station 1.

Congratulations to all those recognized, and every SAR member who serves our community.

Jason King, moments after receiving the National Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary Award.

Continued from page 10

and not having the money to do so—ground between the twin millstones of public need and government restraint.

The membership of the bar had different priorities than those that were thrust upon poor Plant. Still and all, that would not explain why he would be standing on the street, petitioning for alms. I selected four bottles of Finca Los Primos, Malbec from the Argentinian wine section, concluding that it couldn’t be Plant.

Cursing myself for not seizing a basket on my way in, I approached the cash register and

gingerly edged the bottles onto the counter.

The clerk filled two stout plastic bags with my half dozen bottles and gave me 75 cents change. Feeling vaguely guilty at not having given the beggar some money on my way in, I determined to give him the change clutched in my right hand.

Hands full, I opened the door with my backside, shuffled backwards, and found myself beside the beggar, still holding his cup out in a mute plea for funds and staring at the distant rooftops. I dropped the three quarters into the cup.

There was an impressive splash as a spout of coffee was expelled onto the sidewalk, and his shirt front. His eyes met mine in surprise and irritation.

“Hey, I’m just waiting for my wife.”

I did not stay to apologize. I hustled off down the sidewalk and turned the corner as fast as I could. At the corner, I stole a swift look back to observe the beggar rummaging in the coffee mug with two fingers, trying to retrieve the quarters. I loaded my bags into the car and made off home, leaving the attorney general richer by 75 cents.

As attorney general, he ran into a number of unforeseen problems, at least unforeseen by him. He would go down in the history of the legal profession as the only attorney general ever to have been censured by the assembled members of the Law Society at its annual general meeting—for his perceived lack of funding for legal aid. He had encountered the age-old problem that has beset and occasionally unhorsed, so many cabinet ministers: the need to fund an obviously necessary cause

DO YOU WANNA DANCE?

Photos provided Coxswain Joshua Lepin giving opening remarks.

Join us for some community fun and learn a different dance each month!

WHEN: 3 to 5pm on the first Saturday of each month WHERE: West Van Presbyterian Church (29th & Marine) With expert instruction in many different kinds of dances, such as the waltz and foxtrot, as well as dances from different cultures.

All ages are welcome to dance or relax and enjoy the company, coffee, tea & goodies.

$10 cash for the series. Call Cathy for info 604-770-4570

PAGE 12

November/December 2023

BRIAN POMFRET

W

JOE GARDENER

El Nino brings more rain this winter

ell, here we are with winter on its way. News of the current El Nino indicates that we can expect lots of rain, but not too much cold, for these two months at least. So, between deluges, there are a number of things to do in your garden.

• Dash out and lime your lawn any time now using coarse dolomite that breaks down gradually to keep the pH level of the soil adequate until spring. For goodness’ sake, clear off the leaves!

• It’s still ok to plant spring bulbs now, as long as the soil is not frozen or waterlogged.

• Dig up dahlia tubers and store them in a cool, dark, dry place.

• If you have a big ol’ hosta in your garden, maybe it’s time to divide. While the soil is still softish, place the whole plant on a work surface and carefully pull apart the roots.

It takes a while but is less traumatic for the plant than shearing with a spade; you can also arrange the pieces into a pleasing form. Then heel into the garden and move in the spring.

• Maybe get a hummingbird feeder. Last year I kept them constantly as all the hummingbirds’ food from flowers was gone. One quarter cup of sugar to one cup of distilled water. Change out frequently.

• I like the appearance of some perennials left alone for a while, like sedums and ornamental grasses. They can look quite attractive in winter. Coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, and asters also provide seeds for birds.

• Helebores (Lenten rose), the roses of winter, will start to flower soon. Remove some of the leaf foliage to expose more of the flowers hidden below. They look fabulous if planted in odd-numbered groups.

Charity Shopping

NIFTY THRIFTY STORE Caulfeild Cove Hall at St. Francis-in-the-Wood-Church 4773 South Piccadilly Rd, West Vancouver

Saturday, November 4th 10am - 2pm

H OR CAS CARD DIT CRE

ssories thing & acce o cl ’s en m o | treasures W g | Linen Gently used men’s clothin d n -e h ig h d more! | Jewelry | NEW ks | Toys | an Silverware o o | B r o éc d | China | Home Kitchenware

L

• These two months are great times to plant a new ornamental tree as there is little risk of shock to the plant – frost free of course. You can plant roses too. Order them bare root –yes, no soil – online, where you’ll find a huge variety rather than the select few in pots at local nurseries. Find a temporary spot to heel them in, with mulch covering, so that you can move them in the spring.

• I always mention garden lighting to highlight your garden or lawn in the depths of winter, especially with a dusting of snow. It’s a real thrill to switch on and enjoy.

• My favourite plant at this time of year is Camellia Yuletide as it usually blooms very close to Christmas.

It comes in a lovely shade of red and can be found at nurseries now.

Rain and Rugged Terrain

and surveyors were essential to the growth and development of our province as the mining and logging industries developed and grew. In West Vancouver, where land is the common currency, the role of the surveyor is crucial.

Chapman Land Surveying Ltd. has been serving our community, and our province, for over 100 years. The company’s roots go back to 1886, well before the designation of land surveyor was formalized.

Surveying was one of the Elliott and Chapman families’ enterprises, operating in the early years of our province, and surveying our corner of the world years before its incorporation as West Vancouver. (Excerpt from Laura Anderson’s article in the March/April 2023 edition of The Beacon.)

In Rain and Rugged Terrain, Jay Sherwood chronicles the extraordinary history of Chapman Land Surveying as it played its role during the development of the Province of British Columbia.

• NEW ITEMS arriving all the time!

• ARRIVE EARLY for the best selection!

Proceeds to the charities supported by St. Francis-in-the-Wood Church

www.stfrancisinthewood.ca | 604.922.3531

Price: $25 Available at the West Vancouver Art Museum or by calling Bill Chapman at 604-328-4616

November/December 2023

PAGE 13

ANNE BAIRD

M

ANNE’S CORNER

Mum’s Rescue Remedy

um loved animals. During our years in the tropics, she had many exotic pets. Her specialty was resuscitating wounded birds with something she called Rescue Remedy.

She moistened white bread in warmed milk till it looked like porridge. Added a splash of the best brandy. Spooned a few teaspoonfuls into the patient’s beak. Bingo!

Their eyes snapped open, and they looked for more.

“Birds die from shock,” she explained.

“You have to perk them up. Then get them back to nature as fast as possible.”

The day came when I had a chance to test her remedy.

Our tomcat, Cattypuss, scourge of the bird community, attacked a young pigeon.

He was about to polish him off when my two youngest, who were playing outside, drove him away. They screamed for help.

Amanda held the bird out to me.

“Help, Mommy! Pidgy’s dying!”

Mom’s memory rescued me as it so often has.

“Time for Rescue Remedy!”

We rushed into the kitchen. I whipped up the potion, explaining the procedure.

“Hold him steady,” I told Amanda.

“Eddie, open his beak.”

I spooned a healthy teaspoonful into his beak. Pidgy swallowed, shivered, and nearly leaped out of Amanda’s hand. Then, he relaxed. He lay back and opened his beak for more. We gave him another slurp.

“Now,” I said, “We’ll make him perch on a branch. He needs to remember he’s a bird.”

We stood him up on a branch Eddie found in the garden. He didn’t perch. His little claws lay limp across the branch. But he opened his beak. More! Please?

Mum’s wisdom surfaced again.

“If he won’t perch, tap him lightly on the

ankles to make him grip the branch.”

We tapped with Eddie’s pencil. Pidgy’s eyes shot open. He gripped tight with his toes. But swung round to hang upside down like a bat. He opened his beak.

“Too much Rescue Remedy,” I opined.

“We’ll wrap him up and put him in a shoebox. Stash him in the playroom to sleep it off. Then we’ll try again. Eddie, go

lock up Cattypuss.”

“OK!” “Good,” I said. “Time for us to have some Rescue Remedy too. Peanut butter and honey sandwiches OK? You earned it.”

The children opened their mouths and rubbed their tummies.

I took that as a “Yes.”

“The place where neighbours meet”

Bank of Montreal .................... 604.921.2982 BC Liquor Store ......................... 604.922.8201 Caulfeild Dental Centre ....... 604.922.1305 Caulfeild Gallery & Framing .. 604.926.1886 Caulfeild Insurance Centre .. 604.922.9100 Caulfeild Medical Clinic ........ 604.922.1544

Caulfeild Veterinary Hospital .. 604.922.2344 Firststep Financial .................. 604.618.0131 Fisherman’s Market ............... 604.281.2000 Forecast Coffee ............................ 604.281.0167 Iris Optometrists & Opticians ... 604.923.4747

J Gregory Men’s Apparel ...... 604.921.2646 Marilyn’s Boutique ................. 604.925.4110 Mega Sushi ................................. 604.281.0200 Pharmasave ............................... 604.926.5331 Post Office ................................ 1.800.267.1177

Safeway ....................................... 604.926.2550 Starbucks .................................... 604.926.2550 Subway ......................................... 604.922.7501 Valetor Cleaners ...................... 604.925.3900 Village Pet Food ....................... 604.925.3334 Windsor Meats Co ................... 604.926.6168

W W W. C AU L F E I L D V I L L AG E S H O P P I N G C E N T R E . CO M

PAGE 14

November/December 2023

KIM TAYLOR Real Estate Group

In the 13 years that I’ve helped my clients buy and sell homes here, I’ve always felt that I’m not just selling a home, I’m selling a lifestyle. When I move someone into a new home, the process doesn’t end with me handing them the keys; I’m involved in connecting them with their new community - my community. I was fortunate to grow up in Eagle Harbour and my husband, in Horseshoe Bay. Our son and daughter learn in the same classrooms that we did at Gleneagles - it doesn’t get more local than that. Since childhood I’ve been familiar with the trails, parks and beaches that my family enjoys today. I feel very fortunate to have fashioned a successful career doing what I love to do in this beautiful area I call home and I would love to help your family buy or sell the West Coast dream... because I believe it is.

SOLD

5704 WESTPORT ROAD 290 KELVIN GROVE WAY EAGLE HARBOUR LIONS BAY

$3,200,000 $2.688M

195 PLACEAVE 6239ISLEVIEW WELLINGTON LIONS BAY BAY HORSESHOE

$2,189,000 $3.95M

Nestled in absolute privacy, this extraordinary 5 bdrm + office This beautifully renovated 7 bdrm / 5 bthrm / 5,528 SF Kelvin /Grove 5 bthrm 5661 SF residence sits on over an 3acre surhome/ boasts incredible panoramic viewshalf on all levels. roundedbelow by lush gardens. levelprivacy, features anhome open plan Hidden the street for Main maximum this reveals its magnificence moment you step inside.

3 bdrms with gourmet kitchen. 4the spacious bdrms up plus a large hobby up; an impressive floor with a room, 1000+ SF sundeck; room.

Downstairsmain offers a games gym, sauna,TWO hot tub spacious bdrm suites.

Lots of updates, a detached & tons of2 storage.

A greenhouse, double garage &garage gated flat and a separate studio. driveway complete this remarkable home.

Tastefully updated and meticulously maintained 4 bdrm / luxury coastal living in this completely renovated 3 3Experience bthrm / 2739 SF family home sits on its own private oasis bdrm / 4 bthrm / 2467 SF home. This architectural masterpiece with stunning oceanocean and nature views.

Incredible setting with boasts br eathtaking views from every room. Every detail beauti fulwell perennial creek andto private has been thoughtplanti out, ngs, from soothing the vaulted ceilings the old floor-to-ceiling oriel door. windows skylights flood open the home growth forest next Theand home offersthat an ideal floor w/ natural Walking up distance Garrow local plan with light.

3 bedrooms and atorec roomBay, andschool, 4th bedroom shops, restaurants & transit. down.

Walk to beach, trails, store, café & school.

SOLD

SOLD

4619BAYVIEW CAULFEILD DRIVE 325 PLACE CAULFEILD LIONS BAY

$4,288,000 $1.68M

This 4 bdrm + office / 5 bthrm / 4426 SF residence stands

Inhabit the essence of majestic Lions Bay in this one-of-a-kind proud on a sun-drenched expansive corner lot. The main floor 4 bedroom home surrounded by unparalleled ocean and nature unveilsImagine a gourmet kitchen seamlessly merging family views. entertaining friends and family on yourinto largeaviewing roomor&flat, connecti to Aa warm serene patio & backyard. deck grassyng yard. community awaits you The - justlayout aisshort walk toby three beautiful beaches, trails,4community hall, & enhanced a mud room, rec room, ensuited bdrms general caféAand predriveway, and primary school garage, (in West gym, Vancouver a brightstore, office. level double poolschool catchment).

ready design and close to schools & shopping.

10 308 E 14TH STREET 510– BAYVIEW ROAD

$1,299,000 $1.899M

CENTRAL LIONS BAY LONSDALE Move right in to this elegant 3 bdrm / 3 bthrm / 1366 SF upThis impressive 6 bdrm / 4 bthrm / 3725 SF West Coast residence per-level townhouse in the desirable Avondale complex. Feais perched on a spectacular 14,228 SF lot with sweeping SW turing ceilingsUpstairs & newfeatures hardwood floors bdrms, throughout, views of9-foot Howe Sound.

3 spacious main a cozy area and an impressive newwith kitchen flowing level living/dining boasts an open kitchen/dining/living room incredible vaulted largeand picture windows sliders to anUpstairs expansive into theceilings, family room opening to a&sunny deck. feaentertaining deck and lower great suite tures 3 bedrooms & offi celevel nook.offers Prime locati onpotential. near schools, Complete with garage & carport. shopping, eateries, & recreation.

KIMTAYLORHOMES.COM | KIM@KIMTAYLORHOMES.COM | 604.315.2645 INDEPENDENT ADVISOR OF RENNIE AND ASSOCIATES REALTY LTD. THIS COMMUNICATION IS NOT INTENDED TO CAUSE OR INDUCE A BREACH OF AN EXISTING AGREEMENT(S). E.& O.E

SOLD

5707-BLUEBELL DRIVE 509 6707 NELSON AVE EAGLE HARBOUR HORSESHOE BAY

$2,500,000 $1.29M

Move in ready 5 bdrm / 4 bthrm / 3071 SF family home sits at

Horseshoe Bay Sanctuary by Westbank is a vibrant waterfront the end offramed a quietbycul-de-sac with marina views. community nature. This brand new 2 and bdrmgarden / 1 bthrm floor plan on 3500 levels floor boasts beauti ful vault/Ideal 941 SF suite boasts SF of- main outdoor space & ocean views.

Features include 10” ceilings, travertine stonekitchen fireplace, ed ceilings, hardwood floors, updated offMiele the cozy appliances, slabback countertops & wide plank floors.

Steps to family roomgranite and two decks. Upstairs offers 3 large bdrms unique shops & restaurants. with private and boathouse a and downstairs you’ll findComplete 2 more bedrooms a large& rec 26ft Chris Craft boat for your leisure.

room with garden access (easily suitable).

SOLD SOLD

8595EANSELL PLACE 623 KINGS ROAD HOWE VANCOUVER SOUND NORTH

$2,750,000 $1.935M

This one of a kind 3 bdrm / 3 bthrm / 3400 SF semi-waterfront

First time ever on the market, this home was lovingly built by architectural masterpiece nauti cal theme. its owners in 1969, who still boats reside ainunique the house today.

This 4 It features stunning vaulted ceilings, is curved walls, bdrm / 3 bthrm / 2833 SF residence situated on astained privateglass treed setincredible back far from the street at the endevery of a flat, detailslotand panoramic views from room. Sitquiet Well and lotsofofaupdates in this uatedcul-de-sac. on a 18,783 sqmaintained ft lot at the end quiet cul-de-sac, beautiful home.

Enjoy themanicured peace and gardens. tranquillity of your very surrounded by tranquil Complete with a own slice of nature.

separate studio attached to the main house.

November/December 2023

PAGE 15

Franco’s network in our preferred area allowed him to identify our dream home “ before it was officially listed and our offer was accepted on listing day. At the same time during the process of selling our existing home it is an understatement to say Franco went way above and beyond to counsel and provide a balanced perspective when needed. We are truly grateful and it is a real pleasure to recommend Franco.

”

Keith & Julia Hazell

“I give you my personal assurance that when it comes to the business of your present or future home, open houses, or private showings you will never deal with an assistant or third party associate. In short, I will always be there to help you with the details and decisions that are so critical to the purchase and sale of your home.” - Franco

604.842.2668 franco@francodiligenti.com francodiligenti.com Macdonald Realty Ltd. This communication is not intended to cause or induce breach of an existing agency agreement.

PAGE 16

November/December 2023

The Penny Mitchell Group S

TM

the penny mitchell group Penny & Stephanie penny & stephanie mitchellMitchell

604-816-7825 604-812-7158 • www.pennymitchell.com 604-816• -7825 • 604 -812-7158

pennymitchellgroup@gmail.com Penny@thepennymitchellgroup.com • Stephanie@thepennymitchellgroup.com