THE No. 26

BEACON Shedding light on the communities from Lions Bay to West Bay

January 2018

Hollyburn The early years

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Community Personality

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Cultural Connections

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Cooking with Chlo

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Mountains to Sea

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Kids Helping Kids

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IN THIS ISSUE 3

Photo: courtesy of Don Grant

Views of the Hollyburn shoulder, Hollyburn plateau, Hollyburn Ridge and Vancouver beyond.

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n the late nineteenth century, loggers and shake and shingle block cutters were accessing valuable stands of fir and cedar on the lower slopes of Hollyburn mountain. Trails were created and streams, lakes and marshes were dammed to provide water for the logging flumes on the plateau. By 1920, some Vancouverites had become aware of Hollyburn’s potential as a recreational area as the trails attracted hikers and snowshoers. Hikers started building makeshift cabins from logging scraps. Among the hikers was a group of ski enthusiasts who encountered enticing expanses of snow on the plateau below Hollyburn Peak. They began to develop the cleared areas and skiing on Hollyburn was born. Climbing the mountain to day-ski attracted more cabin-building for overnighting. The early makeshift cabins were replaced with more substantial log cabins. Don Grant, Hollyburn Heritage Society Archivist, tells the story on page 4.

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TEAM

Chris Stringer Publisher

chrisstringer @westvanbeacon.ca

Lindy Pfeil Editor

lindypfeil @westvanbeacon.ca

Penny Mitchell Advertising

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 West Bay. 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.

January 2018

A spectacular wish for 2018 to be accountable for their decisions and not be defined by one case of poor judgement. As a provincial prosecutor for many years, and a West Vancouver resident, she has seen ‘reality’ on opposite ends of the spectrum. Lindy Pfeil She tears up when she describes what it was like to participate in the RJ process, saying, ary-Ann Booth has a very special finally, “It left me with hope.” place in my heart. We first met That was five years ago, and since then, when I was a new volunteer with Mary-Ann and I have crossed paths many the North Shore Restorative Justice Society. times – at community days, fundraising Restorative justice (RJ) is an alternative to galas and other events. Always, she brings the criminal justice system; if police officers her energy, her enthusiasm and her pasbelieve ‘offenders’ have taken responsibility sion for the community. She served on the for their actions, and are willing to work to- West Vancouver Board of Education for six wards repairing the harm, they refer the years, three of them as board Chair. case to RJ. Because it is a voluntary “Working with Geoff Jopson process, the person who has changed me as a person,” been harmed must also be she says of the thenwilling to participate. That Superintendent of person, in this particular schools. During her case, was Mary-Ann. And time there, the board while not all files proceed made joy an explicit to a face-to-face conferworkplace value. ence, this one would. When I ask her Despite the rigorous 40+ where she would go if she hours of facilitator training, I could time-travel, she was terrified. It was my first Mary-Ann on her tricycle, with her thinks for a while: “I’m a baby brother in the foreground. conference. Enormous preparealist and a pragmatist,” ration goes into initial and subshe explains. “So while I’d sequent meetings with all parties involved, be tempted to go back to the 50s or 60s, I’m to ensure that everyone feels safe, respected going to travel a hundred years into the fuand heard. I did not sleep much the night be- ture.” She believes we can do so much better fore, anticipating all the things that could go than driver-less cars: think Jetsons, and pods wrong. They didn’t, and at the end of the con- and non-polluting modes of transportation. ference, unsure of protocol, I hugged Mary- It’s no surprise that one of her favourite Ann. Relief that things had gone smoothly, quotes is by Albert Einstein: “Everybody is a and gratitude for her commitment to the genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to process, her compassion and grace. climb a tree, it will live its whole life believMary-Ann believes that youth (indeed, ing that it is stupid.” everyone) should be given the opportunity Mary-Ann was first elected to West Van-

Opinion

M

Photos provided Mary-Ann without the tricycle, same smile.



couver Council in 2011, and her eyes light up when she speaks about the community in which she and her husband have raised their two daughters. “I love its beauty. The mountains, the greenery and being able to smell the ocean.” She also loves its small-town feeling, and the quiet. Her perfect day is “waking up to the sun, a fantastic cappuccino and the Globe and Mail.” Her therapy is a bath with lavender salts and candles. She keeps dark chocolate in her bathroom. Genius! Because it’s that time of year, I ask her what she wishes for 2018. “I wish that housing would be affordable for everyone earning a local income,” she says. “Otherwise I fear my beautiful community is going to either become a ghost town or a resort town.” With my own twenty-something children just entering the workforce and the housing market, her words have struck a nerve. And now it’s my turn to get teary. Happy New Year, Mary-Ann. And may all your 2018 wishes come true.

If you are not receiving home delivery of The Beacon please let us know at chrisstringer@westvanbeacon.ca

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January 2018



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Kids Helping Kids BY

Jenn Coe

T

his is a story about compassion, courage and inspiration. About a month before Christmas, Quinn, age seven, was worried about some close friends who are having a tough time. Shortly after losing their 16-year-old brother (and best friend) in the spring of 2015, their mother, a single parent, was diagnosed with Cushing’s disease. After a recent operation to remove a tumor from her brain they are hopeful, but the road to recovery is long and complex. With limited income, the girls are homeschooling so they can be there for their mother. When Quinn’s friend, Jonathan, also seven, heard about the girls, he immediately wanted to help. He emptied all the money in his piggy bank and donated half his savings. The two then teamed up and started a fundraiser called Kids Helping Kids with the ambitious goal of

raising $20,000 for the family by Christmas Eve. The funds would allow the girls to sign up for some extracurricular activities, as well as counselling and tutoring. Half would be put away for post-secondary education. The two boys worked with their parents to reach out to friends and family via phone, FaceTime and email. They approached several businesses in the community and asked their classmates and teammates to help too. In just under a week they received 71 donations and hit their target of 20k. An incredible feat for two seven-year-olds! Quinn attends Eagle Harbour Montesorri and Jonathan attends Mulgrave. There are many teachings around compassion in their schools, including the importance of helping others in need. And the boys’ sports teams also instill the importance of goal-setting, dedication and working together. With the support of parents, coaches, teachers and the community, huge hearted kids can change the world.

Photo: courtesy of Narrations Photography Quinn and Jonathan making plans to help a few friends in need this Christmas.



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Photo: Jenn Coe René from Village Pet Food & Supplies told the boys he was proud of their efforts and to keep up the good work.



Photo: Jenn Coe Jonathan (left) and Quinn (right) receiving a donation from Will and Katie at Fisherman’s Market in Caulfeild.



Keeping track of Christa both the Canadian Championships and the NCCWMA (North America Central American Caribbean World Masters Athletics) hrista Bortignon’s 2017 track and championships in Toronto. She finished the year with field season started with six gold medals at the Nevada world records in long and Senior Games in Las Vegas and triple jumps. She entered a new seven gold medals at the Huntsage group when she turned 80 man World Senior Games in St. in January, and went on to win George, Utah, taking her total six gold medals at the World medal count for 2017 to 59. Masters Athletics Indoor world The highlight of Christa’s championships in Daegu, South year, however, was in St. George Korea, breaking the long and triwhere she won her 500th medal ple jump world records. Canada since starting track and field in won 10 gold medals at this event, 2009. Just before going to press, including Christa’s six. Christa heard from her coach Christa’s outdoor season also “that BC Athletics has selected began with world records in the Photo provided me as the female master athlete two jumps. Unfortunately, at a The triple jump in St. of the year for 2017, and also practice in May, she was accidenGeorge, 2017. tally tripped by an eager younger nominated me for the BC Sports competitor and broke her right ankle. This award.” This award is given to the best master prevented her from practicing and competing athlete, male or female, from all the different sports. Christa has won this award twice beuntil later in the year. Not to be deterred, she got right back into fore - in 2013 and 2014. it, and in August won three gold medals at Congratulations from all of us at the Beacon! BY

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January 2018

The Cabins on Hollyburn Ridge BY

Don Grant

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n the early spring of 1922, Rudolph Verne, a Swedish immigrant living in Vancouver, made his first hike up Hollyburn Ridge. Upon reaching the Hollyburn plateau he recognized its potential as a place for skiing. After four years of site selection attempts the Hollyburn Ski Camp was developed by Verne and his team of Swedish employees, all proficient skiers. Pretty soon growing numbers of young adventurers were climbing the mountain, trying their legs at skiing and building cabins, to overnight on the mountain and have fun. A close community developed among the cabin owners. In 1931 the District of West Vancouver began to regulate the construction and maintenance of the cabins by hiring a ranger, Scotty Finlayson, who designated the cabin sites and enforced the permit requirements. The popularity of the ridge grew to the point where, by 1939, about 300 cabins were clustered on the Ridge. Downhill and crosscountry skiing interest had grown due to the development of a logging road that provided access to the Hollyburn in 1938. Cabin community life flourished and led to many West Vancouver families creating memories that spanned generations. Over the years, Seymour and Grouse mountains were developed and Hollyburn was now competing for skiers. The cabins were used less; many became derelict and had to be demolished. After the mid-1960s, no new cabins were permitted to be built. Today, approximately 100 well-maintained cabins survive. In 2014 the District of West Vancouver put some of the vacant cabins at Hollyburn Ridge on the market for purchase. Horse-

shoe Bay resident, David Phillips, who has lived in West Vancouver since his childhood, purchased one of them. “I grew up skiing on Hollyburn Mountain and would hike by the cabins to get to the ski hill, so I was very familiar with them. This is a perfect opportunity to be part of West Vancouver’s winter history. The cabin needed work, I enjoy restoration projects and this was ideal for me in my retirement. I love it up there.” Now, 90 years later, the cabin community on Hollyburn continues and remains part of the cherished history of West Vancouver.

David Phillips’ cabin. 

So when leaden clouds hang low And tracks turn hard with cold Snowflakes fly and fires roar Like mountain days of old. Thus, to seek the Ridge when snow arrives Is to find near every trail Deep, white mounds that constitute Each cabin’s wintry veil. - Tony Flower

Photo: courtesy of Alex Swanson

Cabin 182.

Fowlie and Friends celebrate Christmas BY

Rob Falls

B

y any measure, whether it be smiling faces, laughs or joyous moments, the Fowlie and Friends Christmas Show held at Kay Meek Centre on December 16 was wonder-filled. Karen Fowlie and her Copper Cove Road Band played and sang old standards as well original songs. The variety show included plays, stand-up comedy and dance performed by a cast of 20.

The finale was a sublime rendition of “Oh Holy Night” by Fowlie, followed by the entire audience standing to sing along with the classic Christmas carol “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”. Together the songs brought both tears and goosebumps – framing a fine send-off into the Christmas season for an audience joyously readied for the holidays. Santa, Fowlie & Friends

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January 2018



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COMMUNITY CHURCHES

Celebrate St. Francis-in-the-Wood’s 90th birthday

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Looking for an opportunity to get dressed up and have a night on the town? Well, look no further. JOIN US ON SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2018 at Caulfeild Cove Hall to celebrate the 90th anniversary of St. Francis-in-the-Wood. And, not coincidentally, help us raise funds for our much-needed new roof.

Besides the gourmet meal, there will be an amazing silent and live auction with some totally unique items: original stained glass windows, as well as an original Ross Penhall painting and much more! Tickets are available online at www.stfrancisinthewood.ca We look forward to seeing you there.

Services Sundays 8am &10am (with Sunday School)

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St Francis-in-the-Wood invites you to a performance in the church by Canadian Soprano, Clarisse Tonigussi accompanied by Matthew Li on the church Steinway piano Sunday, January 21st, 2018 2pm to 4pm As part of her cross Canada performances Clarisse will feature the music of Canadian women composers. The performance will be followed by refreshments so you can meet the performers and learn about the Canadian Women Composers Project. TICKETS: $15 at the door | $10 students

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January 2018

The ‘Lindy Pfeil Award’ is established Chris Stringer

The Society website describes its work as a peaceful approach to crime and conflict that seeks to address the needs of victims, offenders and communities by offering processes that encourage dialogue, reparation and healing. The Circles in Schools program, initiated by Lindy and the Society staff in 2013, uses activities that promote children’s self-aware-

ness and self-reflection. Through weekly Circle sessions, children have the opportunity to consider and speak to relevant issues including identity, belonging, relationships, conflict, diversity and other topics that promote social emotional literacy. Sitting in circles with the use of a talking piece, that is handed between each child after speaking, gives them an opportunity to be heard and also the power to share as little or as much as they like. The program focuses on community building as a way to facilitate children’s connection to themselves and their peers, school and broader community. Sioned Dyer, Executive Director of the North Shore Restorative Justice Society, reports, “From 2013 to present, the program

The Lindy Pfeil Award, at the North Shore Restorative Justice Society annual gala.

In the Circle.

BY

L

ast November the North Shore Restorative Justice Society honoured our editor with the creation of the ‘Lindy Pfeil Award’. It is an acknowledgement and expression of appreciation for Lindy’s extraordinary service and the hundreds of hours she has dedicated to North Shore children and youth through the ‘Circles in Schools’ program.

has grown from one weekly Circle with Lindy to over 24 weekly Circles across the North Shore (and we have had as many as 30 weekly Circles in 2016). The program has

that make us who we are, and I believe her legacy is that she makes us love those things about ourselves too.” Lindy Pfeil, it would seem, had been preparing for this calling. While raising her two children she developed and taught a successful program for young children called Karma in Motion. Combining yoga and ballet it was the natural outcome of her background in ballet and her extensively varied education in the psychological and physical needs of children. Her students, who are now teenagers and university students, pass her in Starbucks and holler, “Hi, Miss Lindy”. During this time, she continued her formal education to understand the needs of young people with developmental struggles. Any leisure time was spent writing books. Lindy started volunteering in Victim Services with the West Vancouver Police department in 2011. It was her supervisor at the time, Bunny Brown, who suggested she look into restorative justice. “When I found Restorative Justice,” says Lindy, “I immediately felt as though I had come home. Every day I  wake up, excited to see what the day will bring. I write a bit, dance a lot, breathe deeply every now and then, and remind myself to listen very carefully...because it’s the untold stories that hold the most power and most need to be heard.” Bunny, her former supervisor, writes: “Lindy is a dedicated, compassionate, and passionate advocate for justice and fairness in all areas of life. She has an aura of lightness and truth that is infectious! I can’t imagine anything she wouldn’t do well at.” Congratulations, Lindy, from your Beacon community.

“It’s the untold stories that hold the most power and most need to be told.” - L. Pfeil a waitlist every year and is hugely popular amongst young children and high school students alike. The popularity can be directly linked to Lindy’s incredible passion for the work and her great commitment to giving children a voice. Lindy loves all the imperfect parts of people, really the things

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January 2018



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MOUNTAINS TO SEA

Puppy training with a purpose pause before negotiating stairs. She plays in the fenced garden and runs freely in areas such as Ambleside Dog Park. At other times, she walks ‘to heel’ on leash, and when she is wearing her official vest to go Elspeth Bradbury shopping or to travel on a bus, she is expected to behave with decorum. Once, on a neken Tusar has worked as a puppy Blue Bus packed with standing-room-only trainer for BC & Alberta Guide Dogs passengers, Billie was lying quietly, hidfor eleven years, and in that time, she den under the seat when a young woman and her husband Denis have raised six pup- wearing open sandals was more than a little pies for the organization. They took surprised to feel a gentle tongue lickon this volunteer work after ing her toes. “Luckily,” Eneken retheir own dogs died, the last ports, “she didn’t scream, and in at the age of 16. Although the end everyone seemed to Eneken longed to raise anenjoy the incident.” other dog, she hesitated Billie has been living to take on such a lengthy with the Tusars for more commitment. Fostering than a year now and has alseemed a good option. most reached the age when Billie, a female labraadvanced training can begin. At this point, profesdor, is their latest charge. sional trainers take over At seven weeks old, when and, for the next six months, she came to West Vandogs board with volunteers couver, she already knew a few basic commands and near the organization’s had been taught to wait base in Ladner. Requirefor a whistle before eating. ments for guide dogs are Photo provided stringent, and only about House training took a few Billie at seven weeks. 60% of the trainees end up weeks, and now, when she needs to go outdoors, she rings a bell that with placements. The degree of deductive hangs from an exterior doorknob. She at- thinking required of these dogs is astontends regular obedience training in Ladner ishing. They must, for instance, be aware and has learned to ‘sit’, ‘stay’, ‘come’ and of hazards overhead as well as underfoot. ‘leave it’. Puppy trainers use this last com- Some dogs are more suited to other areas of mand so frequently the occasional dog has service such as work with autistic children, concluded that its name is Leavit! and some become wonderful family pets. Billie socializes calmly with people, as Trained dogs are in such demand that the well as other dogs, and knows she must organization keeps a waiting list of would-

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be owners but they are always looking for volunteers to train the puppies. When Eneken is out walking with Billie, people often stop to chat. The comment she hears most often is: “I’d love to work with a dog like this but I could never bear to part with her.” She tries to be pragmatic. “It’s like your own children. You bring them up and they go to school. They leave home and make their own life and if you’re lucky, they stay in touch with you.” She keeps photographs of all their previous puppies and shows them off with obvious love and pride. “Of course it hurts when they go,” she pauses, “but it’s so rewarding.” It is possible that Billie’s story will have a particularly rewarding ending. The Society may choose her to become a mother, and if so, she could stay permanently in West Vancouver. The idea appeals to the Tusars. Their daughter Lysanne, who is already very fond of Billie, will soon be returning to the area from Hong Kong and may provide the

perfect solution to that issue of a long-term commitment. If you would like to know more about puppy training, check out http://bcandalbertaguidedogs.com/volunteer/raise-a-puppy/

Eneken Tusar with baby Billie.

A recent photo of Billie.

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January 2018

COMMUNITY PERSONALITY

Dr. Paul Sugar - a gift to our community BY

Dr. Marylene Kyriazis

Co-Founder, President and CEO Paul Sugar Palliative Support Foundation

I

f you have spent any amount of time at Lions Gate Hospital, you have in all likelihood seen the man with the grey ponytail, plaid shirt, jeans and runners rushing from one department to another.

Paul Sugar and Marylene Kyriazis. 

Sometimes mistaken for the maintenance guy, this ordinary individual is, in many ways, extraordinary. Palliative care physician, Dr. Paul Sugar, was born and raised in Toronto. His curiosity about science and people led him to medical school. After graduating, he moved to Vancouver, settling in Horseshoe Bay to open a family practice and raise his family. During his 30 years in general practice, Paul enjoyed his close connection to patients and families. He

Photo: courtesy of Ric Hulbert

found end-of-life care particularly rewarding, and currently provides palliative care to patients in their homes, at Lions Gate Hospital, at the North Shore Hospice and at long-term care facilities. Paul is unique in his approach and in the way that he connects with individuals, focusing always on the person behind the illness. “A big part of what I enjoyed in general practice was the connection to patients and families,” says Paul. “These connections and relationships develop very rapidly, very honestly and very intimately in the course of providing what I consider to be good palliative and end-of-life care.”

Paul Sugar at work.

As a doctoral student under his mentorship, I was fortunate enough to spend time observing his approach: how he interacted with his patients and the impact this has had on the lives and deaths of so many patients and their families. It took me a couple of years to define what, at the time, I could only describe as ‘magic.’ When Dr. Sugar visited his patients, they got a sparkle in their eye, a smile on their face and a sense of relief and comfort. These signs were consistent with every patient, no matter how seriously ill. Paul always had time for his patients, encouraging them to ask questions. He lis-

Photo: courtesy of Ric Hulbert

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tened intently. He was present, providing answers and information and a balance between hope and reality. There was humour between the difficult conversations. While his focus was the patient, he always made time for the family too, providing the safety for everyone to express their needs and wishes. The patient-physician relationship was genuine and intimate. And at the core of every interaction was love, care, respect, honesty, trust and compassion. Over the years, as I continued to work in the palliative care field, and at the North Shore Hospice, I identified Dr. Sugar’s unique values and approach while becoming aware of the needs of our community. Dealing with this phase of life extends beyond the hospitals and the medical professionals. It also involves relationship dynamics, existential issues, legal and financial issues, losses, challenges and the emotional pain associated with a serious illness. People need to feel loved, respected, accepted for who they are, regardless of their situation and physical decline. They need to feel valued - that somebody cares about them right to their very last breath. They need to feel that they are not alone. It is these needs and insights that led to the creation of the Paul Sugar Palliative Support Foundation and the Palliative Support Centre in North Vancouver. This innovative model of care is based on the values, focus and approach of Dr. Paul Sugar as well as on the needs of our community. The programs, services and

“

supports harness the love, compassion, skills and experiences of the community as valuable resources. The model addresses the needs of those living with a serious illness and facing death as well as the needs of their families. The focus is on emotional support to relieve suffering, loneliness and fear. We

PAGE 9

changing the face of palliative care here on the North Shore – a gift to our community. If you need help or information,

or if you would like to help, visit www.palliativesupport.ca or www.paulsugarfoundation.com

“Paul has inspired our community to change the way we care for each other.” support and provide the safety and love that people need to help them through a vulnerable time in their lives, a time that can be richly rewarding and meaningful. Through the Paul Sugar Palliative Support Foundation and the Palliative Support Centre, we are impacting patients, families and communities. We are making a difference. We have seen the results and the benefits to individuals and their families. We are inspired by their courage and their strength, their hopes and their honesty. We learn from, and support them through, their weaknesses and their vulnerabilities, their anxieties and their fears, their losses and their challenges. Paul has been a catalyst for social change. Paul’s gift is his ability to perceive, to connect, and to fill a need. He has shared his vision and his insights; he has taught us valuable lessons and inspired us to change the way we care for each other. With the incredible support of many dedicated volunteers and donors, we are

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Paul, his wife Suzanne and their children, hiking below Black Tusk in 1989.

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January 2018

How do you manage your Worry Imp? BY

Sharon Selby Registered Clinical Counsellor

H

enry runs out of the classroom as soon as he sees a substitute teacher. Olivia arrives at her piano recital but can’t make it up on stage. What do these children have in common? Anxiety. This generation is experiencing higher than ever rates of anxiety. We need to address it early to prevent it from increasing or developing into depression. We all have a negative voice inside our heads. It’s important to name this worry voice and externalize it as something outside of our identity, over which we can have power. I call this worry voice, the Worry Imp. It plays tricks on our minds and bodies, telling us to be worried about things in the future which may or may not happen. Knowing how to shrink Worry Imp is not intuitive. We need to understand that normally we listen to our body’s signals but there

is an important exception. We correctly listen to our bodies when we get goosebumps, and know that we’re cold and need a jacket. And a fire in the building is a real emergency, so we need to trust our instinct for ‘flight’ - exit fast! But the exception is when we get ‘false alarms’ in our mind and bodies. For example, test or concert recital anxiety causes us to freeze, but this is not a true danger; this is a false alarm, and one of those times when we should not listen to our body and mind. It’s as though the Worry Imp is playing tricks on us, setting off a false alarm to fight, flee or freeze unnecessarily. We all have a tiny area in our brain, the amygdala, which instinctively protects us. But it doesn’t know the difference between a true emergency and a false alarm. So when we feel anxious, we need to ask ourselves, “Is this a true emergency or a false alarm, which means, do the opposite of what my body and mind are telling me to do?” This feels very counterintuitive, but this

is the key to us being in control of the anxiety versus the Worry Imp feeding off us and getting stronger. Sharon Selby is a Registered Clinical Counsellor, specializing in anxiety. She is the author

of Surfing the Worry Imp’s Wave, a children’s book which teaches strategies for overpowering anxiety. Her book will be available in February and preorders are currently being processed at www.SharonSelby.com

The Worry Imp from Sharon Selby’s new book, Surfing the Worry Imp’s Wave.

Sharon Selby, Registered Clinical Counsellor, author of Surfing the Worry Imp’s Wave.

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January 2018



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Why are there so many ‘bad apples’? Psyched Out Ian Macpherson

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ith great frequency, the media has been revealing high profile predators that make us shake our heads. We are also forced to think about situations closer to home in which we have heard of, witnessed or directly experienced harm done by some similar ‘bad apple.’ It is a human shortcoming that makes it easy to blame a scapegoat and look for the causes of evil within the individual’s character. Of course we must hold the offender accountable, but that is just part of the story. There are those among us with little

or no conscience. There is an even greater number of partly-contaminated apples in any barrel. The biggest problem, though, is when a large number of good people do bad things. This Lucifer Effect usually occurs in the context of interpersonal power. Those with authority - even if their values run counter to our instinctive morality - will dominate the culture. Then the crowd which follows has its own tyranny. It has been found that at least two-thirds of us will bow down to these pressures, even participating in culturally-sectioned abuse, though we know better. And, when faced with conflict between our behaviour and our moral values, instead of owning

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up, we tend to look for safety in numbers and other excuses to avoid the shame. Accompanying our natural bent toward obedience to authority and conformity to the crowd, is the bystander effect in which the larger the number of onlookers, the less likely anyone is to get involved, even when help is clearly needed. Social psychologists studied this phenomenon when, a number of years ago, an incident occurred in which 38 witnesses stood by for half an hour while a victim was assaulted and killed. One grim conclusion was responsibility diffusion, in other words, “It’s not my problem; somebody else should look after it.”

“There are those among us with little or no conscience.”

But there is a silver lining to the Lucifer and bystander cloud - the Power of One! Not all of us can be leaders in the topof-the-heap sense, but the researchers consistently found that, in an emergency, when just one person stepped forward or spoke up, providing a positive model, there was a ripple effect that caused others to join in. The current #metoo movement is one of victims showing this kind of courage. An even more revolutionary change would be possible if enough of us ordinary non-victims became everyday heroes - not just as whistleblowers but also whenever we recognize that we are caught up in a ‘bad barrel.’ Ian Macpherson is a psychologist who lives and practices in West Vancouver. More at www.westvancouvertherapist.com

Memories of Christmases past BY

Ann Frost

A

s we look forward to a new year, fresh from celebrating Christmas 2017, thoughts for many of us return to earlier Christmases and simpler times. When we first moved to Caulfeild, we looked forward to neighbours arriving at our door to sing Christmas carols, often in aid of a good cause but sometimes just for the sheer joy of singing. And we always felt welcome to join in, whatever our musical prowess. Today, it seems, we mostly go to listen to wonderful choirs, although many churches still have their

Festival of Lessons and Carols, where voices of all kinds seem welcome. Those were the days when our children made presents for their grandparents. I remember helping my eldest daughter make Turtle chocolates for each of her grandfathers. And realizing, once I’d purchased the necessary ingredients, that it would have been less expensive to buy them, but not nearly as much fun. And the grandfathers were delighted. Christmas concerts at Cypress Park Primary School were also special events with principal Eileen Barber ensuring that every child in the school was part of the festivities. It was always a delight to see the Grade Ones, dressed in their finest, welcoming parents at the door

and gravely escorting them to their seats. Then there was bringing home the tree! Many families headed up Grouse or Hollyburn mountains and cut their own small Charlie Brown trees. Sometimes, if one side was sparse from growing against the hillside, they would cut two trees and lash them together. In our family, decorating the tree was always a family event. Everyone had their favourite ornaments and rushed to put them on the tree in the most conspicuous places. The youngest member of the family always got to put the spire on the top of the tree, usually with a boost from Dad. And what about the baking? Does anyone still make Christmas cake months ahead with

cherries and candied fruit soaked in rum? Or Christmas pudding wrapped in cheesecloth and foil, and steamed for hours to finally be served with brandy butter? And finally, the Christmas pageant at St. Francis. Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus surrounded by the shepherds, the Wise Men and several angels while the Christmas story was read and many of our favourite carols were sung. I still remember the year our youngest daughter was one of the littlest angels, along with her friend Pippa, sitting at the right and left side of the tableau. Both of them fell asleep. Warm and wonderful memories.

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January 2018

CULTURAL CONNECTIONS

A selection of community highlights and cultural events Elaine McHarg

W

e often think of January as a time of fresh starts and resolutions as to how we will better our lives over the coming year. If trying something new, expanding your creative horizons, or enjoying more outings with friends is on your list then here are a few winter options. The Arts Club on Tour production of MISERY by William Goldman, based on

Photo: courtesy of Marion Bridge Nicola Cavendish will host the new play reading series at Kay Meek Centre in January.



the chilling thriller by Stephen King, arrives at the Kay Meek Centre for just two performances on January 5 & 6. If you miss it there check out The BlueShore at Cap (Capilano University) on January 9. One of the most unique events in January is the NEW PLAY READING SERIES running January 15-20 at Kay Meek Centre, curated and hosted by awarding winning actress (and North Shore resident) Nicola Cavendish. Each night a different play is read by a cast of professional actors followed by a talkback with the playwright. The plays selected are in various stages of development and the playwrights are a mix of established (such as David King from Gibsons) and new (including Max Wyman of Lions Bay). The stories touch upon themes of family, loss, love, and awakening. Jan. 15: PEOPLE LIKE US by Sandi Johnson and CERTIFIED by Jan Derbyshire; Jan 16: we could be clouds by Gary Mok; Jan 17: SEX, DRUGS & AGE, the last taboo by Colleen Ann Fee; Jan 18: FLING by Melody Anderson; Jan 19: SAD CLOWN by David King; Jan 20: Modern Gothic by Charles Whelton (2pm) and BLUEBELL TIME by Max Wyman. All readings at 7 p.m. unless noted. Seating is limited so reserve early. On January 14, the Kay Meek Centre presents PARKER + PARKER, an afternoon of classical music with internationally recognized Canadian pianists IAN PARKER (now an Eagle Island resident) and JON KIMURA (Jackie) PARKER. These two superstars (and cousins) will join forces for a two-piano extravaganza. HARPOONIST & THE AXE MURDER

with Vancouver-based blues duo Shawn Hall and Matthew Rogers, widely known for their amazing live shows and a modern take on blues. At Centennial Theatre on February 2. Co-presented with Cap Global Roots. ONEGIN the musical adaptation was recognized with 10 Jessie awards when it premiered in 2016. Described by patrons as magical, passionate, and moving, it is at the Kay Meek Centre (February 16 & 17) and BlueShore at Cap (February 20). Take note, North Vancouver’s own Andrew Wheeler is a member of this remarkable Arts Club on Tour cast. Staying with the Arts Club, February 8March 10 you will find the Tony Award– winning musical memoir FUN HOME running on the Granville Island Stage. Inspiring and Supporting Youth EXIT 22 (Capilano University Theatre) presents A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM, one of William Shakespeare’s most beloved and accessible works from February 6-10. Professional dance is back on the North Shore as Canada’s Ballet Jörgen brings the magical tale of Russian Grand Duchess ANASTASIA to the Kay Meek Centre (Feb 16 & 17) featuring the youthful talent of local dancers from Pro Arte Centre. Presentation House in North Vancouver is recognized as one of the go-to venues for creative theatre for young audiences. SALMON GIRL, a visually stunning work by A Raven Spirit Dance Production, explores the world of water and salmon through theatre, dance, music and puppetry. (February 15-17)

Research has indicated that participating in or attending a cultural event keeps you healthier. So enjoy something new or something familiar, and don’t forget to invite a friend (or two). For specifics and tickets: artsclub.com; bardonthebeach.org; capilanou.ca/blueshorefinancialcentre; kaymeek.com; phtheatre.org;

Photo: courtesy of David Cooper Andrew Wheeler and Andrew McNee in the 2017 production of Onegin. Costume design by Jacqueline Firkins. Set design by Drew Facey. Lighting design by John Webber.



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January 2018



HOME & LIVING

Soup for the soul Cooking with Chlo Chloé Noël

I

recently graduated from university and have come face to face with a whole lot of uncertainty. Despite the unknown, I started off fresh and excited in September, anticipating health and success. Unsurprisingly, I never found that level of perfection, and this fall turned out to be a time of change and adjustment. Within the chaos of November, juggling two jobs and three weekends away, I learned the value of taking time to breathe and doing something I love. One cloudy afternoon, finding myself with some free time, I made a roaring fire in our wood-burning stove and decided to put a resident acorn squash to use by making a hearty soup. While I roasted the veggies, I decided to roast a few marshmallows too, subsequently

setting off the fire alarm. The soup was delicious, the marshmallows were burnt, and within the chaos I found a sliver of peace. With 2018’s arrival, I aim to reject any notion of having it together. Instead, I will simply make soup. Chloé is a part time vegetarian who tends to overshare and overeat.

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Super Speed y Squash So up 1 acorn squash

Preheat oven to 425°F . Cu If you like, you can sav t the acorn squash and carrots into mediu e the seeds for garni m sized chunks. sh (with edges) and dri zzle 1 tbsp. of olive oil ing. Throw the veggies onto a sheet pan 1 onion on top. Toss together with oil. Sprinkle with until fully-coated salt and pepper befor 2 cloves of garli mi nu tes . Fli p the veggies halfway throu e popping it into the oven. Cook for 15 c -20 gh the cooktime to en than one side (the bro 2 cups of veggie sure they brown on mo wn stock re olive oil in a large sou ed edges create a deeper flavour). Mean while, heat 2 tbsp. of p po it in the olive oil. Once t at medium heat. Mince the garlic, cut 2 bay leaves up the onion and fry the onion is cooked ad stock. Finish by addin d g the spices and let the the roasted vegetables and vegetable ½ tsp. thyme more veggie stock fee soup simmer for 5-10 l free to add some, or mi ½ tsp. nutmeg if the soup’s too liquid nutes. If you need attains your desired consistency. Remove , reduce it until it the bay leaves before Optional: After ad ½ tsp. cinnamon blending the soup. din and lay them out on g the roasted veggies to the soup, rinse off the the squash seeds them in the oven un sheet pan. Add a generous amount of sea til the sal soup with a couple do y are brown and crispy (approx. 10 minu t before popping tes llops of sour cream an d topped it off with my ). I served the seeds! Quite the heart warming treat. roasted squash

2 carrots



Dave, world traveller PARC resident

Squash soup - the ultimate soup for the soul. Photo provided

When not travelling overseas with his wife, Dave can be found playing cribbage with the group he started at the Westerleigh. The game has been a favourite in Dave’s family for generations, and next on his list is to challenge other PARC residences to a championship! “We’ve made long-lasting friendships with other Westerleigh travellers.” That’s how it is at Westerleigh PARC: it’s easy to keep up old interests, with new friends. And with PARC Retirement Living’s focus on maintaining a healthy body and mind through our Independent Living+ program, it’s easy to see how life’s just better here.

Call Gail at 604.922.9888 to reserve your tour and complimentary lunch.

Life’s better here 725 - 22nd Street, West Vancouver

parcliving.ca/westerleigh

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January 2018

Caribbean career development BY

Laurisse Noël

M

y life has changed somewhat since the last edition of the Beacon. Multiple flights got me safely across North America and the Atlantic to Santo Domingo, the capital city of the Dominican Republic. I have been here for nearly two months of my five-month internship with UN Women as part of my master’s degree at the University for Peace. The transition was tough: the glorification of life abroad allowed me to gloss over the fact that I would feel exceedingly alone at the beginning of this adventure. Much of my exploring so far in life has been in the form of stays such as this for a few months at a time and I like to think that it teaches me a lot. It allows me to understand slightly more about the communities I am temporarily intruding upon. It also means I can go on mini weekend adventures while retaining a home base. My first weekend here, I beelined to the beach with a group I had just met. There is something particularly poignant about island life. The kind where you cannot see the mainland no matter how much you strain your eyes. Prior to my arrival, I had the internship sorted and nothing else. I am thus very fortunate that I met a potential roommate through Facebook who found a beautiful little apartment for us to live in rather quickly, with a deck and many paintings of mangoes, and a fifteen-minute walk to the United Nations building. The traffic, expressive honking, lack of recycling and sweatiness has certainly been an adjustment, while wearing sandals, eating fresh pineapple and working towards education for gender equality has been feel-

ing very cool so far. I spend my days working on online courses that UN Women is establishing for the world to integrate and consider gender, no matter what realm, since it is always affecting us. I am a six-minute Uber ride away from the Colonial City, a UNESCO heritage site that instantly takes you back to a time when the colonizers were doing their best to remind themselves of home, by overtaking the homes of those who lived here before them. The cobblestone streets are paired with brightly painted walls and an esthetic Pinterest strives for. I have also started an art class at a design school in the city. We draw a few too many benches but it allows me to meditate in my own little way. And I

find myself thinking about who I am, what I want and everything I have yet to learn. To read more about Laurisse’s work: https:// trainingcentre.unwomen.org/ or for her blog: http://laurisse.blogspot.com/

Photo: Laurisse Noël Magical mirrors in la Zona Colonial.

Photo: courtesy of Jokin Larrakoetxea Surf check at Playa Coson.

Fam jam and an ode to twinsets BY

Kim Clarke

T

here once was a time when getting dressed for the day meant actually getting dressed. It didn’t mean dusting off the dust mites from your ‘jammies’ before you left the house. It meant effort. It meant that you wanted to look clean and if not exactly pressed - not wearing flannel. I am not exactly sure when pjs became the height of fashion but I have never felt like anything but an invalid when I have left the house in pyjamas, and that was just to get the mail or take out the garbage. Even when I wear pearls with my ‘jammies’ the look does not favour me. And it’s not that I don’t enjoy comfort. I do. I love to wear jeans and t-shirts some days and dresses

and sneakers on other days. And some of those things are plaid and flannel. However, they are made to look like actual clothing and not my grandfather’s dressing gown. I am not alone in this dislike of sheet fabric as clothing. It’s one thing to sleep in flannel sheets; it’s completely another to wear those same sheets as a wrap. I have a friend who discourages her son from dating anyone who wears flannel pyjamas as daywear. It is a bias of which she is aware and she says she is sure those children are lovely but they need to make an effort. Lulus are better. Jeans more so, and the occasional frippery, what the heck. Lose the flannel unless you are under a blanket, running a fever in front of the television. Maybe it’s the disconnectedness that I am responding to. It’s not the whole flannel outfit, the top and bottom match-

ing set of sparkly plaid or hearts and stars in pink and silver. It’s the nasty navy polar bear pants that have pilled into cotton balls that are stuffed into weak-ankled UGGs that leave me jonesing for grey wool and shell pink twinsets. What’s worse I don’t even know what those things are and I am desperate for them to make a fashion comeback. Flannel is the fabric of the night - the dead of night - or Christmas morning with the fam. It’s not lamé, it’s just lame. Kim Clarke is a writer and teacher who lives in Horseshoe Bay. She is surprised and delighted by the inexplicable details of everyday. Nothing is random. Everything is purposeful and beautiful and fabulous and sparkly and she wants to share sparkle, in all its forms, with the world.

Sea-to-Sky Guy Looking for Love

He’s a tall, handsome, fit and established entrepreneurial semi-retired gent. He prefers mountain views with a long stretch of weekend time off with no official plans, yoga on the deck or simply lounging by the fireplace with a really good book. A former professional athlete, he’s equally comfortable in a business suit, ski suit, hiking boots or snowshoes; he enjoys golf and continues to travel and seek out new adventures. If you are an attractive, effortlessly athletic woman in her 50’s who is less concerned about climbing the corporate ladder and more about spending quality time together and enjoying the variety of what a mountain lifestyle has to offer, then you’ll love to meet this sincere and extraordinary gentleman. Forward a short description of yourself and current photo to jane@matchmakerforhire.com and we will contact you for a personal confidential interview. (fees paid for by this client)

Professional Matchmaker Jane Carstens

January 2018



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