West Vancouver Beacon | November/December 2015 | Edition 13

THE No. 13

BEACON

Shedding light on the communities from Horseshoe Bay to West Bay

November 2015

Take a Hike in November Photo: Antoine Crosby

Photo: Melissa Baker

The view en route to Elfin Lakes, in Garibaldi Provincial Park, popular for hiking, snowshoeing, skiing, and mountain biking, located just east of Squamish.

Voices Review

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Mountains to Sea

Tale of Two Veterans

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press or Hollyburn mountains.

On November 17, take a photo (or a selfie) of your hike and send it to lindypfeil@ westvanbeacon.ca. You may just find yourself in the next Beacon.

Author to visit WVML

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Minister’s Message

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In This Issue 5

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Photo: Glenn Owen

The North Shore is filled with trails – Baden Powell, BCMC, Cypress Falls and Capilano Pacific trails are all on our doorstep. Lighthouse Park, Whyte Lake and Whytecliff Park are in our backyard. And when the snow comes, a pair of snowshoes will take you deep into the forests of Grouse, Cy-

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e live in what is undeniably one of the most spectacular communities on the planet. Even the highways are breathtaking.

Tuesday, November 17, is Take a Hike Day. We at The Beacon challenge you to lace up your hiking boots and head into nature.

Photo: Lindy Pfeil

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TEAM

Couples in conflict: examine your dreams Psyched Out

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.

Submissions for The Beacon

The Beacon is delivered bi-monthly to 5000+ households between Horseshoe 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

November 2015

Ian Macpherson

“W

henever I have an exciting idea, you always throw cold water on it!” exclaims Alex. He and his wife Louise are embarking once again on an argument that recycles frequently. “You are never satisfied!” she retorts with exasperation. To an outsider, their arguments and counter-arguments often change in a way that seems to lack logic.

When couples clash repeatedly like this, the issues behind their stubborn attack-defend communication are extremely important desires and dreams. Unfortunately, the issues are usually hidden even to the couple themselves, because our vital emotional needs are often filed away in a non-verbal way. Though they motivate us through feelings, it is often without clear awareness that we can put into words.

Alex had started the current argument by stating that he was seriously considering a rare job opportunity in another city.

He seemed completely blindsided by Louise’s impassioned rejection of the idea as, “You never consider me!” But Louise and Alex have had this gridlocked argument before, always perplexed at their inability to get through to each other.

With help they learned to take the risk of listening to, and helping each other spell out, the stories underlying their faststuck positions. Louise was eventually able to recognize the impact of her chaotic childhood which also involved many moves and losses of anchoring friendships. Settling down in one place would at last represent security - a major emotional plank in her personality. Alex, on the other hand, grew up with learning problems and

always struggled for even a small amount of recognition for his achievements. He is still trying for the “brass ring”.

Louise and Alex are now more understanding and compassionate about the differences that previously frustrated them. Most relationships have some form of these “dreams within conflict” and no

quick and easy solution is likely. The important thing for all of us is to maintain a dialogue with consideration of the dreams for both ourselves and our partners.

Ian Macpherson is a psychologist who lives and practices in Caulfeild.

More at www.westvancouvertherapist.com.

The transition to Parenthood: Part One Domenica Mastromatteo

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aving a baby is the opportunity for a new beginning; new relationships are built, new goals are set, and new dreams are created. Despite the excitement that comes with having a baby, approximately 2/3 of couples will experience a significant drop in relationship quality and have a dramatic increase in conflict and hostility. Further research has shown that relationship discord and conflict have a profound negative effect on infants and toddlers.

Parental irritability, hostility and fighting, lead to poor parent-child interaction.

Unhappy parents misread their baby’s emotional cues and (more often) make wrong responses to them. This compromised parenting interferes with an infant’s ability to self-regulate and to stay calm.

But the news isn’t all bad! One third of couples have mastered their relationship and are creating an environment of optimal development for their children.

Science has learned from them. Research conducted by Dr. John Gottman of the Relationship Research Institute, shows that parents who ease through conflict

discussion had three-month-old babies who smiled more, laughed more, and cried less during play. These babies were neurologically and emotionally better equipped to calm down, focus attention, and selfsoothe.

The research conducted at the Relationship Institute was the key to developing a program (The Bringing Baby Home Program) to help couples “reconnect with one another, to learn effective communication and conflict regulation skills, and to encourage a healthy parenting relationship through early parent-infant connection”(And Baby Makes Three by John Gottman, Ph.D. and Julie Schwartz Gottman Ph.D.). The aim of their program is to promote social change by making their research findings available to expectant couples and families in communities throughout the world.

John Gottman found that the couples that are most likely to remain happy use their friendship as a strong foundation.

Working through inevitable challenges strengthens relationships. Stresses cannot be eliminated, but couples can stop thinking the stresses are the fault of their partners, or the results of a bad relationship. Couples with successful relationships choose to cope well and learn the ingredients for keeping relationships healthy. The ingredients are available and will be outlined in the next Beacon.

Safeway is proud to support local farmers and producers. See our wide range of local products throughout the store.

November 2015

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opinion

November 16: a day for tolerance and cake Lindy Pfeil

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n November 16, 1995, UNESCO’s Member States adopted a Declaration of Principles on Tolerance.

And so International Day for Tolerance was born.

November 16 was also the day I was born, just a few decades earlier.

Tolerance has been defined as the “willingness to accept feelings, habits, or beliefs that are different from your own.”

As many of you know, I spend my days sharing sacred circle space with students on the North Shore (more than 500 every week – how lucky am I!). And as this birthday rushes towards me, I realize that most everything I know about tolerance, I have learnt from the children in my life. And so much more. Here are a few of the nuggets I’ve picked up over the past 50-some years: There is no truth. There is only perception.

Same with right and wrong.

Fairytales are more real than facts.

Our ears hear words, but our eyes see what hides beneath them.

It’s not really listening if our heart isn’t involved.

Starting out on one path doesn’t mean you can’t change course, turn around,

“

choose a different road. Run if you need to.

Or skip. Skipping is fun.

Silence can be terrifying.

Miracles happen in the silence.

A dash of humility will accomplish more than all the knowledge in the universe.

A bandaid applied with tenderness can heal a wounded soul.

Dragons exist as surely as the blood pulsing through our veins. Slaying them is not nearly as satisfying as inviting them to our tea party.

We crave belonging more intensely than food.

The cracks of a broken heart are healed by forgiveness.

Forgiving ourselves is often much harder than forgiving others.

When we dance together, we become family.

There is no such thing as too much dancing.

Same with playing.

And kindness.

The flurried flapping of one butterfly’s wings on a mountaintop can create a vortex of chaos in a faraway ocean.

Sometimes all we can do is sit in the chaos. Disappear into the vortex. Close our eyes. And breathe. Deeply.

Sharing our stories is no less an act of bravery than stepping onto a battlefield.

And when we catch each other’s stories with compassion, we become inextricably united, the silver strands of our differences woven together to form a shimmering web.

And suddenly there is only endless possibility.

“...most everything I know about tolerance, I have learnt from the children in my life.”

C U S TOM PLAN

Financial Advisors Inc. 604.687.7773

www.customplanfinancial.com

Magic exists. If you doubt this, gather a bunch of children, form a circle, bring a talking piece, and open your heart. And you will feel it.

Secretary-General of the UN, Ban Kimoon, has called on “all people and governments to actively combat fear, hatred and extremism with dialogue, understanding

and mutual respect.” I wish he could sit in circle with us.

On November 7, we will be sharing some of our remarkable stories at the North Shore Restorative Justice Society’s annual fundraising Gala at Seymour Golf Club. All funds raised go to the Circles in Schools program. Please go to www.nsrj.ca for more information.

Art Contest for students Win a Starbucks gift card!

Scarlet’s Art Scarlet Roth

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he November theme is “Animals” (and people are animals too!) And remember, art is drawing, painting, photography, or any other medium that’s creative. Have fun! The deadline is December 5. To enter just Direct Message me, Scarlet, a photo of your art on Instagram @scarletart8 or email a photo of your artwork to lindypfeil@ westvanbeacon.ca .

The winner receives a Starbucks gift card and instant fame by being published in The Beacon!

Photo: Courtesy of Scarlet Roth

Photo: Courtesy of Sam Brock Mahood Sam Brock Mahood was the winner of the “Music” art contest with this “beautorius” acrylic on canvas painting. Honourable mentions go to Kate Gardiner and to Adisen Gardiner for their drawings.

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November 2015

Home & Living

What would Halloween be without pumpkins and trick-or-treaters! ley Stowe’s Desserts From My Kitchen.

A Culinary View Maureen Goulet

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alloween used to be the kid holiday.

The one day each year when children were granted permission to stay up late, dress as their favorite superhero or princess, and eat unlimited amounts of treats. In our neighbourhood, however, trick-or-treaters are non existent! So at my house Halloween has become a grown-up event with adult treats, such as this creamy pumpkin cheesecake, served with ice wine or pumpkin latte. Happy Halloween!

Recipe used with permission from Les-

If you would like to learn firsthand from Lesley Stowe she will be teaching at Ambrosia on November 4. www.ambrosiaadventures.com

Crust

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rsna 1 ½ cu p Che ps (37 5 m esec l) ging ½ cup ersnap ake (125m 2 c tb r l) u s mbs unsalte p (30m 2 tbsp d butte l) (30ml) c o rnstarc 4 large r, melt granula Filling h ed free-ra ted sug nge eg 1 cup ar gs (250m 2 cups l) pum (500m 2 tsp ( pkin pu l) crea 10ml) 1 cup ree m che p (250m ure van ese, so 1 ts l) illa extr p (5ml) sour cr ftened ½ cup eam act ground (125m ½ tsp ginger l) lightl (2.5m y pack l) ground ed large p brown cinnam inch of sugar light on Oven te a g ll round s p ic mp 350 e n utmeg F In a mix , and pinch in ground partiall g bowl comb cloves y up the ine gin ge s golden . Remo ides of a sprin rsnap crumbs ve from , g Reduc oven an form pan. Ba butter and sug e oven k d ar. e s in preh e te t aside. mp to eated o Press evenly In a mix 325 F. in ven for ing bow 10 min to the bottom l, using Add so , until fi an elec ur crea rm and and tric mix m, sug Add pu slightly er on m ar and mpkin e c dium-h orns pure mixture igh spe into pre e, vanilla and tarch and mix ed, bea un pared c all the s On low t cream rust. pices. M til combined. er cheese Add eg ix until help pre oven rack, pla until sm gs and ju st com ce a sh vent th ooth. m ix until bined. all e prehea (Do not combin ted ove cheesecake fr ow pan of wa ed. o n for 1 te v o e m from ov r r mix). (this wil crackin ¼ ho en Pour l knife (th and set aside urs. Turn off o g). Place chee keep the air in ven se to is th Serve w also helps pre cool in pan. O , open door s cake on midd e oven moist le oven lightly a and ith whip vent cra nce coo ra nd ped cre cking). le One 9 in am.

Once c d (10 mins) lo let sit for 15 ck and bake in ch (23c o m oled to o m) che room te sen the sides in. Remove esecak wit mperatu e re, refrig h a sharp erate.

Photo: Courtesy of Lesley Stowe Pumpkin gingersnap cheesecake.

The connection between anxiety and food Tisha Bryant

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nxiety is now at epidemic proportions within our society and most worryingly, it is rife amongst children and young adults. This precious time of life should be happy and carefree, but in

reality anxiety affects upwards of 20% of children and adolescents.

There are many valuable resources for helping with anxiety but little mentioned on the connection between anxiety and food.

Ensuring that your child is properly nourished positively affects mood, energy and emotional well-being. Much as you wouldn’t fill a supercar with low grade gas and oil, what you eat directly impacts how you feel and function.

Of course, it may not be quite as simple as

a change in diet and there are many stressors being experienced by children in our society of ‘achieve and succeed’. But good nutrition can help our children be happier and perhaps less inclined to experience anxiety or a mental illness or disorder as they move into adulthood.

A nutritious diet is fundamental to good

mental health. To read more please go to my blog at www.inourishandnurture.com

© Dollar Photo Club 2014 - 2015.

RAISE THE BAR FOR KAY MEEK CENTRE e is Spac d limite

TASTE

A celebration of fine local and international spirits

An evening of fine scotch, gin, vodka, and specialty spirits from British Columbia and around the world, complimented by spiritthemed small bites with a gourmet flare!

An introduction to local BC craft micro-distilleries plus mixology tips and feature cocktails. A fun night for a great cause.

$75 in advance $85 at the door A $25 tax receipt will be issued following the event

Friday November 6th, 2015 8pm Taste! is a KMC Legacy Council event.

www.kaymeekcentre.com

(604) 981-6335 1700 Mathers, West Vancouver

November 2015

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mountains to sea

Girl Guides commemorate Erin Moore Elspeth Bradbury

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group of small girls in Brownie uniforms is standing on a rocky outcrop in Lighthouse Park. They are taking part in an outdoor workshop, and Guide leader Daphne Hales is talking to them about their daily routines. “What have you walked on since you got up this morning?” she asks. The answers come in a flurry. Bedroom carpets, kitchen tiles, sidewalks. “And now,” she says looking down, “now you are standing on the earth itself.

You are walking on rock that is millions of years old.” The girls are quiet for a moment, thoughtful, and then they begin to shift their feet. Soon they are laughing with delight as they jump up and down as if to test the earth’s strength.

To create this kind of immediate connection with the natural world is the goal

of activity days that West Vancouver Girl Loudon came up with a plan to make use of Guides hold in the park every spring the empty building. With enthusiastic help from Daphne and many and fall. The events attract girls others, she created a room from the ages of five to sevfull of hands-on activities enteen, and the topics range from geology and to engage children in the astronomy to creatures sights, sounds and even the smells of nature in of the seashore and the park. The Nature plants of the forest.

Room first opened to Daphne has been one of the organizers since the public in 1988 and 1985 although she has has continued to open ever since on Sunday been active in Guiding afternoons from 2:00 since 1975 when her to 4:00 p.m. Adults as own daughters became well as children enjoy the Brownies. She is currently Chair of the Guides’ Phyl exhibits, checking out birdMunday Nature House Comcalls, pressing animal footmittee. prints into sand or simply chatDaphne Hales.

The Phyl Munday Nature Photo: Marshall Bauman ting with the knowledgeable volunteers.

House is one of West VancouThe long connection bever’s best kept secrets. Many regular visitors to Lighthouse Park are un- tween Girl Guides and Lighthouse Park was aware of its existence although it has occu- further strengthened this fall when more pied one of the World War II huts near the than 90 girls of all ages took part in a major light station since 1985 when Guider May restoration effort. Shocked by the acciden-

tal death of a local Brownie, seven-year-old Erin Moore, they decided to commemorate and celebrate her joyful young life by restoring a section of forest and calling it Erin’s Grove. With the help of a grant from the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation, and with the assistance of West Vancouver Parks, they made plans to replant a degraded area beside Juniper Loop trail.

This fall, Daphne organized three work parties for the girls to clear patches of English ivy from the park and to learn about other invasive species. Then, during three more sessions, they spread soil and planted well over 200 native trees, shrubs, ferns and herbaceous plants.

Erin’s Grove will be a visible memorial to a little girl who loved nature. It will also remind us of a less visible legacy: that immediate connection to the natural world that leaders like Daphne Hales continue to plant in the hearts and minds of our children.

If you are interested in volunteering at the Nature House, please contact Daphne at 604 926 2805 or Elaine at 604 925 1071

Photos: Courtesy of John Hales

Rangers, Guides, Brownies and Sparks working on trail restoration in Lighthouse Park.

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Tickets $175, $75 tax receipt per ticket A fundraiser for the West Vancouver Memorial Library.

06/10/2015 11:32:13 AM

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November 2015

St. Francis-in-the-wood

Descendent of Caulfeild founder visits by

Chris Stringer

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t has been 117 years since Caulfeild was discovered by Francis Caulfeild.

On Sunday, September 27, his great-great-granddaughter, Frances Caulfeild, took time out from a whirlwind Vancouver tour to participate in the annual salmon barbecue at St. Francis-in-

Join us for fun on the fourth (4th) Saturday each month.

the-Wood church and to visit Lower Caufeild, the area once owned entirely by the Caulfeild family.

Among the photographs, articles and personal notes that Frances brought with her from England, to donate to the West Vancouver Archives, was the founder’s hand-written, personal statement of accounts showing his original purchase price for the land: $22,000.

• c ra

fts

• fo o d

s

• songs

• sto r ie

s

Photo: James Slaney Frances in front of the Francis Caulfeild monument.

Moms and toddlers: daytime fitness sessions by

e • ga m

Photo: James Slaney Frances viewing the plaque and tribute to the founder at Caulfeild Cove.

J ames Slaney

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f the burdens and joys of parenthood have caused your own fitness and health to slide, this innovative fitness program could be your answer.

Heather Ramsbottom, mom of two and creator of TCFitMamas, runs a successful training facility with her husband, but saw the need to create a program for parents

and their little ones. “In each session, I can train up to 6 clients at a time; however, each client still receives their own individualized programming PLUS they have the option of bringing their child in while they work out.”

Benefit from a motivational group environment at a fraction of the cost of personal training, that runs Tuesdays and Thursdays out of the St.Francis-in-the-Wood Church Hall. For more info contact Heather at 778228-1164 or heather@pitraining.ca.

Toddler Jamie with Mom Heather. Photo: C. Stringer

4772 Piccadilly Road South

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“Welcome to the comfort of our beautiful dining room at 116 East 15th Street off Lonsdale” - Bhupinder Mroke

November 2015

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Caulfeild Cove Hall

Inaugural “Voices in the Woods” a Sold-out Success by

Penny Nelson

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hat better way to spend Saturday evening than listening to live music, eating great food and connecting with friends and neighbours? A sold-out audience did just that at the first “Voices in the Woods” event at Caulfeild Cove Hall on October 17. It was all dreamed up and brought to life by Carolyn Wray and her amazing team of volunteers, with proceeds going to St James Music Academy (www.sjma.ca) on Vancouver’s East side.

Their aim is to “inspire inner city youth to bring social transformation through the

power and joy of music”.

Singer-songwriter Mich McManus, cellist Lorna Forton and drummer/guitarist Hamish Thomson performed Mich’s original songs, with guest performance by Ralph Vincent Harding. Food truck C’est si Bon (www.cest-si-bon.ca) served up French dishes and pastries, ranging from boeuf bourguignon to gourmet sliders. Fresh Italian cannoli from www.olgacannolicompany.com was another tempting dessert option.

Carolyn says feedback from attendees and the church has been overwhelmingly positive, so watch The Beacon for news of similar evenings in the new year!

The Holiday Artisan Market

Just in time for your Christmas holiday gift buying!

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25 & THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26 FROM 1PM TO 7PM handcrafted gift items from over 30 vendors including: giftware, hand-poured candles, jewellery, note cards, bath & body care, knitted goods and much more… including a Youth Artisan section FOR FURTHER INFORMATION OR TO PARTICIPATE AS A VENDOR: officesolutions@me.com or call Rebecca at 778.989.7670

Come and check us out at 4773 Piccadilly Road South, Caulfeild, West Vancouver

C A U L F E I L D

C O V E

H A L L

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BOBBY BRUCE

Bobby Bruce not only mimics the great Neil Diamond to a tee but he achieves the essence of Diamond’s raspy stridency in such favourites as Solitary Man, Cracklin’ Rosie, and I Am I Said. But it is the passion and energy of his performance, his connection with the audience and his infectious warmth which sets him in a league of his own.” ~ The Adelaide Advisor

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 10 8PM TICKETS $35 caulfeildcovehall.ca | 604.812.7411 4773 Piccadilly Road South, Caulfeild Mich McManus.

Photo: Courtesy of Cahley Tod-Tims

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November 2015

A Tale of Two Veterans: Greenwood and Kirby Community Personality Chris Stringer

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inety-year-old Harry Greenwood was born in Thornliebank, Scotland.

At 16 he joined the Sea Cadets in Glasgow and became proficient in all aspects of visual signals, including morse code, enabling him to join the Royal Navy in 1942 at the age of 17. After completing further training as a signalman, he was drafted to the deep sea rescue tug, HMS Stormking and, in 1943, was assigned to HMS Jaunty.

The rescue tugs escorted convoys, and towed ships that had been severely crippled, but not sunk, by U-boats, to the nearest point of land. They were the workhorses of the fleet.

The Jaunty was assigned to support and prepare for the June 1944 D-Day landings and perform rescue missions. “It was chaos on that day and we survived when many others did not,” says Harry. “We stayed until November, performing clean-up operations before returning to North Atlantic escort and rescue missions.”

After VE Day the Jaunty was sent to South East Asia to support the British presence in this unsettled part of the world. Following this, Harry Greenwood received his service discharge and he returned to Glasgow to work on his undergraduate degree before immigrating to Canada in 1951.

Harry gained distinction in newspaper publishing in Hamilton, Ontario, where he edited the award-winning Steelworker’s

newspaper from the 60s to the 80s, and served on the Mohawk College board. It was in Hamilton that Harry met Rose Marie whom he married 56 years ago.

In 1992, after retiring, Harry and Rose Marie moved to Squamish, where Harry served on Capilano College’s Squamish Advisory Board. After moving to West Vancouver in 1999, he joined the West Vancouver Memorial Library foundation board where he served as chairman for two years. He now serves as Chairman of the Royal Canadian Legion.

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orm Kirby was born 90 years ago in New Westminster, British Columbia, and was raised on the North Shore from the age of 6. He joined the Canadian army at 18 and was sent to Alberta for combat training as a Bren gunner (British machine gun), finding himself on his way to Europe in May 1944 to participate in the DDay landings. “I didn’t see any action,” says Norm, “because my ship was sunk before we landed in Normandy.”

A month later Norm was taking part in the attack on La Trésorerie in Normandy.

“I was in a bomb crater with my loader and Gabby Wilson, also from North Vancouver.

Our job was to prevent Germans from getting from their fortress to the anti-aircraft guns that were less than 100 yards from us.

We kept them off until dusk, when a couple got through and turned the big guns on us, killing my loader. Gabby and I hid until dark when we found our way back to company headquarters.”

Norm saw considerable action in Nor-

Norman Kirby (top right) during the liberation of Holland.

Photo: Courtesy of Norman Kirby

mandy, Belgium, and Holland, where he was part of the liberation of Holland, and was in Germany on VE Day. He had the distinction of rising from corporal to become the Canadian military’s youngest combat platoon sergeant in WWII. Upon returning to Vancouver after the war, Norm worked in a saw mill, and for Cates Tugs and got his Captain’s papers, sold real estate, was the Gulf Oil agent in Powell River and, before retirement, was regional

manager for the Shon Group.

Norm has lived on the waterfront in his beloved Lions Bay for 40 years where he is a boater.

Every Remembrance Day he delivers a speech at the community’s village hall.

Norm and Harry, on behalf of our readers, we at The Beacon thank you, and all our esteemed veterans, for your courage, as well as your continued contributions to our community.

Photo: Glenn Owen Harry Greenwood and Norman Kirby at the West Vancouver Memorial Cenotaph. Both have the distinction of being awarded the French Legion of Honour medal.

Photo: Courtesy of Philip Marsh Harry Greenwood attending the 75th anniversary celebrations honouring D-Day veterans in Europe.

November 2015

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More than remembrance by

Trudy Carlson

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his past May, my husband and I toured Normandy, visiting many of the Canadian cemeteries and memorials from both World Wars. It was both poignant and thought-provoking.

On May 4, their Remembrance Day, we were at the Canadian Cemetery in Holten, Netherlands, where visitors included many veterans, Steven Harper and students from Inuvik. The mayor told the many children in attendance that they had their freedoms because of the sacrifice made by the 1400 young men buried there. Each child placed a yellow rose on a grave. A children’s choir from Victoria sang a very dramatic “In Flanders Fields” and the ceremony closed with a helicopter scattering poppies over the area.

We spent May 5, Netherlands’ Liberation Day, in Arnhem, where the surrender

was signed. It was a day of festivities with parades (one marching band of 140 students from Burlington, Ontario), entertainment and a fireworks display.

We visited well-known sites such as Omaha and Juno beaches, Ypres and Vimy. Among the lesserknown, but very impressive, sites were the Canada-Poland War Museum in Adegaem and the Motormel Memorial Museum, where one of the most critical battles for Normandy took place.

Each of the memorials was inscribed with the names of the tens of thousands of young men whose remains were never recovered. The most memorable inscription was, “There is a link death cannot sever. Love and remembrance last forever.”

A gravestone in Normandy.

Discovery of a merchant mariner’s war by

Beverley Rogers

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n a clear spring day in 2001, Geoffrey Burnett and his wife Christine moved from their home on South Piccadilly, Lower Caulfeild (where they had lived for thirty-nine years), to the large white house next to my modest bungalow on Bowen Island. Soon we became comfortable friends.

In the fall of 2003, Chris died suddenly.

Everyone missed her, and Geoff was inconsolable. I visited him often but he did not respond until I began to ask him about the sea; I was writing about the days in square-

rigged sailing ships a hundred years ago, when my father went to sea as an apprentice.

One day he surprised me by pointing to a small carton in which I could see many envelopes. “Those are all the letters I wrote home during the war. My mother kept them here.” I asked if I could read one. “Oh sure,” he replied. I read one, was hooked and asked to read another. I was amazed to realize that in that cardboard carton was an incredible slice of Canadian history: the role of one young Canadian in the longest battle of the war, the Battle of the Atlantic. I discovered that, after joining the Merchant Marine at age eighteen as an officer cadet, Geoffrey crossed the Atlantic repeatedly aboard a cargo/passenger steamship. He

was bombed, wounded on D-Day, shelled and had his ship sunk.

A Merchant Mariner’s War is a compilation of these letters, blended with my discussions with Geoffrey to fill in the gaps created by the censors. The book is an account of the role played by merchant mariners in the winning of World War II and the shameful treatment of them afterwards.

As naval historian Dr. Kenneth S. Mackenzie wrote in his introduction to the book, “to Geoff Burnett and all those like him who persevered through the miseries of seafaring from 1939 to 1945, Canadians owe an enormous debt of thanks.”

Photo: Trudie Carlson

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November 2015

Schools

Experiment to fly on International Space Station by

Beverly Pausche

M

ore than 500 students in grades 5-7 are working in teams to compete for a chance to fly an experiment on the International Space Station.

One experiment from the district will be among those selected for astronauts to conduct during the orbit next spring. The initiative was launched last spring by Westcot Elementary Vice-Principal Matt Trask, who worked with the National Center for Earth and Science Education (NCESSE) to raise the $27,300 USD required to bring the program to the district. The project is part of the national Student Space Flight Experiments Program (SSEP).

Starting in mid-September, students learned about forces and motion in science classes, then broke into teams to design re-

search proposals for microgravity experiments. In November, a committee of local scientists will select one proposal from each school to submit to a national selection committee, which will then select one of the three for the Summer 2016 spaceflight.

Learning and activities around the microgravity experiment are being planned together with older students from the district’s three high schools, and offer a valuable opportunity to engage students in real-world learning experiences, according to Trask.

There has also been active involvement from the community, with skype-ins from UBC professors and engineers who work on International Space Station (ISS) components.

The SSEP is spearheaded by the National Center for Earth and Space Science Education, a non-profit organization that inspires the next generation of scientists and engineers by engaging their natural human impulse to be curious and explore.

Photo: Courtesy of WVSD45 Students from all three public schools in West Vancouver are collaborating with elementary school student teams on micro-gravity projects, one of which will be conducted in space.

The SSEP (http://ssep.ncesse.org) is undertaken by the National Center for Earth and Space Science Education (NCESSE) in partnership with Nanoracks, LLC. This onorbit educational research opportunity is

enabled through NanoRacks LLC, which is working in partnership with NASA under a Space Act Agreement as part of the utilization of the International Space Station as a National Laboratory.

A Montessori Moment by

I

Emily Lapkin

t’s been an exciting autumn at Eagle Harbour Montessori. The year started off with a Welcome Picnic. Students from all grades raced homemade “vegetable cars” as parents and staff cheered them on. The children were also excited to check out our outdoor classroom—the school garden—for harvesting, learning, and exploration with kindergarten teacher, Jessica Maki.

Students from grades 3, 4, and 5 formed a cross country running team, motivated

by Coach Gina Karlstrom, Eagle Harbour’s PE and French teacher.

Grade 4 and 5 students have organised an ongoing, school-wide bottle drive, in hopes of supporting Syrian refugees settling in Europe, as Europe is Eagle Harbour’s continent of study this year. Grades 1 through 3 have been preparing creative presentations on historical figures for their Historical Halloween at the end of October, during which families and classmates will watch as Terry Fox, Jacques Cousteau, Leonardo da Vinci, and many others, are brought to life.

Eagle Harbour Montessori is a West Vancouver public school that welcomes

Eagle Harbour Montessori Cross Country Team with Coach Karlstrom. Photo: Courtesy of Lisa Day

students from across the North Shore and is registering for 2016-2017 now. For more information visit http://go45.sd45.bc.ca/

schools/eagleharbour or call (604) 9811380.

November 2015

PAGE 11

travel notes

A visit to New York City

How I pondered urban life in the Big Apple Marie-Claude Arnott

“I

f I can make it there, I’ll make it anywhere.” Numbered streets run into numbered avenues, except for those with names. Interesting bridges connect neighborhoods on waterfront. All of this might remind you of Vancouver, only New York is a bigger, multi-faceted city where nothing happens like elsewhere.

At first, you’ll think that you’ve things under control. After all, New Yorkers graciously help when you mull over a map at a street corner. But it’s another story in the subway stations where no one is “from here,” or everyone is in a hurry (understandably as the line system requires serious consideration before embarking on a ride). From the World Trade Center (Downtown) the blue A or C lines are obvious choices to go to Central Park (toward Uptown), except that the A line is an express line. If you miss getting off at 59th Street, you will be zipped to the terminal at 168th street, near Harlem, in Washington Heights, a Latino district in northern Manhattan. The good news is that the subway is proven overall safe, as are most New York boroughs.

Taxis are more convenient, although reasonably pricier, and usually slower due the unpredictable density of traffic. At the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, visitors cannot always be let off by the entrance due to years of construction work around the block, something to remember if you have physical limitations. Forget about rental cars, most New Yorkers don’t drive! In the end, the best way

to discover the Big Apple is on your feet (in good walking shoes). The High Line, a former elevated freight-train-track transformed into a pedestrian lane bordered by natural landscape and artwork, is an unusual way to discover Manhattan (through the Garment, Art Gallery and the Meatpacking Districts, the latter now being the latest hot spot for fashion).

New York parks are another unique experience. Uptown, the classic and modern skyline of luxurious real estate surrounds Central Park like the intricate frame of a painting. On the lanes bordering the park, joggers, bikers, stroller pushers, dog walkers, and wheelchair drivers go about their day. Under the park canopy, visitors including horseback riders (on their own paths) come to balance the energy of urban life with the soul-grounding feel of nature. Did I mention carriages? There are talks of retiring them, perhaps to get rid of the smell of horse poop on a hot and humid day, although it realistically emulates rural life.

As for the pedicabs (tricycle-taxis) be smart enough to ask about the per minute fare du jour. New Yorkers go to the park to play indoors, at the Chess and Checkers House. A walk might take you by the Pain Quotidien pavilion for breakfast or lunch, or by the Jackie Kennedy Reservoir. Some people have a picnic (available from the streets food trucks) while sitting on outcroppings, watching parents watch their kids at the playground, or dogs and their owners mingle into groups.

What happens at the bend of a path or along the Mall (the pedestrian “avenue” that crosses the park) is anyone’s guess.

One morning, unbeknownst to me I photo-

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graphed Charlie Rose’s lab at the dog park (the CNN offices overlook the park). Another time, a harpist lured me to sit on the Bethesda Fountain steps, and to lose track of time. As for the Strawberry Fields memorial it’s always crowded with people remembering John Lennon. On the Southern West corner of the park, you can get back to street life by renting a bright blue City Bike. Or, you can cross the street to the glitzy Plaza Hotel and have a drink in the nonetheless casual Palm Court Café.

New York is a city of contradictions and therefore of broad-mindedness. Is it because of the Hudson River that gently glides through the city that never sleeps, or the mighty Atlantic Ocean that opens to the horizon? Is it because of the parks meant to escape time, or the vibrant streets meant to be on time? Indeed, “It’s up to you, New York, New York.”

Photo: MC Arnott Taxi traffic jam in the streets of Manhattan.

“ All of this might remind you of Vancouver...”

Marie-Claude Arnott is a freelance writer and English/French translator (more travel stories at bucketTripper.com)

Photo: MC Arnott A harpist greets early risers in Central Park.

Photo: MC Arnott The High Line walk on a former elevated cargo train track.

Sunrise on Manhattan and Central Park.

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November 2015

Ann-Marie MacDonald to visit by

Margaret Rosenfeld

M

ulti-talented Ann-Marie MacDonald is coming to town! The West Vancouver Memorial Li-

brary Foundation (WVMLF) welcomes the internationally acclaimed author, actor and playwright on November 19 for their annual Fundraising Author and Dinner Evening.

Many will recognize Ann-Marie as author of Fall on your Knees, winner of the

Commonwealth Writers’ Prize for Best First Book, shortlisted for the 1996 Scotiabank Giller Prize, and one of only two Canadian novels ever selected for Oprah’s Book Club. Others will recognize her newest novel, Adult Onset, hailed as a “masterpiece” by the Globe and Mail’s Michele Dean. She’s also the host of CBC TV’s DocZone, a movie and theatre actor, and the playwright of Goodnight Desdemona (Good Morning Juliet).

This is WVMLF’s 3rd Annual Fundraising Author and Dinner Event. Past events—authors Wade Davis (2013) and Joseph Boyden (2014)—were sell-out successes, and the evening with Ann-Marie promises the same.

Established in 1986, the WVMLF is a registered charity, which raises funds and administers endowments, donations and bequests for West Vancouver Memorial Library. The Foundation provides funds annually to the Library to support enhanced programs, collections and facilities that would not be possible with municipal funding alone.

A Caulfeild family: 50 Hallowe’ens by

Ann Frost

A

nd Hallowe’en. Candy apples, popcorn and cookies for treats, penny boxes for UNICEF and homemade costumes. Pirates, fairies, ghosts and clowns.

One of the cleverest that I remember was two girls who had somehow found perfectly square cardboard boxes, painted them white, and then put black dots on them so they were ‘a pair of dice’. In our family, the

clown costume started out with our son, the oldest child, and was then worn in turn by each of his three sisters. One year our son wanted to be a Martian so we dressed him in black, painted his face green and liberated two purple beaded ornaments from a Christmas bouquet to be antennae.

Today, the children are beautifully dressed in what are pretty clearly store bought. I still dress up, and lately have worn a wonderful witch hat and a black leather jacket. When I ask the slightly older children who they think

I am, most of them immediately say “a biker witch”. So I agree. Two years ago I told them my bike, a red Harley, had gone missing, so it would be great it they would keep a lookout for it as they went around the drive. And last year, a sweet young girl smiled at me and asked if I had found my bike!

When we first moved here, it was a busy evening if 50 children came knocking at our door. Now the vans come from all over West Vancouver and 200 to 250 children are not unusual.

Getting your ducks in a row for 2015 income tax preparation Armchair Accountant Rebecca van der Horst • Contribute as much as you can to a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) and contribute early in the year instead of the following February.

•C ontribute up to $2,500 annually to a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) and earn a 20% government grant towards your children’s education.

• Structure your investments to make interest deductible.

• Make a will and update it regularly to minimize taxes on death.

• If you own a business, consider the potential benefits of incorporating it.

• Contribute up to $5,500 annually to your TFSA for tax-sheltered growth.

• Compare the advantages of TFSAs, RRSPs and RESPs. • If you have a corporation, calculate your optimum salary/dividend mix.

• If you have a spouse, combine your charitable donations and claim them on the higher-income spouse’s return.

• Consider splitting pension income with your spouse.

• Take advantage of family incomesplitting opportunities such as spousal loans.

Rebecca van der Horst owns and operates Preferred Office Solutions. For more tips check in at preferredofficesolutions.com

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November 2015

PAGE 13

Eagles and Ravens: a summer of inspiration by

Victoria Leader

A

s an artist I have always been attracted to the natural world, captivated by the ocean, the earth and its creatures. I am especially drawn to birds, but the birds that captured my imagination this summer were of a different variety: the Eagle and Raven clans of Haida Gwaii.

The Eagles and Ravens are the two main clans of the Haida people, an extremely welcoming, culturally rich community, and of course an incredible source of artistic inspiration. Haida Gwaii found its way into my travel plans this August, and I was fortunate enough to stay with renowned Haida artist April White, in Massett on Graham Island. Haida Gwaii proved

to be a place of immense beauty: ancient rainforests, sprawling beaches and an abundance of natural life. Birds fill the skies, fish fill the waters and the land is covered in dense forest. Also in abundance are the talented artists and artisans that are dotted around the island, keeping culture alive and sustaining the heritage of the nation. I was fortunate enough to be welcomed into some unique Haida experiences, such as a Haida dance rehearsal with the Raven clan of Old Massett and tasting freshly caught salmon, still hot from the smoker. It is refreshing to see a community so alive in its own history, and what struck me most was the friendliness and generosity of the Haida people. Whether it was to offer a ride into town, a freshly baked muffin from a passing stranger, or a lengthy

It doesn’t matter whether the glass is full or empty Wilhelm Hofmeyr

I

f I hold a glass of water, the question does not necessarily arise whether it is half empty or half full. It also doesn’t matter whether it is 5 ounces or 20 ounces.

What matters is for how long I must hold it. Holding it for one minute is no problem.

Holding it for an hour will probably make my arm ache. After a day of holding it, my arm will likely feel numb.

The stresses of life are like that too: it is

conversation about art techniques, everybody was quick to share what they could.

What inspired me most about this trip was the sense of family and community, as well as the significant relationship between the Haida people and nature. The natural world is the key element in stories, names, art and dances. The oceans, the land and the skies are respected; the Haida deeply understand the dependency that we humans have on our resources. Everything is connected and we are merely stewards of this planet.

Haida Gwaii is a very special part of British Columbia. My recent work aims to find a balance between inspiration and imitation; holding respect and admiration for Haida art, whilst avoiding mere replication of their traditional techniques. I believe in the importance of authenticity as an artist, which includes staying true to your own background, experiences and heritage. I am not Haida, but I do share the same environmental values of the nation and I am motivated by their sense of community. I saw eagles and ravens in the

skies of Massett this summer, and they now find a home in my own paintings of the West Coast.

For further information, sales and commissions please visit www.victorialeader.com or contact Victoria at victoriajleader@gmail.com.

Photos: Courtesy of Victoria Leader Above: Heavy Air, acrylics on canvas.

Centre: Eagle Father, acrylics and gold leaf, on red cedar wood clipping from totem pole carving.

not the gravity of the matter that counts.

But holding on to it for too long will eventually paralyze our health in countless different ways. So remember to put that glass down, breathe deeply, and then continue with your dance and song.

It’s flu-season, and remember it is never too late to get the vaccine, available at most doctors’ offices and pharmacies. There really is no need to question the effectivity: if you are exposed to a represented strain, it WILL work.

To be able to rely on your immune health, be sure you ‘feed’ your wellness daily.

What an amazing place we live in.

Thank-you for making it so.

The Female Line, acrylics on birch board.

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November 2015

our history

Branch 60 of the Canadian Legion Community History Francis Mansbridge

W

est Vancouver has a long and honourable tradition of providing support for ex-servicemen, many of whom were, in turn, key figures in the development of the community. C.J. Archer assisted in the formation of Gleneagles Golf Club. C.F. Smith acquired waterfront property at Eagle Harbour where he operated a boat rental/fishing marina; in 1969 their house became an early clubhouse for the Eagle Harbour Yacht Club.

Julia Henshaw, who later lived for a number of years in Caulfeild at Marine Drive and Piccadilly, was awarded the French Croix de Guerre by Marshal Foch.

In mid-1918 an informal organization of ex-servicemen in West Vancouver formed a chapter of the Great War Veterans Association. Funds were raised for the purchase of land, and in January 1921 the District accepted the donation of land running from Marine Drive to Esquimalt Ave, and west of 19th to be used as a public park.

In 1925 J. Korner drew up plans for a Memorial Arch in this park, to be made of granite and standing on a foot-thick concrete base. The stone work was completed by A. McRitchie of Vancouver, and unveiled July 5, 1925 by Governor-General Baron Byng of Vimy. More recently, Parks employee Heinz Berger designed a patio behind the gate surrounded by a hedge with benches, and a flower bed in the centre.

On June 28, 1926 Branch 60 of the Canadian Legion, organized by Colonel

Coote, with Colin Turner as president, was established. In 1930 a Memorial Hall was opened at 580 18th St., constructed mostly by volunteers. The Legion W.A. was formed in 1929, conducting the poppy campaign and organizing social events.

The Branch continues to provide medi-

cal and living assistance and other support for those involved in more recent conflicts, such as that in Afghanistan, through the Veterans’ Transition Program and other organizations, as well as a congenial space for social and other events. Two bursaries and two scholarships of $2500 each assist

careers of students. A membership of seven hundred maintains many community service programs.

Armistice Day services are held at the Memorial Arch each November 11 to commemorate those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

It is the greatest honour of my life… by

Pamela Goldsmith-Jones

P

rime Minister Justin Trudeau. How about that? This is a victory for Canada. And it is based on our love for Canada, for one another and for the role we can play in the world.

I have a tremendous responsibility to you, and to all Canadians. I especially have a responsibility to honour the office of a member of parliament. My whole life I have been in awe of our institutions of parliament because they are designed to function best as a simple matter of trust.

I wanted you to know that I have thought deeply about this. There will be challenges always, and I will make mistakes, but from my heart I have a deep respect for our system of government and for its potential to be a force for good, for Canadians.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau does as well. Our team started very small. I was one of the early ones to be nominated. He said to me “don’t get too excited about it, Pam, you are going to have to build your riding and this party with very little to go on except – in those days – hope and hard work.”

Who knew that the country would come together in this way? He knew. We knew.

Justin Trudeau’s discipline, positive outlook

and passion for Canada has already created an environment where members of our team thrive. He will lead so that MPs will be able to represent Canada better through open, honest and accountable government.

It is the greatest honour of my life to join Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and all of the other MPs in the House of Commons, to serve you. Thank you.

Pam. Photo: Courtesy of Pam Goldsmith-Jones

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November 2015

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