West Vancouver Beacon | November/December 2013 | Edition 2

The

Beacon

'Shedding light on Caulfeild and neighbouring communities'

NOVEMBER 2013

Remembering...

In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields.

IN FLANDERS FIELDS, one of the most enduring literary works of the First World War, was written May 3, 1915, by Canadian physician and Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae (inset) after the funeral of his friend Alexis Helmer, killed during the Second Battle of Ypres. Poppies, which grew over the graves of fallen soldiers, became the symbol of the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month — Remembrance Day. On this sad and solemn occasion, we of The Beacon join you in remembering those who gave their lives that others might live in freedom.

Custom Framing Digital Giclee Printing Art Restorations Art Evaluations Digital Photo Restorations (604) 926-1886 caulfeildgallery.com

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NOVEMBER, 2013 PAGE 2

The beacon keeper’s wife

Index Historical Caulfeild Profile At the Cove Schools Travel Around the Village

3 5 6 8 10 11

Updates For submissions email the Editor: lindypfeil@me.com For advertising queries email the Director of Marketing: penny@pennymitchell.com For all other queries email the Publisher: chrisstringer@shaw.ca January edition deadline is December 15, 2013 The Beacon is delivered to 3000+ households between Eagle Harbour and West Bay

Published bi-monthly by The Beacon, 1-5110 Alderfeild Place, West Vancouver, B.C., V7W 2W7 Phone: 604-219-9724 Publisher: Chris Stringer Editor: Lindy Pfeil

BEACON ADS Call 604-219-9724 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday to Friday

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Elspeth Bradbury From Mountains to Sea

T

HIS FALL MARKED the end of an era in Lighthouse Park when, after 30 years, Elaine Graham retired from her post as park attendant and naturalist.

Elaine, who grew up in North Kensington, London, first moved from Britain to urban Regina where she met her husband Don. When Don accepted the post of assistant keeper at Point Atkinson Lighthouse in 1980, the couple, together with their two young sons, settled on the tip of West Vancouver’s Lighthouse Park.

How did it feel for a city girl to be plunged into 185 acres of old-growth forest?

“I was absolutely stunned,” she says. “I was amazed by the size of the trees and the lush green ferns and mosses. The wildflowers! I loved being there.”

It didn’t take the family long to meet its new neighbours. Eagles circled overhead.

Deer, raccoons, bears and even cougars visited the park. Mink and river otter made themselves at home in their back yard.

One snowy winter Elaine spotted a bobcat prowling in Don’s vegetable beds. There were even closer encounters. An eagle was splayed on the rock just outside her bathroom window.

“It had blood on its beak and it was plucking at some kind of prey.” The prey turned out to be another, younger eagle that subsequently died.

This was definitely not Portobello Road, and nature was obviously not just pretty flowers.

Elaine loved her new job as naturalist, and illustrated educational posters and pamphlets with her careful drawings. She trimmed trails, sawed through fallen trees and put up

signs to warn visitors that low-flying owls might mistake their hair-do for a squirrel.

She coached student counselors on how to teach children about the forest while having fun at the same time. When the Girl Guides obtained permission to take over one of the disused army huts in the park, she stepped in to help create a Nature House. This well-loved resource has been open to the public since 1988 and Elaine is still one of the volunteers manning it on Sunday afternoons.

As park attendant she discovered that human visitors could be both a pleasure and a pain. The pleasure?

“Getting to know the regulars who really care about the park, and meeting people from all over the world DRAWING OF SALAL by Elaine Graham who are so impressed with our forest.”

The pain? “Picking up after ty of our local ancient forest will miss the people who dump their litter or don’t clean familiar figure of Elaine on her daily rounds, up after their dogs. It’s illegal to damage or tirelessly cleaning up and quietly keeping remove natural materials from the park. But an eye on the park’s wildlife, both human it happens.” and otherwise. Nobody knows this precious She has seen many changes over the place as she does. We are lucky that she will decades. still be in the neighbourhood to share her The trails have widened and there are knowledge and her stories with us. fewer wildflowers. Other plants such as the junipers of Juniper Point have almost died out. Deer no longer visit.

VOLUNTEER with the Lighthouse Preservation The chipmunks that used to dart across Society her path became rare and then disappeared altogether – or so she thought. “This year MONTHLY BIRD COUNTS at 8:30 a.m. on the first I was thrilled to see a survivor. Let’s hope Sunday of every month. Call Suann at 604-926there are more.”

9094 In 1996, fearing that the park was in danger of being loved to death by increasIVYPULL, NORTH PICADILLY PARK: 9 a.m. to ing numbers of visitors, she and Don helped noon Saturday, November 16. Meet at the corner of to found the Lighthouse Park Preservation North Picadilly and Clovelly Walk Society, a group that works hard to remove invasive species and restore worn trail sides IVYPULL, LIGHTHOUSE PARK: 9 a.m. to noon as well as promoting public awareness of the Saturday, November 30. Meet at the Upper Kiosk park’s natural values. in Lighthouse Park parking lot Those of us who enjoy the peace and beau-

Welcome to Caulfeild!

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PAGE 3 NOVEMBER, 2013

Japanese in Caulfeild The first group of 18 lived at the Great Northern Cannery A diverse group of nationalities lived and of the Development of Japanese Canadians).

Like his countrymen, he was forced to leave worked at the cannery, but only Japanese the coast, and died near Slocan City in 1945. lived in small houses year round on the site.

The Tomekichi Homma Elementary School Many of their children worked, earning twelve and a half cents an hour. They attend- in Richmond is named in his honour. Marie Kawamoto was one of those interned in ed local schools, and their families formed Historic Caulfeild Tashme, B.C., and an integral part of then repatriated to the community. One “She says ‘Remember Japan in 1946. She of the best known this?’ you see, because I recalls her friendship TEVESTON’S JAPANESE commuJapanese Canadithink I used to feel homewith Laureen “Billie” nity that flourished before its disperans was Tomekichi sick for Canada, and I must Jones. “There’s one sal in the Second World war is well Homma, who arrived have written to her about picture of her (Lauknown. Less known is the community that in Canada in 1883 this and that...”

— Marie reen) standing where developed in connection with Caulfeild’s and moved to West Kawamoto the Ferry building is Great Northern Cannery, now the site of the Vancouver in 1909.

Department of Fisheries and Oceans West An ardent advocate now.

“She says ‘RememVancouver Laboratories. The first group of for his compatriots, ber this?’ you see, because I think I used eighteen Japanese arrived in Caulfeild in he wrote two books, Canada No Hoko (Treato feel homesick for Canada, and I must 1901 from Tottori-Ken under cannery bosses sures of Canada) and Canada Doho Hatten have written to her about this and that. And Meikichi Endo and Manchikiro Teramoto.

Taia Furoku (An Appendix to the Directory people used to send me pictures of Vancouver, or in West Van like Laureen did.”

The few who returned to West Vancouver after 1949, where they resumed fishing or working at the cannery, were welcomed back into the community. In 1959, Kay Hayashi, from a cannery family, was homecoming queen for West Vancouver High School. The cannery closed in 1968.

In 1967, when the Immigration Act was amended, and potential immigrants were judged on the qualities that would make them successful in Canadian society, a number of Japanese chose to make Canada their new home.

Here, as elsewhere, their relative affluence and high level of education, combined with their small numbers, have facilitated their integration into the larger Canadian community, where their contributions have been substantial.

THE GREAT NORTHERN CANNERY, originally the Defiance Cannery, as seen from A 1970s directory lists thirty-two Japanese the water. The cannery was located in the 4100-block Marine Drive. Photo: Rupert Har- names scattered throughout West Vancouver, rison, West Vancouver Archives. three of whom are doctors.

Francis Mansbridge

S

You loved us!

After much trepidation our first edition rolled off the press. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Thank-you!

Our second edition bears our new name, The Beacon. The improved layout is courtesy of our guru, Paul Musgrove. (Paul broke into the newspaper business in 1967 with the Victoria Times, and joined the Vancouver Sun in 1969, taking on numerous reporting and editing roles there until his retirement in February 2010.)

Dawn Robinson designed the Caulfeild Cove Hall announcements, some advertisements, and various featured spots. Dawn’s portfolio of work is wide-ranging and we are grateful that she is sharing her talent with the Beacon.

Glenn Owen, our photographer, is a retired executive whose lifelong hobby has found him recently standing precariously on hall chairs and rock-climbing at Lighthouse Park. We’re not sure whether this was what he had in mind when he agreed to the job!

We are thrilled with the feedback we have received. Interesting content is the lifeblood of any newspaper so we welcome your continued input about our neighbourhoods, schools, shopping centres, parks and trails.

We look forward to working with you, showcasing our community, and sharing your stories.

DAVID BENOIT

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— Chris and Lindy

NOVEMBER, 2013 PAGE 4

We have a winner!

the beacon: shedding light on caulfeild and its neighbours

By Lindy Pfeil Editor More than 100 entries were received in our 'name-the-paper' competition. Two rounds of voting by the merchants at Caulfeild Village resulted in a top five list. The Beacon was selected by a panel consisting of the newspaper team, Village merchants, and trusted advisors.

Kevin Doyle, who submitted the winning entry, received his prize, generously donated by Pharmasave and Pastameli, at an intimate gathering at Pastameli. Kevin and his wife, Jean, have lived in Eagle Harbour for more than twenty years. They love the area, and enjoy hiking, biking and kayaking. Kevin has recently retired and is looking forward to spending more time making music, another of his passions.

Our own beacon, Point Atkinson Lighthouse, located in Lighthouse Park, was built in 1875 to protect shippers in the Georgia Strait. Its fate is at present uncertain, as it was put up for sale three years ago.

It is our hope that The Beacon will shed light on the history, achievements and activities of our community, and connect Caulfeild and the surrounding neighbourhoods. Kevin says he and his wife never tire of hearing others say "You're so lucky to live here". We couldn't agree more!

KEVIN DOYLE and our very own beacon at Lighthouse Park.

Photo: Glenn Owen

Thank-you for helping North Shore Restorative Justice raise almost $12 000 for its schools project

By Teresa Canning Executive Director NSRJS Hollyburn Country Club was the venue for the North Shore Restorative Justice Society’s annual fall fundraiser on October 18. It featured musicians Pearl, and guest speaker Katy Hutchison. We had a sold out event with 140 guests, including Councillor Liana Martin of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation, Member of Parliament Andrew Saxton, Ralph Sultan (MLA), Councillor Mary-Anne

Booth, and police representatives from both policing agencies on the North Shore.

Restorative Justice is a philosophy that views conflict as a breakdown in community and relationships. Restorative processes work to heal and prevent further harm by giving victims a voice to describe what they need to move forward. Moreover, they hold the offender(s) directly accountable to the victim by providing an opportunity to meet the victim’s needs and to hear how they have been impacted.

This year, NSRJS’s gala was in support of

our new Schools Initiative. Over the years, NSRJS has seen countless files escalated to the criminal level from incidents that started in the school yard. It is our hope that through working with the school communities we can build capacity in children and youth to deal with conflict in a healthy and pro-active way.

Our organization seeks to support young people in developing communication and conflict resolution skills so that we can prevent harmful and hurtful situations, as well as prevent conflicts from escalating to criminal behavior.

The success of NSRJS’s 3rd annual gala

resulted in raising nearly $12,000 for our schools initiative. I wish to express my sincere gratitude to all those who supported the event through attending, purchasing a table, donating silent auction items, or by making a charitable donation. The event was a beautiful evening that has left me in awe of the generous and compassionate people that live in our community.

Please join us for our AGM at Mountainside Secondary School in North Vancouver on November 13 from 6-9 pm for a screening of the movie Girl Rising.

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PAGE 5 NOVEMBER, 2013

This is Peter Stursberg reporting to you...

Chris Stringer Profiles & personalities

P

ETER STURSBERG witnessed the intensity of the Second World War as closely as any Canadian soldier. The CBC’s war correspondent brought Europe’s front lines into Canadian homes.

Stursberg started his career with the Victoria Daily Columnist. After the war broke out, and desperate to become a war correspondent, he decided to quit print journalism and join the CBC, a decision regarded as madness by many fellow reporters.

In 1943, at just 29 years of age, he crossed the Atlantic to the CBC’s London bureau.

Sent to Sicily during Operation Husky, as allied troops began their invasion of Italy, Stursberg was the first CBC correspondent to cover the troops in action.

“This is Peter Stursberg reporting to you from the Italian front,” is what Canadian radio listeners heard as bombs fell in the background.

The only Canadian journalist to enter both Rome and Berlin with the Western Allies, Stursberg witnessed the liberation of the Netherlands from Nazi occupation and even entered Hitler’s bunker while allied soldiers looted it. He grabbed some cutlery engraved AH. Peter’s son, Richard, said in a recent interview with CBC News, “my father describes his war experience as being bored to death for 98 percent of the time and scared to death for two percent.” The interview took place during celebrations of Peter’s hundredth birthday in August. Richard commented on its historic significance “because I’m sure that he is the oldest CBC journalist

MODICA, ITALY (above) July 13, 1943. (L-R): Peter Stursberg, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation; Ross Munro, Canadian Press; Captain Dave MacLellan, Public Relations Officer; Lieutenant Al Fraser, Canadian Army Film & Photo Unit. PETER STURSBERG (inset) recording a radio broadcast, Potenza, Italy, September 22, 1943. Photos: Captain Frank Royal, Department of National Defence/Library and Archives, Canada

alive and the oldest war correspondent still alive.”

After the war, Stursberg served as CBC’s UN correspondent. This was followed by a career as the Ottawa editor for the Toronto Star and, then as Ottawa anchorman for the CBC. He is the author of more than a dozen books.

His memoir, No Foreign Bones in China,

traces his family’s history in China, where he was born. He recalls the turbulent birth of modern China through the Opium Wars, the Boxer Rebellion, and two World Wars.

Contemplating retirement 30 years ago, Stursberg purchased a parcel of land from Fred Russell in Caulfeild, where he and his wife, Jessamy, had many happy years before she died in 2008. They were married for 62 years.

Peter Stursberg was invested into the Order of Canada in 1996.

In recent years he has enjoyed many hours at Starbucks in the Village, discussing books and current affairs with his friends, and yes, most of them are younger than him!

NOVEMBER, 2013 PAGE 6

Saturday, November 16 @ 7pm

Saturday, December 7 @ 5:30pm

PUB QUIZ

Join us for family festivities at a

EVENING Join us for fun and competition.

Assemble your team and win!

If you have not experienced a quiz night in an English pub you are in for a treat. Popular and very much a part of Pub life in England, quizzes are fun and competitive and add to the flavour of any ale or lager.

Dickens Evening

A family feast complete with Wassail Bowl.

Wandering & costumed Dickens Carollers Live performance of highlights from Dickens’ play “A Christmas Carol”

Dinner fare: BANGERS & MASH of course

Sing your favourite Christmas Carols

$20 per person

Adult $28 - Child (age 2-16) $15

tickets online @ www.caulfeildcovehall.ca or  604-812-7411

Even owls like a little light... why hide yours?

The Beacon shines for your customers in Caulfeild and surrounding areas .

To place an ad, call 604-219-9724 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday to Friday

PAGE 7 NOVEMBER, 2013

A sold-out musical celebration in the Cove

By S.C. Davis Social Correspondent A sold-out performance in the newly renovated Caulfeild Cove Hall of St Francis-in-theWood Anglican church brought the audience to its feet at the close of an intimate evening of music with Shari Ulrich and Tom Taylor.

The evening began with a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the official opening of the hall and introduce its inaugural event. Managing Director of the hall, Chris Stringer, invited Mayor Michael Smith and Councillor Trish Panz to do the honours and declare this first season of events now underway.

Knowing fans then enthusiastically welcomed to the stage Juno award winner and

BC icon, singer/songwriter Shari Ulrich, along with well-loved and highly accomplished musician and original West Van-er Tom Taylor on guitar and vocals.

With groups of friends and fans seated around tables beautifully arranged with flowers and appys, and wine and canapés at intermission, the hall was transformed into an intimate supper club. Against a muted and elegant backdrop, Shari thoroughly captivated the gathering with all the honesty and personality that reflects the sorrows and satisfactions of a life well-lived.

Adam Woodall keeps the dance floor jumping

She generously shared her lifelong tradition of storytelling in music, at times with humor, at times with tearful nostalgia. Of particular note, was the story she told of the son she gave up for adoption and the song she wrote in celebration of their reunion many years later. There wasn’t a person who quietly listened to By the Grace of Goodbye who will ever forget it. An auspicious start indeed to a season of community at Caulfeild Cove Hall.

RIBBON CUTTING with Rev Angus Stuart and Mayor Michael Smith (top) and Shari Ulrich and Tom Taylor (left) at the Cove. Photo: Glenn Owen

ST. FRANCIS-­IN-­THE-­WOOD CHURCH 4772 Piccadilly South Road, Caulfeild

A FAMILY CHURCH IN A FAMILY COMMUNITY

By H. Lamontagne On October 19, the Adam Woodall Dance Band woke up the sleepy cove of Caulfeild.

Adam and his band, some of them friends since childhood, performed three sets of music that had the Caulfeild Cove Hall rocking for three hours. A performer who knows his audience well and performs to it, Adam kept the dance floor filled and jumping all night.

This quiet, sleepy little neighbourhood beside Tiddly Cove came alive for the evening. Surprised that anything like this could be happening in our bedroom community one patron said, "Finally, a place right here in Caulfeild where we can have some fun. We don't have to go across the bridge. Three minutes and we're home and the babysitter gets an early night."

In addition to his signature traditional and popular rock, folk, blues and pop, Adam introduced his latest album, Silver Ring, featuring original melodies, great guitar hooks and emotional lyrics. But the night was dedicated to his crowd-pleasing favourites from the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Elton John, Johnny Cash and Neil Diamond.

The night ended with Kris Kross party favourite, Jump!

The Adam Woodall Band will be back by popular demand to Caulfeild Cove Hall in 2014. See the website for details: www.caulfeildcovehall.ca.

Sundays

8 am 10 am Wednesdays 10 am 4 pm Mondays 6:30pm

ADAM WOODALL DANCE BAND and partygoers.

Photo: Glenn Owen

Communion Service Family Service with Sunday School Communion Service Youth Group (Junior) Youth Group (Senior)

Please look at the website for details about the background and activities of our church. Join us on Sundays or drop in any time to check out this little piece of heaven located beside Lighthouse Park, overlooking the cove in Lower Caulfeild.

Or just come down and learn about Caulfeild’s history. This is where it began.

www.stfrancisinthewood.ca 604-­922-­3531

Last Touch (Remembering)

halloWeen ballerinas at st-francis-in-the-Wood

They were the best of friends On that fateful August day Talking about their last game Moaning about starting school Soon again but what the heck It was fun too !

They were giggling on the sidewalk Chewing their newly bought bubble gum They left Harry's Market on Nicola Street Crossing mid block, Jack never heard the horn As Walter touched his arm to quickly warn him Gone --Henry Huber

BALLERINAS Emma, Charlotte, Macey, Kayla, Nikki, Sun-Ah and Bronwyn Photos: T. Singleton and D. Hadden

NOVEMBER 2013 PAGE 8

Halloween: The aftermath

Eagle Harbour Montessori expands to Grade 5

By Val Stevenson

Louise Clarke

Vice-Principal Eagle Harbour Montessori West Vancouver’s only public Montessori School is more accessible than ever to parents who want personalized learning options for their children. What was once a small primary school is now a K-5 public Montessori School offering an enriched curriculum in botany, zoology, physical and political geography and history.

Although many people are familiar with the Montessori preschool program, fewer are acquainted with the Montessori elementary program. The Montessori program in action today strongly reflects the 21st century learning educators are talking about: personalized learning, integrated curriculum and inquiry-based learning.

Learners in the Montessori program work in multi-age classrooms and there are lots of opportunities for movement, collaboration and student choice.

The Montessori philosophy teaches students to resolve conflict in peaceful ways; at Eagle Harbour Montessori, learners are offered a global education, studying world culture to reinforce the values of respect, grace and courtesy.

The school has a strong connection to the environment, nurtured by facilities that include a natural playscape and school garden.

The smaller size of the school also contributes to a robust learning community.

Parenting

W EAGLE HARBOUR STUDENT Charlotte MacLeod, skip-counting in her classroom.

Photo: Eagle Harbour Montessori

“We consider our size to be a real source of strength,” says Lisa Day. “It allows us the flexibility we need to include students, staff and parents in major school initiatives and innovation.”

Eagle Harbour Montessori’s teachers are trained to integrate the Montessori curriculum with mainstream Ministry objectives.

Students use specially designed materials as well as the latest in technol-

ogy to learn language and math concepts.

“Our school offers more than just a great foundation,” says teacher Sarah Everett.

“What I love most about coming to class every day is knowing that my work helps every student achieve their potential – and that’s what inspired me to choose this profession.”

Visit us from 9-10 a.m. at 5575 Marine Dr ive on one of our Visitor Days: Oct 10, Nov 21, Jan 16, Feb 25, April 10, May 1 or June 12.

Why choose Montessori for your child?

By Julie Desaulniers I have seen my two daughters blossom since entering the Montessori program at Eagle Harbour. They thrive on having the ability to make independent decisions about how to focus their time on the tasks and materials that interest them most.

ILL THE FLOW of candy ever stop? The more you say NO, the more they eat. Sound familiar?

According to Adlerian Parenting Practice, also known as Democratic or Backbone Parenting, the key to successful intervention with such challenges is to guide your children into problem solving, making wise choices themselves. This involves giving your child a voice in the discussion and negotiation process of finding a solution to a problem.

Find a time when the whole family is together and open up a conversation about all the excess Halloween candy. Ask them lots of questions and allow them to come up with ideas as to how they might manage it.

This encourages children to solve problems for themselves, to be respectful of others’ opinions, and to buy into the solution and stick to it as they have played a part in creating it. It takes you out of any subsequent argument that may arise around the issue as it was a decision made by the family and not just you. It instills a feeling of connection and capability that builds independence and confidence in your child.

For more parenting tips visit Louise’s website at www.yourparentingpartner.com

They approach their work in different ways, and the Montessori program allows them to work at their own rhythm while still completing the required curriculum.

The teachers are wonderful at supporting them in their learning and individual interests. I have witnessed a boost in their self-confidence as a result of having

to solve problems independently and being able to take a leadership role in sharing their knowledge with classmates.

When I ask my daughters what they love most about school, they talk about having choices and a strong sense of community.

I love the positive reinforcement they receive to learn and grow in their own way.

ART by Robyn Westcott, Rockridge

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Dr. Pratil Lal and Dr. Jenna Fukushima Optometrists

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PAGE 9 NOVEMBER, 2013

Remembering Miss Bortz Lindy H Pfeil ER NAME WAS BELLA BORTZ and she was terrifying. She wore the same brown leather jacket to school every day.

The only reason I remember this is that she used it to furiously clean the chalkboard, as if that was only reason she had a jacket (or a right elbow).

She was my fifth grade teacher, and warm and fuzzy she was not. She carried a kind of brittleness in her eyes that I recognised, even then, as a symptom of something else.

A wounded soul or an untamed spirit – I wasn’t sure which. Perhaps both. I lived in perpetual fear of scraping my metal chair against the floor, because that was cause for immediate ejection from her classroom.

She handed us reams of vocabulary every week, instructing us simply to use the words creatively. She explained that she was preparing us for university. We were only ten years old, but that was no excuse.

And I loved those words. I still remember some of them. Cacophony. Tempestuous. Chimera. Reverie. They allowed me to create new worlds, where dreams were simply alternative realities. And it was in Miss Bortz’s class that I learned the power of a good story. That by manipulating verbs, nouns, punctuation, you could transform a completely ordinary life into something spectacular.

Miss Bortz challenged me. She pulled my

It was an interesting time, and for a while there I thought I was going crazy. Some would argue that I did, but that’s a story for another time. One night, out of the blue, an old friend asked casually across cyberspace Opinion what had happened to my dream of being a writer. It was the metaphorical slap to the forehead that dislodged the blockage. And writing apart. the words came tumbling out. Three months Honestly. Brutally. And with every red later I had my first book. I called it fiction, comment screaming from the page I underbecause it’s easier to tell the truth that way. stood, somewhere Of course I dedideep inside my cated the book to Miss And it was in Miss Bortz’s decade-old brain, Bortz. class that I learned the that my writing was And then I tried to power of a good story. getting better. find her. I searched And then one day, and searched. In the That by manipulating there was only one process, almost my enverbs, nouns, punctuabloody scrawl. tire Grade 5 class was tion, you could transform She told me that if reunited. But still no a completely ordinary I continued to work Miss Bortz. There had life into something very, very hard, I been some sightings spectacular. could some day be a over the years. writer.

Some rumours. But My love of words grew. As did my undershe remains unfound. I have no idea whether standing that a story well-told will effect she’s even still alive. And what most sadchange more profoundly than a universe of dens me about this is that I’ll never know laws. I briefly taught undergrad English lither story. erature, and then marriage, motherhood, and moving brought new, exciting things into If there is someone who has had a lastmy life. And I forgot that I was going to be ing impact on you, please submit your story a writer. Until the day the unwritten words (200-400 words) to lindypfeil@me.com with started choking me. the title “Remembering…”

It’s the simple things that matter ANY PEOPLE express how overwhelming making any sort of change can be, especially when it comes to how we eat.

Focusing on a morning ritual that can help align the body to its natural balance is really going to set you up for the rest of the day

M

and improve your health.

Start the day with a glass of warm water and half a freshly squeezed lemon. Lemons boost the immune system, loosen toxins, and eliminate hunger cravings. They are high in Vitamin C and make your skin glow.

Simplify. Trust.

Tisha Bryant Healthy Living For more healthy tips visit Tisha at www.apinchoflovely.me

Can a bad marriage really be saved?

Ian MacPherson Psyched Out

F

OR A LOT OF PEOPLE long-term relationships are difficult and unsatisfying.

About half of first marriages end in divorce. For second and third marriages (including common-law) the failure rate is about 65 per cent and 75 per cent respectively. This suggests there are about 1000 families in our community alone who will experience the serious distress that accompanies relationship breakdown.

Of course marital therapy has been around for a long time. Unfortunately it has been a bit of a bust. However, relatively recently, psychologists have started studying real couples — happy and unhappy. The world famous “Love Lab” at the University of Washington has found that resolving conflict is not enough. Couples need to learn a “culture of appreciation” to replace the hostile criticism and defensiveness that predicts relationship breakdown. Follow-up studies show a success rate of around 80 percent with this approach.

Canadians wait on average six years to get help for their troubled marriages. When there is little conflict but also very little intimacy, the peak time for splitting up is about 20 years. That’s a lot of pain and alienation.

There are a few therapists nearby who practice the newer emotion-focused and skills-based methods. So there is hope that some of our troubled neighbors can change the sad statistics.

Ian Macpherson is a psychologist and psychotherapist living and practicing in Caulfeild. You can visit him at www.westVancouvertherapist.com.

Joanne Thomas, Mortgage Specialist joanne@joannethomas.ca 604-318-8868

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“My husband, David, & I have resided in this area for 20 years. We have raised our children here and are proud to be a part of this community.

I am pleased to support this newspaper, and wish its publishers and editorial team success in their efforts to keep our community informed and connected.”

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL MORTGAGES www.thomasfinancial.ca - www.mortgagesforseniors.ca

NOVEMBER, 2013 PAGE 10

Visiting the birthplace of our nation

The bell at my death

Marie - Claude Arnott

The world disappeared quietly The last moment was nothing But a sense of loss A plane left a trail across The blue sky My soul dived to the bottom Deep black water I heard the bell at my death.

Travel Notes

W

E KNOW we are entering the National Historic Site of Canada when we turn on to Rue Cana-

dienne.

The forested road, however, screens its iconic landmark: the Vimy Ridge Memorial, in Arras, France.

A few moments later, there it stands on the edge of the ridge at a distance from the road.

Two white twin-towers arise from a massive base somewhat like a spaceship on its launch pad.

As I look at it, I ponder the men who fought in the First World War. I think of my French grandfather who defended his homeland in the trenches of the Somme. And I think of the Canadian men who defended — and lost their lives in — a country far from their own homeland. Gratitude is too trivial a word sometimes.

Known as Hill 145, the Canadians captured the ridge on April 9, 1917. Three days later — assisted by the British 5th Infantry Division —they reclaimed the entire ridge.

By destroying this German strategic point (between Arras and Lens), Canadian troops gave a turning point to the Allied Forces.

This victorious battle would also validate Canada as a nation.

But without heroism, there would have been no victory: The first six minutes sacrificed 60 per cent of the Canadian forces.

Many of them were young civilians before they arrived on the battlefield — and the survivors of the bloody battle of the Somme.

The key to victory was a five-kilometer subway of tunnels and the concept of the “creeping barrage.” Every three minutes the infantry advanced 100 yards under the protection of the artillery—the soldiers called it

The world keeps going on without me A limited express runs through the air The tap is dripping down The fallen leaves were rustling in the wind They were nothing special to me Now they are gone far from here They were like oxygen I heard the bell at my death.

FLOWERS GROW in the Canadian cemetery at Vimy Ridge (above). Vimy Ridge memorial (right) Photos: MC

Arnott

the Vimy Glide. The speed and magnitude of the attacks took the Germans by surprise.

I try to imagine the soldiers’ life: spending a whole winter underground while rehearsing for this defining attack. In fact, drawings and poems engraved in the walls are a poignant evidence of their presence.

Until then, Canadian soldiers had been embedded in the British Army, so every conquest had been a British victory. Vimy Ridge gave all four divisions of the Canadian Corps their first opportunity to fight together.

As a result, Vimy Ridge was the first allCanadian military victory. “In a few minutes I witnessed the birth of a nation,” BrigadierGeneral. A.E. Ross said later.

The closer we get, the more impressive the Memorial is. Erected 65 meters above the Douai plain, its massive base is made of 11,000 tons of steel reinforced concrete. The four-sided towers and some 20 sculptures are made of limestone.

One tower symbolizes Canada with an engraved maple leaf symbol, and the other one France with the fleur-de-lis. At the top,

figures represent Peace and Justice.

Below, two others represent Truth and Knowledge. Carved around them are the shields of Canada, Britain and France.

But the largest and most touching of all is the figure of a woman in a hooded wrap. She represents Canada mourning her dead.

Below it by a tomb carved in the limestone, we notice a wreath from a veteran organization of the Rhône region, and bouquets left by private visitors.

We look at each side of the base engraved with the names of the 11,285 Canadian soldiers killed in Europe, whose bodies were never recovered. With respect and emotion, we read name after name, and wish we could read them all…

Marie-Claude Arnott (buckettripper.com) is a freelance writer and translator (English/French). She lives in Sahalee with her husband Jim.

Life is a soap bubble It goes pop someday When I become nothing in the end I feel like there must be a new beginning.

I have to find something else to be It doesn’t have to last long Just a sparkling bright moment I heard the bell at my death.

—Marin Ito, Rockridge Secondary

ART by Maddy Fawley, Rockridge

Thirty years of specializing in financing first, second and third mortgages.

Personal and commerical.

604-961-6457 MICHAEL ALEXANDER

Located in Park Royal Village Beside Cafe Artigiano.

PAGE 11 NOVEMBER, 2013

Around the Village

New arrivals bring flair to an old favourite The reason for Pastameli’s fresh look is youthful husband and wife team, Colin and Kim Taylor, who purchased the community favourite this summer.

Colin met Kim, a Saskatchewan native, 14 years ago when they both worked in a West Coast-inspired restaurant. They have since married and have two young children, Callie and Linden. Colin brings 22 years’ experience in the service industry and Kim brings 20. Having grown up in Horsehoe Bay, Colin has known of Pastameli’s for as long as he can remember, so it is fitting that they purchased it from well-known local business owner, Bruce Meli. Bruce owned the successful restaurant for 25 years, which opened in 1983 as a pasta shop on Robson Street in Vancouver.

Since taking over, Colin and Kim have updated the dining room to a comfortable contemporary atmosphere, great for intimate dining, a night out with friends or a casual group get-together. As young parents, Colin and Kim welcome families with children and can accommodate any dining experience.

Colin says, “Kim brings the beauty and the brains and I bring the front-line cuisine experience to our customers every day. We are excited to have attracted a loyal service team to provide our customers the most enjoyable, satisfying experience when they visit.”

In addition to the great pasta and pizza, there are daily specials including Saturday buffets. Drop in to welcome Colin and his team as the newest arrivals at the Village.

COLIN AND KIM TAYLOR: New owners at Pastameli.

Three generations make Safeway a family affair It could be said that Safeway is a family affair for the Pastuck family. Ron’s father spent 40 years with Safeway and ended it as the Produce Buyer. Ron met his wife, Janice, at Safeway where she worked for 25 years.

Son, Chris, graduated from high school last year and, yes you might have guessed, has joined Safeway.

Ron was 17 years old, and still in high school in Vancouver, when he began his career with the company. He continued during his time at UBC and then became a fulltimer.

Since then, Ron has worked in 17 different Safeways throughout the lower mainland.

When asked about his experience here in Caulfeild Ron says “This store has a wonderful small-town feel. The customers here take ownership of the store and know the staff on a first name basis. This is unique because most

“This store has a wonderful small-town feel.

The customers here take ownership of the store and know the staff on a first name basis. This is unique because most customers in other Safeways are transient. " - Ron Pastuck

RON PASTUCK helps keep Safeway all in the family. customers in other Safeways are transient.”

Ask Ron’s staff about their boss and they

will tell you he is “easygoing and unflappable. He encourages rather than admon-

ishes. However, when he is unhappy about a job poorly done he lets you know in no uncertain terms.” When he isn’t walking the aisles, relieving at the cash till or serving at the front service desk, Ron is fishing in the summer and skiing in the winter.

Next time you are in the store say hi to Ron.

25 Interested Stores for you

Come and visit us soon!

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NOVEMBER, 2013 PAGE 12

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