FRIDAY MAR. 22, 2013 VOL. 38, NO. 44
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Good-by igloo
Spring will see the end of the structure built and studied by BCC children
Grocery shopping in 1907
Donation to the Museum and Archives shows islanders’ spending habits
Will they be asked back?
Bowen’s Black Sheep break the rules at St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Legion supports Snug Cove House Creating a supported living home for seniors is seen as a priority by Legion board SUSANNE MARTIN EDITOR
T
he Snug Cove House Society that plans to create a supportive island home for seniors received funding of $10,000 from Bowen’s Royal Canadian Legion #150. The vote by Legion members and their executive board on Tuesday came after what Legion vice-president Jason Zahara called “the longest discussion we’ve had in our meetings, but it’s about the most important thing happening on Bowen”. The volunteer group planning the seniors’ residence was represented by its chair, Graham Ritchie, who was questioned in great detail about progress on the society’s mission, which is to put an end to the flow of island elders having to leave friends and neighbours behind to seek suitable supportive accommodation on the mainland. Tim Hausch, the Legion’s treasurer, said, “[Snug Cove House] is basically a fantastic project that will provide Bowen Island with the means so that members of the community can age in place and don’t have to leave the community they have been part of.” Hausch personally knows seniors who are currently looking to sell their property and move off the island to get the care they need. “These people been here for years and have been active members of the community,” he said, adding that Snug Cove House would give islanders the option to stay.
“The Legion is delighted to contribute to the project and has supported Snug Cove House before,” Hausch said. He explained that the Legion is in a financially sound position, mostly thanks to the volunteers who, on an ongoing basis, support its day-to-day operation and special events. “Our cooks, bar staff and the people at the front door are all volunteers,” he said. “We are open six days a week. Without the volunteers, we wouldn’t be able to do everything we do.” Since the community has supported the Legion, the non-profit organization is happy to give something back and support community initiatives, according to Hausch, who explained that the presentation by Ritchie convinced the Legion board that the Snug Cove House Society is a worthy recipient. “Graham’s info was very detailed,” Hausch said. “It was impressive to see how much work the Snug Cove House board has put into the project to get it to this stage. For us, we’d like to see the money go to a place where we can see shovels in the ground. Even though the Snug Cove House isn’t at that stage yet, we see it as a great asset and we want to help move it forward.” Ritchie thanked Bowen’s Branch 150 for its generous donation. The Legion has donated to Snug Cove House (formerly known as Abbeyfield House) three times in previous years, substantial amounts but not on the scale of Tuesday’s gift. continued, PAGE 3
Auctioneer Graham Ritchie had his hands full at the Mini Gala, more on page 5.
Salmon becomes B.C. emblem SUSANNE MARTIN EDITOR
T
he Pacific salmon has just received royal assent to become a B.C. emblem. The Bowen Island Fish and Wildlife
Club (BIFWC) welcomes the news that arrives in advance of the biennial Salmon Enhancement Program, organized by the Pacific Salmon Foundation, that will take place on Bowen Island from May 17 to 19.
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Brian Riddell, president and CEO of the Pacific Salmon Foundation, said, “Naming Pacific salmon as a provincial emblem is much more than a symbolic act. continued, PAGE 3