JAZZ • WET’SUWET’EN • WOMEN’S DAY • TOO MUCH STUFF • SPRING BREAK
Robot Town
How self check-outs and other futuristic technology have changed Powell River. Is it for the better?
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• March 2020 • prliving.ca
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The City of Powell River is a proud supporter of Coastline Colab and the Powell River Creative Economy and Innovation Initiative. POWELL RIVER LIVING • March 2020 •
3
IN FOCUS
JENNA BROWNLEE and her husband Ben own Ironhill Farms in Powell River. They moved to Powell River from Calgary last fall. She is a branding consultant at Jenna Brownlee Branding & Design and owns Brownlee Photography, specializing in all types of photography for business and family. They have a two-year-old son Caleb, two dogs, three cats, 12 goats with more on the way, three pigs, 26 chickens, two miniature ponies and one horse!
Spotted Towhee
This Towhee had made a nest of dried salal leaves and was well hidden under the salal bushes. I almost missed seeing it, as I worked my way through the forest. The mother bird was sitting on four eggs. I left and came back in about a week. This photograph is of the male feeding the babies. The female has the same color pattern, but where the male is black, she is dark brown. Habitat: They really like forest edges, gardens and park areas. – Rod Innes
Powell River Living is a member of:
BC
DON BUTTON is a retired journalist who moved to Powell River in July 2018 with his partner Sarah Bacon. Don enjoys curling and umpiring – he umpires at events across BC and beyond. The Button/ Bacon team were camping on the coast a few years ago when they picked up an issue of Powell River Living magazine. After reading all the stories in the magazine they were hooked on Powell River and began to plan how they could move here.
CONTENTS MARCH 2020 Robot Town
Automation is changing us
This magazine is supported entirely by our advertisers. We encourage you to choose the businesses that you see in these pages. We do.
Overwhelmed by Junk Three stories about stuff
Pals in New Locales
How to make friends quickly Publisher & Managing Editor
Isabelle Southcott isabelle@prliving.ca
A Hike with Eagle
New Tla’amin Trail
Made in Powell River Associate Publisher & Sales Manager
Sean Percy sean@prliving.ca Editor & Graphics
Pieta Woolley pieta@prliving.ca
Our beer turns eight
I Made the Move
The Brownlees farm and family
Wet’suwet’en
Local First Nation leaders weigh in
Women’s Day 1920s
Three local women-led businesses Sales & Marketing
Suzi Wiebe suzi@prliving.ca
A Growing Concern Garden Design
Ferries Old and New
Accounts Receivable
Alena Devlin office@prliving.ca
Historical and new Texada ships
What’s Up & Biz Affairs Dairy Queen
March Events
So much talent
ON THE COVER Ben Brownlee with one of the goats at the Ironhill Farm he and wife Jenna recently purchased.
Photo by Jenna Brownlee
Jazz fest
Rouge your knees
Take a Break
Crossword & Tarot
Last Word
4
We’ve come a long way... maybe
• March 2020 • prliving.ca
6 14 21 22 24 26 31 33 35 36 39 43 50 52 54
DEB CALDERON is happily retired doing not very much at all. She takes classes here and there which catch her interest and studies plant-based nutrition. She also spends rather a lot of time having coffee dates at the library. BRAD COLLINS is a creative jack-of-all trades living in Powell River BC. Starting as an early tech innovator, he moved into the video game industry by his mid-teens, and carried on as a digital painter and content producer. Currently Brad is a creative consultant, writer, and artist for hire. HELEN KOPEC is a Niagara-area cellist, writer and nomad whose winter pet sit in Powell River was the highlight of her year-long journey across Canada. She intends to return one summer as a regular tourist, and will not rest until she has seen at least one orca. BARBARA ANN LAMBERT is a retired teacher who taught for the Powell River School District for 30 years. Her passion is local history. She has published seven books and is working on her eighth. Barbara Ann married local farmer Stuart Lambert and lived in Paradise Valley before moving to her current home on the waterfront. SANDY MCCORMICK is a Texada Island beach glass artist who is serving her second term as the qathet Regional Director for Texada Island (Area D). She is a former member of the North Sunshine Coast Ferry Advisory Committee and a retired journalist. JULIETTE WOODS is an avid observer of beauty, a cultivator of sacred space, reader of the unseen, and listener of quiet wisdom. She tends to a slowcooked, soul-filled life and offers opportunities for others to do the same. She also photographs garbage in paradise. Find her @juliettefaewoods and www.3foldbalance.com
Volume 15, Number 3
We welcome feedback from our readers. Email your comments to isabelle@prliving.ca, or mail to Powell River Living, 7053E Glacier Street, Powell River, BC V8A 5J7 Tel 604-485-0003
ISSN 1718-8601
Powell River Living is 100% locally owned and operated by:
No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior written consent of the publisher. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the publisher cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions that may occur. © 2020 Southcott Communications. We reserve the right to refuse any submission or advertisement. Complete issues are available online at:
www.prliving.ca
IN THIS ISSUE
The right stuff matters. Choose wisely.
P
ictured cuddling a goat, fabulously tattooed dad Ben Brownlee is literally the cover model for having good priorities in life. He, his wife Jenna, their toddler, and his in-laws moved from Calgary to Powell River to live as a happy extended farm family (Page 26). Lots of us who live in Powell River have made similar leaps of faith – setting aside what’s known and secure, for what will hopefully make us thrive. This issue of Powell River Living is all about choosing the right stuff, and making those big, bold leaps into the unknown. In “Robot Town” (Page 6), I tried to highlight some of the local conversation about how technology is changing Powell River. Every person is grappling with it in their own way, from Russ Parsons at TILT Contracting who’s investing in new machines to stay competitive internationally, to Dorell and Bob Miekle who have ditched their credit cards in favour of just cash. As a community, figuring out how to adapt to technology is an urgent case of choosing wisely, and Powell
River Voices is organizing an event on March 17 to lead that discussion (Page 11). In February, the Wet’suwet’en Coastal GasLink crisis dominated the news cycle, as vast numbers of indigenous and non-indigenous Canadians stood up for the power of Hereditary Chiefs, and others stood with elected Band Councils’ decision to partner with the pipeline. Rail didn’t run; protests blocked entry to the Legislative Assembly; and land defenders blocked city intersections. In this issue, Tla’amin members L. Maynard Harry and Erik Blaney helpfully comment on the events (Page 31). At this critical time, choosing what is right matters deeply. One thing most of us share in 2020: we’re overwhelmed by stuff. Our beaches are littered with it (Page 14), our world is suffocating from it (Page 16), and sometimes, we have trouble letting go of it (Page 18). Stuff is never the right stuff. It’s just clutter. One person who lives light is Helen Kopec, who is
(as publisher Isabelle Southcott says) sleeping her way across Canada (Page 21). The professional house and pet sitter has turned fitting in to new communities into a fine art, or skill – one any of us can learn, no matter how long we’ve lived here. She helps out on local projects, plays cello with musicians, and thus makes friends easily wherever she goes. That’s the right stuff. Those are good choices. I hope your March offers you plenty of opportunity to choose the right stuff. Plan your garden (Page 35) and gather your seeds (Page 45); make the most of your Spring Break with kids or grandkids (Page 49) celebrate the women and girls in your life on International Women’s Day (Page 54); and of course, find yourself a goat to pet. It’s finally that season.
PIETA WOOLLEY | pieta@prliving.ca
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POWELL RIVER LIVING • March 2020 •
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Robot Town Self check-outs, online shopping, call centres, mass media, meal kits, online learning, LIDAR, online banking... they’re here to stay. Are you?
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• March 2020 • prliving.ca
BY PIETA WOOLLEY | pieta@prliving.ca
On a Sunday afternoon in late February, I stopped by Wal-Mart to buy a cardigan and some tank tops for my daughter. This time, not only did I feel a pang of shame for buying environmentally-questionable fast fashion, I faced a whole other level of moral distress. Do I use the self check outs, or don’t I? For the past few months, locals have raged against self check-out machines on Facebook and in conversations I’ve overhead in coffee shops and at the Complex’s hot tub. They steal jobs, some people claim. They make customers do work and send even more profits out of town, they say. Some argue that you can’t stop technology’s forward march, and we should adapt to self checkouts as customers, and as an entire economy. Without thinking too much about it, I used them to buy the clothes. This winter, the two cashier lanes that used to face the mall have been replaced by a single lane of three computerized screens (left), with a single staffer helping customers use the scanner. I bleeped my items through. No problem. The staffer took my plastic hangers. But as I tried to pay, I hit a bump. “Where’s the button to exempt children’s clothing from provincial sales tax?” I asked. “I think you have to go through a cashier for that,” she said. Shoot. The clothing was cheap, so, because I was in a hurry, I just skipped the exemption and paid. The government made an extra $1.20 on me that day. I left feeling slightly peeved. Not at the staffer, who was friendly and helpful. But at myself, for just giving in for the sake of convenience. And at the world, generally, for becoming less human and less caring. Self check-outs are, of course, merely the latest and most visible way that robots are taking over Powell River. They’re at Save-On-Foods, too. McDonald’s has a touch-screen ordering monitor in its lobby. Starbucks, A&W and Subway offer online ordering. At BC Ferries, you can walk-on and book your ticket on a computer at Horseshoe Bay and elsewhere. In industry – mining, fishing, the mill and forestry – technology has made jobs much safer and more efficient for the past few decades. In schooling – both Secondary and Post-Secondary – students can take entire courses online. Reach a doctor or nurse through the MSP-covered app, Babylon. Apply for a loan at midnight through your bank’s website. Need a prescription refill? Your extended medical plan might force you to use an online pharmacy, instead of your local one, which is staffed by people you trust. It’s understandable why Powell River’s Facebook reaction to self check-outs feels panicked. No one asked us if we wanted this. But here it all is. Which leaves me with the same two questions people have had since at least the Industrial Revolution. First, is automation good or bad? Second, can we stop it? Ellen Gould thinks it can be stopped, or at least, con-
trolled. As one of the folks behind Powell River Voices, she’s been researching the effect of automation on Powell River and the world, and she is very concerned for our future. “I hear from other people my age, ‘I’m glad I’m not in my grandchildren’s shoes,’” she said over coffee, explaining that they mean decent jobs seem to be drying up in the face of computerization and centralization. “It’s leading to massive inequality, with 10 percent of people holding 80 percent of the wealth.” How to stop technology, or at least control it for our benefit? That’s the job of good public policy, Ellen said. So on March 17, Powell River Voices will host an event to discuss technology in the forest sector – by far, Powell River’s biggest and well-paid private employer (see Page 9). “Elsewhere, provinces have much more of a valueadded forestry industry,” she said, noting that many of BC’s mills have closed, and Powell River has a relatively tiny industry making things out of wood, compared to the amount of raw lumber that leaves our forests every day. “There needs to be public awareness and support for how we are using technology,” Ellen said. “We need to look at these problems with a sense of positivity, not a sense of inevitability.” A universal guaranteed income is one solution governments are considering. Futurists have been predicting the end of “work” as we know it for decades. They raise the possibility that as technology and centralization replace local workers, vast numbers of citizens will be excluded from money-making systems and cast into poverty. A guaranteed income would redistribute money to avoid the kind of inequality Ellen refers to. In the meantime, we don’t have a guaranteed income, we have WorkBC, the government-funded service that helps people who are underemployed or unemployed find jobs and upgrade their skills. Since 2018, manager Brodie D’Angelo notes, the agency can also help locals whose jobs are at risk because of technology or automation in the near future. Speaking as an individual with an interest in technology, Brodie thinks opposition to automation in the workplace is fruitless. Business always looks for efficiencies, such as streamlining operations, using better
10 real-life 2020 scenarios you couldn’t imagine even a couple of decades ago 1. Self-driving cars You apply for a job driving a truck at Suncor in Alberta; those jobs have been replaced by self-driving trucks and tech workers.
2. Health apps Your baby is up crying all night. You consult with a live doctor on the Babylon by Telus Health app.
3. Meal kits You message a prepared food service and raw, pre-chopped veggies and meat in a meal kit are delivered to your home from Vancouver.
4. Logging without loggers The slope is too steep for safe hand-falling. Send in TILT Contracting (see Page 9).
5. Cell-phone banking To deposit a cheque at your bank, take a picture of it with your smartphone.
6. Online Learning Your kid’s high school English class is taught entirely online.
7. GPS and self-park Without struggling with paper maps and parallel parking, how do you even know you’re driving?
8. Online decor consultation Choose a paint colour by uploading pictures of your home, and “painting” it on the screen with a click of your mouse (see Page 18).
9. Hyper-efficient pharmaceuticals Your extended medical plan demands that you use an online pharmacy for recurring prescriptions.
10. Double Double by app Your Tim Horton’s coffee even quicker, if you can imagine.
RAGE AGAINST THESE MACHINES: Remember when ATMs caused an uproar? Now, can you imagine banking without them? equipment, and modernizing software. These new efficiencies, he said, result in conveniences, cost savings, and quicker service for customers. Opposition to new technologies is usually short-lived. “An example of this is when ATMs became mainstream in the 1980s, and people were furious,” Brodie
POWELL RIVER LIVING • March 2020 •
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RENE BABIN, CFP Raymond James is not affiliated with the organization listed. LESLIE ECKLAND, PFP Financial Advisors Unit D - 4670 Marine Avenue • March 2020 • prliving.ca rene.babin@raymondjames.ca Powell River, BC, CA V8A 2L1 T: 604.489.9797 | F: 604.489.9867 leslie.eckland@raymondjames.ca
NEW JOBS: Save-On-Foods’ new online shopping program has added jobs, not taken them away. said, noting that people were worried about bank tellers losing their jobs. “Forty years later we still have bank tellers, but consumers now have the convenience of choice: use an ATM or see a teller.” He advises working people to keep their skills sharp and their networks broad; all industries, Brodie said, are “at risk of disruption.” At Save-On-Foods, for example, the four self check-outs have been around for eight years. But online shopping is new here. Go to the website, click on what food you want to buy, and pick it up in store. You can even stay in your car, and staff will load it in for you. This has added a new position in store, and added hours for existing staff. Save-On manager Nate Alcos noted that self check-outs have not taken away jobs. In fact, the job of helping customers at those machines is less physicallydemanding than being a cashier, so injured workers can avoid taking time off by working there. “Customer response has been overwhelmingly positive” to online shopping, Nate said. “We are happy with how it has grown. It is definitely a welcome option for those who lead busy lives and are strapped for time, or for those who need assistance shopping.” Customers can choose whether they’d like to use a self check out or go through a line staffed with a cashier. Nate notes that when the store gets busy, people opt for the machines.
For the last three decades of the 20th century, George Doubt was on the front lines of unprecedented change in telephone technology. He worked for BC Tel and became an elected business agent for the Telecommunications Workers Union (he went on to be National President of the Union). Over the course of his union career from 1997 to 2013, he found himself responsible for mitigating the impact of job loss and change on thousands
The retail scene is shifting quickly in Canada, and even here in Powell River. Online shopping may have something to do with this. So might income inequality, which has left many Canadian families in deep consumer debt, with no discretionary spending dollars. This year Ardene closed eight Canadian locations, including the one in Powell River’s Town Centre Mall. People’s Jewellers also closed suddenly. In late February, CTV compiled this list of retailers which have recently closed all of their Canadian strorefronts or have declared bankruptcy: Pier 1 Papyrus and Carlton Cards Bench Ten Thousand Villages Canada Bose Things Engraved Links of London Bentley Lowe’s Bouclair Forever 21 Zellers Motherhood Maternity Home Outfitters Gymboree
of BC phone operators and other workers as systems were automated. His goal was to keep people in the communities where they’d built their lives by finding other jobs for them in the same office, and getting them to retirement if possible. In 1972 when he started at BC Tel, he remembers, buttons were just starting to replace rotary dials, and you had to dial 0, for Operator, and ask her to call longdistance. “Operators were among the most militant unions in BC,” said George. “But now, there are virtually no operators left. If your goal is to stop technological change, you’re going to fail.” He revealed that at one time, the BC Tel building across from City Hall would have been a hive with probably a hundred workers. Clerks taking money as people paid their bills, along with technicians, management, operators, outside workers, and more. Now, very few work there. Is this change in telecommunications good, or bad? On the plus side, George said, we have far better communication than we did a few decades ago, before Facetime and Skype and free long-distance plans. We spend more on our communication through our phone and internet bundles. And there are a lot fewer people working in the field. George also serves as a member of Powell River City Council. “City Council has very little control over the effects of automation,” he said.
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When Chris Laing graduated as a Registered Professional Forester back in the early 1990s, he was still walking the woods, hand-drawing maps.
RDS
EVERY TREE, MAPPED: Technology in the Powell River community forest helps it stay competitive, healthy and sustainable. Top, TILT’s Russ Parsons uses a drone to inspect a cut block in Powell River Community Forest. Above, a LIDAR image showing real tree heights. from fuel consumption, to productivity, to remain competitive and reduce emissions. But what about jobs? Historically, the forest was the workplace of vast numbers of Powell River loggers. “Since the days of steam donkeys and horse logging the amount of man power is drastically different. We do hear push back that there aren’t enough jobs,” said Chris. “There’s still a lot of jobs that people don’t see. Logging with mechanized equipment? Yeah, that’s not a lot of jobs. But there’s still a lot in tree planting and growing trees, in surveying, management, and nurseries. There’s a lot you don’t see, but they’re still there.” In fact, FP Innovations was in the Powell River Community Forest in February, working on an app to measure biomass with a drone. Russ noted that today’s machines pre-sort logs, so there has been a reduction of jobs at dryland sorts. But he also notes that there are lots of tech jobs serving the forest sector, developing programs and servicing machines. In other words, technology has vastly changed the work in the forest – but just because there are fewer folks in caulk boots and vizi-vests, and more folks in suits and hoodies, doesn’t mean today’s well-paid, much safer forest jobs are going anywhere soon.
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Now, barely 30 years later, technology has entirely replaced his early skills. As the manager of the Powell River Community Forest, GIS, GPS and LIDAR help him plan a more environmentally-sensitive, financiallybeneficial working forest. In the past decade, the Community Forest has pumped more than $16 million into Powell River to build projects such as the Bike Park. (See prcommunityforest.ca for the 2019 annual report). “LIDAR – essentially a fancy laser - has had a huge impact on how we manage our forests,” said Chris. “I know the height of every tree over 7,100 hectares, to within 10 centimetres. We can see how they’re growing over time. It saves on fieldwork and improves on how we’re doing things out there.” That becomes important for competing internationally. Chris noted that many countries are producing lumber and plywood. Currently, Asia and Europe are experiencing “their version of the pine beetle,” said Chris, which has put a lot of wood on the market. One of the Community Forest’s local contractors, Russ Parsons, who owns TILT Contracting, notes that BC’s forest sector is just starting to catch up to New Zealand and Europe’s forestry technology. “Back in the day, technology meant hydraulics,” said Russ. “Now the entire operation can be run with virtual goggles, almost.” His newest machine is specialized for logging on steep slopes. Hand fallers have, until now, been responsible for this notoriously dangerous work. “It’s allowed us to have one guy out there fall a tree and yard it with nobody on the ground at all, or very minimal. Every year, we’ve been getting quicker, as machines let us be more productive per hour.” Russ also automatically tracks his entire operation,
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• March 2020 • prliving.ca
But as a human living here? He likes his interactions with people in stores; he’s not a fan of humans being replaced by screens. So, if not City Council, who does have responsibility for guiding this conversation locally, for responding to technology’s impact on the economy and individuals? Automation concerns the Chamber of Commerce of course, according to President Telis Savvidis. Online shopping pulls dollars away from local retailers, he said (both of the Town Centre Mall’s Ardene and People’s Jewellers closed within a month of this press deadline, though online shopping may not have been a factor there). The Chamber encourages locals to shop at brickand-mortar stores in town when possible. “We don’t fight online shopping,” he said. “When I grew up here, there were five ladies shoe stores, and five sporting stores in town. I’m not sure if the decline is linked to online shopping, but if we can strengthen our industrial base it will likely improve.” Indeed, incomes in Powell River – which were once rumoured to be the highest in Canada – are now among BC’s lowest, just $53,056 a year for the average household, according to the Census (though Telis points out some retail businesses are doing very well). Telis owns Snickers Restaurant. About 15 years ago, Safeway was on trend by bringing in much more prepared grocery food, such as bake-at-home pizza, bagged salads, and pre-marinated meats – another kind of automation. “We discussed it at the time,” said Telis. “We wondered where this was going to push restaurants. Well, it pushed us to get better.” That’s the hope – that automation will push people to adapt, and everything gets better.
On the website willrobotstakemyjob.com, you can punch in your job title and the site will predict how likely it is you’ll be replaced by a machine. I punched in “Journalist” of course. There’s less than a one percent chance I’ll be replaced, it says. But that’s not true. Not at all. Over the past decade, about 250 newspapers have folded in Canada, as advertising dollars flow to social media instead of big print. People like to stare at their friends’ feeds on Facebook or Instagram. I do too. If that’s not being replaced by a robot, I don’t know what is. Entire media job categories, such as newspaper file clerks and the paste-up layout techs, have been rendered redundant by computers. Photographers don’t stand a chance at a cheque if your reporters carry cell phone cameras. The Powell River Mill, once the world’s largest supplier of newsprint, makes less printing paper, and more paper towels. This would all be terribly depressing, if all of us journalists didn’t adapt. Fourteen years ago, Isabelle Southcott saw the future, and started a community magazine – a compelling, visual, print format that is replacing newspapers in dozens of towns across Canada and the US. Many of my downsized newspaper colleagues have taken their writing and researching skills to academia, book publishing, television, online and public relations. Print magazines are still thriving, too. I don’t know any unemployed journalists, even after all the layoffs though the life-long, unionized, well-paid newspaper reporter jobs are absolutely dead. In the midst of this technological shift, has news gotten better? In some ways, absolutely. In others, quite the opposite. But few customers are clamouring for thick, environmentally-questionable newspapers on their doorstep each morning, laden with comics, classifieds
There’s life after robots:
the Miekles push back
It happened one too many times. Thousands of dollars disappeared from Dorell and Bob Meikle’s credit cards in mysterious charges. They’d cancel the card through a far-away call centre, get the false purchases cleared by the card’s fraud department, and get a new one sent in the mail. Then a few weeks later, it would happen again. Between August 2019 and February 2020, Dorrell went through five cards, and Bob, four. Now, they’re done. The lack of security and the frustrating, automated fraud-reporting system sent them to the tipping point. Now Dorell and Bob are cash only. No debit cards.
No online banking. One for-emergencies-only (and hotels) credit card. It’s not so bad, they’ve found. “It’s been an experience going back to cash,” said Bob, who with Dorell, owned Powell River’s Small Planet Whole Foods for 25 years. “At first we were going to the credit union every day to get more cash. We were forced to look at our bills on a much more frequent basis.” “We weren’t watching our budget nearly as closely when we had credit cards,” said Dorell. “Now when we’re getting close to our grocery limit, we have to cut back.” In other words, they are waging a tiny rebellion against one piece of technology. And it’s no biggie. Credit cards are, essentially, automated money. And call centres are centralized customer service. For individuals who are sick of robots, could opting out of all customer service automation and centralization really be this easy?
Can local governments create jobs? BY MURRAY DOBBIN
A PROSPEROUS FUTURE What: A Powell River Voices panel discussion about local economic development. When: 7pm, March 17 Where: Trinity Hall, Powell River United Church for his work as Minister of Lands and Forests in the Dave Barrett government of the 1970s. Responsible for establishing the Agricultural Land Commission, Williams is still a keen observer of the industry. He believes strongly that there is still great potential for a value-added forest industry. Powell River local Claudia Medina volunteered on the Mayor’s Task Force for Economic Diversification, and has keen interest in community economic development. She has spent the past year working on Coastline Colab - a new coworking, collaboration, networking and learning space. Medina explains: “The Colab is intended to support innovative business and creative entrepreneurs to develop their ideas and take action on what matters to our community.” Powell River Voices hopes the event can start a conversation about a prosperous future for Powell River.
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he phrase ‘economic development’ is used all the time by elected officials but it seems difficult for local governments in small communities to actually achieve it. The tendency is to look for a major development that will provide dozens of jobs. But attracting such businesses is extremely difficult and hoping for them can leave the community disappointed and frustrated. To help Powell Riverites get an informed grasp on the realities of economic development, Powell River Voices is hosting an event on March 17 (see above) featuring three speakers who have a lot to offer on the subject. Bill Harper is a former four term councillor from New Westminster (who lives part time in Powell River). Under his leadership New West created its own fibre network. ”We also have created solar gardens on the roofs of city buildings that produce power and feed it back into the grid.” In 2018 Harper won a national award – the Open City Champion for civic leadership. Harper will talk about New West’s transition from a manufacturing base to a knowledge-based economy and its relevance for Powell River. Bob Williams, a resident north of Powell River, is famous in forestry circles
g Br e a k r e n i r p ad S e y B
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Roofing you can trust You don’t trust just any roofing company to work on one of Powell River’s most venerable buildings. That’s why the Patricia chose Nelson Roofing.
Your building doesn’t have to be a century old to be important to you! Nelson Roofing is trusted for all kind of roofing. FREE estimates, so call today.
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Sunshine Coast Consulting is a Powell River company that can serve your Accounting, Bookkeeping, and Tax Preparation needs. We use the latest technology and solutions to give you a seamless experience, getting your tax return filed quickly and accurately.
Firm owner and operator, Shaun Clark, was born and raised in Powell River and has been in the accounting field for 20 years.
Appointments are also welcome: 604-223-1658 • 9 am – 5 pm Mon – Fri Located above Coast Fitness on Duncan (entrance to stairs in front) sunshinecoastconsulting.com *$59 price for basic return 1-3 T4s with other minimal work.
POWELL RIVER LIVING • March 2020 •
11
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL BC FORESTRY WORKERS & FAMILIES!
THE STRIKE IS OVER! YOUR POWELL RIVER TOWN CENTRE AND COMMUNITY SUPPORTS YOU!
and flyers. Instead, we’ve tasted smartphones and magazines, and we’re not going back. Like a canary in the coalmine, George Doubt saw the future nearly 40 years ago, when automation cast aside thousands of phone operators in BC. They had a strong union fighting for them. It didn’t save their jobs, but the union did help them adapt as seamlessly as possible to the technological future. Unions represent fewer and fewer Canadians now – especially outside of government jobs. Who will help Powell Riverites who are being replaced by robots? Work BC. Maybe the Chamber. Perhaps good public policy, such as a guaranteed income and a required value-added industry. And perhaps a widespread push-back against human-replacing robots, such as the Facebook chatter against self check-outs. For me, hope for the future lies in two
Visit us online for upcoming events and family activities.
prtowncentre.com
own Home Gr
604.485.4681
In May, Powell River Living will publish the 10th annual edition of
Good Food ets Farmer’s Mark Foodie Festivals Farm Gates
Powell River agriculture in Local food and
There’s always something going on at the Centre!
Home Grown
No fish for you
Why eating fromis rs our own wate such a challenge
New
val Mushroom Festi November 3 Local Farms
Sustainable food ols program in scho
2019 FREE Owned 100% Locally n & Locally Grow
Investing in the community Grants from the Community Forest Reserve Fund
places. First, in education. I graduated from high school in 1992, and even by then, career counsellors were urging teens to develop skills, and be life-long learners, forever keeping up with new technology and trends. Nearly all jobs can be centralized or replaced with a robot now. Your stability is your own skill set, not your contract with your employer. Second – and more importantly – my hope lies in events such as the upcoming Powell River Voices panel, which will help citizens understand these massive, quiet changes, and help us develop and demand public policy that serves all of us. Using or refusing to use the self check outs to buy my daughter’s cardigan won’t change the world. But stopping to think about it, talking about it with my neighbours, and finding solutions to job loss and income inequality? That absolutely will.
Powell River’s ONLY magazine dedicated to agriculture and local food More than a grower’s or diner’s guide, Home Grown also takes you behind the scenes to see who is creating food, where and why. We’ll look at how you can grow your own, and share maps and instructions to help you find where to get locally-produced food.
• Want to get on Powell River’s food map? • Want to get the word out about your products or services?
Contact Sean at 604-485-0003 sean@prliving.ca or Suzi at 604-344-0208 suzi@prliving.ca DEADLINE IS APRIL 13
Visit the museum this Spring Break Powell River Historical Museum is open Tues-Sat 10-4 throughout the school break. The Texada Island Museum in Van Anda is open Wednesdays 10-noon or by appointment. Admission to either museum is by donation. They are family attractions with activities for kids.
This space available to non-profit organizations, courtesy City Transfer
Application deadline for spring 2020 grants: April 1/2020 More info on the process to apply and our evaluation criteria: www.prcommunityforest.ca
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• March 2020 • prliving.ca
Where service and safety move volumes.
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Time for memories BY ISABELLE SOUTHCOTT isabelle@prliving.ca
S
tudents in Stephen Ball’s Grade Eight Class aren’t likely to forget their time at Edgehill Elementary, thanks to their time capsules. “I’ve had kids in tears when I’ve delivered them to their homes when they graduate,” said Stephen, who has been doing this project for seven years. Grade 7 students Nicole Hawkins, Abi Greene, Erik Wessel, Sebastian Bleaney, Hope Alescio, Stacey Rekve and Marek Harris all have special momentoes in their time capsules so they can take a look back at what was going on in 2019 when they open them in five years Marek saved a sheet of rice paper given to him by Mr. Ball. “It has the names of people who were in a Sumo tournament,” he explained. Erik is also proud of a quiz that he got 14/14 on. “I’m the only one in the class who got 100 per cent on that quiz. It was the moment when I was
smarter than everybody else in the class,” he said proudly. Sebastian has a list of all his favourite things. “My favourite thing to do is to go fishing” with his dad and grandpa at Freda River. Hope is proud of a social studies test on Japan that she got 100 on. “It was a difficult test; I studied really hard,” she said. Stacey points to the poem, In Flanders Fields, that she’s saved in her time capsule. “I recited it at our Remembrance Day assembly. I got really nervous when I had to go up and say it but I still did it,” she said. Nicole points to the handbill from the school Christmas play, The Grinch. “Hope was the narrator and I was the Grinch,” she explained. “It was really fun practicing for it and Hope painted my face green.” Abi enjoyed singing and acting in the Christmas concert this year but she really treasures the card that was sent to her class from the exchange students who visited their school last fall.
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• March 2020 • prliving.ca
Overwhelmed by
JUNK
In advance of Earth Month, three local writers grapple with our cultural addiction to stuff. Juliette Woods photographs beach garbage. Don Button intentionally notices excess. And Deb Calderon is learning to emotionally detach from her mountains of heirlooms.
Lost and Found. Please Claim. STORY & PHOTOS BY JULIETTE WOODS
T
he juxtaposition of trash in paradise is unmissable to me. I thought of how I, like many of us, take “postcard worthy” or “Instagrammable” photos, with careful angles or cropping out the unsightly and the seed was planted for sharing more accurate views on social media, and slowly it began to populate my posts. In 2018, I held a vision quest opportunity on one of the local gulf islands. Over the course of those ceremonial days on the beach, I began collecting the trash that I found. It was utterly heart breaking the vast amount that I found and it changed me on a soul level. For three days the island itself had been speaking to and showing me a call for people to return to reverence. On an impulse, I created a visual representation of this disconnect as a large mandala-like arrangement on the sand. Last spring I began posting “artsy” photos of trash mostly along Palm Beach, with tongue-in-cheek quips into a public Facebook album called “Lost and Found. Please Claim” and more recently, created an Instagram account for them. People began asking for prints and interviews. In these ways, I can share the constant aspect of trash washing ashore, highlight the beauty, and keep it from being too overwhelming on the heart. As a side effect, others began to notice and collect trash in paradise.
POWELL RIVER LIVING • March 2020 •
15
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Top 5 reasons to wear a Pollen Sweater on St. Patrick’s Day
Top Ten Reasons Wear A Pollen Sweater Start with noticing
1. It’s March 17. You can’t trust the weather, but you can trust a Pollen to keep you warm. 2. Available in several shades of green, including Pond Scum, and Beach Glass.Sweaters.BY DON BUTTON No pop bottles were Mermaid hurt making Pollen 3. Available in 23 other colours if you prefer You’ll be helping sheep stay cool in summer. getting pinched. The pure4.wool warm when wet. Greenstays beer will washeven right out of your This started to write itself in my head the day GrePollen ta Thunberg Non-itchy,machine-washable and soft enough to Sweater. wear next to sensitive skin. was to speak in Vancouver. It was a dull, 5. Luckier than a four-leafed clover. chilly morning in Powell River and I imagined myself Machine washable and dryer safe at moderate temperature. on a Saltery Bay ferry with shivering huddles of young Franken Sale April 11!
What would Greta say?
We put the For label inside belongs. people and adults I don’t normally travel with. The one moreon fun &the fabulous woolwhere sweaters &ittoques, protest I’ve been to was the women’s march after Donald wool & bamboo ponchos, books & jewelry, Designed to layer smoothly under or over other garments. Trump was elected. Heck, I’d not even heard of Greta find us above Nancy’s Bakery in Lund. No offshore sweatshops. Ours is here at home. Thunberg until a few months ago. But something about her has captured the world, If it ever wears out compost it. and I am not immune. Makes you 50 to 90% more handsome. (results mayI didn’t vary)go to the Vancouver Skolstrejk For Klimatet
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• March 2020 • prliving.ca
because to drive 200 km (there’s no bus) and take four ferries to protest C02 abuse didn’t make sense to me. Yes, the ferries were going anyway, and I do hope some people from here went, but they didn’t need me. Every week seems to bring another news nugget to prick my conscience. Cities and universities all around us have declared climate change an immediate crisis. The United Nations recruited über banker (and proud Canadian) Mark Carney to arm twist big business to begin accounting for their climate impact. Chris Martin announced his globetrotting, stadium-packing band
Coldplay would no longer tour by air. Amnesty International, the Right Livelihood Foundation, and Time magazine have all awarded Greta their top honours. Ladbrokes has her as the heavy favourite for a Nobel. I’m hardly placed to do anything on such a grand scale, but I really feel like I should be doing something. But what? Greta’s oft-repeated “Smarten up, adults” isn’t much of a workbook. We already recycle and compost, turn off extra lights, wear a cardie if the living room is chilly, combine errands into a single trip, etc. Around the house we have taken to asking “what would Greta say” as a joke, like we’ve long done with a certain family doctor’s name when we’re about to eat potatoes or white pasta. But it’s wormed into more than an amusement; it’s how we’re noticing our own place in the carbon chain. And that noticing, really, is I think the next or first big step for all of us. Noticing. Seeing or becoming conscious of something. Greta’s visit came a month after our federal election, during which the leaders of the top four parties travelled a combined 168,868 km by air. That’s 19,000 kg of CO2 to tell us they take climate change seriously. If Ottawa really was serious about being a leader, Elections Canada would have caps on both spending and carbon.
l a i t en
u
Infl
CREATE MOMENTUM: Above, a still from the Powell River Digital Film School multiaward-winning animated film The Emergency Brake featuring Greta Thunberg’s voice. Art by Nyah Christie. Left, Powell River artist Brad Collins’ meditation on the young climate leader. There would be a law requiring that all replacement vehicles for urban fleets – public and private – be electric/low emission. (Think about it: Canada Post, Telus, Purolator, Shaw, City crews ... they all have mostly short and predictable routes.) The reality is, Canada will not reach net zero emissions if anyone is too important to make changes. A billion trees and buying carbon offsets in Brazil isn’t going to do it. It’s not someone else’s job to save the planet, Greta says. It’s every adult in the world’s job. The joke is on me, by the way. I’ve been saving up for a trip to Scotland this spring because Glasgow is hosting the men’s world curling championships and I’m that much of a curling nerd that going to the birthplace of the game is a big treat for me. We don’t have to ask what Greta would say about it though do we? There are several other world and national championships in B.C. this spring, so I don’t need to fly 7,000 km to see world-class curling. Hashtag #selfish. Hashtag #privileged. I’m not going. It’s a personal decision; I’m not telling anyone how to lead their life. I might try and guilt you a bit if you read on, though. I remember in my pre-MADD teenage years how we’d go out on a Saturday night and drive ourselves home because drinking and driving wasn’t a taboo then. Heck, it was a small town and some nights at the tavern you’d be sitting beside a teacher or a cop or the mayor. I also remember, in my late-20’s, when seat belt use became mandatory. My best friend John refused to wear his because Big Brother wasn’t going to tell him what to do. He does now, though. Pulls over to use his cell phone and all. I doubt you’d see him at a climate change protest, but he does recycle. Times change. There was no gay marriage back in the day. Pot was illegal. There were no ads for “women’s products” on TV. You could tell dumb blonde jokes. We had a name for every student who was noticeably different, and they
sure weren’t inclusive words. There was no self-identifying; you wore the label you were given. The plain truth is each of us holds or has held beliefs that become unacceptable once challenged. But you can’t challenge what you don’t notice, and you don’t change until you question what you notice. One day this fall I drove past a 70-something man raking his leaves and wondered if the rest of us can justify our leaf blowers. That’s good noticing, I told myself. Going grocery shopping, I started looking at where the produce comes from. If there are BC apples and California apples, I’m having the local apple. I don’t think we’re at the stage where I have to give up my bananas, though. Hopefully. I don’t even know how much CO2 it takes to grow a banana. I don’t know a lot of things like that. Does it take more CO2 to raise a pig or a cow or a chicken? I know almond trees drink an extraordinary amount of water so I avoid almonds. I’m sure buses are better than cars, although when I see a mostly empty bus go by I ask myself if the high price of fuel might be a good thing in the end. I don’t know if it is better to buy a cotton t-shirt from Mark’s or two cheaper mixed blend shirts from Wal-Mart. I prefer cotton, but not if we have to colonize the moon so I can wear one. And, elephant in the room time, the planet is not going to be measurably warmer or cooler from anything I do. But I can contribute to the momentum, and things do tend to steamroll (hydrogen-powered, of course) once they get going. We’re already seeing it in the examples I listed above. Remember, Greta didn’t set out to start a worldwide movement. She fell into it because she noticed adults weren’t alarmed by what earth science was telling them, and decided to sit down in front of the Swedish legislature with a cardboard sign. There’s that word again. What will you notice today?
We’ve come a long way: 1920 - 2020! Nomination deadline: March 30, midnight
10th Annual Women of the Year Awards Dinner: May 20, Town Centre Hotel Dress as a gangster or silent screen star, Come as a flapper or come as you are. Prizes for best costume.
Celebrating 10 years! Nominate an outstanding woman For the 2020 Awards, there are four categories: •Outstanding Business Owner of the Year •Outstanding Employee of the Year •Outstanding Home-Based Business of the Year •Outstanding Volunteer of the Year
Note: Nominators do not have to be a member of Powell River Women in Business, nor do nominees.
To nominate someone and download a form, visit our website at prwomeninbusiness.com. Completed nomination forms can be emailed to info@prwomeninbusiness.com. Nomination forms can also be picked up at: The Nutcracker Market at 201-4741 Marine Avenue; Powell River Living magazine at 7053E Glacier Street.
Awards Dinner
We look forward to celebrating the accomplishments of the amazing and awesome women in our community again this year. Tickets for the awards dinner available April 15 at the Nutcracker Market.
prwomeninbusiness.com POWELL RIVER LIVING • March 2020 •
17
Let it go BY DEB CALDERON
Cloverdale Paint Colour Visualizer
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• March 2020 • prliving.ca
I was in the basement the other day looking for my water shoes. The ocean was just beginning to defrost, so I thought I would throw myself into it and get bragging rights. But something happens to water shoes and other summer paraphanalia, it disappears. Every fall I faithfully put all the summer stuff, the beach towels, the fins and the masks and the wraps and the bathing suits somewhere safe until next year. And I can usually find everything except those damn water shoes. How can something that ugly go missing? Great big flapper like feet with pink mesh on top is not something you would think you could miss, but I have. So undoubtedly, as I do every year, I will buy another pair. But, while I was looking at all the junk in the basement, it struck me that we keep things for all different reasons. These shelves that looked so neat and tidy at Wal-Mart look like a part of an old abandoned warehouse after a flood. Why am I hanging on to that rusty iron frying pan? Did I think plastic puppets of local politicians would some day be worth money? There must be 15 board games down there too, and in 10 years I think we might have used two of them twice. What you don’t see every day is easy to overlook. Once it is in the dark, cold basement all these items have entered into the abyss. Except one. There at the back I see an old blender. The bottom is metal, the main part is glass and it has an avocado green top. This blender hasn’t blended anything in more than 18 years and yet I still keep it. I have a Vitamix and a Ninja Blender and a hand-held blender. I can blend nearly anything whether it is edible or not. I have no need of this sad, old blender. Except, I remember when I got it. My mom had just died in hospital and the four of us adult children had to get rid of her things or take some ourselves. By
this point my mom had been forced to give up her house in a lovely little village and move into a small apartment in a large city. I don’t think she ever liked it, but I know that she tried to, just for me. She joined a few bridge groups around town at different seniors homes and took the Handidart to get there. She had to leave her friends behind in the village, but I got to spend a lot more time with her as she lived in a rental in my condo building. We had time to do things we hadn’t done in a long time. In the evening I would come down and make a pot of tea, the right way, the English way, and cover the pot with a lovely tea cozy, that looked like a small cottage, to keep hot. Then my mom and I would sit side by side, she in her lazy boy, me
for many rounds with all of us choosing what we wanted. But there came a time when it became evident that the choices we were making were not for things we really wanted, but for things we didn’t want to see end up at the Salvation Army. I think all of us just weren’t ready to let her things go; to let her go. So, bit by bit, items like the fireplace bellows went, even though no one had a fireplace. A small side table that had seen better years, an old handbag that once held sweets my mom would slip us in church. Anything that smelled remotely of my mom and her Chanel No. 5 could not be left behind. My final choice was the blender. I added it to my growing pile of stuff and said: “That’s enough for me.” Everyone else made one last choice and the rest was destined for charity. When I went home that night, I looked at all I had collected and felt dismayed. It had seemed like I was bringing home my mom, that she would stay with me in my apartment as long as I kept her things around. I did feel a bit comforted with the familiarity of all her posses-
“When I went home that night I looked at all I had collected and felt dismayed. It had seemed like I was bringing home my mom, that she would stay with me in my apartment as long as I kept her things around. “
will, she had actually written: “If any of you fight over any of my possessions then they will all be sent to Goodwill.” We were all a bit stunned to read this and were on our best behaviour when choosing items. We each chose a paper with a number on it, one to four. Whoever got one got to pick the first item and we would do this in rounds until everthing we wanted had been divided. And damn I got four! My brother Russ got number one and without hesitation he chose exactly what I would have too, the large heavy mirror with the fancy gold moulding around it. The others got to make their choices and in the first round I chose a picture; not a fancy picture, just one that my mom had up on her walls for a long time. This activity went
sions, but it was obvious that they weren’t her. And neither were they me, they were things I would never have bought, they didn’t suit me, nor did I like them. In time, I gave most of them away and now I have only a few prize possessions. Her old leather-covered jewellery box that opens and clicks but no longer whirls a dancer around. A small glass nativity that I never liked. The cows have sort of crisp glass tails and the Baby Jesus resembles nothing more than a glass jelly bean in a glass bathtub. I really don’t like this thing at all, and yet I keep it. And the blender. Every year I say, I should just give this away, it is taking up room and we are never going to use it. Every year I say the same thing. This year I really looked at it and how old it is and decided to definitely give it away. It is still stuffed on the shelf behind the camping gear we are never going to use and any day now I am going to take it down to the shop run by the ladies of the Hospital Auxilliary and let it go. I am ready to let it go, really I am. Probably in just a couple of days.
It’S back!
POWELL RIVER TOWN CENTRE!
CHILDREN’S
CRAFTY SUNDAYS SUNDAYS 1-3pm
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in a plain armchair, having tea and watching our favorites. We rarely missed a Masterpiece Theatre episode and we watched Murder She Wrote, Matlock and even Frasier. I helped out a little around her place, but she kept as much independence as she could. She knew she didn’t really have more than a few years to live, but she made the best of it. Everywhere she went she found it hard to breathe, so she stayed in a lot, went out with the Handidart and went out with me or one of my other siblings. None of us had expected my mom to get old, let alone pass away. When she died she left everything split into four equal shares. But my mom also knew her children well. In her
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19
OUR NEW LOOK Previously known as PREP Community Programs
Lift Community Services is a non-profit organization that focuses on helping all people thrive in the qathet region by
COMMUNITY SERVICES
reducing social inequities and by providing support and advocacy for anyone who needs it.
CONTACT US Our vision is a welcoming,
604-485-2004
inclusive, diversity-affirming
www.liftcommunityservices.org
community that is free of poverty
#218-6975 Alberni Street Powell River, BC (above the library) Traditional Territory of the Tla’amin People
and full of heart.
Our programs address needs.
Our goal is support.
LIFT PROGRAMS BOND Community Development Projects Community Resource Centre Family Place Food Security Project Immigrant Services Literacy Programs The Nook Social Enterprise Cafe WorkBC Centre Powell River Supportive Housing & Homeless Outreach
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Lift Community Services
• March 2020 • prliving.ca
Our hope is true community.
Becoming part of a new community is a skill
Making Pals in New Locales
BY HELEN KOPEC
I
arrived in Powell River, on BC’s Sunshine Coast, for a three month dogsitting stay on Dec. 1, 2019. I didn’t know a soul, but was determined to meet people and get involved in the community, so I hit the ground running, chatted with everyone I met and volunteered to help out backstage with TheatreNow! as they rehearsed for a new production. Fully expecting to spend Turkey Day with the dog and Netflix, I was delighted to receive two Christmas dinner invitations within three weeks of my arrival. One new acquaintance led to another, and by mid-January I hosted a brunch for all my new friends. Full disclosure: I have started over again in big cities, small towns and even a new country five times in my life, four of them as a single person, and by nature I am shy and introverted. A raucous party full of extroverts is my worst nightmare, but one-on-one or in a small gathering, I am absolutely confident in my ability to connect with new people, honed by years of experience. So here is a list of tried and true techniques to help ease you into your new community and quickly make friends, regardless of your age or relationship status. Knock on the doors of all the neighbours within a small radius of your apartment/condo/house, and introduce yourself. This may seem like a no-brainer but you’d be surprised at how many people don’t know their neighbour’s names. You will feel more secure and they will appreciate the opportunity to welcome you. Chances are, they are just as shy as you! Whether you have moved for work, study or retirement, you will find likeminded people simply by pursuing your interests and passions. If you love working out, make a list of all the fitness establishments nearby and
“I have started over again in big cities, small towns and even a new country five times in my life, four of them as a single person, and by nature I am shy and introverted... [yet] I am absolutely confident in my ability to connect with new people, honed by years of experience. “
sample their classes for free. Some will even offer an entire week of free workouts/yoga/swimming before you decide if you want to join. Chat up the staff and classmates about their favorite restaurants, cafes, live music venues, grocery stores and hiking trails. You will learn more, faster, by talking to locals than spending hours online. If you love writing, the library is bound to have information about writer’s groups. If you love theatre, consider volunteering in any capacity for a local theatre company. If you play an instrument, you were born to make music with others! Dust off your violin or trombone and join a community orchestra. Music is the universal language. If you find yourself in a foreign country for any length of time, for a small fee you can join ACMP: The Chamber Music Network, and connect with amateur musicians all over the world. You don’t have to explore the outdoors alone. Hiking groups always welcome newcomers, and city walking tours are an excellent way to explore neighbourhoods
LIVING HER BEST LIFE: Helen Kopec with her cello (left), at Magpie’s with friends (above) and painting sets with Theatre Now! In three months, she’s more integrated into this community than many lifers.
and learn about the history of your new home. The same applies to rowing, kayaking, dragon boating and anything that gets you away from your computer and out of the house. (A beaming, 60-something couple told me they met on a hike and that their wedding ceremony would take place during a future hike.) When you meet someone interesting, suggest getting together for a coffee and give them your card, but don’t take it personally if you don’t hear from them. People often get busy and forget. If they take the initiative, get in touch ASAP to set up a day and time. Never pass up an opportunity to get to know a person with whom you have an affinity. You have left behind the habits of your old life, so why not make a new beginning with skills you’ve always wanted to learn? Take a beginner language class in French/Italian/Spanish/Mandarin and instantly make friends. Bond with your fellow belly dancers. Dabble in water colours. Compete with other brainiac chess
SeeMadrcyh 14S(9a:3t0u–r2:30da) y Powell River Farmers’
Powell River Farmers’Institute Agricultural Institute Agricultural
at the Recreation Complex
players. Remember that each connection you make will lead to another and another. If you’re really good at something like computer technology or playing the guitar, consider either paid teaching or volunteering. The rewards are too numerous to mention. Many of my former cello students have become life-long friends. Do not hesitate to ask for help. People want to help you. In fact, you are offering them a gift. On an unusually cold, snowy night in Powell River, I needed groceries and discovered my battery was dead. I rang the neighbour’s doorbell (grandmother babysitting), and then the next (no jumper cables), but the third door was opened by a friendly guy with jumper cables and an overnight charger so that I could start my car in the morning and buy a new battery, which he insisted on installing. Finally, always say YES. If invited to a dinner party, an art gallery opening, a concert, a stroll on the beach to watch the sea lions—any new experience—choose the unknown over the solitary safety of staying home. Say yes, and the world will always welcome you.
A day of seed swapping and info sharing for community groups, gardeners and farmers. Help establish food self-sufficiency by growing a community of growers and seed savers. $3 admission • 12 & under free Seed packs at the swap table are only $1. Kids zone • Book swap • Workshops • Silent auction Coffee • Tea • Treats • Light Lunch available Want to host a workshop, have a table, or be a volunteer? Contact gmofreeseed@gmail.com
POWELL RIVER LIVING • March 2020 •
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BY ISABELLE SOUTHCOTT | isabelle@prliving.ca
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A hike with Eagle 22
• March 2020 • prliving.ca
skipped out of the office at noon one day last month to meet the legendary Eagle Walz for an afternoon hike. I’ve known Eagle for years. We sit on Tourism Powell River’s board together, I’ve interviewed him on several occasions – after all he’s the granddaddy of the Sunshine Coast Trail (SCT) – and I’ve been a long-time admirer of the passion and dedication this retired educator has for trail building and preserving the outdoors for future generations. But before last month, I’d never had the opportunity to go on a hike with him. We met at the Tla’amin Convenience Store across from the new Tla’amin trail head as we’d planned to hike the new section of the Tla’amin Trails Network. I’d wanted to hike this particular trail ever since Eagle told me about it a few months earlier, but we were waiting for the perfect day. Today was that day. The sun was shining brightly and although it was brisk, it was tropical, compared to the rest of Canada. A light dusting of snow could be seen in the higher elevations but all that did was make the contrast between the vivid blue sky and the white puffs above even more striking. Underfoot, the forest floor was soft and spongy. “This is a four seasons trail,” Eagle explained. Despite a few muddy patches – which were easy to circumvent – the bulk of the trail was in pretty good shape, given the fact it was early February. A few years ago Eagle, who is the president of Powell River Parks and Wilderness Society (PRPAWS) and Tla’amin decided to build a trail around the Tla’amin community. They wanted it to hook up with the Sunshine Coast Trail and to help with developing tourism infrastructure in the area. Tla’amin’s community development officer Roy Francis and Lands & Referrals manager Denise Smith, were the leads on this project along with Trisha Wilson. They secured a rural dividends fund grant and were able to hire a crew of four from Tla’amin to work on the trail for ten weeks in 2018. Eagle, who was the volunteer consultant on the project, made suggestions and worked on the trails alongside the crew one day a week. The following year another grant was approved and a crew of five was hired. “They finished all the roughed in trails the previous crew had worked on,” said Eagle. As well, they also did some new work with a trail that hooks up to the Sunshine Coast Trail just south of Little Sliammon Lake. We continue hiking and I’m pleasantly surprised at how well my five-month-old Nova Scotia duck toller Jigs is doing. She waits for me and if I’m too slow, she’ll circle back. My feet remain dry in my Blundstones, something for which I’m grateful. Eagle says the few boggy patches will disappear in the near future. They’ve been marked and when it’s dry enough to do trail work, the volunteers will set to work diverting the water and filling the low spots in the trail with rock and soil. I liked this trail for several reasons. It’s accessible. You can park close to the trail head. It’s close to town which means you can skip out of work early and get a short hike in before dinner. It’s user friendly – children and people who don’t hike a lot or those who aren’t in tip top shape can manage this hike but still feel challenged while enjoying some amazing natural features. And if you push yourself, you can still feel like you’ve had a good workout! The views from above are spectacular. You can see
THE NEW TLA’AMIN TRAIL Where: Starts across the street from Tla’amin Convenience Store. Good signage. Terrain: Easy. Dog- and family-friendly Length: About an hour and a half Connects to: The Tees Kwat Trail, the Wildwood Switchback Trail and sections of the SCT – a total loop of about 14 kilometres.
Harwood, Savary and there’s an unusual view of the north side of Wildwood and Texada with Vancouver Island in the distance. This trail puts you very close to Kwolum Creek and I have to say, there’s nothing more revitalizing and soothing than the sound of natural running water meandering alongside a trail. “In the fifties a dam was built to store more water when it was running,” Eagle explained. “It was the first source of community water for Tla’amin.” That dam has since been decommissioned. I love the thick moss that hangs from the trees and the many shades of green that carpet the forest floor. Watching the enjoyment of my pup in the woods reminds me just how essential it is for us to get out in the woods and reconnect with Mother Nature. So far, there’s a picnic table and a few benches for hikers to enjoy but Eagle says more are in the works. At 70-something, Eagle is fitter than many twenty years younger. He’s disciplined about his diet and still gets outdoors regularly with his crew to build and maintain trails and huts, usually on the Sunshine Coast Trail. I find it hard to keep up with him and I’m not sixty yet. Eagle says the rural dividend grant will cover signage which will be posted at the trail head kiosk with a large map. It will contain basic info about Tla’amin. There’ll be about a dozen smaller map posts along the trail with information about a particular aspect of the Tla’amin lands and the creatures who live here. “There’ll also be QR codes so if there is reception people can find out more information and hear the Tla’amin language spoken over their phone,” adds Eagle. The whole Tla’amin Trails Network can be extended by using the Tees Kwat Trail and the Wildwood Switchback Trail, plus the sections of the SCT from the Powell River Bridge over Scout Mountain and past Little Sliammon Lake. Together with the community route along the waterfront to Klahanie and Governance House, it is a loop of approximately 13 to 14 km. Other partners besides Tla’amin Nation and PR PAWS that contributed toward making the trails network a reality have been the government of British Columbia, Memory Attic Media, and First Credit Union. The co-founders of the Sunshine Coast Trail – Eagle and Scott Glaspey – have spent thousands of hours creating trails for future generations to enjoy. Eagle, who is the author of The Sunshine Coast Trail book, is out of bed by 4 or 5 am most mornings. He has to be; he’s got a lot to accomplish. “I’m working on revising The Sunshine Coast Trail book,” said Eagle. He’s also writing a companion book for through-hikers of the SCT. The SCT can be traced back to 1992 when Eagle and his like-minded friends founded PRPAWS. They’ve spent the last 28 years creating trails that link up a variety of landscapes – everything from gurgling creeks to breath-taking views overlooking the ocean and islands beyond. In the process, they’ve lobbied hard for the creation of protected areas along the trail.
NEW VISTAS: Eagle Walz, the granddaddy of the Sunshine Coast Trail, took PRL publisher Isabelle Southcott and her puppy Jigs hiking on the new section of the Tla’amin Trails Network.
Duradek & Railings
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windows • gutters • doors • siding • garage doors • patio covers • awnings • Duradek • railings POWELL RIVER LIVING • March 2020 •
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MADE IN POWELL RIVER
The beer business attracts mighty Sunshine Coast support & heavy government regulation
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ownsite Brewing is made up of 15 individuals hailing from a variety of backgrounds. It opened in April 2012 and currently holds the title of best BC lager having taken gold at the BC Beer Awards in October.
What’s your product? All your favorite local beer: Zunga, Suncoast, Tinhat, Vidal Lager. Where did your idea come from? When? It was an amalgamation of ideas. Chloe Smith and Cédric Dauchot were brewing professionally in another province, dreaming of owning their own brewery, while Steve Brooks was working locally with Karen Skadsheim and Michelle Zutz to put a brewery in the empty shell that was Powell River’s former customs and post office building. What kind of support did you receive? (loans, Community Futures, in-kind, etc) It was primarily private investment, though Karen Skadsheim did write the original business plan with the aid of Community Futures. Was it successful immediately or did it take some time? We were caught a bit off guard by the reception. We did not know at that time what an incredibly supportive community Powell River was, and continues to be. What surprised you when you brought it to market? Did you make changes? Initially, we thought we would have to sell the majority of our product in the Lower Mainland while we built up sales here in Powell River. We could not have been more wrong. The Sunshine Coast immediately became our bread and butter and remains so to this day. How has your business changed since it launched? When we opened in the spring of 2012, it was not legal to sell more than 12 ounces of beer to any one person per day at the source. Thankfully the provincial government relaxed this law in 2015 which allowed us to expand our business and open a tasting room where you can enjoy glasses and pints of the
beer made right here. We had not anticipated adding a hospitality sector to our manufacturing business, but here we are! Who are your customers? The pubs, restaurants and liquor stores of Powell River have been very supportive of us. Ninety-five percent of the establishments in town carry our product. In the tasting room itself we see a mix of locals and tourists. Lots of families and first dates; it’s a real cross section. How do you market? In recent years, we have been focused on showing off the amazingness of Powell River through the lens of our product. It’s hard to resist posting pictures of all this natural beauty on social media! Tell us the story of your biggest oops moment, challenge, aha moment or failure. We are regulated on all levels of government – municipal, provincial and national. That can be incredibly challenging to navigate while also trying to run a small business. It’s a continual learning curve, but at least there is never a dull moment! Why do you choose Powell River as your base? It’s an incredible place to raise a family, own a home and experience nature. Not to mention all the social activities that go on here throughout the year! There’s really no place like it. What business supports do you wish were available, but aren’t? The ability to reserve ferry passage at Saltery Bay and Earls Cove would be nice to ensure our coworkers on the road get home at night. What advice do you have for others who want to make & sell stuff from Powell River? Stop hesitating! You will never find a place that will support what you do as whole-heartedly as Powell River. What’s your next project? We have purchased the land directly behind the brewery and are in the beginning stages of planning a beer garden. It will be a family and dog friendly place to enjoy our products outside.
Looking to Startup Maintain Expand your business? Community Futures provides financing & advisory services for small/medium businesses & entrepreneurs. Community Futures – proudly supporting business & economic development in the Powell River Region since 1988!
prfutures.ca 24
• March 2020 • prliving.ca
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Second Floor, 4717 Marine Avenue
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604 485-7901
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info@prfutures.ca
EIGHTH ANNIVERSARY PARTY What: Townsite Brewing celebrates eight years in business with a tap takeover. Come celebrate the vision, staff and community support that all help make this Powell River product (and story) possible. When: The evening of March 21 Where: Wildwood Public House
Townsite Brewing: 5 Fast Facts # of employees: 15 # of beers released in 2020: 19 # of Brews planned for this year: 215 # of pints in 215 brews: Half a million # of days until the beer garden opens: unknown
HATS OFF: Since 2012, Powell River has been on the BC Ale Trail map, thanks to this crew. How ‘on the map’ is it? Townsite Brewing currently holds the title of “Best BC Lager.” From top left: In this small operation, Elliot Cowan, Brandon Frey and brewery manager Chloe Smith wear many hats; graphic art groovily imagines Powell River scenes on bottles and cans, including Desolation Sound, Assemblage, Suncoast Pale Ale and Biere d’Hiver Belgian Dubbel. Brew master Cédric Dauchot hard at work. Scott Martin, Cédric Dauchot and Elliot Cowan take a moment in the Tasting Room – also an Economusée. The Townsite Brewing building was once the Powell River Post Office.
Tax services $60. General tax return $40. Senior $40. Student Bookkeeping services available
BYDAND BUSINESS & TAX M-F 8 to 5 • Sat 10 to 2 Located in TC Mall across from Post Office (previously the Byte Size Tax Shop)
604-485-7009 @bydandbusinesstax
www.bydandbusinesstax.ca
Jonathan Gordon
POWELL RIVER LIVING • March 2020 •
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I MADE THE MOVE
Dream farm found; still searching for dream jobs
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enna and Ben Brownlee lived in Calgary for the past decade or so (where they had their son Caleb, two), but Vancouver Islander Jenna always wanted to get back to the coast. She is a professional photographer and branding consultant. He is an apprentice welder and future equipment operator. “We couldn’t imagine raising our child in the city,” she said. “So we started looking at new places!” Why did you choose to move to Powell River? Jenna • It was actually super random! We visited Powell River in May 2019, and within a single weekend we fell in love. The community, the location, and our property – it all came together flawlessly. Along with my mom and stepdad, we put an offer on our dream property – a little family farm south of town. When? Where from? Jenna • We are moving the entire family in stages from Calgary, as we need to find work for everyone while we establish ourselves and make the move for two families. My stepdad and I, along with my toddler are here now and getting ourselves set up. My mom is in Calgary until she can find work in town as a bookkeeper, and my husband works all over Alberta for a hydrovac company, again, until we can get him a job here! What surprised you once you moved here? Jenna • It still surprises me every single day how gorgeous it is here. I’m in awe all the time. There’s such an amazing community feel, and many people go out of their way to support local businesses. It’s so refreshing. What made you decide to move to Powell River? Jenna • As a professional photographer, the scenery here just can’t be beat. Also, we were able to find a property that was just perfect for us and our goals for the future. We hope to be as self sufficient as possible on our little farm, as well as partake in the local markets starting this summer! Again, the community, the vibes, the support for locals – it’s a huge reason we decided to take the leap. How did you first hear about Powell River? Jenna • We honestly knew no one here, so it was just based on our research.
What would make Powell River a nicer community? Jenna • I think the community is pretty amazing already! As a new person, it’s a little difficult to find and learn about local businesses to support, as not everyone has a storefront or website. It’s mostly word of mouth. What aspect of your previous community do you think would benefit Powell River? Jenna • Coming from a larger city, I’m used to very business-savvy entrepreneurs who invest loads of time and resources into building their brand. Seeing as it’s such a small, tight-knit community in Powell River, everyone knows everyone. Which is also amazing, but it can make it a bit tough for a newcomer joining the community. What challenges did you face trying to make a life here? Jenna • We’re still going through our biggest challenge actually, ust trying to find work for my mom and my husband. My mom is a very experienced bookkeeper, having been in the business and running her own for 20+ years – it’s just a matter of finding someone who’s in need! My husband is a jack of all trades. Retired military, apprentice welder, future equipment operator; but we’re having a difficult time finding him a position here. Because of this challenge, only half of our family has been able to relocate so far! If you were mayor what would you do? Jenna • If I were the mayor of Powell River, I would find a way to invest some resources into giving the storefronts and surrounding areas of the shops on Marine Avenue a facelift. As this is the first part of town that most tourists see, I think it’s important to make the right impression and to draw in the crowds. What are Powell River’s best assets? Jenna • The community. The scenery. The local businesses. Hands down. What is your greatest extravagance? Jenna • The animals on our farm, for sure. We’ve invested a lot into our goat and pig breeding programs. We also have horses, chickens, and ducks. The animals themselves have been an investment, but also the upkeep and providing the best life possible. It adds up, but is so worth it. I love that I can raise our son on a farm. He loves the animals.
ALL TOGETHER NOW: Jenna and two-year-old Caleb moved to Powell River with her step-dad, while her mom (a bookkeeper) and husband, Ben (an apprentice welder), remain mostly out of town while they search for local work. Which talent or superpower would you most like? Jenna • As a superpower, I would love to be able to have clones of myself. Being a mother, running a farm, and relocating my businesses takes a lot of time. If you know someone we should feature in I Made the Move, please email isabelle@prliving.ca with your idea.
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• March 2020 • prliving.ca
30 Month Locked
www.firstcu.ca (604) 485-6206
4721 Joyce Avenue
Not just learning
Learning to Love Learning Want to learn more? Contact us. School District #47 4351 Ontario Ave 604-485-6271
www.sd47.bc.ca
BROOKS Flexible & Personal By Principal Bill Rounis
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ur goals moving into the next few years revolve around supporting the intellectual, social, and career development of our students. The school mantra of “striving to be our best” informs our daily work with our students. There is considerable research that links flexibility and personalization to student engagement and school success. It is our belief that when students are appropriately challenged and have a voice in directing their learning, their motivation and achievement will increase.
In general, students that are missing any assignments, assessments, or lessons need to remain with their teacher and get caught up. This intervention time gives a chance for students to receive support throughout the week. For those that are caught up and want to be further challenged in the course, this is a perfect time to seek enrichment work from their teacher or on their own from the learning intentions as they were presented in class. Alternatively, students that are caught up on all their course-work can be released by their first period teacher to one of their other four classes.
“When students are appropriately challenged and have a voice in directing their learning, their motivation will increase.” - Brooks Secondary School Principal Bill Rounis We have coined our flexible schedule time as Organizational Centres or simply “OCs” where this time lands during the second of five periods on a Monday – Thursday. This time is attached to the student’s first class subject teacher. The OC teacher has the opportunity to offer time to pause in the lesson and give students a chance to fill in what they haven’t learned yet or even take a deeper dive into the learning that has been presented.
This flexibility and choice through our OC model creates the chance for personalization in each student’s learning. We are excited to learn within a school where students are given consistent opportunities for intervention, opportunities for their own inquiry, and to stay on pace with their studies and the graduation program. We know OCs offer an opportunity for student-centred learning that ensures that all Brooks students are challenged to be their best.
PIE
Improving Written Expression
By Principal Don Fairbairn
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estled in the heart of the Oceanview Education Center, just up the hill from Westview Elementary, is Powell River’s invisible school, Partners In Education (PIE). Many Powell River residents are not even aware that it exists, but for the 270 full and part-time K to 12 students who are PIE’s home school learners, it is a vital link of their current and future educational plans. Even though the students are not ever all contained in one site as a group, the goals of the PIE program to improve student achievement are always in step with the rest of the district. Improving student skills in written expression is a goal that PIE has taken on this year similar to other Powell River schools. Due to the nature of a home schooling program, however, our plan requires a somewhat different approach. In a regular school, teachers can use a single group lesson to determine writing proficiency levels and then plan for group improvement. In a home school situation, students are all work-
ing on individual schedules, entering the program at different times, and working in various learning situations. Getting writing samples back from all students at a common time can be difficult. PIE teachers, though, were able to accomplish that task in the first month of school, allowing us to move on to the second part of our plan. Facilitated by Kristen Brach, District Principal, our teachers worked to improve the consistency of assessing student achievement by working with common rating scales informed by the BC Performance Standards in writing. Teachers marked the collected samples and provided feedback to students and parents. We then compiled the data to record individual results and created grade and whole school data profiles, which will serve as our baseline for gauging improvement over time. The teachers also followed up with discussions during their fall informal report visits. It is our hope that we can continue through the year providing individual feedback and practice that will result in improved achievement for all PIE students.
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Conquering the basics of reading and math; learning social skills; adapting to new tools and technology; developing interests, inspiration and a career path – this is a lot to pack into a 9 am to 3 pm day. Each professional brings their own values and passions to the job. Learn how SD47’s eight Principals are administrating with intention here on the Upper Sunshine Coast. Want to learn more? Contact us. School District #47 4351 Ontario Ave 604-485-6271
WESTVIEW
www.sd47.bc.ca
Flexible Learning Spaces By Principal Shannon Behan
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ritish Columbia prides itself on having one of the best education systems in the world and Westview Elementary is proud to be a school devoted to supporting all learners to develop skills in reading, numeracy and social emotional growth. Our primary goal at Westview Elementary is to support our students to build skills in ways that will prepare them for the future. Our building features a multitude of learning spaces that provide multiple instructional opportunities that go hand in hand with our new curriculum. We have a large learning commons that has flexible space for students to explore their interests in many different ways. We have mobile computer labs that allow for more in-depth research and the sparking of curiosity when they are here in the building. Our state of the art kitchen in the multipurpose room allows students and teachers to explore cooking, art projects, and multi class curriculum and presentations. We hold intramural and extracurricular sports activities, in addition to daily physical education in our state of the art gymnasium. We believe in investing in our students’ wellbeing. Our early years programs, such as Stepping Stones, provide preschool children access to inspirational and imaginative learning areas. The Orca Bus is also a regular addition to the school for our future learners.
Altruism, Resilience & Respect m By Principal Ian Landy Our entire learning community works together to foster our culture of acceptance, tolerance, mindfulness and respect. The backbone of our school is our teachers. They are passionate, innovative, creative and life-long learners. We are proud of the strong educational foundation that Westview Elementary offers students and we are excited about the opportunities that are available for each and every student. Our caring, cooperative and safe environment works together to prepare each and every child to be a lifelong learner in our diverse and ever changing world.
Teachers... are passionate, innovative, creative and life-long learners. – Westview Principal Shannon Behan
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E
dgehill has been focusing on the District Goal of supporting mental health needs and well-being of students and employees, and we strive to embody the principles of our Code of Honour: We take care of ourselves; we take care of others; we take care of our place. While we have implemented many strategies, there are a few key successes that have recently stood out. Our focus on outdoor learning, our primary choir and our STARR program are making a big difference to the well-being of our school community and demonstrate our Code of Conduct in action. One of the areas we have been focusing on is our outdoor experiences. This includes our Nature Classrooms and the Outdoor Learning Centre so we have
outdoor time on our school grounds and throughout our community. Our bicycle group, the Rippers, have blended the passions of our staff, parents and learners and have taken to exploring off-road cycling as a way to stay active! This has expanded into a bicycle park being constructed at the back of our field to enable some skill development of our riders before they further explore the great outdoors. We have also constructed a “mud kitchen” in our playground area where students get to play pretend and learn how to collaborate with each other – it has been a big success with all of our students, and even many of our community members who aren’t at school….yet. We also love our music activities, which is probably why we have so much music at our annual Talent Show
HENDERSON JAMES THOMSON Try a Little Hender’ness By Principal Jasmin Marshman
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EDGEHILL
make you a STARR
and a school band that performs at our assemblies! We also engage with the community through our primary choir singing around the community and regularly visiting Willingdon Village to make connections with our elders. A new program we are very proud of is our STARR program, which has students learning Altruism, Resilience and Respect – student led, the program focuses on peer modeling and coaching for kindness. These STARR student leaders are being called our Dragonflies and have made quite an impact on our school community. We look forward to learning and growing in kindness with them as they continue to teach and model. Edgehill will continue to foster the well-being of students and staff and we are already seeing the positive impact it has on success and engagement for all.
e all know the impact that a single act of kindness can have on a person, however small. At Henderson this year, we embraced a project new to us to support the community, not realizing the full impact it would have on us. In December, we participated in EDAS-Everybody Deserves a Smile. Our little school with a big heart, tallied and organized items donated by the community, created Christmas cards, hand painted gift bags and decorated sugar cookies. We read books and had age appropriate discussions about homelessness, charity and compassion. We assembled 150 bags with community members and the Brooks Interact Club, and delivered them to the Community Resource Center for them to distribute. But we are not stopping there. Our students are determined to continue this project throughout the year. We have also created a group called Early Act (a pre-Interact Club) and they have just had their Valentines bags delivered to Grace House. These were filled with a hand made card, toiletries and a gift. Next month we will send a group to participate in an International Women’s Day event. In the Spring, we plan to gather handbags in excellent used condition and fill those with feminine products and gift cards and head back to the CRC. This all ties in so naturally to our school and district goal to promote student engagement in their learning and their community. We are proud of the work we are doing and the steps we are taking to reach our goals!
Welcome • Bienvenue čɛčɛhaθɛšt!
By Principal Lisa Gunn
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ames Thomson Elementary is the only trilingual elementary school in the School District – we proudly offer a French Immersion and English program to our current and future students. Indigenous culture and curriculum connections to the Tla’amin Nation are a vital part of our school community with all students being offered Tla’amin culture and language instruction throughout the school year. We strive to embed the First Peoples Principles of Learning in all that we do at James Thomson. Our student learning goals for 20192020 broadly include improving student achievement in literacy and to increase student engagement and well-being. We are engaged in a three-year library revitalization program at the school that will transform the French and English-language books for students. Our plan will result in a welldeveloped collection, improved library infrastructure, and a focus on Indigenous perspectives in our new resources. Students are keen to visit the library during recesses throughout the week. The decision to use school-wide guided reading and intervention programs in both French and English should increase overall student achievement and literacy results and individual gains have already been noted in all classrooms. To keep our focus on literacy it has also been woven into student celebrations and recognitions at monthly as-
semblies. Positive student engagement is a key component to learner success. The staff and school community are committed to connecting students with the wider world, in terms of environmental sustainability and community development. Students are connected to the school garden, the outdoors, place-based learning, and community development in the Powell River region. Our Student Council, composed of Grade 6 and 7 students, are working to improve their community through collecting food for the Powell River Food Bank or raising money for the BC Children’s Hospital. They are a dynamic group of student leaders who we are supporting to do great things!
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Learners Preparing for the Challenges of Tomorrow - Powell River Board of Education motto
TEXADA
Solid Goals Lead to Solid Successes By Principal Rhonda Gordon
H
aving a solid foundation in literacy and numeracy is key to preparing students to be lifelong learners and one of the District’s top priorities. To achieve this goal, Texada Elementary School is using an exciting new approach to increase student achievement in both of these areas. Focusing on each learner individually, we are continually gathering and analyzing information about each of our students to inform our teaching and to monitor the effectiveness of our learning supports. At the beginning of this school year, teachers pored over the reading, writing and mathematics student results from the end of the last school year and the start of this one. Every student received an individual learning plan that outlines personalized goals for each of our students in reading, writing and math. We also used that data to determine what, if any, reading, writing and math supports each student could benefit from so that we could put those in place within the first few weeks of the school year.
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• March 2020 • prliving.ca
Through the individual student learning plans, we outlined a plan to maximize learning for each student. In some cases, this meant assigning learning interventions through effective electronic programs, small group instruction, or individual one-on-one in class instruction. Most importantly, we sought to monitor and assess student progress weekly and monthly in order to determine whether what we’ve been doing is working or needs adjustments. In order to do this, we are using curriculum based measures, which are essentially quick, focused, skill based assessments done in classrooms throughout the year. Not only do these assessments tell us if we’re on the right track, but they also suggest “Next steps” for instruction. We will continue with these individual plans next year – re-evaluating and updating based on each student’s progress, since we’ve seen it as a real positive for everyone involved. Probably the best part is teachers and students being able to see objective proof of skill development in these important academic areas. It’s pretty exciting!
KELLY CREEK
Sense of Place & Responsibility
By Principal Jamie Burt
S
ituated on the southern side of Powell River, at Kelly Creek Community School we have our own forest and outdoor classroom on our grounds. We have a vibrant school garden on site. We are a few minutes walking distance from the Lang Creek Estuary, the Lang Creek Hatchery and Spawning Channel, as well as beaches and countless hiking/biking trails. Learning happens within nature, everywhere around us. Kelly Creek Community School is an outdoor education school fostering rich learning experiences for our students. We encourage healthy living and respect for our environment through exploring our outdoors and connecting students to nature. We utilize our school’s location to help promote student engagement in their learning and their community. We believe that our local community is a primary resource for engaging and valuable student learning. As a result, we have adopted a place-based learning strategy and created our Place Project. Place Project came about through staff inquiry and collaboration and addressed a need for us to raise global citizens who care for their environment
(their Place). This includes an understanding of the issues and implications of some of our choices as humans. We divided our student population into multi-aged groups to help develop our sense of community. Older students, under the tutelage of a teacher, mentor our younger students. Each group is then given an area to steward or adopt. These areas include: the school sensory area, the school garden, the forest around the school, Lang Creek, the estuary, and the beach. Each group visits their Place throughout the school year to become familiar with it, observe the changes throughout the different seasons, and help understand issues affecting it and the relationship to Places around it. Each group then works together to come up with a plan to enhance their Place. Our groups put their plans in motion and work on them. At the end of the year, we celebrate each group and the completion of their plan. Through our Place Project our entire school community has developed a deep affiliation with our home community. Students develop problem-solving skills and the ability to collaborate with others, and cultivate a sense of responsibility for our natural environment and the people around it.
What two Tla’amin members think about the Wet’suwet’en crisis
Seeking hope amidst the bitterness and division BY ERIK BLANEY | Tla’amin Convenience Store, I’hos Cultural Tours and Sli City Grill owner; CEO of Soleo Enviro Tech; Emergency Planning and Fire Protection Advisor for Naut’sa mawt Tribal Council; Tla’amin Nation Fire Chief.
Reconciliation in Canada is teetering off a cliff at the moment and has brought out the worst in some of our local residents, but also the best in others. As our Nation grieves another tragic loss that is prolific among Indigenous Nations across Canada, a member of Parliament tells us to “check our privilege.” The Wet’suwet’en rights and title battle has already been won in the Delgamuxw trial, and BC’s Premier John Horgan has committed to meet UNDRIP. There was an alternate route proposed by the Hereditary Chiefs. However the bottom line of a Corporation was more important than Reconciliation and working within a Shared Decision-making model. Within days of UNDRIP coming online, Horgan already broke his promise to the citizens of BC and Canada through his blatant disregard for UNDRIP and all that it stands for, and the Delgamuxw trial just turns into “old news” to the BC NDP.
LAND DEFENDERS ON MARINE: On February 19 at 1 pm, about 100 locals marched in support of Wet’suwet’en Hereditary Chiefs from Base Camp Coffee & Art to MLA Nicholas Simons’ office, to MP Rachel Blaney’s office, and on to the RCMP detachment on Barnet near the mall. At press time, no further actions had been announced.
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new spring arrivals
I am ashamed to say that I had faith when UNDRIP was being celebrated a short time ago, but remember the words of my dad “you just wait and see” echoing through my head. While news outlets and papers spread hate, fear and division during this time, further perpetuating the chronic racism that hides in the shadows of our towns, it gives the platform for those on the edge to come out full force against Indigenous Land Defenders. Others in the town are putting together marches and fundraisers to help out the cause and build support. I’m proud of them. It is a sad time in our history and I have unfortunately had to take a break from social media and newspapers to get a break from the onslaught of racism, historic bitterness and division. One starts to give up on society, give up hope and become fearful for the future generations of indigenous youth, but we must remember that we are all in this Canoe together on this journey we call life. I can proudly say that I stand in support of the Land Defenders and Hereditary Chiefs of the Wet’suwet’en. And I pray that our Government does the right thing in the end.
COd Catch it while you can. Tasty wild-caught cod is back on the menu at A&W. Try our Wild-Caught Cod Burger or Wild-Caught Cod Wrap, made with mouthwatering strips of cod, crisp coleslaw and tangy tartar sauce. They won’t be around forever, so catch them while you can.
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ROE RETURNS: On February 26, Tla’amin Nation staff captured this image of herring spawning in front of t’išosəm (the name of Tla’amin’s main village which translates to: milky white waters from herring spawn). Commercial fishing in the 1980’s all but destroyed herring populations in the territory. The size of this spawn, which is small but encouraging, has not been seen here in decades.
The world is watching Canada fumble the land question BY QWASTÅNAYÅ (L. MAYNARD HARRY) | Founder, Raven Events and Aboriginal Business Match; Founder, Indigenous Insight, CCAB Certified Cultural Awareness Trainers in BC
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• March 2020 • prliving.ca
RED DRESS / REDRESS: At the RCMP station, land defenders hung a red dress on the door – a symbol of the missing and murdered indigenous women. The sign mentions “Unist’ot’en.” This is the Big Frog Clan of the Wet’suwet’en Nation; members and allies are fighting mines , fracking, LNG and pipelines from a protest camp 130 km from Smithers.
hat is happening in Wet’suwet’en Nation territory is complicated. The heart of the matter is the land question, which has remained unanswered for over 150 years. It remains unanswered due to lack of leadership at provincial and federal levels. More than ninety-five percent of BC remains unceded. One way to bring more certainty to BC’s economy is treaty negotiations. The Wet’suwet’en have every right to peacefully protest as resources are taken illegally from their territory every minute of every day. Their rights and title have never been meaningfully accommodated. The Wet’suwet’en, alongside the Gitksan Nation, spent a lot of money trying to answer their land question as appellants in the Delgamuukw court case. Not helping bring resolution to this issue is the segregatory and paternalistic Indian Act, which forces communities like the five Wet’suwet’en Nations to elect its
leaders while still implementing a traditional hereditary system. These two systems are not compatible. The Indian Act has always been designed to keep Indian Act elected leaders more accountable to the federal government than their own communities. One question that should be answered is who speaks for the Wet’suwet’en Nation? The best-case scenario is the Indian Act elected Chief Councillor and Hereditary Chief speaking as one Nation, as they undoubtedly want what is best for their people. What needs to happen: meaningful consultation must take place led by provincial and federal decisionmakers. Too often, the provincial and federal governments offload their Crown responsibility to developers. If this continues to be improperly handled by provincial and federal leaders, it would not be good for Canada. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier John Horgan should travel to Wet’suwet’en territory, meet meaningfully with both the hereditary Chiefs and the Indian Act elected Chief Councillor. The world is watching. Canada will be judged. Demonstrate that UNDRIP can work! Emote.
International Women’s Day is March 8
Three successful 1920s PR businesswomen
BY BARBARA LAMBERT
I
n the 1920s young men and women from the Townsite drove the dirt roads of Powell River to attend dances at the Lang Bay Hall, and to enjoy afternoon teas and chicken suppers at Mrs. Duke’s Tea room in Frolander Bay. Private car ownership was high in the Townsite in the 1920s thanks to the high wages paid by the Powell River Company. The young women dressed in the modern “flapper” style with short hair and short skirts designed by a talented dressmaker in town, Madame Loukes. This era of change was captured on glass plates by a professional Townsite photographer, Maud Lane of Lane Studios. In honor of International Women’s Day on March 8 we step back in time to the 1920s, to learn about three remarkable Powell River business women who beat the odds in a society which discouraged female entrepreneurs. They beat the odds because they were successful in a predominantly male world and like today, they did what they had to do to be successful. Maud Lane owner of Lane Studios, Madame Loukes owner of the 5th Ave Dress Shop and Mrs. Florence Duke, owner of the tea room in Frolander Bay.
Lane Studios
Maud (Abbott) Lane (1883 -1938)
Maud Lane was a professional photographer who ran the Lane Studios in the early 1920s after the death of her husband Reginald Lane (a Powell River Company employee) to support herself, and daughter Lorna Beverly. Before living in Powell River, the Lane family lived in Vancouver – Maud’s father James John Abbott (1839 -1914) had worked from the Lane family home as a professional photographer with the assistance of his daughter. Maud Lane’s profession as a photographer was recorded on the 1921 Townsite Census. In the early 1920’s Rod LeMay sold his photographic studio in the Townsite to Maud Lane, owner of Lane Studios. Maud continued the work of Master Photographer Rod LeMay in documenting the early history of Powell River with photographs and making a photographic record of the achievements of the Powell River Company. With precision, and a numerical recording system, using a date board in many of her photographs, Maud
Date e h t e Sav
2 & 1 y Ma
Mrs. Duke’s Tearoom, Frolander Bay
Mrs. Florence Duke (1885 -1955)
Mrs. Florence Duke was a talented and successful dressmaker before she started her popular Tearoom in Frolander Bay in the late 1920s. The success of the Tearoom was based on tourism. The sandy beaches in the area attracted wealthy summer tourists from Vancouver. Women and children stayed in cottages for the entire summer, while the men came up for weekends on the Union steamship dubbed the “Daddy” boat! Mrs. Duke’s success was also based on the new driving public from the Townsite who ventured out on the new road links between the Powell River Company in Townsite and Stillwater. It was a driving adventure to negotiate dirt roads with rocks and ruts, and fallen trees, to reach the sandy beaches south of town. Florence’s husband, William, constructed the tearoom with a porch adjacent to the family home. He installed a wood stove in the tearoom for chilly days in the spring and fall. An area for parking was cleared and William’s favourite roses were planted in front of the tearoom and on the driveway. Mrs. Duke became famous for her delicious cakes and Sunday chicken dinners. She was an excellent business woman and placed adverts in the Powell River News. Afternoon tea cost 25 cents. She noted: a good bathing beach, good drinking water and parking space for cars. In 2013, Peter Maitland, a Lang Bay resident, who knew Mrs. Duke said: “I remember one time my family travelled by boat from Lang Bay to her place in Frolander Bay. We had afternoon tea.”
TEA ON THE BEACH: In the 1920s, Mrs. Florence Duke served up high tea and Sunday chicken dinners to vacationers from Vancouver. In those days, afternoon tea cost 25 cents, or $3.25 in today’s dollars. In comparison, high tea in 2020 often runs $15 to $25 per person and up. Photos submitted by Barbara Lambert
ow n h t o w bo
o
Sh n e d r a e+G
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Ho r u o y Book
documented the building of the Powell River Company’s Stillwater dam 1929-1930 at Gordon Pasha (Lois) Lake. Maud was a successful female photographer in an era where women struggled for recognition. The Powell River Company only employed the best – the Powell River Company hired Maud because she was the best person to do the job of photographing and recording their industrial achievements from the 1920’s. Lane Studio was a successful business enterprise. It was sold, prior to Maud’s death in 1938, to Oswell Stevenson.
!
604-966-8625 www.prhomeshow.com POWELL RIVER LIVING • March 2020 •
33
5th Ave Dress Shop, Westview Village
Madame Loukes (1893-1984)
Elma Sally Wales was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1893. By 1911 the Wales family had moved to New Westminster, B.C. Elma was an early visitor to the Powell River Company in the Townsite, arriving on a friend’s yacht in 1910. She visited and stayed with the McKinney family, owners of the Powell River (Rodmay) Hotel. Elma saw the town in the early phases of construction and realized the potential of business opportunities in the area. In 1920, Elma married Edgar Guy Peacock (1889 -1974), foreman at the Powell River Company mill. They later divorced and Elma married John Loukes (1887 -1960) in 1935. Elma and John had two sons, Barry and Patrick. Married and living permanently in the Townsite, Elma Peacock started a dressmaking business in the 1920s in one of the rooms at the Rodmay Hotel, later re-locating to the top floor of the Patricia Theatre. She created beautiful and stylish dresses for single professional women, and the wives of the top mill management officials – gowns to be shown off at the annual New Year’s Paper Makers ball. She also designed comfortable clothing for management wives to wear at the Ladies Tuesday afternoon only Townsite golf tournament. The next business move for Elma (she had remarried by then) was to move from rental premises in the Townsite to Westview where she built her own 5th Avenue Dress Shop next door to her own house on Marine Avenue – it was a dirt road at the time.
“All the girls in the House of Ill Repute came to Madame Loukes for their clothes which she bought especially for them. They had the pick of the stock at Madame Loukes’ store. They chose only the very best.” - Dorothy Loukes, Elma Loukes’ niece. The title of Madame was given to her by the fashion industry and soon she became known as Madame Loukes. She shopped in the fashion houses in Vancouver and New York for new materials and fashion designs. Unknown to her regular customers, Madame Loukes created and sold expensive evening gowns to the ladies at the House of Ill Repute (known as the House of Joy) in Wildwood. The “ladies” visited her shop, by special arrangement, in the late evenings after regular business hours. “All the girls in the House of Ill Repute came to Madame Loukes for their clothes which she bought especially for them. They had the pick of the stock at Madame Loukes store. They chose only the very best,” said Dorothy Loukes in 1987. Dorothy, Elma’s niece by marriage, worked for her aunt doing alterations. Madame Loukes 5th Avenue Dress Shop was a commercial success. Elma had winter holidays in Hawaii and summer holidays on Savary Island every year. In 2008,
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• March 2020 • prliving.ca
STILL STANDING: On Marine Avenue, what now is home to Great Balls of Wool, used to be Madame Loukes 5th Ave Dress Shop. The businesswoman who originally owned this clothing store was very successful, and quite a character. former employee Noreen Hamerton, said: “I worked for Madame Loukes in the 1940s. In the store she dressed in old clothes and slippers. On buying trips she was a “knockout” with a great hairdo, earrings, a black suit, jacket, hat and white gloves. She was a good business woman. She drove a black Hudson car and owned a summer home on Savary Island.
7061B Duncan Street Powell River 604-485-4747 hrblock.ca
A growing concern
MARCH GARDENING TASKS
BY JONATHAN VAN WILTENBURG | jonathan_vw@yahoo.com
Want a pretty garden?
Make time for design
T
he other day I came across a newly planted garden area that was undoubtedly one of the worst planted up garden areas I have witnessed in a long time. I actually got out of the car and took photos because I thought it was so bad. Everything was just wrong about it. The plant selection was horrible and incongruent. The rocks had been placed and looked as if a prehistoric beast had just gently laid 30 eggs upon take off. I could tell that in a few years from now this garden was going to be terrible. And it all cost money, and a lot of it too. Whoever came up the idea surely had good intentions but whoo-ee they were way off. With spring around the corner and the prospect of new gardens being planted, I thought I would throw out a few very general pointers that may get people thinking before they push in a few plants this season.
1. Pick a theme
One of the best ways to create a framework to start your design is to pick a theme. This will give you the glue that will hold the design together. Possible themes could be: fragrance, native, woodland, drought tolerance, butterfly, Mediterranean, edible, tropical, evergreen, colour, etc. Whatever your choice of theme, be sure it works in your space and use it to narrow down your plant selection. It will help immensely to avoid picking plants that do not suit one another.
2. Right plant, right place.
This is the mantra of many good gardeners. When you’re picking your plant stock, be sure your space has the proper conditions for each desired species. A prop-
erly considered planting will take into account factors like exposure, soil conditions, moisture availability, moisture needs, plant size (both in short term and long term), and of course, maintenance. It is important to set yourself up for success. You want your garden to be a pleasure to be in and a joy to maintain.
3. 3-5-7’s
Always plant in groups of three, five, or seven. Low even planting numbers provide too much balance and make it look unnatural.
4. No straight lines.
Unless you are planting a hedge, do not plant in a straight line. Always stagger your plantings. In nature plants grow randomly, so our aim is to mimic that. Even just staggering them a bit will make it look more natural.
5. Use rocks, but use them well.
As with plants, the idea with rock placements is they should look natural. Avoid placing the rocks in regular intervals. Rather, place them in varying groups maybe one there, two together over there, three clumped over here etc. It is nice when making groups of rocks to take the time to fit the geometry of the rocks together. Also to keep things looking natural it is a good idea to place the rocks so they are sitting the way gravity would have them. For example if you have a big flatter rock it would sit on the flat side, not standing straight up. Lastly it is nice when the rocks are dug into the ground a bit. Aim for at least four inches. It gives the impression that they were always there.
Sort through the old seed storage box and purge the packets that are not viable. Construct a seed-sowing schedule, or find one online. Sketch out your garden plot and plan your rotations. In order to cut down on weeding and watering, secure and apply garden mulch. It is money well spent. A 3”-4” topdressing will be plenty to smother the weeds and provide moisture retention. My rule of thumb is that 1 yard (9 wheelbarrows) of material will cover just over 100 square feet if you spread it 3 inches thick. Tune-up all your hand tools, and machines. This includes sharpening, cleaning, and oiling. Pitch the gardening tools that don’t work for you. Start sowing some seed. Indoors, sow your heat lovers: tomatoes, peppers, eggplant ... the sooner the better! Outdoors, if the soil is warm-ish consider sowing some early greens, peas, spinach, summer cabbages, parsnips, carrots, beets, potatoes, and chard, etc. Split up some of your early flowering spring bulbs and plants to spread them around the garden. Plants to split include primulas, snowdrops, and crocuses. If you’re planning to plant bare root plants, now is the time. This includes fruit trees, roses and other ornamental specimens. This is a much more cost effective way to go. Prune your shrub roses. Remember roses appreciate a fairly hard pruning rather than a soft pruning. Also try to prune to an outward facing bud to ensure appropriate growth. Weed the garden. Get out there before they get away on you. Even if you can give it only a quick hoe it will be better than nothing. Jot down some larger garden projects that you would like to see done this year. Commit to tackling at least one of them.
s eeds
Business of the Year! A big thank you to our customers for nominating us! We were truly honored to receive this award and sincerely appreciate your support. See you soon!
Who knows better
& p ot
stock We’re s . G e t e d w i th g ro w i ng!
than Mother Nature?
7050 Duncan Street fb.com/MotherNaturePowellRiver • mother-nature.ca •
Reiki Zen Shiatsu Reflexology Swedish Massage Deep Tissue Massage Eve Stegenga 604 414-5991
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Under the trees south of town on Nassichuk Road
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Develop skills, knowledge, flexibility, balance, coordination, strength & more in a fun, safe environment!
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POWELL RIVER LIVING • March 2020 •
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BLAST FROM THE PAST
Ferries used to cost more, take longer, and sail less BY JOËLLE SÉVIGNY
M
any of us make the journey across the Georgia Strait and Jervis Inlet to go visit family and friends, to run errands, get a change of scenery, or to travel to somewhere else. However, the crossing wasn’t always quite so quick! Before the first ferry-road connections, transportation from Powell River to the outside world was done through Canadian Pacific Steamships and other companies. As the June 1929 Digester announces: “The S.S. Charmer leaves at 11:15 for Vancouver! Is there a single person in Powell River who doesn’t know this?” Nicknamed the Grand Old Lady of the Coast, the S.S. Charmer was the first boat to provide safe passage for many Powell Riverites back in the day. Travellers had to walk to the Powell River Company wharf to board and most would sleep through the journey in their staterooms, to arrive in Vancouver the following morning. CP Boats also ran service from Powell River to Comox on Sundays at a cost of
$2 ($29 in today’s dollars)! It was often used by sport teams and many remember taking the steamships for school trips as well as business trips; much like today. It wasn’t until the morning of August 21, 1954, that the M.V Quillayute, of what was then called the Black Ball line, docked in Saltery Bay for the first time. It received a warm welcome by the Powell River Pipe Band and by the many spectators! The Quillayute carried 50 cars, 600 passengers and crossed Jervis Inlet in 65 minutes. This was the first road-ferry link to travel to the Sechelt Peninsula and Vancouver (Gibsons to Horseshoe Bay already had a ferry crossing three years prior). The ferry link to the Island came later. In 1965, the Comox Queen became the first vessel to be in service for that route. She made the trip three times a day at the cost of $2 per person for one-way ($16 in today’s dollars – now the fare is $13.50)!
WHEN THE OLD BOATS WERE NEW: Top, the SS Charmer sails in 1929. Middle, the Quillayute docking in Saltery Bay for the first time in 1954. Right, The Comox Queen, first Island road-ferry link in 1965. Blast from the Past is a monthly hisAll photos from The Digester, torical column written by the Townsite Heritage Society’s board member Joëlle courtesy of the Townsite Historical Society. Sévigny.
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• March 2020 • prliving.ca
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CLEAN MACHINE: Lower emissions, less underwater noise, better deck design, work stations and she’s fully accessible: what’s not to love about the Island Discovery?
Ferry H Godmother
BY SANDY MCCORMICK
breaks the bubbly on new Texada ferry
ow many kids can tell their friends that their grandma is a ferry godmother? My grandkids are two of them. No wings or magic wand, but a ferry godmother nonetheless. Yes, f-e-r-r-y is spelled correctly. For years I was Texada Island’s representative on the North Sunshine Coast Ferry Advisory Committee, retiring from this role at the end of 2018. Some time thereafter, BC Ferries asked if I’d be willing to be the community’s honorary sponsor, or godmother, for Texada’s new ferry, the Island Discovery. Of course I agreed and
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can now cross becoming a ferry godmother off my bucket list. She was officially christened February 19 at Point Hope Shipyard in Victoria. My duties at the ship naming/launching/christening ceremony were two-fold. One, at the appointed time I announced to the world that “I name this ship the Island Discovery, and may she bring fair winds and good fortune to all who sail on her.” I didn’t know her name beforehand. And, two, I pulled the ribbon releasing the traditional bottle of champagne to break across the bow of the vessel. I performed these tasks together with BC Ferries
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reservations@shinglemill.ca Information tables – Presentations - Refreshments - Childminding www.shinglemill.ca
Proud Member of the PR Chamber of Commerce Event followed by a free Family Swim 1:30 – 4:00 pm
Thank you to all who contributed to the process!
Information tables - Presentations - Refreshments - Childminding Region-Wide Childcare Planning Project
Report back to the Community Region-wide Childcare Planning Project Community Event 28 March, 2020 11:30 am -1:00 pm Recreation Complex, Cedar Room
Information session to report back to the community on the outcomes of the Region-wide Childcare Planning Project
Saturday, March 28 11:30 am -1:00 pm Recreation Complex, Cedar Room Followed by a free family swim 1:30- 4pm
Information tables – Presentations - Refreshments - Childminding Event followed by a free Family Swim 1:30 – 4:00 pm
Applications must be submitted electronically to lchouse@uniserve no later than 4 pm Wednesday, April 1, 2020.
Thank you to all who contributed to the process!
Thank you to all who contributed to the process!
POWELL RIVER LIVING • March 2020 •
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corporate sponsor, head office finance analyst Sandra Leduc. The Island Discovery was christened along with her sister ship, the Island Aurora, which will be on the Port McNeill-Alert Bay-Sointula route. The formal launching ceremony, or “christening” of vessels has a long history in the maritime world, being considered both a public celebration and a solemn blessing. The religious significance is akin to a baptism ceremony for an infant entering the world. In seafaring societies it dates back to the Greeks, Romans and Egyptians, who all performed such ceremonies with sacramental wine used to anoint the new ship as she was transferred to the water. The ceremony is meant to offer protection to the new vessel, and to those on her, and to provide her with lifelong safety and good fortune. The sponsorship aspect has historic links to the practice of having an honorary patron, or sponsor, for new Royal Army regiments who presented the colors of the regiment in an official ceremony. Formal launchings to toast the health of new ships were commonplace in Europe by the 1800s. Tradition developed that a female would “perform the office of launching” and be named her honorary sponsor, or godmother. Sacramental wine gave way to champagne, chosen for ship christenings as the “elite” of wines. In Britain, historically a female member of the Royal family would smash a bottle of champagne against the bow of the ship as it was being launched. This tradition changed somewhat after an over-enthusiastic princess threw the bottle too hard, missing the bow and hitting a spectator, who later sued the ship’s owner. Today, the champagne is attached to a rope or ribbon, which is pulled to trigger its release to swing against the
“I name this ship the Island Discovery, and may she bring fair winds and good fortune to all who sail on her.” - Sandy McCormick, Ferry Godmother bow of the ship. There is a superstition that if the bottle doesn’t break it means bad luck for the vessel. This was reputed to be the case at the launching of the Titanic in 1912, when the champagne bottle refused to break. For the benefit of the Island Discovery, and me, the bottle thankfully broke easily. I could just picture being thrown to the sharks if it hadn’t. The ceremony went off without a hitch and later, we boarded the Island Discovery for a tour. I readily admit this was probably the most unusual thing I’d ever been asked to do. The honour of being the ferry’s honorary sponsor was exciting, yet also bittersweet because of the strong affection Texadans have for the retiring vessel, the North Island Princess. The ceremony was another step closer to losing “our beloved NIP.” We’ve ridden her through high seas and calm waters, to work, school, shop and appointments for more than 40 years and she’s been a big part of our daily life. She’s been our highway and our bus and the island’s umbilical cord to the outside world. Her officers and crew have been amazing. But she’s had generator and other issues for years, and as the oldest vessel in the BC Ferries fleet, at age 62, her time has come to an end. No doubt we’ll come to appreciate the many benefits of the Island Discovery. She has a slightly larger carry-
ing capacity and features an extra-wide vehicle lane so all trucks can be parked together in a row, maximizing deck space. She seems huge compared to the NIP. The washrooms and passenger lounge are fully accessible, and she has six work stations, together with ample seating. Upstairs has outdoor passenger space with tables and seats, some behind glass wind buffers. She is a battery hybrid electric ferry, designed for future full electric operation. Her engine design reduces underwater radiated noise, with lower emissions than the NIP. She and her sister ship, the Island Aurora, are the first two of BC Ferries’ new smaller “Island-class” vessels, with more on order from the same Dutch ship builder operating in Romania. No Canadian ship builders submitted bids when BC Ferries requested proposals to build the ships. The Island-class ferries will be interoperable, the way the Salish-class vessels are, enabling easier access to parts for maintenance and simplified crew training when substitute ferries are needed. The Island Discovery and Aurora left Romania November 20, travelling on a semi-submersible transport ship to arrive at Point Hope Shipyard in Victoria January 24. There they were re-commissioned, a requirement of Transport Canada. Teams worked long hours to get the ships ready, including conducting sea trials, starting up all systems, extensive testing and doing final inspections. They are expected to arrive at their destinations of Texada Island and Port McNeill by late spring. Dock fitting, ship familiarization and final crew training will take place before the new ships begin service. In Texada’s case, the retiring NIP will remain nearby for a few months in case there are unexpected problems with the Island Discovery. BC Ferries plans to hold a retirement party for the NIP before she leaves for good.
Congratulations to ALL NOMINEES & WINNERS of the 25th Annual Business Awards! FROM YOUR
prtowncentre.com
38
• March 2020 • prliving.ca
604.485.4681
WHAT’S UP Childcare Planning Project event & free swim
Last fall surveys and focus groups related to childcare planning in the Powell River region were held. Since then, additional research has been conducted and a strategy proposed. Now, the childcare planning project is ready to be shared. Please join us in the Cedar Room at the Recreation Complex from 11:30 am to 1 pm on Saturday, March 28th. There will be short presentations, information tables, refreshments, door prizes, and childminding. This is an opportunity for parents, guardians, childcare providers, organizations, employers, and elected leaders to come together and continue the important work of coordinating our efforts for the wellbeing of all children and families living in the City of Powell River, the Tla’amin Nation, and the qathet Regional District. And as a big thank you for all the good work of so many people, the event will be followed by a free family swim, from 1:30 to 4 pm, sponsored by the project. We hope to see you there! The Region-wide Childcare Planning Project in a nutshell: Inventory: There are currently childcare spaces for an estimated 15.4 percent of children ages 0-12. Waitlists are high, especially for infants and toddlers. Existing facilities are not evenly spread throughout the region, leaving many parents scrambling to find solutions, many of which are not optimal. Impact: As is the case in other places throughout the province and the country, the lack of affordable childcare negatively impacts economic development, child development, and gender equity – with cumulative effects across the lifespan and throughout the community. Needs Assessment: Surveys and focus groups indicate that major barriers for families include (in ranked order): cost, schedule, infant-toddler spaces, waitlists, and alignment with values. Major barriers for childcare providers include lack of qualified workers, low wages, and lack of spaces. Needs vary throughout the region, with more rural areas facing unique challenges. Quality and choice are central priorities for all who participated. Ten-year plan for accessible and affordable childcare: A phased approach is recommended, beginning with quick gains to relieve some of the immediate pressure: applying for provincial funding for new spaces, negotiating higher wages for ECEs through creative partnerships, accessing grant funding for a new intake of ECE students at VIU, and amend-
ing local bylaws to better accommodate family-run childcare providers. It moves to a coordinated approach towards increasing quality and choice for families with strategies for: 1) recruiting and retaining ECEs, 2) creating new spaces, 3) accessibility and affordability, and 4) supporting parents/guardians to care for their children. ~Submitted by Janet Newbury and Marlane Christensen
Hydrotherapy Pool update
In the February issue of Powell River Living, we reported that the hospital’s hydrotherapy pool has been broken for a year. The community raised about half a million dollars 25 years ago to build the pool, and those who have been using it – and who would benefit from it but have not been able to use it- are concerned that it will never be operational again. On February 13 at the Powell River Regional Hospital District committee meeting of the whole, Area B Director Mark Gisborne raised the issue of the hydrotherapy pool. Apart from his elected role, he has a personal reason for his passion, which he explained to PRL after the meeting. After his father, Stan Gisborne, suffering a brain-stem stroke in the fall of 2015, Stan’s doctor referred him to use the hydrotherapy pool to help rehabilitate his mobility, but Stan has never been able to use the facility. At the February 13 meeting, Mark moved that the board put $80,000 into a reserve to potentially repair the pool, and ask for a report on its status from staff. The motion was defeated. The issue is expected to come up at further meetings. Watch for further updates in future issues of PRL as Vancouver Coastal Health decides on the future of the pool.
Texada-Little River pilot project
On Wednesday, February 19, BC Ferries launched a pilot offering direct service on select days between the Blubber Bay terminal on Texada Island and Little River terminal in Comox. BC Ferries developed this pilot in cooperation with the Northern Sunshine Coast Ferry Advisory Committee for the convenience of Texada Island travellers. Every Wednesday and Saturday, the first sailing leaving Westview in Powell River will make a stop at Blubber Bay to load up to 10 vehicles, prior to continuing on to Little River terminal in Comox. On the last sailing every Wednesday and Saturday departing from Comox, Texada-bound customers will have the opportunity to sail directly to Blubber Bay. The direct service provided by this pilot is non-reservable.
Locals push for Tommy Douglas on the fiver
T
wo Powell River men believe that Tommy Douglas “The Father Of Medicare” and the “Greatest Canadian” should be the next notable Canadian to appear on five dollar bills. Ron Woznow and Robin Murray have joined forces by creating a website and a Facebook page about Tommy and how Canadians can vote for him. “Tommy Douglas is ‘The Father of Medicare.’ His belief in the importance of universal medical care has saved millions of Canadians from having to choose between their homes and their life. Americans know the agony that comes with that type of decision. Tommy has saved all Canadians from that type of agony,” said Ron Woznow, idea originator. “In 1962 Medicare was started in Saskatchewan and then by the federal government in 1966,” said Robin Murray, webmaster. “Douglas has been an inspiration for many Canadians from sea to sea for his social activism. He was defined by his belief that his job as a politician was to help create a better society for all. Tommy Douglas is the historic Canadian who should appear on the new five dollar bill.” To nominate Tommy Douglas to appear on Canada’s next $5 bill visit www.tommydouglasfornewcanadianfivedollarbill.ca before March 11. You
Get your Women in Business nominations in!
Nominations for the awards opened in February, says Isabelle Southcott, President of Powell River Women in Business. To nominate an outstanding woman, visit prwomeninbusiness. com and download the form. Or pick up a nomination form at The Nutcracker Market. Completed forms can be emailed to info@prwomeninbusiness.com or dropped off at The Nutcracker, 201-4741 Marine Avenue. There are four award categories to choose from. Outstanding Business Owner Outstanding Employee Outstanding Home-Based Business Outstanding Volunteer “Because it’s 2020 and Powell River Women in Business is celebrating their 10th year of awards presentations, we wanted to do something extra special to recognize just how far women have come
PUBLIC HEALTH CARE VERSUS HEALTH PHILANTHROPY: The race is on between campaigns to replace four-time Prime Minister Sir Wilfred Laurier on the fiver. A Powell River campaign by Ron Woznow and Robin Murray (above) is calling for Tommy Douglas (left) to fill the spot; he’s up against West Coast darling Terry Fox (right). Other campaigns include the Famous Five suffragettes, actor John Candy (Uncle Five Bucks) and Louis Riel. can also follow the campaign on Facebook @TommyDouglasForNewCanadianFiveDollarBill. To learn more contact Ron Woznow 604-414-5844, or RJWoznow@gmail.com. in the last 100 years,” says Isabelle. This year’s theme, “We’ve come a long way – 1920 to 2020”, is a century that begs to be looked at as a retrospective and the decade encompassing the 1920s is super fun when looked at through a social lens. “Dress as a gangster or a silent screen star. Come as a flapper or come as you are.” The awards committee, headed by Christine Konopelski, has come up with some creative decorating ideas. The cakeoff, which features out-of-this-world cakes created by local bakers who are all members of Women in Business, is back by popular demand. “Some of our members are going all out and dressing up as flappers and gangsters from the 1920s,” says Christine. There will also be a video highlighting some of the changes women fought for that have taken place in the last 100 years. Tickets for the awards banquet will be available starting April 15 at The Nutcracker Market and they do sell out quick, adds Christine.
POWELL RIVER LIVING • March 2020 •
39
Powell River Chamber of Commerce
2020 Business Awards The Powell River Chamber of Commerce presented its annual business awards in front of a sold-out house at Dwight Hall last month. The brand-new Business Excellence of the Year
Customer Service
Winner: Mother Nature
Winner: Foxtrot Electrical Finalist: Chopping Block
Entrepreneur of the Year Winner: Paige Anderson, Laszlo Tamasik Dance Academy Finalist: Matt & Nicole Bordignon, Elemental Design & Millwork
Customer Service-Hospitality Winner: Iguanas Mexican Grill Finalist: 32 Lakes Coffee
Employer of the Year Winner: Kelly Keil Finalist: Aaron Reid
Employee of the Year Winner: Fred Pannell (RONA) Finalist: Jolene Sutcliffe (Tla’amin Nation)
New Business
PLANTS N PETS: Ron and Dianne Pfister won the Business Excellence of the Year award for Mother Nature Garden, Home & Pet. More than 300 people attended the February 8 awards.
• March 2020 • prliving.ca
Tourism Service Winner: The Lund Resort Finalist: Sunshine Coast Shuttle
Small Business Winner: Julie’s Airport Market Finalist: Laszlo Tamasik Dance Academy
Agricultural Business Winner: Andtabaka Farm Finalist: Myrtle Point Heritage Farm
Not-for-Profit Winner: 100 Plus Women Who Care Finalist: Powell River Community First Aid
Aboriginal Business of the Year
Winner: Townsite Fruit and Veg
Winner: The Lund Resort Finalist: Afterglow Hair Lounge
Home-Based Business
Forestry Sector
Winner: Juniper Dragon Handmade Finalist: Paradise Valley RC Hobbies
Winner: Tilt Contracting Finalist: Powell River Community Forest
Presenting Sponsor
40
Sustainability Award was won by First Credit Union with City Transfer named as the finalist. The other winners are:
POWELL RIVER LIVING • March 2020 •
41
BUSINESS AFFAIRS WITH SEAN PERCY sean@prliving.ca
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• March 2020 • prliving.ca
Dairy Queen could be back in Powell River as early as July, according to Powell River franchise manager Gitish Bhalla. Renovations are underway at the Town Centre location – which housed previous Dairy Queen franchises in the 1990s and 2000s. The building is undergoing a major overhaul inside. If things go according to plan and city permits are granted, says Gitish, the restaurant will open in July or August. Gitish says three managers will be moving from the Lower Mainland to run the operation, and beginning in May they will be hiring as many as 40 people to staff it. Powell River is a beautiful spot,” said Gitish, who will be moving here this summer. “Dairy Queen always wanted to be there. It’s a great location and a great community.” Gitish is no stranger to small communities, having lived in 100 Mile House and Armstrong, and he says he’s looking forward to getting to know the people and community.
Grocer hiring
Freshco is hiring in anticipation of a late April opening for the discount grocery store. A hiring fair will be held on April 4 at Town Centre Mall from 9 am to 6 pm. Freshco’s Powell River owner/operator Steve Wadsworth (the manager of the former Safeway store) says they are looking to hire 80 to 100 people, in addition to the 35 Safeway employees coming back to work at Freshco.
Room to escape
Are you clever enough to escape from Manic Mary? Powell River’s first escape room is now open, and promises some challenging puzzles and tons of fun, according to creator and owner Maryann Drazic. The Manic Mary escape room invites groups to get locked in a room with a series of puzzles to solve in order to get to the next room. Or you can play as a detective solving a crime to work through the rooms. Maryann says creating the escape room was an escape from the corporate world where she spent most of her career. “I moved to Powell River in August and decided to make my own job, but I wanted to do something where people are laughing.” After coming up with a few escape room stories, and visiting an escape room in Victoria, she decided she could open a similar business in Powell River. Maryann partnered up with Haacke Contracting to create an inviting environment for all ages to enjoy. In addition to good brain exercises and team-building, the Manic Mary escape room comes with a healthy dose of fear and laughs. “We challenge you to escape Mary’s tortured dreams,” said Maryann. “Our mission is to tease your brain, exercise your heart and test your screams.” You can also book birthday escape rooms for the five to 12-year-old age group. Although drop-ins are allowed, Maryann can’t guarantee there will be a space open with a group, so she recommends booking ahead at manicmary.ca. Manic Mary is located on Alberni Avenue in the old Anderson’s Men’s Wear building beside Artique.
Centre expands to help women
A trauma treatment centre for women, attached to the Sunshine Coast Health Centre, opened Jan. 27. The new addition is called Georgia Strait Women’s Clinic. SCHC director of communications, Casey Jordan, said the program is the first of its kind in Canada, where the focus is on trauma first. Most programs put the addiction treatment first and address trauma as a secondary symptom. “The new women-focused program will help women with moderate to severe trauma issues in a relaxed, residential setting,” said Casey. Women stay near Myrtle Rocks in a 10-unit residence that includes two medical withdrawal units, a medication administration office, doctor’s office, TV lounge, private garden, and workout space. Each unit/suite comes with brand new furnishings, a 4-piece bathroom, living room, kitchenette, and bedroom. Women in the program go to Sunshine Coast Health Centre at Fleury Road for daytime programming in a building that has been completely separated from the organization’s men’s program. The same frontline staff from the SCHC, as well as nursing/ medical and client services, serve the women. There are also 24/7 nursing and frontline staff at the residence. The daytime programming is where the women do their group, one-on-one therapy, and workshops/lectures as well as see practitioners for EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing), hypnotherapy, massage, fitness/personal training, yoga, and more. SCHC’s doctor and psychiatrist will see clients at either location depending on admission time and individual needs.
New mortgage designer
Cait Holmes is a mortgage planner working with Victoria-based Mortgage Designers – Mortgage Architects. Cait lives and works in Powell River and her job is to find you the best mortgage product or interest rate. She does this by comparing all the offerings from the major banks, trust companies, and credit unions. Cait says her services are available online and 24/7 to accommodate people’s busy schedules. When interest rates are at an all-time low and the economy has stabilized, she says her clients can save hundreds of dollars per month when they refinance, purchase a first home, upgrade a home, consolidate debt or invest in a revenue property. “There is typically no cost to you as the bank pays me a fee for doing their legwork and bringing them business,” says Cait. Contact her at cait@mortgagedesigners.ca or 604-344-0741.
Frost tops again
Powell River realtor Neil Frost has been recognized for the second year in a row by winning the MLS Top Producer Award for the Powell River Sunshine Coast Real Estate Board. Royal LePage had all top three Powell River realtors, with Josh Statham and Valerie Griffiths in second and third.
New manager runs two hotels
Nuno Gama is the new general manager of both the Town Centre Hotel and Beach Gardens Resort & Marina. He brings with him a wealth of experience in the hospitality industry, as manager of hotels in Lethbridge, Prince George (where he volunteered in community policing with the RCMP) and Harrison Lake. Until 2009, Nuno worked in resort and golf management in Angola and Portugal.
New owner at H&R Block
Richard Choy is the new owner of Powell River’s H&R Block franchise. Former owner Chantale Jackson remains on staff. Richard has been with H&R Block for 15 years.
MARCH 13 TO 15 WEEKEND
MARCH 6 TO 8 WEEKEND
MARCH 27 TO 29 WEEKEND
March
Kings Playoffs International Women’s Day World Day of Prayer Youth Film Festival Festival Grand Concert
5
MARCH 20 TO 22 WEEKEND
Crib Tourney Seedy Saturday Rising Tides Art of Being Métis Newfish
Spring Break Begins Book Making Popsicle Monsters Small Town Artillery Tap Takeover
Mark Crissinger Motherwork Itch Meets Scratch Childcare Report Back Blueberry Commons Work Bee
Much more is happening in March. Check out PRL’s full coverage of festivals and events on Pages 44 to 51.
times you’ll be gobsmacked by the breadth of local talent
1. Festival of Performing 2. Townsite Brewing 8th Arts Grand Concert anniversary party
3. PRISMA pre-event concert
The best of the two-week annual festival performs at the Evergreen March 6. Singing, dancing, band, poetry and much more, of every age. If you missed the new community concerts in late February, make sure you get a seat here.
PRISMA’s Arthur Arnold is not centre stage on March 12, but he will be on cello. The international conductor and local maestro has themed this year’s June festival to recognize musicians that were held captive and killed in WWII. See the first of these at James Hall.
Next day delivery. 100% guaranteed.
Our local team of brewers, helmed by Cédric Dauchot, won top BC Lager this fall. Help them celebrate at Wildwood Public House March 21. There’s so much to celebrate – come on out and raise a glass to the whole staff. See Page 10.
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4. Seedy Saturday
5. Jazz Fest
Powell River’s top gardeners, farmers and seed savers will be out in force at the Rec Complex March 14, offering their locallyadapted seeds for the ridiculously low price of $1 a packet. Plus free advice. Plus, presentations, free books, a kids area and so much more.
From April 1 to 4 (okay it’s not March, but...), local students and professionals will perform alongside those from out of town, and guaranteed, you’ll be blown away by the quality of what you hear. Thanks in large part to the teaching talents of SD47’s Paul Cummings and the Academy’s Walter Martella.
POWELL RIVER | SUNSHINE COAST | VANCOUVER
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Stop in, call, email or Facebook us for details.
We make it easy!
7030 Glacier St | 604.485.0345 | westviewubrew@yahoo.ca Tues to Sat, 9 am – 5 pm or by appointment
POWELL RIVER LIVING • March 2020 •
43
Time to get serious about your fitness
You deserve
a happy,
Nancy can help!
healthy smile
Big March Dates Sunday, March 8 International Women’s Day
Tuesday, March 10 Daylight Savings Starts
March 14 to 29 Spring Break
Tuesday, March 17 St. Patrick’s Day
Friday, March 20
Come see me for a free consultation No referral necessary
Spring Equinox
Saturday, March 21
Real Core Training
Complete and partial dentures Implant-retained dentures Same day repairs Relines
6 sessions and a pretraining assessment: $299 Register: 604-223-4158 Limited space. All sessions are one-on-one.
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Purim Learn to balance eating with exercise
Monday, March 23
Safe and effective exercises that are specific for YOU
Meatless Monday Potluck
5:30pm. Check www.meatlessmondaypr.com or call Ernalee for details: 604-414-6040.
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Monday, March 30
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WIB Awards Nomination Deadline See Page 17.
Sports & Games
Mondays through March Sober Sports See Page 42.
76th ANNUAL
Sunday, March 1 Registration for the Marathon Shuffle opens www.sunshnecoast-trail.com/events.
Injured in an accident?
Thank-you for another wonderful festival!
Let us help you recover.
Our gratitude goes to all the parents, teachers, volunteers and participants. Thanks also to Powell River Council for Arts and Culture, School District 47 and qathet Regional District for their ongoing support. See you in 2021!
Grand Concert
Experienced. Local. Professional.
Call Ian Fleming today for a free consultation.
Tickets $15 adults, $10 seniors/youth at the Academy, the Peak and at the door.
44
• March 2020 • prliving.ca
Saturday, March 14 Lang Bay Hall Crib Tourney
Registration deadline March 9. $20. Plays starts at 10 am. To register call Kathy 604-483-1440.
March 16 to 26
Special Sales Saturday, March 7 Kiwanis Giant Garage Sale 10 – 1 pm 4943 Kiwanis Ave.
Saturday, March 21 Kiwanis Giant Book Sale
7
10 – 1 pm 4943 Kiwanis Ave.
Tuesday, March 31
Evergreen Theatre
Club of Powell River
7 pm, each night, Hap Parker.
See Page 48 for more.
7 pm Friday, March 6, 2020
Rotary
Playoffs! Kings vs. Cowichan Valley
Spring Break Swim Lessons
Don’t miss the
GrandConcert
March 3, 4 & 7
Barristers & Solicitors
4571 Marine Avenue 604-485-2771 fleminglaw.ca
Grand Prize Draw at Armitage Anniversary See Page 9.
Saturday, April 11 Pollen Franken Sale See Page 16.
Plan your
The Earth Needs You Tuesday, March 3
March 12 & 28
Let the Herring Live
Workbees at Blueberry Commons co-housing
7 pm, Max Cameron. An education event about herring in the Salish Sea, with author and biologist Briony Penn and Tsawout Hereditary Chief Eric Pelkey. $10.
& Easter
Saturday, March 14
Wednesday, March 4
Seedy Saturday
Raise the Roof Dinner
6 pm, Great Hall at Brooks School. A PR Farmers Agricultural Institute fundraiser for the quonset hut at the Open Air Market. $45. See Page 17.
9:30 to 2:30, Recreation Complex. Our annual seed swap, silent auction, workshops and vendor event. $3 admission gets a ticket on the vendor basket. 12 and under are free. Seed packs at the swap table are only $1.
Rising Tides & Storytelling Climate Change
Saturday, March 7
7 pm, The Art Centre. Join editor Catriona Sandilands, ‘Rising Tides’ anthology contributors and local writers for readings, discussion, and refreshments.
Aquaponics Seminar
10:30 am, Mother Nature. $30. Call Mother Nature to register 604-485-9878 or stop by the store.
Seedy Saturday
What are you planning to plant? On March 14, head to the Rec Complex for the annual gardening extravaganza 9:30 to 2:30 pm. • Seed swap – bring seeds you have saved to trade, or purchase some – $1 per pack • Sale of seeds grown locally • Meet local farmers • Kids Zone • Silent Auction • New Information area, hosted by Master Gardeners • Book Swap • Workshops on various gardening topics • Much more! See ad on Page 21.
See, Hear & Contemplate Sundays
Saurday, March 14
Lenten church services
Texada Aviation Museum Open House
10 am at St. David & St. Paul Anglican and Kelly Creek Community Church; 11 am Powell River United Church.
Tuesday, March 3
1:30 to 4:30, Texada Airport Hangar #8. Displays, slide shows, hot dogs & refreshments. Call to reserve the flight simulator: $20 per half hour: 604-223-2588.
Tuesday, March 17
The Death Cafe
6 to 8:15 pm, Library. An open and frank discussion on death and dying in a safe, caring environment. With endof-life doula and educator Heather MacLeod.
Wednesdays starting March 4 Lenten Study: Meditating on the Cross
10:30 am, St. David and St. Paul Anglican Church, Townsite. Contact Faun Harriman for the study book: faunharriman@gmail.com
Friday, March 6 World Day of Prayer
1:30 pm, St. David & St. Paul Anglican. International, ecumenical initiative. A day of “informed prayer and prayerful action” for Zimbabwe.
Panel: Building a prosperous future in PR 7 pm, Trinity Hall. Powell River Voices. See Page 10.
2020 Holy Week and Easter Services St. David & St. Paul Anglican Church April 5 Palm/Passion Sunday 10 am • Holy Eucharist April 9 Maundy Thursday 7 pm
April 10 Good Friday 10 am • Stations of the Cross April 11 Easter Vigil 7 pm
April 12 Easter Sunday 10 am • Holy Eucharist
Everyone Welcome
Come as you are, with children or without, in jeans or more dressed up, single, married or partnered, from an Anglican background, other backgrounds or no church affiliation.
Rev. Faun Harriman
Wednesday, March 18 CBC Poetry Prize Winner Alessandra Naccarato
At Kelly Creek Community Church…
Saturday, April 4
Kelly Creek Community Church exists to grow the following cultures:
2 pm, Library. Launch of Re-Origin of Species, a poetry collection combining personal narrative and a story of adaptation and evolution in nature.
Our vision: To see all people saved, healed, delivered and preserved through the power and the love of Jesus. ~ Isaiah 61:1-4 Our mission: Is to share the message to our community that “the kingdom of heaven is near…” ~ Matthew 10:7
1. To host/celebrate God’s Presence (Worship) 2. To demonstrate God’s love (Ministry) 3. To communicate God’s Word (Evangelism) 9 am to 4 pm, Library. A Vantage Point and First Credit 4. To incorporate God’s family (Fellowship) Union not-for-profit governance workshop designed to 5. To educate God’s people (Discipleship) build capacity in the not-for-profit sector in the qathet Join us as we seek God together • Service time is Sunday 10 am Region. Registration is required: Marketing@FirstCU.ca. PRUC-March1-12PRlivingAdFINAL_Layout 1 20-02-24 11:16 AM 604-414-4827 Page 1 2380 Zilinsky Rd. Pastor Mike Martinig kellyck@telus.net
Not-for-Profit; Thriving in Powell River
Used iPhones now in stock! Mint!
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45
Métis Cultural Weekend
F
March 13 to 15
ollowing last month’s commemoration of Riel 150, the Powell River Métis Society is hosting a Métis Cultural Weekend, March 13, 14 & 15. The weekend kicks off Friday, March 13, 1 pm at the Patricia Theatre, with local author David Doyle reading from his book Louis Riel: Let Justice Be Done, followed by the documentary film; The Art of Being Métis. This event is open to the public and by-donation. While creating a traditional birch bark canoe, the canoe maker Mahigan takes the viewer on a spiritual journey contemplating the close relationship the people of the Métis Nation and all Indigenous peoples have with Mother Earth. Mahigan shares many stories and teachings through the creation of his birch bark canoe. Admission is free – students welcome! For Métis and their families only, Saturday and Sunday, March 14 & 15, at the Wildwood Fire Hall, the cultural weekend will feature traditional cooking classes, bannock baking, Métis music, medicine walks, and in-door and outdoor fun.
Film March 4 & 5
Tuesday, March 10
Wednesday, March 18
Fantastic Fungi
Antarctica In-Depth: A Photographer’s Journey
Met Opera Live on Screen: Porgy & Bess
7 pm nightly and 1:30 pm Thursday at The Patricia. Cinematheque Series
March 5 to 8 Powell River Youth Film Festival Thursday March 5th: The critically acclaimed documentary feature Fantastic Fungi by Louis Schwartzberg, preceded by Gail Noonan’s Chanterelle Rain $8 youth. $10 adults. 7 pm Patricia. Friday, March 6th: Feature documentary, The Whale and the Raven by Mirjam Leuze, and Haida short animation Mountain of SGaana by Christopher Auchter. $8 youth, $10 adults. 7 pm Patricia. Saturday March 7th: The Icelandic feature fiction film Woman at War, along with the short My Time by director Giulia Gandini (in honour of International Woman’s Day on the 8th). $8 youth, $10 adults. 7 pm Patricia
March 8 to 10 7 pm nightly & 1:30 pm Sunday Matinee at The Patricia
You just gotta see it to believe it
10 am, Max Cameron. Adults $27, Senior / Student $24.
March 13 – 17 The Call of the Wild – Tentative 7 pm nightly at The Patricia
Wednesday, March 11
March 18 & 19
The Art of 360 Photography with Gregoire Dupond
Richard Jewell
5 pm, Library. Join this fun and informative presentation about the work of a visual artist shooting 360/VR images and videos, and how to visualize these on display or projection. Register at the Library or call 604-485-4796 Ext. 206.
March 11 & 12
7 pm nightly and 1:30 pm Thursday at The Patricia. Cinematheque Series
March 20 – 24 Sonic the Hedgehog – Tentative 7 pm nightly at The Patricia (check the Website for matinees)
Mar 25 & 26
Bombshell
7 pm nightly and 1:30 pm Thursday at The Patricia. Cinematheque Series
March 13 The Métis Association presents: The Art of Being Métis
Spies in Disguise
PJ’s
6:30, Max Cameron. Boomer Jerritt Photographer and Powell River Climbing Coop. $18 in advance, or $20 at the door Book your ticket here: https://strathconaphotography.com/events/ Partial proceeds will go to support the Powell River Climbing Co-op.
1:30 pm Matinee only at The Patricia
Just Mercy
7 pm nightly and 1:30 pm Thursday at The Patricia. Cinematheque Series
Sunday, March 29 On the Verge
1:30 pm Matinee at The Patricia
Apr 1 & 2 Dark Waters
7 pm nightly and 1:30 pm Thursday at The Patricia. Cinematheque Series
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Tla’amin Jewelry • Hans Hyldig Art Native Art • Painted Furniture Native Jewelry • Computer Repairs Yoga Sunday mornings. Stop by or visit imperfectyogapr.com for info.
4573A Marine Ave
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• March 2020 • prliving.ca
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Raw milk illuminates “women’s care labour”
T ARCHITECTURE, DECAY, NATURAL ELEMENTS AND BURSTING APART: Powell River artist Giovanni Spezzacatena shows at VIU, starting with an opening reception March 26 at 7 pm. www.rabideye.com
Craft and Visual Arts To March 25
March 20 & 21
Nina Mussellam: Explorations in Fiber Arts
Book Making Workshop
Malaspina Art Society show at VIU. Elevating quilts.
Monday, March 9
Library. Join expert bookmaker Stuart Isto. To Register call 604-485-4796 Ext. 206.
Sunday, March 22 Popsicle Stick Monsters
Deadline for the What the + show
Powell River’s first LGBTQ2+ Group Art Exhibition, taking place at The Art Centre June 20 – July 27, featuring work by artists across the spectrum of gender and sexuality and their allies.This is the deadline for coastal BC artists to submit initial concepts for art work in any medium Find out more and apply now at www.whattheplus.ca/
Saturday, March 14 Spinning Yarn Workshop
2 to 4pm, Library. Join master spinner Vanessa Bjerreskov for an introduction on how to spin your own yarn using a spindle. To Register call 604-485-4796 Ext. 206.
1 to 3 pm, Town Centre Mall. Free workshop for kids.
March 23 to 27 Spring Break Comic Camp Library. See Page 38 for more.
Thursday, March 26 “Itch Meets Scratch” Giovanni Spezzacatena show opening
7 to 8:30 pm, VIU. Recent textural abstract works on/in wood panels by Giovanni Spezzacatena aka Rabideye.com Works for sale.
March 23 to April 29 Heather Passmore’s Motherwork exhibition At The Art Centre. Artist talk April 4 at 2 pm. See right.
his year, The Art Centre Public Gallery is hosting new shows nearly every month, featuring both local and out-of-town artists. Following Luke Ramsey’s excellent show in February, Heather Passmore, the Vancouverbased multi-media artist and founding member of the collective Art Mamas brings a compelling show to the space. In “Motherwork,” she uses traditional casein paint made from raw cow’s milk and expired human breast milk. “I see milk paint as a medium that is uniquely reflexive towards the history of women’s care labour in the domestic sphere,” Heather wrote in her artist’s statement. “Utilizing this material was important to me as it esteems the biological value of the milk, and the time intensive labour by which it is expressed.” Other artists showing this year include Co.ERASGA: Passages of rhythms (dance performance May 7 to 10); What the + (see left); and more.
Some were stashed in the basement, others under t Regardless of where they came from, Powell Riverite Attic, the upcoming Sunshine Gogos and PR Hospice ‘ArtMOTHERWORK for Everyone’ event: Opening Gala on April 17, 7 auction. Direct purchase and silent auction extend th addition pieces bybylocal artists – Raffin, Hildebran What: to An exhibition Heather Passmore – there are works by artists from around the world: w When: March 23 to April 29 at www.facebook.com/GogosandHospice, we post n Where: The Art Centre Public Gallery available for sale is exceptional; these three pieces d Artist talk: April 4, 2 pm Learn more: heatherpassmore.com
“
April show raises funds for Gogos, Hospice
S
ome were stashed in the basement, others under the bed, some were hanging in the living room. Regardless of where they came from, Powell Riverites are generous in their donations to Art from the Attic, the upcoming Sunshine Gogos and PR Hospice fundraiser. Join us at the Town Centre Hotel for this ‘Art for Everyone’ event: Opening Gala on April 17, 7 to 10 pm for viewing, bidding, live and silent auction. Direct purchase and silent auction extend through Saturday, April 18, 10 am to 4 pm. In addition to pieces by local artists – Raffin, Hildebrand, Kramer, Norris,
By Noel Wotten, Haida Gwaii Blair, and Baldwin to name a few – there are works by artists from around the world: well known and unknown. Visit our facebook page at www.facebook. com/GogosandHospice, we post new acquisitions weekly. The diversity of art available for sale is exceptional. – Malerie Meeker
The Boardwalk Restaurant in Lund There's always a reason to come to Lund! Here’s another...
Lingcod, salmon, halibut, or sturgeon Book the restaurant for Special Events Find us on
with Kennebec fries & housemade tartar, $19 WE’RE OPEN EVERY DAY OF SPRING BREAK!
604.414.3929 FoxtrotElectricalSolutions.ca
We’llPowell take the $2 River. parking fee off your bill.
604 483-2201 • boardwalkrestaurantpowellriverlund.com
OPEN MARCH 6, 7, 8, 14-29 • noon-8
Electrical Upgrades Renovations New Construction Audio/Video Installs Generator Connections Car Charging Stations
Our famous Fish ‘n’ Chips!
Spring Break visitors? Bring them to Lund! “That Did It!” by Meghan
FOXTROT ELECTRICAL SOLUTIONS LTD.
Customer Service Award Foxtrot Electrical Solutions Ltd. was honoured to win the Customer Service category at the Chamber of Commerce Business Awards last month. Thanks to our customers for nominating us, and we promise to continue providing the best service possible!
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
POWELL RIVER LIVING • March 2020 •
47
Plan your Spring Break!
“It is always very special to return somewhere you’ve built a relationship with; however, there is something extra special about Powell River,” says Julie Lin, winner of the PRISMA Festival’s 2019 concerto competition. The Vancouver-born violinist (and others, see box) will perform a piece that was written under a false name and by all accounts never received a premiere. “Bob Hanf lived with other artists in Het Nieuwe Suykerhofje, hidden behind
ng Break Aquatic Schedule Effective March 15 - 29, 2020
y
Wednesday
Thursday
anes & Leisure 6:00-9:30
OPEN AT 8AM
Lanes & Leisure 8:00-noon
Lanes & Leisure 11:30-1:15
Lanes & Leisure 11:30-1:30
Multi-use 8:30-9:30
Everyone Welcome 1:30-4:00
PRISMA PRE-CONCERT What: Julie Lin on violin, Paul Williamson on piano and Arthur Arnold on cello. Includes works by Beethoven, Rachmaninov, and more. When: March 12, 7:30 pm Where: Max Cameron Tickets: prismafestival.com
CLOSED
Week 1: Mar 16 – 20 CLOSED • Week 2: Mar 23 – 27 9 am – 3 pm • $175 / week
Spring Break Swim Lessons 8 classes March 16-26 (Monday-Thursday)
Break?
23 - 27
Aquacise 1:15-2:00
Welcome Looking for a great way to keep busy this 2:00-4:00 Spring Break? Join us for our action packed Multi-use camps! 4:00-7:00 There will be games, crafts, swimming, skating, bowling, and much more! Everyone Welcome Everyone Daily drop in rates available. Sibling dis7:00-8:30 Welcome 7:00-9:00 counts available.
way to
d camps! wimming, ore! Sibling
Multi-use 12:00-1:30
Age: 6 toEveryone 12 years
Everyone Welcome 1:30-4:00
Everyone Welcome 2:00-4:00
eryone Welcome 7:00-8:30
Multi-use 11:30-1:15
Day Camps
Aquacise 1:15-2:00
e e 0
Sat.& Sun.
Lanes & Leisure 6:00-11:30
ssons (no lanes) 9:30-11:30
sure 0
Friday
9:30
Sea Otter
Croc/Whale
Level 3
10:00
Salamander
Sea Otter
Level 1
Level 5 / 6 (9:30-10:15)
Level 7 / 8 (10:15-11:00) 10:30
Sea Otter
Salamander
Level 2
11:00
Salamander
Sunfish
Level 4
020
Level 9 / 10 (11:00-11:45)
27
Take lessons, or simply stop by for an Everyone Welcome swim each afternoon between 2-4 pm (7 days a week) where the diving board, zunga rope swing, and floating boats are out in the pool. These swims are all about the kids having fun!
Drop-In Fitness March 16-28
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Sensible Strength 9:15-10:15 am
Pilates/Yoga 9:15-10:15 am
Bodyshock 9:15-10:15 am
Yoga 9:15-10:15 am
Tone & Stretch 9:15-10:15 am
Moderate Moves 10:20-11:20 am
Step It Up 10:20-11:20 am
Fit & Functional 10:20-11:20 am
Stretch Appeal 10:20-11:20 am
Moderate Moves 10:20-11:20 am
Strong & Mobile 11:25 am-12:25 pm
Interval Fusion 11:25 am-12:25 pm
3,2,1, H.I.I.T. It! 5:30-6:15 pm
Power Circuit 5:30-6:15 pm
Music
Active Living Guide
Did you get your copy of the Spring/Summer Active Living Guide? Stop by the Recreation Complex for a free copy.
Spring Break Schedule March 16th– March 29th, 2020 Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Shinny Hockey 13 – 17 years 11:45 – 1:15pm
Shinny Hockey 50 & Over 10:00 – 11:30am
Shinny Hockey 13 – 17 years 11:45 – 1:15pm
Shinny Hockey 50 & Over 10:00 – 11:30am
Family Skate 11:00 – 1:00pm
Everyone Welcome Skate 1:30 pm – 3:00
Shinny Hockey 18 years & over 11:45 – 1:15pm
Shinny Hockey 18 years & over 11:45 – 1:15pm
Shinny Hockey 13 – 17 years 11:45 – 1:15pm
Shinny Hockey 12 and under 1:30 – 3:30pm
Shinny Hockey Under 12 years 1:30 – 3:00pm
Toonie Skate 3:30 – 5:00pm
Saturday
Friday, March 6 Festival of Performing Arts Grand Concert
Sunday
Everyone Welcome Everyone Welcome Skate Skate Noon – 2:00 pm Noon – 1:30 pm
(No session March 28) (No session March 29)
Parent and Child Hockey 5:45 – 7:15pm
(No session March 27)
Friday Night Out Everyone Welcome 7:00 – 9:00pm (No session March 27)
Monkey Dragon
Sunday, March 22
9 pm, Wildwood Pub
Thursday, March 12 PRISMA Spring Concert
7:30 pm, Max Cameron. See Page 40.
Find us on Facebook @PowellRiverParksRecCulture
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• March 2020 • prliving.ca
7 pm, Wildwood Pub
Simon Hay Solo
7 pm, Wildwood Pub
Friday, March 27 Ever Lovin’ Jug Band & guests 9 pm, Wildwood Pub
Ben Wayne Kyle & Walter Martella
Junk
8 pm, Jazz at the Wildwood Pub
McKinney’s
Saturday, March 14
Saturday, March 28
Newfish interactive Irish band
Vinyl Flip Record Swap
7 pm, Carlson Community Club. Members $15, non-members $20.
1-4 pm, Townsite Public Market.
Scout Mountain
9 pm, Wildwood Pub
9 pm, Wildwood Pub
Sunday, March 15 Joe Stanton Solo
7 pm, Wildwood Pub
Monday, March 16 Martyn Joseph
7:30 pm, Cran Hall. $25 in advance from Eventbrite.ca or Pat Buckna.
Friday, March 20 Mary Mary Cafe, Texada. $20.
www.powellriverPRC.ca
7:30 pm, Cranberry Hall. $20 at eventbrite.ca or from Pat Buckna.
Townsite Brewing 8th Anniversary & Brewers Coast Tap Takeover
Pierre Schryer & Adam Dobres
Parks • Recreation • Culture
Pierre Schryer & Adam Dobres
7 pm, Evergreen Theatre Also note: Speech Arts March 2 to 3; (Evergreen); Dance March 4 & 5.
Friday, March 13
Yoga 5:30-6:30 pm
Everyone Welcome Skate 5:00 – 7:00pm
the Prinsengracht, the canal we know so well from Anne Frank,” explained PRISMA Artistic Director Arthur Arnold. Arnold’s repertoire choices for the 2020 PRISMA Festival will commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands by Canadian Forces.
Go Swimming!
Monday
Ease Fit 11:25 am-12:25 pm
PRISMA keeps history alive
Saturday, March 21 Tribal Journey Fundraiser: Small Town Artillery
Indian Tacos sales start at 6 pm. Doors open at 6:30, Concert at 7 pm. $20 at Governance House ($22.20 at the door). drew.blaney@tn-bc.ca.
DJ Tala Mike Dance Dennis Fox and the New Tornadoes The Legion.
Sunday, March 29 Mark Crissinger Solo 7 pm, Wildwood Pub
April 1 to 4 Townsite Jazz fest (early April) See Page 8.
Wednesday, April 1 Casati
7 pm, Mary Mary Café, Texada. Folk trio from Winnipeg.
Thursday, April 9 Eve Daniell, soprano with Rykie Avenant, piano
7:30 pm, James Hall. Admission $20. Students 18 & under free with voucher.
MLA FOR POWELL RIVER-SUNSHINE COAST
Nicholas Simons
Spring Break Planner Spring Break – March 14 to 29 – can be a serious challenge for parents. With two full weeks to fill, and unpredictable weather (will it be winter-like or summer-like?),
Camps & Lessons • Day Camps at the Recreation Complex (See ad Page 48) • Swim Lessons (See ad Page 48) • Library Comics Camp (Page 38) • Gymnastics Club Day Camps (Page 35) • The Art Centre Public Gallery • Gumboots Studio
plus pesky jobs getting in the way of family fun, thank goodness PRL is here to help you make the most of this long, busy fortnight.
Free & Cheap things to do
Ice Rink • Pool • Disc Golf • Library • Tennis in Townsite • Bike Park • The new playgrounds • Powell River Museum • Texada Museum • Texada Aviation Museum • The beaches • The trails • Bike Inland Lake • Open a bank account • Volunteer Powell River
POWELL RIVER CONSTITUENCY OFFICE 109 - 4675 Marine Ave 604 485 1249 nicholas.simons.mla@leg.bc.ca
Spring Break Events Kids & Teens Might Like To March 25
Tuesday, March 21
Nina Mussellam: Explorations in Fiber Arts
Kiwanis Giant Book Sale
March 13 – 17
Tribal Journey Fundraiser: Small Town Artillery
Art show at VIU Powell River
The Call of the Wild – Tentative 7 pm nightly at The Patricia
Saturday, March 14 Texada Aviation Museum Open House
1:30 to 4:30, Texada Airport Hangar #8. Displays, slide shows, hot dogs & refreshments. Call to reserve the flight simulator: $20 per half hour: 604-223-2588.
Seedy Saturday
10 – 1 pm, 4943 Kiwanis Ave
Evergreen Theatre. Indian Tacos sales start at 6 pm, Doors open at 6:30, Concert at 7 pm. $20 at Governance House ($22.20 at the door). drew.blaney@tn-bc.ca.
Wednesday, March 22 Popsicle Stick Monsters
1 to 3 pm, Town Centre Mall. Free workshop for kids.
March 23 to April 29
9:30 to 2:30, Recreation Complex. Our annual seed swap, silent auction, workshops and vendor event. $3 admission gets a ticket on the vendor basket. 12 and under are free. Seed packs at the swap table are only $1.
Heather Passmore’s Motherwork exhibition
Rising Tides & Storytelling Climate Change
“Itch Meets Scratch” Giovanni Spezzacatena show opening
7 pm, The Art Centre. Join editor Catriona Sandilands, ‘Rising Tides’ anthology contributors and local writers for readings, discussion, and refreshments.
Spinning Yarn Workshop 2 pm, Library. Join master spinner Vanessa Bjerreskov for an introduction on how to spin your own yarn using a spindle. To Register call 604-485-4796 Ext. 206.
Tuesday, March 17 St. Patrick’s Day
At The Art Centre.
Thursday, March 26 7 to 8:30 pm, VIU. Recent textural abstract works on/in wood panels by Giovanni Spezzacatena aka Rabideye. com coupled with text. Using acrylic, beeswax, found objects, copper and rust patina, this body of work evokes architecture, decay, natural elements and bursting apart. Works for sale.
Regional Childcare Planning Project Report Back to the Community
March 20 & 21 Book Making Workshop
Workbee at Blueberry Commons co-housing
Sonic the Hedgehog – Tentative 7 pm nightly at The Patricia (see Website for matinees)
Library. Join expert bookmaker Stuart Isto and learn how to make your own bound book from scratch. To Register call 604-485-4796 Ext. 206.
Think Real Estate.
Saturday, March 28 Rec Complex. Info tables & food 11:30 am to 1 pm. Free Swim 1:30 to 4 pm. If you gave childcare advice to local government lately – and even if you didn’t – you’re invited to find out what they discovered. Make it a full afternoon with childminding (11:30 to 1 pm only), refreshments, plus a free swim.
March 20 – 24
YOUR REPRESENTATIVE IN THE BC LEGISLATURE
9 til noon. Pruning, seeding, building and planting. All welcome. info@blueberrycommons.ca
GriffithsProperties.com val@griffithsproperties.com
604 483-6930
POWELL RIVER LIVING • March 2020 •
49
Powell River’s historic district is getting ready for its closeup once again, when the third annual Townsite Jazz Festival swings back into town April 1-4. Evening concerts will feature the likes of Pierre Komen, Walter Martella, Miles Black, Phil Dwyer, Jodi Proznick, Oliver Gannon, Bill Coon, Mazacote, and more. Student ensembles from School District 47, Capilano University, Carson Graham Secondary and Oak Bay High School will round out the lineup, opening for the pros at every show. Tickets are $20 per concert, on sale now at Ecossentials, Townsite Brewing and at townsitejazz.com – but with some venues as small as 40 seats, they aren’t likely to last long! For an afternoon of kid-friendly fun, don’t miss the Ash Avenue Amble – a multi-concert open afternoon on April 4 where three Townsite venues will play host to 10 different performances over a fourhour period, all within one block of one another. Festival organizer Paul Cummings uses the Amble
50
• March 2020 • prliving.ca
TOWNSITE JAZZ FEST What: Four days of student and professional jazz concerts, from Powell River and beyond plus an “amble,” all in Townsite When: April 1 to 4 More: www.townsitejazz.com as a chance to win over even the most steadfast of jazz skeptics by offering up a smorgasbord of options and creating new and unique combinations between local and out-of-town artists. “There’s so much variety,” he says. “People can go from place to place at their own leisure and have a completely fresh sound come their way.” Between noon and 4 pm, attendees might find Vancouver vocalist Katherine Penfold jazzing up a few soul covers in the Rodmay Hotel’s Rainbow Room, Andy Rice and Ron Campbell barking out the blues at Townsite Brewing, or Powell River’s own Steve Carson holding court at Dwight Hall with some special guests. Plus, an all-star jam session featuring some of Canada’s finest musicians will christen the new tie dye-embellished Courtenay Pollock Stage. Children 12 and under will be admitted to the Amble free of charge, making for an afternoon that is as affordable as it is inspiring. - all photos by Robert Colasanto
Come on babe, why don’t we paint the town?
Townsite Jazz Fest is back for its third year POWELL RIVER LIVING • March 2020 •
51
TAKE A BREAK
Science is catching up with ancient wisdom Return to Reverence ~ working with elements of the natural world Kathleen Holzermayr, RHN Wellness Package Sessions Individual Nutritional Sessions Personal Chef Services holznutrition@gmail.com 604-616-8342
holzononutrition.com
Improve health care in Powell River. Donate to the Powell River Hospital Foundation. 604 485-3211 ext 4349 | 5000 Joyce Avenue, Powell River, V8A 5R3
www.prhospitalfoundation.com
Lund Water Taxi 604-483-9749 Daily runs to Savary Island • Charters serving Savary Island & surrounding areas, including Sunshine Coast Trail • Phone for reservations • Phone hours 8 am – 6 pm
5814 Ash Avenue
604-483-4130
local76@unifor76.ca
Thursday, March 5 7 PM, All Tickets $8.75 The magical world of fungi and their power to heal, sustain and contribute to the regeneration of life on Earth.
Y O U T H FESTIVAL
ARE INANIMATE OBJECTS CONSCIOUS?: A well-loved boat, doll, car or sweater can feel like a best friend. Treat them so, and see what happens. open for the rest of the household. For some, this association of consciousness within inanimate objects will come easily and naturally, for others, it may take a little searching around to find a fit to demonstrate. What medicine people have long known, is interacting with the consciousness of all things is a mainstay for keeping in right relationships and living in reciprocity. A mutual and supportive give-and-receive. When building a new home, the land spirits are consulted to avoid conflicting interests or affront. When foraging for plant medicines or
wild crafting, permission is sought and a “gift” is left. The first Harvest might be offered back as a token of gratitude in return for taking home the bounty of a full crop. These are practices in various cultures even in modern times. Why not choose to purposefully engage with the spirit of things around us in our day-to-day living. Encourage our old car to keep on truckin’. Speak kindly to our trusty coffee maker. Call out an invitation of return to those lost keys. How might our world view change if we spoke to all things as friend?”
The Whale and The Raven
Woman at War
A First Nation village is torn between the wish to protect its territory and the pressure to cope with big investors. All Tickets $8.75
Funny, moving and utterly unique, Halla juggles the adoption of a beautiful little girl whilst planning her final act of industrial sabotage.
Friday, March 6 – 7 PM
Saturday, March 7 7 PM, All tickets $8.75
Films by Youth – Sunday March 8 10:00 AM – 1 minute films + winners of 5 minute film contest – by donation
What will you find at the Townsite Public Market? 52
W
hat do animists, shamanists, panpsychists, quantum theorists and certain neuroscientists all have in common? The concept that consciousness permeates all things! I have an affinity for witnessing science “catch up” to ancient wisdom, and this was my most recent experience of such. Physicists and neuroscientists are quickly adopting the view that inanimate objects such as rocks, plants, even human-made items like chairs and automobiles, due to their arrangement and integration of particles, have a simplistic consciousness of their own. It’s old knowledge that may change how we view our current modern world. Many of us have felt a sense of presence within objects, even if we weren’t completely cognizant of such. Think perhaps to an inherited grandmother’s kitchen table, or your father’s favourite recliner. There is a “feel” to it, an aliveness or an innate wisdom. Some of this is certainly due to our loved one’s repeated interactions, but it heightens our awareness to the feeling an inanimate object may posses. We might also consider our favourite childhood teddy bear, beloved blanket, or a crystal we are drawn to carry in our pocket. Perhaps it is something with a Trickster nature, like the cupboard door that sneakily opens just after we shut it, and we sass it for doing so, yet it doesn’t pop
Fantastic Fungi
Engaging Cinema Engaging Minds
Patricia Theatre
JULIETTE WOODS offers card readings, shamanic sessions, medicine gatherings, and immersion programs online and in-person. Find her at 3FoldBalance.com and returntoreverence.ca
• March 2020 • prliving.ca
Art Housewares Gifts Beauty Clothes Climbing Grocery Crafting Kids Baked Goods ...and so much more!
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Ice, snow and January in PRL
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GALLERY & STUDIO
Powell River Schools 38
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5) Smallest elementary 6) Two credits, not a fight 7) Southern school 8) SD47 learns on traditional territory of 9) Day off for kids, not teachers 10) Old school on Manson 12) Student transporters 15) Elected reps 18) Outdoor adventure tourism acronym 19) See the sea 20) Take it to the Brooks Theatre 21) Immersion language 24) High school principal, paper money 25) French school 27) Crazy outdoor centre 29) Landy, not Fleming, bonds Edgehill 30) Papa’s program, high-brow movie 32) Edgehill bike group 34) Cranberry? or Westview? Close to a bluff 35) Grief Point’s new tenants 36) Hot metal
1) Old idea for spring break education 2) Old school closed, but history runs deep 3) Old high school, new theatre, movie director 4) Kitchen arts 9) Teacher’s group (acronym) 11) Where uniforms informed on tenets 12) Former King is Kelly Creek principal 13) Edgehill’s student leader program 14) Church school 16) Academy location (old school name) 17) University acronym 19) Organization time for Brooks, not California 22) Pictured school’s sunny name 23) Homeschool’s delicious acronym 24) and Scanlon, high school 26) College for ESL 27) Cutting, but not for salad 28) Newest 31) Pictured School former name 33) Secure digital card, or district abbreviation
Does your pet look like you?
Send us a picture! Powell River Living will publish the best pets and their people look-a-like pictures in the May issue. Email your pic to isabelle@prliving.ca and you could win a prize for your pet.
Closed Tuesdays Open 10 am - 4:30 pm The Lund Resort at Klah Ah Men
604 414-0474 ext 302 • debrabevaartcreations.com
Perimeter Tiles / Drainage Landscape Preparation Certified Onsite Wastewater Systems Excavating & Site Services 604 487 0466 Rock Walls Serving the Sunshine Coast for 27 Years Office: 604-487-0466 • Cell: 604-208-2010
6 6 Excavations 6 6 Drainage & Erosion Control 6 6 Site & Underground Services Septic Systems type I & II PL IN
1 2 E P Sand Y Y Gravel 7 M E A T Soils MP S H
CLARKE FULLER ROWP CELL
60412P208 A T2010 R 13I C I A
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Solution for last month’s puzzle: Love & service in Powell River
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D D I
N A N C Y G
POWELL RIVER LIVING • March 2020 •
53
Women’s Labour League born
International Women’s Day
100 years later –
We’ve come a long way…
It was in 1920 when the Women’s Labour League emerged in Canada. Modelled on the British Women’s League, the organization defended female workers and called for equal pay, maternity leave, birth control and minimum wage laws. Self-employment was not a common choice for the 17.7 per cent of women age 14 years and older who were part of the labour force in Canada in 1921. According to the Canadian Encyclopedia, by 1921, 65% of all women workers were in clerical, domestic service and professional (mainly teaching and nursing) occupations. As well, women earned about half of what men made.
First woman to become a Federal MP
In 1921 Agnes MacPhail became the first woman elected as a federal member of Parliament. Women had only been granted the right to hold political office in Parliament two years earlier.
maybe
Last Word
BY ISABELLE SOUTHCOTT | isabelle@prliving.ca
O
ne hundred years ago, women in Canada were making waves. No longer content with the status quo, some of the changes they’d been fighting for were finally beginning to happen. The old idea that men and women existed in separate spheres in society with men assuming responsibility for business and politics and women taking on the domestic role of caring for children, cooking and cleaning, was changing as women continued to campaign for social, economic, and cultural rights. The end of World War I brought a major shift in the traditional roles that men and women had previously held as many men had left their jobs behind to fight in the war and women were brought into the labour force. Even so, men still earned 30 to 50 percent more than women working in the same position and domestic service was the most common female occupation.
Welcome to the twenties. The 1920s.
Rob Villani
Stacey Fletcher
BC first Canadian province to give women maternity leave
1921 was also the year that British Columbia passed an act that grants women six weeks maternity leave before and after giving birth. This act was the first of its kind in Canada. No other Canadian jurisdiction had maternity leave until 1964, almost 40 years later. In 2020, benefits provide up to 15 weeks of regular maternity benefits. There are additional time and benefits available in the parental benefit plan.
First flapper on TV
In 1922 Clara Bow became the first flapper on television. Soon after, she was one of the most popular actresses in Hollywood and came to personify the flapper as an iconic symbol of the 1920s female. Flappers were a generation of young western women in the 1920s who wore short skirts, bobbed their hair, listened to jazz and flaunted their disdain for what was then considered acceptable behaviour.
First female cabinet minister
In 1921 Irene Parlby was appointed as the first female cabinet minister in Canada and second in the British
Katya Buck
Local Lawyers - ready to assist you with all your Real Estate needs: buying or selling.
54
• March 2020 • prliving.ca
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Empire. She held this position for 14 years and advocated for the rights of rural women and children.
Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland
In 1922, white women in Prince Edward Island won the right to vote in their province. In 1925, white women in Newfoundland age 25 or older, won the right to vote.
Women can divorce husbands
In 1925 the Federal Divorce Law changed to allow a woman to divorce her husband on the same grounds as a man. This law gave a powerful status to women by granting them access to family assets, certain property rights and more importantly, considering them equal to men in marriage.
Women become persons
In 1929 the historic decision to include women in the legal definition of “persons” was handed down by Canada’s highest court of appeal. Earlier, the Supreme Court of Canada had ruled that women were not persons under the law and the Famous Five appealed this ruling to the Privy Council of London, England. With the passing of this law, women were legally considered persons for the first time ever and could work political positions through the Senate and House of Commons.
First female broadcaster
In 1929 Anna Dexter – Queen of the Airwaves – became Canada’s first female broadcaster on the radio station CHNS in Halifax. She gained a regular audience with her six days a week morning program where she talked about local news and events.
Canada’s Olympic team includes women
In 1928 Canada’s Olympic team included women for the first time! Seven Canadian women competed in the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics, six of whom were sprinters that won gold in their relay event.
Minimum Wage
BC was the first province to adopt a minimum wage for men in its Men’s Minimum Wage Act of 1925. That same year, Alberta politician and activist Irene Parlby successfully sponsored the Minimum Wage for Women Act in Alberta.
Did you know that?
Powell River’s Judi Tyabji was the first Indo-Canadian woman elected to the Legislative Assembly (1991) and the first member to give birth while in office (1992). Judi, was the youngest elected member of the elected legislative assembly when she was elected to represent Okanagan East. She is also a writer, local farmer, and hosted a daily talk show on Victoria-based CHEK-TV.
Our goal is to provide quick, responsive services, creative solutions and sophisticated strategies for our clients
Phoenix Plaza • 604 485-6188 • villaniandco.com
T&R exavators might be used to: Dig holes for foundations Install water and sewer lines Landscape a yard Clear and grade land Site preparation Build a road or driveway Create a rock wall Install a lock block wall Break up rocks Dig holes for utility poles Install perimeter drain Dig ditches Create a garden path or walkway
T&R crews can also:
Blast rock Bring a crusher to turn rock into aggregate on-site Deliver bulk potable water Barge to remote locations Move dirt or gravel to difficult locations with a slinger truck Help you choose aggregate and rocks Recommend and supply garden products
T&R equipment includes:
CLEAR IT - DIG IT - PREP IT - ROCK IT
O
n a mound of dirt above the Sunshine Coast Health Centre, Frank McCorkell has a fantastic view up and down the sunsparkled waters of Malaspina Strait and across to Texada Island. But he’s not looking at it. Instead, his eyes are focused on the dirt below the arm of T&R Contracting’s 160 Hitachi excavator. Frank’s eyes always go to the ground, as he has spent 30 years operating excavating equipment. And while the average person sees just dirt, Frank is able to envision what will be. Whether he’s at the helm of the big excavator, or T&R’s mid-size 270 Komatsu or the little 303 Caterpillar, Frank is always looking at what can be done with what others might see as just dirt and rocks. Frank works hard to help T&R’s customers see what he sees. “I spend time with them and get to know what they’re looking for. Often they don’t really know what they want, so we have a chat and I outline options. If they want a rock wall, I don’t want to just build it as I would like it. I get to know what they want so I can give them what they’re looking for. What we do can be quite involved, and I like to make sure they get good value and an end product they’re happy with,” says Frank. There’s plenty of competition in the excavating business, but T&R’s operators have a distinct advantage that benefits their customers – they also own a gravel pit, sand pit and rock quarry, the core of the T&R business.
Dump Trucks 1-Ton Delivery Truck Potable Bulk Water Truck Hydro Vac Truck 303.5 Excavator 200 Front End Loader 450 Loader 470 Loader Screeners Mobile Crusher 72” Roller Compactor Coast Hydro Excavating Truck Truck, Pup and Low Bed Slinger Truck Hiab Truck 160 Excavator 270 Excavator 330 Excavators Rock Crushers Rock Truck Road Grader Rock Hammers Rock Crushers Rock Screeners
T&R’s quarry can provide:
From huge boulders fit for a breakwater to the “fines” dust that packs down with gravel on industrial roads, the foundation of the T&R Contracting business is, literally, rock. But even more important are the people, like Frank, who can look at dirt and see so much more.
3 great companies, 1 easy call
T&R Contracting operates from the headquarters in Paradise Valley next to Valley Building, but the secret of their success is that there are actually three companies across which they can share their equipment and workforce. T&R Contracting focuses on clearing, digging, prepping and providing sand & gravel. Coast Hydro Excavating does underground construction with accurate and low-impact water drilling. Rural Septic Services does pumping of septic tanks, installation of septic systems, repairs, Porta-Potty and hand wash station rentals, grease trap cleaning, RVs, and boats. All can be reached by calling 604-485-2234.
www.tandrcontracting.ca 604-485-2234 • 4240 Padgett Rd tandroffice@gmail.com
Open Mon-Fri 7 am - 4 pm (winter hours) April-June open until 5 pm & Sat 9-4 Closed Saturdays July and August Open Saturdays in September
Bedding sand Masonry sand Navijack Pea Gravel Drain Rock 1/2” Clear Crush 3/4” Clear Crush 3/4” Minus Granite 3/8” Minus Crush 3” Clear 6” Clear 1’-2’ Granite Hand-Picked Boulders Pit Run 3” Minus Road Mulch 3/4” or 1” Minus Road Mulch Decorative River Rock 2” River Rock Mixed River Rock Oversize River Rock
Visit the T&R Garden Centre for: Potting soil Mushroom manure Fish Compost Garden mix Landscape mix Bark Mulch
POWELL RIVER LIVING • March 2020 •
55
sup We l po ove com rtin mu g ou nit r y!
Celebrating our first
Thank you Powell River!
spectacular
year in business
We look forward to keeping your money in your pocket. Sell your $400,000 home
SUNNY DAWN
Owner/Realtor® 25+ Years in Real Estate
through 2% Realty with our FULL SERVICE MLS and realtor.ca and you
KRYSTYNA
Unlicensed Assistant * WIll be a licensed realtor in March 2020
604-223-7527
krystyna.nessman@2percentrealty.ca
save $7,000
sunny.dawn@2percentrealty.ca
What will you do with your money? sunshinecoast.2percentrealty.ca “Keep your money in your pocket, 2% is FAIR.”
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604-414-7372
2 PERCENT REALTY Sunshine Coast Inc. #102-4400 Marine Avenue, Powell River, BC • March 2020 • prliving.ca