THE No. 11
BEACON
Shedding light on the communities from Horseshoe Bay to West Bay
July 2015
A West Vancouver Treasure
One of Canadian Golf Magazine’s best golf courses in Canada - 2014
May Day Thank You
8
10
Travel Notes
14
PG
PG
5
Fisherman’s Market
PG
New Condos
PG
Gleniffer
PG
In This Issue 3
Photo: Courtesy of District of West Vancouver
Landscape Design
Your Garden ...Our Pleasure
Installation
604.802.5272
Maintenance
BLOOMINGFIELDS GARDEN CARE AND DESIGN INC.
bloomingfieldsdigs.ca
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July 2015
opinion TEAM
The case against Enlightenment
Chris Stringer Publisher
chrisstringer@westvanbeacon.ca
Lindy Pfeil Lindy Pfeil Editor
lindypfeil@westvanbeacon.ca
Penny Mitchell Advertising
pennymitchell@westvanbeacon.ca
Melissa Baker Creative Director
melissabaker@westvanbeacon.ca
Submissions for The Beacon
The Beacon is delivered bi-monthly to 3800+ households between Horseshoe Bay and West Bay. For submission guidelines and queries, please e-mail the Editor: lindypfeil@westvanbeacon.ca Please note that all submissions are subject to space constraints and editing. For advertising queries, please e-mail the Director of Marketing: pennymitchell@westvanbeacon.ca For all other queries, please e-mail the Publisher: chrisstringer@westvanbeacon.ca
M
y family and friends will tell you that I chat with strangers all the time. I don’t wake up in the morning with the express aim of finding new people to talk to, but somehow it happens. Most of the time I am delighted with these unexpected encounters. They leave me feeling “fuller”, with a tiny bit more insight into the hopes, wishes and longings we all share. So when I crossed paths unexpectedly with a human who said he had discovered the ten truths that could lead me to enlightenment, I was hooked. Most days I feel as though I’m nothing more than a bubbling stew of contradictions, so any organisational assistance for the inside of my head is highly appealing. He seemed far more zen than I could ever hope to be. He had interesting hair, and clear eyes, and I’m a bit of a sucker for slightly off-centre conversation. So I waited. If I proved worthy, he promised, he would perhaps share more than the first principle with me. He could help me fix my broken life, he smiled. That should have been my first clue. But I was momentarily distracted by his sparkly teeth, so didn’t pay close enough attention to the anxious niggle in my solar plexus. After listening carefully, I did in fact take issue with his first premise. He called me defensive. I asked a few more questions, and with each of his responses I became more uncomfortable. Visions of Little Red Riding Hood flitted through my head. What shiny teeth you have! I enquired,
quite politely I thought, what his life would look like once he reached this state of enlightenment. He looked me squarely in the eye, his gaze clouding just slightly, as he said he was already living it. Which is when I realised exactly what it was that I was feeling. It’s called judgement. Now I know judgement. Fairly intimately. I suspect we all do. And the thing about judgement is that it leaves no room for curiosity. Or compassion. Or even for compassion’s baby brother, tolerance. Judgement divides the world into us and them: those who are like us, and those who aren’t, with no room for the myriad variations in between. And it’s so self-righteous that it can’t see beyond its own holier-than-thou nose. And I know this only because I have been guilty of practicing it myself. But the really dangerous thing about judgement is that it unleashes all our insecurities. Our own perceived failings. And it ignites that most paralysing of all emotions – shame. He accused me of being ditsy (that was the exact word he used). Of not having a plan. Of failing to have an unwavering opinion, or taking a stand. Of compromising. And he was right of course. On all counts. He was passionate about his lifestyle. And that’s admirable. But his anger at his parents and his partners, and his intolerance for other, less enlightened souls, was palpable. And somehow it became directed at me. His voice grew louder and louder and I felt it sucking me in. Quicksand. Leaving exposed all my inadequacies as a wife, a mother, a friend, a human being really. When he told me that it was my turn to speak, I couldn’t. I did what I have never before done. I turned around and left. He accused me of running away. I was crying so hard that I couldn’t respond. But he was right. Again. I was running away. With no
woodchopper in sight, flight seemed the only option. David Whyte, one of my favourite poets (and people) of all time, speaks of solace as the art of asking beautiful questions in un-beautiful circumstances. I spent some time thinking about the un-beautifulness of this particular circumstance. My first, knee-jerk questions were not pretty. I wallowed in the ugly for a while. Then I took a deep breath, and started digging a little deeper in the dirt. And I think I uncovered the beautiful question, the one I will carry with me as a result of this unbeautiful encounter. And the question is this: is there ever, truly, a reason to be unkind? I wish you all a summer of peace, laughter, love…and kindness. As I walk the Camino de Santiago, in the footsteps of St Francis of Assisi, I’ll not be seeking answers. Only beautiful questions. (Thankyou David.) xo Lindy
Photo: Lindy Pfeilt Lindy’s purple pack, Petunia, whose path along the Camino del Norte will be recorded on instagram. com_lindypf.
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July 2015
PAGE 3
Gleniffer, the centre of attention Rafe Reminiscing Rafe Mair
J
ust after the war my father bought the Gleniffer, 45 feet overall. This was quite a craft. It was originally a Chinese junk, brought to British Columbia to be converted into a pleasure cruiser. Unhappily, the owner went broke and the junk lay at the mouth of the Fraser up on a sandbank for many years. It was rescued by a well-to-do lumberman who converted it to the power cruiser it became, and a wonderful job he did. The Gleniffer was solid teak and, while by no means modern looking, was as stately as a dowager Queen and always the centre of attention. Dad became an instant Captain Bligh. There was a new yachting cap, with a badge of indeterminate origin, and new salty nautical jargon which we were all expected to understand. As time went on, we got a ship to shore radio, and my father became a “Sparks”, hailing vessels all over
the nearby ocean. He really came into his own when he became Staff Captain of the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club which entitled him to a cap with a legitimate badge and, of course, a similar badge for his blue blazer. Nothing would do until we had a special warrant to fly the Blue Ensign which was much like the old Canadian flag, but blue. Somehow it was important and prestigious. When he received this, it was proudly flown as if the Gleniffer had had something to do with the thrashing of the Spanish Armada.
Gleniffer today Chris Stringer
The Gleniffer is now owned by Tom Burnett on Saltspring Island. Tom grew up in Caulfeild Cove, and explains that “as a boy I used my Province paper route money to buy an old Sewell’s rental clinker built putt boat. I would voyage to Fisherman’s Cove to check on my favourite boat, Gleniffer. This slim and dignified teak yacht has touched many lives over the last 103 years.” Gleniffer has an information web site, gleniffer.ca.
Photo: Courtesy of Tom Burnett
Gleniffer in 2012.
Doctor’s orders: Rx - Summer Wilhelm Hofmeyr
M
y prescription to you, SUMMER. A full dose daily, and to be taken until the prescription runs
At Wigwam Inn in the 1920s.
Photo: Courtesy of Tom Burnett
out! A summer of wholesome goodness, increased activity on the water, in the mountains, sunlight, food and fluids… social interaction.
docsonthebay.ca A warm, friendly, inclusive, place in Horseshoe Bay where you and your family will receive physician,counselling, physiotherapy attention and care.
Create a positive shift towards wellness with the season. Embrace it. Take care and beware: (side-effects) Injury: gradually condition your body for increased movement and strength to avoid injury. Sun exposure: it’s just not worth it. Moderate your alcohol intake: overuse puts a strain on your relationships. If your wellness is challenged, consciously draw from the healing energy of summer in a way that makes sense for your situation.
BY APPOINTMENT OR JUST DROP IN:
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Raising the bar for health and wellness delivery in the community, for the community
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July 2015
our history
Pete Larson’s ranch and apple orchards Caulfeild History Francis Mansbridge
P
eter “Pete” Larson’s entrepreneurial ventures left a lasting imprint on the North Shore. In 1890 he pre-empted ninety hectares, D.L. 771 for a reported $370.50. This included two kilometers of the waterfront, stretching from the west end of Eagle Island to Garrow Bay. Here he erected a number of buildings, including a caretaker’s shack, barn, chicken
house, and blacksmith’s shed and forge. His orchard and vegetable garden was cultivated and maintained by his caretaker “Dutch Bill”. Much of the produce went to grace the tables of his two North Vancouver hotels, the Hotel North Vancouver near the foot of Lonsdale, and the Canyon View Hotel at Second Canyon on the Capilano River. The former, a residential hotel, was the social and political center of the North Shore, while the latter was a popular tourist resort. Access to his property was difficult in the early years, with the trail of Keith Road providing arduous access by land. Travel by water was easier, with Terminal Steam Navigation providing service to Eagle Har-
bour. Dutch Bill could also row out to meet a ship, from which he would unload passengers and provisions. When the Pacific Great Eastern Railway opened its route from North Vancouver to Dundarave on January 1, 1914, and later that year to Whytecliff, Larson seized the opportunity. He allowed the PGE use of his land for transit, but required they build a station here, even though Whytecliff station was a scant half mile further on. This gave him an easier means of importing supplies, some of which he used to build a large house west of what became the sixth green of Gleneagles Golf Course, where his apple and cherry trees still grow.
And going the other way, the produce from his land now had easy access to North Vancouver. A boathouse and bathhouse were also much used by both the Larsons and numerous visitors. Development at Fisherman’s Cove and Garrow Bay after World War I led to increased assessment values for Larson, and higher taxes than he was able or willing to pay. In 1926 his property was acquired for $100,000, the price of his unpaid taxes. Part of this land was developed as Gleneagles Golf Course. Pete lived on until 1934.
Gleneagles Golf Course by
I
James Slaney
n 1926 Larson Farmlands was purchased by developer Frank Merrick who planned on building an oceanside community around a golf course. He hired golf course designer A.V.Macan, an Irishman who had designed Qualicum and Royal Colwood in 1913, Marine Drive in 1922 and Shaughnessy in 1926. Gleneagles opened for golf in 1927. Unfortunately, the 1929 economic crash curtailed the development and the golf course came under different private ownerships until 1958 when municipal solicitor, and avid Gleneagles golfer, Harvey Sedgewick, persuaded the District of West Vancouver to purchase the course. Community support was overwhelming. “It was 1970 when I started to golf here
and the course would be closed regularly due to excessive rain. Now, due to the excellent drainage, the stability of the fairways, the quality of the grass and the excellent maintenance, this place compares with any course in Vancouver, ” says Don Smith, who goes on to say, “I’ve played all over the world. If you can play Gleneagles, you can play anywhere”. In 2014 the District’s commitment to Gleneagles was rewarded when the golf course was recognized as one of the best 9-hole courses in Canada by Canadian Golf Magazine. Playing golf at Gleneagles amidst the backdrop of mountains, Larson Bay and the ocean vistas is a memorable experience. Many of us use golf as the excuse to stroll through this extraordinary place again and again. Try it, if you haven’t already, and you’ll see why this is another West Vancouver jewel.
Apple Valley.
Photo: Glenn Owen
Great Putt.
Photo: Glenn Owen
July 2015
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mountains to sea
Greener golf at Gleneagles Elspeth Bradbury
U
ntil recently a description of a ‘well-kept’ golf course often meant vast swaths of close-cropped turf requiring constant applications of insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, fertilizers and water; in other words it meant a landscape on life support. It was only a matter of time before the question arose – does a pleasurable game of golf have to imply the creation of an unfriendly natural environment, even a kind of ecological desert? Audubon International thought not. (This organization incidentally has no connection with the National Audubon Society, which focuses on birds.) Audubon International set up a certification program that required golf courses to meet certain standards for “protecting the environment, conserving natural resources and providing wildlife habitat”. Two years ago, Gleneagles Golf Course began a process that would lead to an Audubon International application. They started by examining the design of the course and its mowing regime. They set aside ‘roughs’ and created buffer zones along Larson Creek where the grass was allowed to grow to six inches and was mown only three times a year. They also installed more efficient sprinkler heads and allowed some areas to dry out in summer. Short grass needs intensive maintenance and the shorter it is, the more needy it becomes. Fairway grass, which used to be mown daily to about half an inch is now cut to an inch and a half. To help deal with weeds and disease,
they began to top-dress the turf with sand, and this practice, along with frequent aeration, has improved the drainage. By testing the soil before adding chemical amendments, they have cut fertilizer application in half. Today they use no insecticides or herbicides. Persistent dew encourages fungal problems but a new roller quickly sweeps it from the grass blades. Only the nine greens, which are mown down to an eighth of an inch, still have to be treated with fungicide, but even this application has been halved. It was part of the new strategy to involve the community. The District takes water samples from Larson Creek four times a year, and West Vancouver Streamkeepers help with the water quality analysis. Paul Berlinguette of the North Shore Wetland Partners has promoted the installation of two bat condominiums. These will house up to 500 bats that will help to keep mosquitoes in check. Daniel Hill, who is Golf Club Captain of the Men’s Division, is organizing two events per year to remove invasive plants such as English ivy. This year he has helped to acquire twenty birdhouses, which were built by volunteers in the carpentry shop at the Seniors’ Centre. He has also begun to take part in the Lower Howe Sound Christmas bird count, which is facilitated by Bird Studies Canada and includes the golf course area. Plans for future improvements include the redesign of parking areas and asphalt pathways to reduce run-off into storm sewers, as well as a modernized wash station for mowing equipment, which will capture contaminants and recycle the water. Congratulations to the management, maintenance staff and all those who are helping to turn Gleneagles into a truly ‘well-kept’ golf course!
Photo: Courtesy of Marshall Bauman Dan Henegar, Manager of Parks, arboriculture and horticulture, examines nesting boxes before their installation around the course.
Photo: Courtesy of Marshall Bauman The bats that take up residence in this new condominium will help to control mosquitoes.
1) Are you tired? 10THE SECOND THE 1010 SECOND SECOND SLEEP SLEEP QUIZ QUIZ 2) Do you snore?
SLEEP QUIZ
1) Are 1) Are you you tired? tired?
2) Do 2) you Do you snore? snore?
3) Do you have high blood pressure? S O L U T I O NS OS L U T I O N S 4) Does your partner see you choke or stop breathing at night?
3) Do 3) you Do you havehave high high bloodblood pressure? pressure? If yES tO ANy 2 Or mOrE Of thESE quEStIONS, 4) Does 4) Does youryour partner partner see you seechoke you choke yOu mAy hAvE SlEEp #215ApNEA. – 1433 #215Lonsdale – 1433 Lonsdale Avenue Avenue tAlk tO yOur DOCtOr Or CAll Our ClINIC tO fIND Out mOrE INfOrmAtION North Vancouver, North Vancouver, BC, V7M 2H9 BC, V7M 2H9 or stop or stop breathing breathing at night? at night? AbOut SlEEp ApNEA AND hOw It CAN bE DIAgNOSED AND trEAtED. Tel: 604.985.1440 Tel: 604.985.1440 yes If to yesany to 2any or more 2 or more of these of these questions questions you may you have may have AreIfsleep you tired? Fax: 604.985.9471 Fax: 604.985.9471 sleep apnea, apnea, talk to talk your to your doctor doctor or call or our call clinic our to clinic find to find #215-1433 Lonsdale Avenue, North Vancouver, BC 604.985.1440 S O LU T I O out out more more information information aboutabout sleep sleep apneaapnea and how and it how can it can Do you snore? #2-38003 2nd Avenue, Squamish, BC 604.690.1130 be diagnosed be diagnosed and treated. and treated. www.clinicalsleep.com www.clinicalsleep.com
THE 10 SECOND SLEEP QUIZ 1) 2)
N S
www.clinicalsleep.com
3) Do you have high blood pressure? 4) Does your partner see you choke
#215 – 1433 Lonsdale Avenue
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July 2015
parenting “Ask Domenica” Domenica Mastromatteo
C
hildren need structure, routine and familiarity; all of which are difficult while travelling. But we (parents) do it anyway. Why? People are wired for personal growth. It is our destiny to grow as human beings and engage in personal development. One of the best ways to do this is to have children, despite the grim stats on the subject. Did you know that parenthood actually creates marital dissatisfaction? Data collected by John and Julie Gottmann of the Gottman Institute in Seattle reveals that two thirds of couples who have children experience a breakdown in their relationship. But there is hope! I had the opportunity to study at the Gottman Institute to bring the renowned “Bringing Baby Home” program to the North Shore, helping couples
Domenica Mastromatteo, CPDPE, MSc is a Certified Positive Discipline Parenting Educator (CPDPE). She answers your questions about raising children of “all abilities”. Email her directly at dmastromatteo@sensationalchildren.ca with your question and her response will be in the next Beacon. More information can be found at sensationalchildren.ca
with this transition to parenthood. It’s all a journey in self improvement, a journey that often involves physically travelling with children. If you google “travelling with children” you will find many useful tips. Start by planning the holiday together with your children. Plan a list of activities for every day and help your children create a scrapbook to record their memories. Buy a Polaroid camera so the kids can post their photos instantly in their scrapbook. Digital media
“
can be useful, but too many family photos get stuck in the digital world. Children love holding and looking at real photo albums; and it’s important for their development. While sitting together, looking at photo albums “help your kids talk about their experiences,” Dr. Daniel Siegel and Dr. Tina Payne Bryson write in The Whole Brain Child www.wholebrainchild.com. “Studies have clearly shown that the very act of recalling
“Family holidays can equip our children with a strong and happy foundation.”
Glenn’s Gallery - Our Community Through Glenn’s Lens
GLENN’s GALLERY
and expressing an event .... can improve immune and heart function, as well as general well-being.” My final advice for a happy vacation is to remember that happiness requires work and that’s okay. Family holidays can equip our children with a strong and happy foundation. They strengthen families by bringing them together for a common goal, creating shared meaning, trying new things together and most importantly, talking about those experiences. Ultimately, your journey isn’t just one of personal development: you are raising a generation. Family holidays can provide the kinds of experiences that will help raise resilient, wellintegrated, happy children.
G G
Look for the answer in the next edition of . “Tulip Time”
“Happy Canada Day”
Last edition answer:
2910 Marine Dr. West Vancouver
July 2015
PAGE 7
West Vancouver Police and Cops for Cancer by
Lindy Pfeil
P
atrol Cst. Chris Lincoln and Communications Officer Cst. Jeff Palmer will represent WVPD in the 2015 Cops for Cancer Tour de Coast, riding 900 kms in nine days (September 16 -24) with 28 other police officers from the Lower Mainland. Riders commit to raising a minimum of $6,000 each for the Cancer Society. Funds raised support Pediatric Cancer Research, Treatment and Patient Care. Since the inception of the Cops for Cancer program in 1998, officers have raised over 32 million dollars for the Canadian Cancer Society. Cst. Palmer rode the Tour de Coast in 2014 in honour of his aunt, Lorraine Law, who battled breast cancer into remission last year, and in memory of many family members lost to the disease. “It’s a great deal of work fundraising in your off-duty hours, but the ride is a profoundly moving experience,” says Palmer.
”You meet families and children in the fight, children who have survived cancer, and people who have suffered terrible loss because of pediatric cancers. Your definition of ‘I had a bad day’ is never the same.” Cst. Palmer recalls so many inspiring moments on the 2014 tour, including meeting Stephen Mohan, a Powell River father who’d lost his son Jasper to cancer a year earlier. Stephen joined the Tour as a guest rider for a day. “Sharing a day cycling and then a table at a large community dinner hosted each year in Powell River was an opportunity to learn about the journey a family faces, and why it is so important to reach out with support. The dinner was Stephen’s first public event since losing Jasper.” On the ride through Coquitlam, after a difficult uphill climb on a very rainy day the Tour stopped for lunch at a sponsoring Thrifty Foods store. A staff member quietly shared how for years she and her co-workers looked forward to the Tour stopping by. But in 2013 she couldn’t be at the store for the Tour stop
Photo: Glenn Owen Cst. Lincoln (left) joined WVPD in 2005, from a career in alcohol and drug services. He has served in Patrol and as a member of the WVPD Special Projects Team. Cst. Palmer (right) joined WVPD in 2002 after a 23 year career in radio news broadcast. Palmer
because she was with her son at hospital as he underwent chemotherapy. When she shared that her son was now in remission, it became another of the many misty-eyed moments that crop up on tour. Cst. Lincoln was inspired to ride by his close friend, and Tour de Coast Team Co-Captain, Cst. Dayne Campbell of the Vancouver Police Emergency Response Team. Cst. Lincoln is new to road cycling, but has thrown himself
into training to prepare for the gruelling 100+ kilometer days in September. “The challenge of fundraising and training pales when you think of the uphill climb for children and families facing cancer,” says Lincoln. Secure online donations can be made by clicking the Cops for Cancer logo on the home page of www.wvpd.ca for links to the Canadian Cancer Society fundraising pages of Cst. Palmer and Cst. Lincoln.
Fifty years in Caulfeild - Part 3 by
Ann Frost
A
nd then we discovered Horseshoe Bay and Whytecliff Park. Troll’s was probably the children’s favourite place to eat: wonderful lightly-battered fish and enough chips that you had to steel yourself to finish them. Our grandson and his girlfriend treated us to lunch there this past summer. It hasn’t changed. Even the malt vinegar! And then there’s the ferry to Bowen Island. Catch the bus to the Bay, hop on the ferry, and stand in front with the wind blowing your hair. Spend a happy few hours on the island and then head home, this time sitting at the back, enjoying the sunshine. One of our favourite family adventures was wading out to the “rock” at Whytecliff Park and climbing it. If you didn’t descend in time you could end up stranded by the incoming tide. I really can’t remember how many times we went there with our children, and later our grandchildren, for picnic lunches or suppers. And above the beach, a wonderful playground and enchanting walks along the rocks with views of incoming ferries. When our eldest granddaughter turned 21 we asked how she would like to celebrate.
She asked, “Do you remember when I was young (how delightful to be 21 and remember when you were young!) you used to roast a chicken and make potato salad and we would go to Whytecliff for supper? Do you think we could do that for my birthday?” Of course we did…and all of it still exists.
Elizabeth and Sarah in the summer of 1999 on the Bowen Island ferry with Granny Ann and Grandad Ray. Photo: Ann Frost
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July 2015
Welcome, Fisherman’s Market by
Chris Stringer
A
dam Pearl, Geoff Austin and Cory Siegner are friends who partner and own Fisherman’s Market, four stores that are already BC success stories, the newest one right here in Caulfeild. These guys are the real deal: they live, sleep, eat, and breathe seafood. Adam and Geoff are commercial fishermen who have spent their lives fishing the coast of BC from Howe Sound to the Queen Charlotte’s. They actively fish spot prawns and procure the freshest seafood from their fishing contacts along the coast. Cory grew up working with his family on the docks in Vancouver where they unloaded boats and processed the fish. He served 16 years with Albion Fisheries before venturing into independent business with Fisherman’s Market. When you shop at their market in Caulfeild Village you will be served by Katie Budd and her knowledgeable team. From the Sun-
shine Coast, Katie, has been commercially fishing since she was 12. “Every cent I have ever made has come from seafood,” says Katie, who speaks about her work with passion and knowledge. “I learned customer service at Fisherman’s Market over the past 3 years and I love to share my knowledge. I believe we deliver the best fresh, sustainable seafood available.” So if you have a question about what to serve for dinner, or where your seafood comes from, talk with Ka Photo: Courtesy of tie and her team and Cory Seigner welcome them to our Adam Pearl, Geoff Ausgreat community. tin and their team. Katie Budd.
Photo: Glenn Owen
Things to do on the ‘Shore by
Susie Moore
To Sept 25, 5-10pm Shipyards Night Market & Beer Garden: Shipbuilders’ Square, Wallace Mews Rd, North Van. To Oct 25, 11am-4pm Farmer’s Market: 1500 Block of Bellevue St, West Van. www. artisanmarkets.ca July 1, 4:30-10:30pm Canada Day Celebration: John Lawson Park. Bring your own picnic or enjoy a selection from our food vendors while watching live entertainment! Fireworks begin at 10:30pm.
Fridays from July 3 -August 21, 7-9pm Summer Concerts in Edgemont Village
& a silent auction. www.facebook.com/ RCMSAR01
Fridays from July 3-August 21, 7-9pm Live in Lynn Valley Village Concerts: 1277 Lynn Valley Rd, North Van. Free outdoor concerts. Email: events@nvrc.ca
July 25 & 26, 10am-7pm Caribbean Days Festival & Parade: Waterfront Park. www. caribbeandays.ca
July 5, 11am-4pm Horseshoe Bay Art Walk www.horseshoebayartwalk.com July 10-August 15, 7-9pm Summer Concerts in The Cove: Panorama Park, North Van. July 16, 6-11pm Dinner on the Dock – Horseshoe Bay. RCMSAR volunteers host a BBQ dinner followed by music, dancing
July 31-August 9, 10am-10pm Harmony Arts Festival 2015 www.harmonyarts.ca August 15-23 VanOpen Tennis: 950 Crosscreek Road, West Van www.vanopen. com August 21 Movie in the Park starts when it gets dark! Horseshoe Bay park. Bring a picnic, a blanket & the family for a movie under the stars. Free event.
Dinner on the Dock 2014. Photo: Marilyn McBeath
July 2015
PAGE 9
A lifetime commitment to community Community Personality Chris Stringer
“H
ow does one do justice when describing a woman’s lifetime commitment to serving her Community. Since making West Vancouver home for her family over the past 40 years, this nurse, educator, academic, health care consultant and business woman, all in addition to her role as mother, grandmother and as wife and partner to her husband, former Mayor Ron Wood, has selflessly given her time, energy and talent to making our Community an even better place in which to live. Jo-Ann Wood has made a difference in our Community. Her goals, her dreams and her dedication to constantly improving the quality of life for all of us in West Vancouver earn our admiration and appreciation.” This quote is from the letter that was written by Heidi and Ray Peters in support of Jo-Ann’s nomination for Citizen of the Year in 2014. Jo-Ann was born in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan and moved with her family to B.C. She grew up in Victoria and later attended U.B.C. where she served as President of her Faculty and graduated with a degree in Nursing. During this time she was introduced to Ron Wood at a Grey Cup game. They dated for three weeks and committed to marriage. “However, being “poor” students,” she says, “We waited a year to get married.” After two years working and teaching in psychiatry Jo-Ann was appointed Director of the Psychiatric Department at
Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria. On returning to Vancouver she became Nursing Director at U.B.C.’s Department of Continuing Education in Health Sciences. This eventually led to her becoming an entrepreneur as a designer of continuing education programs for senior health care professionals. During this time Ron and Jo-Ann started their family with the births of Grant and Erin. Naturally,
Chair of several Fundraising Gala Committees. During her term as Chair her dream of establishing a Youth in Philanthropy Committee was accomplished. Chaired major fund raising projects at St Christopher’s Church and is currently establishing a “Caring Ministry Program” to assist members of the congregation as well as people in the broader community who are experiencing challenges. And she contributes her considerable musical talent as a member of the Choir. On the Board of Directors of the West Vancouver Memorial Library Foundation Jo-Ann chaired several highly successful sold-out major fundraising events. She also was a member of the Library’s
2011 – 2015 Strategic Planning Committee. Jo-Ann organized four Mayor’s Dinners to raise money for Community projects culminating in the Mayor’s Endowment Fund for Youth and/or the Arts held by the West Vancouver Community Foundation. Currently she is on the Board of Directors of the North Shore Hospice Society where the Board is developing a program “Every Day Counts” which aims to enrich the lives of those living with lifethreatening illnesses. A major focus of Jo-Ann’s life are her two married children and her eight grandchildren. “Being a grandparent is an amazing privilege” she says. In 2006, she received the Women of Excellence Award for Community Service from Outlook Press. And in 2014 Jo-Ann was selected Citizen of the Year for West Vancouver. Congratulations Jo-Ann and thank you from your community.
Citizen of the Year 2014. Photo: Courtesy of Ron Wood
parenting was no different from the rest of their lives. They got involved in all the school events, in scouts, girl guides, sports and church activities. As her children grew up, Jo-Ann’s community service activities grew also. Here are a few of her accomplishments: Three terms as Chair of the Board of Directors of the West Vancouver Community Foundation where she also served as Chair of the Grants Committee; Chair of the 25th Anniversary Committee; and
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Photo: Courtesy of Ron Wood
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Caulfeild May Day
It was about community A sunny and warm day greeted 2600 celebrators at the first Caulfeild May Day on May 9th where $2600 was raised on behalf of the Royal Canadian Marine Search & Rescue thanks to: The Village merchants and sponsors: Eric Christiansen, The Penny Mitchell Group, Franco Diligenti, Shirley Sun, Pharmasave, Ap Capital, Iris, Safeway, BMO, Shakespeare Homes, Atefeh Abbaspour, Laura McLaren, westvancouver.com, northvancouver.com. The Yellow Fence Company 587 feet of fencing at no cost! Michael Ewan for arranging the band entertainment. And the bands: Rockridge Concert Band, Rockridge Jazz Band, A Casual Arrangement, The West Vancouver Adult Concert Band, The Accidental Jazz Band, The West Vancouver Pops Band. Ian Brown, Music Director at Rockridge. Richard van Liempt for the sound system. MC extraordinaire, John Moonen. Dunk tank dunks: John Weston, MLA. Ian Brown, Rockridge music head. Steve Hogeweide, Manager, Safeway, Colin Taylor, owner, Pastameli and Pastameli’s Andrew McManus, City Fireman Wes Taylor, James Hird, Safeway. Rick Titcombe and Howard Moody for the old firetrucks. Constable Jeff Wood, Tiddley Cove Morris Dancers, Linda and Dawn and accordianist Ken. Vintage car owners, Simon Scott, John Rapson, Tony Cohon, Lawrence Harrop. Luba and the Capilano Table Tennis club. Rotary Club of West Vancouver Sunrise. St Francis-in-the-Wood Messy Church moms and grand-moms, Rev Janice Lowell and Domenica Mastromatteo. Jim Carter, Margaret and Tom Taylor from the West Vancouver Historical Society. Jim Presnall , Head Pro at Gleneagles Golf Course. Bettelin and the ponies and petting zoo team. Balloon artist Brianna Carlson. Community volunteers: Susie Moore, Christy Laniado, Kimberly Stringer, Assussa Herovi, Darlene and Brittany Bryan, all the children from Caulfeild iDec and Rockridge Schools. Thank you to our fantastic May Day core organization committee: Karen Harrison, Kim Taylor, Luis Sopena (Treasurer), Penny Mitchell, Scotty Grubb, Rebecca van der Horst (event coordinator/administrator) and Chris Stringer (event organizer). The WVMSAR volunteers: Scotty Grubb, Vanessa Abbot, Robert Frost, Dugal Purdie, Steve Hathaway, Kevin Faw, Roger Wagstaff, Hugh Kelsey, Boudewijn Neijens, Bobbie, Steve Urquhart, Bruce Ballingall, Alistair Duncan, Gerard McKenzie, Cliff Jones, Bruce Falkins, Jason King, Joe Kernaghan.
Thank you from the community of Caulfeild. Photos: Courtesy of Kim Taylor, Luis Sopena and Melissa Baker
July 2015
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Horseshoe Bay artists host Art Walk by
Chris Stringer
H
orseshoe Bay’s natural beauty stimulates the senses. Over the years painters, potters, photographers and multimedia artists have been drawn to this quaint village, inspired to live and work here. On Sunday, July 5, thirteen creators of beautiful works will open their homes to the community between 11am and 4pm. They will be joined by seven more artists making this the largest representation since the event began in 2011. The event is the brainchild of potters Helen Weiser and Jackie Frioud, who “wanted to keep it small so people could
walk the route. To encourage the walk we arranged a shuttle bus to bring our guests down to the Bay from the parking area at the Gleneagles community centre.” The shuttlebus is free all day, and guests are invited to wander through the village and its surrounds. Helen, Jackie and the artists want to express their appreciation to their wonderful sponsors: Pedriks, Sewell’s Marina, Spirit Gallery, Place Architects, Alexander Homes, Olive & Anchor, dentist Dr Gloria Chao, Troll’s, Lalli loves it, Gleneagles Community Centre and Horseshoe Bay Business Association. More information is available at www. horseshoebayartwalk.com.
$77,000 raised by Rotary’s Ride for Rescue Lighthouse Park Summer Camp Potters Helen Weiser and Jackie Frioud.
T
hank you to the Rotary Club of West Vancouver Sunrise and the 240 bicyclers who rode up Cypress Mountain
on June 13th for the North Shore Search & Rescue and Rotary charities.
Ride for Rescue.
Photo: Ralph Sultan
W
here else on the North Shore will your child get the opportunity to bound through a gigantic forest with plenty of lush trails, playing games with up to 60 other children?! Lighthouse Park camp is not just a summer camp—it’s an adventure for those looking for a summer packed with excitement and fun! Imagine a day at Lighthouse Park Camp: you start the morning at the top of the parking lot (by the gates) and play circle games—like Evolution or Bang–while learning fellow campers’ names and getting to know one-another. Next, you stroll down the long hill into the park before dropping off your backpack down at the huts. The incredible day has begun.
Photo: Courtesy of Helen Weiser
At the day’s end your parents sign you and your buddy out, and on the car ride home they suggest, “I hope you two don’t mind, but we have decided to sign you up for next week’s camp which includes a Sleepover at Lighthouse Park on Thursday. Is that okay with you two?” You and your buddy turn to each other with silly grins spreading across your entire faces and eagerly answer “YESSSS!” Let the adventure begin—see you at Lighthouse Park camp! June to September, Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm, Kids 7 to 12 years. For details and registration: www.westvancouverrec.ca/summer-camp/parks/outdoor-adventure/lighthouse-park
Art Walk 2015 upWardcoNStructioN.ca 101-1305 Welch Street, North VaNcouVer MOBILE: 604.790.0472 OFFICE: 778.340.1355
Integrity and craftsmanship on Vancouver’s North Shore
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July 2015
St. Francis-in-the-wood It’s that time of the year for
The Wedding Church!
Join us for fun on the fourth (4th) Saturday each month.
• c ra
fts
Services Sundays 8am 10am
• fo o d
(with Sunday School)
e • ga m
s
• songs
• sto r ie
s
Wednesdays 10am 4772 Piccadilly Road South 604.922.3531
stfrancisinthewood.ca
We hope to see you there!
ST. FRANCIS-IN-THE-WOOD CHURCH Photo courtesy of: St Francis-in-the-Wood
A place for families celebrating community 4772 PICCADILLY ROAD SOUTH
Walk for Water - 2015 by
Susie Moore
O
n May 30 about 60 people came out to support Help A Village Effort (H.A.V.E.) in providing fresh drinking water to villages in India. The 3km Gleneagles walk is the same
distance women walk every day to fetch buckets of water for their families. Approximately $3,500 was raised that morning, with more still coming in. $4,000 provides two wells with a continuous supply of clean water for 200 families. Organizer, David Phillips, has travelled to the Indian villages to view the
well-building, and experience the impact they have on the villagers’ lives. Congratulations David and walkers!
From the youngest walker (age 3), to the oldest, 90-year-old Ralph Carder. Photo: C. Stringer
July 2015
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psychology
Do you know your attachment style? Psyched Out Ian Macpherson
A
s a couple, we never share identical histories. And while the mysteries about each other hopefully unfold pleasantly over time, there can be differences that seriously challenge our ability to maintain a satisfying connection. These threats come from emotional wounds often hidden from ourselves and usually occur long before we meet as a couple. For all
of us, a secure attachment process is at the core of the intimate relationship. It is what determines whether, or how, we seek emotional support and connection with our partners. Many of the most painful and chronic couple conflicts are really clashes caused by relatively invisible differences in our individual attachment styles. Take the case of Ann and Jim: Ann, the eldest, came from a large busy family where there was neither time nor resources to pay much attention to any one person. She learned that acceptance was about working hard and not “making waves”. Consequently, Ann developed an emotionally avoidant style of attachment. By contrast,
Christa wins her 350th medal by
Lindy Pfeil
W
est Vancouver’s intrepid Masters athlete, Christa Bortignon, won seven gold medals, and broke two Canadian records (in the 50m hurdles and the 60m hurdles) in Toronto at the Canadian Masters Indoor Track & Field Championships in March. So she set herself two goals for the 33rd Hayward Classic in Eugene, Oregon: to win her 350th medal, and to improve on her 80m hurdles time. Unfortunately, the hurdles were not set up properly and both she and her fellow club member crashed at the 7th hurdle. Not only did she bruise both knees, but also her wrists and right elbow. True to form though, she continued with all her events except the high jump. And in the 4X100 Women’s 60 relay they broke the Ca-
MICHAEL ALEXANDER
604-961-6457
michael.alexander@dominionlending.ca
nadian record with a time of 1:03.74. And so she won her 350th medal! Congratulations Christa!
Photo: Courtesy of C. Bortignon Christa finishing her race in Eugene after crashing and falling on the 7th hurdle.
her husband had grown up with an absent father and a depressive mother who was sometimes attuned to her son and sometimes emotionally distracted. Thus, Jim’s attachment style became marked by uncertainty and a great deal of anxiety. While Ann benefitted from her husband’s pursuit of her even though it was over-anxious, she also found herself often resisting his tendency to micro-manage their relationship. Jim appreciated that he could always trust Ann to be completely reliable about practical family business. His frequent complaint was about her “coldness”. The pair had come to believe that they were simply “born that way”, dooming them to hopeless incompatibility. About one-third of us are afflicted with an insecure approach to our partners. Inevitably this leads to a negative pat-
tern that colours most aspects of our relationship. Even if we qualify as general securely-attached, our attitudes and behaviours around intimacy are not an all-ornothing matter, so we may still have some areas of vulnerability. A big step towards rescuing a foundering relationship can be learning about the nature of our attachment styles and the destructive patterns these can produce. Ann and Jim eventually had the opportunity to do just that. In the process, they were able to eliminate blaming and defensiveness and learn how to really tune into each other emotionally. Ian Macpherson is a psychologist who lives and practices in Caulfeild. More at www.westvancouvertherapist. com
Caught BEACON handed!
On the first tee at Gleneagles! Starter Jo-Ann Hilton with golfers, Karen Weichel, Janice MacKenzie and Karen Wain.
A MORTGAGE TO GET EXCITED ABOUT!
Independently owned and operated
Located201-1571 in ParkBellevue Royal Village Avenue, WestArtigiano Vancouver beside Cafè
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July 2015
travel notes
Sea to sky adventure in Mexico How I took to the air like a kite Marie-Claude Arnott
N
o special skills needed, they’d said, even though I’d be “sailing” 200 meters up in the air, suspended from a parachute, connected by a rope to a boat. I had been watching people parasail on the beach at the Holiday Inn Holiday Resort in Acapulco and thought it would be a cool way to celebrate my birthday. What was I thinking? I have an unpredictable fear of heights. Too late! But on the positive side, the man I had watched take off, had just landed safely. “How was it?” I asked. Even his grandmother would be safe, he said. Really… at the time, I didn’t know that in the United States, for example, the National Airport System regulates parasailing under “moored balloons, kites, unmanned rockets and unmanned free balloons.” In fact, I didn’t even question the operator’s qualifications because I assumed that the activity was under the control of the resort, which it might have been. It was my turn to get harnessed. “Just pull the red trigger when we wave, ok?” As instructed, I ran toward the water and, much to my surprise, I was airborne after three steps. As I ascended, I didn’t dare turn my head or look down until I leveled out, and remembered to breathe. A breezy silence enveloped my weightless body and my mind became awesomely calm. Finally, looking down at the once pristine Bay of Acapulco, I felt as free as a bird. Only when I noticed the resort buildings getting closer, did I real-
ize: the red trigger! Below me, several sets of agitated hands had been vigorously waving. Pulled down by the crew on the beach, I gently descended, landing in the arms of my welcome-back squad. There are a few things to be aware of before parasailing. The first one is that it’s still not officially regulated. In the United States, over two million people do this every year, and if fatalities are rare (thanks to better equipment) injuries do still happen. Zero risk doesn’t exist, but do check the operator with the U.S. Coast Guards, or Water and Wakeboard Canada. A rope that snaps might send the flyer into power lines, trees, or buildings. A boat engine that stalls will cause the flyer to plunge into the water and be stuck under the parachute. Flyers taking off from a boat might bump the edge of the boat, or be dragged in the water. Ask for
the operator’s permit and insurance! Check with the National Weather Service! Don’t do this after a few cocktails! Marie-Claude Arnott is a freelance writer, and English/French translator. More travel stories at www.buckettripper.com/ author/mcarnott
Marie-Claude taking off for parasailing as the boat (not in the picture) pulls the rope she’s attached to. Photo: MC Arnott
Photo: Marie-Claude Arnott
Bahia de Acapulco.
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July 2015
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Home & Living
Pizza that kids can make on the BBQ this summer A Culinary View Maureen Goulet
Maureen Goulet is the owner of Ambrosia Cooking School. To share great Chefs’ culinary secrets, visit www.ambrosiaadventures.com
T
op Chef Canada, Trevor Bird, has become a well known name in the culinary food scene in Vancouver. Like his restaurant, Fable, he has grown and matured in his style of cooking, “I’m very comfortable with my style of cooking, and I know what I like to cook. I just cook simple food properly, at the end of the day.” His style has served him well as his restaurant continues to flourish, making it difficult to get a reservation on weekends. If you are over on West 4th, I recommend you pop in and order his Flat Bread Pizza. It is a simple, delicious taste bud explosion! Trevor has shared his pizza recipe with you to grill on the BBQ this summer.
Grilled FlatBread Pizza Serves 6-8
Mushroom
DOUGH 2 tsp salt 1 tsp sugar 1 tbsp instant yeast 1 cup warm water Whisk together the salt, sugar, yeast and 1 cup warm water in a large bowl. Let mixture sit until it begins to foam and bubble, about 5 minutes. 3 cups all purpose flour Add the flour and mix until well comb ined. If the dough is too dry add more warm wate r one tablespoon at a time. Form into ball and cover. Let rise somewhere warm for 1 hour. Confit Garlic (Confit is a generic term for various
kinds of food that have been cooked in
oil)
1 cup Olive oil or enough to cover the garlic 24 garlic cloves Trevor Bird, a frequent Guest Chef at Ambrosia. Photo: Provided by Maureen Goulet. Credited to Vancitybuzz.com
Peel the garlic. Heat oil in a small sauc epan over medium-low heat. Add garlic; cook over very low heat until soft, about 1 hour (do not brown). Cool. Can be made 1 month ahead and refrigerated.
2 cups button mushrooms 2 cups cremini mushrooms 2 cups any other mushroom salt oil Slice the mushrooms and fry in oil over high heat until slightly browned. Season and cool. arugula 2 cups Arugula 1 lemon Fresh grated Parmesan Cheese Once the dough has risen transfer it to a well floured surface and knead until soft and silky, 5-8 minutes. Cut dough into 6-8 equally sized pieces. Roll out until 6 inches long in an oblong shape. Heat BBQ to medi um high. Brush one side of the flatbread with the confi t garlic oil. Place on grill oil side down. Grill until bread starts to puff up, brush the side facing you with oil and flip the bread. When the second side is browned remove from grill. Grate Parmesan cheese over warm bread . Top the grilled flatbread with cooked mushrooms, confit garlic cloves and arugula. Squeeze lemon juice on top. Grate the fresh parmesan cheese over the flatbread and serve. Enjoy!
Are you breathing... ? Tisha Bryant
B
reath is the most important of all the bodily functions because all other functions depend on it. Breath is life. Poet Mary Oliver wrote, “Listen ...are you breathing and calling it a life?”
As human beings we average 20,000 breaths per day and, whilst we go about our daily activities, we use only about 50% of our lung capacity with shallow breathing. Making ‘mindful breathing’ part of our daily routine is without doubt one of the most health maintaining and restorative techniques available to us. We are so lucky to live in a place where we have access to such wonderful ocean and mountain air that is full of life force energy. Find a calm place to sit, in nature if possible, and practice some deep breathing to engage
the lungs and flood the body with fresh oxygen. Here are some of the health benefits of mindful breathing: • Calms and relaxes • Lowers blood pressure and heart rate • Improves sleep • Clears lungs of toxins • Cleanses the blood • Creates a healthier heart and stronger diaphragm • Helps to balance emotions • Prevents loss of lung capacity as we age
• Has been shown to have a positive effect on those suffering from depression Mindful breathing is also hugely beneficial for children. Encouraging children to stop and focus on their breathing is an effective way of bringing their attention into the present moment and can help induce calm and prepare for a restful sleep. If you would like to learn more about mindful breathing and its benefits, please head over to my blog www.inourishandnurture.com
FAVOURITE INDIAN RESTAURANT FOR MANY CONSECUTIVE YEARS As voted by the readers of the North Shore News
“Welcome to the comfort of our beautiful dining room at 116 East 15th Street off Lonsdale” - Bhupinder Mroke
604.986.7555
www.palkirestaurant.com TAKE - OUT & DELIVERY
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July 2015