Issuu

THE No. 50

BEACON Shedding light on the communities from Lions Bay to Dundarave

May/June 2022

The Whale in the Bay

eslie Sutton bought this whale weathervane on a trip south: “I thought it was so west coast and suited our vision of Horseshoe Bay being a quaint, seaside village.” Leslie and her partner, Lil Chrzan, take time out every day to enjoy the weathervane. “It sits on our garage, above Lil’s studio, and we watch it from our living room window,” says Leslie. Lil, an artist, has lived and worked in Horseshoe Bay for 30 years. Known for her masterful depictions of golden light across luminous west coast scenes, Lil’s dramatic lightfilled paintings invite us to enter her world and experience a sense of calm transcendence. She will be participating in the Horseshoe Bay Art Walk on Sunday, May 15 (see p. 7). Photo: courtesy of Leslie Sutton

Whale weathervane.

COMMUNITY PERSONALITY

8-9

RIDE FOR RESCUE

HORSESHOE BAY COTTAGES

IN THIS ISSUE 5

BREAKING RECORDS AGAIN

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We are grateful to live and work on the unceded traditional territories of the Coast Salish peoples.

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May/June 2022

LINDY PFEIL OPINION TEAM

Chris Stringer Publisher

chrisstringer @westvanbeacon.ca

Lindy Pfeil Editor

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melissabaker @westvanbeacon.ca Please note that all contributing writers for The Beacon retain full rights and that the full or partial reproduction of feature articles is unauthorized without the consent of the author. Personal opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed are solely those of the respective contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Beacon, the publisher or the editorial and creative staff.

Submissions for The Beacon The Beacon is delivered bi-monthly to 5000+ households between Lions Bay and Dundarave. 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 All editions of The Beacon (beginning in September 2013), can also be read online at: www.westvanbeacon.ca.

The time to collaborate is now

s an on-again-off-again ballet teacher for the past four decades, I have always loved this quote by Constanze Mozart (married to Amadeus): “Dancing is like dreaming with your feet.” I feel lucky to have witnessed so many dreams over the years. And Sunday, April 3 was particularly fantastic. Because the dream that was danced was one of collaboration. Around 200 dancers, from six Lower Mainland studios, gathered for a performance at the spectacular Pipe Shop at the Shipyards in Lower Lonsdale. It was my first live performance since the pandemic, so I arrived early, to soak it all in. Over the years, I have become (somewhat) used to seeing my baby ballerinas all grown up, but it was a whole new experience finding their names on the programme as teachers,

choreographers, and studio owners. Where stretching, touching up make-up, fixing hair. have the years gone? Enormous smiles. Laughter. So much noise! I snuck backstage. The space where danc- Everyone was wearing the same shirt, so I had ers prepare themselves, mentally and physi- no idea who was from which studio. And then cally, before stepping on stage. Where hope the cypher began. and anxiety flit about in The cypher, from what I equal measure. I was curiunderstand, originated in hip hop culture: dancers circle ous to see what it would be like with so many performup and take turns dancing in ers from so many different the centre. After each sponschools. The dancers have taneous mini performance, of course met before: at festhe backstage circle erupted in roars of appreciation and tivals or auditions. In com- Constanze Mozart petition with one another. I joy that could be heard to was anticipating awkward the Pipe Shop rafters and besilences, covert glances, anxious “eyeing out” yond. Pure celebration. One dancer expressed surprise at “how naturally the dance cypher of the “other” studios. I could not have been more wrong. There backstage developed before the show started, were arms and legs everywhere (so many!) – and the energy and support space that was created.” A performer from Rise 21 Dance Company said: “It brought everyone together.” And the show had yet to start. Bubbly MC, Mariesa Crouse, introduced the opening piece, “Interconnected,” which showcased all the dancers, and was created specifically for the show. Each section was individually choreographed and then united on stage, symbolically connecting all the communities. The rest of the night included performances by Ballet Bloch Canada under the artistic direction of Tracy-Lea Bloch, North Shore Academy of Dancing under the artistic direction of Dylan Steyns, Rise21 Dance Company under the artistic direction of Jennifer SonSome of the performers of Collaborate 2022, just before the performance. Photo: courtesy of Lauren Overholt towski and Stacy Cole, RNB Dance under the

“

“Dancing is like dreaming with your feet.”

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May/June 2022

PAGE 3

BRIAN POMFRET

JOE GARDENER

We’re into the swing of spring! Spring is for bedding and dead heading. • Purchase bedding plants now and plant them out after the fifteenth of the month. Select plants that are healthy looking with strong stems. • Pinch growing tips off perennials to promote bushy growth. • Faded daffodils can be dug up and heeled in elsewhere to die back completely. A little fish fertilizer will encourage good performance next year. • Great time to plant dahlia tubers and insert a stake beside them. • Mow that lawn frequently now! At least once a week at 2.5 inches and try leaving the cuttings as a natural source of nitrogen.

artistic direction of Brianna Giles, Seymour Dance under the artistic direction of Lauren Overholt and Studio West Dance under the artistic direction of Jyla Robinson. There were also professional guest performances by Harbour Dance Centre’s Intensive Training Program, The Source Dance Company, Shiamak Davar International, and A3 District’s Ryderz. The intention was to provide an opportunity for dancers from different schools to support and encourage one another. “This show brings an opportunity for our communities to blend and celebrate our love and passion for the art of dance outside of our annual interactions at dance competitions,” explained the organisers. “We are so happy to share this energy and vision of coming together as one and performing for the sole purpose of per-

• Prune shrubs and trees that have finished flowering now before they set bud for next year. In June it’s time to water and fertilize. • Oh, the rose! So loved, it needs so much TLC. Nurture roses with at least six hours of sun daily and if cared for, they will give little trouble. When planting, work in a bit of well-rotted steer manure and for existing roses, work in the top inch. Rub off inward facing buds and cut off same facing stems. Keep just moist (peat moss helps) and water only at the bottom, not on the blooms, and in the morning only. Roses are hungry feeders so apply organic fertilizer weekly. • Water hanging baskets frequently and feed them a slowrelease fertilizer like Osmocote for continuous spectacular flowering.

forming!” “It’s so nice to get to know other dancers from local studios,” said one performer from Seymour Dance. “To not feel competition but just have a fun time dancing and supporting each other.” A highlight for many was the dancers from other studios cheering them on from the wings. “l love how much we all supported each other. It was a lot of fun, and much better energy than at dance competitions.” This feeling of support was felt not only by the dancers. One studio owner expressed gratitude for the friendships created during the night. And a parent in the audience said: “It was so great sitting beside a family from another studio and supporting each other. That type of interaction doesn’t happen at

• Lots of dead heading to be done. Spent rhododendron and camellia blossoms can be put under the canopy with a covering of topdressing soil. This is good mulch. • If you have apple trees, remove about a third of the immature fruit to encourage larger apples. This works well. • Plant out tomatoes and nip off the side shoots to redirect energy. Water only at the bottom (never on the fruit), and in the morning. • Keep an eye on perennials and prune to encourage continued blooming. • Move out house plants to a shady spot for their summer holiday.

dance competitions.” Competition is an inescapable fact. In dance. And in life. And yet, as Jon Batiste pointed out at the Grammys (which, incidentally, took place on the same night as Collaborate 2022), “There is no best musician, best artist, best dancer, best actor. The creative arts are subjective, and they reach people at a point in their lives when they need it most.” Collaborate 2022 was a reminder of the performing arts’ potential to do just that: to reach people, to share a message, to bring joy, and to usher in change. In the spirit of the backstage cypher, I’ll circle back to Constanze Mozart, who said: “Dance is communication, and so the great challenge is to speak clearly, beautifully, and with inevitability.” Which is exactly what Col-

laborate 2022 accomplished. And the message was clear: when we work together, support one another, celebrate our individual and collective achievements, and assume a mindset of “plenty,” we create a ripple effect of joy, awe and respect that filters, in ever widening circles, into the world. These past few years have highlighted the necessity for connection. The toll of social isolation. Congratulations to the organisers, studio directors, teachers, choreographers, and performers of Collaborate 2022 for bringing our community together. For building relationships. For celebrating the pure joy of dance. Of being alive. I look forward to many future collaborations. Because we can.

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May/June 2022

Climate change, Myers Briggs and bitcoin BY

Julia McCaig

asterworks is the culmination of Island Pacific School’s Middle School Program and has been a cornerstone of the curriculum for the 27 years Island Pacific has been operating. Self-selected, self-directed, and selfpresented, the Masterworks independent study project is compulsory for every grade 9 student and marks a significant academic achievement at the school. Students research their projects extensively, write an extended paper, and defend their work at a public presentation in June. Students are mentored through the process by expert advisors—leaders in their re-

spective fields—who act as external advisors. In past years, students have made documentary and animated films, created original works of art, written extensive research papers, written and published a novella, and built an actual boat! Brenda Churcher graduated from IPS in 1998. His Masterworks project was titled Counter Terrorism and Terrorism. He went on to serve in the Canadian Armed Forces for over 12 years. “I was a member of the intelligence branch, where I did five tours overseas, in Southeast Asia, North Africa, Europe and South America conducting counter terrorism operations,” Brendan explains. “I specialized in counter terrorism operations, counter insurgency and later in cyber warfare, which was coincidental as my

grade 9 Masterworks project was in counter terrorism and terrorism.” He retired from the Canadian Armed Forces in 2019. Kasara Toth’s Masterworks project was titled Our Understanding of the Universe: From Sun Gods to Gamma Rays (alumni 2002). “The Masterworks program pulled at me from two separate directions,” says Kasara. “The first was the academic challenge. The second, and most valuable, was learning about myself. Not only did I choose an extremely complex topic, involving both scientific history and quantum physics, but I also chose an extremely large number of subjects to research. I definitely bit off more than I could chew and as a result I became aware of how often I do this! I realized how I found it hard sometimes to stick to it and

keep going; while conversely, I also understood how much willpower I had to hold on to that vision of completion. These traits, and others, once identified were my saving grace throughout high school. I was able to apply different parts of myself to different areas of study resulting in an all-round healthy experience.” Kasara adds: “I feel that my understanding of situations now encompasses a much larger spectrum of ideas and solutions.” Twelve grade 9 students have been working hard on their Masterworks project all year. Topics, as expected, are diverse, and include climate change, Myers Briggs, the mechanics of bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies and entrepreneurship. The students will be presenting their projects during the week of June 13-17.

Photos provided Connor W’s project is titled Market Manipulation: Applying Marketing Strategies to Grow My Brand. Connor explains how marketing “persuades people to buy something by showing them a certain lifestyle, emotion, or feeling that becomes associated with the product. By feeding this into your brain it makes you feel like you want the product more than you do. The excitement of waiting for something is always bigger than actually getting whatever it is you’re waiting for.

James M. asks how women’s rights and roles in indigenous cultures around the world have changed from pre-colonial to post-colonial times. Was colonization a move toward equality or a retreat from it? Over half of the world’s population are women, yet women do not get the same treatment, respect and opportunities as men, especially in third world countries. We must learn from the past to make a better future .

Rebecca D’s project examines the moviemaking process, including producing, screenwriting, acting, directing, and editing. “I have always been about what goes on behind the scenes and the ins and outs of the film industry. I’ve always loved acting, and I always notice acting in movies, but they are just the ones delivering the message, and I’m interested in learning about the jobs of those who create it.”

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May/June 2022

PAGE 5

Pins for Ukraine BY

Jenn Coe

uinn and Charlie have been friends since kindergarten when they attended Eagle Harbour Montessori School in West Vancouver. They are now 11 years old, in grade 6 at Gleneagles Ch’axáy Elementary. Ever since grade 2 the pair have referred to each other as “besties” and hang out all the time. In early March, Charlie was on her way to her brother’s hockey game with her mom. They were discussing the atrocious acts being experienced by the Ukraine people since the war broke out on February 24. Feeling helpless, Charlie was trying to think of something she could do to help. She thought of making decorative pins using the colors of the Ukrainian flag, then selling them and donating the money to the Canadian Red Cross (Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Appeal). She asked her mom to stop at the craft store en route and made a handful of pins to sell at the game. Parents and spectators loved them and Charlie couldn’t believe how fast she sold out!

The next day she told Quinn about the pins. They talked about how tragic the current situation is and decided to raise more funds for Ukraine. Ukraine pins They bought additional suphand made plies, decorated their stand by Charlie and and set up at Ambleside Beach. Quinn. Cars driving by honked their horns in support. Some had Ukrainian flags in their windows. Dozens of people stopped to buy pins and express their appreciation. Charlie and Quinn sold out within a few hours. They went home, made more pins and were back at it the next day. In just one weekend the pair raised almost $500, far more than they could have imagined. Quinn and Charlie learned all about fundraising at Eagle Harbour Montessori where they participated in Jump Rope for Heart each year to raise money for the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation. They also learned how to research and vet charities from all over the world for a school project in grade 4. Despite

Photos: Jen Coe Quinn (left) and best friend Charlie (right) smiling after they sold out of Ukraine pins they made to raise money for Ukraine.

having raised money in the past, this time felt different. The situation in Ukraine has affected them deeply and they often talk about what they would do if something like that happened here in Vancouver. Where would they run? There are similar stories from all over the world about children raising funds for Ukrainians in need. It is heartwarming, inspiring and shows the emotional intelligence of our

upcoming generation. Charlie and Quinn have realized that even something as small as a pin can make a difference. The pair recently decided to start a website so they could further their reach and plan to sell the pins both online and in person for as long as needed. If you would like to purchase a pin from Charlie and Quinn, please visit www.pinsforukraine.com.

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May/June 2022

Christa is breaking records again BY

Lindy Pfeil

fter an enforced pandemic hiatus, Christa Bortignon, our very own champion, is once again able to compete in track and field events. She participated in the BC Masters Indoor Championships for Track and Field from February 25-27 at the Tournament Capital Centre in Kamloops. This was the site of the WMA Indoor Championships in 2010. Even though there was nowhere in the Lower Mainland to practice during the winter months leading up to the meet, Christa smashed four world and two Canadian records. Christa’s world records in the W85 age group are as follows: •6 0m dash 11.18 (breaking the world

record of 12.28) • 200m dash 42.09 (breaking the record of 44.18) • long jump 2.70m (breaking the record of 2.04m) • triple jump 6.35m (breaking the record 5.15m) Christa’s Canadian record for shot put is 6.49m, breaking the current record 6.14m. And her 4X200m relay team for W70 broke the Canadian record of 3:04.74 (unbroken since 2010), by clocking a time of 2:49.26. Not surprisingly, Christa was selected as February 2022’s Athlete of the Month. Next up, is her first one-day outdoor meet, in Eugene, Oregon, at the Hayward Classic on May 7. She plans to compete in the 100m, 200m, long jump, triple jump and the shot. We wish you all the best Christa!

Photo provided

Christa in action.

West Coast Modern week is back this summer BY

Hilary Letwin

est Coast Modern Week is back again this year with new events showcasing architectural gems in West Vancouver. From July 5-10, there will be opportunities to learn more about West Coast Modernism, an architectural style with deep roots in West Vancouver. Perched between forested mountains and expansive ocean, in a rainforest climate, West Vancouver’s natural setting presented unique challenges and opportunities that

came to be reflected in these homes. Presented by the West Vancouver Art Museum, events include a tour showcasing homes built between 1945 and the present day. Since 2006, gracious owners have opened their homes to visitors, who have come from as far away as Toronto, Portland, and Seattle, eager to glimpse these residences in-person. The week-long programming also includes a panel discussion, presented by the West Coast Modern League at the Polygon Gallery in North Vancouver; a film screening at the Kay Meek Arts Centre; a cocktail party in a private West Vancouver

home; the inaugural Barry Downs Architectural Lecture presented by Dr. Michael Prokopow; a free afternoon concert at the West Vancouver Memorial Library; and special programming organized with the Ambleside Dundarave Business Improvement Association. The West Vancouver Art Museum is also holding two exhibitions that relate to West Coast Modern architecture, including one about Paul Merrick, who lived in West Vancouver for over five decades. West Coast Modern Week is generously supported by British Pacific Properties Ltd., along with many other local

sponsors, to whom we are grateful. Details about the events and tickets will be posted at westvancouverartmuseum.ca/ west-coast-modern-week during the next month.

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May/June 2022

PAGE 7

A future for Horseshoe Bay cottages BY

Robert Alexander

im Bardal’s wish was simple: “I want to see community history preserved and a vision carried forward.” He was talking about the Horseshoe Bay properties he owned; the ones he was planning to sell. Of course, he wanted a good price for his three properties with their eight historic, brightly coloured cottages overlooking the village of Horseshoe Bay. But he also wanted a future for them. We have grown to know Jim well over

the years and we have marveled at the three decades of love he has bestowed on the cottages, even giving them individual names to echo the west coast community. With great care and perseverance, he has upgraded all the homes, surrounding them with beautiful perennials and plantings to make any gardener proud. Not only have tour buses, visitors and artists sought them out, but they have also become embedded in the fabric and character

of Horseshoe Bay. We were very proud to be asked to market these iconic homes. We were also very aware that everyone in the village had their fingers and toes crossed for a suitable buyer. We set up a site with photos, videos, drone work, and floor plans. We had a large window display at our office on Royal Avenue and produced flyers and write ups in local newspapers to market the property. Subsequently, we received many requests. Some were developers

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but many more were from folk who just wanted to own a little piece of history. We were able to funnel those requests to an amazing group that formed around some of Jim’s tenants who also wished to purchase their cottages. Together they formed a co-operative that was successful in purchasing the entire package. And so, Jim’s wish has been granted: his vision will be carried forward, while still preserving the history of cottages. More information about the past and the future of the cottages can be found at thehorseshoebaycottages.com.

Photos provided

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May/June 2022

CHRIS STRINGER

Rod Day and the greater public good

n a sunny but cool February morning, at precisely 11a.m. Rod Day was waiting for me in front of his home on Sinclair Street. Tall, slim, and fit, he greeted me warmly as we walked to the back patio overlooking a scene resembling an English country garden in Kent. Lawson Creek scrambled over rocks, and among mature trees and shrubs that have likely been there for most of the 60 years that the Days – Rod, Elaine and sons Stephen and Andrew – have lived there.

As I admired the serenity Rod recalled, with a sheepish grin, how he found the house in 1966, before his wife and toddler joined him from Boston. On completing his doctorate in history at Harvard, where he and Elaine met, Rod was offered a professorship at the newly opened Simon Fraser University. “For us this would mark the beginning of our new life, a new city, a new country, and a new university.” They purchased their West Vancouver home at a time when housing was afford-

2006 Community Day parade. Rod with his grandaughters.

Photos provided

able. “West Vancouver was attractive and seemed the perfect place to settle and raise children,” Rod says. “It was only fifteen to twenty minutes over the Lions Gate Bridge from Vancouver, half an hour from SFU, near beaches and parks, and close to schools and businesses.” For Rod, born and raised in Pasadena, California, this was a return to the West Coast. Adapting to a new country and teaching at a university that was still under construction, was a challenge that he accepted with enthusiasm. At the time SFU was experiencing student and faculty protests and strikes. Scores of students who occupied a university building were arrested. Administrators attempted to douse political firestorms. There was a mass firing of faculty, and a decade-

Fall 1986 Election.

PETTIT

long national boycott by academics. Rod weathered the storms of the 60s and went on to pursue a 35year career that culminated in a University Award for Excellence in Teaching. “I enjoyed teaching young people and conveyed my enthusiasm for history and learning to them.” This was followed by mandatory retirement at age 65, which he disliked. He continues as professor emeritus to this day. During his teaching career, Rod published three books and many articles. He has also had an extraordinary ‘second career’ in West Vancouver civic politics and community service. “When we arrived in West Vancouver in 1966, our new community was in the midst of major controversies: Third Crossing, Cypress Bowl, and the Tradewinds and Laguna del Mar waterfront mega-projects,” Rod explains. “New in town and just out of graduate school, I was busy preparing courses in an instant university. With a new job, a new household, two small children, and American citizenship, I was not inclined to get into local politics.” Having grown up in Southern California, Rod had witnessed uncontrolled growth, heavy traffic, smog, and the destruction of lovely rural valleys (many of his relatives were ranchers and farmers in Ventura County), and he did not want to see this happen in West Vancouver, which he found to be beautiful and relatively unspoiled. So, when the Citizens Planning Forum was organized

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in 1969, he joined up and was elected president in 1971. Thus began a lifetime of community commitment to the service of the citizens of West Vancouver. “In 1974, I became a Canadian citizen. In those days neither Canada nor the United ine and Rod. States allowed dual citizenship, so I gave up my American citizenship. The decision was a difficult one, but over the years I have not regretted it.” Rod served as municipal councilor from 1987 to 1996 and again from 2003 to 2008, sixteen years in all. He entered civic life in 1976 as chair of the Task Force on Growth. He was appointed to the Parks Commission in 1982 and then to the Advisory Planning Commission. Once on council, Rod served almost continually on the Advisory Planning Commission and spent considerable time on the Advisory Design Panel and the Parks Commission. He also served on the Rodgers Creek Working Group (2006-2008) and the Parks Master Plan Working Group (2010-2012). In addition, he served two terms on the Heritage Advisory Commission and as a Library Trustee, plus various other committees. In all, Rod served 16 years on council and another 15 years on advisory commissions and working groups when not on council, a total of 31 years of service. “There is no doubt that the time I spent in municipal life weighed upon my family and professional life, and I am grateful for the support that they gave me,” Rod says. “I have

PAGE 9

COMMUNITY PERSONALITY For information on purchasing Rod’s newly published book, Inside West Vancouver, please go to the Historical Society website: wvhs.ca

always believed in the importance of family, community, and spiritual values, and of sustaining the natural environment upon which we all depend. Because these values seem to be under siege these days, I believe that it is all the more important that we reach out in their support.” Inside West Vancouver: Five Decades of Community Development is the title of Rod’s new book, due out in May. It is a unique history of the people, politics, and planning that helped shape West Vancouver as we know it today. Rod writes from the inside, drawing

on his lived experience as municipal councilor and member of advisory commissions for over 30 years. He also researched extensively in the West Vancouver Archives and consulted many personal documents he had kept over the years. By illuminating the interplay and tensions between active citizens and local government in West Vancouver, the book provides insight into one of the greatest challenges facing communities everywhere: how to retain environmental and community values in the face of intense pressures for growth and development.

Pamela Goldsmith-Jones, Mayor of West Vancouver from 2006-2011, and Member of Parliament from 2015-2019, says: “Rod Day taught me to learn from, reflect upon, and hone many ideas for the greater public good that arise from the community…. This book is a labour of love for Rod and a testament to the thoughts, feelings and actions of generations of people. It’s a great read and a great reference. Most of all, it’s a reminder of the importance of speaking up in an open and respectful way. I think many people will see themselves, literally or figuratively, in these pages. Thank you, Councilor Day.”

Photo provided District Council 2006. Upper row (from left to right): Jean Ferguson, Bill Soprovitch, Michael Smith, Vivian Vaughan. Lower row (left to right): John Clark, Pamela Goldsmith-Jones, Rod Day.

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May/June 2022

IAN MACPHERSON

PSYCHED OUT

Ways to thrive in difficult times

he past few years have provided an uncomfortable ride for many. Yet, as we start emerging from the pandemic, it is apparent that not everyone has been ground down. Karo is a woman of 37 – a refugee from Afghanistan. She has had a full load of lifescarring trauma, and experienced trepidation every day until she escaped her ravaged homeland. Grateful to be in Canada now, Karo has, to some extent, inoculated herself against stress. When we overcome difficult situations, we are strengthened by the experience. Projecting ourselves into a better future is a realistic strategy. Optimism lifts our spirits and opens us up to happier opportunities. What you believe is what you see, not the other way around. But in the “developed” world, with so many advantages over earlier times, we tend to raise our expectations and – with declin-

ing resilience – lament setbacks. A recent survey from Middlesex University in the U.K. measured the psychological well-being (PWB) of a large sample of people. A full 20% of them rated their PWB as better than during pre-COVID times: they were not just surviving but thriving! Could some of us downhearted learn from them? The researchers confirmed what many might guess to be the major ingredients of PWB: strong social connections. We do well when we are not lonely – when we find ourselves in well-attached, supported relationships. This includes reaching out to others. Turning up empathy is a tried-andtrue method of feeling better, especially in an overly self-focused society. One study found that those who made a point of being generous experienced a greater sense of meaning in their lives. Interestingly, the number of hours on orchestrated social media was correlated with a decrease

in PWB scores. By contrast, direct face-toface digital contact with actual friends helped PWB. What you do when you are by yourself matters too. A significant number of people reported that they have always enjoyed “alone time” and it was a boon during lockdown to work undisturbed on favourite projects. But if you are among the aggrieved majority, get off the screen. Change your environment. Try something new. Immerse yourself in things you never had time for. Getting exercise, especially in nature, is a well-known tonic for body and mind. The second paramount factor, which really underlies everything else, is attitude. Many of us fall into default mode: we lose our sense of agency, the sense of exercising free will. This has a depressing effect. It is imperative that we act, that we see ourselves taking charge of things we really can affect. We may think that difficult feelings can-

not be overcome and so we get trapped into dwelling on them. We should not ignore these feelings, but we should put them into a realistic context. When we choose to focus on the positive and share our feelings, we override the circuits in our brains which can become habitual and depressive. Make entries in a gratitude journal. Spend time away from incessant bad news. Your life does not have to be controlled by what the newsroom wants to emphasize. Look for stories with altruistic themes and stories about those who have overcome challenges. Finally, a strong spiritual sense that we are all interconnected is one of the most sustaining features of PWB. We are all in it together. And it bears remembering that nothing stays the same. The world is always evolving, and it requires us to move with it. Ian Macpherson is a psychologist who lives and practices in West Vancouver. More at www.westvancouvertherapist.com

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PAGE 11

Guy Trotter

North Shore Rescue volunteer

orth Shore Rescue is extremely appreciative of West Vancouver Sunrise Rotary Club’s efforts to raise funds for search and rescue on the North Shore, as well as for other Rotary causes. The Rotary Club pulls together support from across the North Shore communities and channels it into a great event for riders and spectators. It is North Shore Rescue’s largest fundraising activity of the year. To fulfil our commitment to deliver search and rescue services 24 hours a day,

365 days a year, North Shore Rescue maintains an extensive infrastructure, consisting of a rescue base, five search and rescue stations, several backcountry equipment caches, two weather stations (to support avalanche forecasts) and our own radio repeater network. We have a fleet of four dedicated rescue vehicles, ATVs, snowmobiles, and e-bikes. In addition, we maintain first aid equipment, rope rescue gear, avalanche safety equipment, swift water rescue gear and mapping systems. Each member of the all-volunteer team expends hundreds of hours per year managing and maintaining this gear, all while maintaining a high level of operational

readiness with ongoing training in avalanche terrain evaluation, medical readiness, rope rescue, and helicopter rescue. Thanks to funding from the Rotary Ride for Rescue, the team continues to develop and integrate the latest search and rescue technologies. Our new hoist and night flight capabilities, developed in partnership with Talon Helicopters, have already proven to significantly reduce rescue times while improving patient outcomes. Our volunteers spend hundreds of hours per year on training and rescues, which doesn’t leave much time for fundraising. Thanks to the Rotary Club, team members can focus on training for and rescuing people.

Photo provided

Rotary Ride for Rescue

Graham Harding, corporate sponsor and perennial Ride participant.

Preservation of a heritage site BY

Chris Stringer

ong before West Vancouver existed, John ‘Navvy Jack’ Thomas and his family established their home near Lawson Creek, in what would become Ambleside. Navvy Jack House is significant for several reasons. Built in the early 1870s, it is the oldest house in West Vancouver, and one of only a handful of buildings of that age in the Lower Mainland. Thomas’s union with Sla-wiya, a granddaughter of Chief Kiepelano, was one of the earliest between the indigenous people and incoming settlers. Their offspring continue to live in the Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh and Musqueam lands. Navvy Jack was a pioneer, and an entre-

preneur. He prospected for gold in Barkerville. He operated the first ferry service from the North Shore to Gastown, where he owned part of a hotel. He shipped gravel dredged from the Capilano River to builders across the inlet, a mix that gave him his nickname, ‘Navvy Jack.’ The original house is an early example of balloon framing, common in eastern Canada, where walls are erected first, rather than our 2x4 framing where one floor is built at a time. It was about 800 square feet, with a gable roof and a lean-to front porch. The house had several owners after Navvy Jack until the district purchased it as part of its planned purchase of Ambleside’s waterfront cottages. Over time, additions concealed and protected the building. Returning the house

ITALIAN & INDIAN CUISINE

1747 Marine Drive, West Vancouver www.casadiamici.ca 604.912.0251

PICK-UP OR DELIVERY

Navvy Jack House in 1914.

close to its original form is part of the Navvy Jack House restoration plan. The Navvy Jack House Citizens Group was formed in 2020 to ensure that this important heritage asset is preserved for the

Photo: courtesy of West Vancouver archives

benefit of future generations. Its work resulted in the district pledging $1 million towards the restoration. The Citizens Group has committed to raising the balance needed, another $1.6 million.

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May/June 2022

Researchers ask public for help protecting BC’s bats BY

Danielle Dagenais, MSc, PAg

Regional Bat Coordinator Metro Vancouver-Squamish Area

he BC Community Bat Program, in collaboration with the Province of BC, are asking the public for help in the effort to detect and prevent the spread of White-Nose Syndrome (WNS) in BC’s bats. Residents are asked to report any sick or dead bats found before May 31. WNS is a fungal disease that is harmless to humans but has devastated North American bat populations. The fungus attacks bats while they are hibernating. Bats often wake to clean the fungus from their skin. This uses valuable energy, and finally the bats die from hypothermia and starvation. Two species present in BC— Little Brown and Northern Bats—are now listed as Endangered under federal Species at Risk legislation. As a key predator for many invertebrate species, bats are essential parts of BC’s ecosystems, and they provide billions of dollars of economic benefit

to North America by helping control agricultural, forest, and urban pests. Please visit https://www.whitenosesyndrome. org/ to learn more about the disease. Bat reports may also alert researchers to regions with unusual activity and can provide data on when bats return to the landscape and become active in a region. Bat reports over the years have indicated that the silver-haired bat often chooses to hibernate in wood piles in southern BC. These sleeping bats should be left alone, when possible. Please consider taking wood from another pile and allowing the bat to hibernate on your property. If you find a hibernating or roosting bat on your property, keep your distance, inform family members, snap a photo, and report it to the BC Community Bat Program for advice. Never touch a bat with your bare hands; if you or your pet has been in direct contact with the bat you will need further information regarding the risk of rabies. Please report any bat sightings and dead bats to the BC Community Bat Program; bat carcasses are very important as they

West Vancouver Presbyterian Church SERVICE

Sundays at 10:30am

2893 MARINE DRIVE 604.926.1812 westvanpresbyterian.ca

can be tested for WNS. Reports can be made online at www.bcbats.ca via email at vancouver@bcbats.ca or by calling 1-855922-2287 ext. 11 (1-855-GOT-BATS). In partnership with the BC Ministry of Environment, and funded by the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation, Forest Enhancement Society of BC, Habitat Stewardship Program, and

local funders, the BC Community Bat Program provides information and promotes local stewardship and citizen science. You can find out more about the BC Community Bat Program and options for helping local bat populations at www.bcbats.ca, info@bcbats.ca, or 1-855-922-2287.

Image provided

White-nose syndrome occurrence map – by year (2022).

SERVICE

Sundays at 10am 4772 Piccadilly Road South 604.922.3531 stfrancisinthewood.ca

May/June 2022

PAGE 13

ANNE BAIRD

ANNE’S CORNER

A wedding to remember

t’s the wedding season! James and I will be attending his grandson’s wedding in Cowichan Bay this summer. But the most unforgettable wedding I ever attended was 34 years ago in Northern BC where my mum grew up. It united Dunk, Prince Rupert’s garbage king, and his girlfriend, Kitty. The weather was perfect. No rain! (Unusual for Prince Rupert.) One hundred and fifty guests were crammed into the church. Sequins, satin, and beads were the order of the day. Townie men wore business suits. A contingency of Dunk’s fellow workers, as well as local loggers, and Harley bikers (all friends of the bridal couple) sported motorcycle boots, and every permutation of denim, black leather, and bolo ties. Shirt sleeves were rolled up, displaying spectacular muscles and tattoos. The glamorous women on the bikers’ hogs ran to long hair and exotic makeup. A few favoured traditional leather. Others

preferred square dance dresses with crinolines. After the service, a biker led a motorcade of Harley dudes and dudettes to escort the newlyweds, in their blue Corvette, to the courthouse garden for wedding photos. An unfortunate two-hour hiatus between ceremony and celebration ensued. Guests flocked to nearby bars to lay down a festive buzz. The reception was held at the Elks Club, opposite Overwaitea Foods. At 6:30 p.m. the by-now-boisterous crowd surged in, quickly demonstrating that the point of wedding receptions is to get smashed, eat, pick fights, fall down ravines, and have as much fun as possible. The riot was held in check by a steadying group of children, grannies, and other assorted elders. The party was spirited but civilized enough so that police presence was never required. The feast was splendiferous. Dunk’s fa-

ther and brother, two of Rupert’s best charter fishermen, brought in 87 crabs, 150 pounds of shrimp, loads of halibut, salmon, cod, and even calamari. La Gondola restaurant topped that up with pastas swimming in butter and garlic, a haunch of bloody beef, ham, cold cuts, chicken, lashings of moose, and tons of potato salad. The mother of the groom made all the desserts, as well as the wedding cake, table centerpieces, bridal bouquets and the flower girl’s dress. The disco DJs whomped out a steady stream of country favourites that had us stomping up a storm. Occasional slow dances allowed exhausted couples to hang on each other, swaying and breathing heavily. Billy the Blaster and Snuffy, two elderly loggers, made sure I never lacked for partners. It was the best darn wedding I ever attended. Lots of fine, insulting after-dinner speeches. A telegram to the bride, congratulating her on capturing Rupert’s handsom-

est and most eligible bachelor, turned out to be from the groom. The brother of the bride, a detective from Victoria, toasted his sister, and threatened to pistol whip Dunk if he didn’t treat her right. Thirty-four years later, the happy couple are still together.

U O Y K N TH A

W W W. C AU L F E I L D V I L L AG E S H O P P I N G C E N T R E . CO M

g n i p p o for sh

Bank of Montreal .................... 604.921.2982 BC Liquor Store ......................... 604.922.8201 Caulfeild Dental Centre ....... 604.922.1305 Caulfeild Gallery & Framing .. 604.926.1886 W W W. Caulfeild Insurance Centre .. 604.922.9100 Caulfeild Medical Clinic ........ 604.922.1544

L A C LO

Caulfeild Veterinary Hospital .. 604.922.2344 Fisherman’s Market ............... 604.281.2000 Iris Optometrists & Opticians ... 604.923.4747 J Gregory Men’s Apparel ...... 604.921.2646 AMarilyn’s U L Boutique F E I L................. D V604.925.4110 ILLAG Mega Sushi ................................. 604.281.0200

New Generation Club ............ 604.926.5550 Pastameli’s Restaurant ........ 604.922.9333 Pharmasave ............................... 604.926.5331 Post Office ................................ 1.800.267.1177 ESafeway SHO PPINGCENT ....................................... 604.926.2550 Starbucks .................................... 604.926.2550

Subway ......................................... 604.922.7501 Valetor Cleaners ...................... 604.925.3900 Village Pet Food ....................... 604.925.3334 Rennie Realty ........................... 604.681.8898 R Windsor E . C Meats O MCo ................... 604.926.6168

PAGE

May/June 2022

You’ll never feel so safe. You’ll never share so many laughs.

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Charity Shopping

NIFTY THRIFTY STORE Caulfeild Cove Hall at St. Francis-in-the-Wood-Church 4773 South Piccadilly Rd, West Vancouver

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Saturday May 7, 2022 10am - 2pm

Can a 14-year-old conduct a public presentation similar to a TED talk?

Island Pacific School Grade 9s have been doing so for over 27 years.

5 fun facts about masterworks: 1. Two Words: Ted Talk

2. Self-directed, Self-selected and Self-presented 3. A Graduation Milestone 4. Expert Support 5. Project Diversity

• NEW ITEMS arriving all the time! • ARRIVE EARLY for the best selection!

Proceeds to the charities supported by St. Francis-in-the-Wood Church

www.stfrancisinthewood.ca | 604.922.3531

Join Us at Island Pacific School June 13-16 Presentation Schedules @ islandpacific.org/masterworks

May/June 2022

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PAGE 15

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PAGE

16 1904 - 128 W. Cordova Street, Downtown

May/June 2022

430 Bayview Road, Lions Bay

$659,000

350 Bayview Road, Lions Bay

$1,699,000

$4,295,000

WOODWARDS - Gastown’s most iconic landmark building. This sleek contemporary 1 bdrm / 1 bthrm / 646 SF suite features a Juliet balcony, 9’ concrete ceilings, hardwood floors, deluxe kitchen, spa inspired bathroom & great views. Included access to Club W’s world class 2 level indoor/outdoor oasis - gym, lounge, media room, rooftop patio with hot tub, BBQ and entertaining area.

Beautiful ocean views from this 3 bdrm / 2 bthrm / 2315 SF partly renovated West Coast Modern home in Lions Bay. Set on a private 17,828 SF lot and surrounded by lush forest with unobstructed South West views of Howe Sound. Bring your design ideas and bring back this home’s original luster. Walkable to 3 beaches, world renowned trails, marina, school, café, store and transit.

This extraordinary custom-built 4 bdrm + office / 5 bthrm / 5,935 SF residence sets a new standard in luxurious living with not a single detail overlooked or expense spared. Breathtaking panoramic ocean and mountain views and beautiful viewing decks are enjoyed from all principal rooms and an abundance of natural light floods the home through large picturesque windows and high ceilings on all three levels.

2077 Haywood Avenue, Ambleside

5270 Aspen Crescent, Caulfeild

75 Kelvin Grove Way, Lions Bay

$2,998,000 This classic, early 20th century 5 bdrm / 3 bthrm / 3272 SF character home has been lovingly updated over the years while maintaining its original charm. The three story layout is great for families with the possibility of using the lower level for extended family. Enjoy the privacy offered by the mature landscaping surrounding the property. A gorgeous property and a fantastic house all in an unbeatable central location!

$2,998,000 This unique 3 bdrm / 3 bthrm / 3,200 SF updated Sahalee residence offers breathtaking ocean views from all main floor rooms, as well as from the master suite. The open air, gated foyer makes you feel as if you are entering a Mediterranean Villa as you approach the front door. Tastefully updated throughout including new hardwood floors and a gourmet kitchen. Bonus: a 440+ sf media/rec room and garage on lower level.

$2,250,000 This gorgeous 6 bdrm / 5 bthrm / 3,917 SF renovated Kelvin Grove home offers breathtaking ocean views of Howe Sound from all 4 levels. The main floor features an updated kitchen and spacious living/dining/family & guest room, while upstairs boasts 3 bedrooms including a luxurious master suite with vaulted ceilings, stunning ensuite and massive walk-in. Complete with two suites, 3 massive viewing deck and hot tub.

Your Realtor for Life.

60 4. 315 . 2645 | K imTaylo rHo mes . c o m

In the 12 years that I’ve helped my clients buy and sell homes here, I’ve always felt that I’m not just selling a home, I’m selling a lifestyle. When I move someone into a new home, the process doesn’t end with me handing them the keys; I’m involved in connecting them with their new community - my community. I was fortunate to grow up in Eagle Harbour and my husband, in Horseshoe Bay. Our son and daughter learn in the same classrooms that we did at Gleneagles - it doesn’t get more local than that. Since childhood I’ve been familiar with the trails, parks and beaches that my family enjoys today. I feel very fortunate to have fashioned a successful career doing what I love to do in this beautiful area I call home and I would love to help your family buy or sell the West Coast dream… because I believe it is. Cheers,