West Vancouver Beacon | September/October 2018 | Edition 30 by The Beacon

THE

Shedding light on the communities from Lions Bay to West Bay

Cooking with Chlo

Schools

90 years of St. Francis

Cultural connections

Mountains to sea

IN THIS ISSUE 3

September/October 2018

2018 photo: Chris Stringer Circa 1930 photo: courtesy of West Vancouver Archives 0972.WVA.RAH

Fisherman’s Cove in 2018 and circa 1930.

No. 30

BEACON

Under Paris Skies:

EDIE DA PONTE

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 | 7:30 PM

With her characteristic charm, exquisite musicianship and powerful vocals, award winning chanteuse Edie DaPonte brings Edith Piaf to life for an unforgettable evening of music!

La Musique d’Edith Piaf

KAY MEEK THEATRE, WEST VANCOUVER

KAYMEEK.COM | 604.981.6335

“As Piaf, Edie Daponte gives everything to us on the stage. The performance is magnificent, Bravo! La Môme, Edith Piaf, would be pleased with this remarkable homage.” - Dominique Wozniack, La Société francophone de Victoria

PAGE

TEAM

On making music: Chase and Tenley

Chris Stringer

Opinion

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 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 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 All editions of The Beacon (beginning in September 2013), can also be read online at: www.westvanbeacon.ca.

September/October 2018

n 1997, my family and I moved into a little house at the top of a very steep hill. As new immigrants, we had no idea what we were doing (nothing much has changed in that respect), but we got lucky with that little house. It was a lovely stroll to West Bay Elementary, which conveniently had a preschool attached to it. And that was where I first met Tenley. She was three, the same age as my daughter, Kate. Tenley’s brother Chase, and sister Lauren were older, already attending ‘big school’ along with my son. I have photos of preschool Tenley and Kate in princess outfits and superhero masks, not always at the same time. Later there were school musicals and soccer games, birthday parties and dance festivals. And wild-haired little girls hanging out of the tree in the garden. Somehow time flew by. Now, they’re inexplicably and outrageously grown-up. Their teeth and hair brushed, well, mostly. When I discovered, not too long ago, that Tenley and Chase were making music together, I had visions of them wearing Santa hats, shaking tambourines and singing Jingle Bells. It turns out it’s slightly more sophisticated than that. They actually make a living out of it. Tenley started playing piano when she was four years old. But it was Mrs. Stubbs (who was also the Grade 1 teacher at West Bay) who really inspired her. Chase too has

fond memories of Mrs. Stubbs, as do thousands of other West Vancouver students, I’m sure. Mrs. Stubbs was gentle and nurturing and I’m sure she did not know the meaning of ‘bad hair day.’ In some kind of grooming miracle, her hair was always perfectly bobbed around her sparkly eyes and kind smile. Tenley took piano lessons with Mrs. Stubbs until she graduated from high school and she started writing and singing at age 16. Midway through her degree (she has a B.Sc. in geological engineering from UBC) Tenley started producing music. It was during this time that Chase got involved, helping his little sister understand the engineering behind the music. Chase started playing guitar at age 11 and played in bands throughout high school, attending Berklee College of Music in Boston during the summer before Grade 12. After high school, he attended Concordia University for a year, then went traveling. While he was camping on a beach in the Mexican Baja, he crossed paths with an audio engineer from Vancouver, Kris Casavant, who introduced him to all the technology. Chase recorded his first few songs on the mobile equipment in Kris’ van and returned, newly inspired, to Montreal and enrolled at Recording Arts Canada. After graduating, he started a company called Reaktor Productions (reaktorproductions.ca) selling his music online for commercials and film and TV. That was six years ago. Some of his bigger clients have been Coca-Cola, the NFL, Audi, Bowflex, Oreo and Skechers. Thousands of commercials and more than 130 songs later, Chase continues to work on stock music, radio songs and his own passion projects in his Vancouver

apartment/studio, where Tenley joined him after her own travels through Southeast Asia in 2017. She writes, produces and releases music under her handle, Sitkah, and has also recently started work with a record label. Tenley’s vocals are on some of the tracks that Chase sells under Reaktor Productions. They continue to live, play and write music together. “Jackpot” is a complete brothersister collaboration. I met up with them recently, for the first time in many years. Being siblings is no guarantee of, well, anything. But there is between the two of them a little string of invisible fairy lights. They make time to listen to one another’s stories. They brighten up the space around them. It’s heartwarming to be around. I can’t wait to hear what music they continue making together and bringing into the world.

Photo provided Chase and Tenley at a music festival recently.

If you are not receiving home delivery of The Beacon please let us know at chrisstringer@westvanbeacon.ca

Vision plays an important role in every aspect of our lives. Our vision allows us to experience the world to its fullest. A complete eye examination checks your overall eye health, measures changes to vision and develops a plan to enhance and maintain your eye sight. Book your eye health and vision examination at IRIS today.

Caulfeild Village Mall 5313 Headland Drive | 604.923.4747 Dr. Vangie Tsui, Dr. Kiran Jhutty, Optometrists

September/October 2018

PAGE 3

MOUNTAINS TO SEA

Wild Art and the lonely mastodon on Bowen Island Elspeth Bradbury

he American Mastodon became extinct around twelve thousand years ago, but somewhere in the forests of Bowen Island, a life-size sculpture stands as a memorial to this once mighty creature. The sculptor, Guthrie Gloag, has wisely kept the sculpture’s location secret. Imagine the surprise, the delight that awaits hikers who seek it out or who stumble upon it unexpectedly! He hopes that those determined or lucky enough to discover it standing alone at the forest edge – a sad anomaly in this modern world – will see it as a symbol for the loss of species that has become such an issue today. A biologist by training, Guthrie has lived and worked along many parts of the B.C. coast and his sculptures

The Art of Conservation.

portray in skillfully constructed driftwood many of the animals that he has encountered in the wild. This summer, he joined forces with another Bowen Island resident to mount a joint show of artwork at the Gallery at Cove Commons. Di trained as an archeological illustrator – painstaking work that requires precision in black and white media – but eventually she turned to painting in order to express her love of colour along with her concerns for the environment. She uses clear, solid colours and clean flowing lines to portray native plants, birds and animals sometimes set in recognizably local landscapes. Each piece is accompanied by an informative write-up describing the subject along with related conservation issues. The statistics she includes can be dismaying but Di is a positive thinker and believes in the resilience of nature. She sees the clean-up and the dramatic recovery of Howe Sound as an example of our ability to turn things around.

Photo provided

These two young artists are hoping that their creativity will inspire others to appreciate and protect the wildlife that shares our magnificent province, but their contributions go further; partial proceeds from all sales at the show will benefit Raincoast Conservation Foundation and Pacific Wild. Guthrie’s work has been shown at Madrona Gallery in Victoria, Mountain Galleries at the Fairmont in Whistler and at Wolf in the Fog restaurant in Tofino. Di’s work

can be seen at Catching Stars Gallery on Bowen Island. The beautiful new Gallery at Cove Commons opened in February this year on Bowen Island, a short walk from the ferry terminal. It was built in collaboration with the Bowen Island Public Library after successful community fundraising efforts and with help from both the Federal and Provincial governments. It is run by Bowen Island Arts Council.

Guthrie Gloag and Di/ The Art of Conservation.

Photo: courtesy of RafIzdebski

www.maryannbooth.com

Vote October 20, 2018

Mary-Ann Booth Western residents are invited to meet Mary-Ann on September 13 at 7:30 pm at Gleneagles Golf Club

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PAGE

September/October 2018

What about that midlife crisis? Psyched Out Ian Macpherson

ometime in the middle of the ‘me first’ generation of the 1960s a personal counsellor had a few middle-aged clients who were experiencing some life challenges. He concluded that this small sample must have represented the tip of the iceberg and coined the term ‘midlife crisis.’ The popular media loved it and now we are all familiar with the expression. You know the worn classic stereotype: a fifty-something man buys a flashy sports car and runs off with a colleague half his age. But therapists nowadays will tell you that

if people do experience a time of regret and an urge to make a sharp course correction, impulsive or otherwise, it is likely to occur any time before life’s halfway mark and to affect both women and men. What economists have discovered about midlife might surprise you. Their statistics show life satisfaction declining from early adulthood and slumping to the bottom around age fifty. This is on average, of course, with some people continuing to be quite happy and some being miserable. In general, however, this contentment slide tends to be true for many of us. But a simple correlation between age and discontent only suggests that there are many unsatisfied people in our world; their individual histories are needed to begin to explain their particular challenges. Take 55-year-old Andy, for instance, who recently took early retirement as section

head of a prestigious firm. He reflects with some melancholy that the company had seduced him with financial, power and status rewards to give it most of his time and energy. It was a demanding and stressful lifestyle. “Was it worth it?” he often muses. Or, consider Wendy, age 42, pushed into a career as an engineer to make her engineer father happy. But his death left her wondering who she really was. These are not uncommon stories. There are always powerful societal and interpersonal influences which can act against our better interests. Some succumb to sad regret or even depression but the wild acting out of the so-called midlife crisis is largely imaginary. It is more of a pause. A turning point. Now sadder, many may fantasize in a shoulda, coulda, woulda fashion but in most cases people like Andy and Wendy begin to

make up for lost time acquiring wisdom the key to successful aging. They shift from striving to gain status, acceptance and material things to focus on what they gave up that contributed to the increasing discontent of their pre-50s life. Valuing quality time in relationships with family and friends takes over. In the process life satisfaction improves the downward slide of happiness is reversed. From about age fifty onwards the happiness trend continues upward. It is therefore perhaps not such an unexpected finding that in spite of slowing down in many ways, including diminishing health, the senior years are rated as the most content! Ian Macpherson is a psychologist who lives and practices in West Vancouver. More at www.westvancouvertherapist.com

Got bats in your belfry? On behalf of the B.C. Community Bat Program

re you noticing bats around your house or property? You are not alone. Mid-summer is the time when landowners typically notice more bat activity. Bats may fly into the house, or be found on the ground or roosting in unusual locations. Female bats gather in maternity colonies in early summer, where they remain until the pups are ready to fly. Some species of bats have adapted to live in human structures, and colonies may be found under roofs or siding, or in attics, barns or other buildings. Having

bats is viewed as a benefit by some landowners, who appreciate the insect control. Others may prefer to exclude the bats. Under the B.C. Wildlife Act it is illegal to exterminate or harm bats and exclusion can only be done in the fall and winter after it is determined that the bats are no longer in the building. At this time of year, baby bats, pups, are independent and adventuring outside their roost. They are mastering flying and learning to hunt insects. Many people get surprise visits from young pups. “The young are new to echolocation and may accidently fly into your house as they learn to orient themselves. Don’t be alarmed, they will find their own way out if you leave a window or door

open for them,” says Danielle Dagenais, biologist and coordinator with the B.C. Community Bat Program for the Greater VancouverSquamish region. Landowners can visit the Got Bats? B.C. Community Bat Program’s website (bcbats. ca) or call 1-855-9BC-BATS ext. 11 for information on how to safely remove a bat from the house, to report bat sightings, or for advice and support. To find out more, download the Managing Bats in Buildings booklet, or contact your local community bat program. The program is currently seeking reports of bat mortalities at colonies in houses, barns or bat houses. If you find a bat, alive or dead, never touch it with your bare hands. Bats in

Photo: courtesy of I-J Hansen Baby bats, called pups, are born hairless, but soon grow fur, begin to fly, and may land in surprising places.

B.C. can contract rabies. Contact a doctor or veterinarian if a person or pet could have come into direct contact (bitten, scratched etc.) with a bat. The B.C. Community Bat Program is funded by the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation, the Forest Enhancement Society of B.C. and the Government of B.C.

September/October 2018

PAGE 5

CULTURAL CONNECTIONS

Kicking off the season with Nicola Cavendish Elaine McHarg

ith September comes the beginning of many new performance seasons across the city. While not all venues have yet announced full details, a few high points already known are: an evening with the inspirational Dr. Jane Goodall at Centennial Theatre (Oct 5), multi-Grammy winner Herb Albert at the Kay Meek Arts Centre (Oct 3), and community group Theatre West Van is presenting The Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen’s Guild Dramatic Society’s Christmas Carol for a Fall run. One of the early season highlights is Daniel MacIvor’s Marion Bridge at the Kay Meek Arts Centre from September 6-20. Starring in this production are Nicola Cavendish, Lynda Boyd and Beatrice Zeilinger. Directed by Roy Surrette with set design by Vancouver artist Tiko Kerr. Daniel MacIvor has set the play in the rural community of Marion Bridge along the river Mira in Cape Breton. The story follows three estranged sisters who return home to care for their dying mother, each with their own longheld conflicts and secrets. A shared journey revolving around the dynamics of shared history, loss, separate and connected lives and how we remember things. I had the privilege of catching up with award-winning actor Nicola Cavendish for a behind-the-scenes peek at how this production is coming together.

What drew you to this play? Daniel McIvor is one of Canada’s funniest and sharp writers who looks at humans and all their foibles. I saw a community players group put Marion Bridge on in Penticton just by chance. The story drew me in very quickly and the performances were as close to professional as I have ever seen. I love the feel of the play and the feeling one is left with by the end. The story is strong and engaging, with a blend of humour with tough issues and the authenticity of the characters. This is a play that fits anyone who has grown up in a family, and a family with dysfunction and a family facing the death of a parent. The character you play in Marion Bridge is Theresa MacKeigan. Do you have a special connection to her? Theresa has a monologue that could have been custom written for me, but it wasn’t. I find it a gift to be given the words to speak and they always move me to tears in the most unexpected places. This material deserves the best authenticity in portrayal, the ability to find humour and the deep connection with the heart. I believe that heart connection is the most vital aspect of the play. The other sisters are played by Lynda Boyd (Agnes) and Beatrice Zeilinger (Louise). How is the cast fitting together? Imagine three certifiably zany women in a rehearsal hall for six hours a day getting underneath material that makes them scream with laughter and for all the right reasons. We have all lived to varying degrees certain aspects of the three sisters so we have the knowledge and the teeth to get underneath it. During the pre-rehearsal period we were doing line work together on FaceTime -on our own time- and

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it helped us build a bond right from the start. Goodnight Bird in 2015 in the Studio Theatre You have worked with director Roy Surette at Kay Meek Centre. What do you like about on several occasions in the past. How does this space? this influence the process? The Kay Meek Studio is a jewel of a space We can hit the ground running. No need to perform in due to its intimacy. This Studio to feel each other out. It’s headfirst into the is ideal to hold the story of Marion Bridge. I deepest end of the pool around discussions of am excited by Tiko Kerr’s conception of how psychology behind a moment or attitude. It is to present the story within the old family house a luxury to work with a director who puts great still rattling with so many memories. After more than 40 years of acting, do you value on delivering the story of the play front and centre. Generally, there is a relaxed atmo- have a favourite kind of story? sphere with Mr. Surette in the rehearsal hall but I like wit alongside comedy. I like nonsensialways room for laughter, suggestions and clari- cal comedy. I love restoration for comedy and fication. An enriching experience as we all work social history. I love the humanity to always be together to serve his one demand and that is found and brought forward in most characters the playwright’s words and intent. Roy is a truly if the writing is good. fine fellow with a very good mind and integrity As a proud North Shore resident do you firmly in place. have a few favourite haunts? What do you hope the audience takes I enjoy the atmosphere of the Beach House away from the experience? Restaurant, regularly go to the Seniors’ Centre Most likely an unavoidable look at their own for diabetic support, love to shop at Fresh Street lives while watching so many points of compar- market and for a special treat I sneak off to Saison as presented by the family on stage. These vary Island Pies. ordinary people living their lives, stir many memories for those watching. There are monologues for each of the sisters that are a pleasure to speak because they are moving, enlightening, private and beautiful. Daniel McIvor is an actor’s writer with a strong audience behind him these many years. Marion Bridge is a solid story with a fine restorative ending. It is about what a family can be. Photo: courtesy of David Cooper You performed The Beatrice Zeilinger, Lynda Boyd and Nicola Cavendish.

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September/October 2018

HOME & LIVING

Mini Pavlov a

PAVLOVA: 6 egg whites room temp 1.5 cups white gran ulated sugar 2 tsp corn starch 1/2 tbsp lemon ju ice 1/2 tbsp vanilla ex tract CREAM: 1 1/2 cups cold he avy

A divine treat Cooking with Chlo

LL FOR NOMINATIONS

LET NO OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEER GO UNRECOGNIZED!

ominate volunteers online at westvancouver.ca/awards fill out this form and mail it drop it off at Municipal Hall.

Chloé Noël

nomination deadline

October 12, 2018

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS nomination deadline

October 12, 2018

rict of West Vancouver Community Awards 17th Street, West Vancouver BC V7V 3T3 04-913-2772 | e: awards@westvancouver.ca westvancouver.ca/awards

recognizing individuals or groups who have provided outstanding volunteer contributions to West Vancouver

NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR WEST VANCOUVER COMMUNITY AWARDS

The District of West Vancouver is accepting nominations for its Community Awards Program. The awards recognize the effort and commitment of individual volunteers and/or groups who use their time and talents to build a stronger community, and contribute to residents’ quality of life. Nominations will be received until Friday, October 12, 2018 at 4:30 p.m. in five categories: Arts & Culture, Community Commitment, Environment, Heritage and Health, Wellness & Activity. The awards will be presented at a ceremony on November 29 at the Kay Meek Centre. For more information on the Community Awards program, including category descriptions and past winners, please visit westvancouver.ca/awards.

oday’s indulgence is not a cake, not a pie and not a plain meringue. This dish is light, luscious and texturally divine. If you are preparing a dessert for people you truly love and with whom you enjoy savouring special moments, serve them these mini pavlovas. My grandfather, who lived in Caulfeild for 50 years, loved pavlova and I wish I could serve him one today and enjoy his charming sense of humour. Named after Russian ballerina, Anna Pavlova, this heavenly treat originates from New Zealand or Australia, depending on who you ask. I chose to top my mini pavlovas with exotic fruit - kiwi, passionfruit and pomegranate - creating a delightful medley of flavours, colours and textures. Making pavlovas requires a significant amount of time. Beating egg whites is quite a process and

Photo provided The size makes the pavlovas easy to serve and allows you to create different combinations of fruit.

baking time is more than an hour. But they are well worth the patience and the wait. Chloé is a part time vegetarian who tends to overshare and overeat.

whipping cream 2 tbsp white gran ulated sugar TOPPING/DECO R: 4-5 cups fresh fru it: blueberries

, kiwi, raspberries, slic ed strawberries, blueberries, pome granate, passionfruit, necta rines etc.

Preheat the oven to 225˚ F. Line a lar ge baking sheet wi paper. Using your th parchment stand mixer, beat 6 egg whites on minute until soft high speed 1 peaks form. With mixer on, gradua cups sugar and be lly add 1 1/2 at 10 minutes on high speed, or un form. It will be sm til stiff peaks oo in 1/2 Tbsp lemon th and glossy. Use a spatula to quick juice and 1/2 tbsp 2 tsp corn starch vanilla extract, th ly fold and mix until we en fold in ll blen the parchment pa per. Indent the ce ded. Pipe meringue onto room for cream. Ba nt ke at 225˚ for 75 m er with a spoon to allow without opening inutes then turn ov the en 30 minutes. Outsi door, leave meringue in the hot ov off and des will be dry an en another d cream colored an cr d insides will still isp to the tap and very pale be marshmallow the pavlova with soft. Transfer the parchment pa per rack and allow it to cool to room te onto the counter or a cookie mperature. Once top them with wh cool, ip container for 3-5 da ped cream and fruit or store in you can an airtight ys at room tempe rature. Frosting an Beat cold whippi ng cream with 2 d Assembly: tb sp to 2 1/2 minutes sugar in the cold or un bowl for 2 whipped cream on til whipped and spreadable. Pu ta to the pavlova an d top with fresh fru dollop of it.

Caulfeild’s Christa inducted into the Hall of Fame

ur very own Christa Bortignon was recently inducted into the Canadian Masters Athletics Hall of Fame. She also competed in the Canadian Masters Championships at South Surrey Athletic Park in August, where she broke the outdoor pentathlon W80 world record by over 500 points. This on top of her four gold medals at the USA Masters Track Cham-

pionship in July, in Cheney, WA. With no break, she heads off to Malaga, Spain in September to compete in the World Masters Outdoor Championship. Congratulations Christa! Christa with her Hall of Fame award.

Photos provided Christa competing in Cheney, WA in July.

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September/October 2018

PAGE 7

Would you like to sing with Men on the Rock? BY

Patrick Duffy

n a mild summer solstice evening, I was invited to attend a ‘not-tobe-missed’ evening with Men on the Rock, Bowen Island’s male choir, under direction of their accomplished Artistic Director, Nicole Thomas Zyczynski. After a dining treat at Doc Morgan`s we leisurely motored over the island to the beautiful concert venue at the Tunstall Bay Beach Clubhouse. We felt at home right away, meeting the local music lovers and chorus volunteers. One gentleman was a school friend I haven’t seen in 70 years. Don is a practicing forester in my profession. Imagine that. Men on the Rock are 14-strong with a small back-up band. Nicole directs and plays the piano and accordion. For the Scottish pieces, Dal McCrindle plays the bagpipes with good effect. The rich program included music by John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Gordon Lightfoot, the Beach Boys and Duke Ellington. Amongst well-known songs like “Can`t Help Falling in Love” and “Blowing in the Wind” was a composition by Nicole,

titled “Digging for Gold,” based on life in Lillooet. The choir is remarkable both in its singing quality and the electric arrangements and performances of its director. Nicole began her musical journey at four years of age in piano and later studied the organ at UBC. She trained in France and holds a master’s degree in organ performance. In

addition to Men on the Rock, she directs the West Vancouver Heritage Choir, the St. David’s United Church Choir and A Tout Choeur, the North Shore French choir. She is also starting a children’s French choir on the North Shore called J’aime Chanter. A concert is planned for Saturday, November 24 at 7:30pm at Bowen Island’s Tir-na-nOg Theatre. A West Vancouver

performance is also in the planning. Stand by for the details with a view to capturing a musical evening like no other. The group begins rehearsing again on Monday, September 3. If you are interested in joining the group, contact Nicole by email at: ntzharmonium@mac.com. No audition is required.

Photo provided

Men on the Rock in performance on Bowen Island.

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September/October 2018

Seniors stay active at their centre Chris Stringer

“A

ging is not lost youth but a new stage of opportunity and strength.” - Betty Friedan

West Vancouver has one of the highest populations of seniors in British Columbia with 25% of the population over age 65 and many of them enjoy the programs and services of the West Vancouver Seniors’ Activity Centre. The Centre opened on June 26, 1981 ten years after the concept was introduced to Council. The $1.2 million cost of construction

was funded in equal portions by the municipal, provincial and federal governments. A significant amount of funding for capital expenditures came from seniors themselves through donations and fundraising events. When you enter the Seniors’ Activity Centre you are welcomed warmly into a noticeably buzzing and happy environment, with many different activities going on. A busy woodworking room, snooker being played and people reading, chatting or watching TV are but the beginning. Beyond the lounge are arts and crafts, music and photography groups, fitness classes, lectures and many varied opportunities to meet the interests of everyone. There is even a store offering a unique selection of specialty items. The aroma of coffee leads you to the cafete-

ria that is open throughout the day. Members meet here with old and new friends. A diverse lunch menu is available daily between 11.30 and 1.30 and dinners are served on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Relax on the enclosed outdoor patio surrounded by beautifully maintained gardens. This welcoming facility is operated specifically for those age 55 and over. Its inclusive programs and activities encourage a healthy, active and social lifestyle which includes outdoor activities like biking, hiking, walking, sport and gardening. There is an activity to keep you busy every day of the week, all year long. “When I arrived in West Vancouver I knew no one,” says centre member Delia Hughes. “The seniors’ centre changed that. Through

Photo provided

Seniors’ Activity Centre.

Keeping Connected, I joined a fitness class, a social club and a conversation club and I go on outings. I met people who are now dear friends and we, in turn, help newcomers make their own connections. It’s a vital service for seniors who might be feeling a little bit squashed. When we lose our spouses and friends, and even family members, it can be a challenge to make new connections and to keep active.” The Keeping Connected program at the Seniors’ Activity Centre was the 2016 recipient of the British Columbia Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA) Program Excellence Award in the over 15k population category. Keeping Connected participants have suffered a loss of some sort, such as the loss of cognition, loss of a driver’s license, a physical loss, or loss of a spouse. These setbacks can result in individuals being isolated from the community. Keeping Connected programs are specially designed to support vulnerable seniors in their pursuit to enjoy independent, high quality lives. The program offers courses and activities that focus on exercise, conversation and social connections. It breaks down barriers to participation by providing transportation, instruction, one-on-one support, reminder phone calls and support for families. “The members of the Seniors’ Activity Centre are the most inspirational people to spend time with. They have faced diversity, blazed new trails, and they have loved as well as lost. Through all of their highs and lows they have persevered, remained strong and reminded us of the many possibilities ahead,” says Jill Lawlor, Seniors’ Services and Community Wellness Manager.

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September/October 2018

PAGE 9

COME JOIN AND HAVE A BALL Some come to quilt, to stitch, to sew; Some come to paint, a pleasant art;

Some come to work with tools and wood; For men and women all take part.

Ladies Social Club with Delia Hughes, Irene Little and Clara Mottershead.

Photos provided Friday quilters Cindy Lin and Marian Cairnes.

For some the games are what they play, Competing, friendly, that’s the thing. On table top or carpet floor

The balls and bowls do ring. Some come to dance or exercise, Their fitness you can tell,

Some fast, some slow, but very wise To choose their program well.

Let’s not forget the music room For music fills the air,

Piano, organ, TV screen,

Much more there is to share. To sit, to chat, to rest a while, The choice is there for all.

Relax, think young, enjoy yourself, Come join and have a ball.

Fred Titcomb, 1912-2016 SAC volunteer for 34 years B.C. Community Award recipient The Queen’s Jubilee Medal recipient

Men’s walking club: Dave Rudd, Don Laishley, Leaders Frank Kurucz and Carly Graham, Wayne Darian, Enrique Argente and volunteer Chi.

HERE ARE SOME OF THE ACTIVITIES AVAILABLE AT OR THROUGH THE SENIORS’ ACTIVITY CENTRE

DROP-IN AND INDOOR ACTIVITIES: Billiards/ Snooker. Bridge, Poker, Canasta, Scrabble. Paint & Sculpture. Quilting. Stamp Club, knitting, photography and music programs. French conversation. Lectures. Movie Sundays. Yoga. Indoor bicycling. Massage. Group Fitness classes including Hearts in Motion, Energizer, Osteofit, Strength & Balance, Simply Stretch and Zumba. OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES: Garden club. Cycling groups. Hiking Club. Walking Club. Golf. Pitch & Putt. Shuttle bus service.

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Fit Fellas volunteer coordinator, Barry Chapman with founder, Frank Kurucz.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 FROM 10AM – 4PM Third annual North Shore Seniors’ Health Expo featuring exhibitors, innovative speakers and researchers focusing on cognitive, physical, social, nutritional and financial wellbeing. Free. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 29 FROM 6 - 7:30PM St Andrew’s Day Sing-along with the Londoners and your favourite Scottish songs. Dinner followed by singing in the activity room. There will be a bar available. $5 (suggested donation). SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16 FROM 1:30 – 3PM The Heritage Choir’s Christmas concert will entertain you with a variety of heart-warming Christmas favourites. We look forward to seeing you and promise you an enjoyable afternoon. Bring your voice as you may be invited to join. Refreshments following the concert. Director: Nicole Thomas Zyczynski. Cost is $7.50.

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September/October 2018

SCHOOLS

Vancouver Pride 2018 BY

Rose Lepin Rockridge Secondary Student

ecently, Vancouver celebrated its fortieth Pride Parade. In case you don’t know, this is an annual downtown event that lets members of the LGBTQIA2+ community celebrate and express their sexual, romantic, and gender identities. Pride marches and other events like it have been happening for 49 years, the first being a small one in New York in 1969. Vancouver’s first Pride took place in 1978. Not only is it a crusade for freedom and acceptance, it is a celebration of love, expression, and hope for a brighter future where you can be yourself without question. As a queer teen living in metro Vancouver I was in awe and amazement at what surrounded me. I was lucky enough to be part of the SD45 float with other kids, teens, parents and teachers from the West Vancouver School District. I had the opportunity to make eye contact with and talk to, well, more like yell to, other people in the city. I felt so blessed to be able to look at every face as I went by and think, “What’s their story?” I was able to hear a few and have appreciation for the generations before me that fought hard so that I could be up on that float representing our community. I must admit, when I first arrived I was a tad overwhelmed with the chaos that surrounded me. After reading people’s witty t-shirts, seeing the adorable couples walking down the street freely holding hands

and the excited kids running towards the parade, I felt truly at home. The festivities had already begun when we met at our float to begin the parade. Many people in my meeting area were extremely excited to see prime minister Justin Trudeau’s car drive by, taking him to his place in the parade. Though my voice is now essentially gone, my shoulders sunburnt, and my feet aching, it was a truly amazing day. Happy Pride!

Photo: courtesy of Reede Lund Rose Lepin eagerly awaiting the beautifully rainbow-decked out float’s departure into the bustling parade!

Local basketball talent shines BY

Lindy Pfeil

agle Harbour resident, Yurdan Rozumnyj, was one of only twelve boys selected to the B.C. 15U team - the only player from the North Shore - to represent British Columbia at the 2018 15U and 17U Boys’ National Basketball Championships in Kamloops from August 6 –11. Tryouts started in February with over 500 boys competing from across the province for a place on each team. Once selected, the team had intensive weekend practices once a month, starting in April. These took place in gyms across the lower mainland with head coach, Cassidy Kannemeyer of Capilano University and assistant coach, Eric Williams of Douglas College. The 15U team placed fifth and the 17U team place fourth overall. The 15U team

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placement at Nationals ranked three levels higher than last year’s team, a huge accomplishment given their limited practice time together. Yurdan’s position on the team is post/ power forward and his personal achievements in the tournament resulted in him placing in the top ten in Canada in three categories: average total rebounds (seventh), average offensive rebounds (fourth) and 2 points made (tenth). Yurdan is part of the RTC Premier 1 Basketball Academy program with the West Vancouver School District and he also plays with the 3D club team. He has been MVP for the last two years at Rockridge Secondary. Congratulations to the team and coaches for their commitment and hard work throughout the spring and summer, and to Yurdan for making West Vancouver and the North Shore so proud!

Photo: courtesy of Roman Rozumnyj Yurdan hits a 3-point shot against Team Saskatchewan.

Contact us today Ashley Hamilton at 604-706-1259 ahamilton@copemanhealthcare.com www.copemanhealthcare.com West Vancouver, 200-545 Clyde Ave Vancouver, 400-1128 Hornby Street

September/October 2018

PAGE 11

On nature and neighbourhood BY

Kim Clarke

like to think of it as the circle of life, my homage to The Lion King. It’s the walk I take with my dog every day. He’s a terrible walker. I am the dragger and he is the draggee. He would rather stand and sniff one blade of grass for five hours than take a turn around the block. When it rains this is especially annoying but in the sunshine, ooh boy, it’s fantastic. I get to notice the little things and ruminate on the oddities. It’s why I am. On this particular weekday I was thinking about eccentricity as I dragged Konk around the block. There is a house at the end of a driveway that is cloaked in cardboard and blends with its surroundings, the trees recognizing their cousins in another form. A hoarder’s kind of house, it looks abandoned and rather dusty. There is, however, a kind of landscaping that both nature and neighbour attempt.

At the bottom of the driveway is an abandoned car. Ivy and morning glory vines strap the vehicle to the earth it seems, saving it and oncoming traffic from lurching into the roadway. It too is very dusty. But on this day I noticed a person with a bouquet of red flowers, some bamboo, vines, a bunch of sticks, some ribbon. A lovely arrangement. Very woodsy and natural and beachy, just like the neighborhood. “How sweet,” I thought. “Their deck will love it.” So, on Konk and I dragged not giving much more than that passing thought to the bouquet, until later, when I was driving to gather dinner. The voice on CBC (I know, I am a throwback) took me back to a conversation that I had with a friend who worked at the mothercorp many years passed. “Did you know,” she asked, “that one of your students nominated you as an eccentric for our contest?” I informed her that I did not, but I was flattered. And then I noticed the car at the hoarder house. The bouquet being gath-

ered earlier in the day was now laying languidly on the roof of the car, attempting to lend an elegance to a thing disposed. In that moment I recognized love and care in a seemingly hopeless place, an attempt to beautify the inexplicable. In that split second I thanked Konk for

his dawdling, Curtis for the nomination and Disney for the metaphor. Kim Clarke is a writer and teacher who lives in Horseshoe Bay and wants to share sparkle, in all its forms, with the world.

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BOOK LAUNCH

Dreamers and Designers: The Shaping of West Vancouver by Francis Mansbridge

at the West Vancouver Memorial Library FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26 AT 7PM Appetizers, wine and soft drinks will be served and there will be no cost for admission.

This book concentrates on the issues of land that have played such an important part in shaping West Vancouver. The British Properties and many other groups have been instrumental in development that has created West Vancouver as it is today—a place of enviable beauty and sophistication, but one confronting enormous increases in housing costs and the resulting barriers to the creation of an inclusive community. West Vancouver’s location and proximity to a major urban centre continues to attract people from around the world.

September/October 2018

A “life saver” for frustrated parents BY

A rielle Spence

Learning Disabilities Association Vancouver

n British Columbia, one in ten children struggles with a diagnosable learning disability such as dyslexia. However, with some additional support from their teachers, family, and community, children with learning disabilities can understand their unique learning techniques and thrive in school. Learning Disabilities Association of the North Shore is working to make sure that kids get the support and understanding they need. Operating in partnership with the North Shore Neighbourhood House, the certified instructors at LDA-NS work one-on-one with children (age 7-17) who have a suspected or diagnosed learning disability in twice-weekly after school sessions. From Fall 2018, they are offering an increased number of spots, thanks to an expanded roster of instructors and administrative staff. Experienced community programmer

Dave, world traveller PARC resident

Niki Hurst recently joined the team at LDA-NS as their new North Shore Program Coordinator, building partnerships with the different school boards and community organizations on the North Shore in order to reach more children with learning disabilities. Niki’s goal is “to have a more unified approach between the

“

“...one in ten children struggles with a diagnosable learning disability...” student, parents, teachers, school board and our organization. It is important for us to understand what is happening at the child’s home, school and at a district level so we can complement and supplement any support the child may be receiving.” What Niki notices most with the oneon-one approach is “a shift in the child’s

confidence around their learning abilities. As that confidence grows the child is able to self-advocate for what it is that they need to succeed at the school - and that is a pretty amazing thing to see happen.” In its nearly fifty-year history, Learning Disabilities Association of Vancouver (the parent non-profit of LDA-NS) has grown from a two-person operation to a registered charitable non-profit that supports more than 175 children each year, along with a small group of adults. With 60% of clients receiving financial support to attend tutoring, Executive Director, Kate Raven, states that financial accessibility is a critical element of the organization’s mandate. “We are proud to provide bursaries and scholarships to ensure that our programs and services continue to be accessible to everyone who needs support,” she says. LDAV provides financially-accessible support and instruction to children with learning disabilities. If you are a parent, guardian or teacher of a child with a suspected or diagnosed learning disability and want to learn more, please visit ldav.ca.

When not travelling overseas with his wife, Dave can be found playing cribbage with the group he started at the Westerleigh. The game has been a favourite in Dave’s family for generations, and next on his list is to challenge other PARC residences to a championship! “We’ve made long-lasting friendships with other Westerleigh travellers.” That’s how it is at Westerleigh PARC: it’s easy to keep up old interests, with new friends. And with PARC Retirement Living’s focus on maintaining a healthy body and mind through our Independent Living+ program, it’s easy to see how life’s just better here.

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September/October 2018

PAGE 13

Celebrating 90 years of St. Francis-in-the-Wood BY

Ann Frost

icture the scene that Sunday, January 1, 1928: seventy-two people gathered together to dedicate the new church of St. Francis-in-the-Wood. Two to three feet of snow had fallen in the night. The church was enclosed on three sides by forest and in front of it was the beauty of Caulfeild Cove. Imagine the silence and stillness that surrounded and enveloped the birth of this new venture, this new community. Looking back, it seems the silence and the stillness were somehow imbued with all that was to follow in the years ahead, all the memories that had yet to be created: the times of joy and celebration, and times of sadness and tragedy; the lives yet to be born and to be lived; all those to be baptized here; all those to be married here; those whose deaths would be mourned here and lives celebrated here. And those memories continue

St Francis in the Wood, 1939.

to be created today. St. Francis-in-the-Wood began as a mission of St. Stephen’s in West Vancouver. With the opening of Marine Drive in 1915 more homes were being built further west, and families began to want worship services nearer to where they lived. By 1923, worship services were being held in private homes in Caulfeild. By the summer of 1926 (when apparently, congregational singing was particularly good because of a number of visiting professional singers), the men of Caulfeild decided it was time to build – to build a church on the lot that had been donated by the founder of the community, Francis Caulfeild. The women of Caulfeild, headed by Mrs. Kettle (to whom the Charity window in the church is appropriately dedicated), set about raising the necessary funds while the lot was being cleared for building to start. Mr. Harold A. Stone drew up plans, and the local residents pitched in with axes, saws, shovels and

Photo: West Vancouver Memorial Library, WVML002839000

spades and set to work, fuelled by sandwiches and hot coffee kept at the ready. Enthusiasm ran high, and in the autumn a Women’s Auxiliary was formed. Church furnishings were offered - carpets, altar linens, a desk for the rector, even a church bell. The name St. Francis-in-the-Wood has proven to be singularly appropriate, not only because of its setting among the trees and beside the sea but also because it is dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi. His reverence for all life, his delight in nature and his sense of the Brotherhood of Man all speak clearly and directly to present day. The church named and completed, work began on the first church hall, and the beautiful Lych Gate, which still stands today, was built at the same time. Francis Caulfeild’s daughter gave the church an oak panel, carved by Captain Kettle, soon after the church was consecrated. The eastern church window was installed as a memorial to Francis Caulfeild.

St Francis in the Wood, 2013.

Over the years, changes, additions and improvements continued. In 1946, the parish was divided and Rev. Valentine became the first resident rector in the new rectory. In 1956, a new parish hall was built, 1968 saw a gallery and choir loft added to the church and the Memorial Garden was consecrated in 1973. As the church celebrates its 90th year, parishioners and community alike can look back on a rich interweaving of so many lives, so many stories, so much change and so much tradition. As Rev. Angus Stuart said at the 90th anniversary Gala in February, “May all of us honour the legacy of those who have gone before us, renewing our commitment to all that promotes life in all its fullness wherever we may find ourselves in the future.” With appreciation to the parishioners who wrote “Church and Village: Two Short Histories” from which much of this article was taken.

Photo: Chris Stringer

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September/October 2018

An evolution of the Village of Lions Bay BY

T ony Cox and Louis K. Peterson

good place to live, for the young, the not-so-young, and all those in between. Every settlement probably has a romantic history, and Lions Bay is no exception. Given the 168 combined years of the two authors (over 100 spent in the Village), some nostalgic indulgences may be forgiven! For many years residents drove the lightly-traveled two lane Squamish Highway, with its ancient trestle bridges, magnificent ever-changing panorama of snow-capped mountains, and the blue waters of Howe Sound and its islands. The scenery is spectacular, owing much to mighty tectonic forces of millions of years ago. An occasional eagle or a homeward-bound flock of rooks or Canada geese complete the quiet scene. A few years ago, the 4-lane Sea-to-Sky Highway changed things. But we digress … Colonization brought many changes to the land we call Canada, including the west coast of British Columbia where Lions Bay is one of several small settlements on the Seato-Sky corridor. A St. Mark’s Church Camp ‘discovered’ Lions Bay in the early 1900s near

the present marina. It became a Village Municipality in 1971 and amalgamated with the neighbouring settlement of Brunswick Beach in 1999. Suitable foreshore land at Brunswick was used as a campsite by aboriginal people prior to land subdivision instigated by the provincial government over 100 years ago, first at Brunswick (1908) and later in central Lions Bay (1958 onwards), where the first developer was the colourful and controversial Mr. Bob Nelson. In the early days, summer cottages sprang up along the foreshore, first at Brunswick, then at Lions Bay. Logging was a thriving industry in both areas. The only access to these new settlements was by boat until the railway between West Vancouver and Squamish was built in 1954 and a 2-lane highway in 1958. The sale of lots accelerated and permanent homes were built. The Village acquired water improvement district status with limited jurisdiction beyond water supply, which comes from snow melt on the mountain, and garbage collection services. About 50% of the currently existing homes in Lions Bay were built during a period of expansion by Dawson Development in the

1970s. With growth came the need for greater control of zoning, land use, taxation and bylaw enactments, leading to the granting of Village municipality status in January 1971. A Council consisting of a mayor and four councillors was elected by the residents. Former longterm trustee, Mr. A. M. Stewart, served as mayor Photo: courtesy of Michael Tickner until 1982. The Village of Lions “Two Points of View” by renowned Canadian artist Michael Tickner. He and his wife Alice were long time residents of Lions Bay. They owned and operBay (one of 45 in B.C.) is ated the Lions Bay Gallery. www.michaeltickner.com. a residential community with an (underestimated) population of about 1300 souls but with teers (with Council support) initiate a variety very limited taxable commercial enterprises. of community activities and events. Lions Bay It collects and administers groups of taxes, has come of age. fees and grants for local municipal purposes Acknowledgement: Much of the material in as well as for various external services. this article is taken from Historical Passages Lions Bay Community School was built from the 1790s to the Present, a booklet pubin 1977. The Community Hall, the Lions Bay lished by the Lions Bay Historical Society in Beach Park and the Village Cafe are focal December 2011 to commemorate the 40th anpoints for official and casual events. Volun- niversary of the Village.

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September/October 2018

HELP US CELEBRATE

CAULFEILD VILLAGE DAY ! September 15th, 2018 11am to 5pm

AT CAULFEILD VILLAGE SHOPPING CENTRE JOIN YOUR NEIGHBOURS FOR AN AFTERNOON OF COMMUNITY FUN THAT INCLUDES:

“Thank you to the community for your patronage and support throughout the past year ” from the merchants at Caulfeild Village Shopping Centre