Express Lines May 2021

Texada’s Calendar of Events May 2021

Gillies Bay Volunteer Fire Department GILLIES BAY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT

OPEN BURNING BAN – 2021

An Open Burning Ban within the Gillies Bay Fire Protection District goes into effect on May 15, 2021 and lasts until October 15, 2021.

Burning Barrels: Burning Barrels are included in the ban.

Campfires: Campfires are allowed within the Gillies Bay Fire Protection Dis- trict until a total fire ban is implemented. NOTE: These regulations stay in effect regardless of what is posted on the WILDFIRE MANAGEMENT BRANCH WEB SITE. Texada Island does not usu- ally experience the same conditions as Vancouver Island or the Mainland.

GILLIES BAY RESIDENTS: If you hear the fire siren please shut off any open taps until the fire emergency has been rectified.

Rob McWilliam - Fire Chief www.gilliesbayvfd.ca

Texada Island Farmers Market Hello everyone, our wonderful little Farmers Market is set to start June 6th at the Gillies Bay ball field, 12 noon – 1:30 pm. Our core vendors are all fired up and looking forward to an awesome season. Anyone wanting to be part of the Market must contact me before hand and cannot just show up as I may have to turn you away due to public health reasons. Please note: COVID rules will be in place. Your Market Coordinator Dawn Hughes, 604-486-7529.

Express Lines May 2021 TEXADA ISLAND Better At Home Better At Home on Texada Island HEALTH CENTRE matches volunteers with seniors to provide non-medical support so seniors can continue living independently in their own homes. Hours of operation B@H services may be limited during the Monday to Thursday COVID-19 pandemic, but currently we offer 8:30 am to 11:45 am, 1:15 pm to 4 pm Friday 8:30 am to 11:45 am limited transportation (including grocery delivery) plus friendly visits by phone and Phone Number: 604-486-7525 If there’s no reply, please leave a message. light yard work. Emergencies: 604-414-9638. If there’s no Better at Home is administered by reply within 10 minutes, please phone 911. Inclusion Powell River and BC United Way, Information – Nurses Hotline: 811 with funding from the Province of BC. For

COVID changes: more information phone Tom Read (Texada • Visits strictly by appointment except program coordinator) at 604-483-1471 or for emergencies. We will try to deal email: [email protected]. with issues by phone as much as possi- ble and give appointments when pa- Mothers hold their children's hands tients need to be seen in person. for a short while but their hearts for- • Lab tests by appointment only. Extend- ed lab time: 8:30 am to 9:45 am. ever. • Masks and hand sanitizer compulsory ~Author unknown on entering the health centre. • If you are ill and suspect you may have COVID, please come to the back door marked COVID and follow the posted instructions. • TAP forms can be picked up after 1:15 pm.

Please be patient with us. We have never been in this situation before either.

2 Express Lines May 2021 Shelter Point Concession 604-578-0190 (please do not leave your order on the voicemail – leave your name and number and we will call you back ASAP)

Open 7 days a week 11 am—8 pm Saturday, May 22 to Monday, September 6, 2021

Cash only please

Come down and enjoy your favorites from last year or try something new – this year we have added Beef Dip, Sweet Potato Fries, Sparkling Water, Mississippi Mud Pie and more!

Starting June 1st: We will have a weekly taco special every Tuesday from 4 pm to closing. Quantities will be limited so get there early!

Take out menus and gift certificates available.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

3 Express Lines May 2021 Texada Food Bank

Texada Food Bank is ONLY offered on the second Wednesday of the month. Call on the second Tuesday between 10 am and 3 pm. Pick up on the second Wednesday between 12 noon and 12:30 pm.

Call in May 11 – Pick up May 12 Call in June 8 – Pick up June 9 Call in July 13 – Pick up July 14

604-483-1219

The Little Free Pantries are always available for anyone with food insecurities. Located at the Food Bank porch and in front of 4758 Cedar St. Gillies Bay. Take what you need; leave what you can.

All mothers are working mothers. ~Author unknown

T I R C I misspoke in my submission to April’s Express Lines regarding the bleach- ers at the Gillies Bay ballfield. The bleachers are scheduled to be removed this year and, currently, there are no plans to replace them. I apologize for any confusion I’ve caused. As always, TIRC welcomes the com- munity’s suggestions (email suggestions to [email protected]). Ron Smith, Chair Texada Island Recreation Commission

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5 Express Lines May 2021 Report from the Chair Gillies Bay Improvement District This is the time of year we normally The district is also moving on up- be would be holding our AGM (annual gen- grading and consolidating GBID water li- eral meeting) and elections to fill any expir- cense(s). It has been somewhat frustrating in ing terms of Trustees. As long as COVID is that the application was submitted in 2016, going to be with us, we will continue to hold but is just now being dealt with by the pro- board meetings via ZOOM. The notice of vincial officials. Also frustrating is that the meetings is posted on the Gillies Bay Fire approving officer required that an Environ- Hall message board and are open to the pub- mental Flow Needs Assessment (EFN) be lic. The AGM must be open to “in person” done on Cranby Lake/Creek. The board re- participation, so the board is planning to tained an engineering consultant to prepare hold the AGM outdoors sometime this sum- the EFN, and the draft is nearing completion, mer, if and when the COVID risk subsides and will soon be submitted to the ministry. and the health authorities permit it. The board had previously reported on The main focus of the board over the a request from a group of ratepayers near past two years has been on water quality im- Shelter Point to have the District extend wa- provement. The relevant board motion in ter service to that area. Any further move- part reads, “The Water Quality Objective is ment on that file is dependent on the resolu- to meet or exceed the 4-3-2-1-0 Drinking tion of the water license application. Water Objective by April 2023 or earlier…” We have seen a much dryer than nor- Simply put, GBID does not currently meet mal winter, and spring. No one wants to see the Canadian Drinking Water Standards and water restrictions, and if we all are “Water our goal is to do so in a logically-stepped, Smart”, we can avoid them. Many of us love timely manner. to garden, but in doing so, please do not As previously reported, the district waste water. Try “doing the dew”, by water- contracted with RESEAU CMI for a water ing early in the morning when the dew is on treatment pilot project to examine the on-site the ground. Water on cool days, in the morn- performance of several water treatment tech- ing or evening… never on a hot sunny or nologies for treating the water that GBID windy day. If we work with what nature sources from Cranby Lake. The pilot treat- gives us, rather than against it, we will be ment plant arrived in April 2020, and has okay. been operating continuously since then. The Chuck Childress, pilot plant and RESEAU were instrumental Chair GBID in Van Anda’s water treatment upgrade. We had hoped to have RESEAU give the com- Observation. — Nevertheless, what a munity a public presentation, but with the man needs in gardening is a cast- COVID-19 situation, it appears unlikely to iron back, with a hinge in it. happen. However RESEAU’s interim report ~Charles Dudley Warner My Summer in a Garden, "What I Know and updates are posted on the GBID website. about Gardening: Third Week," 1870 6 Express Lines May 2021

TEXADA “Your Island Hospitality and Tourism ISLAND Information Centre” INN 604-486-7711 Hello, Texada, May is upon us with all its beauty and it’s going to be a hot summer. • Just a reminder: We Are Open! You can’t sit or dine inside (at least until the end of May) but you CAN come in to use the washrooms, the ATM, shop local, buy beautiful in our artist lob- by, buy your lotto tickets, place “a to go” order, or pass thru to our full service, licenced patio. • We are having a “Mothers’ Day Dinner Special”. Menu TBA with a decadent dessert and a chance to win a hanging basket. • As always, masks are mandatory and our safety plan is in effect. Thank you, Texada, for all your love and support, Cymry, Evan, and Kaitlyn Full Lotto Center Gift Certificates Anybody looking Restaurant Bagged Ice for summer work? Bar Hours Hours Island Information Cooks, waitresses Closed Mon.—Sun.: T-Shirts & Vests & apply at the Inn. Noon—7 pm Hoodies Closed May 24 (Victoria Day) Texada Women's Island Network May Luncheon luncheon will be cancelled due to Thursday May 13, 2021 the fact that COVID on the patio at the Texada Island Inn rules do not Doors open at 11:30 am, lunch at 12 noon per- and no guest speaker this month. If everything goes well we will have our mini-in- mit us to meet in the pub.

If you house have some- - silent-auction. thing to donate If the weather to the auction, is terribly cold or rainy, the please do it well

7 Express Lines May 2021 TEXADA ISLAND UNITED CHURCH NOTES Please note: We will still publish the Mile- Weekly Services: 10:30 Sundays… stones if you send me the names and dates of are suspended until further notice. important events: births, marriages or anni- Please note that your donations or tithes are versaries, or deaths of people connected to more important than ever right now, and can Texada. ([email protected]) be mailed to Texada United Church, Box 23, Focus on Spirit! Gillies Bay, BC V0N 1W0.

A weekly reflection is posted on the church Minister’s Office Hours: Tuesday & Thurs- website. Links can be found on the church’s days, at the church, 1-3 pm. Facebook page (sometimes there are extra The church is open at these times for private posts there, so check it out) and the Texada individual prayer or meditation. Offering enve- Message Board. lopes and Our Daily Bread booklets can be picked Church Reopening: up during these hours.

Dr. Bonnie Henry has announced that she Minister: Rev. Gayle Chouinard, 604-414-7309 will give new guidelines for church gatherings and there is hope that will be able to have [email protected] church services soon. I will send out the infor- Board Chair: Dale Rinehart, 604-486-0050 mation (email and on Facebook) as soon as it is Legion Chaplain: Karen May, 604-413-0994 available and a decision is made for reopening. Website: www.texadaunited.ca Facebook Page: Texada Island United Church Prayer Group: Please call Rikki Kooy, 604-243-8097 for prayers or information.

God made rainy days so gardeners could get the housework done. ~Author unknown 1989 Marble Bay Road 604-486-7080 Open 7 days a week, 8 am – 1 pm

Supper Specials Served Sunday, Monday, Tuesday 5 pm – 7 pm Save the disappointment, Call ahead to reserve your meal. Women’s Cuts Men’s Cuts Styling Hot Shaves Call us if you need a special meal Colours Beard Trims prepared. We may not be “skip the Blow Outs Scalp Massages dishes”, but we can help you serve a Perms great meal for friends and family. To book an appointment, contact 1-587-926-7331 Family friendly prices. 8 Express Lines May 2021

LITTLE FREE PANTRIES Never miss an opportunity to make Texada’s own “little free pantries” are others happy, even if you have to available to everyone on Texada with food leave them alone in order to do it. insecurities. Please feel free to pick up or ~Author unknown drop off some much needed food. Locations are at the Food Bank in Van Anda and in front of 4758 Cedar St. (between Oak and Ash) in Gillies Bay. Sponsored by the Community of Texada and the Texada Food Bank. "Take what you need; leave what you can." THANK YOU for all the anonymous donations of food that have been left in the pantries! If you see a cooler under the pan- tries, you may take or leave produce, in- cluding excess from our gardens. Thanks... We would like to put out a big thank you note to Sherwood Contracting Inc. and Cran- by Creek Enterprises Ltd for building our house and warming our hearts. You guys are the best! Joy + Dennis

9 Express Lines May 2021 Director’s Report The RD residential property tax rate sealing of the airport runway. The bleachers is down this year, but assessments are up, so will be removed from the GB ball field, at TIRC's whether you'll pay more in taxes depends on recommendation, and grass planted. your individual property value. In 2021, the Provincial COVID "re-start" grant tax rate per $100,000 of assessed property funding will be used to address revenue value is $230.71, down from $238.72 in shortfalls at RD facilities including our air- 2020. You can guesstimate your taxes by port. Also at the airport, the grant will fi- multiplying $230.71 by the number of nance an assessment of the remaining gaps in $100,000s in your property assessment. meeting Transport Canada certification, with Overall, island-wide, we'll pay recommendations regarding how to fill them $582,828 in tax dollars, compared with as well as creation of a hangar development plan. $582,422 in 2020. Our tax base has risen to The RD Board additionally serves as $35,942,962 from $34,530,401 last year. Be- the Board of the Powell River Regional cause assessments are up, increased tax reve- Hospital District, which levies hospital tax- nue can be achieved with a lower taxation rate. es. Our tax rate (per $100,000 of assessed Taxes fund three types of services property value) is up slightly to $15.79 from that we receive from the RD: $15.43 last year. • Regional services (involving all parts of NOTE: No decision re: park gates by press time. the region) include regional parks, emer- Sandy McCormick, area D director gency preparedness and waste manage- [email protected] ment. For these, the tax rate is $68.55, 604-414-3525 down from $70.05 last year. • Shared services (shared with some other electoral areas) include land use plan- ning, economic development and social Across from planning. The tax rate is up slightly at the $52.04, compared with $51.06 in 2020. Texada • Individual area services on Texada are Texada Rescue, Health Clinic, Texada Market in Island Recreation Commission (TIRC), Van Anda Airport, VA dock and Heritage. For these, our tax rate is down to $110.12, compared with $117.11 last year.

The Financial Plan includes $3,698 for the nd Texada Library, paid from the PR Library budget, Opening May 22 , Victoria though our library remains independent. Day weekend. Lots of new In addition to the operating budget, the Capital Plan sets out what facilities pro- stock and interesting items. jects will be undertaken in 2021. For Tex- Hope to see you there! ada, these are construction of the indige- nous gathering structure and disc golf 604-486-6990 course at Shelter Point Park and crack- 10 Express Lines May 2021

Texada Food Hub Traditionally on Texada, this month learning how to do food preservation using we transplant and direct-seed until our gar- the above techniques. All are welcome to dens are “in” by May 31. You may want to join; membership costs $10 per year for in- plant extra this year to use at Texada’s own dividuals or $15 per year for a household community food preservation kitchen, the with two adults. For more information Texada Food Hub. The Hub is equipped please contact Tom Read, phone or text with commercial equipment for flash- 604-414-9998 or email at ravenbay- freezing, dehydrating, fermenting and can- [email protected]. ning all kinds of foods. COVID restrictions apply, but the Hub is available. For a nomi- nal fee, Hub members can use the kitchen for stocking up a personal food supply, for making commercial food products, and for

Plant a radish, get a radish, never P.O. Box 160 any doubt. That's why I love vegeta- Van Anda, B.C. V0N 3K0 bles, you know what they're about! Telephone: (604) 486-7627 ~Tom Jones and Harvey Schmid Fax : (604) 486-7280

11 Express Lines May 2021 NEWS FROM THE LIBRARY Greetings, everyone. The World The following are reviewers’ blurbs that We Knew (FIC about the last five – well three – titles we’ve HOF) by Alice received from our suppliers. I think it’s a lit- Hoffman. “At the tle early to be thinking about so-called time when the “beach reads” despite the current warm spell, world changed, but keep the thought in mind. Hanni Kohn knows she must send her twelve Elementary, She Read (FIC MYS -year-old daughter away to save her from the DEL) by Vicki Delany is sub-titled A Sher- Nazi regime. She finds her way to a re- lock Holmes Bookshop Mystery. Here’s the nowned rabbi, but it’s his daughter, Ettie, teaser: “Gemma Doyle, a transplanted Eng- who offers hope of salvation when she cre- lishwoman, has returned to the quaint town ates a mystical Jewish creature, a rare and of West London on Cape Cod to manage her unusual golem who is sworn to protect Han- great uncle Arthur’s Sherlock Holmes nie’s daughter, Lea.”

Bookshop and Emporium .... When Gemma The Texada Island Library is a volun- finds a rare and potentially valuable maga- teer-staffed community service located in the zine containing the first Sherlock Homes Gillies Bay Old School: phone 604-486- [sic] story hidden in the bookshop, she and 6728, during open hours. her friend Jayne (who runs the adjoining Library Open Hours: Mrs. Hudson’s Tea Room) set off to find the Wednesday noon to 2 pm owner, only to stumble upon a dead body.” Friday noon to 2 pm This is the first title in a series, so far, of sev- Sunday noon to 2 pm en by Delany. For more information about the library, or The Secret History (FIC TAR) by about becoming a volunteer, please phone Donna Tartt and Bones (FIC MYS KEL) by Anne Carney, Library Coordinator, at 604- Jonathan Kellerman are both replacements of 486-7117. worn copies – suggesting they might also be — Dick Turner worth a look. Whiskey when We’re Dry (FIC WES LAR) by John Larison. “In the spring of 1885, seventeen-year-old Jessilyn Harney Bourne Construction finds herself orphaned and alone on her fami- CONCRETE, CARPENTRY, CREATIVITY ly’s homestead. Desperate to fend off starva- Call Darren or Amber Bourne tion and predatory neighbors, she cuts off her hair, binds her chest, saddles her beloved 604-223-7767 mare, and sets off across the mountains to concrete, fencing, decks, find her outlaw brother, Noah, and bring him landscaping, tile, and much more. home.” The Seattle Times calls it “a smooth [email protected] yet bracing Western yarn that both celebrates and subverts the romance of the Old West...” facebook.com/bourneconstructiontexada 12 Express Lines May 2021 Bursary Available Needing money for school? Planning to enroll this fall in a trades program? Health care? Child care? University? P B F The Texada Island Community Socie- ty (TICS) has two bursaries of $750 each to help out with costs. This is not just for recent Your Local Auto high school graduates but for anyone return- ing to school for further education in any post- Parts Centre secondary program. We only require three things: We offer parts sales at competi- • You must be a Texada resident tive prices, often overnight. Why • You must provide proof of enrollment • You must provide a short one-page go to Powell River for your parts, essay about yourself and your educa- or pay to have them delivered? tional plans Order them on Texada and pick Please apply to: them up on Texada. TICS PO Box 233 Call us at 604-486-6723 to set Van Anda, BC V0N 3K0 up an appointment, or to price or order your parts. Deadline for applications is May 31, 2021.

Pacific Brake Factory 5038 Spragge Rd Gillies Bay, BC, V0N 1W0 604-486-6723 Fax: 604-486-6703

Please: Remember to drive with caution along the single lane road towards the end of Crescent Bay Rd (and all other roads on Texada). There are many blind corners and much on-coming traffic. — a concerned citizen

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GARDEN CLUB Rebecca Stephens is an experienced rots with onions, peas, lettuce, and beans. gardener and landscaper who has made Tex- Corn with bush beans, peas, beets, cucumber, ada her home since 2010. This month she or amaranth. Here are some examples of veg- shares her thoughts about companion planting. etables that should not be planted together:

It is not always known how plants ben- Tomatoes with potatoes because they both efit from one another. Companion planting can belong to the nightshade family and will com- greatly improve the production and health of a pete for nutrients and are more susceptible to vegetable garden. It can act as a pest man- blight and disease. Peas should not be plant- agement system. Trap Cropping is one form of ed with onions or garlic. Carrots should not be this. It uses a specific plant that attracts harm- planted with dill, potatoes, or parsnips. Anoth- ful insects or pests away from a nearby crop er idea is to keep spaces between root vege- or vegetable. One example of this is planting tables because they will compete for available marigolds and nasturtiums among lettuce, cu- phosphorus in the soil. cumbers and peas to repel aphids and bee- Overall, companion planting is a much tles. better form of pest/insect control in your vege- table garden and is better for the environment. Positive hosting is another form of pest management. This uses certain plants for their surplus of pollen and nectar. These can in- Carrot Cake (Gail Stephens) crease the number of beneficial insects such as bees, ladybird beetle, and parasitic wasps 1 cup brown sugar 2 tsp cinnamon that manage harmful pests. 1 cup salad oil 2 cups grated carrots Planting umbellifers such as parsley, 4 eggs 1 1/2 cups grated apple dill, or fennel are all excellent for attracting 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 cup raisins beneficial predatory insects. One note: fennel 1 1/2 tsp baking soda 1/2 cup chopped walnuts should be planted outside of your garden be- 1 tsp salt (optional) cause it can be antagonistic to many crops or vegetables and will inhibit their growth. Borage Blend sugar, oil, eggs. Beat until slightly thick. is another excellent plant for positive hosting Sift dry ingredients together. as it attracts bees. It grows well with tomatoes, Add to the oil mixture then add carrots, apples, squash, cucumbers, and strawberries. It is also raisins, and nuts. Put in a greased 9”x13”x13” great for compost as it is rich in nutrients. pan for 35-40 minutes at 350 degrees. Planting companions can be used to Cream Cheese Icing improve the soil, shade other plants, and help retain water or moisture in the soil. Some 1/2 cup cream cheese 1/4 butter plants are antagonistic to one another and 1 cup icing sugar 1/2 tsp vanilla some can be invasive in the garden. Make Beat cream cheese and butter till fluffy. Beat in sure to check on the compatibility and the sugar and vanilla till smooth. growth before planting. This can mean a little

more research is needed to find out what plant This recipe for Carrot goes where and with what, but the overall re- Cake is very moist and sults can be a garden that is much more col- makes a delicious treat with your ourful, eye catching, and aromatic. coffee or tea. Please enjoy. Here are a couple of examples of veg- etables that like being planted together: Car- 14 Express Lines May 2021

Due to the recent lockdown regula- tions announced by Dr. Henry (which com- menced March 29), the Legion is closed for the foreseeable future. The current lock- down is set to last until after the May long 5150 Gillies Bay Rd, Gillies Bay weekend (May 24), but time will tell if it is TEL: 604-486-7208 actually lifted at that time or is extended. Please watch the Express Lines, the Texada Message Board (Facebook) and the Hours signboard at the corner of Legion Rd for Mon-Sat 10 am - 6 pm more information. We look forward to gathering with Sun Noon - 6 pm you (safely) in the near future!! Be Calm, Be Kind, Be Safe. One Stop Shop For All Your Needs • Groceries • Propane Lest We Forget. • Freshly Baked • BC Lotto Bread • ATM Royal Canadian Legion Br. 232 • Fresh Meat & Produce • Post Office 2099 Legion Rd • Deli • Movies Van Anda, BC V0N 3K0 • Liquor • Hardware 604-486-7750 Lunch in the Deli Sunday: Fried Rice Monday: Chicken Teriyaki Tuesday: Stirfry Wednesday: Pizza Thursday: Curry Chicken or Chicken Fajita Friday: Beef Burrito Saturday: Pork Ribs

15 Express Lines May 2021 Museum Musings The Hunt For Gold—Texada’s Early Prospectors Harry Trim’s discovery of a rich iron Tip, Charles Dickens, Margery, Paris, Yel- ore deposit in 1871 propelled Texada into low Jacket. international prominence, luring prospectors Successful strikes seemed plentiful from far and wide. Cornwall native Alfred such as the 2-foot wide gold seam at Rapers’ Gill found gold in 1876 and Nanaimo’s Nutcracker claim or the 9-foot long vein Raper cousins successfully worked their Lit- found in 1887 by Calvin Miller at the Gold- tle Billie claim in 1880. en Slipper. In 1889, Hugh Kirk found a nug- The news was out and the race was get “as large as a goose egg”. on! By 1899, for example, over 150 mining Very few were as lucky as Walter claims had been staked on Texada. Planta. In 1901, while eating lunch, Planta Many prospectors were veterans of discovered a 7-foot long gold seam when he the gold rushes in California, Australia, and casually pulled aside some moss covering a rock! BC’s Cariboo, but many were novices. Gold- Not all stories ended happily, howev- seekers scrambled to find any available er. Most prospectors grew old before they transportation to the island. Texada was a grew rich. Hugh Kirk’s skeleton was discov- rough place to traverse but old-timers said ered in 1894 beside his simple cabin. The the gold deposits on this island were the story of Charlie Anderson (the “Lucky richest ever seen. Swede”) tells of a man Heather Harbord who became a million- (in Texada Tapestry) aire in the Klondike describes the arrivals: gold rush of 1896 only Full of hope to lose it all. He relocat- they came, packs a- ed to Texada to continue jangle with tin plates, his hunt for gold but died hammers, chisels, axes here in poverty. and gold pans, their Prospecting was moleskin pants held up a tough life and, for all by sturdy leather braces the effort, luck could be over warm, long- good or bad. Despite wearing, Stanfield’s this, men kept search- woollen underwear. ing. As pioneer Texada The names given prospector Ed Russ to their claims reflected maintained, “It isn’t the the prospectors’ person- gold but the finding of it alities and their dreams that matters.” of wealth: Gold Bug, — Peter Lock Hidden Treasure, Blue Texada Island Bell, Unicorn, Silver Heritage Society

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Cancer Support Tile Master Group Custom bathrooms and showers The Cancer Support Group has read- Kitchen backsplashes ily available funds for individuals on Tex- Fireplaces ada Island needing additional financial sup- Tile repairs port while obtaining treatment for their can- Floors: interior, exterior cer. We are here to help and can provide up • Waterproofing and crackproofing using to $500 per year per patient. Schluter systems, the best technology in Forms can be picked up at either the the tile business. Texada Island Health Center or my home in • Natural stones or man-made tiles Van Anda. I can be reached at 604-486- • New projects or renovations/alterations - All 7494. All inquiries are held in the strictest your tile needs from A to Z of confidence. • Consultation and implementation. — Barb Egglestone Hundreds of satisfied customers Over 35 years of experience All mushrooms are edible — but some References available only once. Call Chris: 604-346-6410 ~Internet meme

17 Express Lines May 2021 Texada Elementary School Greetings From will be learning about our community and The Whale of A the different jobs people do. I would love School! to have some folks from the community zoom in for a bit of a talk about their ca- Well, we are on the last leg of our reers. This is pretty wide-open really, so school year journey now, heading into we’d be happy to host people who work the warmer months where we can start in any industry on the island, as well as moving our classes outside a little more, people who’ve retired here and would be and it’s been lovely so far. This month willing to talk about what they did when already we’ve been out and about, walk- employed. If you are willing to partici- ing to the beach, hiking around Emily pate, and have the technology to do so Lake and making the most of our place (basically a computer with a camera, here. We were fortunate to be able to speaker and internet connection), please host Arthur Arnold once again, through text 604-578-8434 or email me at the SD47 partnership with PRISMA, so [email protected] that was a big treat! Arthur performed for Thanks for reading! Stay healthy, students and shared with them his expe- Rhonda Gordon rience as an orchestra conductor. We also celebrated Earth Day with some in- teresting place-based activities such as NOTE: These regulations planting seeds, and decorating our stay in effect school garden with lovely flower cut- re- outs. Many thanks to Mr. Charlie Groves gardless of what is and Mrs. Groves for doing the hard work posted on the WILDFIRE in preparing those. • Fresh cut meat For May, we have two awesome • Fresh produce arriving twice weekly days booked with the district’s Outdoor • Liquor agency store Learning Centre staff. The visit here is in • New items arriving weekly answer to COVID-19 protocols which prevent us from traveling together for field trips. We can’t go to them, so they Store Sun: Noon - 5 pm are coming to us. We are still in the pro- Hours Mon - Sat: 10 am - 7 pm cess of deciding what sort of program- ming we’d like, but we’re excited by the Victoria May 24: opportunity and really looking forward to Day Noon - 4 pm learning together in our own backyard, with all the knowledge and fun that the Thank You for shopping locally. OLC has to offer! 5105 Copper Queen St 604-486-7418 Before July, our primary division Van Anda, BC, V0N 3K0 Fax 604-486-7279 18 Express Lines May 2021

Fudge Contracting

Home: 604-486-7364 Text: 604-483-1063 E mail: [email protected]

Land Clearing, Septic Installation, Skidsteer, Excavating Work and Hauling

TEXADA FOOD BANK Texada Food Bank Financial Donations can The Texada Food Bank acknowledges all of be made at the First Credit Union or by our contributors: mail to PO Box 233, Van Anda, B.C. V0N 3K0 Big Thanks to everyone that makes regular anonymous financial deposits at the Non-perishable food donations may be First Credit Union. We are so grateful. put in the baskets at the Gillies Bay General We are always grateful to Jake and store, the Texada Market and the First Credit The Gillies Bay Store for continued support Union in Van Anda. with donations of cases of food and to every- Thank you so much. Donation tins for one at the Texada Market for your help every cash are available at both stores (Gillies Bay month. We are very grateful to everyone for all Store and Texada Market in Van Anda) and the anonymous cash and food donations that the First Credit Union. are dropped off at the Gillies Bay Store, Tex- If you have any questions regarding ada Market and First Credit Union. Our only contributions to the Food Bank, please call request is that all food donations be intact and Pauline Fleming at 604-414-9590. not previously opened.

Gillies Bay Internet Society For Wireless Internet from Spragge Road Offering Weekday General Transport Service Between Texada Island and Powell River to Shelter Point and up to Bell Road. Also Offering Service to Vancouver Island and Call 1-855-767-4247 the Lower Mainland or email [email protected] 3606 MacKenzie Ave www.gilliesbay.ca/wireless Phone: 604-485-7683 Powell River,BC To arrange for deliveries V8A 3E8 19 Express Lines May 2021 Powell River Library

While the library is closed due to water dam- Drawn Together: Virtual Drawing Group age, our virtual programs and collections are Thursdays, 3:45-4:30 pm on Zoom Kids 8-12, join visual artist Luke Ramsey on still here for you! Zoom Thursdays after school for 45 minutes From Ideas to Finished Book: A Writing Life of drawing together. Sessions are interactive Friday May 7, 4 pm via Zoom with plenty of space to share ideas and creations. Registration required. Email [email protected] Acclaimed author Jen Sookfong Lee will dis- cuss a selection of her titles, and about how Bubble Storytime ideas become a work-in-progress and then a 10:30 am, Wednesdays at the Willingdon finished book, with readings throughout. Beach Pavilion For information or to register: [email protected] Families with preschoolers can reserve a

A Journey Back to Nature “bubble” and come out to enjoy puppetry, Saturday May 15, 2 pm via Zoom rhymes, singalong songs and of course sto- Historian Catherine Marie Gilbert presents a ries at a safe physical distance. Advance reg- istration required. Email [email protected] pictorial talk about the history of beautiful Strathcona Provincial Park on Vancouver Virtual Preschool Storytime Island. For information or to register: Wednesdays! [email protected] Storytime continues online! Find a new one

Award Winning Novelist Michael Christie on the Library’s YouTube Wednesdays with Saturday May 29, 2 pm via Zoom social media release on Fridays. They stay Michael Christie will be reading from and up for 1-2 months so you can catch up if you discussing his bestselling novel Greenwood, an miss a few! intergenerational saga that centres on one Canadian family and their deep linkage with trees. For infor- Check out prpl.ca for detailed listings, or mation or to register: [email protected] email [email protected].

Powell River Photo Competition 2021 submission deadline June 9, 2021 Submit your best photo of something beauti- ful and distinctive found in this region. Sepa- rate categories for photographers 18+ and photographers under 18. For prizes and com- petition rules: email [email protected]

Young Writers Group Fridays 3:30-4:30 pm on Zoom Writers aged 11-18 are invited to join. Free writing prompts premiere on PRPL’s YouTube every Monday morning. For infor- Drop your fire extinguishers at Pacific Brake Factory mation or to register: [email protected] for servicing next time I am on the island.

20 Express Lines May 2021 JMG Ltd (formerly JMG Logging Ltd)

Our Volunteer Board of Trustees ● Gravel truck services ● Excavation work invites Van Anda folks interested in becom- ● Road building ● Land Clearing ing trustees to give us a call or email. We Providing services on Texada for over 50 years will have one 1-year term, and two 3-year Contact Rick Jones terms available for election at our next 604-483-8308 ∙ 604-486-7207 AGM. Are you up for helping manage our [email protected] water system and fire department as Board trustees? Please get involved. Due to COVID-19 our Annual Gen- Texada Shores eral Meeting usually in April is postponed Vacation Suites and tentatively planned for July 17th, 2021.

2036 Marble Bay Road Private waterfront suites with full kitchen Box 115 · Van Anda · BC We offer wireless hi-speed internet V0N 3K0 Reservations recommended 604-486-7035 [email protected] We accept Visa, Mastercard and Interac www.vananda-id.ca Jennifer & Chay Clark • 4476 Sanderson Rd 604-486-7388 • [email protected]

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If you want to drink, That’s your business. Classified If you want to stop, That’s ours. Call Alcoholics Anonymous anytime: Ads 604-414-9811 604-486-7180 Texada Vacation Rental 604-414-5235 3 bedroom unit, fully equipped Meetings: Sundays at 6 pm at the United Website: www.texadavacationrental.com 604-414-5897 Church 1925 Sturt Bay Road, Van Anda

Rosebank Cottage by the Sea A vacation rental suite with fabulous ocean view. BBQ, Internet, cable TV and private deck. Full kitchen, just bring your suitcase! 604-413-0994

Kel’s Lawn, Yardwork and Handyman 604-578-0266

Express Lines Subscription For a 12-month off-island sub- scription to the Express Lines, please send $30 to PO Box 233, Van Anda, BC, V0N 3K0. Donations to Name:______Address:______Texada Clinic

______If you or someone you know is mak- City:______ing a donation to the Texada Clinic, please Province:______make the cheque out to Texada Health Services Society and mail to Box 84, Gil- Postal Code:______lies Bay, V0N 1W0. Thank you in advance.

22 Express Lines May 2021 BCBC Ferry Ferry Schedule Schedule Texada Island to Powell River Powell River Gibson - Vancouver Monday to Friday Saturday and Sunday - Sechelt Leave Leave Leave Leave Leave Leave Leave Leave Horseshoe Texada Powell Texada Powell Langdale Bay Island River Island River Saltery Bay Earls Cove 6 am 6:50 am 6 am 6:50 am 5:40 am* 6:35 am* 6:20 am 7:30 am 8:40 am 9:45 am 7:50 am 8:35 am 7:50 am 8:35 am 7:30 am 8:25 am 10:50 am 11:55 am 10:10*/ 9:25 am 10:25 am 9:20 am 9:20 am 10:20 am 1:05 pm 2:10 pm 10:20 am 11:20 am 12:25 pm 11:25 am 12:15 pm 11:25 am 12:15 pm 3:15 pm 4:20 pm 3:50 pm 4:55 pm 3 pm * 3:45 pm 3:30 pm 4:15 pm 5:25 pm 5:30 pm 6 pm 7 pm 5:05 pm 6 pm 5:10 pm 6:40 pm 6:40 pm 7:50 pm 7:55 pm 8:50 pm 6:50 pm 7:40 pm 7:25 pm 8:15 pm 8:55 pm 10:55 pm 9:45 pm 10:40 pm 8:35 pm 9:20 pm 9 pm 9:45 pm *Daily except Sunday

To Confirm Sailing Times Please Call Powell River— 1-888-223-3779 or go to www.bcferries.com Comox Leave Commuter Bus: Thursdays Comox

Phone Wednesday before 3 pm to reserve a 8:05 am 6:15 am seat (604-483-2008). 11:50 am 9:55 am Departs Gillies Bay Store at 8:25 am, and 5:15 pm 3:25 pm the Van Anda Market at about 8:50 am. 8:45 pm 7:10 pm Departs the North entrance of Town Centre Mall at 3 pm. Express Lines is a publication of the Fare (each way): $8 and $2.25 for seniors Texada Island Community Society. (65+). Editor: Elayne Boloten, 604-486-7457 Asst. Editor: Susan Wood

DEADLINE: The 20th of the month prior to Recycling Stations Hours publication. Please call for information on ad- vertising or insert rates.

Van Anda: • Send announcements (max. 350 Tuesday & Thursday, 9 am - 5 pm words) or ads to: PO Box 267, Gillies Bay, BC V0N 1W0

Gillies Bay: • E-mail to [email protected] or [email protected] Wednesday, Friday & Saturday, 9 am - 5 pm • Fax to 604-486-6703 23 Express Lines May 2021 May 2021 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

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2 3 4 5 6 8 Transfer Station: Transfer Station: 10 am - 4 pm 10 am - 4 pm

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Mother’s Gillies Bay Fire Day Ban Begins

16 17 18 19 20 21 22 Transfer Station: Express Lines Shelter Point 10 am - 4 pm Deadline Concession Opens Transfer Station: 10 am - 4 pm

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Every: Wednesday: Tai Chi, GB Tennis Courts, 9:30 am

Friday: Tai Chi, GB Tennis Courts, 9:30 am

Sunday: Tai Chi, GB Tennis Courts, 9:30 am Alcoholics Anonymous, United Church, 6:30 pm

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