Thanks, Texada! Huge Santa Thanks to Everyone Who Helped with the Drive-By Visit with Santa

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Texada’s Calendar of Events January 2021

Thanks, Texada! Huge Santa thanks to everyone who helped with the drive-by visit with Santa. Thanks to: • RCL Branch 232 for hosting and craft kits • Texada Market for donating chocolate milk • Mary Mary Café for goodie bag goodies • Pacific Brake Factory for oranges and candy canes • The Dawe Family for decorating • Doriana Kiland and George Childress for baking cookies • Van Anda Volunteer Fire Dept and Texada Rescue • Cst. Swedberg • Lafarge TQ for the delineator posts • All of Santa’s helper elves: Barb McCormack, George Childress, and Doriana Kiland

Express Lines January 2021 TEXADA ISLAND Thanks… The Texada Women's Island Network HEALTH CENTRE would like to thank all those who bought tick- ets on our Annual Christmas Draw and an- nounce that the winners were: Kathleen Hours of operation Scott who won the turkey certificate, table- Monday to Thursday cloth and table runner, Evelyn Seymour who 8:30 am to 11:45 am, 1:15 pm to 4 pm won the ceramic reindeer and sleigh, and Friday 8:30 am to 11:45 am Diane Grayson who won the pottery tea set. Phone Number: 604-486-7525 Thank you all for your support. If there’s no reply, please leave a message. Emergencies: 604-414-9638. If there’s no reply within 10 minutes, please phone 911. Information – Nurses Hotline: 811

COVID changes: • Visits strictly by appointment except for emergencies. We will try to deal with issues by phone as much as possi- Offering Weekday General Transport Service ble and give appointments when pa- Between Texada Island and Powell River tients need to be seen in person. Also Offering Service to Vancouver Island and • Lab tests by appointment only. Extend- the Lower Mainland ed lab time: 8:30 am to 9:45 am. 3606 MacKenzie Ave • Masks and hand sanitizer compulsory Phone: 604-485-7683 Powell River,BC on entering the health centre. To arrange for deliveries V8A 3E8 • If you are ill and suspect you may have COVID, please come to the back door marked COVID and follow the posted LITTLE FREE PANTRIES instructions. Texada’s own “little free pantries” are • TAP forms can be picked up after 1:15 pm. available to everyone on Texada with food insecurities. Please feel free to pick up or Please be patient with us. We have never drop off some much needed food. Locations been in this situation before either. 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 pantries, you may take or leave produce, including excess from our gardens.

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3 Express Lines January 2021 IN LOVING MEMORY as a heavy duty mechanic. In his final working years, he moved to a position less physically demanding. In the early 1960s, Rudy caught the eye of a young lady, Janet, and on May 2, 1964 Ru- dolph Charles married Janette Maxine Copp. For the first year of their marriage Rudy and Janet lived in Janet's parents' cabin at the "Oasis" located between Gillies Bay and Van Anda. Just after their first son, Charles, was born in 1965, they purchased property on Oak Street and built the house that he would live in for the rest of his life. After Charles was born, Rudy and Janet had another son, Rick, in 1967, and a daughter, Christine, in 1971. Rudolph Charles Lipus Rudy’s young family loved riding hors- July 1935 – March 2020 es. During the summer months, people gath- ered at the Gravel Pit and, either as a specta- The connection with family and friends and tor or as a horse-riding participant, enjoyed the the community togetherness spirit is what activities of the Saddle Tramps. His was just makes Texada special. It had been Rudy’s one of the many families who looked forward home for over 60 years. Though he is now to these events. Rudy continued to be an ac- gone and his place on Oak Street sold, Tex- tive member in the sporting community. He played baseball in the spring and summer ada will always hold a special place for the months, toting his family to various tourna- Lipus family. ments locally and on Vancouver Island. In the fall and winter, he bowled as a member of the Rudolph (Rudy) was born to Anne and Texada Island Bowling League and in later Karol (Charles) Lipus in Waldron Saskatche- years Texada Legion Darts replaced bowling wan in July 1935. and he took up golfing. It appeared that no As the eldest of 14 children and living matter what sport in which he partook, a trophy on a farm, Rudy had many responsibilities. or ribbon adorned the shelf. From looking after the animals to helping with Rudy was also an avid card player. his siblings, there was much to do. Between Whether it was teaching his kids cribbage or a his responsibilities around the home, Rudy family night of Russian Rummy, playing cards managed to carve out some time for fun. With was prominent in his social circle. However, a large family, playing baseball with his sib- with the passing of Janet, his wife of 50 years, lings was one obvious pastime. playing cards just wasn’t the same but Rudy Rudy lived in Melville until his 20s was still part of the gaming scene. He would when he moved to his Aunt Mary’s on Texada often call the monthly Bingo game at the Gil- Island in the late 1950s. He was looking for lies Bay Community Hall. He was also known employment in the booming mining industry to make an occasional appearance playing his and was soon employed with the Texada Is- accordion at the local talent shows. land Mine. When the mine closed in 1977, he was hired at Blubber Bay Quarry and worked Continued on next page 4 Express Lines January 2021

Continued from page 4 2020, Rudy died peacefully on the palliative unit at St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver while Even when his trips to the golf course listening to his beloved accordion music. with family and friends became less frequent, He is survived by his sons Charles Dad liked to keep busy outside, cutting the (Raquel) and Rick, his daughter Christine grass, puttering in his workshop or tending to (Aaron), his grandchildren: Crystal, Janine, his fruit trees and garden. It was a lot of work Ariel, Kaylee, Aurora, Darwin and Parker; his for just one person and fortunately his garden- great grandchildren Kayla, Cameron and Cas- ing was a collaboration with his good friends sandra. Rudy was the oldest child of 14 and is and neighbours Ray and Marion. If you didn’t survived by his siblings Elsie, Jane, Jack, see him outside you’d be sure to find him hav- Shirley, Evelyn, Joyce, Wayne, Darlene (Ed) ing a game of crib with Ray. and many nieces and nephews. Rudy loved to be social and seemed to The family would like to extend their find a familiar face to talk to no matter where gratitude to the staff at Powell River Hospital he was. He was caring and generous and, like for the care provided while Rudy awaited many Texadans, would help out his fellow transfer to Vancouver. The family also community members when they were in need. acknowledges the dedication and care provid- Rudy helped out at Better at Home for a brief ed by the staff at Mount Saint Joseph’s Hospi- period, driving clients to their appointments on tal, St. Paul’s ICU, and finally St. Paul’s pallia- the island or in Powell River. tive unit. At 84 years young, he led a full life. The family would also like to thank the Either as a volunteer with the Gillies Bay Fire many family and friends who provided support Department, a furnace repair man, a heavy for Rudy during his illness and to his family duty mechanic or the “Go-to Guy” who taxied throughout these challenging times. The family people around from the Texada Airport, he is hoping for A Celebration of Life for Rudy at the wore many hats. He was a valued member of Texada Island Legion. Perhaps in the summer of the community and he kept giving, even days 2021 (likely mid-July). Firm details to be an- before he fell ill. He touched the lives of many nounced as the COVID pandemic settles down. and will remain forever in our hearts. In March

Bourne Construction CONCRETE, CARPENTRY, CREATIVITY Call Darren or Amber Bourne 604-223-7767 concrete, fencing, decks, landscaping, tile, and much more. [email protected] Drop your fire extinguishers at Pacific Brake Factory facebook.com/bourneconstructiontexada for servicing next time I am on the island. 5 Express Lines January 2021

public or private properties in Van Anda. We will also do what we can to assist residents to help identify any home service line leakages. Water Operator 604-414-7634 or Office 604-486-7035 The Van Anda Improvement District Van Anda Improvement District con- wishes everyone a better New Year in 2021. tinues to follow our Letters Patent and pro- Last year VAID reaped the benefits vide drinking water at cost to residents while of a UBCM grant that allowed us to replace planning for Capital Expenses going forward. our old leaking wood stave water tank with a new 65,000-gallon steel tank and to pur- As a registered municipal public chase a new state-of-the-art water treatment body, we are qualified donees; plant. That grant represents a saving to the therefore, we can issue official do- ratepayers of about $850,000. We still have nation receipts that you can add a few wrinkles to solve with the operations to your tax return, and are eligible of the treatment plant and are getting a lot of to receive gifts from registered advice from the supplier of the system and charities. engineers. We are expecting to optimize the operations of the treatment plant soon. 2036 Marble Bay Road · Box 115 · Meanwhile, the treatment plant continues to Van Anda · BC · V0N 3K0 supply us with water having much higher [email protected]· www.vananda-id.ca quality that, for the first time in Van Anda, meets or exceeds the Vancouver Coastal Health requirements for safe drinking water with two Doing the same thing over and over methods of disinfection. again and expecting different results VAID’s challenge in 2021 will be means you're either insane or are finding and repairing leaks in our aging dis- making a New Year's resolution. tribution system, some of which was in- ~@thedeadauthor, 2015 stalled over 75 years ago. We always knew there were leaky pipes, and indeed all com- munities have them. However, with the new Studio on Dogwood tank and water treatment system we were able to determine that actually half or more O.C. Dobrostanski - artist Custom paintings and murals of the water we process is likely lost through from your photos or ideas leaks in the distribution system. Repairing Portfolio viewing in the studio (Please phone for appointment) leaks, replacing old pipes, and conserving water will reduce our cost of operations, en- PO Box 221 sure that water is available for fighting fires 3502 Dogwood St. Gillies Bay, and is ecologically sustainable. You can help BC, Canada V0N 1W0 (604) 486-0334 us with this ongoing maintenance program [email protected] — please report any possible water leaks on www.studioondogwood.com

6 Express Lines January 2021 SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN MONITORING ADVISORY COMMITTEE Call for Applications

The qathet Regional District (qRD) is seeking a new member with experience in the recov- ery of resources from solid waste to sit on the Solid Waste Management Plan Monitoring Advisory Committee (SWMPMAC). The Committee was formed to implement the Solid Waste Management Plan for Electoral Areas A, B, C, and D (the mainland, Savary Island and Texada Island). Copies of the Committee’s Terms of Reference are available on qathet.ca/about/committees-and-commissions/.

Committee members must be 18 years of age or older and be generally available to attend regular Committee meetings and meet the Terms of Reference criteria. Broad representa- tion of the Regional District as a whole will be considered when selecting Committee Membership. qRD is looking for a varied membership.

Interested, eligible individuals should send a written application explaining why they want to sit on the Committee and what qualities and/or expertise they will bring to the Committee.

Applications may be submitted by mail, fax or e-mail:

Address: Attn: Caroline Visser, Office Clerk Operational Services qathet Regional District 202 - 4675 Marine Avenue Powell River, BC V8A 2L2 Phone: 604 487-1380 Fax: 604 487-1380 E-mail: [email protected]

The deadline for applications is 4 pm, Friday, January 29, 2021.

If you want to drink, That’s your business. Texada Shores If you want to stop, Vacation Suites That’s ours. Call Alcoholics Anonymous anytime: Private waterfront suites with full kitchen 604 807-0232 We offer wireless hi-speed internet Reservations recommended 604 414-5232 We accept Visa, Mastercard and Interac 604 413-1107 604 414-5562 Jennifer & Chay Clark • 4476 Sanderson Rd 604-486-7388 • [email protected] 7 Express Lines January 2021 News From Texada Elementary School

Greetings! By the time you read this, sort of feel this year, preparing for a concert we will have posted our Winter Concert to that was never going to be performed live. YouTube – I hope you all had a chance to There is no replacement for the bright lights watch. Our last month of the year was a bit and formal feel of an evening concert in the busier than previous months. Division 1 had a gym. We missed our audience and will be in- virtual presentation from the scientists current- viting you all for a concert as soon as Dr. Bon- ly working with Texada’s painted turtle popula- nie says we can! tion, which was very interesting for them, and On behalf of the staff and students at they also concluded a “Read-a-thon”, through Texada Elementary School, we wish you a which they earned $250 for the Texada Food safe, happy Bank. Division 2 had an afternoon of “Reindeer and healthy games” such as pin the tail on the polar bear, holiday, and the stocking hop and an ornament and spoon all the best for race, and both divisions enjoyed a virtual sym- 2021. phony performance. We also spend a lot of — Rhonda time rehearsing and performing our bits for the Gordon concert. I have to say, it was a very different

8 Express Lines January 2021 TEXADA “Your Island Hospitality and Tourism ISLAND

Information Centre” INN Hello, Texada, 604-486-7711 A warm, balmy, windy December was had. • We will be open for a socially-distanced New Year’s Eve Dinner. Special Menu (see FaceBook); regular menu and to-go also available. Two seatings: 4 pm and 7 pm; reservations are strongly recommended. • 2021 is here, let’s make this year the best we can. Let’s be caring, kind, helpful and pay it forward. • Our January hours will reflect the quiet times. If you want us to stay later, please call. We can be here for everyone. • The Texada Island Inn would like to thank all of you for your fantastic support and I would like to thank my wonderful staff. It wouldn't happen without you all. A very, very happy and special new year 2021 to all. Thank you, Texada, for Full Lotto Center all your love and support, Bar Hours Restaurant Gift Certificates Cymry, Evan, and Kaitlyn Friday - Saturday: Bagged Ice Hours noon - 8 pm Mon. - Sun.: Island Information Shop Locally, Buy Sunday - Thursday: 9 am - 6 pm T-Shirts & Vests & Beautiful—lots of new 3 pm - closing

Hoodies stuff for the new year Closed New Year’s Day

Attention: Texada Food Bank Notification

Beginning January 2021, Texada Food Bank will only be offered on the second Wednesday of the month. We hope the change will avoid any families missing the day. Call on the second Tuesday between 10 am and 3 pm. Pick up on the second Wednesday between 12 and 12:30.

Call in January 12 – Pick up January 13 Call in February 9 – Pick up February 10 Call in March 9 – Pick up March 10 (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.

9 Express Lines January 2021 Garden Club Historically, January has been the My favourite Mexican recipes: coldest month of the year. This is the middle Salsa de Mocajeta of our winter, with our gardens put to bed. Oh yes, there is always something to be done 5 to 6 roma tomatoes like; checking the winter stakes, ties, and 3 garlic cloves supports to make sure they are still standing half red onion strong. Putting food and water out for the 3 jalapenos green pepper, red pepper birds. Cleaning pots for spring planting. In- specting the stored tubers to make sure our • Scorch whole vegetables on dry skillet, dahlias, begonias, and canna are not drying turning until black on all sides. out or have rot. This list is getting too long, • Puree in blender or crush with mortar and let's pause and enjoy this moment of garden pestle. Include charred scrapings from sleep and enjoy Mary Leopkey’s three Haiku pan, chile seeds for heat and some water, poems that she has written for us. The Haiku plus salt and pepper. poem has ancient Japanese origins. Cozy up • Garnish with chopped cilantro. with a nice cuppa and enjoy. Thank you • Serve with nachos, quesadillas, huevos Mary for sharing. rancheros or as a dip for tortilla chips.

PS. I also asked Mary for a favourite recipe! Isai's Calabaza Mary Leopkey: Greetings of the New Year. Kids love this vegetable dish.

Observation of nature is one important as- • 1 or 2 small zucchini, chopped (1 cm pect of haiku. Take note of the variety of yel- dice). low blossoms that will emerge this January. • Sauté in butter and olive oil, approxi- winter aconite mately 5 minutes. bulbs light up the garden • Add 1 cup or more frozen corn. Stir and snake sleeps deep below heat through. • Serve to squeals of delight! Muy rico. A haiku in honour of the harvest moon, Sep- tember 2020.

global moon rises shines a path across the sea my sunflowers nod

I wrote my first haiku sitting in our daughter Tara's garden sanctuary in Mexico one year ago. P.O. Box 160 tomatoes climb string Van Anda, B.C. V0N 3K0 yellow-green to orange-red Telephone: (604) 486-7627 scorched black red salsa Fax : (604) 486-7280

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R C M P Despite a global pandemic and lack monitored 24/7 and outside of of special events, this past year kept us busy. office hours calls will be redi- Collectively we dealt with around 300 files in rected to the police call center. If 2020 (296 at the time this was submitted). it is not an emergency, please We had some community initiatives that we follow the prompts to leave a message. From were hoping to push forward that unfortu- all of us at Texada RCMP, we look forward to nately had to be postponed due to COVID- serving the residents and visitors of Texada Island in 19. Our hope for 2021 is that we will be able 2021!" to move forward with these ideas. We were - Csts. Chris Snider & Jordan Swedberg not able to hold a “cram the cruiser” event for the Texada Island Food Bank, so we part- nered with FreshCo to deliver a pallet of food to the food bank instead. Next PMR Handyman Services month, we will be looking for community ~Interior and Exterior painting input on policing priorities for Texada, which ~ All manner of household repair will allow us to focus on local issues. ~ Fence and gate building and mending Back in October our phone lines went ~ Decks down after a wind storm and subsequent ~ Reasonable rates! power outage. We appreciate everyone's Free estimates patience and are pleased to report that our Honest , reliable and prompt. phones line are back up and running, and Call Frazer at 604-414-8269 a reminder that the detachment phone is not 11 Express Lines January 2021 Director’s Report Happy New Year, everyone. Let's Longhouse — The indigenous-style gath- hope it's happier than the last one. ering structure in Shelter Point Park is sched- There's a saying in local government uled for construction, funded by the PR circles that getting anything done is like Community Forest. kicking a beanbag chair down a soccer field. Connectivity Plan — Driftwood Commu- You huff and puff, push, kick and pull, and nications has been contracted to develop a the chair turns over once. Sometimes it takes high-speed internet Connectivity Plan for all a lot of determination to get to where you areas of the region. They will be communi- want to be. cating with Texadans via on-line and paper There are some unfinished Texada surveys to obtain our input in developing this plan. projects at the RD that I'll be working on this year Stay tuned on all of the above. with the goal of getting them off the "to-do" list. Finally, good two-way communication Official Community Plan — Staff contin- with the public remains a priority for the cur- ue to work on resolving issues with the rent Board. To support this goal and relieve Sechelt Nation so that the approval process some workload from existing staff, a com- can be completed. Progress is being made munications advisor will be hired by the RD and board chair Patrick Brabazon and myself this year. have offered to meet with them. Sandy McCormick, area D director Airport — Scheduled air service to/from [email protected] YGB has not been confirmed to date and I 604-414-3525 continue to dialogue with the Airport Adviso- ry Committee and staff. The airline industry has been severely curtailed due to the pandemic. Northeast Bay — The RD has asked the province to expand the existing UREP to include the water portion of the bay as well as • Fresh cut meat the land. No response yet, but I'm continuing to lobby Victoria to make this happen. • Fresh produce arriving twice weekly Mt. Davies — Lasqueti Island (area E) • Liquor agency store hasn't resolved its emergency dispatch is- Happy New Year & All The Best sues. Service from North Island 911 is still from Texada Market Staff possible and that corporation considers our

Mt. Davies as the best site for a transmission Store Sun: Noon - 5 pm tower. This site is designated park land un- Hours Mon - Sat: 10 am - 7 pm der our OCP and such towers should not be allowed. I'm continuing to work with the New Year’s Eve: Dec. 31 - 10 am - 4 pm Lasqueti director to ensure another dispatch New Year’s Day: CLOSED solution is found. As well, some new initiatives on Texada Thank You for shopping locally.. are expected this year. 5105 Copper Queen St 604-486-7418 Van Anda, BC, V0N 3K0 Fax 604-486-7279 12 Express Lines January 2021

Donations to Texada Clinic Royal Canadian Legion If you or someone you know is making a donation to the Texada Clinic, Branch 232 please make the cheque out to Texada The Legion is open!!! Health Services Society and mail to Box We'll be open weekends — Saturdays at 84, Gillies Bay, V0N 1W0. 3:30 – 7 pm and Sundays at 4 pm – 7 pm. Thank you in advance. Meat draws, considered events, have been cancelled until further notice. Please watch the Texada Message Board on Facebook for updates to our hours, meat draws, etc. We will reopen on January 9, after the holiday season. We have a safety plan in place and look forward to seeing everyone again! Stay safe everyone! Lest we forget.

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Texada Arts, Culture & Tourism Society PO Box 27, Van Anda, B.C. V0N3K0 www.texada.org The volunteer staff of the Texada We are looking forward also to AeroSpace Hangar is wishing everyone a providing our Texada Annual Fly-in event very Happy and safe New Year!! There is and, if possible, at least a couple of barbeque hope for this year to retrace a more positive or picnic type events for the flying public. track for everyone!! The AeroSpace Camp Hangar crew During the summer, the airport on is recruiting more people to assist continuing Texada is usually buzzing with visiting in creating the exhibits, library, and museum planes; people are visiting the museum and programs at the AeroSpace Hangar. Also gallery, browsing through books in the avia- there is a need for instructors and admin. per- tion library, bringing in donations and gener- sons to help in student registration and help- ally using YGB as a meeting place for flying ing youth with learning to rivet, use light friends. The pandemic sadly disrupted plans and hand tools, radios operating the wind tunnel, activities for this year, but the dormant period is and for launching water rockets. There are a being used to upgrade and increase the organiza- number of very talented people who have tion’s capability to serve youth and the flight orient- volunteered over the years but help is always ed public safely and more completely. welcome. Please call 604-223-2588 (Doby We’re looking forward to this year’s Dobrostanski) for details. events even though we have to remain com- pliant with the new states of vigilance and protocol. The AeroSpace Camp Hangar crew is planning the AirBuzz Mk ll simulator (based on X-Plane program) to be COVID- proofed with screens between the student and the instructor, as well as installing a very efficient air extraction system to further isolate the two flight deck positions in the cockpit, to allow us to continue to provide non- certified simulator time in a very realistic cockpit. Installing Hand sanitizer stations and an efficient isolation-aware walking route through the gallery is being devised.

14 Express Lines January 2021 Texada Community Policing P B F Meetings are cancelled until further Your Local Auto Parts notice. Watch the future Express Lines for future meeting dates. and Service Centre

We work with the RCMP to main- We would like to thank tain a safe environment and to provide a fo- rum for RCMP reports and inquiries about our customers for their patron- issues affecting residents. age this year and look forward It is important to report hunting in- to serving your automotive fractions, thefts, and other infractions as the needs in 2021. level of service provided by the RCMP and Conservation are based on statistics. If in- Have a safe and happy fractions are not reported, there can be no New Year! Be calm, be response and there are no statistics for safe, be kind. which to increase service. Ed & Elayne Hunting Season: Bow only either sex. Dec 16 - Jan 15. Bag limit 3 (max of 2 doe). Pacific Brake Factory In the new year we will be conduct- 5038 Spragge Rd ing a survey asking if the Texada Communi- Gillies Bay, BC, V0N 1W0 604-486-6723 ty wants a committee to liaison between res- Fax: 604-486-6703 idents and the RCMP. Contact – Box 48, Van Anda, BC V0N 3K0 or phone Leslie at 604-483-8423 T I N S H S

Texada Island Non-Profit Seniors Housing Society wishes everyone on Texada an optimistically Happy 2021!

Please mark your calendar: TINSHS will be holding a (refundable) recycla- ble bottle/can drive on Sunday, February 28th, 2021 from 10 am to 1 pm at the Gillies Bay Recycle Depot. All proceeds go to further the proposed new seniors’ housing project. We appreciate our island's support!

15 Express Lines January 2021 Museum Musings Louis B Seymour and his New Flagpole A colourful character from the turn of the century was Texada’s first Justice of the Peace, Louis B. Seymour. In a 1959 article, local historian Bruce McKelvie relates the brief Texada history of this stur- dy, walrus-moustached Englishman. Seymour was “very proud of his judicial office” and, as first editor of the January, 1900 Coast Min- er, he filled the newspaper with pro- British Empire opinion. The Boer War (1899-1902) was raging and Irish Fenians were rumoured to be planning a raid into Canada. Seymour organized a 6-man “posse” Editor Seymour was concerned about the of special constables to arrest the husband level of local patriotism. The most recent “in the name of Her Majesty the Queen” and troubling incident occurred at the school lock him up in a vacant building until sober. when a public entertainment ended without Having insured the security of the the singing of the national anthem!! British Empire on Texada, Mr. Seymour “Being popular with the fair ones”, moved to Victoria shortly after to become a Mr. Seymour set about organizing a member of the Legislative Press Gallery. “patriotic ladies’ committee” to obtain a Thanks to Bruce McKelvie who, as a flagpole for the school. “The erection of a young lad working at the newspaper, wit- flagpole will atone” for the “serious breach nessed these events. of social etiquette,” he reported in the news- Peter Lock paper. Texada Island Heritage Society In the accompanying photo the new flagpole is seen in front of the “Honeymoon Cottage” directly above the Van Anda wharf. This log cabin was offered in 1898 as Tex- ada’s first school by Harry and Olive Treat (Van Anda Copper and Gold Company) when they completed their new home (seen higher on the hill and still standing). Mr. Seymour’s official peace keeping duties were called upon in the previous month (Christmas 1899) when a drunken fellow - a furnace man at the smelter - “in an effervescent mood” threw his wife out the window.

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T A G Hello and a Happy New Year to all!

Vancouver Coastal Health and School District 47 have determined that their additional guidelines will allow the Texada Agriculture Group to use our HUB kitchen on evenings and weekends — whenever the school kids are not in the building. We are looking forward to getting the gears in motion to promote self-sustenance in our community. Look for workshops and other 5150 Gillies Bay Rd, Gillies Bay educational forums being made available TEL: 604-486-7208 in 2021! Gathering momentum for 2021! Hours Mon - Sat 10 am - 6 pm Sun Noon - 6 pm

One Stop Shop For All Your Needs • Groceries • Propane • Freshly Baked • BC Lotto Bread • ATM • Fresh Meat & Produce • Post Office • Deli • Movies • Liquor • Hardware Cancer Support Group Lunch in the Deli The Cancer Support Group has read- Sunday: Fried Rice ily available funds for individuals on Tex- ada Island needing additional financial sup- Monday: Chicken Teriyaki port while obtaining treatment for their can- Tuesday: Stirfry cer. We are here to help and can provide up to $500 per year per patient. Wednesday: Pizza Forms can be picked up at either the Thursday: Curry Chicken or Texada Island Health Center or my home in Van Anda. I can be reached at 604-486- Chicken Fajita 7494. All inquiries are held in the strictest Friday: Beef Burrito of confidence. Saturday: Pork Ribs — Barb Egglestone

17 Express Lines January 2021 TEXADA ISLAND UNITED CHURCH NOTES

The Texada United Church wishes the Energy Healing Sessions… Texada community a joyous and hope filled are suspended due to COVID-19. New Year. Prayer Group: “Life can only be understood backwards; but Please call Rikki Kooy, 604-243-8097 for it must be lived forwards.” prayers or information.

— Søren Kierkegaard

Let us not forget the learnings of the past Weekly Services: 10:30 Sundays… are suspended until further notice. year: Be kind to yourself and be kind to others! Please note that your donations or tithes are Focus on Spirit! more important than ever right now and can A weekly reflection is posted on the church be mailed to Texada United Church, Box 23, website. Links can be found on the church’s Gillies Bay, BC V0N 1W0. FaceBook page (sometimes there are extra posts there so check it out ) and Texada Mes- Minister’s Office Hours: Tuesday and sage Board. Thursdays, at the church, 1-3 pm. Church Reopening Minister: Rev. Gayle Chouinard, 604-414-7309 With the recent restrictions put on gatherings or [email protected] because of COVID, all church gatherings are Board Chair: Dale Rinehart, 604-486-0050 suspended until we can do so safely. If there Legion Chaplain: Karen May, 604-413-0994 is anything that we can do for you’ please Website: www.texadaunited.ca contact Rev. Gayle Chouinard. Facebook: Texada Island United Church A G M

The AGM for the Texada Island Heritage Society and the Texada Island Heritage Gillies Bay Commission will be held on: Internet Society th Wednesday, January 27 , 2021 at 10 am For Wireless Internet from Spragge Road at the Texada Museum in Van Anda. to Shelter Point and up to Bell Road.

Call 1-855-767-4247 Memberships are $10 per immediate family or or email [email protected] $5 per person. www.gilliesbay.ca/wireless

Due to COVID-19, social distancing and masks will be required.

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Texada Women's Island Network January Luncheon

Thursday January 14, 2021 In the pub at the Texada Island Inn. It's January Jammies Day — NOTICE OF 2021 stuffies are welcome. Doors open at 11:30 am, lunch at 12 noon BUDGET and guest speaker at 1 pm Guest speaker: TBA MEETINGS

To reserve, please call Mo at 604-414- th The qathet Regional District will meet to 7312 no later than Thursday, January 7 , consider the 2021-2025 Financial Plan at 2021. If you have food allergies, please let Mo know when making your reservation. the Finance Committee and the Regional Please come in your jammies. Hospital District 2021 budget at the Re- If you can, please bring a non- gional Hospital District Committee of the perishable food item. Whole meetings between January 2021 and Members not wearing their name tag March 2021. Meeting dates and times can will be fined a loonie. If you are wearing your be viewed on the Regional District website name tag, you will be entered into our draw at qathet.ca. for a free lunch, to be drawn in June. — Linda Greenan, Happy New Year, Everyone! Manager of Financial Services

19 Express Lines January 2021 NEWS FROM THE LIBRARY Greetings, Everyone. The Texada Most of you will see this column just Island Library is a before the New Year. We wish you well. volunteer-staffed We know, too, that the pandemic isn’t over community service yet, not by a long shot. The bright light in located in the Gillies the distance, though, is the arrival of the vac- Bay Old School: cines. Get your arms ready! phone 604-486-6728, during open hours. There are two titles we have recently received from our suppliers and which are Library Open Hours: relevant to our current situation. One is Dr. Wednesday noon to 2:00 pm Bonnie Henry’s Soap and Water and Com- Friday noon to 2:00 pm mon Sense : the definitive guide to viruses, Sunday noon to 2:00 pm bacteria, parasites, and disease (616.9 HEN). I think most of us know Dr. Bonnie For more information about the library, or but, I think, most of us didn’t know she is an about becoming a volunteer, please phone author, too. Several patrons have expressed Anne Carney, Library Coordinator, at 604- surprise when they saw the book on the 486-7117. shelf. The other title is David Waltner- Toews’ On Pandemics : deadly diseases — Dick Turner from Bubonic Plague to Coronavirus (614.43 WAL). The blurb says, “This en- grossing book answers our questions about animal diseases that jump to humans — called zoonoses — including what attracts them to humans, why they have become more common in recent history, and how we can keep them at bay.” I expect most of you will probably have heard that great thriller author, John Le Carre, died this December 12th. When I heard that announcement, I checked my files to see how many of his titles we had on the shelves. I’m afraid I could find records of only three titles. I’ll start accumulating a few more with each new order I place. Stay well and stay safe through the holidays and the isolation. You can still come to the library, just wear a mask and use the hand sanitizer. See you soon.

20 Express Lines January 2021 Food Bank Donations

Texada Food Bank Financial Dona- all your financial donations. There have also tions can be made at the First Credit Union been many anonymous financial donations or by mail to PO Box 233, Van Anda, BC mailed in and deposited at the First Credit Un- V0N 3K0. ion, We are so grateful — thank you. Big thanks goes to our RCMP Consta- Non-perishable food donations may be bles, Chris Snider and Jordan Swedberg; to- put in the baskets at the Gillies Bay General gether they purchased and donated a skid of Store, the Texada Market and the First Credit non-perishable food from Freshco. Thank you Union in Van Anda. to Texada Transfer for delivering the skid of Thank you so much. Donation tins for food. cash are available at both stores (Gillies Bay We are always grateful to Jake and the Store and Texada Market in Van Anda) and Gillies Bay Store for their continued support the First Credit Union. with donations of cases of food and to every- Please call Pauline Fleming at 604- one at the Texada Market for your help every 414-9590 if you have any questions regarding month. the Food Bank. We are very grateful to everyone for all the anonymous cash and food donations that 2020 has been difficult for are dropped off at the Gillies Bay Store, Tex- ada Market and Credit Union. everyone but the Texada Food bank survived because of our amazing community including Powell River and even some individuals far away!! We can’t THANK all of you enough, YOU ROCK is an understatement!

We wish everyone a very 1989 Marble Bay Road 604-486-7080 healthy and prosperous 2021. Open 7 days a week, 8 am – 1 pm

Our December was exceptionally filled Supper Specials with generous donations. Thank you goes to Served Sunday, Monday, Tuesday Pete Stiles Jr. and Hilary, Imperial Limestone 5 pm – 7 pm Quarry, Sunshine Garden Center, Nelmes Ex- Save the disappointment, cavating, Pat Bressey, Joy Garnet, Bob Call ahead to reserve your meal.

McGuire, Texada Garden Club, The Sey- Call us if you need a special meal mours, Gwen Davis, Maureen Edler, Stan prepared. We may not be “skip the Smith, W. Kucharshky, Fraser, Meghan, Cal- dishes”, but we can help you serve a lum and Locklann Clark, United Church Wom- great meal for friends and family. en, Jill Henry, and Lois Warner. Thank you for Family friendly prices.

21 Express Lines January 2021 Classified Ads Texada Vacation Rental Handyman Services 3 bedroom unit, fully equipped Drake Fredericks Website: www.texadavacationrental.com Need a third hand? I’m the man for the job! 604-414-5897 No job too big or too small. 1925 Sturt Bay Road, Van Anda Have most tools for yard maintenance and carpentry References Available. Rosebank Cottage by the Sea Call 604-486-7538 or 604-223-4460 A vacation rental suite with fabulous ocean view. BBQ, Internet, cable TV and private deck. Hair on Blair Full kitchen, just bring your suitcase! 604-223-9800 604-413-0994

Van Anda Custom Works 604-414-7764

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

Express Lines Subscription For a 12-month off-island subscription to the Express Lines, please send $30 to PO Box 233, Van Anda, BC, V0N 3K0.

Name:______Address:______City:______Prov- ince:______Postal

22 Express Lines January 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 8:30 am, and 5:15 pm 3:25 pm the Van Anda Market at about 8:55 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, 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 January 2021 January 2021 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

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New Years Day

3 4 5 6 7 9 Transfer Station: Transfer Station: 10 am - 4 pm 10 am - 4 pm

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 TWIN Mtg:11:30 am, Texada Island Inn Pub

17 18 19 20 21 22 23 Transfer Station: Transfer Station: 10 am - 4 pm 10 am - 4 pm

Express Lines Deadline

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Every: Monday: Tai Chi, Community Hall, 9:30 am

Wednesday: Tai Chi, Community Hall, 9:30 am

Saturday: Tai Chi, Community Hall, 9:30 am 24