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yours to keep!<br />
issue 52<br />
| langdale to lund<br />
zoomsunshinecoast.com
inside<br />
allan forest<br />
6<br />
sheila june<br />
8<br />
14<br />
BORN OF EARTH & FIRE<br />
autumn skye<br />
12<br />
the painted lady<br />
20<br />
Contemporary potters continue to use fire<br />
in an age-old process that is reverent,<br />
communal, and mysterious.<br />
18<br />
GEORGE CONNELL<br />
love exhibition<br />
22<br />
what's happening<br />
24<br />
Our feature personality for this issue has a lot<br />
going on and has never shied away from setting<br />
impressive goals for himself.<br />
26<br />
PRIME CUTS<br />
A new small business finds its niche and<br />
sustainably supports the young business owners<br />
and adds something great to the community.<br />
fresh spring bounty<br />
32<br />
hiking the coast<br />
36<br />
30<br />
A FINE BALANCE<br />
A profile of two sunshine coast families,<br />
managing business and home, and<br />
making it work.<br />
viewfinder<br />
39<br />
diego's den<br />
43<br />
spring <strong>2023</strong> 3
the sunshine coast magazine<br />
issue 52 | spring <strong>2023</strong><br />
PO Box 200<br />
Garden Bay, BC VON 1S1<br />
604.883.9279<br />
zoomsunshinecoast.com<br />
Editor & Graphic Designer<br />
Contributing Writers<br />
Copy Editor<br />
Edmund Arceo<br />
Natalie Findlay<br />
Allan Forest<br />
Nancy Pincombe<br />
Autumn Skye<br />
Heather Vince<br />
Nancy Cuthbert<br />
GALLERY OPEN BY APPOINTMENT<br />
Call 604.883.9472 | Text 604.989.6686 | Email info@motoko.ca<br />
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www.motoko.ca<br />
<strong>ZOOM</strong> is published locally and distributed FREE from Langdale<br />
to Lund. You will find copies of <strong>ZOOM</strong> on the Horseshoe Bay―<br />
Langdale ferry and in selected outlets on the Sunshine Coast.<br />
Authors of submitted material are solely responsible for their<br />
contributions. <strong>ZOOM</strong> is not responsible for any text, documents,<br />
or photos submitted. Pages or photos in this magazine may<br />
not be reproduced, stored, or transmitted in any form without<br />
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4
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spring <strong>2023</strong> 5
FOCUS<br />
RAYS OF LIGHT<br />
THROUGH THE LENS OF ALLAN FOREST<br />
WORDS | ALLAN FOREST<br />
6
the sunshine coast magazine<br />
I have always had a love affair with the forest. When I am there, I feel that sensation and energy<br />
intensely and attempt to evoke those feelings in the images that I capture. Every so often a<br />
breathtaking scene shows up, teasing me to express it. One such magical day occurred in December<br />
while hiking along the forest trails above the power lines of the B&K logging road. Fog shrouded<br />
the edge of the forest, creating a mystical presence that stoked my senses. The fog was not dense<br />
enough to become lost in it, while hovering in a striking manner among the tall firs and cedars.<br />
The sun is lower during winter, creating interesting side lighting effects that accentuate whatever it<br />
shines on. These conditions created the perfect scenario to capture enchanting images, as a beam<br />
of radiance shimmered through the fog, illuminating the forest with spectacular rays of light.<br />
I could easily have interpreted the scene as being touched by the hand of God, with the rays of light<br />
being fingers reaching out to touch me with their splendour, filling me with hope and wonder during<br />
the dark times that we have been faced with. It truly felt as if I had been blessed with the opportunity<br />
to witness this memorable scene. I most certainly recalled it that way, especially after looking at the<br />
library of images on my computer monitor.<br />
I had not been bringing my camera along while hiking recently, until this particular morning. I had<br />
been content to travel light, with only my iPhone to grab photos to share on Facebook. It seemed<br />
important at the time to give my body a break and just enjoy the walk. This day was different, as I<br />
awoke and noticed the fog near my home and brought along my camera in anticipation that this was<br />
going to be a special day. I was not disappointed and started carrying my gear once again. ·<br />
VIEW MORE OF ALLAN FOREST'S PHOTOGRAPHY AT ALLANFOREST.COM<br />
summer spring 2020 <strong>2023</strong> 7
life awakes<br />
THE VISUAL POETRY OF SHEILA JUNE<br />
WORDS | NANCY PINCOMBE<br />
8
the sunshine coast magazine<br />
REGROWTH, RENEWAL,<br />
AND A NEW DIRECTION<br />
There's nothing as relentless as spring. Buds form when<br />
snow is still on the ground, and the season progresses<br />
even when some of us aren't quite ready physically or<br />
psychologically to step out of our dens into the cold<br />
light. As our human observances reflect through Lent<br />
and Ramadan, spring is the season of discomfort – and<br />
faith, newness, and growth.<br />
With an eye for painterly, delectable colour and a keen<br />
instinct for composition, Sheila June gives us some<br />
beautiful rosy images for springtime. Our tendency to<br />
celebrate flowers in full, extravagant bloom sometimes<br />
causes us to miss the early beginnings of growth<br />
unfolding all around us. These more subtle changes<br />
occur on a starker background, without the protection<br />
of summer foliage. For Sheila these images call to mind<br />
our human cycles:<br />
“Human growth is the same as flower growth . . . While<br />
most people see a flower's beauty, I noticed the tiny<br />
buds. I love the contrast and the size difference between<br />
the flower and the bud. Like a mother and her child.”<br />
Some of us leave our comfort zones more easily than<br />
others! This time Sheila is reporting from abroad where<br />
she is, once again, challenging herself to explore new<br />
directions and leave her comfort zone. This time she is<br />
working in sound artistry and design:<br />
“I find art, photography, and music to be similar. When<br />
I was a painter, I created lots of texture and layers. I'm<br />
using the same application with my music.”<br />
And here again it is Nature that inspires:<br />
“I've recently been recording nature sounds and<br />
implementing them in my music. I also recently bought a<br />
device that records the electromagnetic field of a plant.<br />
I’m really into using the healing properties of the plant<br />
music. Most of my music is 432 hz frequency, which is<br />
known to be healing.” ·<br />
DISCOVER MORE OF SHEILA JUNE'S WORK AT SHEILAJUNE.COM<br />
spring <strong>2023</strong> 9
zoom online<br />
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10
ART, CRAFTS & GIFTS FROM AROUND HERE<br />
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Visit us at: #104, 875 Gibsons Way<br />
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One Flower One Leaf Gallery<br />
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One Flower One Leaf Gallery<br />
436 Marine Drive, Gibsons Landing . 604.886.0099<br />
Visit our online store at onefloweroneleaf.com<br />
spring <strong>2023</strong> 11
ART<br />
THE ART OF<br />
AUTUMN SKYE<br />
WORDS | AUTUMN SKYE<br />
PHOTO | ADAM ZIORIO<br />
12
the sunshine coast magazine<br />
These are strange times. Uncertain and bewildering times,<br />
fraught with dread and ripe with potential. In moments of<br />
reckoning, revolution, and re-creation, I feel more than ever the<br />
importance of art.<br />
Art is both trivial and essential. Simply put, a painting is<br />
colourful mud smeared on fabric, pretty and trite images for<br />
our fickle amusement. And simultaneously, it has the potential to move<br />
mountains, individually and culturally. It can heal emotional trauma, cure<br />
illness, and bring renewed vitality and joy. It can awaken and empower<br />
both the artist and the viewer and connect straight to the subconscious. It<br />
can speak truth and shine light on critical issues. It can start revolutions,<br />
shift paradigms, and offer visions of grand potential and solutions, paths<br />
toward healing and wholeness. Sometimes I wrestle with the “whys” of artmaking,<br />
wondering if I should instead be dedicating this enormous amount<br />
of energy into something more “important.” Is my precious time better<br />
spent planting a garden, marching in the streets, feeding the homeless,<br />
chaining myself to old-growth trees, raising children?<br />
And while all of these noble acts are vital to the forward unfolding of<br />
humanity and the world, paradoxically, art remains the most crucial thing<br />
that I can do personally. Art propels me out of bed in the morning, whispering<br />
me awake with purpose. It fills the pause between my in-breath and outbreath<br />
and the quiet lulls amidst other chores and responsibilities. Since<br />
my earliest memories I have felt creative fire in my belly and fingertips, and<br />
the burning and relentless urge to make art and share it with the world. I<br />
have learned to trust the mysterious compass of my heart and intuition, to<br />
navigate my imagination as well as the grander trajectory of my life. In my<br />
bones I feel a sacred duty to play my small part in our collective evolution.<br />
Throughout history, society has looked to the arts to guide and inspire<br />
our individual and collective narratives. Artwork has the capacity to be an<br />
anchor in the storm and a touchstone of beauty amid an otherwise bleak<br />
reality. While the world is at the precipice of momentous change, artworks<br />
have the potential to be maps that can help guide humanity into new and<br />
positive ways of seeing and being.<br />
And so I offer my art to you, from my heart to yours, with the prayer that<br />
it may touch some part of you and spark your own creative passion. May<br />
it fan in you the flame of peaceful revolution and timely change. We have<br />
so much work to do, and while I don’t presume to know what your unique<br />
piece of the puzzle is, I am grateful to you for playing your part. Only you<br />
know what makes your spirit sing, and only you can claim it for yourself<br />
in order to share it with the world. Thank you for smiling at strangers, for<br />
growing food, for nurturing children, for pioneering political reform, for<br />
creating music, for writing love letters, for making artwork.<br />
We are all in this together, and it is my deep honour to dance alongside you<br />
on this epic and mysterious adventure. ·<br />
VISIT AUTUMNSKYEART.COM TO SEE MORE ORIGINAL PAINTINGS BY AUTUMN SKYE<br />
spring <strong>2023</strong> 13
ART<br />
BORN OF WORDS | NANCY PINCOMBE IMAGES | PIA SILLEM<br />
EARTH & FIRE<br />
14
the sunshine coast magazine<br />
Nothing transforms like fire. The ancients knew it; every inch of the earth reflects it. Contemporary<br />
potters continue to use fire in an age-old process that is reverent, communal, and mysterious.<br />
At Geopia Gallery and Gardens, sculptor and potter Pia Sillem collaborates with like-minded artists<br />
to finish their work in a traditional wood-fired kiln that was hand-built by four of them: Sillem, Jinny<br />
Whitehead, Rob Robb, and Jan Lovewell.<br />
Firing is a long, labour-intensive, celebratory process that takes about 50 hours from start to<br />
finish. Sillem explains that working as a group makes the work easier, safer, and fun.<br />
“We work in shifts, two people per shift . . . Most of the potters stay at our house . . . It is very much<br />
a community event, and I think that is one of the reasons we as potters love these firings. We fire<br />
the kiln only twice a year.”<br />
The potters take turns adding their work to the kiln until it is full. The unfired shapes appear<br />
pallid, unripe, ghostly. Burning primarily alder and cedar from the property, the fire heats over<br />
several days and must be stoked with wood night and day, using special gloves plus eye and face<br />
protection. The temperature will reach up to 1300 degrees Celsius (2300 F), at which point the<br />
wood ash melts onto the surface of the clay and forms a glaze.<br />
The four potters are all experienced in the craft, and their work is diverse and not easily<br />
summarized in a few sentences. Ron Robb and Jan Lovewell are from Lund (Rare Earth Pottery).<br />
Robb's intriguing bowls and vessels are in wonderful shapes reminiscent of flowers and clamshells,<br />
each unique. Lovewell's masks give the impression of lovely repose, and after firing, the surfaces<br />
take on a lustre that looks uncannily human and alive. Jinny Whitehead's delightful shapes and<br />
vessels are artfully asymmetrical, and often finished in a satisfying way with driftwood accents and<br />
handles. Pia Sillem's work is inspired by beautiful, intricate Nature, with forms that bring to mind<br />
buds and curling leaves.<br />
As the fire grows in intensity it takes on a life inside the kiln, moving in mesmerizing, rolling, stormlike<br />
waves and currents. The effects on the glazing of each piece are organic and unpredictable,<br />
depending on the pottery's position within the kiln and in the current of flame.<br />
The results are always a surprise. The artwork that emerges from the kiln has beautiful, ripe, rich<br />
hues and natural variations that make the kiln openings a special event:<br />
“It takes the kiln about four days to cool down enough so we can safely open it. We often have<br />
guests join us for the kiln openings and share in the excitement!” ·<br />
spring <strong>2023</strong> 15
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16
<strong>2023</strong><br />
THE 41 st ANNUAL<br />
FESTIVAL OF THE<br />
WRITTEN ARTS<br />
August 17-20<br />
Tickets on sale June 5<br />
Rockwood Centre | Sechelt<br />
604.885.9631<br />
1.800.565.9631<br />
www.writersfestival.ca<br />
Illustration by Carol La Fave<br />
GIBSONS LANDING<br />
JAZZ<br />
FESTIVAL<br />
June 17: Kick off dance at Roberts Creek Hall<br />
with Soulstream<br />
June 18–22: Jazz Week throughout Gibsons,<br />
Roberts Creek and Sechelt<br />
June 23: Opening Night at the Heritage Playhouse<br />
June 24: Bands on the Hackett Park Stage in<br />
Sechelt plus Swing Dance in the evening<br />
June 25: Brunch, bands in Winegarden Park<br />
and closing Jazz Jam in Gibsons<br />
JAZZ WEEK: JUNE 17–22<br />
VARIOUS RESTAURANTS/VENUES<br />
AND BEYOND<br />
coastjazz.com<br />
JUNE<br />
23–25<br />
<strong>2023</strong><br />
49 th Sunshine Coast<br />
Festival of the Performing Arts<br />
PENDER HARBOUR CHOIR<br />
PRESENTS<br />
coast festival<br />
APRIL 11 - MAY 11<br />
HIGHLIGHTS CONCERT MAY 13<br />
see info & schedules at:<br />
coastfestival.com<br />
KENNETH NORMAN JOHNSON, MUSIC DIRECTOR<br />
DAVID POON, PIANIST<br />
FRIDAY<br />
MAY 12, <strong>2023</strong><br />
7:00PM<br />
PENDER HARBOUR<br />
MUSIC SCHOOL, MADEIRA PARK<br />
SATURDAY<br />
MAY 13, <strong>2023</strong><br />
7:00PM<br />
SUNSHINE COAST<br />
BOTANICAL GARDEN, SECHELT<br />
TICKETS $25<br />
AVAILABLE FROM CHOIR MEMBERS,<br />
EARTHFAIR STORE IN MADEIRA PARK,<br />
AND AT THE DOOR<br />
spring <strong>2023</strong> 17
SPOTLIGHT<br />
Partner, Father, Actor, Writer, Oil Artist,<br />
Singer-songwriter, Lyricist, Long-distance<br />
Runner . . .<br />
George Connell, feature personality for this<br />
issue, has a lot going on and has never<br />
shied away from setting impressive goals<br />
for himself.<br />
Born in Brighton, England and raised in Montreal,<br />
George has lived on the West Coast since 1973 and on<br />
the Sunshine Coast since 2000. What keeps someone<br />
with so many irons in the fire here, in<br />
a fairly small, fairly out-of-the-way<br />
place? George says he stays because<br />
of the small communities, not despite<br />
them: “The Coast is a 'human-sized'<br />
community that keeps me honest.”<br />
Meaning, perhaps, that one has to<br />
operate with integrity and see things<br />
through. Here, there's no hiding<br />
behind anonymity.<br />
Not long after arriving here, George<br />
and his partner, well-known potter and<br />
sculptor Pia Sillem, set themselves a<br />
daunting mid-life goal: the creation of<br />
their extensive home and studios.<br />
“My partner, Pia, and I decided, when<br />
we turned fifty, that we wanted to<br />
build our own little home on raw<br />
land. We found 22 acres and built<br />
our home, studios, gallery, and woodfired<br />
kiln from scratch.”<br />
This dream home and property, which<br />
they call Geopia Gallery and Garden,<br />
is an expansive, artsy, welcoming place. There, amidst<br />
large, carefully tended gardens, and overlooking<br />
Agamemnon Channel, they host concerts, art shows,<br />
and gatherings.<br />
Both George and Pia are visual artists. George's<br />
oil paintings capture candid moments and day-today<br />
activities in a kind of colourful and democratic<br />
portraiture.<br />
But perhaps you've heard of George Connell, the actor?<br />
He has appeared in numerous television commercials<br />
and theatre productions. George Connell, the writer?<br />
WORDS | NANCY PINCOMBE<br />
PHOTOGRAPHY | LINDYN WILLIAMS<br />
18
He has published two novels set in locales he knows<br />
well: Saint Thomas of Egmont is set right here, while<br />
The Rise and Fall of the House of Chumley is based<br />
in Montreal. He also has a book of poetry, We're Not<br />
Out of the Woods Yet. But we're not finished. It might<br />
be as a singer-songwriter that you are familiar with<br />
George Connell. He has worked with an impressive<br />
group of collaborators, including some names you<br />
might recognize, such as Miles Black and Katherine<br />
Penfold. You can find The Elephant in the Room and<br />
Solitaire on Bandcamp and Spotify. He is currently<br />
working on two further albums.<br />
Is there a common thread to these diverse projects<br />
and achievements? Lots of us who live here explore<br />
a variety of outlets for our talents. As George says,<br />
jokingly, “I've heard it said that if you throw a rock<br />
into the bushes, if you don't hit a musician, you'll hit<br />
an artist.” Indeed.<br />
George sets about his work in a courageous and<br />
unabashed way. There's also a sharp wit and a cleareyed<br />
commentary on the human condition in his<br />
writing, poetry, and lyrics. Perhaps the most rare and<br />
instructive trait of George's is the fact that he sees<br />
things through to completion. He confesses to being<br />
wired from an early age to do so:<br />
“I can usually create something if I stay focused on<br />
processes rather than outcome. I was also raised to<br />
please others with whatever abilities I possessed.<br />
That has been both a burden and a blessing<br />
throughout my life.”<br />
And then there's the running. The Coast has some<br />
fantastic running trails. George can frequently be<br />
seen logging the miles. Maybe that's the key to his<br />
successes: one step and then another. Nothing<br />
starts without the first step, and nothing is finished<br />
until the last. A long-time long-distance runner,<br />
George has found the time and energy to set some<br />
new goals. Age is just a number:<br />
“I'm 72. I used to run ultramarathons when I was<br />
younger, and I'm trying to get back into it with my<br />
younger son, who's 35. We have plans to run a<br />
marathon in the fall and an ultramarathon of 50 km<br />
next year in Arizona. I find the concept of mortality<br />
unnerving.” ·<br />
ARTISAN<br />
SEASIDE<br />
joins<br />
MARKET<br />
DAVIS BAY<br />
FARMERS MARKET<br />
Saturdays May to August 12–4:30 pm<br />
Original<br />
paintings<br />
inspired by<br />
the vastness<br />
and beauty of<br />
the Canadian<br />
landscape<br />
margothallman.com<br />
STAY UPDATED ON GEORGE'S VARIED CREATIVE PURSUITS BY<br />
VISITING HIS WEBSITE AT GEORGECONNELL.COM<br />
Two great markets in one location - 5123 Davis Bay Rd, Sechelt, BC. To participate:<br />
davisbaymarket@gmail.com (BYOtent) or artisan.seaside.market@gmail.com (tent provided)<br />
spring <strong>2023</strong> 19
SPOTLIGHT<br />
The<br />
Painted<br />
Lady<br />
WORDS | NANCY PINCOMBE<br />
IMAGES | ROSE STARDUST @BRUJERIA_STUDIOS<br />
20
With so many talented visual artists on the Sunshine<br />
Coast, it is essential that we have shops and<br />
services to support their work.<br />
Vanessa Tomada, owner of The Painted Lady<br />
Art Supplies and Framing in Gibsons, took over<br />
the shop in 2020, a year that was fraught with uncertainty for many<br />
businesses. But Vanessa, who had been managing the store, then called<br />
Lisa's Framing and Art Supplies, for a few years, knew it was a fit. Thanks to<br />
a loan from Community Futures Sunshine Coast, she was able to capitalize<br />
on her previous work at an art supply chain and the fact that she is an artist<br />
herself. She knew just where there was potential to expand:<br />
“We've at least tripled the amount of art supplies that we carry. I worked for<br />
another art supply chain in Vancouver when I was younger, so I had a good<br />
idea of all the areas we were lacking in. There is still lots we could bring in, if<br />
we can find creative ways to make the best use of space in our location. My<br />
three staff and I are all artists ourselves, so it's really easy for us to bring in<br />
new things we want to try, or think people will be interested in.”<br />
57O7 COWRIE STREET, SECHELT . (6O4) 885-6436<br />
Instagram: @moorestockoutfitters<br />
There's nothing worse than being in the middle of a project, with the muse<br />
flowing nicely, only to find that you've lost your palette knife or run out of<br />
phthalo blue. Ramon Kubicek, a local artist and former instructor at Langara<br />
College and Emily Carr University, divides his time between Gibsons and<br />
Montreal. Having access to a wide selection of high-quality art supplies<br />
makes his time in a small town like Gibsons much more productive: “It's a<br />
lifesaver on the Coast. The staff at The Painted Lady are very friendly and<br />
helpful . . . They also do custom framing and help with designing spaces<br />
through artwork.”<br />
So many people move to the Sunshine Coast with the goal of living out their<br />
creative dreams. Besides an expanded selection of supplies, support, and<br />
ideas, Vanessa says what her customers crave are opportunities to expand<br />
their skills:<br />
“The number one thing people have been asking for, that we haven't done<br />
in years, is classes! Rose has finally organized a Block Printing class,<br />
coming up this April! We plan on trying to organize more in the near future.”<br />
Stop in at The Painted Lady for supplies, ideas, and classes. If they don't<br />
have a product you are looking for, they are happy to source it for you. ·<br />
VISIT THE PAINTED LADY AT 105-622 HOUGH ROAD IN GIBSONS OR ONLINE AT PAINTEDLADY.ART<br />
spring <strong>2023</strong> 21
ART EVENT<br />
LOVE<br />
EXHIBITION<br />
February's Love Exhibition at One Flower One Leaf Gallery was a<br />
delightful feast for the soul and senses, with contributions from 12<br />
local artists, as well as interactive experiences, meditations, and<br />
activities guided by Sherri Pregitzer, a local performance artist.<br />
Featured artists were Autumn Skye, Brian Romer, Claire Folstad,<br />
E.A. Evans, Joelly Cright, Lori Morris, Peter Nicholls, Shain<br />
Jackson, Sherri Pregitzer, Stewart Jacobs, Tyler Gentry, and<br />
Zaan Claassens.<br />
Augmenting the beautiful theme of the exhibition was a beautiful<br />
symmetry amongst the participants. Half of these names were<br />
in-house artists and half were new to the group and gallery. Half<br />
were emerging artists with fewer than ten years’ experience, while<br />
some had been honing their craft for as many as 70 years. The<br />
Love Exhibition represented the scope of the artists of our area.<br />
Performance artist Sherri Pregitzer led the interactive experiences,<br />
including a Love meditation, an eye-contact experiment, and<br />
heart coherence breathwork. This was an unusual opportunity for<br />
visitors to engage their senses and minds to connect with each<br />
other and with the theme of the exhibition:<br />
“Our morning Love meditations were well attended in a beautiful<br />
time spent focusing the intention of Love out to the world. Another<br />
very popular experience was the chance to try the HeartMath<br />
Emwave technology (biofeedback device) and breathing<br />
technique to practice creating a coherent loving state. The results<br />
were then graphed by the device. People were fascinated at how<br />
they could affect their body and state of being at will, in such a<br />
short time (three minutes of practice). Finally, we provided an<br />
opportunity for people to share one minute of eye contact with<br />
each other. I personally found this to be very heart opening and<br />
made some wonderful connections with people I may not have<br />
otherwise. This was my favorite of the interactive experiences.”<br />
The exhibition delighted audiences and participants. There will be<br />
a sequel:<br />
WORDS | NANCY PINCOMBE<br />
“Because of the great feedback and response from the community,<br />
we are planning to hold Love Exhibition II in the future to continue<br />
the adventure.” ·<br />
VISIT ONEFLOWERONELEAF.COM FOR INFORMATION ON FUTURE EXHIBITIONS<br />
22
18 th<br />
june 2,3,4<br />
<strong>2023</strong><br />
Terminal Station, Paul Pigat, Johnny Ferreira, Murray Porter, Marcus Mosely, Harris&Debray + many more!<br />
buy tickets online at: phblues.ca<br />
Soleil<br />
duo<br />
Beautiful Music<br />
FOR ANY OCCASION<br />
Piano and vocals duo, wide appealing repertoire of love songs, jazz standards and pop.<br />
Find Soleil Duo on Facebook or inquire: pincomben@gmail.com, 604.741.7476.<br />
spring <strong>2023</strong> 23
what’shappening<br />
APRIL<br />
9–30<br />
GPAG - KITTY BLANDY | FINDING ANIMUS<br />
In this exhibition in the Main Gallery, Kitty Blandy<br />
presents three series of mixed media artwork in<br />
2D and 3D exploring what it means to be animal.<br />
Gibsons Public Art Gallery, 431 Marine Drive, Gibsons.<br />
gpag.ca<br />
GPAG - GORDON HALLORAN | SHADOW BOX<br />
Accomplished Canadian artist Gordon Halloran<br />
explores interpretive photography through<br />
his series Shadow Box, presented in the<br />
Eve Smart Gallery. gpag.ca<br />
9<br />
THE KUBE - ALISA MCRONALD<br />
McRonald's work has always involved characters’<br />
faces. This comes from a love of storytelling, fables,<br />
and folklore. 875 Gibsons Way #104, Gibsons.<br />
Until May 2. thekube.ca<br />
11<br />
49 th SUNSHINE COAST FESTIVAL<br />
OF THE PERFORMING ARTS<br />
Live performances in 9 different disciplines.<br />
Admission by donation or watch live video<br />
streaming via the Festival website. Until May 11.<br />
coastfestival.ca<br />
13–15<br />
5 th TOWNSITE JAZZ FESTIVAL<br />
Performances from acclaimed musicians in Powell<br />
River’s Historic Townsite district.<br />
townsitejazz.com<br />
14<br />
SCHOOL OF MUSIC COFFEEHOUSE<br />
Wonderful music by some of our finest local talents.<br />
Taking the stage will be Katrina & Stella Bishop,<br />
Michelle Morand, and Sean Peters. Pender Harbour<br />
Music School, 12956 Madeira Park Rd., Madeira<br />
Park, 7:30pm. penderharbourmusic.ca<br />
15<br />
SUPER <strong>SPRING</strong> FUN FESTIVAL<br />
Vendors, food, kids zone, entertainment.The ARC<br />
Community Event Centre, 7055 Alberni St., Powell<br />
River. 10am–3:30pm. 604.223.7638<br />
LITTLE WONDERS AT THE MUSEUM<br />
Cedar: The Tree of Life. Ideal for children 4–8 years<br />
old. Monthly themed adventure including artifacts,<br />
crafts, games, and stories. Free drop-in program.<br />
10:30–11am. powellrivermuseum.ca<br />
GOOD VIBES DANCE PARTY<br />
DJ Papi G Performing; 60’s Retro music. Cash bar.<br />
tie dye shirts and headbands encouraged. Sechelt<br />
Seniors Activity Centre, 5604 Trail Ave, Sechelt, 7pm.<br />
secheltactivitycentre.com<br />
15, 22, 29<br />
SATURDAY LIVE MUSIC<br />
The Sunshine Coast's gathering place features<br />
outstanding musicians every Saturday afternoon in<br />
the Atrium. Gibsons Public Market, 473 Gower Point<br />
Rd., Gibsons, 2:30–4:30pm.<br />
gibsonspublicmarket.com<br />
21<br />
SLOW FASHION + CLIMATE ACTION<br />
SC Arts Council with FibreWorks Society presents<br />
local artists’ work that focuses on developing<br />
practical up-cycling and repurposing techniques<br />
applied to clothing and textiles. 5714 Medusa St.,<br />
Sechelt, 12-4pm. Until May 13.<br />
sunshinecoastartscouncil.com<br />
22<br />
2 ND ANNUAL VOLUNTEER FAIR<br />
Bringing people and organizations together in<br />
the spirit of enhancing community relations and<br />
goodwill. Sechelt Seniors Activity Centre, 5604 Trail<br />
Ave. 10am–3pm. rotarysunshinecoast.org<br />
29<br />
APRIL TOOLS WOODEN BOAT CHALLENGE<br />
Teams of up to 4 people build a boat from provided<br />
materials, but nobody knows what the materials will<br />
be until the day of the race! Then they race around<br />
the harbour for prizes. Millennium Park, Madeira<br />
Park. 10am. penderharbourheritage.ca<br />
21<br />
ACADEMY CABARET<br />
Musical vignettes, appetizers & wine. Academy choir<br />
members and students perform selections of their<br />
own choosing, accompanied by an Academy band.<br />
James Hall, 7280 Kemano St., Powell River, 7:30pm.<br />
powellriveracademy.org<br />
23<br />
MEAGAN & AMY<br />
Pender Harbour Music Society presents pianist<br />
Meagan Milatz and violinist Amy Hillis. Pender<br />
Harbour Music School, 12956 Madeira Park Rd.,<br />
Madeira Park, 2pm. penderharbourmusic.ca<br />
29, 30<br />
GLORIA!<br />
Suncoast Phoenix Community Choir, Coast Messiah<br />
Choir and Coast Messiah Orchestra present Antonio<br />
Vivaldi’s “Gloria” and “Concerto for Two Violins.” April<br />
29, 7pm and April 30, 2pm at St. Hilda’s Anglican<br />
Church. coastmessiahchoir.ca<br />
30<br />
MARATHON SHUFFLE<br />
Hike, run, or “shuffle” along a 29-kilometre section<br />
of the Sunshine Coast Trail. Shinglemill Pub, 6233<br />
Powell Place, Powell River, 9am–5pm.<br />
sunshinecoast-trail.com<br />
24
the sunshine coast magazine<br />
DATES AND TIMES MAY HAVE CHANGED AFTER PRESS TIME. PLEASE CONFIRM EVENT DETAILS WITH ORGANIZERS.<br />
EVENTS ARE LISTED FREE ON OUR CALENDAR. PLEASE SEND YOUR EVENT DETAILS TO EVENTS@<strong>ZOOM</strong>SUNSHINECOAST.COM<br />
MAY<br />
5, 6<br />
POWELL RIVER ACCORDION FEST<br />
Featuring two days of diverse events that<br />
celebrate and demystify a much-maligned and<br />
underappreciated instrument. See website for full<br />
schedule. praccordionfest.com<br />
6<br />
THE SMALL GLORIES<br />
Cara Luft and JD Edwards are a roots powerhouse<br />
duo from the prairies, singing songs of love, loss<br />
and land. Pender Harbour Music School, 12956<br />
Madeira Park Rd., Madeira Park, 2pm.<br />
penderharbourmusic.ca<br />
12, 13<br />
SONGS OF <strong>SPRING</strong><br />
Kenneth Norman Johnson directs the Pender<br />
Harbour Choir, with David Poon, pianist. May 12, 7pm<br />
at the Pender Harbour Music School in Madeira Park;<br />
May 13, 7pm at the SC Botanical Garden in Sechelt.<br />
penderharbourmusic.ca/choir<br />
13<br />
HIGHLIGHTS CONCERT<br />
Concert featuring top performers of the 49 th<br />
Sunshine Coast Festival of the Performing Arts.<br />
Heritage Playhouse, 662 North Rd., Gibsons, 2pm.<br />
coastfestival.ca<br />
14<br />
MUSIC FOR MOTHERS' DAY<br />
Dr. Moira Hopfe-Ostensen, piano and Walter Martella,<br />
accordion & trumpet. James Hall, 7280 Kemano St.,<br />
Powell River, 2pm.<br />
powellriveracademy.org<br />
21<br />
BLUE MOON MARQUEE<br />
A.W. Cardinal and Jasmine Colette comprise this<br />
swinging blues band born of the wild rose country.<br />
Pender Harbour Music School, 12956 Madeira Park<br />
Rd., Madeira Park, 2pm. penderharbourmusic.ca<br />
JUNE<br />
2–4<br />
PENDER HARBOUR BLUES FESTIVAL<br />
A weekend of fantastic music at venues around<br />
scenic Pender Harbour. Presented by the Pender<br />
Harbour Blues Society.<br />
phblues.ca<br />
3<br />
KATHAUMIXW EXTRAVAGANZA<br />
Host choirs perform as a prelude to the International<br />
Choral Kathaumixw. James Hall, 7280 Kemano St.,<br />
Powell River, 7pm.<br />
powellriveracademy.org<br />
10–11<br />
WELLNESS FEST <strong>2023</strong><br />
Sunshine Coast’s Inaugural Wellness Fest powered<br />
by Sunshine Coast Credit Union. Gibsons Public<br />
Market, 473 Gower Point Rd., Gibsons.<br />
gibsonspublicmarket.com<br />
12–24<br />
PRISMA FESTIVAL<br />
This festival unites world-renowned guest artists<br />
with top international music students for two weeks<br />
of musical exploration by the sea.<br />
prismafestival.com<br />
23–25<br />
GIBSONS LANDING JAZZ FESTIVAL<br />
AND BEYOND<br />
World-class jazz in various locations in Gibsons and<br />
Sechelt, preceded by a popular Jazz Week. Presented<br />
by the Sunshine Coast Jazz & Entertainment Society.<br />
coastjazz.com<br />
ARTISAN & FARMERS MARKETS<br />
FALL, WINTER, <strong>SPRING</strong> MARKET<br />
Community market showcasing vendors with<br />
fabulous crafts, knitting, baking, and more.<br />
St. Mary's Catholic Church Hall, 956 Gibsons<br />
Way, GIbsons. Tuesdays 12:30pm–4:30pm.<br />
ROBERTS CREEK COMMUNITY<br />
FARM MARKET<br />
More than a dozen local farmers and food<br />
producers provide everything from fresh<br />
produce, eggs, and baked goods to distilled<br />
vodka, gins and liqueurs. Roberts Creek<br />
Community Hall, 1309 Roberts Creek Rd.,<br />
Wednesdays 1:30–4:30pm.<br />
robertscreekcommunity.com/the-market<br />
ARTISAN SEASIDE MARKET & DAVIS BAY<br />
FARMERS MARKET<br />
Two great markets in one location. 5123 Davis<br />
Bay Rd., Sechelt. Saturdays (May to August)<br />
12nn–4:30pm.<br />
facebook.com/davisbayfarmersmarket<br />
facebook.com/artisan.seaside.market<br />
SECHELT FARMERS' AND<br />
ARTISANS' MARKET<br />
An exciting mix of farm, food and artisan<br />
vendors every week. Come enjoy the<br />
friendly atmosphere and support local small<br />
businesses! Saturdays 9am–2:30pm.<br />
secheltmarket.com<br />
POWELL RIVER FARMERS MARKET<br />
Inside Quonset hut. Meet local farmers who<br />
have all kinds of wonderful local food. Powell<br />
River Fair Grounds, 4365 McLeod Rd. Sundays<br />
year-round 12:30PM–2:30PM. Saturdays in the<br />
summer (May-Sept) 10:30am-12:30pm.<br />
facebook.com/powellriverfarmersmarket<br />
POWELL RIVER UPTOWN WINTER MARKET<br />
Find fresh, seasonal produce, baking (with<br />
or without gluten) and prepared foods along<br />
with hand-crafted items from local artisans.<br />
Saturdays (October to April), Powell River<br />
Community Resource Centre, 10am–12nn.<br />
604.223.4066<br />
spring <strong>2023</strong> 25
SPOTLIGHT<br />
CARDINAL BARBERSHOP<br />
PRIMECUTS<br />
WORDS | NANCY PINCOMBE<br />
IMAGES | CARA CHAILLER<br />
Cardinal Barbershop in Lower Gibsons has been incredibly busy<br />
since opening in August 2022.<br />
Owners Mike and Cara Chailler moved here in 2021, craving<br />
a business they could build together. Mike had lived here on<br />
the Coast until he was twenty, and Cara had been working as<br />
a barber for many years. It made good sense to try an oldfashioned<br />
shop in a quaint and growing town like Gibsons.<br />
Their shop is a hit, offering traditional barber services such as haircuts,<br />
beard trims, and hot-towel, straight-razor shaves. Mike says guys on the<br />
coast are ready for some down time and pampering:<br />
“Our straight razor shaves are a very popular service! It's a great way to<br />
unwind and get pampered. Multiple hot towels, shave gels, creams, and<br />
lotions get massaged in, making for a long, relaxing experience.”<br />
The couple built and designed everything in their welcoming shop together.<br />
Cara does the trims and Mike keeps the books and does the marketing. Post-<br />
COVID might have been just the right time for this kind of ‘slower-lifestyle’<br />
business. Cara and Mike note that they aren't the only new people in town:<br />
“We have had a mix of people from all walks of life, from all different places.<br />
Many of our clients have moved here from all over the world! Most have moved<br />
from cities, seeking a more relaxed, slower pace of life.”<br />
Cara's barber cuts are popular with both male and female clients. It feels just<br />
right when a new small business finds its niche and sustainably supports the<br />
business owners while adding something great to the community.<br />
“We love working together and getting to meet so many wonderful people on<br />
the Coast. We absolutely love living here and having a shop down in beautiful<br />
Lower Gibsons overlooking the harbour.” ·<br />
CARDINAL BARBERSHOP IS LOCATED AT UNIT 12 - 292 GOWER POINT ROAD IN LOWER GIBSONS. CALL OR TEXT 604.741.5875 TO BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT.<br />
26
L THiNK oCAL<br />
SHoP<br />
LOc AL<br />
THANK YOU<br />
FOR<br />
SUPPORTING<br />
OUR<br />
LOCAL<br />
CREATIVE<br />
TALENTS<br />
AND<br />
BUSINESS<br />
ENTREPRENEURS<br />
spring <strong>2023</strong> 27
Wake up feeling new!<br />
A great day starts after a great sleep. Mattresses with natural, healthy,<br />
and clean materials, along with trustworthy advice from our sleep<br />
specialists, can help get you there.<br />
Sleep better knowing your mattress was handcrafted locally in BC. Your<br />
mattress supports you night after night; buying your mattress close to<br />
home supports your community.<br />
When you are desperate for a good night's sleep, we don't want to keep<br />
you waiting. We keep a wide selection of mattresses in stock, right here<br />
on the Sunshine Coast.<br />
We are proud to offer an extensive selection of mattresses from brands<br />
like Pure Energy, Nature's Rest, Chattam & Wells, Spring Air, Scott Living,<br />
Restonic, and more—all of which are made locally in BC.<br />
See also our selection of luxurious bedding and linens, lifestyle bases,<br />
cabinet beds, bedroom furniture, locally made gifts, and more.<br />
Over 90% of our products are made in Canada!<br />
Feel confident in your purchase knowing we have BC’s best prices, guaranteed!<br />
Gibsons Park Plaza #110, 1100 Sunshine Coast Hwy | 604.886.0102 | dreamlandsleepshop.com<br />
curated objects | interior design<br />
LOCALLY DESIGNED & ETHICALLY MADE<br />
CLOTHING, ACCESSORIES & GIFTS<br />
morgansboutiqueandapothecary<br />
shopmorgans<br />
nature + coastal inspired<br />
repurposed + upcycled finds<br />
art + handmade<br />
interior design + styling services<br />
specializing in table design<br />
5656 Cowrie Street, Sechelt | ashley@redecordesign.ca<br />
604.454.8190 redecorsechelt redecordesign<br />
healingscents<br />
SUNSHINE COAST’S ORIGINAL SOURCE FOR<br />
ESSENTIAL OILS. EST. 1997.<br />
Shop in store or online at healingscents.net healingscents<br />
2-626 Shaw Rd, Gibsons | 604.886.6583 | 604.741.1503<br />
28
Anywhere,<br />
Anytime<br />
SCHEDULING<br />
We make it easy to book time<br />
with an expert. Use our online<br />
appointment booking tool<br />
to find an advisor and time<br />
that works for you.<br />
Book an appointment online<br />
at sunshineccu.com/contact<br />
spring <strong>2023</strong> 29
FEATURE<br />
A Fine Balance<br />
A PROFILE OF TWO<br />
SUNSHINE COAST FAMILIES,<br />
MANAGING BUSINESS<br />
AND HOME, AND<br />
MAKING IT WORK.<br />
At any local farmer’s market or your favourite restaurant, chances are good<br />
that the people producing, cooking, or growing your food are also busy<br />
managing a home and family. A visit to Gibsons’ Coho Commissary gives us<br />
a glimpse into a few of these family businesses.<br />
Taped to the wall inside the office is a child’s drawing of a rainbow radish<br />
– a gift from the eldest child of Jack Chen and Hilary Prince, Brassica’s<br />
head chefs and a husband-and-wife team. “To Daddy, from Ava,” it says. An<br />
endearing reminder of who and what this is all for.<br />
Downstairs in the commissary kitchen, Michelle Musey, the woman behind<br />
the namesake MAMMA MUSEY'S PIEROGI, is at her station, listening<br />
to a podcast and cutting strips of bacon. In front of her is a whiteboard with<br />
English names of cooking utensils listed next to their Ukrainian equivalents.<br />
There is also a task list written out to help her new hires, recent Ukrainian<br />
arrivals, know what to do when Michelle leaves work to meet her kids: two<br />
six-year-old twins and a four-year-old. This is her only hard rule: to be there<br />
to see the kids off to school in the morning, and to greet them when the bus<br />
drops them off in the afternoon.<br />
One could safely assume the bacon is an ingredient for her pierogies or the<br />
takeout meals she recently started offering. “No,” she laughs, “these are for<br />
the lunch program at my twins’ school. I’ve been feeling a bit of FOMO [fear<br />
of missing out] not being present for class field trips and other events, so I<br />
thought I’d sign up to make food for their school’s lunch program.”<br />
What’s one more task on her to-do list?<br />
“The pierogi dough is vegan,” Michelle explains, as she cracks an egg, “but I<br />
use our duck eggs in our baking.” As she rattles off the names of her flock,<br />
her husband, Nolan Musey, rushes in, having just delivered a series of<br />
orders to local retailers. He waves hello, then swiftly washes up, throws on<br />
a hairnet, apron, and gloves, and gets to work. These two could be the very<br />
definition of a ‘dream team:’ a partnership with a shared vision.<br />
WORDS | HEATHER VINCE<br />
Managing social media is a job on its own, but for Mamma Musey it’s an<br />
essential marketing tool to help build community, promote new products,<br />
solicit orders, and announce their presence at farmers’ markets, on and offcoast.<br />
Markets are their bread and butter, and Michelle and Nolan trade off<br />
weekends so one can stay home with the kids – time that would otherwise<br />
be spent together but a mutual sacrifice made for the sake of their family.<br />
A similar story is shared by John Byrnes and Suzy Grant of THE FARM,<br />
a well-known family operation with humble beginnings. Today it is a fullfledged<br />
business that is steadily growing. Familiar faces on the farmers<br />
market circuit, John and Suzy also create clever content on social media<br />
and give back to their community. Oh, and they have a few animals at<br />
home, too.<br />
Today their commissary station is quiet; John was there hours prior for a<br />
graveyard shift to fulfill pre-orders of their popular sourdough bread for<br />
the Roberts Creek Market, happening later in the day. Suzy or her mother<br />
Arlene would later take over packaging, labeling, and managing the booth.<br />
Earlier in the week, a failed attempt to catch Suzy by phone was returned<br />
with a cheerful text, “Sorry! Tied up today – celebrating a special nine-yearold’s<br />
birthday!” Family first.<br />
A connection finally took place a week later, and the discussion was largely<br />
about birthday celebrations and cakes – there have been a lot of them<br />
this month. When asked if she gets to see her husband, Suzy laughs at<br />
the absurd question, but pauses to think. “We’re sometimes ships passing<br />
in the night, but we try to get John home for dinner on Tuesdays so we<br />
can all be together.” As Michelle does for Nolan, Suzy is quick to credit her<br />
husband John for his tireless contributions.<br />
In the Byrnes-Grant family, the kids play a role in The Farm’s success. Their<br />
eldest son at home creates labels and signage, while their next son helps<br />
with market sales. Their daughter, who has an eye for merchandising, helps<br />
with booth set-up and looks after the family’s pets, as well as their dogand<br />
horse-boarding charges. Their youngest son has taken up the longstanding<br />
tradition of making lollipops.<br />
Soon John and Suzy will need help to manage their large agricultural<br />
property for the growing season and will take in farmhands to help with<br />
work that would otherwise take up any free time the family had to be<br />
together. For now, Suzy is looking forward to a weekend away in the city<br />
with John and Bruce Cockburn.<br />
“Running your own business makes for some long, long days, but we try<br />
to stay flexible to make things that are important a priority, like birthdays,”<br />
she laughs, then sighs. “We just cram it all in – and eat a lot of cake.” ·<br />
30
the sunshine coast magazine<br />
FROM TOP L–R: MICHELLE MUSEY WITH HER MOTHER, KAREN MCGINNIS, PREPPING PIEROGI PACKAGES AT COHO COMMISSARY (ANDREA BOTHMA); NOLAN MUSEY SERVING UP UKRAINIAN<br />
FARE AT A MARKET (KATIE BOWEN PHOTOGRAPHY); MICHELLE MUSEY BOILING PIEROGIES ON THE HOTLINE; CHILDREN OF MICHELLE AND NOLAN MUSEY; MICHELLE MUSEY PREPARING THE<br />
SCHOOL LUNCH (HEATHER VINCE); MICHELLE AND NOLAN MUSEY AT THE SECHELT FARMERS MARKET; JOHN BYRNES PREPARING LOAVES OF SOURDOUGH AT COHO COMMISSARY (ANDREA<br />
BOTHMA); JOHN BYRNES INSIDE THE FARM'S GREENHOUSE; SUZY GRANT AND JOHN BYRNES (QUIN GRANT-BYRNES); SUZY GRANT, FAR RIGHT, AND HER MOTHER ARLENE GRANT, MANAGE<br />
THE FARM'S BOOTH AT ROBERTS CREEK FARMERS MARKET.<br />
spring <strong>2023</strong> 31
FLAVOURS<br />
FRESH<br />
<strong>SPRING</strong><br />
BOUNTY<br />
WORDS | NATALIE FINDLAY<br />
32
the sunshine coast magazine<br />
The bulbs planted last fall have morphed into spring flowers<br />
and are popping up everywhere. Cherry blossoms are in<br />
bloom. Farm stands are opening, and the Sechelt Farmers’<br />
Market is back for another season. Spring has arrived.<br />
The farmers are busy tending their fields. Have you planned<br />
your vegetable garden? Started your seeds for this year’s<br />
crops? Or are you, not so patiently, waiting for the farmers’<br />
market to supply your regular assortment of fresh vegetables, fruits,<br />
and flowers.<br />
Early lettuce crops are beginning to sprout, and with that is the<br />
opportunity to start enjoying fresh, local greens. But what to do<br />
with them?<br />
You can enjoy them crisp and fresh with a drizzle of quality olive oil and<br />
a light sprinkle of sea salt, relishing the bounty of the land. You can<br />
also create your own spring salad style. Gather a mix of your favourite<br />
lettuces. Cube a couple of beets and roast them along with some<br />
mushrooms and pumpkin seeds. Fill your bowl with these ingredients,<br />
sprinkle with feta, and drizzle with an orange, shallot, and herb dressing.<br />
As we move further into the season, we begin to harvest bok choy,<br />
asparagus, and rhubarb. The following recipe includes rhubarb and<br />
strawberries, two of spring’s favourite ingredients. Enjoy this springinspired<br />
toast with a delicious blend of creamy goat’s cheese, topped<br />
with rhubarb and strawberries. The crispness of the toast, along with<br />
tart, creamy goat cheese and the accompanying, slightly sweet and<br />
bright flavours of rhubarb and strawberries make for a delicious treat<br />
any time of day.<br />
In a small saucepan combine 1 cup of sliced<br />
rhubarb, 1/4 cup water, and 2 tablespoons<br />
coconut sugar. Cook over medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes<br />
or until the rhubarb has started to soften. Add 1 cup of hulled<br />
strawberries, cut into thirds. Continue to cook another 2 to 4<br />
minutes until the strawberries start to break down. Remove<br />
from heat and add a squeeze of lemon and a pinch of sea<br />
salt. Toast your favourite bread. Slather some creamy goat<br />
cheese over the warm bread, and scoop the rhubarb and<br />
strawberry topping on top. While this is spectacular any time<br />
of day, change up the toast for brioche and sprinkle some<br />
lemon zest and mint leaves over the whole thing, and you<br />
have yourself an elegant, easy, and delicious dessert to cap<br />
off your first spring dinner party.<br />
Spring is back, reminding us of the delectable bounty of the land.<br />
Garden centres have seeds and saplings so you can start sowing your<br />
own vegetables and herbs. Visit your favourite farm stands and markets<br />
for fresh, local produce. Enjoy all the warmth, beauty, and bounty that<br />
spring ushers in. ·<br />
spring <strong>2023</strong> 33
MISSED A PRINTED COPY OF FLAVOURS?<br />
YOU CAN VIEW ALL EDITIONS ONLINE AT<br />
FLAVOURSFOODMAGAZINE.COM<br />
Your source for local fish & seafood on the Sunshine Coast<br />
for more than 38 years. Happy to reserve your order, just give us a call.<br />
We are serving fresh chowder daily.<br />
Open 7 days a week . 10am–5pm<br />
#103 - 5688 Cowrie Street, Sechelt . 604.885.7410<br />
facebook.com/seafoodonthecoast<br />
Sechelt's very own oil & vinegar store<br />
SHARE<br />
OUR<br />
PASSION<br />
FOR<br />
Taste<br />
FLAVO URS<br />
THE SUNSHINE COAST FOOD & DRINK MAGAZINE<br />
From the same team that brings you<br />
<strong>ZOOM</strong> Magazine!<br />
TASTERS OIL AND VINEGARS<br />
3-5685 Cowrie Street, Sechelt . 604.740.0600 . tastersoilandvinegars.ca<br />
34
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seafood, pasta & fresh<br />
farm-to-table produce, fine<br />
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spring <strong>2023</strong> 35
DESTINATIONS<br />
Ah! It's that time of year, finally! Time to be<br />
done with the long slumbering and get out<br />
into the natural world. We had a sudden<br />
transition in October, from sunshine, lateseason<br />
swimming, and tranquil sunsets, to<br />
ice and snowfall, within one week. And we<br />
had colder-than-usual temperatures right<br />
through March. But now there's no denying the daffodils,<br />
and birdsong.<br />
Here on the Coast we have a crazy abundance of trails<br />
and hikes, beaches, and viewpoints. We enjoy myriad<br />
ways to easily have a healthful and enlivening<br />
experience in Nature. Here are some of our<br />
favourites. Lucky us.<br />
SOAMES HILL in Gibsons is an<br />
outstanding short hike through<br />
old forest to the kind of<br />
viewpoint that leaves visitors<br />
gobsmacked. There are two<br />
different access points, one<br />
on Bridgeman Road, and one<br />
on Esperanza Road, that lead<br />
to the steep trail, with steps of<br />
intermediate difficulty. At the<br />
top, mossy rock and arbutus trees<br />
frame views of Howe Sound, Keats<br />
Island, the North Shore Mountains, the<br />
beautiful natural harbour that shelters Gibsons,<br />
and the Salish Sea. The forest surrounding Soames Hill<br />
is known for it's resident Barred Owls, so listen for their<br />
distinctive call as you walk.<br />
CLIFF GILKER PARK in Roberts Creek is yet another of<br />
our trails that leaves tourists blown away but that locals<br />
take for granted. With easy access off Highway 101,<br />
a playing field and playground, plenty of parking, and<br />
well-marked trails of varying lengths, this is the perfect<br />
hike for families and dog walkers. There are locals who<br />
walk this trail every day. But for visitors, it's hard to put<br />
the camera down, with so many picturesque creeks and<br />
waterfalls, charming bridges, and big trees. Winter and<br />
summer this is a cool, green, protected hike. Watch for<br />
the sign off the highway in Roberts Creek, near the golf<br />
course and east of the lights.<br />
Further up the Coast we have MOUNT DANIEL in Garden<br />
Bay, a longer trail for those wanting a real workout. The<br />
Garden Bay area is a playground of accessible lakes, marinas,<br />
and great hikes. If you have the energy, this is the place for<br />
your surf 'n turf day: a long hike to a splendid viewpoint, then<br />
a dip in a sparkling lake, or out on the sea on your watercraft<br />
of choice to view marine life and coves. Starting at the<br />
metal gate off Garden Bay Road, the Mount Daniel hike is<br />
approximately 6 km each way, and steep in places. There<br />
are two view points from which to survey the diverse beauty<br />
of the area, including lakes of all sizes, protected harbours,<br />
marine activities, islands, and distant mountains.<br />
If you are travelling to Powell River and want to<br />
stretch your legs before the ferry, the hike to<br />
SKOOKUMCHUK NARROWS is the<br />
perfect choice. A green, accessible, fairly<br />
flat trail winds 4 km through forest to<br />
a viewpoint where the astonishing<br />
power of our local tides can be<br />
witnessed. Whirlpools, overfalls,<br />
and currents that reach top speeds<br />
of 30 km/h are ever-changing and<br />
fascinating. Two hundred billion<br />
gallons of water moves through the<br />
narrow passage. The best times are<br />
peak flood and peak ebb, but it's always a<br />
worthwhile hike whenever your schedule allows.<br />
Hikers who visit the Powell River area are in for a<br />
treat. The SUNSHINE COAST TRAIL extends 180 km<br />
through old growth forest, mountaintops, creeks, lakes,<br />
and shorelines on a breathtaking and well-maintained route<br />
from Desolation Sound to Saltery Bay. There are 14 shelters<br />
in beautiful locations, which make excellent day-hike<br />
destinations or allow for a secure overnight experience. Huts<br />
cannot be reserved and are on a shared, first-come, firstsleep<br />
basis, with priority for thru-hikers. Composting toilets,<br />
bear-proof food lockers, and tent platforms are just some of<br />
the enhancements that hard-working volunteers are adding<br />
all the time. The Sunshine Coast Trail is Canada's longest<br />
hut-to-hut hiking trail, and the only free one. Overnight,<br />
backcountry travel requires experience and equipment.<br />
Visit the excellent website at sunshinecoastcanada.com for<br />
the most up-to-date information. ·<br />
36
the sunshine coast magazine<br />
HIKING THE<br />
COAST<br />
WORDS | NANCY PINCOMBE<br />
PHOTOS COURTESY OF SUNSHINE COAST TOURISM<br />
SOAMES HILL PARK AND CLIFF GILKER PARK (INSET) BY CHRIS THORN<br />
spring <strong>2023</strong> 37
Pure Spiritual Healing<br />
Intuitive Counselling<br />
offered at the Centre in Halfmoon Bay and online<br />
A holistic approach to physical, mental, & spiritual health<br />
Patrick Weiler<br />
PATRICK WEILER<br />
Member of Parliament for West Vancouver-Sunshine<br />
Coast-Sea to Sky Country<br />
As your Member of Parliament, it is my honour to<br />
be your voice in Ottawa. If you have anything<br />
you'd like me to advocate for, have questions<br />
about federal programs or want to learn more<br />
about my work, feel free to get in touch or<br />
connect with me on social media.<br />
6367 Bruce St, West Vancouver<br />
@PatrickBWeiler<br />
604-913-2660 Patrick.Weiler@parl.gc.ca<br />
Giving you the tools to:<br />
. Take healthy charge of your life<br />
. Connect more deeply with your inner wisdom<br />
. Learn to better manage anxiety & depression<br />
. Be in charge of your thinking<br />
. Bring healing to the root of the problem and move forward<br />
info@sevalightretreatcentre.ca . www.selfrealizationcentrecanada.com<br />
604.740.0898 . A not-for-profit Society<br />
Self Realization<br />
Sevalight Centre<br />
Move away from pain with<br />
Ortho-Bionomy ®<br />
As the body relaxes, tension leaves and<br />
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Many seek Ortho-Bionomy ® to:<br />
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Call or text: 604.741.3233<br />
www.suncoastbodyworks.ca<br />
Gift Certificates Available<br />
WE CAN BUILD<br />
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spiderplus.com | 604 883 9279<br />
38
<strong>ZOOM</strong> READERS TAKE THEIR FAVOURITE MAGAZINE ON THEIR TRAVELS AND SHARE THEIR PHOTOS WITH US. WE ADVISE OUR READERS TO<br />
CHECK WITH THE PUBLIC HEALTH AGENCY OF CANADA TO HELP YOU MAKE INFORMED DECISIONS AND TRAVEL SAFELY. SEND YOUR TRAVEL<br />
PHOTOS VIA EMAIL TO VIEWFINDER@<strong>ZOOM</strong>SUNSHINECOAST.COM.<br />
viewfinder<br />
QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA<br />
NELSON ISLAND<br />
PHIL AND HOLLY CUNNINGTON<br />
HELEN<br />
MAUI<br />
WILLIE & CARLYN PANGILINAN<br />
WITH CHONA & FRANCIS DE GUZMAN<br />
VANCOUVER<br />
TUCSON, ARIZONA<br />
HEATHER & JOHN YATES<br />
San Xavier del Bac Mission<br />
PAUL & MOIRA SARLING<br />
spring <strong>2023</strong> 39
QUEBEC CITY<br />
PETER WARD<br />
LYNN GROSSUTTI AND NORM BLAIR WITH<br />
OWNERS AND STAFF OF COYNE’S GASTROPUB<br />
PHIL AND HOLLY CUNNINGTON<br />
MAZATLÁN, MEXICO<br />
SINGAPORE<br />
SAM ROBINSON AND JACK CAMPBELL<br />
MARLENE OUSSOREN & GORD CUDLIPP<br />
with friends at Pancho’s Restaurant<br />
GALWAY, IRELAND<br />
NORTH VANCOUVER<br />
RAMON DE LEON,<br />
AVEL REYES, & BONG PEREZ<br />
40<br />
PAULINE & GARY WEBER<br />
NEWFOUNDLAND
SAN JOSE LOS CABOS, MEXICO<br />
ED & DANIEL VON EUW<br />
ARGYLE & BUTE, IRELAND<br />
PAULA ROBERTSON<br />
JUNEAU, ALASKA<br />
CANDACE AND JOHN PINKSTER<br />
MOROCCO<br />
LINDA AND DAVE CODE<br />
ALABAMA<br />
BRIAN MCERLEAN<br />
COLIMA, MEXICO<br />
NEW YORK<br />
WENDY HUNT, PAT DALLIN,<br />
& BEV GRISEWOOD<br />
CARA PENNEY<br />
NEW ZEALAND<br />
HEATHER TAUSIG<br />
spring <strong>2023</strong> 41
ADVERTISEMENT<br />
the hub<br />
A wide selection of framed<br />
and unframed photographic<br />
prints, beautiful printed<br />
cards, and over 10,000 stock<br />
images. Shel displays his<br />
photography at events year<br />
round, from summertime<br />
outdoor artisan sales to big<br />
winter crafts markets, and<br />
at his Roberts Creek gallery<br />
(open by appointment)<br />
beside Yoga by the Sea.<br />
Visit his online store!<br />
shelneufeld.com<br />
604.989.5209<br />
Authentic Japanese food in<br />
the heart of Madeira Park.<br />
Dine-in & Take-out. Licensed<br />
premises - we serve wine,<br />
sake & Japanese beer.<br />
Party Trays available! Please<br />
visit our website or call for<br />
restaurant hours.<br />
12808 Madeira Park Road<br />
mamaskitchen.ca<br />
604.883.9190<br />
Creative Expressions<br />
CINDY BUIS BUIS PHOTO<br />
Artworks Gallery<br />
& Picture Framing<br />
Largest Selection of Framing<br />
on the Sunshine Coast<br />
Custom Framing, Conservation<br />
Matting, Glass Cutting,<br />
Art Supplies, Local Art &<br />
Reproductions. With 40 years<br />
experience.<br />
604.740.2660<br />
5697 Cowrie St, Sechelt<br />
Mon–Fri: 10am–4pm<br />
Sat: 10am–3pm<br />
Get your quality art<br />
supplies for beginners and<br />
accomplished artists right<br />
here on the coast.<br />
Explore your creative muse<br />
and give expression to your<br />
inner artist.<br />
Art lessons also available.<br />
Conveniently located in<br />
Davis Bay and open 7 days<br />
at week.<br />
The Shop on the Shore<br />
4780 Sunshine Coast Hwy<br />
Davis Bay<br />
604.740.8140<br />
Thai Fashions, Asian Home<br />
Décor; Thai Massage, KLIN<br />
Face & Body Treatments<br />
A showcase of modern Thai<br />
casual clothing & accessories<br />
& handcrafted Asian home<br />
décor. Traditional Thai<br />
Massage and Psychic Medium<br />
Readings also available.<br />
103-12808 Madeira Park Road<br />
Madeira Park, BC<br />
siam99.ca | fb.com/siam99<br />
604.740.2472<br />
Mark Benson captures the<br />
beauty of BC’s West Coast in<br />
hundreds of images that can<br />
be purchased as fine art<br />
prints, available on a variety<br />
of different archival media.<br />
Prints available at Silver Moon<br />
Gallery in lower Gibsons, at<br />
the Langdale Ferry Kiosk<br />
(May–September) and<br />
on his website.<br />
markbensonphotography.ca<br />
604.865.0232<br />
42
THIS SECTION IS DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF DIEGO (2002-2014), <strong>ZOOM</strong>’S BELOVED YELLOW LABRADOR RETRIEVER.<br />
READERS SHARE PHOTOS OF THEIR OWN PETS IN WHAT HAS BECOME OUR MOST POPULAR SECTION. PLEASE SEND YOUR FAVOURITE<br />
PET PHOTOS VIA EMAIL TO DIEGO@<strong>ZOOM</strong>SUNSHINECOAST.COM.<br />
diego’sden<br />
BELLA<br />
by Brenda Will<br />
JAKX<br />
by Edmund Arceo<br />
KIMBA<br />
by Frank Thorburn<br />
SALLY<br />
by Leeanne Barr<br />
LAMEALE<br />
by Terry Griffin<br />
APACHE<br />
by Crystal Bakaluk<br />
TIGER<br />
by Paul Kamon<br />
LUCY<br />
by Dagmar Nunn<br />
spring <strong>2023</strong> 43
SHUGGY<br />
by Andi Martin<br />
LOU<br />
by Theressa Logan<br />
BELLA<br />
by Kathseva Fentiman<br />
BUDDY<br />
by Karen Wells<br />
CHAUNCY<br />
by Deborah Souter<br />
BELLA & ULLR<br />
ANNIE B<br />
by Karen Wells<br />
by Doug Hockley<br />
FORREST<br />
by Maureen Bryce<br />
MYSTY & LOLA<br />
by Ileana McBain<br />
Your Sunshine Coast Pet Headquarters<br />
A local family business since 1989<br />
Committed to support our<br />
neighbourhood<br />
@AllforPetsSechelt<br />
#allforpets<br />
Better Nutrition for Healthy, Happier Pets! | 101-5641 Cowrie Street, Sechelt | 604.885.8843 | www.allforpets.ca<br />
44
MURPHY<br />
by Susan Richardson<br />
LEXIE<br />
by Andrew Blair<br />
ENZO<br />
by Leah Laurie<br />
BELLA, RUFUS, & ULLR<br />
by Karen Wells<br />
SCOUT<br />
by Edmund Arceo<br />
JACK<br />
by Robert Milton<br />
MIGUEL<br />
by Edmund Arceo<br />
GOMEZ & NELLIE<br />
by Shari Fader<br />
SOPHIE<br />
by Deborah Souter<br />
Dr. Rick Smalley, DVM . Dr. Jackie Ordronneau, DVM<br />
604.883.2488<br />
24<br />
hours<br />
Unit 101 - 12890 Madeira Park Rd, Madeira Park, BC . Regular office hours: M, W, F - 9am-5pm<br />
Fax: 604-883-2489 . mpvh@dccnet.com . madeiraparkvethospital.com<br />
spring <strong>2023</strong> 45
EXCAVATION SERVICES<br />
ON THE SUNSHINE COAST<br />
Engineered retaining walls, land clearing, site preparation, road building,<br />
rock walls, landscaping, low bedding, and other excavation projects.<br />
Servicing Howe Sound, Gibsons, Roberts Creek, Sechelt, Pender Harbour,<br />
Egmont, and surrounding islands.<br />
604.885.8205 | saxoncontracting.com<br />
46
GIBSONS<br />
Gibsons Plaza, Upper Gibsons<br />
604.886.3487<br />
WILSON CREEK<br />
Wilson Creek Plaza, Hwy 101<br />
604.885.6331<br />
MADEIRA PARK<br />
12887 Madeira Park Road<br />
604.883.9100
Silver Water - Henderson Beach by Mark Benson | markbensonphotography.ca<br />
life on the coast brought to you by