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ZOOM | SPRING 2023

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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 />

4590 Sinclair Bay Road, Garden Bay, Pender Harbour, BC<br />

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 />

prior written permission of the publisher. <strong>ZOOM</strong> is printed in<br />

British Columbia, using 100% recyclable paper. Submitted<br />

materials are published at the sole discretion of the editor.<br />

Production and free distribution of <strong>ZOOM</strong> is made possible by<br />

advertising support from local businesses and contributions<br />

from groups and private individuals. If you love <strong>ZOOM</strong>, please<br />

thank our advertisers.<br />

local artisan<br />

shop & gallery<br />

For advertising inquiries, please call 604.883.9279 or send an<br />

email to info@zoomsunshinecoast.com.<br />

In a world that’s become<br />

increasingly automated,<br />

discovering items that are<br />

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| 604.741.0760<br />

This edition has been funded in part by the<br />

Government of Canada<br />

COVER IMAGE BY ZAMUROVIC BROTHERS<br />

4


West Coast<br />

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Visit the renovated 1941 Powell River Stores building, now home to many new<br />

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We’re just across from Townsite Brewing in the<br />

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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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VISIT <strong>ZOOM</strong>SUNSHINECOAST.COM/DIGITAL<br />

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10


ART, CRAFTS & GIFTS FROM AROUND HERE<br />

www.paintedboat.com<br />

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Located in Madeira Park, British Columbia | 604.883.2456 | Open Year-Round<br />

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Educating and inspiring our community<br />

to embark on a zero waste journey.<br />

Wabi Sabi Collective is a refill shop specializing in premium soaps,<br />

household cleaners, personal care products and DIY ingredients.<br />

Visit us at: #104, 875 Gibsons Way<br />

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One Flower One Leaf Gallery<br />

proudly show cases over 30 local artists<br />

and artisans. Artwork, paintings, sculpture,<br />

photography, jewelry, pottery, wood carvings,<br />

glass art and musical instruments. Immerse<br />

yourself in creativity on the waterfront in the<br />

heart of Gibsons Land ing. A great place to find<br />

art and handmade gifts crafted by the best<br />

talent on the Sunshine Coast.<br />

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


SUNSHINE COAST GRAPHIC TEES<br />

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CORPORATE T-SHIRTS, HOODIES, & CAPS<br />

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Shop online at onefloweroneleaf.com<br />

Serving the absolute best ice cream on the Sunshine Coast!<br />

Featuring<br />

Now serving coffee, hot chocolate,<br />

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OPEN DAILY<br />

Spring/Fall Hours 11 am–7 pm<br />

Summer Hours 11 am–9 pm<br />

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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


WEST COAST WILDERNESS LODGE<br />

make<br />

beautiful<br />

memories<br />

CELEBRATING OUR 30 TH ANNIVERSARY<br />

Swim, paddle, hike, bike,<br />

marvel at the views...<br />

or just laze in one of our<br />

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tiny wood cabins, or safari tents.<br />

Then treat yourself to<br />

world-class dining with the<br />

finest wild mushrooms &<br />

grass-fed beef, Ocean Wise TM<br />

seafood, pasta & fresh<br />

farm-to-table produce, fine<br />

wines, cocktails & craft beer.<br />

Ruby Lake Resort is a<br />

destination like no other!<br />

<strong>SPRING</strong> IS HERE AND WE’RE<br />

OPEN<br />

JOIN US TO START OFF THE<br />

SEASON<br />

SPECIAL EVENTS . PRIVATE PARTIES . FAMILY REUNIONS . WEDDINGS<br />

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full kitchenettes, flat screen tvs, decks & seating areas in every room<br />

Your Home Away from Home<br />

on The Sunshine Coast<br />

campsites available - with outdoor shower!<br />

13483 Sunshine Coast Hwy, Madeira Park<br />

reservations@thestonewater.ca | (604) 883-0046<br />

www.thestonewater.ca<br />

WE OPEN FOR THE<br />

SEASON ON MAY 1 ST !<br />

WEST COAST WILDERNESS LODGE<br />

778.280.8610 | WCWL.COM CALL NOW TO BOOK<br />

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 />

self-correcting reflexes emerge<br />

Many seek Ortho-Bionomy ® to:<br />

Relieve headaches, back, neck & joint pain<br />

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Promote relaxation & prevention<br />

WHY<br />

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SELL PRODUCTS ONLINE<br />

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Suncoast Body Works<br />

SCOTT McQUITTY, ROBP(A)<br />

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Call or text: 604.741.3233<br />

www.suncoastbodyworks.ca<br />

Gift Certificates Available<br />

WE CAN BUILD<br />

YOU ONE!<br />

spiderplus graphics<br />

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 />

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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 />

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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 />

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