From Our President
The Pender Post was aptly described to me, shortly after I joined its board of directors, as “a very good example of what it is.”
I couldn’t agree more.
What we are is a community-driven newsletter produced and published by a non-profit society for the benefit of the Pender Island community. Our objective is to foster harmonious connections, support our island’s clubs, groups, and non-profit societies, and promote the health and vitality of Pender’s impressively rich calendar of social events.
The Pender Post Society’s constitution contains a more detailed definition, though its formality strips away too much of the passion of what we do for the liking of my reporter’s head and romantic’s heart.
The Pender Post is a diary the fortunate residents of these islands have been sharing with one another for over fifty-five years. The 671 volumes we have published since 1971 are a chronicle of what has happened in this community over that time.
It is collective dispatch from these club and community representatives, who fill our pages with fascinating updates and fresh reports on their efforts and events, to the people who feel intrinsically connected to these wonderful islands.
I have had an opportunity over the past several months to connect with many readers who have long lived on these islands and have watched – and just as frequently played a role – in our publication as it was born, grew up, and stumbled occasionally but always stood back up again.
The insights, compliments, and criticisms I’ve received have helped reinforce that The Pender Post is a collective effort, not a one-person project. It never has been and it never should be. It is a collaboration between the countless volunteers, members, island representatives, and readers.
I consider myself very lucky to stand as the president of this non-profit society, and editor of its newsletter. But those responsibilities mean nothing without the incredible support of a team of volunteers who are as committed as I am to what we do each month.
We are a cheerleader for the people who believe creating the best Pender Island imaginable starts with them, but can’t succeed without the support of countless others. It doesn’t matter whether they are a recognizable member of this close-knit community, or an unfamiliar face who recently moved in down the road.
Each new issue is a fresh invitation to be a part of everything that is happening here, and the next one is another chance to connect our readers with a catalogue of fresh possibilities.
The Pender Post is a very good example of what it is. What it is is the irreplaceable chronicle of an indescribable community.
That’s a description that both my reporter’s head and romantic’s heart can get behind.
Cover Story
This photograph was taken by Pender Island resident Kevin Balmer in the final days of summer. He first shared this with me when we crossed paths at Thieves Bay, me with my excitable dog and him with an impressive camera – not a Nikon, the other one – and on the hunt for a morning kingfisher. I’ve looked at this photo countless times over the past few months, when the sun has forgotten us and my SAD lamp needed help refilling my battery. Photo submissions: production@penderpost.org.
Special Notices
Walk For Peace, Along New Pender Pathway
Huong Dao Buddhist monks of Fort Worth, Texas, started off for Washington DC on October 25 and are due to arrive at their destination mid February. They are walking to promote healing, unity, and compassion. Their route is 2,300 miles. Some are walking barefoot.
If they can do it, we can do it! Let’s join them on February 15 starting at Danny Martin Park and ending at the school, along the new multipurpose walkway. Walk there and back or think about carpooling: one vehicle at Danny Martin, the other at the school. Wear orange! Bring your drums! Make a peace sign! Round up the kids and the elders! It’s mostly downhill….wear shoes, boots, go barefoot!
We’ll gather at 10:45 am and head out at 11 am. Let’s conjure up Peace, Kindness, and Compassion for our community and for the planet.
Death Cafe
Sunday, February 15, 3 pm
Community Hall
Everyone of all ages is welcome to join us for our second Death Cafe. Our first was a success.
Through discussions we want to promote awareness of how death and dying may affect our lives, with the view of exploring ways to live well and make the most of our finite lives.
A Death Cafe is an accessible, respectful, and confidential space for a group discussion about death. There is no intention of leading people to any conclusive course of action.
This is a conversation, not a grief support or counselling session; a lecture or a workshop. It is a non-faith-based gathering for all ages to talk about what death and dying can teach us about living. Everyone is welcome.
Islanders May be Eligible for Disaster Support
Coastal areas damaged by flooding and heavy rain during a mid-December weather event could be in line for provincial disaster funding.
The Capital Regional District announced in a late-January news release that people, businesses, and communities in three electoral areas hit by heavy rainfall between December 10 and 19, 2025, may be eligible for Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA).
The Southern Gulf Islands are included in those affected zones, as well as Salt Spring Island and the Juan de Fuca electoral areas.
More information is available at
Souper Bowls of Hope
A unique charity event is returning to Pender Island this spring, serving up beautiful bowls of delicious soup in support of local youth.
Remote Souper Bowls of Hope, hosted by the Victoria Youth Empowerment Society, will hold their Pender gala on April 11, 2026 at 5 pm, at the Community Hall. The event mixes local art and altruistic intentions, entertaining attendees while serving up bowls of soup from by local businesses in fancy bowls decorated by local volunteers – that you get to take home!
Several bowl painting events will be held this month: February 8 at the Pender Legion, February 14 at the Saturday Market, and the 55+ Activity Day at the Community Hall on Monday, February 16. An event on South Pender is anticipated in late February.
For details check out http://www.vyes.ca.
In Appreciation
Best Wishes to Production Manager Larry Colcy
The Pender Post Society would like to extend its sincere appreciation to Larry Colcy for his passionate efforts as production manager for The Pender Post for the past three years.
Mr. Colcy stepped down from the role at the end of December, after joining the team ahead of the April 2023 issue. He coordinated the publication of 34 issues of our community newsletter. He was instrumental in highlighting the value of an expanded web presence, and modernizing many aspects of our publication that we now take for granted.
On behalf of the entire collective of The Pender Post Society, we wish you peace and joy in your next adventure.
Thank You, Christmas Eve First Responders
The Craig and Buchanan families experienced a health emergency for a visiting family member on Christmas Eve. We were blessed with expert and caring help from paramedics and firefighters who together stabilized and prepared him for the water taxi journey to Victoria General Hospital.
The calm, expert, and efficient way the emergency personnel managed this stressful situation is very much appreciated. It wasn’t lost on us that helping our family member took the emergency personnel away from their families on Christmas Eve. A huge thank you for coming to our loved one’s aid. We are pleased to now report that our family member has recovered and is back home in Nanaimo.
Features
The Stories That Brought You Here: Paul Widdershoven
The Stories That Brought You Here is a home-spun podcast by resident Chris Wakaluk about the people who have built their lives on the Salish Sea. Each episode chronicles various unique parts of a person’s life. Below is an excerpt from a recent episode with Paul Widdershoven. The full conversation is available at tinyurl.com/paulwiddershoven.
“My father’s name was Rudi. He came to Canada in 1952 from Holland, after the war. His sister was living in Cape Breton, her husband was a geologist in the coal mining field, and he came over, wanting to see a little bit more of the world.
“My father was a relatively quiet man. He was somewhat involved when we lived in Cape Breton within the community. But since coming out West and retiring, he just sort of did his work around the yard and the garden and so forth. He loved people. Every time he would see somebody at the grocery store, or any kind of cashier, he always made a comment to them to brighten their day.
“A silly joke, or ‘that smile looks good on you’, or just something kind, and everybody loved to see Rudi coming. Because when Rudi came, you knew he was going to brighten your day in some way. He was almost 94 years old.
“Growing up, I wasn’t embarrassed of
my father, but he wasn’t an achiever. He wasn’t involved in this or that, and he didn’t get awards, and was just a quiet man. But I discovered something about my father about 15 years ago that just blew me away.
“My first wife died of stomach cancer in 2006. And through that time, what I realized about my father, is he loved my mother, perpetually. Always he loved my mother and that’s what he demonstrated to me. And until I had that experience of losing my wife, I never saw it.
“I’ve never wanted to emulate or be like anybody in my life, except now, my dad. So, it gives me great honour to celebrate his life.”
Newcomers’ Notes: Livestock Sightings
Each month, we turn our spotlight on one of the many groups, clubs, committees and non-profit societies that make our island community so special. Find this month’s feature club update on page 31. For more information, contact map.contact@movingaroundpender.ca.
One of my absolute favourite quirks of island living is the various reports of animal sightings on our online groups. Not just the wild deer, missing pets, and visiting sea creatures, but specifically the various livestock escapees. Not having realized there were so many farm animals on Pender, or even any at all if I’m being honest, it came as a complete, delightful, wonderfully amusing surprise.
I can’t remember if it was sheep or goats, but what I clearly remember is how charming, novel, and heartwarmingly joyful it was to see the first Facebook post reporting free roaming animals, with a photo for proof. I immediately took a screenshot and sent it to my partner, my parents, my close friends, and we all had a good chuckle and fawn over the very cute incident.
I’ve since had the pleasure of reading or seeing announcements for wandering pigs, sheep, goats, chickens, and roosters. It truly never gets old; I still take screenshots, irrelevant to whether I will share them or not, because just seeing them makes me smile.
I’ve also since had close encounters in real life while driving places, mostly with sheep, in terms of livestock. (Plenty of deer too of course, but that’s a different story!) Going down Bedwell or Razor Point Road now, I’m always a little extra cautious, after multiple runaway sheep sightings — mine or others’. They seem pretty chill, happily enjoying their freedom, and glad to get home quickly once the outing is over.
I’m sure the fun isn’t over for me, for all who secretly love them, with surely many more Facebook posts in the future, and I sincerely hope the animals’ humans aren’t too stressed when they get out for a stroll. It pleases me to no avail that this is a thing here: I just love how integrated livestock is on Pender Island! Now, however, you’ve been warned — and have yet another reason to embrace Pender “island time,” and to drive slowly and safely on our shared roads…
Do you have any fun facts for Pender newcomers you would like to share with us? Email community@penderpost.org so we can write about it!
Spotlight Q&A: Moving Around Pender (MAP)
First, can you tell us what your group is about, and what you do?
Moving Around Pender (MAP) is all about promoting healthier, lower environmental impact transportation around the islands. We advocate for multi-use trails connecting island centers, promote car sharing and public transportation, and help build infrastructure for green transport.
When was Moving Around Pender founded, and what sparked it?
MAP grew out of an earlier community group Paths On Pender, changing our name when we incorporated as a society in 2008 to make it clear it isn’t just trails that we promote. Early members saw that while we are a fairly small rural community, most people relied on their personal cars to get around, with the resultant road and parking congestion making our islands less pleasant.
Do you produce any community events or initiate special projects?
We have had many community events over the years, from our first forum at the Community Hall “Reinventing the Wheel” in 2007 to mass bike rallies, eBike information conversations, running “BussaNova”, the community bus pilot and frequent work parties to maintain our trails and Car Stops.
How often do you get together, and typically when? Can new members join anytime?
Typically the first Saturday of the month at the Community Hall. These days we are meeting in the morning, around 9 am, either in or near the lounge depending on how busy it is. Membership dues are currently $5/year or $20/5 years. Anyone interested can drop by; we welcome all input.
Are any of the original founders still taking part, or still on Pender? If so, tell us a bit about them.
Don Williams (aka Dr. Don) still shows up for meetings occasionally, I think he and Gordon Bailey got the original Paths on Pender group started. You’ll see Don frequently riding his bike up Scarff Hill with his hi-viz jacket, only recently getting electric assistance! I have been an active member myself since before we incorporated and am now the last of the founding board still significantly involved, looking forward to passing on some responsibilities to new blood.
How many volunteers are involved in running it? Are you currently looking for more?
Our regular volunteers probably number 10-15, with paid up membership varying up to 30 or so. Our wider general interest group is about 60 or so. We see ourselves as a broad interest group and always open to more. Ideally everyone on Pender would be members in spirit even if they never attend any meetings.
What gets your members most excited in your meetings or activities?
While we can have some lively meetings, I’m pretty sure I can speak for everyone that we prefer doing over talking, with trail construction and maintenance being a great example of getting out with a group of like minded people to make Pender transportation better.
Our community bus drew in volunteer drivers and mechanics and showed great potential; maybe our next one can use an eBus or two?
Is there anything else you’d like to share with readers?
When we ran the Community Bus, Bussa Nova, we had about 10 dedicated volunteer drivers who serviced a 4-5 day per week schedule. We would meet the Ferry and deliver people home to Magic Lake Estates.
Peter Paré remembers one dark night delivering the last of his riders to Magic Lake.
Like the other drivers, he had memorized one route through the labyrinthine maze of Magic Lake.
But since his last passenger lived off this route he dropped at their door and then became hopelessly lost, driving in circles around Magic Lake Estates for half an hour before stumbling onto Ketch Road.
What’s in the future for your organization? Anything exciting in the works, or dreams you would like to fulfill?
Together with Pender Island Parks & Recreation (PIPRC) we have made great progress on the trail from the school to the ball diamond, a great example of what we can do working together as a community. We continue to identify routes and discuss with stakeholders how we can better connect Pender hubs, provide liability insurance for those landowners with public trails and maintain our existing trails and car stops. Someday we’d like people to be able to bike without impeding traffic from the ferry terminal to Magic Lake, safely walk on pleasant trails between all major locations and generally not need a car.
Are there any special contributions you would like to highlight?
It takes a team to develop these projects and MAP has been pretty successful working together, but there certainly have been a few projects which wouldn’t have been possible without a strong proponent. Some examples include the bike shelter at the ferry terminal championed by Lisa Baile, and the support of Karl Hamson for Monty’s & Molly’s trails on his property (including a lot of construction and maintenance effort as well). Barry Mathias led our Car Stops program for years, encouraging copies on many other Gulf Islands. Kudos to Rob Fawcett for driving along the Schooner Way Trail; I doubt we would have seen the speed and efficiency of construction without him.
Anything else you’d like to note?
Our website at http://www.movingaroundpender.ca is currently having some updates as we transition to Google but should answer some of your questions. Would love to have a web enthusiast take it on so if this is something you are interested in please let me know!
Pender Post Past: February 1996
February is Valentine’s month: the month for lovers and love. But on Pender in 1976, it appears that it was a pretty dull one. Only one Valentine’s celebration had been planned, a Monte Carlo night at Bedwell Harbour Lodge (where Poets Cove is now). The Parent-Teacher Club had a fine time with a wine and cheese party at the school, such decadence. Now that is a parent/teacher meeting I could really enjoy.
The downside of February 1976 was that an insurance company made its annual pilgrimage to Pender to renew ICBC insurance at the Hall instead of having to go off-island. Mixed blessings there.
In Fire Hall news, the brigade was posting a notice of their Annual General Meeting and chiding residents for poor attendance at previous meetings. They posed the question, “Are you taxpayers not interested in the report on how your money is spent?”
People were asked to turn out to appreciate or complain, but more importantly just to show interest. Not a problem with our current crew of famous firefighters.
A new column started in this issue was “Tips to Save Islanders Money”. Tips included buying in bulk, using freezers to store fresh/frozen vegetables and meat bought on sale. Islanders were requested to leave nourishing recipes that were inexpensive to make at the General Store, Gold Star, or Smith Stores to be printed in the next Pender Post.
Hummingbird Hollow B&BTales of a Charmed Life: Good Buy, Medicine Beach
During the bed and breakfast heydays of the 1990s, as many as 16 homes hosted tourists and visitors to Pender Island. Chuck Harris and Doreen Ball ran Hummingbird Hollow B&B from 1990-2015. This, the fifth installment of Doreen’s “Tales of a Charmed Life” series, comes from the years 1994-1995.
Pender Island was buzzing in 1994 and 1995 with money being raised to buy Medicine Beach followed by the decision to move ahead with building a new community hall. A few of our B&B guests helped with those causes. In the summer of ’95 we had several guests who came by bicycle, kayak, or on foot. One young couple arrived at the door, she holding a small handbag and he carrying a sixpack of beer. Another couple arrived on bicycles, their paniers carefully stuffed with Old Dutch ripple chips, some garlic dip, and a Sara Lee chocolate cake.
Chuck and the male host of another B&B headed over to Saltspring to attend a FoodSafe course. Lots of fascinating facts were shared by the instructor. When she said, “The average human head loses 200 hairs a day,” someone nudged Chuck and said, “The average B&B guest loses 400.”
When Chuck and I weren’t looking after our guests, we were part of the community effort to raise $400,000 to purchase the Medicine Beach wetland and watershed. We helped organize and prepare a $100-per-plate dinner with James Barber, picked more than 120 dozen kiwis which someone had donated, helped silk screen endless numbers of “Good Medicine Beach” t-shirts and sweatshirts, helped organize the first Pender Islands’ Homes and Gardens Tour, and helped put together the first very successful Barn Dance, held in Karl Hamson’s new barn/shop.
One of the most memorable events happened when Nanaimo’s Wesley Street Cafe owner and wine expert Jennifer Rollinson volunteered to come to Pender and talk about BC wines at a women’s luncheon. A severe wind storm blew up the day she and her partner were to arrive, and her afternoon ferry was cancelled. By the time she finally arrived, all power on the island was out and the van which was to have picked her up was trapped up a long driveway by fallen trees. It really was a dark and stormy night.
Power was still off the next morning and luncheon hostess Ellie Donahue had to prepare a lunch for twenty women in less than ideal conditions, but all turned out well. A great ending to this story is that Jennifer and Steve came back to Hummingbird Hollow and prepared a meal fit for a king for everyone who had been involved in the fundraising luncheon the year before. What a gracious gesture!
The B&B guests staying on April 30 joined other islanders for a huge “Thank you, Pender” Party at Clam Bay Farm which celebrated the successful purchase of Medicine Beach. The day was warm and sunny and performers entertained us from a gazebo on the other side of a pond from where everyone was gathered.
It was a scene reminiscent of a 1960s love-in with people dancing on the grass and just generally letting their hair down and enjoying themselves after eight hard months of fundraising work. Buoyed by that success, the community then dove right into another project that was sorely needed, a new community hall.
Remembering
Fred VyeJune 22, 1945 – December 6, 2025
Frederick Angus Vye passed away peacefully on December 6, 2025, at the age of 80, at Saanich Peninsula Hospital, with members of his family by his side.
Fred was born in Duncan, British Columbia, and spent his childhood growing up in the Nitinat logging camp west of Youbou, before moving to Lake Cowichan, where he completed high school. He later attended Vancouver Vocational School, graduating as a Stationary Steam Engineer.
Fred enjoyed a long career with Molson Brewing Company before retiring. Long before his move to Pender Island, he had a heart for service and was actively involved with the Lions Club, a commitment to helping others that remained central throughout his life.
After retirement, Fred relocated to Pender Island, where he quickly became deeply involved in community life. He joined the Legion and continued his service through the Lions Club, the Nu-to-Yu Store, Meals on Wheels, and as a volunteer driver. His organizational skills were put to good use in many of these organizations. Fred’s generosity of time, reliability, and quiet kindness made him a valued and familiar presence in the community.
During his years on Pender Island, Fred discovered his love for travelling and shared his many adventures with family and friends. Many winters were spent vacationing on tropical islands, and later he enjoyed sailing throughout the Pacific with his cousin Kot (John) Ross.
There was always a dog in Fred’s life—whether his own or one he was caring for on behalf of friends or neighbours. His affection for dogs reflected his gentle, caring nature.
Fred was predeceased by his parents, Ray and Mollie Vye. He is survived by his sisters Joan (Norm Bennett) and Sharon Knott; his nieces Shirley Neiser, Diana Elliott, Darlene Knott, Marcia Bennett, Alison Bennett; his nephew Scott Bennett; and extended family members.
A celebration of Fred’s life will be held at the Pender Island Legion in the spring. All are welcome to attend.
Fred will be remembered for his dedication to service, his dependability, and his quiet generosity of spirit. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Pender Remembers Fred Vye
Fred passed away at Saanich Peninsula Hospital. He had suffered with cancer for the last few years, and his deteriorating condition limited his ability to get out and do a lot of the things that made him a valuable contributor to the Pender Island community over the last 30 years.
Fred was born in Duncan, BC, but that was because it was the closest hospital to where he actually lived – way and beyond a logging camp somewhere between Youbou and Port Alberni. Here he lived for the first 10 years of his life.
Over the last 15 years we would often share a good scotch, and he would regale me with stories of those early years including the exploits of his one-armed father and the things he got up to in a world that few of us can even relate to. By the third scotch he was off and running and coming up with story after story and laughing until the tears came…a little different from the normally quiet, solitary person that most people knew. Fred worked for Molson Canadian Brewery in Vancouver for 35 years, but he told me his best day there was his last – he could hardly wait to move to Pender Island full time.
He built his home here in Trincomali in 1996, near his cousin Kottie and her husband John Ross. While in the lower mainland he became a dedicated member of the Lions Club, serving at one time as Deputy Governor. He soon became an integral part of the Pender Lions as well as an Executive with the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 239. He was membership chair for several years and a regular at Friday Night dinners and meat draws.
He dedicated a lot of time to the Nu-to-Yu as well and was always willing to help other organizations either with time or generous donations. When we bought the house next door to him in 2008, we quickly became good friends – on moving in day he saved the situation by supplying tonic and lemon for my mom’s gin! “At least you’ve got a handy neighbour,” she exclaimed! And yes, we did.
He became an important part of our extended family and Uncle Fred to our dog “Guinness” for over 14 years. Fred loved dogs and we got to know Murphy, Carmen, and Rusty as they treated our home as if it was their own – which didn’t really impress the cat very much.
Over the years, we often did road trips to Victoria Royals or Vancouver Canadian games with the gang and Fred would be an eager participant, but he didn’t really get the concept of beer and hot dogs. Tim Frick still talks about Fred sitting there at the ballgame with his red wine and sushi…it just didn’t seem right to the lad!
One of Melody’s fondest memories of Fred is the day we got married. On the way to the church, I realized I’d forgotten the rings at home (hey, it could happen to anyone). While Melody headed to the chapel, Fred took me in his prized red convertible mustang – safely but quickly, very quickly – back to Trincomali. We retrieved the rings from my sock drawer, and he got me to the church, on time!!
Fred wasn’t always the easiest guy to get to know, and he could certainly be stubborn, but he was a good and loyal friend to us and many of our neighbours here in Trinco and we will miss him very much.
Government
Member of Parliament
Progress on Derelict Vessel Removal Fund
Hello Pender Island. I do hope many of you will have joined on Wednesday, January 21 for the community meeting on Pender.
The local meetings wrapped up January 23 on Salt Spring. I headed back to Ottawa in time for Parliament resuming on Monday January 26.
With all the goings on – horrors and global uncertainty – there has been some (very) limited progress on an issue I have worked with many Pender residents for years.
We have tried for so long to get control of the “free parking” in our waters by freighters left in limbo, awaiting their bulk cargo from the Vancouver Fraser Port authority. At least I have succeeded in briefing the most recent Minister for Transportation, The Hon. Steven MacKinnon.
He was appointed May 13, 2025 and does double duty as the Government House Leader. In lay-person terms that means he had the job of making sure Mark Carney had the votes to pass the budget.
To put it mildly, he is a tad busy. I fully expect him to be shuffled with a new minister of transport in need of training. But for now, he did get the message we need to deal with our derelict boats issue. Work I have started and stopped with various Transport ministers inched forward early in the new year. We have a new system for registering recreational vessels to be able to trace ownership of abandoned and derelict boats.
The minister’s office has confirmed for me (verbally) that the longer term goal is to use the registration fees collected to create a fund for removal of derelict and abandoned vessels. The Fund for Removal of derelict vessels was created in the budget implementation act more than two years ago, but there have been no regulations put in place, and no money either! So progress of any kind is a welcome sign of life.
I will continue to press for the full implementation of the process, as well as for greater control of buoys in our waters and the removal of unwelcome freighters using “anchorages” as if “of right.”
The official announcement and details on new registration for recreational vessels follows:
Transport Canada has announced measures to modernize Canada’s pleasure craft licensing program and database through amendments to the Small Vessel Regulations. These changes will help make boating safer, protect the environment, and ensure licence holders share the cost of administering the program fairly.
The following changes have taken effect as of December 31, 2025:
In the meantime a small reminder to please fill out the survey on your top priorities and pop it in the mail to me (postage free). You will find it in the tear off coupon in your most recent mailed, hard copy, newsletter from my MP office.
Thanks and until next time!
Member of the Legislative Assembly
At an Islands Trust information meeting on January 13, I joined over 100 Salt Spring islanders to hear presentations on the draft Islands Trust Policy Statement (TPS). It was a good night for democracy. The wisdom, insights, expertise, and experience of those who spoke out was inspiring.
Speakers identified numerous changes needed to bring the draft TPS into compliance with the Trust’s “preserve and protect” mandate, while at the same time addressing affordable housing needs on the islands. Many asked that terms like “preserving and protecting”, “unique amenities of the Trust Area” – and the word “environment” itself – be clearly defined.
They objected to loose language in the proposed TPS like “consider”, “suitable” locations for housing, enforcement “where possible”, and that the new term “attainable” housing be replaced with the legally binding term “affordable”, with guarantees it stays affordable.
Public engagement on the draft TPS is expected to wrap up shortly. Every indication is that the Islands Trust Council plans to have Minister Christine Boyle signing off on the new TPS before the October Trust elections. There is no justification to do so.
Everyone throughout the Trust Area must have sufficient time to see, review, and confirm whether or not the finalized TPS has their confidence. The BC government has been very clear that the Islands Trust preserve and protect mandate is not up for negotiation, re-interpretation or watering down.
Two examples:
First, November 2023 – Salt Spring’s Local Trust Committee, including now-Trust Chair Laura Patrick, requested the province treat Salt Spring as a municipality for the purposes of Bill 44 (the Housing Statutes Amendment Act, 2023). That would have unleashed development of the type currently challenging mainland municipalities without, in addition, considering the carrying capacity of island ecosystems. The Minister who oversees the Islands Trust refused, stating that he did so, “…because of the Trust’s special mandate to preserve and protect the Trust Area and its unique amenities and environment.”
Secondly, in an April 2025 letter, then-Minister Ravi Kahlon, reiterated the Islands Trust special mandate, writing that land use planning “is the core responsibility of Islands Trust”. He added the next iteration of the Trust Policy Statement “requires care to result in a Policy Statement in which all involved can all have confidence”.
There is no justification for rushing to put this new TPS in front of the Minister to sign before this fall’s elections. Doing so would flout democracy, destroy confidence, and could trigger litigation.
People moving here take up a trust to preserve and protect one of the most special natural environments on Earth. Put simply, the preservation and protection of the Trust Area is non-negotiable.
Capital Regional District Director
New Year’s Resolutions
One of my New Year’s resolutions is to cease and desist the writing of boring articles for The Pender Post. I’ve given myself until October 17, which coincidentally is the end of my term of office.
Knowing when to exit a position is an important skill, and it is necessary to be able to read the signs – timing is everything in life. A question to be asked – would I be as effective as a likely alternative? I’ve asked this same question in the past and the answer, along with some minor considerations, motivated me to run. In this case, I’m motivated to step aside, as I can’t in good conscience remain when I know those who have superior energy, wide experience, local knowledge, and work well with others. The electorate will ultimately decide who will be the next CRD Director for the Southern Gulf Islands.
In the meantime, I’ll continue my apparently quixotic quest to get some accessible/affordable housing built on the Southern Gulf Islands, tilting at Provincial and Federal windmills that favour large urban projects with lower costs per housing unit while claiming support for rural areas. What builds housing is funding and regionally (CRD) we’re committing more than our fair share and are getting crickets in return, something I’ll continue to hammer home.
I’m confident that the CRD is serving the Southern Gulf Islands well, notwithstanding some frustrations with bureaucracy and the perception from some that CRD wants to take over everything. That perception, some of which has a basis, comes from a more senior government establishing legislation that downloads responsibility, accountability, and liability onto the regional districts, and by extension onto the commissions, committees, or societies that act on their behalf. Most recently new Fire and Emergency Management Acts were enacted with policies that appear to ignore cost and collateral damage considerations, much as the Provincial dictates on reconciliation and climate do.
Having to manage those top-down dictates as effectively as possible takes a good organization and in my opinion CRD does a good job, particularly the gang responsible for our electoral areas. From my almost 50 years of experience in larger public/private organizations, it rates pretty near the top.
Another resolution I’m still holding fast to is a dry (no alcohol) month. Not sure if I’ll extend it to the end of my term. While one can find very passable no alcohol beer, the same can’t be said of no alcohol wine. This is very much a first world problem, as are many of the problems much of the SGI population faces. It’s those experiencing the third and second world problems on our islands that we need to focus on, which many islanders do, by offering a helping hand. This is the embodiment of what we need to preserve and protect on our islands.
Arts
Pender Island Art Society
We held an enthusiastic art session on January 15, with many of our members in attendance. Malcolm Armstrong led us in “Copying the Masters”, where we replicate an artwork by a renowned artist of our own choice.
Malcolm provided background for the project and direction in what we might consider when choosing an artist and one of their paintings or drawings. He emphasized composition in classic artwork. The purpose of the project is to research and examine the selected artist’s technique and skill. We may not be able to recreate the artwork in its original appearance but we will learn by creating our own version of it and develop a greater appreciation of what leads to the appeal of the artwork.
Our attendees shared their planned projects and why they chose their identified masterpiece. The Group of Seven (i.e. Lawren Harris, Tom Thomson) were examples of choices. It is my observation that while we were mainly a group of females at the session, without exception, we chose male artists. Does this reflect a cultural and historical bias for male artists?
An interesting aspect of this project is that we may not be using the original mediums; for example, we may be substituting acrylic for oil paints, and we will have to experiment to approximate the pigment colours. We have a follow-up session scheduled for March 26 where we continue to work on our Copying the Masters project and it will be interesting to share what we have learned. We are planning to reserve several boards at our Spring Art Show (May 17th-18th) for showing this NFS artwork. Our session on January 15 was convivial and interactive.
We have two art sessions planned:
February 5 – Painting Using Two Complementary Colours and Black and White (Bev Peden & Margaret Alpen), 1-4 pm, Community Hall
February 26 – Exploring Line & Wash with pencil, ink, and watercolour (Gabriella Kardosi), 1-4 pm, Community Hall
Drop-in Fee for Non-members – $5.00 (please email PIAS if you are attending)
Pender Island Community Choir Society
Spring Session is On, Bruce McConchie new Music Director
A BIG thank you to everyone who came to the January 12 meeting to discuss ideas and share thoughts about the choir’s future. It was a stimulating and interesting conversation, plus now we know who holds the award for longest membership! Thank you very much to Shelley Easthope for facilitating the meeting. Her skills are wonderful and lead us to gather great feedback and really good information.
The Spring Session is on! Thanks to Bruce McConchie volunteering to be our Music Director, there will be a session this season. Mark your calendars for March 12 as the first meeting/rehearsal. We’re starting a bit later than usual because of Bruce’s schedule. The theme is a good one but you’ll have to wait to find out what it is (unless you were at the January meeting, then you know). Watch for much more information in the March issue and your email inbox.
Everyone is welcome. If you can carry a tune, you’re in. We’re a community choir of all ages and abilities. If you like singing we’d love to have you join us. Until next time, keep using those vocal cords whenever and wherever you can.
Pender Photo Club
Spectacular Wildlife Through a Lens
The next meeting will be special with a talented guest speaker, Martin Ross, presenting The Magic of Wildlife Photography.
At the last meeting of the Camera Club (Monday, January 5) we met by Zoom to revel in the chilly winter weather. Ten members viewed 56 photos with the meeting chaired by Urs Boxler.
The theme for this meeting, Christmas Scenes, was both beautiful and challenging. Challenging because there are so many Christmas photographs already out there that coming up with something original or even different was difficult. However, our members were up to the task.
We viewed pictures of candy-cane Martinis (yummy!), the provincial parliament building at night lit up in Xmas colours, children making and eating gingerbread cookies, Butchart Gardens, ornaments in Christmas trees, colourful shop windows, and much more. A photo taken by Rose Vlaar is attached. Conversation flowed as we merrily critiqued the photos and mused about the holidays that had just passed.
Urs presented a slide show describing the Dempster Highway, a remote, all-weather gravel road stretching from near Dawson City, Yukon, across the Arctic Circle, to Tuktoyaktuk in the Northwest Territories. Urs drove the Highway in 2011, stopping often to hike and take photos that show the beauty and dramatic loneliness of the Canadian north.
Our next meeting (Monday, February 2 at 7 pm via Zoom) will be special, featuring Martin Ross presenting The Magic of Wildlife Photography. Martin is an exceptionally talented photographer from White Rock and this will be the second presentation he has made here. His previous slide show about birding was superb.
Attendees are encouraged to submit three photos (less than usual due to the guest speaker) taken this month with the theme: Winter. All guests are more than welcome; please contact Urs for the Zoom link and instructions for photo submission (ursboxler@gmail.com).
Pender Island Quilters Circle
The first session of Quilters Circle for the 2026 year was held on January 12 at the Anglican Church Hall. The meeting focused on quilted placemats that are being sewn for the Hands Across the Water gathering of five quilt guilds, which Quilters Circle will host on Pender Island in June.
It is tradition to provide a quilted item for each attendee as a take home gift. We chose to create placemats as we could use fabrics from our own stashes and our favourite patterns and have a variety of finished placemats. The fun part is viewing what each quilter has created and contributed.
The January session had the typical pattern of sharing individual projects, updating session plans, and focusing on the current project. As always the social interaction among the quilters and their own seeking and sharing quilting advice is a valued part of the meeting.
I was not in attendance at this meeting so I don’t have specifics to share but, in lieu, I will provide a bit of information about the evolution of quilting patterns. Many of us started quilting 30 or 40 years ago and likely began with more traditional patterns such as Star quilt patterns which date back to England, colonial America, and the Plains Indians.
The Log Cabin quilt pattern was another 19th century American quilt pattern. Traditional applique quilt patterns include Baltimore Album, Dresden Plate, and florals such as the Rose of Sharon. Settlers, including the United Empire Loyalists and British colonists, Mennonites and Amish, brought quilting to Upper and Lower Canada. Quilts provided much needed warmth and incorporated beauty and a sense of community and family history.
Quilt patterns and techniques have evolved into a multitude of patterns with a huge range of fabrics to choose from. Sewing equipment and tools are much more sophisticated. However, the sense of community and sharing is still part of the quilting experience and Quilters Circle provides this opportunity.
February 9, 9:15 am – noon, St. Peter’s Anglican Church Hall – Creating a small landscape quilt led by Susan Underhill.
Quilter’s Philosophy: It has been observed that as we age time seems to speed up, the days and years go by more quickly. However, for a quilter, absorbed in their project, time can slow down and become irrelevant while engaged in the quilting process. Engagement in a creative activity brings us joy and makes time irrelevant.
Solstice Theatre Society
Halfway There is Nearly Here
An exciting new season of theatre awaits audiences here on Pender. Solstice Theatre’s spring production this year is Halfway There. This delightful comedy is written by Norm Foster, one of Canada’s most successful and prolific playwrights.
Halfway There tells the story of four women friends who meet every day in the local café. However, things change when an eligible bachelor, the new doctor, arrives in town. The play is about friendship, relationships, and life’s choices, but most of all, it is very funny. Directed by Evan Llewellyn with Production and Stage Management by Joy Llewellyn, this play is guaranteed to please.
Halfway There will be presented at the Pender Island Community Hall on April 24 and 25 evenings and for a Sunday matinee on April 26. Online tickets will be available starting April 1 or through Talisman Books.
We are pleased to announce our updated website which details our productions both past and present along with how you can become involved with Solstice Theatre either on stage or as part of the ever vital backstage crew.
Solstice Theatre Society would also like to invite you to join us for a play reading of The Calling on Sunday, February 22 at 3:30 pm in the Community Hall lounge. Auditions are in March. Our rehearsals begin in September and production dates are in November.
The Calling is a bittersweet story of baseball player Randall Griffin as he chases his dreams, while fielding love and loss along the way. This three act play is set in Ontario and B.C. The play is authored by Pender’s own Ethan Smith and will be directed by Karen Parker and produced by Tania Honan. Rose Vlaar will be the stage manager and Aaron Severance will be our tech manager.
This Canadian play has well developed characters and several parts for all ages. Attend the play reading to learn more and see if one of these roles inspires you to audition. We always welcome new talent to join Solstice Theatre Society!
For further details about The Calling, contact Tania Honan at taniahonansmith@gmail.com
Ptarmigan Arts
Art Guide Available Now
This past month we hosted artist-in-residence Nicole Wolf as she created an original mural recognizing the emerging threat of deep sea mining. The mural was commissioned by Greenpeace Canada and celebrates the UN High Seas Treaty that came into effect in January. It can now be seen hanging in PICA’s Nature Centre at Hope Bay; we encourage you to go experience it in person!
We are also excited to share that our 2026 Art Guide is now live on our website and available for download. Printed copies can be picked up at local businesses, marinas, and along the Gulf Islands BC Ferries routes. Packed with information on local artists, studios, and businesses, the Art Guide is designed to help you explore and connect with our vibrant arts community. Keep reading for the details on our upcoming programs and events happening this February.
Art in the Library – Call for Submissions
Submissions open until February 28, 2026.
We are proud to partner with the Pender Islands Public Library on Art in the Library. The library is currently accepting submissions from local artists to showcase their work as part of the 2026 exhibition season. For all the submission details and to apply please visit the library website, sgicl.bc.libraries.coop/series/art-in-the-library.
There is a potters meetup on Thursday, February 26, 6-7:30 pm, at the Community Hall. This is a monthly gathering for both experienced and aspiring potters to share, learn, and talk pottery. Each month there is a new topic chosen by the group. All experience levels are welcome. Potters wishing to participate should arrive with a surface to work on, clay, and some basic tools. However folks are also welcome to come just to learn and chat as well.
If you have questions or want to get on the Meetup Mailing List (to hear about upcoming events and stay in the loop) you are welcome to send messages to mudwarebyadrienne@gmail.com.
Recycled Mixed Media Painting Workshop with Celene Wilde (registration open)
Sundays, March 1, 8 and 15, 1 – 3 pm
Studio B Collective at Hope Bay
Upcycle and reuse while creating art in this fun workshop with Celene Wilde. Over the course of three sessions you’ll repurpose an old canvas, then paint and collage a unique piece of work using recycled materials and found objects.
Materials are provided, but feel free to bring any special items, surfaces, or mediums you’d like to create with. Come learn new skills, be inspired, and enjoy the beautiful ocean view at Studio B Collective. The workshop costs $75 for three sessions and is open to all ages 12 and up.
Ptarmigan Arts 2024/2025 Annual General Meeting
Tuesday, March 3, 7 pm, doors open at 6:30 pm, Community Hall
We invite the community to join us for the 2024/2025 Ptarmigan Arts Annual General Meeting. Our Executive and Program Directors as well as Board Chair will give an update on our work over the past year and plans for the future. There will also be voting by members on new board members – we are looking for two new community minded folks to join our board. We invite all members of the public to join, but only board members will be able to vote.
Enjoy coffee, tea, and snacks, along with a special performance by the Ptarmigan Board Band featuring Brent Marsden, Lizzie Beattie, Marc Lesperance, Sarah Smith, Jonny Miller, and Heather Read. We hope you’ll join us for a fun and welcoming evening in support of bringing arts and culture to the Southern Gulf Islands.
Weekly Community Gatherings
Fridays, 12 – 1 pm, Community Hall
On February 6, Greg Martin shares classic jazz songs on the guitar at the Community Gathering. Deer and Coyote join us on February 13, playing a haunting, honest musical journey through Chanda’s evocative vocals and Danny’s cosmic cello. Kathy Curtis has pulled together a select crew from the jazz band to grace us with a classical selection on February 20. On February 27, local pianist Austin Davies will be playing a mix of classical and contemporary classics.
Join us for live music and fresh soup. This long-standing community program is a partnership between the Community Hall, Ptarmigan Arts and the SGI Neighbourhood House.
Concert Society
We’re looking forward to the third show of our season next month, Ensemble Made in Canada on Wednesday, March 25.
This piano quartet (violin, viola, cello, and piano) performs a wide range of older and newer music.
Their Juno Award-winning album Mosaïque consists of 14 pieces that they commissioned from Canadian composers, each representing a different region of the country.
We’re not sure exactly what will be on the program for their Pender concert, but we’re sure it’ll be excellent!
Look for tickets to go on sale later in February, and we’ll share more details about the program in our March report.
PIJazz
PIJazz Update for February 2026
Come enjoy Valentine’s with us! Join us at the Pender Island Legion on Friday, February 13, for a Valentine’s dinner and dance featuring live jazz, a dance floor, and an amazing surf-and-turf dinner. Enjoy grilled sirloin steak, prawns, and all the fixings starting at 5:30 pm, and danceable tunes from all corners of the jazz world with PIJazz at 7 pm. Reserve early, as seats are limited. Tickets at the Legion or online at http://www.penderislandrcl239.com.
We’re always open to new members as we continue our fall season: you know who you are. Give us a holler at brycewoollcombe@gmail.com with any questions. Keep up-to-date at http://www.ptarmiganarts.org/programs. We hope to see you soon.
Musical Musings: Simple Music Is Hard, Too
There’s a train of thought that purports that folk music can be defined by a limited musical and lyrical vocabulary, while art music uses much more expansive rules (or no rules at all). While not completely wrong, I find this definition to be reductionist and not very useful at all.
Perhaps a more useful key to unlock folk would be… well… folks. Who is it from and for? How does it reflect a group of people with a shared heritage? Shared language? Shared dreams? How does it engage both the past and the aspirations of real humans in a way that makes us laugh or think or dance or cry?
Two folk rabbit holes I’ve recently gone down are the work of English singer songwriter Rose Betts and American singer Jesse Wells. Both have produced large amounts of music and garnered a great deal of attention in different ways.
Rose Betts’ lilty trad style and cheeky lyrics work on their own but really sparkle in fusions with pop and hip-hop settings. Don’t let that scare you – her voice and words remain captivating in many contexts. Her music is fun and touching and feels a bit like fresh air blowing into our musty winter lives.
Jesse Wells is a bit of a different beast. He hooks into the traditions of Woody Guthrie, John Prine, Bob Dylan, and Warren Zevon. His irony is tungsten-hard and his wit is like a razor. Along the way he plays guitar in an effortless blend of Texas Swing by way of Willie Nelson and a bit of Joni’s harmonic sparkle.
Surprisingly, he has a degree in music theory, which makes some sense when one dives a bit deeper into his guitar work. In the last year, among four new albums, his protest songs are just shockingly good. Woodie would be very, very proud.
And today, Minnesota is gestating folk protest music faster than blackberries grow in the spring. It’s bittersweet to see one of my favourite genres of music blooms best amid pain and strife. In the end, folk music reflects the lives of folks, for better or worse.
Three on the Tree Production Society
ZooIslander Hits the Runway
With the New Year, we are continuously reminded of the wonderful community that we work and create in. We want to start with a big thank you to all of our volunteers, performers, and organizers of the annual Magic Lake Lantern Festival. Each and every person who contributes no matter how small is appreciated and helps bring about the event’s success.
This December 31, we were treated to a beautiful warm evening with an outstanding amount of community participation in the parade. We had our largest Kayak Ballet in the history of the festival with 14 paddlers, a great stilt performance from Maya Cook with help from some young Penderites, a magical Shadow Dance from Taeven, Satya, Erin, and Annika, and a brilliant fire show from Planet Janet and her troupe.
We are so appreciative of volunteers from large to small and if you are interested in being involved in any way with future festivals there are always opportunities with as little as two hours volunteer time. We also have a big thank you to our federal and provincial sponsors who continue to keep this community event possible year after year.
We acknowledge the financial support from the Province of British Columbia as well as the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage, and this year there’s a big thank you to the CRD Arts & Culture as well as Pender Island Parks and Recreation. We’ll be highlighting the many wonderful local sponsors over the next few weeks on our Instagram and Facebook along with photos from the festival so feel free to take in all of the community generosity there.
February will bring about a shift in focus and we’ll be directing our eyes to the Runway! ZooIslander 2026 is back on Saturday, February 21! Save the date for this annual fashion show that brings the hidden items in your closet to the stage. For those who haven’t been, this is a multi runway catwalk show. Some folks will bring a series of looks around a theme or a community group, but individuals are also invited to share a creation of their own making or something languishing in the back of your closet.
Tickets will go on sale at the beginning of February so be sure to grab them as things sell out fast! To get in touch with us about participating in Zooislander or anything else please contact us via email.
Wishing you all a year of creativity!
Community
Community Hall
Pender Island Recreation and Agricultural Hall Association
Have you joined us at one of the Special Saturday Winter Markets yet?
January brought a wonderful new twist to our regular market as we opened extra tables for community members to sell, swap, and share everything from household treasures to creative supplies. Each week had its own theme. The Hall buzzed with conversation, laughter, and unexpected finds.
From garage sale bargains and vintage books to youth vendors and pre-loved art supplies, the response was heartwarming. Many people told us how much they enjoyed not only the treasures, but the chance to linger, visit, and reconnect with neighbours during the quieter winter months We are continuing the themed tables throughout
February alongside our wonderful regular vendors. Many people are surprised to learn that the delicious food served at our weekly Community Gathering is prepared with the help of participants in the Youth Culinary Skills Program. Under the guidance of our skilled chefs, these young folks assist with meal preparation while learning important kitchen skills, teamwork, and responsibility.
On Fridays, you may also notice our youngest volunteers – the Hall Heroes – serving in the by-donation café and joining in the Friday Fun activity. Their energy and enthusiasm bring a special warmth to the Hall. Finally, the Saturday Market Café is also entirely youth-run. From greeting customers to preparing drinks and managing the till, these young people are gaining valuable skills in leadership, teamwork, and customer service. Every purchase directly supports their ongoing development and confidence in these roles.
CHILD AND YOUTH PROGRAMS
To register, go to: http://www.penderislands.org/registrationsHall Heroes Club (Ages 5+)
Fridays 10 am – 1:30 pm
Guided by Hall Leaders, each week is a new adventure – you might help in the café or with lunch, make decorations for the Hall, share a skill, mentor a younger person, help lead an activity. Younger heroes, ages 5 – 7 will need a buddy. Bring your own, or we can pair you with one of ours (limited availability). Registration required. Free.
Friday Kids Club (Ages 5 – 12)
Fridays 1:30 – 4 pm
Every Friday afternoon brings a mix of hands-on fun, from creative projects and tasty treats to games and adventures outdoors.
Registration required. Suggested $5-$10 per day.
Dungeons & Dragons Adventures (Ages 11 – 18)
Fridays 1:30 – 4 pm
Join a party of adventurers, create your own character, and let the roll of the dice decide your fate. Whether you’re a seasoned dungeon crawler or brand new to the game, there’s a seat at the table for you. Free.
Youth Culinary Skills Training
(Ages 12 – 18, 10+ if child has a Food Safe Certificate)
Thursdays 6:30 – 8:30 pm
January 8 – March 26 (11 classes, no class Feb 19)
April 2 – June 25 (11 classes, no class April 9, May 22)
Participants gain hands-on kitchen skills, work as a team in a supportive, fun environment. Bring an apron, a snack will be provided. This program is run in partnership with the SGI Neighbourhood House. Registration required. Free.
Youth Leadership Program (Ages 10 – 18)
A fun and skills building program where you can learn how to run the Community Café, help at special events, make posters, be a caretaker of the Community Hall, assist with activities, organize and lead activities, mentor younger or less experienced people, help older people with technology, photograph events, help cook or bake and many other areas, all while developing skills and getting great experience. Come in on a Friday or Saturday between 10 – 1 pm and talk to Andrea. Free.
Youth Art & Craft Show (Ages 7 – 18)
March 6 (and possibly 7)
The Youth Leadership Program is planning a Youth Art and Craft Show for 7 – 18 year olds. This is a wonderful opportunity for young creators to showcase their talents in a variety of media, including drawings, paintings, sculpture, photography, fabric arts, and general crafts. Whether your child is a seasoned artist or just loves to experiment, there will be space to display their work and share their creativity with the community. Young artists who would like to display their work or help organize the show can register through our website.
ACTIVITIES
Café Français
February 14, 12:45 – 2 pm
A conversation group for intermediate or higher conversational French speakers. Come for conversation, connection, and fun. If you would like to be added to the online discussion group, contact us.
Carpet Bowling
Wednesdays 1:30 – 3:30 pm
Australian Carpet Bowling offers mild to moderate exercise, a bit of friendly competition and great fun. No special clothing is needed except clean flat soled shoes. Recommended drop in is $2.
Fun for Everyone
Fridays 10:45 – 11:45 am
All ages are welcome at this weekly activity:
February 6 – Make Valentines Cards
February 13 – Make Chocolates
February 20 – Puzzles & Board Games
February 27 – Marshmallow Catapults
FILMS
Next month is the start of Spring at the Oscars, we suspect we will show the following:
Wicked: For Good, Hamnet, It Was Just an Accident, One Battle After Another, Bugonia, Marty Supreme, If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, Blue Moon.
We are searching for more film helpers, projectionists, concession and door helpers to make sure we can continue bringing the community these wonderful films.
Matinee: Secondhand Lions
Monday February 2, 2:15 pm
In this heartwarming coming-of-age film about a timid boy, Walter (Haley Joel Osment), spends a summer with his eccentric, adventure-loving great-uncles, Garth (Michael Caine) and Hub (Robert Duvall), on their dusty Texas ranch. 1 hour 51 minutes.
Film: Nuremberg
February 7, 7:15 pm
As the Nuremberg trials are set to begin, a U.S. Army psychiatrist gets locked in a dramatic psychological showdown with accused Nazi war criminal Hermann Göring. 2 hours 28 minutes.
Film: The Ballad of Wallis Island
Friday February 13, 7:15 pm
Old tensions resurface when former bandmates who were former lovers reunite for a private show at the island home of an eccentric millionaire. 1 hour 39 minutes.
Film: Rental Family
Saturday February 14, 7:15 pm
Struggling to find purpose, an American actor lands an unusual gig with a Japanese agency to play stand-in roles for strangers. He begins to form genuine bonds that blur the lines between performance and reality. 1 hour 50 minutes.
Matinee: The Great Escaper (2023)
Monday February 23, 2:15 pm
A heartwarming British biographical drama starring Michael Caine and the late Glenda Jackson, based on the true story of 89-year-old WWII veteran Bernard Jordan, who famously “escaped” his care home to travel to Normandy for the 70th D-Day anniversary in 2014. 1 hour 36 minutes.
Kids Club Matinee: Dog Man
Friday February 27, 2:15 pm
Parents don’t need to stay if their child is registered for the Friday Kids Club
When a police officer and his faithful police dog get injured in the line of duty, a harebrained but life-saving surgery fuses the two of them together — and Dog Man is born. 1 hour 29 minutes. By donation.
Film: Sentimental Value
Friday February 27, 7:15 pm
Sisters Nora and Agnes reunite with their estranged father, Gustav, a once-renowned director who offers Nora a role in what he hopes will be his comeback film. Nora turns it down, but soon discovers he’s given the part to an eager young Hollywood star. 2 hours 13 minutes.
Film: Avatar: Fire and Ash
Saturday February 28, 7:15 pm
The conflict on Pandora escalates as Jake and Neytiri’s family encounter a new, aggressive Na’vi tribe. 3 hours 17 minutes.
WINTER MARKETS
Every Saturday from 10 am – 1 pm, there will be a special reason to come out to the Market. Each week will have a different activity or focus as well as fun activities in the Café led by our Youth Leaders.
February 7 – Fabric Focus at the Market and Winter Trivia at the Café
Sell, trade or share your fabric arts supplies. In the Café, we are celebrating Groundhog Week; answer winter trivia questions and win a free hot drink.
February 14 – Garage Sale at the Market and Valentines Day at the Café
Clutter for you? Treasure for others! Get a table at the Garage Sale. 2 for 1 hot drinks in the Café.
February 21 – Youth Vendors & Pre-loved Art Supplies at the Market and Fancy Dress in the Cafe
Youth are invited to sell their homemade wares and other items alongside our regular vendors and people selling, sharing, and trading pre-loved art supplies. In celebration of ZooIslander, anyone wearing “Fancy Dress” in the Café will get a free hot drink if requested.
February 28 – Seedy Saturday at the Market and Garden Trivia in the Café
Spring is on its way! Get your seeds, talk to pros all while visiting your favourite market vendors. In the Café we will have some fun garden trivia questions, and you can earn a free hot drink.
If you would like to be a Market Vendor or have a table to sell your special weekly wares, please register on our website.
VOLUNTEERS
We are looking for volunteers for films, Comfort Center, advertising, and office support as well as activity leaders and Youth Leadership Program Mentors. All training will be provided. If you are interested in volunteering or need more information on what these positions entail, please email.
Guest Activity Leader – Would you like to share a fun activity? At the Friday Fun activity we are looking for people who would like to lead 30-60 minute all ages activities (but generally child participants) with themes around crafting, food, heritage, STEM or other activities.
Dragonfly Child Care & Family Resource Centre
Pender Island Child Care Society
Family Counselling Sessions
February 2 and 23, 12:30 pm, Dragonfly Centre
Every second Monday afternoon, registered counsellor Geneva Jacobs offers one-on-one counselling services for parents and caregivers raising young children. Sessions are held in a confidential space while your child/ren is cared for by an educator. Geneva brings compassion, reflectiveness, and curiosity as she accompanies you towards a more fulfilling and empowered life. Participants pay $10 per session. For more information or to book a session contact Pam Wadge. Thank you to The Victoria Foundation for their generous support of this program.
Dad n’ Me Pancake Breakfast
February 21, 9 am, Dragonfly Centre
Dad n’ Me Pancake Breakfast is held one Saturday each month from 9 – 11 am at Dragonfly. Facilitators Pam and Chris will be serving up pancakes, bacon, fruit, yogurt, and endless pots of coffee. This is a fabulous program for children and dads, uncles, grandpas, or friends to come out for delicious food, and to socialize and play together, all while giving mom the morning off! Thanks to the Ministry of Children and Family Development this program is free.
Parents and Babes
February 2, 9, 23 (closed 16) 9 am, Dragonfly Centre
Parents and Babes runs every Monday morning (closed February 16) from 9 – 11:30 am at Dragonfly. This program is a great way to meet other young families on the island in a cozy and welcoming space. Come out and enjoy snacks, adult and child interactions, developmentally appropriate toys, and the book lending library. Thanks to the Victoria Foundation and the Pender Island Child Care Society this program is free.
Healthy Opportunities for Preschoolers (HOP)
February 4, 11, 18, 25, 9 am, School Gymnasium
HOP is held every Wednesday morning from 9 – 10:15 am in the school gym. Come on out and join facilitator Kristin as she sets up new activities each week; from basketball and hula hoops to crash mats and obstacle courses, this program will be sure to get those winter wiggles out! HOP is designed for parents/caregivers to engage in physical activities and learn new skills with their children 1 – 5 years. Thanks to the Pender Island School and the CRD, this program is free.
If you would like further information on any of our programs, please get in touch with us on our website, by email, or give us a call.
Ellen’s Group
The Listening Post – Third Wednesday Each Month
As reported in the January issue of The Pender Post, a new group has been launched to help fill the void created by the unexpected death in 2022 of Ellen Willingham. Ellen’s long-time support of individuals and families who were struggling, isolated, grieving or facing end-of-life transitions, was highly valued in our community.
Ellen’s Group – with the tagline “Serving our Community with Compassion” – is made up of volunteers who are trained to offer home visits and pastoral care to any member of the community who is facing a difficult time, including end of life, grief, and loneliness. Sandi Smoker serves as the Team Leader. Sandi is a Certified Spiritual Care Practitioner and Certified Art Therapist. Before moving to Pender, she worked as a psycho-spiritual counsellor in acute care psychiatry, geriatric medicine, and end-of-life care. Most recently, she is a mental health program supervisor and counsellor with the Pender Island Health Centre Society.
One of the group’s first initiatives is the creation of “The Listening Post” which offers a sacred, safe space where all are welcome to step away from daily life into a contemplative atmosphere to listen to the voice of wisdom within and to be offered a listening ear.
It is a place where all who enter are welcome and received with respect. Two volunteers serve as listeners and offer every guest a compassionate, spacious, attentive presence while respecting adherence to privacy and confidentiality.
The space is hosted by Ellen’s Group on the third Wednesday of the month from 10 am – 12 pm at the Anglican Parish Hall (next session is Wednesday February 18). For more information: ellensgroup@pendersaturnaanglican.ca
G’Old Network
What is your Plan B? New Date for Workshop
The G’Old Network invites all who are interested in living on Pender for the rest of their days – or realize that the day may come when they need to leave – to join us at the Anglican Church Hall for the rescheduled Plan B Workshop on Wednesday March 11, from 9 am to 2 pm.
The G’Old Network’s purpose is to create and sustain an environment that supports all who wish to grow old well and die peacefully here, if that is what they choose. In our early conversation circles of two years ago we asked, “What would keep you here, and what would cause you to leave?”
Since then, we have been offering workshops in support of ‘Plan A’ – living for the rest of our lives on Pender. We have looked at how to organize and document our affairs; we have engaged in conversations on palliative care and MAID and we have looked at the complexity of being a family caregiver.
Now, we are turning our attention to “Plan B” – what we need to consider if we find ourselves having to leave Pender. The goal of the workshop is not to predict that outcome, but rather to reduce anxiety so we can relax and enjoy growing old here, knowing a plan is in place – if we need one.
We have a line-up of great presenters with knowledge and first-hand experience to share:
Jane Harrison, Executive Director of the Pender Islands Health Care Society and a long-time Penderite, will talk about her experience with older community members who chose to leave and those who chose to stay. Jane’s experience with her own parents, who aged on the island, gives her an especially informed and grounded view of what’s needed to age-in-place successfully.
If you would like to attend the Plan B Workshop, please register by sending a note to: support@goldnetworkonpender.ca.
The G’Old Network is an entirely volunteer-run organization. We are grateful to those who contributed to our efforts in 2025. If you are willing to contribute time, in any amount, and in any form, please send a note titled: Willing to Volunteer to support@goldnetworkonpender.ca. If you are able to donate – in any amount – to help us pay for communications and workshop expenses, please do so by following this link: https://sginh.ca/donate-now
Please make sure you specify that your donation is for the G’Old Network. Thank you!
Gulf Islands Food Co-op
This winter has been a lovely time for a rest from the garden and farm, and a good time for planning and organizing exciting things to grow in the upcoming year.
The first thing we have been planning is all about seeds! We are happy to be hosting the Pender Island Seedy Saturday on February 28, from 10 am to 1 pm at the Pender Island Community Hall. We are looking forward to engaging with the community through: seed exchanges, seeds for sale, a seed planting station, and lots of local information, resources, and support for successfully growing food, herbs, and flowers in our own backyards. We are excited to be teaming up with Pender Earth to show a short film called Farming Turns. As well, we welcome the Compost Education Center who will be offering a presentation for kids, so bring the whole family! This is a free event, and donations will be accepted to help fund the many expenses involved in making this happen.
Keep an eye open for posters and event posts to see a schedule of events. You can join the Gulf Islands Food Co-op mailing list or look for us on facebook, as well as join the Seed Library facebook group for updates. If you are interested in volunteering for this event please reach out to Wendi Lopatecki at penderseedlibrary@gmail.com.
We have also been busy packaging up the seeds donated last year as we get ready to stock the library. So far we have put out broad beans, lettuce, kale, chard, peas, tomatoes and peppers, and will be adding and replenishing as needed.
Now is a good time to look at your seed stock and plan out the season ahead, so remember to check the seed library for varieties that have been grown on Pender. Also if you have extra seeds that are not too old please consider adding them to the seed library for other folks to grow. Hopefully you will collect seed from us as well. There is a drop-off bin at the bottom of the seed library closet located within the Pender Library. You can also bring seeds to Seedy Saturday and exchange them or donate them to the Seed Library there. We really enjoy hearing any background stories about the seeds if there is one.
Many thanks to those who have donated seeds from their 2025 harvest. We are excited about the new growing season and hope to continue the exchange of seeds between growers through the Seed Library.
Moving Around Pender
Moving Around Pender, Alternative Transportation Society welcomes the opportunity to participate in “Walk for Peace, Kindness and Compassion for Our Community and for the Planet” organized by Pender Earth. Meet at Danny Martin Park, Sunday, February 15 at 10:45 am. Leave the park at 11 am and reach the school about 11:40 am.
The next meeting of MAP will be Saturday, February 7, 9 a.m. at the Community Hall. Meet in the lounge or on the back porch depending upon the outdoor temperature. Members and non-members are welcome. Bring comments, complaints, and suggestions.
Pender Earth
February’s Climate Cafe will convene at the usual time and place: 9:30 am in the Hall lounge on February 6. The following week on Sunday, February 15, please join us for a Walk for Peace. Details in Special Notices on page 7 of The Pender Post.
Pender Island Conservancy
Eagle Watch: The Best of 20 Years
An incredible 120 people packed into the Anglican Hall on January 17 – a record turnout for a Conservancy seminar – to hear about two decades of observing Bald Eagles throughout the Salish Sea.
Presenter Dave Manning, a long-time birder, writer, and photographer, has spent over 20 years observing Bald Eagle behaviour in our region. Together with his wife, musician Eroça Dancer (and surprise guest appearance by their son, bassist Michael Rush), he wove photographs, stories, and live original music to follow one eagle pair through an entire breeding season. The combination of Dave’s intimate knowledge of these majestic birds and Eroça’s evocative music created a truly unforgettable afternoon.
A heartfelt thank you to Dave, Eroça, and Michael for sharing their passion and artistry with us, and to everyone who joined us for this celebration of one of our most iconic coastal species. Your support and enthusiasm for wildlife protection is what makes this community so special.
February Birding Adventures
Whether you’re an expert birder, a newbie, or just want to explore new places with fresh eyes, we hope you’ll join Steve Dunsmuir on one of these February field trips.
Reifel Bird Sanctuary, Delta, BC
Sunday, February 1
Come join us to explore one of the top bird sanctuaries in Western Canada. We’ll travel by ferry to Tsawwassen, then carpool to the sanctuary for a few hours of amazing nature exploration. The sanctuary is home to sandhill cranes, black-crowned night herons, wood ducks, harriers, bald eagles, great horned owls, pintails, pheasants, bitterns, and an amazing array of other species that call the 300 hectares home or simply stop by for a rest on their migration journey.
Nearly 300 species have been recorded at Reifel and early February is a great time to view some of them. Depending on the size and wishes of our group, we can explore other birding areas in the vicinity with the remaining time before our return ferry at 5:40 pm. Please pre-register with Steve Dunsmuir at sdunsmuir@gmail.com as we’ll need to organize transportation and other logistics.
“Love Birds” Treasure Hunt Challenge!
Saturday, February 14, 9 am at Hope Bay
Do you love birds as much as we do? Join us on Valentine’s Day morning for a fun “Love Birds” treasure hunt. We’ll meet up at Hope Bay at 9 am, then head out on an epic bird walk to discover hidden birds in a variety of secret locations. Couples, teams, and rugged individuals who love birds, being active, and getting outside will have the opportunity to earn some sweet prizes along the way. No experience or special equipment is necessary. We will have options for those who cannot walk a few kilometres.
The “Best of Saanich” Birding Trip
Saturday, February 28
Saanich is so close, yet it possesses an amazing diversity of birding habitats that we don’t have on our own island. We’ll travel to Saanich birding “hot spots” including Swan Lake, Christmas Hill, Panama Flats, and Island View Beach. Come along to explore and get to know these wonderful locations so you can return on your own whenever you’d like. Pre-register with Steve Dunsmuir at sdunsmuir@gmail.com before Friday, February 27 so we can arrange transportation and other logistics.
Join the Conservancy – Membership Drive
Join us in protecting Pender’s natural environment by becoming a member or renewing your Conservancy membership for just $20. Your membership directly supports vital conservation work across the islands, from protecting sensitive ecosystems to stewarding wildlife habitats for generations to come.
As a Conservancy member, you can:
Every membership strengthens our ability to protect the lands and waters we all cherish. Together, we’re ensuring Pender’s forests, shorelines, and wildlife thrive today and tomorrow. Memberships can be purchased or renewed at the Nature Centre at Hope Bay or online through our website.
Conservancy Nature Centre: Spring Refresh
We are excited to be giving the Nature Centre a refresh during the last week of January – complete with some new collections of local artisan products. We will reopen on February 4. Watch our social media for updates on all the new merchandise, supporting creative west coast makers and providing local, sustainable gift options for any occasion. There are many reasons to visit Hope Bay, and we’re excited to be a part of this growing network of small businesses, artists, and community groups in one of the most beautiful locations on the Penders.
Adam’s Nursery Notes: Pruning Perfection
February is a great time for pruning shrubs and trees – that is, if you can avoid frostbite and trench foot! Before we get into pruning basics, keep in mind that pruning should only be done with good reason. Wounding any woody plant can allow entry of pathogens and cause long-term damage. Ensure you’ve done the research and are certain it’s the right time of year for the specimen you’ve decided to “reshape.”
Timing is critical because some species can have adverse reactions to pruning. Some trees pruned in spring will bleed; stone fruit pruned in wet weather can fall victim to silverleaf or other fungal diseases; and early-bloomers pruned now could lose potential flower and fruit. Still, I did always tell my students that there are two times to prune: when the plant wants it and when the client wants it. It’s your plant so prune it when you want, if you’re willing to risk it.
Once you’ve identified a good reason to prune – like removing dead, diseased, or damaged tissue, thinning for plant health, or promoting flower and fruit – and you’ve identified the specimen and the best time of year to prune, it’s time to do the deed. Ensure your secateurs or saw is sharp and sanitized. I prefer a 90% alcohol, 10% water solution. Many pathogens can be passed on from contaminated tools so disinfect between specimens. Plants are just like us when it comes to healing; a straight and neat cut will heal faster than a jagged tear.
When it comes to pruning there are various techniques and they are… stay tuned for next month’s exciting conclusion!
In the meantime, here are your gardening tasks for February: plant trees and shrubs (if not frozen), prune winter bloomers that have finished flowering.
This is a good time for dormant season pruning. Prune bleeders now and thin congested plants. Air and light circulation are good for preventing disease.
Plants that bloom on new wood (late season) can be pruned now without fear of losing blooms. Prune old stems of Blackcap Raspberry. Their canes are biennial, meaning the first year the cane will emerge but not flower (called the primocane) and the next year it will bloom (floricane) and then die. So cut back the canes that flowered last year.
This is the last month to take hardwood cuttings if you want to make free new plants. (I will be giving a workshop on this at the nursery on February 12.)
Mulch if you haven’t already.
Come chat more about pruning with me on Saturdays from 10 am till 2 pm at 4506 Bedwell Harbour Road.
Pender Island Farmers’ Institute
Fall Fair Planning Underway
We held our first Fall Fair meeting of the year in January, and our next Fall Fair meeting will be held at the Hall in the lounge on February 10 at 4 pm. We would love to have more volunteers, and everyone is welcome.
The Pender Island Farmers’ Institute will be at the Seedy Saturday on February 28 – Learn about how to be a Farmers’ Market Vendor or sign up to help with the Fall Fair. We welcome new and returning members as well to stop by and say hello.
We would like to invite graduating students and lifelong learners to apply for our bursaries. The deadline through the high school is March 10. The Neptune Navy Grimmer – Ashton Ross-Smith Bursary was established in the 1980s for students intending to study in a field related to agriculture and is valued at $500. Both Nep and Ashton were active members of the Farmers’ Institute, supporting farming in our community.
The Ellen Willingham – Tekla Deverell Bursary for Volunteerism was established in 2025 to recognize students who volunteer in our community and plan to continue their studies in any field after graduation, and is also valued at $500. Both Ellen and Tekla were active volunteers for the Farmers’ Institute, participating in and organizing the Fall Fair and the Farmers’ Market for many years.
There is a new, additional separate award link to these bursaries. It is the Judy Williams-Corbett Education Award for someone who is going to study in a field related to nature and agriculture. It is valued at $5,000 per year for up to four years, with a possible total value of $20,000. The funding for the award is being generously provided by an anonymous donor.
A committee has been established to administer this award. The mission statement is to honour the legacy of Judy Williams-Corbett, a noted naturalist, farmer, and educator by providing funding and mentorship for education in these fields. The vision is to achieve long-term food security within the community.
Please mark your calendar for the Pender Island Farmers’ Market Vendor’s Meeting and Pender Island Farmers’ Institute AGM. These will be held following the market at the Hall on March 14 starting at 2 pm. Everyone is welcome to attend.
News, reports, and applications are on our website at pifi.ca.
Pender Island Fire Rescue
New Year, New Fire Permits
Hello, Pender Islands: As of January 18, PIFR members have responded to 10 emergency calls. Our members finished 2025 responding to 348 emergency calls.
A friendly reminder that all fire permits issued in 2025 expired December 31. All campfire, backyard burn, incinerator, and wood-fired appliance permits are valid for the calendar year and need to be applied for only once. You can apply for your burning permits on our website http://www.penderfire.org, or in person at Fire Station 1.
I am excited to share with you all that we have done this year. We have updated our forest fire risk signage across the islands, hopefully making it easier to understand fire risk and burn restrictions. The new signs will indicate the forest fire risk level from low to extreme. They will also indicate when campfires, incinerators, backyard burns, and wood-fired appliances may be used through pictographs, as well as when open burning is not allowed.
February always brings risks of snow in the Gulf Islands, so here are a few tips that can help keep you safe if it starts coming down
Dress for the damp coastal cold. Wear waterproof boots with good traction, warm layers, gloves, and a hat. It’s always best to stay warm and dry.
Prepare for power outages. Have flashlights, batteries, secondary heating, along with additional medications, and easy-to-prepare emergency food.
Don’t overdo it. Snow is heavy, and most people are not conditioned to the strain of shovelling it, increasing the risk of muscle strain and cardiac events. If you must shovel your own snow, make sure to take care of yourself. Stretch before and after, take frequent breaks, and stay hydrated.
Take down or reposition tarps, tents, etc. that can accumulate large amounts of heavy snow. They can collapse without warning. Remember to remove snow from shed and greenhouse roofs, as these may or may not be snow load rated.
Remember to check your smoke and carbon monoxide detector batteries and test them monthly, because these devices save lives!
Pender Island Health Care Society
Huge Thanks to Our Generous Donors
We have had a heartening response to our fundraising efforts from several local businesses, including donations from the Pharmacy, Woods on Pender, and Cocker & Co. Construction. Thank you all.
We also received a welcome surprise in the form of a substantial donation from Chris Hodgson, whose extremely generous gift fulfills the remaining funding necessary to install the Medical Equipment Loan Program in new digs. Thank you, Chris!
We continue to chase down appropriate operating support from the province for primary care. At the same time, necessary upgrades continue, thanks to community support. We are so very grateful, and honoured to continue to enable access to quality health and wellness services on the Penders. We’re about one quarter of the way to our goal of $300,000 for building and systems upgrades!
Medical Office Assistants – More Than Meets the Eye
Last month, we promised readers a behind-the-scenes look at a day in the life of a MOA.
What does a typical day look like for a Medical Office Assistant, or MOA, at the Pender Island Medical Clinic? Well, it depends on the day and the desk, but it’s much more than it appears.
As you likely know, the front desk is made up of three positions or “stations.” We call them MOA 1, 2 and 3, and each station has its own daily tasks. MOA1 is the closest to the front door, and they are first to handle what is coming into the clinic. They check patients in, manage our multi-line phone system (we know it is never enough!) and perform most of the chart management by filing documents electronically into patient medical records for the provider to review.
MOA3 is closest to the exam rooms. This station is responsible for all aspects of patient care, such as managing treatment location, obtaining height and weight, conducting visual acuity exams, hooking up blood pressure monitors, obtaining and assessing urine samples, or anything else that a provider asks of them. This station is also responsible for infection control precautions and clinic cleanliness, plus stocking supplies in the Urgent Treatment Room.
MOA2 sits squarely in the middle. This station is where you stop on your way out of the clinic to book follow-up appointments or get that all-important travel slip. MOA2 also places follow-up calls on behalf of the providers and assists MOA 1 & 3; they’re ready to jump in when needed. This station also manages the administration of the lab service, ensuring that lab requisitions are valid, complete, and ordered for the lab tech.
All the stations share a number of common jobs that make the front desk run efficiently. Every provider generates follow-up work, called “tasks” in the computer system. These could be calling you with your lab results, checking on the status of an imaging, specialty or procedure request, or faxing and filing chart documents.
The team maintains and dispenses Holter Monitors on behalf of Pulse Cardiology, performs ECGs (electrocardiograms) under the direction of the medical providers, conducts maintenance checks of critical equipment, manages clinic linen supplies, prepares instruments for sterilization, and watches over the Medical Equipment Loan Cupboard. Phew!
But all these regular duties can go out the window with one urgent event. When an emergency comes in, the MOAs are often tasked with re-scheduling hours of appointments, helping worried families, handling emergency calls from partner organizations, such as the BC Ambulance transfer network, and assisting in the Urgent Treatment Room under the direction of the medical provider. At present, Pender Island is in the enviable position of having a full contingent of medical providers for our population.
When emergencies and urgent appointments happen on a day when all five providers are working, everyone is put through their paces – it’s a very effective team.
MOAs are an integral and valued part of the health care team at the Medical Clinic. They are trained in triage and refer constantly to our medical providers to ensure proper assessment of your needs. Like many frontline workers, they bear the brunt of the anxious, fearful, and sometimes demanding questions we all may have when we are unwell and uncertain of “the system.”
They must be well versed in a variety of policies and procedures, from the Ministry of Health’s restrictions on TAP forms and BC Ferries’ strict guidelines for assured loading, to maintaining confidentiality and managing the new provincial waitlist system. MOAs provide valuable feedback, including your concerns and compliments, to PIHCS management and the medical providers. This lets us all work together to provide the best service to our community and, when called upon, advocate for change through a lens of lived experience.
Next time you’re in, say hello and thank you to these valued team members. They’re here for you.
A Friendly Reminder
Just a gentle reminder. Please do not contact health care providers on their personal emails, texts, or social media accounts seeking medical advice or assistance. The best patient care is done with a documented clinic visit – either in person or over the phone during clinic hours. Our medical staff deserve their down-time to appreciate friends outside the medical setting and to take part in our community.
Subscribe to our ‘HeartBeat’ Newsletter
Never miss an issue – every three months, subscribers receive the colour newsletter straight to their inboxes. Subscribers can also receive the occasional timely update or very important news, such as unanticipated closures due to snow. To sign up, please visit our website. Every month we’ll make a random pick from our email list, including current subscribers, to win a prize from one of our local Pender Island sponsors. This month’s lucky person receives a donated $25 gift certificate from Petals & Paws – who knows, you could be next!
Save the Date – March 8 Speaker Series – Women’s Health
We’re very pleased to welcome family physician Dr. Robyn Wiens for her talk in our Speaker Series – Here’s to Your Good Health on Sunday, March 8 at 2 pm at the Community Hall. Dr. Wiens will share information and insight into many aspects of women’s health, including perimenopause and menopause. All ages and genders are welcome.
We’re also hoping to soon bring you a talk on gastro-intestinal health, a topic that has been frequently requested – stay tuned.
Influenza, RSV and COVID-19 in BC
The BC Centre for Disease Control releases weekly updates on respiratory virus activity in the province. As of January 15 (the most recent data available at time of submission to The Pender Post), influenza test positivity remains at high levels in all age groups, including children. Influenza not only makes a person feel awful, it can increase risk of viral or bacterial pneumonia.
Did you know that samples from wastewater treatment plants are collected and analyzed for the presence of viruses shed by people who are infected? Yes, it’s a fascinating surveillance tool, and this “wastewater viral load” can be monitored for upward or downward trends. In the Island Health region the influenza viral load is low but increasing.
RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) is the most common cause of bronchiolitis, an inflammation of the small airways in the lung. It’s also a common cause of pneumonia among infants and young children. RSV test positivity continues to increase in adults, and remains at moderate levels in all age groups. SARS-CoV-2 test positivity is stable at low levels, and severe outcomes remain low.
The proportions of emergency department and primary care visits for respiratory illness are elevated in adults and at moderate levels for children. As always, wash your hands well, cover your mouth when coughing, and try not to share your germs.
PIHCS Community Support Programs
Maintain Your Independence (MYI) Exercise Classes
Find class descriptions, schedules, and payment details on our website penderislandhealth.org under the Community Programs tab. Register in advance or pay in person for the full session or drop-in classes. Monday classes take place at the Community Hall, while Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday classes are held at the Anglican Church. If cost is a concern or you need assistance with registration, please contact Marcella in the Community Support office. We gratefully acknowledge the support of the Pender Island Parks and Recreation Commission for the MYI program.
Mondays @ Community Hall
NEW Strength Training for Overall Health with Stacy Packford
9:30 – 10:30 am
This class will focus on building strength in your body to improve overall health. There will be a variety of exercises for all levels designed to build strength, balance, and confidence in movement. Wear comfy clothes and bring a water bottle. Resistance bands provided.
18 Postures with Judith Young
11 am – 12 pm
What is ‘18 Postures’? In the 1970s, a team of Eastern and Western medical practitioners in Shanghai developed three sets of gentle exercises designed to support seniors’ health and vitality. These movements combine slow stretches, mindful breathing, stimulation of acupuncture points, and techniques to improve balance and posture. It is a martial art performed to music. Judith first learned these postures in 2000 and, in 2004, traveled to Shanghai to participate in the Eurishu competition. She has been teaching this class ever since, sharing its meditative and calming benefits with her students. $5 drop-in fee.
Tuesdays @ Anglican Church, Fireside Room
Moderate Yoga with Mia Klassen
9:30 – 10:30 am
This moderately paced class teaches foundational yoga shapes, introducing breath and the ability to flow from one posture to the next. With a focus on alignment, pranayama (awareness of breath), guided meditation, and a rooted sense of Joy and Play. You will build strength and mobility, flexibility and balance, while gaining range of motion in your joints and spine.
Chair Yoga with Candace Aldridge
10:45 – 11:45 am
Chair Yoga offers a gentle, accessible way to ease stiffness, reduce chronic pain, and improve strength, balance, and flexibility — all from the comfort of a chair. This practice weaves together gentle stretching, strength-building, breath awareness, and moments of meditation to support both body and mind. Ideal for those with limited mobility, injuries, health conditions, or anyone who spends long hours sitting, Chair Yoga helps you reclaim confidence and vitality while fostering brain-body connection.
Essentrics with Heather Hanson
12 – 1 pm (No class on February 24)
A slow to medium paced full-body workout that simultaneously stretches and strengthens every muscle in the body. Essentrics reduces muscle tension, unlocks tight joints, develops lean muscle tone, and improves posture. You will leave class feeling relaxed and energized! Bring a yoga mat. Class is done in bare feet.
Thursdays @ Anglican Church, Fireside Room
Moderate Yoga with Candace Aldridge
9:30 – 10:30 am
(See Tuesdays for descriptions)
Chair Yoga with Shelley Easthope
10:45 – 11:45 am
(See Tuesdays for descriptions)
Health Programs, cont’d
Fridays @ Anglican Church, Fireside Room
Yin Yoga with Candace Aldridge
10:30 – 11:30 am
Yin yoga is a functional, floor-based practice where shapes are held for 2-5 minutes. Using props for support, we nourish joints, ligaments, bones, and fascia while settling into stillness. This stillness becomes a gateway, bringing awareness inward and anchoring us in the body. Through mindfulness, breath, and sensation, we develop interoception—the ability to turn inward, integrate, and explore our shadow. This practice expands our capacity to be fully embodied, releasing the need to do, be, or look like anyone else, embracing ourselves exactly as we are.
Monday Activity Day at the Community Hall
See ad on page 3 for a full schedule including lunch menus.
Weekly Activities and Exercise
Drop-in Café and Knitting and Stitching Circle from 10 am – 12 noon
Seniors Kung-Fu with Tom from 1-2 pm
February 2
Book Club with Cee
This month’s book discussion is Remarkable Creatures by Tracy Chevalier. Relax, meet new friends, join in good conversation, and discover great books together.
Stuffed Heart Wreath Workshop
Just in time for Valentine’s Day. Make a hand-stitched fabric wreath of hearts. Using different coloured fabrics and a fun layout design, you’ll stitch up a wreath for your home or to give as a gift. Supplies required: minimum of three coordinated fabrics (choose reds or pinks or whatever your favourite colour is), dark grey sewing thread, sewing needles, large fabric scissors and small snips. Patterns, stuffing, and instructions will be provided. Advanced registration is appreciated. $5 On Pender.
If you are on another Gulf Island, there isn’t a fee. Just register at http://www.sginh.ca/senior-program/#Mondays and request a zoom link via email fiftyfiveplus@sginh.ca We hope you’ll join us.
Seniors Advisory Group
Share your ideas, connect with others, and help us create Monday Activities that matter to you. Your input helps shape the activities, events, classes, and workshops offered, whether it’s fitness classes, arts and crafts, films, or social events.
Film: Secondhand Lions
In this heartwarming coming-of-age film about a timid boy, Walter (Haley Joel Osment), spends a summer with his eccentric, adventure-loving great-uncles, Garth (Michael Caine) and Hub (Robert Duvall), on their dusty Texas ranch, learning profound life lessons about courage, love, and believing in the extraordinary amidst fantastical tales of their past exploits.
February 9
Hand-stitched Fabric Heart Wreath
See February 2 $10 for two classes.
Emergency Preparedness Grab ‘n Go Bag
The Monday Activity Day is excited to host another workshop this year. Join us for an informative and practical session led by members of the Pender Island Emergency Program. They’ll provide a brief presentation, answer your questions, and welcome your feedback and ideas.
Learn what essentials to pack like water, food, and important documents, so you can leave quickly and safely in an emergency. Discover how preparation reduces panic, keeps you informed, and minimizes the impact of unexpected events. Don’t miss this chance to safeguard your family and feel confident in any situation. Register early to secure your spot and receive special freebies for your own grab-and-go bag. Last year’s session was very well attended. This year we’ll cover the same core material, so if you joined us before, we encourage you to let others benefit from this valuable workshop.
February 16
Celebrating Chinese New Year
Join us as we welcome the Year of the Fire Horse, a rare astrological event occurring only once every 60 years. The Fire Horse’s characteristics are strength, speed, and unyielding perseverance. There is going to be fiery energy ahead. What will moving into the Year of the Fire Horse mean for each zodiacal animal? Do you know which animal year you were born in? We’ll review personalized outlooks for all 12 signs, including specific lucky colours and numbers for 2026 and chat about all Lunar New Year house preparations, the special foods served, and other traditions that make up this exciting celebration.
Chinese Paper Lantern Craft
Join Veronica for a fun and creative afternoon activity. These lanterns have long been a symbol of hope, good fortune, and celebration in Chinese culture, often used to bring light and joy during festivals. All materials are provided. Come craft something beautiful and brighten your day. Cost is $5
February 23
Repair Cafe
Join volunteers Fix-it Peter, Tech Savvy Shon, and Sewing Expert Judy, all dedicated to sharing skills and giving new life to broken or worn-out items. Bring in your broken, confusing, or worn items and learn how to repair or use them alongside our wonderful helpers. Drop-in
Fabric Chicken Shelf Sitters
Bring a touch of farmhouse charm to your home with these adorable fabric chicken shelf sitters. In this fun and beginner-friendly class, you’ll learn how to turn leftover fabric into cute, decorative chickens that perch perfectly on shelves, mantels, or windowsills. Veronica will provide kits, and you’ll leave with your own cheerful chicken ready to brighten any space. $5 Advanced registration is appreciated.
Upcycling Sweaters into Toques
Learn how to transform those forgotten sweaters into warm, fashionable toques. In this fun, beginner-friendly session, you’ll learn simple techniques to cut, sew, and customize your own winter accessory while embracing sustainability and creativity. Supplies required: please bring your own long-sleeved sweater, fabric scissors, marking pen, straight ruler, sewing needles, dark grey thread, pins, small scissors or snips. You’ll leave with a handmade toque ready to keep you warm. $5
Film: The Great Escaper
This heartwarming British biographical drama starring Michael Caine and the late Glenda Jackson, is based on the true story of 89-year-old WWII veteran Bernard Jordan, who famously “escaped” his care home to travel to Normandy for the 70th D-Day anniversary in 2014, earning him international headlines.
Suggested donation is $5. Volunteers are welcome to make popcorn.
To register for any of our programs, go to http://www.sginh.ca/seniors-program/ and scroll down to Monday Activities. You can also call (250)- 629- 3665.
An Unexpected Act of Kindness on the Road
On my way home today, I ran out of gas and had to pull over. As I stood by my truck with the hazard lights blinking, car after car passed by, even a few familiar faces, but no one stopped. Then, one man slowed down and simply asked, “Gas?” I nodded, and he replied, “I’ve got some. I’ll be right back.”
True to his word, he returned with 15 or 20 litres of fuel, more than enough to get me back on the road. When I tried to pay him, he refused, saying, “I see you around.” He shared his name, and I thanked him profusely.
This simple gesture reminded me that kindness shines brightly in our community. One person’s generosity turned a stressful moment into a heartwarming experience. To that good Samaritan, thank you again for your help, and for reminding us all how powerful a small act of kindness can be. Let’s keep that spirit alive by paying it forward whenever we can.
Do you have an act of kindness story you would like to share? I would love to hear from you.
Pender Islands Housing Society
An Invitation to Discuss Rental Housing on the Penders
Long term, secure rental housing is scarce and difficult to access on the Penders. The reasons are varied while the need is great.
The Pender Islands Housing Society (PIHS) invites those interested in advancing solutions to join us at a public meeting on Tuesday, February 10 at 7 pm in the Community Hall. We will be presenting the status of the Plum Tree Court expansion, along with ideas and initiatives for further housing options, and we have invited representatives from the Islands Trust, the APC, and the CRD to make short presentations on this topic. A facilitated discussion panel will follow.
The problem is multi-faceted. Building costs, tenancy regulations, and zoning make investment in rental housing unattractive without subsidies. Rental rates that would attract investment price most renters out of the market. Rental security is low as many rental units are houses in transition from a full-time resident to property sale. Multiple groups talk about the problem, but action to increase rental stock on the Penders has been elusive to date.
The need is clear. Businesses and community service groups have trouble finding adequate labour to operate efficiently because of the lack of workforce housing. Some have resorted to setting up RV camps, which is hardly a long-term solution (it is suggested that up to 50 families are living in RVs on Pender). Seniors are often forced to move off island when they need to downsize.
PIHS is a non-profit society incorporated in 1986 with the central purpose to relieve poverty by providing affordable residential accommodation for low-income residents of the Pender Islands. The Society owns and operates Plum Tree Court adjacent to the Health Centre, providing seven rental units.
The Plum Tree property is zoned for up to 14 rental units. The Society has developed the supporting infrastructure and fully-costed building plans for an additional six units. Unfortunately, without significant capital cost grants or donations for building, together with rent subsidies that have for many years been provided by BC Housing, it is not possible to move forward.
BC Housing has partnered with the Society since its inception, which allowed us to offer affordable rental accommodation for Penderites. However, BCH decided that its contract with the Society would end in 2028 after 35 years. This move forces the Society to raise rents to ‘market’ levels although we are endeavouring to keep the rates as low as possible while still maintaining and operating the facility.
So here we are. Ready to build additional rental units. Excited to explore additional sites for building long-term accommodation. And faced with BCH showing little, if any, interest in smaller, rural areas.
We look forward to hosting this presentation and discussion to explore further the options and the opportunities for rental housing on the Penders.
Please join us on Tuesday February 10.
Pender Islands Museum Society
Special Museum Presentation: Otter Bay Through Time
On Sunday, February 15 at 2 pm in the Community Hall, join museum president Simone Marler as she takes you on an illustrated armchair tour around “Otter Bay Through Time”.
You know the place like the back of your hand. It’s where you wait (and wait) to board the ferry, eager to be on your way. You walk your dog or saunter down to the picnic tables. You gaze left at the tranquil waters of the protected bay. (We hope you’ve visited the museum at historic Roesland across the water.) Looking right, you’re pleased to see the ferry rounding James Point on its way into the dock, knowing that on this day, at least, it’s on time.
But what if you could turn back time? What would you see, hear, and even smell? Who would you see? What stories could they tell? Wonder no more!
Discover how the protected shores of Otter Bay witnessed the presence of Indigenous Peoples for thousands of years. And how Spanish and British ships that visited in the late 1700s would change everything as settlement by new arrivals followed.
Rediscover a Japanese community that flourished here and disappeared, but whose contribution to island life we are only now beginning to grasp.
Listen to firsthand accounts of settler families that built lives and livelihoods from forest, land, and sea, creating a unique island community. And learn why Canada would protect this unique ecosystem with a national park.
Hear the stories of those involved in this transformation in their own words. Revisit Otter Bay in pictures snapped with Brownie cameras. Touch some of the wonderful things left behind that are now in the museum collection.
Come along for this, the first in a series of historic talks and walks the museum is planning for 2026. Admission is by donation to the museum, but, please, consider joining the Pender Islands Museum Society as a member. Just $15 per person or $25 for two or more members in the same household.
Notice of Annual General Meeting
After the talk there will be time for refreshments, to see artifacts on display, and to renew/take out a museum membership.
The Annual General Meeting of the Pender Islands Museum Society follows at 3:15 pm. Open to members, even brand-new ones! The formalities generally take less than a half an hour, and it’s a great way to learn more about what goes on behind the scenes at our great little museum.
Pender Island Parks and Recreation Commission
As the daylight hours become noticeably longer, our ability to enjoy PIPRC parks and trails is given a boost by February’s unique dates. Besides the challenge of squeezing all of your outdoor activities into just 28 days, the month starts out with the traditional groundhog day search. Since we don’t have groundhogs on Pender, why not take a hike up to Oaks Bluff, grab the binoculars and try to spot whales or eagles. If you don’t see your shadow then Spring is just around the corner.
Valentine’s Day is a great opportunity to take your valentine to one of the many romantic lookouts on Pender. Bridges Road beach access is a great spot to view the sunset and enjoy a tender moment. Just remember on all the parks and trails to pack out your valentine’s chocolate wrappers.
Family Day is the perfect day to take the whole family to the Pump Track. The field may still be soggy but the track is accessible 365 days a year. The Pump Track is a perfect place for budding cyclists to practice their skills safely. And, as the days get longer, please keep an eye out for cyclists on our roads too.
In Commission news, the January meeting included elections. Our new chair is commissioner Tim Frick, the Vice Chair is commissioner Cee Cartwright-Owers, and the treasurer position will be filled by Tim Frick, assisted by new commissioner Kevin Balmer. Commissioners Lisa Baile and Cee Cartwright-Owers will continue to lead the park and trail restoration process in conjunction with the Pender Island Conservancy Association.
A presentation was received regarding the bouldering wall project. It has been proposed that the bouldering wall structure be located in the Danny Martin Ballpark area to provide another family friendly activity to complement the Pump Track. Next month, the commission will recommend a location after a neighbourhood consultation. The commission was also asked to support the project through capital funding.
The most exciting news is that the Schooner Way Trail from the Ball Park to the School and Medical Centre will be completed before the end of the month. Look for the ribbon cutting celebration to follow and be sure to try out the trail as soon as you can, and as often as you can.
And finally, a reminder that PIPRC meetings are open to the public in person or by Zoom. The February meeting is Monday February 9, 3:30 – 5 pm at the Community Hall Lounge.
If you see anything in our parks or on our trails that may be a safety issue, please email piprc@crd.bc.ca with the details and we will be sure to follow up.
Pender Island Community Service Society
Nu-to-Yu Community Thrift Store
We’d like to send a special Valentine’s greeting to the people of Pender, both for the great items you donate to the store and for faithfully visiting the store in search of what you need. We do our best to keep things organized and sometimes we notice patrons of the store doing their part and helping us out as they shop, refolding items as they go and hanging things back up on their racks. What a bunch of sweethearts.
As a special treat to all of you, we’d like to announce that we have officially dropped the minimum on using your payment card at the store, so even if your purchase is below $5, you can still use your card for payment.
We should also send out a special Valentine to Mike Gray and Tru Value’s Spirit Board, where you can donate your 1% to the construction of the new Nu-to-Yu building. When you’re checking out at Tru Value, consider donating your 1% to #33.
We’ve had a chance to review our student bursary application process in conjunction with the staff at Salt Spring High School and past bursary applicants. Please check out our website for our new application forms. Applications should be placed in the Nu-to-Yu folder at the Dockside Realty Office by the last Fri-day in May which this year is Friday, May 29, 2026.
Our limited edition “Tin Lizzy” t-shirts are available in the store for $38 or $34 for PICSS members. Consider one of these for your Valentine.
Your donations are what keeps our store stocked with great items and this is what makes money available for community projects. We accept your donations on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 9 am and 12 pm, and also on Saturdays between 11 am and 2 pm. We welcome goods in store-ready condition; clothes should be freshly laundered (we do not have laundry facilities on site) and not stained or in need of repair.
Any hardware, small appliances, or kitchen equipment should be in clean usable condition with all relevant cords or remotes taped to the appliance itself. Teflon pans or appliances such as waffle makers or grills are great things to pass on, but not if the non-stick surface is damaged or coming away. Those items can go straight to recycling, where the good folks there are happy to take them on their electronics table or into scrap metal.
We appreciate your patience and understanding that our volunteers must inspect all donations before we can accept them in order to be sure the donation is something we can sell. This might include opening up your bag of donations and taking a big whiff. Please don’t be insulted. It’s something we have to do for the health and well being of our volunteers and to keep the cost of our dumpster fees at a minimum. For a full list of what we cannot accept, please refer to our website.
If your community organization is interested in applying for a grant, you’ve got time to put together an application. The due date for our spring round of granting is on the 3rd Friday of March, which this year will be March 27, 2026. Please see our website for information on our granting process along with the applications. The list of community organizations we’ve raised money for is huge and there’s a complete list on our website.
Pender Roadshow
Recently, two beautiful, large pieces of art arrived at Nu-To-Yu. The works, both done from a vantage point upon high, clearly announce the work of Toni Onley. Onley was born on the Isle of Man and came to Canada at the age of 20, first to Ontario then west to Penticton, Vancouver, and finally Victoria. Onley painted many evocative scenes of Pender, Saltspring, Victoria, and Vancouver during his career.
Onley initially studied art at the Douglas School of Fine Art on the Isle of Man, followed by the Doon School at the University of Waterloo. Most people know Onley as an artist but for a time he was an architect, designing approximately 24 schools in northern B.C. While working as an architect he won an art scholarship to the Instituto Allende in San Miguel de Allende. Onley sold his possessions and several hundred of his watercolours for $5 each to finance his living in Mexico for a year.
Over the years Onley works were acquired by the Tate Gallery in London, the National Gallery in Ottawa, the Vancouver and Victoria Art galleries, UBC, SFU, the Museum of Modern Art, the Library of Congress, the Victoria and Albert Museum, as well as private and corporate collections.
With fame came media exposure, wealth in the form of a large brown Rolls Royce, and the scrutiny of Revenue Canada. Revenue Canada wanted to tax Onley’s, (as well as other Canadian artists), unsold prints. Onley had considerable media savvy and planned an event on Wreck Beach below UBC where he threatened to burn 1058 of his prints each valued at between $400 and $1500. The Prime Minister at the time, Joe Clark, became involved, as did Pierre Trudeau. The bonfire never materialized but the media spin cycle did eventually effect some change in how Revenue Canada looked at artists inventories.
Onley was an avid and skilled pilot. He learned to fly in 1966 and acquired his first plane in 1977, a Champion Skytrack with which he would fly to remote mountain and glacier locations throughout B.C. to sketch and paint. Onley would often sketch while piloting his plane, (on autopilot, I can assume).
Onley’s second plane was a Polish-built Wilga which allowed pilots to takeoff and land from extremely short airstrips. Onley mounted skis on the plane so he could land on ice or snow. On one unfortunate trip in 1984 to Cheakamus Glacier, Onley landed but was unable to stop. His plane ended up suspended above a deep crevice with the wings straddling the edges and the fuselage suspended in mid air. He and his passenger were rescued the following day.
Years later, Onley acquired his third plane, an amphibious Lake Buccaneer which allowed him to land on either land or water. It was in this plane in 2004, while practicing touch and go landings on the Fraser River that Onley crashed and died. He was 79 years old. The engine from the recovered plane was donated by his family and is on display at the B.C. Aviation Museum in Sidney.
Toni Onley: an artist of the land, sea, and air. Thank you to our donors.
Pender Island Chamber of Commerce
Support Local Business During March ‘Staycation’
Winter may be the quieter season on Pender, but behind the scenes, there’s been plenty going on at the Chamber of Commerce.
In December, our Welcome to Pender Island sign at the junction of Otter Bay Road and Bedwell Harbour Road was removed for refurbishment. While the permanent sign was being updated, a temporary banner was installed so there wouldn’t be a glaring gap at one of our island’s main gateways. If all went according to plan at the time of writing, the refreshed sign should be back in its rightful place, enhanced with the SENĆOŦEN name for Pender Island, SDÁ,YES, together with a welcoming SENĆOŦEN phrase meaning “It’s good that you’ve arrived.” You can read more about the broader signage project and its significance in the related article on page 51.
Early in January, annual membership renewal invoices were sent to Chamber members. Membership support remains the foundation that allows the Chamber to operate the Visitors Centre, advocate on issues that affect local businesses, and take on initiatives that support the broader island economy. We’re grateful to the many local businesses and organizations that continue to support this work.
Behind the scenes, the Chamber’s volunteer board of directors has also been meeting to develop one-year tactical plans for 2026. This work follows our recent strategic planning process and is focused on translating longer-term goals into clear, achievable actions for the year ahead. For a small organization with limited staff capacity, this kind of planning is essential to staying focused and using our resources wisely. We’re thankful to our directors for carving out the time to do this thoughtful, important work.
One of the Chamber’s main areas of focus right now is planning the rollout of a staycation promotion for early March, timed to coincide with the planned closure of the Otter Bay Terminal from March 6-10, 2026. While the terminal closure is necessary to complete important infrastructure upgrades, it will temporarily limit access to Pender Island and create challenges for local businesses, particularly those connected to tourism and hospitality.
The Chamber has been working with our member businesses and community organizations to coordi-nate a promotion that celebrates Pender and thanks islanders for their ongoing support over the years, while offering an opportunity to rediscover our islands through a fresh lens. We encourage residents to mark the dates, support local where they can, and join in what we hope will be a positive, community-wide celebration. An introductory advertisement appears elsewhere (see page 4), with more details to follow in the next issue.
We’d like to extend a sincere thank-you to BC Ferries and the Capital Regional District for sponsoring this initiative. Their support is helping to offset the economic impacts of the terminal closure and support our island businesses and community institutions during this period.
Our new Pender Island map and guide has been flying off the ferry racks at an unprecedented rate. If you’d like multiple copies for your business or for guests, we kindly ask that you pick some up from the Chamber office rather than taking them from the ferry racks, so those remain available for arriving visitors.
Whew, that already sounds like a lot. And we’re just getting started.
Pender Island Public Library
Seeking Board Trustees
Have you considered starting a new chapter by joining our Library Board? You would be part of a governance board requiring no physical work but plenty of opportunity to get creative, cultivate great ideas, and do it all with a team that enjoys working together. This position comes with an opportunity to showcase any strengths you bring to the table including strategic planning, finance, policy, fund development, health and safety, and accessibility. To find out more, drop by to chat with the Library Director or visit the Library website (select About Us – Volunteering) for details and the application package.
Art in the Library
Small Miracles by artist Maura Majano. Come browse recent paintings and collages focused on the beauty and wonder found in the seemingly insignificant or everyday. Maura’s collages are composed of personal papers, music, and old books, and coloured with alcohol inks. Exhibit January – February 2026.
Books On Display
Each year, Black History Month honours the experiences, achievements, and enduring contributions of Black communities in BC and Canada, while deepening our collective understanding of their history and impact on our society. This year’s theme is “30 Years of Black History Month: Honouring Black Brilliance Across Generations – From Nation Builders to Tomorrow’s Visionaries.”
This theme recognizes the enduring legacy of Black Canadians, whose leadership, creativity, innovation and resilience have shaped our past, our present, and will inspire future generations. Also, on display February 14, cosy or romantic books for a Valentine’s Day treat.
Programs
Parents & Tots, free drop-in on Tuesday mornings, 10 am – 12 pm. Weekly event to introduce your family to the Library and meet other parents in a cozy welcoming space. Jenny can help with questions on engaging books for toddlers and pre-schoolers. For the upcoming Seedy Saturday Event at the Community Hall, come visit our display table with many gardening books available at the Library.
New Books
Adult Fiction: The Santa Suit (Mary Kay Andrews), The Oracle (Clive Cussler), The Signature of All Things (Elizabeth Gilbert); Adult Mystery and Sci-Fi: Everybody Wants to Rule the World (Ace Atkins), Silent Bones (Val McDermid), The Black Wolf (Louise Penny); Adult Non-Fiction: Sorry, Not Sorry (Mark Critch), It Doesn’t Have to Hurt (Sanjay Gupta), I Know the Road (Jack Horne), Every Day I Read (Po-Rum Hwang), The Trees are Speaking (Lynda Mapes), Universal (Alex Neve); Youth and Teens: Smooches! (Sandra Boynton), Unexpected Swimmers (Claire Caprioli), Kiss those Toes (Gill Guile), How to Save a Library (Colleen Nelson), NHL Mascots & Friends (Holly Preston).
Library hours: Open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 10 am – 3 pm, at 4407 Bedwell Harbour Road. Email: libraryhelpdesk@crd.bc.ca or call 250-629-3722 for assistance. Closed on Saturday February 14 for Family Day holiday.
Pender Island Recycling Society
A big thank you to all of our depot’s visitors for bringing in their recyclables and supporting our facility. Your efforts to recycle help reduce landfill waste and contribute to a circular economy. RecycleBC’s stewardship and EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) programs ensure that recyclable materials in BC are accurately tracked and recycled as locally as possible.
We’re in the process of compiling our tonnage data for 2025, so over the next few articles I will highlight one or two specific programs to talk about in more depth. This month I want to focus on our battery recycling programs.
Batteries are one of many items that contain hazardous or flammable substances and should not be placed in the garbage. Lithium batteries are becoming more commonplace and are extremely flammable if damaged or not handled properly. Fires in collection trucks and at waste and recycling facilities are becoming more common as people continue to mishandle batteries, unaware of the added danger lithium batteries can pose. Please help us manage these items properly by bringing them to the depot and recycling in our battery box.
We collect household batteries, cell phones, lithium power banks, and power tool batteries through Call2Recycle’s battery recycling program. Our depot collects and ships over a tonne of batteries per year. Boxes are lined with flame resistant material and the contacts on lithium batteries are taped to prevent fires. Call2Recycle is a nation-wide battery recycling program that extracts metals like nickel, cadmium, and lead; as well as chemicals that can be reused in making new batteries. This program also handles and recycles larger batteries from e-mobility devices such as electric bikes. Please see a staff member for drop-off of large batteries.
We also collect vehicle batteries, which are sold to a local auto wrecker and components are recycled into new batteries. We collect over 100 vehicle batteries per year. By bringing your batteries to the depot to be recycled you are preventing toxic metals and chemicals from leaching into the environment from landfills, contributing to a circular economy through resource recovery, and helping us prepare and ship batteries safely to prevent fires.
Please note we do not currently accept e-cigarettes, vapes, or cartridges for recycling. These batteries contain lithium and should not be placed in the garbage. Many shops that sell vapes will take them back for recycling, or they can be brought to Hartland Landfill for proper disposal. We are hopeful that these items will be added to our recycling program in 2027, and appreciate your efforts to dispose of these items properly in the meantime.
Thank you for renewing your yearly membership for 2026. Membership is voluntary, by donation, tax deductible, and costs $20. Memberships can be renewed in person at the depot, online through our website listed below, or by sending an e-transfer to the email listed below. If you are renewing by e-transfer, please leave your address in the memo section so a tax receipt can be mailed.
Our office at the depot has a machine that accepts debit or credit card payments for your convenience. Your donations help fund our ongoing operations, maintenance, and programs such as the Dish Loan, Bike Shop, and Freestore/Reshop. Thank you for all your support and we hope to see you soon at the depot.
Pender Island Scouts
Pender Island Scouts kicked off the new Scouting year in January by welcoming new members and Scouters to the group. To set the tone for the months ahead, the youth discussed the importance of respect and how it shapes our activities, relationships, and shared experiences in Scouting.
January was a full and engaging month for our Beavers, Cubs, and Scouts. With a relatively mild winter, we were able to spend plenty of time outdoors building shelters, practicing teamwork, and developing winter skills. The youth also explored creativity by designing and printing their own T-shirts, learning the full process from screen-making to finished shirts.
One of the month’s highlights was a fire-lighting competition. Beavers, Cubs, and Scouts each competed against one another. Teams randomly selected a fuel source and an ignition source, then worked to light a fire and burn through a suspended string. The challenge encouraged problem-solving, cooperation, and safe fire-building techniques.
Looking ahead to February, we’ll continue building outdoor and teamwork skills while starting work on our Kub Kars. The youth will design and build their cars in preparation for the Pender Island Kub Kar Rally, taking place on February 25 at the Community Hall.
Knot of the Month: The Double Fisherman’s Knot
This month we’re learning the Fisherman’s Knot, a strong and reliable knot used to join two ropes of similar size. It’s especially useful for fishing lines and securing gear, making it a valuable skill for Scouts to practice.
A big thank you to our volunteers and Scouters, who give their time and energy to support our youth. Your dedication helps make Scouting on Pender Island possible.
Pender Organic Community Garden Society
February can be an awkward month for gardeners. It is one of the in-between months where there isn’t anything to plant or to harvest.
There are, however, lots of seed catalogues to peruse, seed lists to make, followed by periods of sober reflection, and then seed list revisions to make. One thing to do at this time of year is to plan your garden.
Draw a plan of your current garden layout. What worked last year and what didn’t? Did you have too many paths or too few? Were the paths too narrow for comfort and safety or perhaps taking up too much space?
If you have raised beds, this has already been more or less decided. But if you are a new gardener taking over a new plot, a good plan can be the beginning of a successful gardening year. Four feet is a good width for a bed. It is important that you can water and weed from both sides.
Long beds are great for growing vegetables such as beets, carrots, and onions, which we tend to grow in rows. For example, four long rows of onions fit nicely in a bed which is four feet wide. Peas and certain beans will do best growing on a trellis, which saves space. Other beans will want to form mounds, so check the seed package for details of the growing habit of the type you have chosen. Mounds of beans obviously take more space than beans on a trellis.
Other vegetables need more space. Some larger, bushier plants, such as tomatoes, need space between plants and rows, so your plan should give each one about two square feet. Having more space between individual plants makes them easier to look after and helps cut down on disease.
Finally, there are the sprawlers: cucumbers and the various members of the squash family. Here, larger squarish beds can work well. If left to their own devices, both cucumbers and squash tend to want to wander out of their beds and into the paths, so keep this in mind when planning where you are going to grow them.
Although it is possible to grow both cucumbers and squash on trellises, remember that the structures will need to be sturdy to support the growing fruit. Although there are currently no vacant plots in the Community Garden, if growing your own veggies is something that you think you might like to do, we do have a waiting list.
Contact the Membership Committee at pogcsmembership@gmail.com if you would like to know more about the Pender Organic Community Garden.
PenderPOD
Mural on Pender
Nicole Wolf, a well-known artist and muralist from Calgary, recently did an artist-in-residence stay on Pender to complete a mural to bring attention to the threat of destructive deep-sea mining of the Pacific Seabed. The mural painting was commissioned by Greenpeace Canada and Nicole was hosted by Ptarmigan Arts.
The mural will soon be on display in the Pender Conservancy Nature Centre. It is portable so it can be deployed in Greenpeace events designed to bring attention to these threats by BC mining companies. It also celebrates the signing on January 17, 2026 of a new Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the High Seas for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. The “High Seas” are all of the ocean beyond the 200 nautical mile exclusive economic zone that surrounds countries.
See more from Nicole Wolf at http://www.nicolewolfdesign.com.
Critical Distance
The amazing augmented reality experience among the Orca is coming to the Royal BC Museum from January 23 to July 6, 2026. If you missed it when POD and SIMRES brought it to the Pender Islands Community Hall in 2023, or to the Pender Islands Elementary Secondary School in 2024, now’s your chance! Head to the museum and step into the world of Critical Distance, an immersive augmented reality experience that brings you face to face with a holographic orca pod. Journey alongside J-Pod, members of the endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales whose critical habitat is in the Salish Sea. Learn about the pod, including 10-year-old Kiki, and the daily challenges they must overcome to communicate, hunt and survive. Designed for visitors 10 years and up.
Find more details about the exhibit at: www. tinyurl.com/3ueuf58x.
An Abundance of Anchovies
We are increasingly hearing stories about the decline of biodiversity, so it is heartening to hear stories that go against the flow and illustrate the resiliency of nature! Recently, a large swarm of anchovies swam into Semiahmoo Bay near White Rock, and stayed for about a week. The abundance of tiny fish attracted an explosion of biodiversity. Thousands of gulls, grebes, surf scoters, hundreds of seals and the occasional sea lion amassed for an anchovy feast.
Royal Canadian Legion
The Royal Canadian Legion celebrates its 100th Anniversary this year. It began as an organization to honour those of our armed forces who fought and died during the First World War. Even more importantly, the Legion was there to assist Veterans, wounded or otherwise, who were struggling to find their place in a post war society.
For many, the horrors of trench warfare and the senseless slaughter of so many of their comrades would haunt them for the rest of their lives. Their only solace being that this would surely be the war to end all wars. One only had to look at the numbers to understand the carnage that occurred between 1914 – 1918. Total military deaths for Allied Powers – 6,000,000 and Central Powers (Germany etc.) – 4,000,000.
On the Allied side the highest mortality rates were suffered by Russia at two million, France 1.4 million and the U.K. at one million (these are approximate). Canada, Australia, and India each lost about 60,000 and the USA just over 100,000.
Putting these numbers on paper does not give justice to the enormity of this waste of so many young men in their prime. Having lived through these horrors, perhaps it somehow explains why European nations were so reluctant to stand up against Adolf Hitler in the 1930s. No one would be foolish enough to return to the atrocities of 1914-1918, would they? Just give Hitler Austria (hey, he was born there wasn’t he?). Let his Storm Troopers haul entire families out of their homes and ship them to indoctrination centres (better known as concentration camps), let him annex the Sudetenland from the Czechs in late 1938 without a peep from the rest of Europe – OK, Winston Churchill railed against Hitler but he was not in a position of power and his lone voice in the wilderness was not enough.
The Sudetenland was easy so he took the rest of Czechoslovakia a few months later, Bad Adolf! – please don’t do that anymore!! In September, he invaded Poland and the 2nd World War began.
Now jump forward to the present, substitute Venezuela, Colombia, Greenland and dare we say Canada, and you have a very familiar scenario being played out. Everything the Western World fought against is rising up south of us, from the uncontrolled bully to the stormtroopers and detention centres and the inalienable rights of its citizens being denied based on religion, colour, lifestyle or the whims of a modern-day dictator.
A lot of people don’t want to talk about the past, but if history teaches us anything, it’s that we must learn from our mistakes and if we don’t, then history will repeat itself. For our ancestors and the generations yet to come, let’s hope that common sense will save the day. In the 100 years of the Legion’s existence, our mandate may have changed somewhat from those early days, as it has changed from when my dad was President. We are probably much more community oriented with our donations than ever before but we will always be there for our veterans and against anyone who tarnishes their memory or diminishes the sacrifices they made.
In other Legion news – you have until February 15 to enter your nomination for Legionnaire of the Year for 2025. There are several excellent candidates for this honour so grab a form next time you are at the club.
February 13 will be a big night at the Legion as the PI Jazz band will be providing music to accompany our special Valentine’s Dinner. Barb Pender will be dishing up her surf and turf (that’s steak and prawns in case you were unsure). So, you’ll want to get your tickets early by visiting the website for a night of romance and great food. I will once again be back in the kitchen on February 27, to cook a roast pork loin dinner, with roast potatoes, veggies, and a delicious dessert. You can reserve your tickets online from the Legion website: https://www.penderislandrcl239.com.
Meat draws are every Saturday at 4 pm and Bingo happens on February 14 at 12:45 pm. The monthly general meeting is Saturday, February 28 at 2 pm.
Finally I would just like to send our best wishes to a couple of Legion stalwarts who have been a big part of the Legion for a long time. Jim Swanson and Tom Wyborn have had some health issues lately but are hopefully on the road to recovery. Your Legion family is pulling for you and it was great to see you at the Meat Draw on Saturday.
SGI Community Resource Centre
Housing NOW
The Housing NOW Shelter SGI podcast brings you engaging conversations about affordable housing, home-sharing, and innovative housing solutions across the Southern Gulf Islands. Each episode explores real challenges and opportunities, featuring local voices and community leaders working toward more inclusive and sustainable housing. Upcoming episodes will include a conversation with Jeannine Dodds, Island Trust Trustee for Mayne Island.
Catch new episodes on your favorite podcast platforms, or find us on Podchaser at http://www.podchaser.com/users/sheltersgi. Be sure to follow on Facebook and Instagram @sgihousing for updates and new releases. Join the conversation and stay connected.
Sustainable Funding Initiative
Want to save time, boost productivity, and stay ahead in your industry? Curious about artificial intelligence but not sure where to start? The Sustainable Funding Initiative has partnered with Jennifer Hufnagel, a leading AI Educator from Hufnagel Consulting to offer a fun and practical workshop series designed to demystify Generative AI (e.g. ChatGPT, Gemini) and help you understand how this powerful tool can work for you, no matter your tech level. This workshop is ideal for nonprofits and small business owners who want to stay current in a fast-changing digital world.
Generative AI: The ChatGPT Edge with Jennifer Hufnagel – Tuesday, February 24, 4:30 – 7:30 pm, Zoom. The fee is by donation (suggested $25).
Please visit http://www.linktr.ee/sgisfi for more information and to sign up. Questions? Contact us at islandsupport@sgicrc.ca.
Stay informed by joining our subscriber list. Receive a monthly newsletter packed with funding opportunities, educational resources, and valuable links tailored for nonprofits, charities, community organizations, and businesses.
Dining in the Dark and Food Resilience Alliance Updates
Planning is underway for upcoming Dining in the Dark workshops focused on cooking, preparedness, and getting through power outages with confidence and creativity. Workshop dates and locations will be announced soon. Expect hands-on learning, practical tips, giveaways – and yes, a jolt of java, because coffee is a need during a power outage. These sessions are designed to be informative, relaxed, and fun.
Meanwhile, the Food Resilience Alliance (FRA) is gathering data for an upcoming mobile poultry abattoir pilot on Pender Island. Producer surveys were circulated in January. If you are interested in raising meatbirds and/or would like to learn more about what the pilot involves, please get in touch. Contact us at foodwork@sgicrc.ca.
SENĆOŦEN name for Pender Island
Those who have visited the Community Hall recently may have noticed new interpretive signage featuring the SENĆOŦEN name for Pender Island: SDÁ,YES, meaning “a happy place to wind-dry fish.”
The three-panel installation shares the origin of the name in both English and SENĆOŦEN and features artwork by W_SÁNEĆ artists STOLCELOT (Addie Elliot), J,SINTEN (John Elliott), and TEMOSENG (Charles “Chazz” Elliott Jr.). Visitors can scan a QR code on the panels to hear the story spoken in SENĆOŦEN by W_SÁNEĆ elder J,SINTEN.
In addition, the Pender Island Chamber of Commerce welcome sign has been enhanced to include SDÁ,YES along with the SENĆOŦEN phrase ÍY¸C EN¸ STÁĆEL, meaning “It’s good that you’ve arrived.” This sign was also created by Addie Elliot.
Both installations were made possible through grant funding: from the Victoria Foundation to the Pender Island Agricultural and Recreation Association (PIRAHA), and from the Real Estate Foundation of BC to the Southern Gulf Islands Community Resources Centre. A formal unveiling ceremony is planned for later this spring, when W_SÁNEĆ elders and youth will visit the islands.
These projects are part of a broader initiative led by the TETÁĆES Reconcili-Action Group, which supports reconnection between the W_SÁNEĆ Nations and their traditional homelands in the Southern Gulf Islands—known in SENĆOŦEN as TETÁĆES, meaning “Relatives of the Deep.”
Additional initiatives include educational panels at QENEN,IW_ (Poet’s Cove) recognizing reef net fishing traditions, a SENĆOŦEN territorial map gifted to Pender Islands School, forthcoming panels at Brooks Point highlighting traditional food cultivation, and a Native Plant Garden at the Community Hall featuring SENĆOŦEN plant names and uses, supported by Heritage BC.
February invites us to slow down and be more intentional in how we show care for one another. A kind gesture, a thoughtful conversation, or a moment of patience can make a lasting difference, often more than we realize. As the days unfold, let’s choose kindness and connection, and help make our community a warmer, more welcoming place for all.
SGI Neighbourhood House
Southern Gulf Islands Community Justice Program
If you’re looking for a way to connect with your neighbours on all the Gulf Islands, join the SGI Community Justice Program Community Conversations on Zoom. In January, we hosted a Zoom conversation focused on growing connections across differences. On Wednesday, February 18 at 7 pm on Zoom, we’ll host another conversation to tackle the challenges of maintaining real relationships in the age of social media and AI. If you’re interested in participating, email us at cjp@sginh.ca or follow us on social media.
The CJP offers peace circles, community conversations and other restorative practices to build communities where honesty, empathy, and accountability help keep peace and connection with one another. Find out more about Restorative Practices on our website, http://www.sginh.ca/cjp. If you or someone you know could benefit from a supportive conversation space, please reach out at cjp@sginh.ca.
55+ Seniors Program
Computer Savvy Seniors: If you’re 55 or older and experiencing any kind of computer, phone, or technology-related issues, we offer a free service where a tech expert can come to your home and help troubleshoot. Please call our office at 250-629-3665 to book an appointment.
Please see the Pender Health Care Society article on page 38 for upcoming workshops and activities.
Epicentre Update
The Epicentre, one of Pender Island’s licensed childcare centers, is now accepting enrollment for children ages 3 – 5 years old. For more information, please email daycareadmin@sginh.ca.
CanBoat
Pender Island Squadron
While our personal New Year’s resolutions have been cast, here are some additional general boating-related opportunities for self improvement!
For people who keep their boats on a trailer:
If you are looking for a quick refresher on boating skills, CanBoat continues to create popular mini courses. These are available at CanBoat.ca > Courses > Mini Courses. Duration is typically about two hours, and online courses continue to find growing interest in the boating community.
As part of this transition, our Pender squadron is currently assessing the viability of fully shifting to online courses instead of traditional classroom presentations. The Board has several planning meetings scheduled in the coming weeks with a General Member session scheduled for March 8 at the Pender Legion. Further info will be shared with members in the coming weeks as we enter into this review process.
Pender Island Garden Club
The presentation on January 8, 2026 was given by Dag Falck. He spoke on keeping soil healthy for everyone. Healthy soil produces healthy plants and that makes healthy humans.
Nature shows us how to create a soil system that works. A landscape, forest, or grassland, creates its own mulch, then into compost that turns to fertility. The micro-organisms transfer the fertility to the plants. Insects move larger particles around which helps the micro-organisms to further break them down.
Using compost on our gardens replicates the wild soil system. Bacteria are the workhorses of the compost pile, making up to 80 to 90 percent of the micro-organisms present. Fungi decompose more complex materials like woody pieces and plant stems. There are other micro-organisms that break down complex proteins, population control of any single species, nutrient cycling to help create a resilient microbial community in the finished compost. Compost is rich in diverse nutrients and beneficial microbes. Green manure or cover crops fix nitrogen and add biomass when turned into the soil.
Food is affected by how it is farmed. Synthetic nitrogen from fossil fuels has the same effect on plants as sugar has on children. Too much, too fast. Micro-organisms are killed by too rich nitrogen. This makes the plants less able to produce growth so they need more nitrogen in the long term. Nitrogen from good compost is released more slowly which makes it more accessible to the plants. Conventional agriculture also uses irradiation, genetically modified organisms and nano-technology. Plants bred for uniformity and long shelf life sacrifice nutrition.
Adding minerals to soil can be done by using seaweed. There are local organic seaweed farms that produce good products. Nature also provides minerals from volcanoes! When Mt St Helen erupted years ago, it sent powdered rock far and wide in the ash. It turned out to increase the fertility in the soil. A good farm and garden shop will stock organic seaweed and powdered rock.
The February meeting will be with Adam Miller demonstrating how to make hardwood cutting starts at the Native Plant Nursery on Bedwell Harbour Rd. February 12, 2026, 1 pm. Non-members are welcome to attend for a $5 fee.
Pender Island Junior Sailing Association
February isn’t the month that most people think of dinghy sailing, but for the PIJSA Board, it is the time for us to hold our AGM, appoint Directors and start planning for the 2026 summer sailing courses.
We have been doing this since 1993 and some of our directors have been with PIJSA for a fair number of those years. While most want to stay involved, some are now stepping away from their involvement to enjoy their retirement. This leaves PIJSA in need of some younger directors and members. By younger, we mean everyone from young adults to recently retired people.
Director involvement includes attending board meetings, about six per year; beach duty which involves helping the instructors, dealing with equipment problems and responding to any emergency; site and boat maintenance.
Members can be involved in everything except voting at board meetings, although they are encouraged to attend the meetings and can participate in discussions. Parents, grandparents, family members & friends who wish to help during the weeks students are taking courses are more than welcome to assist with beach duty – it is appreciated if they can provide early notice prior to class.
As the sailing instruction is given by CanSail approved/certified instructors, sailing experience or knowledge is not a requirement but is helpful. Members and volunteers soon gain knowledge from working with those with experience.
PIJSA usually has some board directors or members who are still working or who cannot make the same time commitment that retired people can, but their skills and commitment are needed when they do have time. For those who are retired, we may ask for a commitment to do a week (5 days) of beach duty, but often one day is filled in by another attending director or member. For those who work, we ask for and appreciate as much time as they can spare.
PIJSA sails from Hamilton Beach where our site is located. PIJSA offers 4-5 weeks of CanSail (CS) courses for Levels 1 & 2 beginners and Levels 3 & 4 more advanced.
Many kids return for years, often retaking courses they have accomplished because they enjoy the sailing experience. For those involved in PIJSA, it can be because they have kids or more likely grandchildren involved, but for many it is just the pleasure of seeing kids enjoying themselves and learning new skills.
We are also now seeing more adults registering for lessons and returning to complete all their CanSail levels. CS Levels 1 & 2 smaller students may sail three in a Pirate Boat while adults will be sailing two in a boat. CS Levels 3 & 4 sail Bytes, Laser IIs and Lasers. PIJSA is for children nine years of age and up, and that includes adults.
The PIJSA AGM will be held on Sunday, February 15, 2026 at 11:00am in the Pender Legion. All are welcome and we would love to see some new faces! Our board meeting will be held following the AGM.
The 2026 course dates will be decided at our meeting and will be published in The Pender Post next month, and on our website.
For more information on PIJSA, the website is penderislandjuniorsailing.com. For more information, or if you are considering becoming involved, please contact me at acoffey@telus.net.
Pender Island Otters Swim Club
A new year has begun, and we Otters are back in the water again as of January 9. All sessions of the Otter Pups are full, and all the other groups are close to full. We are down a bit in coaching coverage but still fine to handle the enrollment we have at present.
Otters Pups Coach Elizabeth is taking a season off due to work scheduling, and Otters Coach Sid had some school class overlaps wherein she can’t get to the pool in time for the first two sessions. The good news is that Otters Pups Coach Deirdre has recovered enough from her broken wrist to sub for us when needed, and will join Pups Coach Elise when she is back to full strength. Head Coach Laara is doing a stellar job juggling all the scheduling, and making sure all groups have coaching coverage.
Even though it seems way off yet, we are now starting to choose a date for our Annual General Meeting, but that will be sometime in late March, after this shortened Winter/spring season ends on March 13. Anyone interested in putting in a nomination to our volunteer board, please let us know at the email address listed below.
The annual cleaning of the Pool facility at Panorama has shortened our season by about a month, so registration for the summer season will be opening in mid-April while the pool is still closed. Summer session will run from May 1 through to mid-August. Lastly, many thanks continue to go out to the wonderful folks who supported our Swim-a-thon back in December. A few swimmers were not able to swim on the day, and now we are back in the water, are raring to add their pledges to our total.
Of special note is the GreenAngels Wood Choppers, who gave a very wonderful matching donation, and were a wee bit shocked at how far we all swam in our hour time frame. Cheers and grateful thanks to them, and all our pledge sponsors for their support. Until next month, keep on swimming! It’s amazing how far we can all go in an hour!