From Our President
I have learned several new words and phrases in my short time here that thoroughly highlight the uniqueness of Pender Island and its inhabitants.
Words like “friend-vestment”, a reference one person made to volunteering on an upcoming project with an innate understanding that those being helped would return the favour down the line.
Another is “newbie burnout” – an all-too-common affliction that threatens to overwhelm new Pender residents who start too many new hobbies, join too many clubs, and launch themselves into too many new projects.
But my favourite such word is “voluntold” – a delightful portmanteau I first heard shared between two of Pender’s finest residents.
This couple so frequently steps up when asked for help that one might use voluntold as shorthand to confirm the other’s involvement. “Yes, my partner can help you; I’ll let them know they have volunteered.”
I’ve since learned that voluntold is more commonly used, and can hold a more coercive undertone, than I would have guessed. Perhaps that speaks to the altruistic nature in which I first heard it used here on Pender Island.
Or perhaps I’m just romanticizing a passing comment made at a board meeting. Who’s to say?
These phrases remind me of an excerpt by The Pender Post’s first editor, Edmund Morrison, published in the anthology More Tales from the Outer Gulf Islands – available at the library, bookstore, museum gift shop, Nu-to-Yu (usually) and probably on your bookshelf.
Morrison writes of establishing our constitution and bylaws – with the help of his wife – and paving the way for the non-profit society status we still proudly hold today.
“I was personally very pleased with this outcome because the constitution forbade the payment of any salaries or wages of any sort, but made the work of the society dependent utterly on voluntary contribution of individual time and effort,” Morrison wrote.
“I was privately interested in seeing how long this experiment in public voluntaryism could continue.”
Things have developed over the last half-century. We once served a handful of non-profit clubs and societies, while more than 50 such groups graced our pages in 2025, and Pender’s population has nearly tripled since Morrison’s great experiment in voluntaryism began.
But the mission of The Pender Post Society remains the same: connecting the people and clubs of Pender Island, even if the scope evolves with each new generation. I am honoured to preside over The Pender Post Society as we enter our 55th year of being your community connection.
And to every Pender Islander who has made a friend-vestment, risked newbie burnout, or been voluntold they’re part of some new effort in the community: We appreciate your contributions to life on Pender Island. Thank you, dear reader, for being part of this ongoing conversation.
Special Notices
End Of Life Discussion
Wednesday, January 14th, 3 pm
Slow Coast Cafe
Our objective is to become more aware 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 not a grief support or counselling session; however, other community support will be discussed. This is a chance to talk about what death and dying can teach us about living.
Students Vote to Rename School Teams ‘Pender Ravens’
The Pender Panthers has been replaced as the name of Pender Islands School sports teams, after the student body chose a new mascot more aligned with island life in mid-December.
Our academic athletes have been renamed the Pender Ravens following a school-wide election before the winter break. Every student was able to cast a vote, with the majority selecting Ravens over the Sharp Tails and Merlin, two other animals more commonly sighted locally than the elusive panther.
The finalists were chosen by a committee of representatives from each class. Some suggestions that did not make the final ballot include The Pender Porpoise, Herons, Cedars, Banana Slugs, and (my personal favourite) the Pender Paddlers.
The Pender Ravens will be the name representing Pender school teams, and the name change will not impact other island teams, such as the baseball clubs Pender Pirates and Parrots and the Pender Otters swim club.
In Appreciation
Excellent Presentation on the Birds of Colombia
Peter, rear, with Martine, Lisa, and Erin.
November 21 was a night to remember. Peter Paré and Lisa Baile gave an excellent talk about their travels in Colmobia. It was mostly about the birds but also the art, the botany, the geography, and how Colombians love their birds and work to protect them. There were lots of truly amazing photographs of birds set to Colombian music.
The presentation was an enjoyable medley of music and talking with incredible visuals. The question and answer at the end was interesting. Lisa and Peter’s Colombian guide, Martine, was in attendance and he talked about how to travel in Colombia. With a huge increase in tourism it is difficult to balance the limits of what the ecosystem can handle with the human demands (something for us on Pender to think about too).
Erin O’Brien was there from the Conservancy and shared her knowledge of bird mating behaviours. Many thanks to everyone who made this evening informative and fun. The Hall was at capacity and many people asked for another evening like this one.
Appreciation for our New and Returning Subscribers
The Pender Post Society would like to thank the community for the wealth of enthusiasm and support we have received during our annual subscription drive at the end of last year.
The number of early subscriptions we received for our 2026 series of community newsletters was significantly higher than last year, and there was an exciting number of entirely new members to join our readership.
We are also extremely enthused for the number of local subscribers who have jumped at our exclusive offer of free digital access. Based on those early numbers, we anticipate to have more than doubled the number of subscribers who will connect with the community through our online efforts.
We especially appreciate the conversations we shared while tending our information booth at the Yuletide Market in November and December, and were touched by how many have noticed the expanded effort we have been putting into our beloved newsletter, and our Society’s expanding online presence.
It is not too late to subscribe to The Pender Post for the current year, and there are several ways to do so: reach out to subscriptions@penderpost.org, or check full details on our website at penderpost.org.
Features
The Stories That Brought You Here
Jule Roper
The Stories That Brought You Here is a home-spun podcast by resident Chris Wakaluk about the people who have built their lives on Pender Island. Each episode chronicles various unique parts of a person’s life. Below is an excerpt from a recent episode with Jule Roper. The full conversation is available at tinyurl.com/juleroper.
“I fell in love with the islands. I discovered that on the most northern part of Vancouver Island. When I was in my early 20s, I lived in a school bus in Port Hardy, right on the water. The high tide washed against the wheels of our bus. It had skylights, bay windows, and never was finished. We lived in an unfinished, beautiful state. I fell in love with living on the ocean there. We’d turn on the headlights and watch as the plankton made glimmering lights, phosphorescence. They would flicker in the ocean and make these dazzling colours.
“Soon after that, I made another trip, this time to Lopez Island, in the American San Juans. My friend Josie took us to this most beautiful spot, a state park I believe. It was on a very high cliff, overlooking the ocean, and it just took my breath away. And then a short time later, I got a call from my brother Chris, and he said, ‘guess what?’ And he told me, ‘I fell in love. I fell in love with Pender Island. I just bought 10 acres, and it’s just like that land on Lopez.’ When I came to see it, it was so beautiful – south facing, oceanfront, with arbutus and moss, and a cliff.
“So I followed my brother to Pender. I was 27 and was able to come almost every weekend, and more than that, actually. I usually came for three or four months a year. I had a lovely job that afforded me an opportunity to work at home a lot. So I came with the plan of building a cabin on the property on the 10 acres Chris had, at the end of the road, where there was sort of a cul-de-sac. I found out years later it was a legal easement for the guy next door. Luckily, he decided not to make a big issue of it, which was very lovely because he could have driven right through the thing we built.
“My friend Rob Storrie helped me build a shed that I was going to sleep in while I worked on my cabin. There was no power up there, we only had a hand saw; so we kept the lengths, it seemed easier. So this silly thing was over twelve feet high, because that’s how long the 2x4s were. And it was really small, you could hardly lie down on the floor of it. It wasn’t more than 8×10, it was a bit odd looking. And then, we started building my cabin.
“And that’s a story.”
Spotlight Q&A
Pender Islands Lions Club
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 Lions Club update on page 42. For more information, contact penderlionspresident@gmail.com.
The Lions Club sponsors the annual Santa Ship visit to Pender Island. Here Lions volunteers Greg and Gail Forsythe enjoy a moment with Santa and Mrs. Claus.Photo courtesy Annette Cyr.
First, can you tell us what your group is about, and what you do?
The Lions Club is the largest international service club in the world. We do community service with focus areas like vision, hunger, environment, and diabetes, supporting local needs and global causes through volunteering and fundraising.
Lions Club International has existed since 1917; Pender started its own Lions Club in 1973, organized by Gordon F. Smith, and the first president was Walter Cunliffe.
Do you produce any community events or initiate special projects? If so, what do you typically sponsor or promote?
We produce the Santa Ship, Polar Bear swim, and local phone book. Our biggest focus locally is to support our medical clinic in obtaining equipment/funds they need to serve the community, and we also try to invest heavily in the education of local youth.
Vision and hunger are pillars of the Lions International’s mission, so we donate to the local food bank annually.We collect older glasses to redistribute them to people in need, and we test the vision of our elementary school children every year.
How often do you get together, and typically when? Can new members join anytime?
We meet on the first Wednesday of each month at the Pender Island Legion from 5:30 to 6:30 pm. We accept applications year round. Come join us!
Are any of the original founders still taking part, or still on Pender? If so, tell us a bit about them.
There are at least two original members still living on Pender: Jim Allan and Wilf Craven.
How many volunteers are involved in running it? Are you currently looking for more?
There are currently 15 members on Pender, and we hope to continue to add a minimum of two new members per year.
What gets your members most excited in your meetings or activities?
Our members get a sense of pride from being able to raise money to support local initiatives. Our approach is often to host community events which double as fundraisers. It makes us happy to put smiles on people’s faces with our events and then turn around and use the money we raise to further support the community.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with readers?
The Cunliffe Bursary is a bursary that we award to Pender students graduating from GISS who are pursuing post secondary education. All students are welcome to apply as long as they complete some volunteer hours with the Lions Club. The Cunliffe Bursary is named after The Pender Lions’ first president.
What’s in the future for your organization? Anything exciting in the works, or dreams you would like to fulfill?
We would like to continue to grow in numbers so that we can facilitate more events and create more great memories in the community. We are hoping to be able to further support our students, food bank, clinic, and environment to name a few.
Newscomers’ Notes
The Winter Blues
By Noémie Crépeau
My first winter living on Pender Island turned out harder than I ever expected. Born in Eastern Canada, where I lived until my early thirties, one would think the milder West Coast temperature alone would make me ecstatic. And it did, the first few years in Vancouver: all I had to do on a rainy winter day was check the weather in Montreal, and I immediately felt joyful. Cheeky “haha-poor-you” texts to the family chat also helped, of course!
By the time I moved here, however, I was fully acclimatized. And I had not anticipated how bad I would eventually feel that first island winter. The damp, the cold, the low weepy skies, the grey, the dark – it all got to me. I saw in some people’s pitying looks they could tell I was depressed, probably even before I could. (To those who did, I still remember your kindness, the helpful chats, invitations, and Pender winter survival tips. Thank you.)
I had heard of SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) or seasonal depression; however I didn’t think it would happen to me. But it did, and I was ill-equipped in many ways. For our second winter here, a new wood stove at home made a huge difference. I also got referred to a wonderful, local therapist.
I covered, in my last column, the topic of our dark evenings and my appreciation of the extended Christmas Lights Season on Pender. I wasn’t exaggerating, they quite literally make my winters here brighter: one of the glimmers that keeps me hopeful. Having learned a few tips over the years from others, and experience, I am sharing some with our readers, for those that might find our winters to be hard too.
If you need your own glimmers this cold season, to make it less blue, consider starting here:
Create comfort at home: take hot baths, light candles or a fire in the evening, and turn on indoor lights during the day.
Shift your mindset around winter: celebrate the solstice, treat the season as a time for choosing to turn inward, and doing the things you “never have time” for.
Practice gratitude and reflection: write down three things you’re grateful for daily, journal, or meditate, and see a therapist regularly.
Reconnect with creativity and play: return to old hobbies or discover new ones, like reading, puzzles, audiobooks, podcasts, making music, or listening to old tunes.
Move your body regularly: stretch, dance, sing, do yoga, take classes, walk.
Stay connected to others: reach out to people near or far, join a community group, attend local events, or volunteer. Or simply go to one of our coffee shops (trust me).
Get outside even when it’s grey or raining: spend time among trees, take winter beach walks, and practice slow, curious “awe” walks.
Four years in, I know I’m not alone in my struggle with the damp, grey months. In conversations, when sharing my first winter story, fellow newcomers often echo my experience. Only yesterday, I overheard someone say, “I just need to remember to hang on until the end of February,” for daylight to last a little longer after work. It feels less lonely now, when I get in a dark place. Over time, I developed resiliency by keeping good habits that make my Pender winters a lot more bearable…and even pleasant.
Due to space limitations in our print edition, you can find a longer, more detailed list of helpful tactics on our website, should you be interested. Visit penderpost.org/winter-blues for more.
Do you have any winter tips for Pender newcomers you would like to share with us? Email community@penderpost.org or comment on our Facebook post this January 19.
Hummingbird Hollow B&B
Tales of a Charmed Life: Our Innkeeper Lives are Chaucerian
By Doreen Ball
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 fourth instalment of Doreen’s “Tales of a Charmed Life” series, comes from the year 1993.
After an eventful trip to Costa Rica in January, our batteries were recharged and we were ready to welcome guests once again. We appreciated the sentiments expressed by Bill Richardson in his latest book “Bachelor Brothers’ Bed & Breakfast”:
“One of the privileges of being a helmsman on a ship such as the one we sail is that the world brings its stories to us, and we never have to leave the harbour. In this respect, our innkeeping lives are Chaucerian. We can simply stay put and listen to the tale-telling pilgrims as they pass through en route to a Canterbury of their own choosing.”
1993 brought more interesting guests. One woman asked over the phone what kinds of bug spray she should bring. Just after Christmas, a young couple arrived seeking our local witch who married them in a ceremony involving mirrors, tear drops, blood, earth, and other natural objects. When the bride explained the proceedings and the symbolism to us, it made a lot of sense. One mother brought her seven-year-old over to spend some “quality” time together. When Chuck asked them about what they would like to have for breakfast, and did they eat meat, the little girl said, “Yes, I’m a carnivore.”
At the end of May, the “Frisbee” van returned, bringing the five mellow disc golfers from south of the border. They all picked up some tournament prizes that year but Pete Fust lost the prized disc he had used to toss his way, together with Conrad Damon, into the Guinness Book of Records a month earlier in San Marino, California: 592.15 km in 24 hours.
Many tears fell in October, when we said goodbye to Orphan Andy, the beloved, large, orange and white feline member of our household. He had wandered onto the lot next to us many years before and had cried forlornly until we took him in. Andy soon settled in and loved to be the centre of attention. When people came to visit, he would be right there. He was the only cat I’ve heard of who could stand with his hind legs on the floor and drink water from the toilet bowl. When arthritis made it too painful for him to walk down the stairs to the garden, he jumped up onto the toilet seat and peed into the bowl.
We really missed our grand old man.
Remembering
Kathleen Anne Resvick
(née Dunlap)
July 17, 1942 – November 28, 2025
Kathleen Anne Resvick, long-time resident of Thieves Bay on Pender Island, passed away peacefully with her devoted husband of 43 years, Gordon Resvick, by her side. Kathleen leaves behind a remarkable legacy of love, curiosity, adventure, and deep human connection. She lived a rich and vibrant life, touching many through her kindness, intelligence, wit, and boundless enthusiasm for the world around her.
Kathleen met the love of her life, Gordon, in 1981, and they married in the summer of 1982. Soon after, they purchased their sailboat, Spring Break—a nod to Kathleen’s teaching career—and spent decades exploring the waters of the Salish Sea, including the full circumnavigation of Vancouver Island, just the two of them. Together, they also travelled extensively throughout Europe, Central America, the South Pacific, and North America, always valuing shared experiences and time with family above all else.
In the early 1990s, Kathleen and Gordon made Pender Island their home, where they were warmly embraced by the community and formed lifelong friendships that brought them great joy and support.
Kathleen was a woman of many passions: an elegant hat-wearer, avid reader, teacher, librarian, Scrabble champion, keen sailor, gardener, environmentalist, gifted cook, lover of the arts and music, and a gracious hostess whose home was always filled with laughter and warmth.
She is lovingly remembered by her husband Gordon; sister and dear friend Peggy Dunlap (Thomas Mackey); daughters Bonnita and Germaine; stepson Troy (Anna); grandchildren Joshua (Jenna-Rae) and Ray; great-grandchildren Leonardo and Mason; and her extended family of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Kathleen lived with intention and love, making everyone feel seen and valued. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
A celebration of life will be announced in the new year. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of choice, or one reflecting Kathleen’s love of learning, the arts, and the environment.
Kathy was a social butterfly with everyone that she met. She volunteered her time with several organizations on Pender, enjoyed her gardening, and was a gifted Scrabble player.
Gordon and I worked for the same company for many years in Burnaby but Josette and I met Kathy when they moved to Pender. Since that time we have enjoyed their company at the Legion, the Saturday Market at the Hall, and so many other social get-togethers over the years. We also enjoyed many meals at each other’s homes which would be followed by playing Scrabble. If we were lucky enough to win a game she would insist on having to play an extra game in order to prove that our win was a fluke and she would usually be correct!
We are going to miss her smile and friendship and she will be deeply missed by her family both near and far.
Helen Cook Allison
(nee McCorkindale)
April 22, 1926 – November 20, 2025
Promoted to her heavenly home after a brief stay at Saanichton Peninsula Hospital.
Predeceased by husband, Bob (1994) and daughter Ruth (2017). Survived by children: Jean Veall (Dave), Dorothy Maynard (Walter, deceased), Helen Mason (Truman) and David Allison; grandchildren John, Jennifer, Peter, Emma, William, Luke, Alison and Andrew; great grandchildren Allison, Jillian, Phoebe, Rhys, Tate, Wyatt and Chase; and her beloved dog, Wally.
A celebration of life took place at the Pender Island Community Church on November 25 .
Helen’s long, happy, and adventurous life was celebrated.
Born in Campbeltown, Scotland, she enjoyed a happy childhood by the seaside. She met Bob in her childhood when their families visited frequently.
At 22 years old Helen journeyed by boat across the Atlantic and then by train across Canada to Kelowna to marry Bob. She began her married life in 1949 assisting Bob in running his gas station. In 1951 they moved to Vancouver where two more girls were born and ran a gas station called Dunoon Motors. In 1953 Bob and Helen bought their property on Pender Island and began to dream of a time when they might live there. During her Air Force days, Helen made extended visits to Scotland, where her “wee boy” was born in 1956.
The interim years when Bob was stationed in many parts of Canada with the Royal Canadian Air Force required that Helen be resilient and adapt while running a busy house with 5 children. New friends were always made along the way.
In 1972 the dream of living on Pender Island became a reality. Helen became a great supporter of the community involving herself in the Pender Post, The Community Church, The Farmers’ Institute, the Women’s Institute, the Fall Fair committee, and other Pender groups. Dr. Andress held his vet clinic at Avondale farm for many years with Helen enjoying assisting with patient care and surgeries. She was called “The number one supporter” of the Community Hall because she was the first to donate for its building.
Helen and Bob ran Avondale sheep farm for many years before it was sold in 2010. Helen enjoyed many hobbies: spinning and weaving, knitting, choir, playing music in the Allison family band to greet the ferries at Christmas, and dancing at the Legion. She was famous for her award winning pies and huge bouquets of dahlias in the real estate office.
Speaking of offices, she claimed that the local bakery was her office and met many people there daily for extended chats.
After close to 50 years of life on Pender, in 2020 Helen moved to Sidney to stay with daughter Helen. At the age of 95 new friends were made and enjoyed. New adventures were met with enthusiasm. She became known as “the cookie lady” at Cy Hampson dog park.
She had a long and happy life.
To the friends of Helen Allison, thank you. You welcomed her into the community and made her feel useful, loved, and appreciated. A special thank you to Randy Lockhart for arranging the service, the Legion for hosting the gathering, and Judy Neil, whose music is always beautiful and fits the occasion.
Accepting Christian faith early in life, Helen looked forward to her life after death.
Helen Allison was born on the day that would become Earth Day, something I found absolutely appropriate. She loved nature, she loved animals, she loved people, especially her family, and she loved getting dressed up to go to church on Sunday.
She lived surrounded by nature on the Avondale Farm that she and her husband Bob had created starting in the 1960s. When you opened the gate to the farm, with the trees, the tidy fenced sheep pastures, a little barn, the orchard, a pond and a creek, it was like stepping onto a sea of calm, which, when the light hit it at certain times of the day, made it look like my idea of heaven.
There were always animals in Helen’s life. She cared for her sheep like they were her children, often spending long winter days and nights helping the ewes give birth, and bottle-feeding newborn lambs every four hours when the mothers couldn’t feed them.
Early on, she facilitated and hosted regular visits of Saltspring vet, Dr. Andress, when no vet was living on Pender. She and Bob even had a pet cemetery near the house. They were both very involved in the Farmers’ Institute.
Helen loved her dogs and when she took them to a beach or to one of the dog parks in Saanich, she invariably would strike up a conversation with other dog owners or beach walkers. She just loved to talk to people. She often took her dog to the beach at Browning where she would run into locals and tourists. One August she met two RCMP fellows who were taking a well -deserved kayak trip to decompress after investigating suspects of the Air India bombing. They asked Helen where they could safely leave their vehicle, and, of course, she said they could park it in her driveway which wasn’t far away. That was Helen.
She loved it when her grown children and their kids came to visit. What a wonderful place for young kids to explore!
She was a strong supporter of the United Community Church at Hope Bay. For many years she made arrangements for the various ministers who came to Pender; she also helped with Sunday school.
Helen loved living on Pender, and an important part of communication for the locals in the years before the internet, was, of course, The Pender Post. I worked closely with Helen during my years as editor after long-time editor, Maria Watson, retired in 2000.
Helen and Maria had worked closely together in the 70s, 80s, and 90s to ensure that The Pender Post’s non-profit society carried on. In the 1980s there were even a couple of hostile-take-over attempts by disgruntled men but Maria and Helen prevailed. Helen stepped up as President or Vice-President of the board several times over the years. I remember her warmly welcoming any newcomers to the monthly meetings and, when she was President, to bring the meetings to order, tapping on the table a little piece of sculpted Garry oak that she called “Garry”, as she rolled the r’s with that Scottish lilt. She was happy to do her bit whenever she was needed. She also volunteered to phone advertisers whose accounts were in arrears to gently remind them to make their payments.
One of her favourite jobs each month was proofreading The Pender Post. She took great delight in finding spelling mistakes, typos, or incorrect dates. Because she knew so many people and so much about island goings on, she was the perfect person for that job.
Helen’s grandson, Will, told me that Helen was still looking for spelling mistakes when she read last month’s Pender Post in her hospital bed shortly before she passed. A staunch supporter until the end. Rest in peace, Helen.
Government
Member of Parliament
I am looking forward to seeing as many of you as possible for Pender’s first MP community meeting of 2026 – January 21, 5 pm at the Community Hall.
If you have any private matters you want to share with me, please phone 250-657-2000 or email <Elizabeth.May.C1@parl.gc.ca> to book an appointment on the 21st, before the start of the public meeting.
I can share briefly that this last legislative session was dominated by omnibus bills (by definition legislation with many different bills and changes forced into one piece of legislation). I think I helped forestall the passage of the 600 page+ omnibus budget implementation act, Bill C-15.
I was the only MP to raise in the House the most anti-democratic, and frankly weird, provisions hidden in its pages. Never mentioned in the budget itself is a section to allow Cabinet ministers sweeping new powers to exempt any person or corporation at the minister’s discretion from having to obey any Canadian law that is somehow in their way. Only exemption from the Criminal Code is off limits.
The public is only notified when the minister finds it “feasible” – no time limit on public notice… for a get out of jail free card that lasts three years. and even that public notice allows the minister, at his or her discretion, to keep certain things secret.
I asked in the house if the Minister of Finance could explain. Please. There was a response from the parliamentary secretary to the Minister of Finance. A non-answer to be sure. Afterwards quite a few Liberal MPs came over to my desk to ask for details. Fortunately I had photocopied the key pages (pages 301-304) in anticipation of such requests. As the only MP who reads any of the bills, much less all of them, I was pretty sure the other MPs in the Chamber would be as shocked by this manoeuvere as I am!
C-15 will be studied in committee and come back to the House once we resume January 26. Good grief!
So until I see you on January 21, have a very Happy New Year!
Member of the Legislative Assembly
Looking Forward in 2026
My first year as your MLA for Saanich North and the Islands has flown by in these tumultuous times. The affordability, housing, and health care crises in BC and the external catastrophes impacting us – tariffs, wars, climate disasters – hardly give time for relief.
Nevertheless, there are many things that give me hope. One of them is the ground-breaking work undertaken by the District of North Saanich. Their new official community plan (OCP) incorporates doughnut economics into their future development. You can read the OCP here: tinyurl.com/ocp-nsaanich.
Doughnut economics is the pioneer work of Oxford economist, Kate Raworth. It acknowledges that we live in a world of finite resources and that our addiction to endless economic growth puts our environment and well-being at risk.
It is a new way of thinking about our communities where we ensure we have a strong social foundation of really affordable housing, wrap-around access to health care and other key determinants of happiness while not exceeding the “ecological ceiling.”
Islands Trust
South Pender Local Trust Committee (LTC) Meeting
On December 5, 2025, South Pender LTC hosted a staff-led Community Information Meeting about the draft Islands Trust Policy Statement. There were a lot of good questions and discussion on quite a range of topics. If anyone has other questions or comments, please either reach out to your local Trustee or write in to staff at islands2050@islandstrust.bc.ca. The survey remains open until February 2, 2026.
Trust Council Bylaw No. 183 Policy Statement Bylaw
There are still opportunities for members of the public to ask questions and provide input/comments regarding this bylaw.
Completing the online survey – islandstrust.bc.ca/programs/islands-2050
Completing a paper survey – Available at the Pender Island Public Library
Meetings of Interest
January 30 – North Pender LTC Meeting: 10 am – 2 pm, St. Peter’s Anglican Church Hall
I will be available on Saturdays from 10 am to noon at Slow Coast Coffee to discuss the Policy Statement and/or the upcoming budget. Please feel free to drop by with any questions or concerns.
Islands Trust Conservancy Budget Requests
The Islands Trust Conservancy (ITC) is requesting funding in the 2026/27 budget to continue protecting some of the most ecologically significant lands in the Trust Area. As in previous years, a significant portion of the budget supports the ongoing stewardship of nature reserves and conservation covenants across the islands. This includes ecological monitoring, restoration work, and the planning required to protect sensitive habitat.
This year’s request also reflects an important shift. Until now, the ITC has benefited from the Environment and Climate Change Canada – Nature Fund’s Priority Places grants, which have supported species-at-risk work across the Trust Area. That funding has now come to an end, increasing pressure on the ITC’s core budget.
Another key focus of this year’s request is strengthening relationships with Indigenous Nations. The ITC is preparing its next Five-Year Plan, which must be developed in collaboration with all Indigenous Governing Bodies in the Trust Area. To do this respectfully and effectively, the Conservancy is requesting dedicated funding for capacity support, engagement activities, and a new Indigenous Relations Advisor position.
The budget also includes funding to modernize outdated GIS mapping and data systems used to manage the 115 protected areas across the Trust Area.
Here’s the breakdown of the ITC’s 2026/27 budget requests:
- Protected-Area Management Operations & Planning: $204,000
- GIS / Data Management Upgrade: $30,000
- Five-Year Plan First Nations Engagement (capacity + engagement costs): $110,000
- New 0.5 FTE Indigenous Relations Advisor: $55,668
- One-month extension for the Species at Risk Coordinator: $7,179
These investments ensure the Islands Trust Conservancy can continue to preserve and protect the Islands for present and future generations.
Arts
Pender Island Art Society
The Pender Island Art Society (PIAS) held its annual Fall “Celebration of Art” show on November 22 and 23. It was another successful show which featured 13 PIAS artists who created a range of paintings, sculpture, prints, and cards. We also had several art boards dedicated to “Not for Sale” artwork created by five of our members. It was an opportunity to showcase work and skills in development and to inform visitors of the mission of PIAS. We are very appreciative of the support of our members and the community.
The purposes of the Pender Island Art Society are to stimulate and maintain the interests of the citizens of Pender Island in visual arts, to assist members to develop their skills and to increase their knowledge in relation to drawing, sketching, painting and three dimensional work in any medium, and to facilitate the display and sale of members’ work.
PIAS concluded 2025 with a Christmas luncheon. Jane Baker, PIAS program planner, prepared a delicious lunch which included baklava, meatballs, squares, pickles, eggnog and many other delicacies. While enjoying the feast, members were provided a fascinating trip through art residencies with Susan Purney Mark.
Susan is a Pender Island textile artist and she has journeyed on retreats in Iceland, Greece, Crete, Sardinia, and Sointula. She shared photos and stories of her experiences. She also had a wonderful table display of her work, much of it inspired by her residencies. Susan’s next residency will be in Galway, Ireland and I know a few of us wish we could travel with her.
Painting with the Masters
With Malcolm Armstrong
January 15, 1 – 4 pm, Community Hall
Participants will make their own choice of a painting by a renowned artist to replicate. It is a great way to focus on and appreciate the work of a master artist and learn about the technique, color, and brush control utilized. Malcolm last led this session approximately six years ago and it will be a treat to experience it again. It is not expected that we will be able to accurately reproduce our chosen art work but that we will enjoy and learn from the experience.
Jane Baker shared, “The only time I did this, I chose a watercolour artist since that is the medium that I work in. From a personal point of view, this one exercise taught me more about how to make art than three years of workshops and sessions put together. It gave me the confidence to move on to producing my own art.” Malcolm is a Pender Island artist known for his extraordinary and realistic renderings of landscapes, sea, and ships in particular.
Pender Island Celtic Music Society
The Highlanders prepare to pipe in the Santa Ship.
The Highlanders at the Care Tree Lighting Ceremony.
This winter, the Pender Highlanders had the privilege of performing at the Care Tree Lighting ceremony in Port Washington, as well as celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Santa Ship in Hope Bay. It is always an honour and a humbling experience to take part in these sacred community events that make Pender such a special place.
This concludes our community involvement for 2025. We look forward to playing and performing for our friends and community again in 2026.
We wish everyone a very Happy New Year.
Pender Island Community Choir Society
We Need Your Voice!
Firstly, a BIG thank you to everyone who came to hear the Choir’s Christmas concerts in December. Singing is such a beautiful way to lift our spirits and get in a festive mood. We hope you had a wonderful time and enjoyed it as much as we did. If you won a 50/50 draw, congratulations!
You may have heard that the choir is working with very little funds these days and that our beautiful, 70 year old grand piano upstairs at the Hall is in real need of repairs. It has been a stressful and difficult few months. The Choir board and members would like to thank the Nu-to-Yu (PICCS) for providing a generous grant toward the piano repair costs. In the coming months, we will be launching a sustained fundraising effort for the choir. Right now, we need input from all interested parties regarding a spring session.
The Board is calling on all past, present, and future choir members to come to a big Inspirational Meeting on Monday, January 12 at 5:30 pm at the Community Hall to connect and discuss all the possibilities for a spring session (it’s the choir’s usual practice time – so we hope you have that time slot available!). This will be a facilitated meeting with coffee/tea and baking available. Along with the possibility and type of a spring session, the choir’s future direction will be a major part of the discussion. We all want to see it thrive. Please come and share your thoughts.
Lastly, I’d like to give my sincere thanks to the other Board members for their dedication to the choir this year – Rose Vlaar, Jamie deBruin, Kelly Dine, Michel Pelletier, and Kieran Griller.
Pender Island Quilters’ Circle
Helen Bailey’s quilt.
Kelly Dine’s quilt.
Quilters’ Circle members gathered on December 8 to welcome the holiday season and to celebrate another year of the quilting community. As always we rang the bell and started with business items. Our biggest task is to plan the Hands Across the Water (HAW) event in June where we host five quilting guilds. It is amazing how far in advance we start planning HAW. It’s evidence of the superb planning skills of quilters. It’s the same effort we put into designing and crafting a quilt and the same attention to accuracy.
We carried on the gathering with “Show and Share” where members present their most recent creations and often explain the process they went through. Eleanor showed us her mystery quilt which she has been sharing as she created it. Sue Foote had a lovely blue quilt with a pinwheel pattern. Kelly Dine’s quilt featured crosses. Karen Watson had yet another table runner to show; she is prodigious with her production of table runners. She brought a selection of them to decorate our tables. Susan Underhill went to a quilting retreat and shared a project from the retreat. Helen Bailey, who also attended the retreat, showed us her Time Travel quilt which had an amazingly intricate pattern. It is always inspiring to view members’ creations.
Quilting has a history of necessity where quilts were made for warmth. It also has a history of community and artistic expression. Quilters’ Circle honours and carries on this traditional art form with modern techniques and tools.
We continued the celebration with paper games and charades. Susan Underhill created the charades by providing quilt block names to pantomime. Examples were “Churn Dash”, “Flying Geese”, “Log Cabin”, and “Wedding Ring”. The result was a tie between the two teams. All were rewarded with chocolate.
We concluded with a yummy potluck luncheon. The celebration of the holiday season was one of laughter and creative sharing. It was a wonderful way to conclude 2025.
Next Meeting: Monday, January 12, 9:15 am – noon, St. Peter’s Anglican Church Hall.
Quilter’s Philosophy: Quilting is an act of creative optimism. We set off on a new adventure of visual and tactile design. It rarely proceeds as planned but we carry on with faith that it will result in something beautiful. May you enter 2026 with a spirit of hope and optimism.
Pender Photo Club
Abstract Sunflowers by Ken Sawatsky.
A great evening was enjoyed by the Camera Club on Monday, December 1. We met by Zoom to welcome the true onset of winter (It was, brrrr, chilly!). Eight members viewed 46 photos with the meeting chaired by Urs.
The theme for this meeting, Street Scenes, was both thought-provoking and challenging. Challenging because there aren’t many lively street scenes to shoot in winter on Pender. Many of us made up for this shortcoming by digging into our archives and showing snaps from elsewhere, usually overseas, like Switzerland, Barbados and Venice. Others made do by showing snow-bound photos from nearby areas. Conversation flowed as we merrily critiqued the photos.
Hans presented a slide show describing Indigenous Powwows, which he loves. The regalia, colours, and performances were outstanding. Then Ken Sawatsky presented a slide show of sunflowers; all were abstract in colour and form. Set to music it was very effective and showed the many unusual and appealing shapes that can be made with abstraction software.
Following these excellent presentations, a discussion was held of future themes and additional topics we might explore, and it was agreed we should pursue all kinds of presentations by our own members, special speakers, slide shows, teaching, etc. Urs kindly agreed to present a slide show at January’s meeting on the Dempster Highway, a remote, all-weather gravel road stretching from near Dawson City, Yukon, across the Arctic Circle, to Inuvik in the Northwest Territories.
The next meeting will start at 7 pm on Monday January 5. All attendees are urged to submit six photos taken this month. The theme is quite topical: Christmas. All guests are more than welcome; please contact Urs for the Zoom link and instructions for photo submission (ursboxler@gmail.com). Ho! Ho! Ho!
PIJazz
Good grief. 2026. This may or may not be PIJazz’s 20th year, but none of us quite remember. We’ve got a neat mix of original members, long timers, newbies to the group, and folks who’ve come and gone and are back again. It’s a lovely group to spend time with, lemme tell ya. And we’ve spent a bit of time getting our tunes in shape, so be on the look out for concerts and dances in the new year.
We’re always open to new members as we start our Spring season: You know who you are. Give us a holler! We hope to see you soon.
Musical Musings: Ones that Got Away
As many of you know, my actual musical skill (as opposed to the stuff I fake convincingly) is as a multi-instrumentalist. This may be due to my having the attention span of a squirrel on meth, but that’s neither here nor there.
As a consequence, my house contains a great many instruments in various states of disrepair, and my strange instincts are always screaming at me to add more. So, just in case you’re cleaning the basement and find one of these eldritch horrors, drop me a line. I can at least confirm whether it’s an instrument or someone’s experiment in improvisational plumbing. Here’s my hit list.
Woodwinds in Comedic Sizes
Eb clarinet, contrabass clarinet, sopranino saxophone, bass sax, oboe d’aAmore… you know… the ones that look like someone used a fisheye lens on their camera and proportions got badly distorted. There are darn fine reasons that these are rarely used and, if you have one, you’re my kind of weird.
Strange Genetic Experiments
A sarrusophone is what happens if you leave a saxophone and a bassoon alone unsupervised. Lenny Pickett famously used one any time he could get away with it. Ophicleide, on the other hand, looks like a sax / trombone mashup but they’re actually big keyed bugles that sound only marginally better than they look. Another favourite is the tarogato, which is a Hungarian sax / clarinet. It combines the absolute worst qualities of both, and includes a fingering system that predates logical thought.
Just Plain Wrong
The t is a flute with no finger holes at all, and the Ukrainians like it that way. Uilleann pipes are what happen when somebody designs a portable reed organ while absolutely blotto on whiskey. Racketts are bassoons for players on the go – instead of being folded once, they’re folded like bad origami and the fingering system makes concertinas seem rational.
So if you encounter one of these musical pests infesting the spare room or attic and other fumigation techniques fail, call me.
Ptarmigan Arts
Thank You Ptarmigan Art Stars!
We would like to start off with a huge thank you to our Ptarmigan Art Stars who helped us launch an endowment fund to power community arts into the future! A special nod goes out to: Anne Marie and Ken Holmes, Brent Marsden, Bruce and Dana McConchie, Colin Hamilton, Wendi Lopatecki, David and Glynis Lumley, Diane and Peter Fleming, Dockside Realty, GreenAngels (Pender Wood Choppers), Ian Pirie, Judy Walker, Kathy and Dave Dandeneau, Lesley McBain, Lisa Baile, Linda and Stan Oglov, Lisa Fleming, Monica and Paul Petrie, Wendy and Don Munroe, Patrick Brown, Peter Paré, Rick McMullen and Wendy Gardner.
For all these amazing people, Ptarmigan is immensely grateful! Donations were matched by the Victoria Foundation and will create a permanent endowment fund for community arts projects.
While last month we were busy wrapping up a year of arts programming, this month we are busy plotting for the future. Soon we will distribute over 10,000 updated Pender Island Art Guides promoting our many talented island artists, so keep your eyes open and pick up a copy at the CRC, one of our local galleries, Talisman Books, BC Ferries, and various other venues both on and off Island.
Additionally on our mind, in terms of year-round planning, are our signature festivals. Stay tuned in the coming months for exciting updates on our annual Tapestry of Words Literary Festival, the Mosaic Music and Arts Festival and the Pender Island Short Film Festival. These are one-of-a-kind events that are sure to be incredible experiences.
Looking to the near future, we have the following programs and details to offer.
PIJazz
Directed by Bryce Woollcombe
January 6 – June 16
Tuesdays, 6 – 8 pm
Pender Elementary School
PIJazz meets every Tuesday, and they are always looking for new members to join. Interested musicians are invited to sit in on a session before registering. There is no fee this winter-spring season so don’t be shy, come try it out. Registration now open.
Jr & Sr Contemporary Music Ensemble
with Ben McConchie
January 8 – March 12
Thursdays, after school (Junior)
Thursdays, 5:30 pm (Senior)
We are thrilled to announce a new winter session for our after-school music program with Ben McConchie. Focus will continue to be on making music together – studying, rehearsing, song writing, and performing great contemporary songs, from jazz standards and classic rock to modern pop and indie. Participants will have access to a wide variety of instruments from the Ptarmigan Arts instrument bank, including drums, guitars, basses, keyboards, and more. No matter your ability, this is a great opportunity to learn, collaborate, and perform in a supportive and fun environment. Winter session costs $120 and is open to both returning and new students. Scholarships are available, just ask. Registration now open.
For more information on how to register or to find out which ensemble is right for you, please visit our website.
Art in the Library – Call for Submissions
Submissions open until February 28
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).
Pottery Meetup
Thursday, January 29, 6 – 7:30 pm
Community Hall
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.
Weekly Community Gatherings
Fridays, 12 – 1pm
Community Hall
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.
On January 2, Zonnis will kick off the new year with their fun musically inspired social commentary. On January 9, Pender’s own Maya Cook will join us with a blend of jazz, blues, and folk rhythms. January 16, we have Second Chance playing a sweet selection of songs from the 1970s, and on January 23 a new Pender treat, the Blue Hour Collective, will be playing jazz classics. Closing out the month, on January 30, we have Bill Heintz and his guitar entertaining us with tunes from across the decades.
All tickets and program registrations are available on our website. For assistance, please contact us by email.
Happy New Year!
Community
Community Hall
Pender Island Recreation and Agricultural Hall Association
January is the perfect time to reflect on what we are grateful for and set intentions for the year ahead. At the Community Hall, we have much to celebrate. Last year, we installed a new deck roof cover thanks to funding from the Nu-to-Yu. Our Friday and Summer Kids Camps ran successfully, supported by the Legion and GreenAngels and their campership funds. The Youth Leadership Program expanded to include Youth Culinary Skills, Hall Heroes, and the Friday Kids Club, with support from the Victoria Foundation. We are grateful to our regular adult helpers Tania, Jim, and Priscilla and casual helpers, with special thanks to Dave for building the lounge cabinet and Dianne for providing a very special tree. The Conservancy also deserves recognition for all the planting projects and work in the garden.
We’d love to hear from you. What improvements would you like to see in programs, activities, or infrastructure? Do you have time, a skill, or knowledge you could share with us?
With your support, our Community Hall continues to be a vibrant, welcoming hub for everyone. Every program, activity, and improvement is made possible through community generosity, whether through volunteer time or financial contributions. Donations over $25 are eligible for a charitable tax receipt. If you would like your contribution directed to a specific project, please let us know; otherwise, it will be applied where the need is greatest. Your support helps fund youth leadership programs, hall improvements, children’s camps and programs, and landscaping projects.
CHILD AND YOUTH PROGRAMS
To register, go to:
penderislands.org/registrations
Hall Heroes Club
Ages 5+
Fridays, 10 am – 1:30 pm
Start your day on a mission at the Hall Heroes Club, where kids use their superpowers of creativity, kindness, and leadership to make a difference. 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/ 8 will need a buddy. Bring your own, or we can pair you with one (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. Free.
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.
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)
Plan and prepare the meal for the Friday Community Gathering; participants gain hands-on kitchen skills and 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 do things such as 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, be a photographer, 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 am – 1 pm and talk to Andrea. Free.
Paid Youth Internship
Open to students 12 -17 years old. This program allows participants to earn while they learn. Interns can build up skills in areas such as Café Management, Event Assistance, Activity Leadership (including the Friday Kids Camp), or basic Building Maintenance and Office Assistance. Interns receive an honorarium (like a wage) starting at $5/hour and can earn up to $500 per year. Significant training and ongoing support will be offered as needed and by request. Hours are adaptable to accommodate school and life but are typically six to eight hours per month. For more information go to: penderislands.org/opportunities/youth-opportunities or stop by the Hall and ask to speak to Andrea.
ACTIVITIES
*New* Café Français
January 10, 1 – 2 pm
Practice your intermediate or higher conversational French skills in a relaxed, friendly setting! Join us for an initial meetup to discuss future meeting times. Come for conversation, connection, and fun.
Carpet Bowling
Restarting January 14
Wednesdays, 1:30 – 3:30 pm
Australian rules 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, 11 am – 12 pm
All ages are welcome at this weekly activity, proudly run by our youngest volunteers.
January 2 – Gratitude Graffiti Board & Board Games
January 9 – Snowy Crafts
January 16 – Make Soda Syrup
January 23 – Candle Making
January 30 – Make & Race Paper Planes
FILMS
Possible upcoming films: Wicked: For Good, Hamnet, If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, Nuremberg, Avatar: Fire and Ash, Rental Family, Ballad of Wallis Island, Goodrich, The Last Rifleman, Colours of Time, The Roses, Perfect Days, Snow White, Dog Man, Zootopia 2, Elio, How to Train Your Dragon. Let us know what you would like to see.
Matinee: The Life of Chuck
Monday, January 5, 2:15 pm
See Community Support Programs, page 38, for description.
Eleanor the Great
Saturday, January 24, 7:15 pm
After the death of her oldest friend, 94-year-old Eleanor Morgenstein moves from Florida to New York City for a fresh start. Wandering into a support group for Holocaust survivors, she tells a tale that takes on a dangerous life of its own. 1 hour 38 minutes.
Matinee: Sleepless in Seattle
Monday, January 26, 2:15 pm
See Community Support Programs, page 39, for description.
Kids Club Matinee: Smallfoot
Friday, January 30, 2 pm
Migo is a friendly Yeti whose world gets turned upside down when he discovers something that he didn’t know existed – a human. He soon faces banishment from his snowy home when the rest of the villagers refuse to believe his fantastic tale. Hoping to prove them wrong, Migo embarks on an epic journey to find the mysterious creature that can put him back in good graces with his simple community. 1 hour 37 minutes. By donation.
WINTER MARKETS
Every Saturday, 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.
January 3 – Gratitude Graffiti Board and free hot drinks in the Cafe
January 10 – Garage Sale at the Market and Trivia Day in the Cafe
January 17 – NTY Treasures at the Market and Friendship Day in the Café
January 24 – Youth Vendors at the Market and Treasure Hunt in the Café
January 31 – Silver Screen above the Market and Cozy PJ Day in the Café
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.
Featured Volunteer Opportunity: Comfort Centre Host
Stepping in during emergencies or unusual circumstances, these volunteers provide support during power outages, extreme weather events, and other challenges. We ask the volunteers to assist with regular activities a couple of times a year to keep up their skills and knowledge. During Comfort Centre days, volunteers take shifts to open up the Hall as they are able and interested, where they open the café, assist people in finding things, and liaise with regular users.
Dragonfly Child Care & Family Resource Centre
Pender Island Child Care Society
Family Counselling Sessions
January 12 and 26, 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. Thank you to The Victoria Foundation for their generous support of this program.
Dad n’ Me Pancake Breakfast
January 24, 9 am
Dragonfly Centre
Dad n’ Me Pancake Breakfast is held one Saturday each month from 9 to 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
January 5, 12, 19, 26, 9 am
Dragonfly Centre
Parents and Babes runs every Monday morning (except holidays) from 9 to 11:30 am at Dragonfly. Pam Wadge facilitates this free drop-in program for parents, caregivers and their young children. This program is a great way to meet other young families on the island and to get out of the house on dark winter days. 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)
January 7, 14, 21, 28, 9 am
School Gym
HOP is held every Wednesday morning from 9 to 10:15 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.
For 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
Ellen Willingham.
New Community Support Group Fills a Void
At last summer’s Fall Fair in honour of Ellen Willingham and Tekla Deverell, Ellen’s son Kevin aptly described his mother as a “friend, farmer, community pillar, and a priest.” Among Ellen’s many contributions to the Pender community was her support of individuals and families who were struggling or isolated or grieving or facing end-of-life transitions. Her unexpected death in 2022 left a void in our community.
Over the past several months, a group has emerged to help fill that void. In recognition of Ellen’s life of love and service, that group chose to call themselves “Ellen’s Group” with the tagline – “Serving our Community with Compassion”. Volunteers are trained to offer home visits and pastoral care to any member of the community who is facing difficult times, including end of life, grief, and loneliness.
Ellen was the parish priest for the Anglican Parish of Pender and Saturna Islands, and as Kevin noted the pastoral care she provided “radiated well beyond church walls, offering guidance and support to anyone in need, even – and especially – those who wouldn’t talk to a priest”. Following Ellen’s lead, Ellen’s Group will offer visits to the entire community, including people of other faiths and those who do not identify with any religious organization.
Ellen’s Group is under the auspices of the Anglican Church. While many of the volunteers are active church members, some are not. Volunteers without religious affiliation are welcome, as they allow the group to offer a wider spectrum of options for those wanting visits.
Jane Morley, one of the initiators of Ellen’s Group, explains what the group means by ‘pastoral care’: “It is about walking alongside someone and offering support that recognizes the importance of emotional and spiritual well-being. It involves providing a listening ear, being compassionate and present, and referring people to relevant community resources.”
Ellen’s Group has already started informally with volunteer training sessions and some home visits. Sandi Smoker has emerged as the group’s Team Lead. As of January 2026, Sandi will be on contract to support the volunteers and to get the group up and running more formally. Sandi is a Certified Spiritual Care Practitioner and 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 mental health program supervisor and counsellor with the Pender Island Health Centre Society.
Starting in January, the group is offering a monthly “Listening Post” on the third Wednesday of each month from 10 am to 12 pm at the Anglican Parish Hall. Anyone interested is encouraged to drop in to receive spiritual support and share their lived experience. If you would like to become a member of Ellen’s Group or want the services that the group offers, please get in touch.
G’Old Network
2025 Wraps Up with a Caregivers Workshop and We Look Ahead to Plan B
We wrapped the year with a workshop on Caring for Caregivers on November 26. The workshop struck a chord with many participants: “Informative, well organized & hopeful”; “useful information and, for me, very timely. This is a huge service to all of us on Pender Island”; “The best thought out endeavor I have attended in a very long time.”
And now we are looking ahead to several initiatives in the new year!
The purpose of Pender’s G’Old Network, as you know, is to create and sustain an environment that supports all those who wish to grow old well and die peacefully here if they choose. But what happens if unforeseen challenges make it impossible to carry on living here? Making a “Plan B” ahead of time will help ensure an easier transition. Research indicates that seniors who move by choice later in life, fare far better than those who have been forced by circumstances to do so. And simply having a Plan B in place may give us peace of mind – even if we never need to implement it.
The G’Old Network is offering a workshop on Wednesday, February 25 to help you create your ‘Plan B’. Jaime MacLean, who has helped several Penderites who were unprepared for an unforeseen move, will give a presentation on the practical issues of preparing your home for a move. Kathleen Lightman will lead a conversation on navigating the psychological challenges of moving home later in life, as well as embracing the positive aspects of moving. Andrea Spalding, who with her husband David recently left their Pender home of 35 years, will share their experience; and Jane Harrison, Executive Director of the Pender 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 be part of the Plan B conversation on February 25, 9 am to 2 pm, at the Anglican Church Hall please register by sending an email.
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 an email titled: Willing to Volunteer. 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: sginh.ca/donate-now. Please make sure you specify that your donation is for the G’Old Network. Thank you!
Moving Around Pender
We will meet for the first time in 2026 on Saturday, January 3, 9 am at the Community Hall Lounge. The Annual General Meeting will precede a regular monthly meeting. Members and non-members are welcome. Bring comments, complaints and suggestions or interest.
Nu-to-Yu
Pender Island Community Service Society
Kids’ Shopping Day at the Nu-to-Yu
Another successful Kids’ Shopping Day took place on Sunday, December 7 from 11 am to 1 pm. It was a busy two hours filled with excited children shopping for those special gifts for families, friends, and pets. This event wouldn’t have happened without the support of many groups – the behind-the-scenes organizers, the adults who brought children to the Nu-To-Yu, the children who came with their gift ideas and money, and the several volunteers who worked tirelessly that day. The free gift wrapping was very popular with the children, and the hot chocolate was enjoyed by the adults who waited patiently for the busy shoppers. Well done, everyone. Hope to see you again next year!
Pender Roadshow
A Speculaasplank, a Dutch cooking mould likely from the 1800s
A Chinese cooking mould, likely carved in the 1930s or 40s
Over the holidays I suspect that many of us partook in a cookie or a cake or two. Time spent in the kitchen creating those treats from recipes handed down through the family over the years is an enduring memory for many of us. Shortbread, Linzer tarts, ginger snaps, pizzelle, sugar cookies, Pfeffernuse: the list can be a long one. The scent of those creations wafting from the kitchen and the anticipation of the reward seemed to draw out forever, but it was worth it.
Through the doors of Nu-To-Yu we recently received two unique pieces from a kind donor. On the face of it, they look like folk art carvings but were in fact cooking utensils, icons of holiday treat traditions. These two beautiful pieces stand elegantly on their own merit; so much so, that the previous owner adapted both to hang like a picture on the wall. When viewed as pieces of art they each are impressive, demonstrating skillful carving, honest patina that only comes with age, and subject matter that begs for further inquiry.
The original use for both these treasures were moulds for cookies or cakes. What is curious about these beautiful pieces is that they are from opposite sides of the globe. One is Dutch most likely carved in the mid 1800s, while the second is a Chinese piece most likely carved in the 1930s or 40s. The Dutch piece is double sided and is known as a Speculaasplank for speculaas or gingerbread. The mould is soaked overnight in cold water or brushed with oil then the dough is pressed into the mold to assume the shape then tipped out and baked. The Chinese piece, also double sided, is known as an Ang Ku Kueh mould for red tortoise cake. Sweetened paste of peanut or mung beans set in rice flour are steamed in the mould placed over a banana leaf or in a bamboo steamer.
It may seem odd to assign reverence to items that began their life as cooking utensils. When these utensils are honoured by being passed through the generations, it begs the question, do these inanimate objects have a soul? The emotional significance of the tasty treats created by these utensils is universal across all cultures. The artistry that went into the creation of these utensils deserves as much respect as the cookies and cakes they produced. Kitchen utensils, short and sweet – no pun intended. Thank you to our donors.
Pender Earth
Our Climate Café discussion in December focussed on you, dear reader. We wondered where you were this Friday morning at 9:30 am? We wondered if the complex issues facing our world were on your mind too this rainy morning? We wondered if you had thought of coming to join us? Perhaps you thought we were crazy for wanting to talk about these difficult topics. Maybe you were less inclined to come because you haven’t joined our café discussions as yet.
What we wanted to say to you is that you are always welcome. There is no membership to this club. There is no beginning or end to these conversations…they are ongoing. Every time we get together, we end up feeling better for sharing. We hope you’ll join us.
Our first Climate Cafe of 2026 will be Friday, January 2, at 9:30 am in the Hall.
Pender Island Chamber of Commerce
It was an evening to remember, and one we’re still smiling about.
The Chamber’s Winter Social, held December 4, brought together close to 80 members and guests for an evening of connection, conversation, and celebration. That turnout far exceeded our previous mixers, and we suspect the choice of venue may have had something to do with it. After all…who doesn’t want to party in a castle? Hosting the event at Pender Island’s own Franklin Castle generated a whole lot of curiosity, added a touch of magic, and it certainly delivered.
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First and foremost, thank you to everyone who came out. In a busy season filled with competing commitments, it meant a great deal to see such a strong showing of local business owners, staff, and community members. The energy in the room was warm and festive; exactly what a Winter Social should be.
We are incredibly grateful to our event sponsor, The Raevin Group (Driftwood Auto, Island House and Home, Pender Petals & Paws), whose generous support helped make the evening possible. A big thank-you as well to the many Chamber members who donated supplies and door prizes. We couldn’t have pulled this off without all of you. Check out the list in our ad on page 29. These contributions added fun surprises throughout the night and are a great example of community collaboration at its best.
Our sincerest thanks to Gregory Franklin for so graciously opening the doors of Franklin Castle, welcoming us into his home and offering up such a memorable setting. The atmosphere was beautifully complemented by live piano music from Matthew Hinton, whose performance added just the right mix of elegance and holiday cheer. We also want to thank caterer Trina Glover and her team for keeping everyone well fed with her beautiful spread.
At the front door, the first friendly face guests encountered was “party pixie,” Mary Carlson, who kept things running smoothly and set the tone for a welcoming night. Our very own vice president Sara Miles did a fantastic job as MC, keeping the evening flowing with warmth and just the right amount of sparkle.
Events like this remind us why the Chamber exists: to bring people together, strengthen relationships, and support one another through both the busy and challenging seasons of island business life.
We’re also pleased to welcome our newest member, Andrew Melville of Melville Creative Strategies. Andrew, a new part-time Penderite, brings expertise in branding, web design, and marketing, and we’re excited to have him as part of the Chamber community.
As we head into the new year, we wish our island businesses and community organizations resilience, creativity, and continued collaboration. Stay tuned for news about an upcoming promotion aimed at helping local businesses weather the Otter Bay terminal closure from March 6 – 10. Together, we’ll keep finding ways to support one another, and maybe even find a few more reasons to celebrate along the way.
Pender Island Conservancy
Photo: Yoko Kikuchi
Celebrating Our Volunteers: A Year of Stewardship and Community
On December 12, volunteers gathered at the Hall to celebrate a year of dedicated environmental stewardship. Over coffee and snacks, we shared stories and watched a slideshow capturing moments from throughout the year – reminders of the countless hours, steady hands, and generous spirits that make our conservation work possible.
The event was a small gesture of appreciation for contributions that are anything but small. Our volunteers are the foundation of everything we accomplish. They organize community events that bring new people into the conservation fold. They show up for restoration workdays, removing invasive species and planting native vegetation that will shelter wildlife for generations. They tend seedlings at Pender Native Plants with patience and care, propagating the plants that will one day transform degraded landscapes back into thriving habitat.
This work requires dedication, and our volunteers bring exactly that – along with expertise, enthusiasm, and a deep commitment to protecting the natural spaces we all depend on.
As we look toward 2026, we’re hoping to expand our volunteer team. Whether you have a few hours a month or can commit to regular participation, there’s a place for you. No special skills required – just a willingness to learn and a desire to make a difference. If you’re interested in joining us, please get in touch. We’d be grateful to have you as part of this essential work.
Join Us for Nature in the New Year
Christmas Bird Count 4 Kids
Saturday, January 3
9 am, Hope Bay Bible Camp
Bring your kids out for some birding fun and New Year’s treats as we explore along the Hope Bay estuary on our way to the Nature Centre to see some cool birds. We’ll gather at the Hope Bay Bible Camp and then enjoy games and activities, before we head outside for some natural fun. Every person who sees and identifies five different birds along the way will earn cookies and a goodie bag.
Eagle Watch: The Best of 20 Years
Saturday, January 17, 2 pm
Anglican Hall
Dave Manning, long-time birder, writer, and photographer, has been observing Bald Eagle behavior for over 20 years throughout the Salish Sea. Incorporating photographs, stories, and live original music, he and his musician wife, Eroca Dancer, team up in following one pair of eagles through the entire breeding season, giving us intimate views into the lives of this iconic West Coast bird. Join us in a celebration of this iconic coastal species, at the Anglican Hall at 2 pm. Snacks and beverages will be served; admission $10 or pay what you can (cash or card) at the door.
Reifel Bird Sanctuary Field Trip
Sunday, February 1
We’re off to one of the top bird sanctuaries in all of Canada at the end of January, and winter is by far the best time to be there. Come explore 300 hectares of ponds, trails, dykes, wetlands, and marshes in the Fraser River Estuary. Nearly 300 species of birds have been identified at the reserve, and you never know what you’ll see! Last year, in the same week as we will be there, visitors saw great horned, short-eared, and saw-whet owls, an evening grosbeak, a bittern, a northern shrike, a peregrine falcon, and 58 other species.
We’ll catch an early ferry from Pender – making for a great bird-watching platform as we sail through Active Pass and across the Salish Sea, and return on the early evening boat to arrive back home by 8:30 pm. If we get time after Reifel, we can check out Boundary Bay and even Blackie Spit.
Contact Steve Dunsmuir at sdunsmuir@gmail.com to register, so we can figure out transportation and other logistics.
Photo: Julie Szabo
Thank You: $40,000 Raised for Conservation
We’re thrilled to share that our December matching campaign raised nearly $40,000 for the Conservancy. For a small community, this is a remarkable achievement—and a powerful statement about our collective commitment to protecting the natural spaces we cherish.
Thank you to everyone who contributed. Your generosity ensures we can continue our conservation work throughout 2026, from habitat restoration and land stewardship to community education and environmental monitoring.
From the staff, board and volunteers at the Conservancy …thank you and deep gratitude for your support.
Species Watch: Mixed Foraging Flocks
In the trees, they chatter above you, hopping from tree to tree. They’re travelling through the woods, searching for food. Who could it be? You look closer and see… chestnut-backed chickadees. But, then you also spot red-breasted nuthatches, kinglets, and a pair of brown creepers. It’s an assortment of birds, all flocking together! This is known as a mixed-species foraging flock, a surprisingly common phenomenon in insectivorous bird species, particularly during the winter months.
The flocks tend to surround a “nuclear” species: social birds, like chickadees, that are flexible in what they eat and how they find it. The birds that follow the nuclear species are known as “associates” or “attendants”, trailing the nuclear species while it is within their territory. The final piece of the mixed-species flock are the “sentinels”, birds which alert the flock when potential predators are around.
These flocks are assembled for two reasons: increased access to food, and predator protection. They are made up of species that each have slightly different foraging methods; by traveling together, this increases their collective ability to find food. The presence of sentinels also increases the ability of a flock to spot predators while foraging, and by traveling in larger groups, reduces individual risk by limiting the ability of a predator to single out individual prey. These co-operative assemblages are an important source of food and protection for many birds during the non-breeding months; indeed, loss of the nuclear species has been found to lead to poorer body condition in attendant species.
Fragmentation of habitats increases the potential loss of nuclear species, resulting in either the loss of these mixed-species flocks entirely, or if they do persist, reduced body condition of the individuals that remain. Prioritizing land for protection that connects habitats and reduces fragmentation supports these unique species associations, promoting ecological diversity and resilience – one of the key goals of the Pender Conservancy’s land protection program.
Maintaining wild spaces with lots of native trees and shrubs in your own backyard is one way you can support these collaborative flocks as well – they are nature’s demonstration that diversity makes us all stronger.
Adam’s Nursery Notes
Gardening Resolutions
To mark the start of a new year, I’m sharing three gardening resolutions. Do you want to be my accountability buddy? Or maybe you’ll join me in this less-is-more gardening approach?
Leaves
Every leaf that falls on my property stays on my property. There are so many uses for this gold from the sky. Ideally, we’d leave them where they fall, but if you need to remove them from pathways, driveways and decks then pile them thick on your garden beds. Top tip … your grass can deal with a thin layer of leaves so don’t worry about removing all the leaves from lawns. If you have too many leaves for your garden beds, make a leaf bin with some chicken wire and fill it with leaves (and woodchips, grass clippings and any chopped-up organic matter). Let that sit for six to 12 months and then spread it on your beds, or put it through a sieve and use the fines to amend potting soil. Please keep in mind though that composting will kill overwintering critters, so piled fresh on beds is best.
Water
Incorporate water into the landscape. Whether we put out little, shallow dishes topped up with water or have a large wildlife pond, water brings so much diversity and life to a garden. Make a little water feature cheaply and easily using a container (cleaned annually) of any sort and a cheap but reliable water pump. I love watching birds drink and bathe in my tiny water feature.
Tidiness
Be less “tidy” in the garden and experiment with plant senescence (aging/dying). Many of the plants we typically cut back in fall look beautiful through the winter: spent Aster blossoms catching snow, Junegrass covered in frost and birds feeding on Goldenrod seedheads, for example. All above-ground plant parts – stems, leaves, etc. – provide winter habitat for critters and food for birds. I’ll be leaving as much as possible over winter.
Pender Island Farmers’ Institute
We are very happy to announce that we are now on the Tru Value Spirit Board at #3, and we would like to thank Tru Value for this opportunity! We are one of many community groups on the Spirit Board and we will put the funds raised towards additions to our programs, and improvements to our Farmers’ Market and Farm Food Hub.
We have been invited to the South Island Farmers’ Institute Farmer to Farmer Week from January 26 to January 30. This will include farm tours – Glanford Greenhouses in Saanich, a walking tour of the compost facility at Farm to Garden Organics in Saanich, Northbrook Farm blueberry production and wash/pack station tour on Mt. Newton, a masterclass in fencing and a seed production operation in Sooke, and a tour of a large scale irrigation set up, as well as a conference on January 29 at Saanich Fairgrounds. Topics to be covered include winter vegetables, IPM, flower crops, greenhouse vegetables, drought and dry farming, livestock biosecurity, carpentry and equipment.
Farmer to Farmer Week is followed by the Islands Agriculture Show at Cowichan Exhibition January 30 – 31. District A Farmers’ Institutes will have a booth there.
All our members are invited; see our website for event information or to apply. Pender Island Farmers’ Institute memberships are due December 31 and are still only $5 each. Our AGM will be held in March and if you are interested in being on the board, volunteering, or being on our email list please send us an email.
A Food Safe course is being planned; please let us know if you are interested in joining us. Date and time is to be announced.
The summer Farmers’ Market is May long weekend to Labour Day weekend. If you are thinking of becoming a vendor this year, there is information on our website. Farmers, small scale growers, artisans, and musicians are all welcome.
Last year over $20,000 in local food was distributed by our farmers’ market farmer vendors to people in the community through the BC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Coupon Program. We especially welcome farmers who would like to join us at the market so that we can continue providing this valuable service to the community.
This year our market was one of three markets in a pilot program introducing a card with a QR code for the nutrition coupon program and Tony Legault, our Farm Food Hub sales volunteers, will be presenting on our experience with this new card system at the BC Farmers’ Market Conference on March 6 in North Vancouver. Thank you to Tony for representing our market for this special presentation at the conference, and for all of your volunteer hours in the barn behind the Hall. And thanks again to our partners, the Food Bank, Dragonfly Day Care, and Neighbourhood House, for distributing the cards and coupons to the participants and administering their end of the program.
We are looking for a Market Manager and set up helpers for the upcoming season, so if you are interested, please send us your application.
Fall Fair
We are excited to announce that we are now also on the Tru Value Spirit Board at #35. This would be an easy way for you to donate to the Fall Fair, and we are grateful to Mike and the team at Tru Value for making this happen for so many community groups.
The Fall Fair has also received a Gaming Grant this year from the BC government, and we are putting this funding towards fair activities and improvements.
The 2026 Fall Fair will be August 29.
Our first Fall Fair meeting of the year will be January 4, 4 to 5 pm at the Community Hall Lounge. We will be working hard with our community partners to put on another great community event and welcome any help that we can get. Contact us at penderislandfallfair@gmail.com.
Last But Not Least
We are thankful to all of the financial and in-kind donations by local businesses, organizations, and individuals to the Fall Fair. This assistance makes the fair possible, and this year we received an amazing matching donation of cash to our Fall Fair bursary raffle, and we are working with this individual to bring an additional, very generous educational award to our community. They choose to remain anonymous, but you all know how hard it is to keep a secret in this community. Many thanks to this person for their generosity and vision in creating the Judy Williams-Corbett Education Award. A committee has been formed to make this vision a reality.
Pender Island Fire Protection Society
In November, we held two community meetings. The first was on South Pender, at Firehall #3, responding to the most frequently expressed concern in the comments section of our recent survey. South Pender residents are increasingly concerned about fire insurance for properties on that island.
As we all know, fire insurance is becoming more challenging, especially if your dwelling is any great distance from a firehall. Fire Chief Dine and President Marsden were able to address this issue with residents.
Our second get-together, at Firehall #1, was to present the results of the community survey. With 600 respondents, the survey gave people much more information about what Penders’ fire service offers and how it works. The survey also gave us valuable information about what other general information people need.
250 respondents made thoughtful comments; many singing Pender Fire/Rescue’s staff and paid-on-call firefighters’ praises. The comments gave us more valuable information as to what is top of mind for Penders’ residents in fire and emergency response. There were many requests for additional public education for visitors and residents alike, especially regarding fire risk management on private property. It is interesting to see how much responsibility residents are willing to take on in relation to fire suppression. An educated community is a safer community.
If you missed those meetings, we are embarking on more ways of engaging and informing the community. You will have all read the excellent Fire/Rescue reports that Captain Grelik provides each month and have seen Captain Bulled’s fun social media videos.
And I’d like to emphasize, you can always phone Firehall #1, 250-629-3321, or drop by to ask for help, information, and to make suggestions. Our staff are very well informed on many topics and always willing to help.
Pender Island Fire Rescue
Cpt. Todd Bulled is among the stars of the Fire Rescue’s viral Twilight Saga.
Pender Fire’s Twilight Saga Goes Viral
Happy New Year 2026, Pender Islands! As we close out this past year, our members responded to nearly 350 emergency calls, an increase in service over the past few years.
First, we would like to extend our thanks to everyone who helped make our boot drive a success by collecting food and cash donations for the Pender Island Food Bank and the Santa’s Sac. These significant groups support many local families and individuals here. Your generosity never ceases to amaze us during these events.
Secondly, as I have no doubt you are all aware, Pender Fire’s social media has officially gone viral with the incredible Twilight saga reels envisioned by Cpt. Todd Bulled, our member who narrowly avoided personal injury and willingly made the scenes that were shot and edited by the talented Hayden Bulled. With nearly 20 million views, Pender Fire has put itself on the map, spreading the message of fire prevention and safety worldwide. I look forward to the new and exciting projects coming in 2026.
(Editor’s note: If you haven’t had the pleasure, check out the whole series at tinyurl.com/pendertwilight.)
Every new year, we set personal resolutions. In 2026, I would love it if you included some Fire and Life Safety resolutions that can make a big difference for you, your family, and your community.
Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detector batteries, replace detectors that are 10 years or older and test the detectors monthly.
Ensure you have your civic address posted in a visible, easily identifiable location, ideally by using the approved blue and white reflective number signs available locally.
Book a free BC Fire Smart assessment of your property through the fire department to help improve the wildfire resiliency of your home.
Make sure you and your family members have an emergency plan, as well as prepare an emergency kit for your home/vehicle.
A reminder that fire permits on Pender are valid for the calendar year, and you must renew your permit on January 1st. You can apply for the permits online at penderfire.org or in person at Fire Station 1. You will also see that our wildfire rating signs are changing in the new year. This change is intended to make it easier for you to identify which types of open burning are permitted throughout the year, using pictograms.
In closing, thank you to our valued members who dedicate countless hours of their personal time to training, emergency calls, and community events. Without you, we could not provide the life-saving services that residents and guests on the Penders have come to expect. And thank you to all of you residents, weekenders, visitors, and friends of the islands. Your support is needed and appreciated, and knowing we have it is a driving force behind the excellent level of service we provide.
I hope everyone has a healthy and safe year, and I look forward to seeing you out and about in the community.
Pender Island Food Bank Society
Santa’s Sac Program a Big Success
The new year is here, and it’s time to both look back and look forward. The Pender Island Food Bank and Santa’s Sac had a busy year filled with generosity and kindness.
Santa’s Sac
As the holiday season comes to a close, we wanted to provide you with a summary of the Santa’s Sac program for 2025. The Elf Tree, located at Tru Value (thanks, Mike!!) was once again very popular, and community members stepped up to provide gifts for children and seniors on the Island. The generosity of community members overwhelms us each year, and we were able to fulfill all of the wishes we had on the tree. In 2025, Santa’s Sac supported 24 families and 6 seniors with gifts, gift cards, food, and presents.
In addition, we provided holiday food (thank you, Green Angels) and gift cards to food bank clients to help make the season a bit easier. We’d like to extend a big thank you to Tru Value, Nu-To-You, the Legion, the BC Liquor Store, PI Fire Department, the Green Angels, and a host of other organizations and individuals for donating funds, gifts, and time to organize and deliver gifts. It truly takes an island, and Pender is very generous.
Rising Food Prices
As we look to 2026, we are concerned about the projected continued rising food prices and the economic instability that brings with it so much uncertainty. We are frequently asked about the relationship between housing shortages and food bank usage on Pender Island, and we can unequivocally say there is a strong link. So many of the food bank clients have unstable or insufficient housing, and the price of rent means that the majority of income must go to paying for housing, with little left for food and other basic necessities.
For those on fixed incomes (pensions or disability) they are insufficient to cover these rising costs. For the many, many clients who are working one or more jobs while supporting themselves and their families, the cost of living and wages are not keeping up. We encourage employers to review the data at livingwagebc.ca and do what they can to adjust wages (and working hours) to match what is a bare minimum to support single individuals (never mind those with dependents).
Thanks to the community’s generosity, including our regular supporters, and those of you who have just discovered us in the last few months, the Food Bank is starting the New Year with a stocked pantry, and volunteers are ready to meet the challenges. In February, the Food Bank Society will hold a combined Open House/Annual General Meeting to welcome the public to learn more about the Food Bank. More details will follow in the February article and will be posted on our website and on Facebook. Please consider joining us for that exciting day.
Pender Island Health Care Society
2026 – A Fresh Start for Island Health
With 2025 behind us and the new year here, it’s a great time for each of us to reflect on our own unique roles in the community’s wellness and overall functioning. So many Penderites share their energy, knowledge, strengths, passions, and talents to make this the special place it is. So consider this – what’s your superpower? And how will you share it?
Medical Office Assistants – More Than Meets the Eye
MOAs at the medical clinic have a wide range of responsibilities, and deal with all sorts of unanticipated issues along with their usual day-to-day activities. Their jobs require organization, flexibility, decision-making, and a level head to keep things running smoothly. In most cases, a Medical Office Assistant is the first person a patient will speak with on arrival to the clinic.
Polite communication always goes a long way. Dealing with health issues can be stressful for patients and families, and anyone can have a bad day. We kindly ask that when speaking with our MOAs in person or by phone, you remain respectful and temper your language. We thank everyone for their consideration.
In next month’s issue, we’ll share a behind-the-scenes look at a typical day in the life of an MOA at the medical clinic. Some readers may be surprised at the breadth of their competencies.
Provincial Under-Funding
Since the Honourable Josie Osborne’s November visit to Pender, Board President Bruce Waygood and Executive Director Jane Harrison have held meetings with various senior-level executives at Island Health to explore solutions to the $200,000 funding gap for primary care. After a predictable lull in activity in December, we look forward to discussions ramping up in the new year.
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. The current issue is included in this edition of The Pender Post on pages 40 and 41.
Community Support Programs
Maintain Your Independence (MYI) Exercise Classes
Find class descriptions, schedules, and payment details on our website 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
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
18 postures is a martial art similar to tai chi but done to music. The movements are slow and calming, focusing on breathing and stretching. There are 3 sets about 10 minutes each, and a set of acupuncture points on the hands.
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
Chair Yoga with Shelley Easthope
10:45 – 11:45 am
See Tuesdays for descriptions.
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
Community Hall
See ad on page 3 for a full schedule including lunch menus.
Weekly Activities and Exercise
MYI Classes Upstairs, 9:30 am – 12 pm
Drop-in Café and Knitting and Stitching Circle, 10 am – 12 pm
Geriatric Kung-Fu with Tom, 1 – 2 pm
January 5
Book Club with Cee
This month’s book discussion is Clear by Clarys Davies. Relax, meet new friends, join in good conversation, and discover great books together.
Word for the Year – A Meditation and Discussion
What is one word that you want to embody in 2026? A WOTY can help guide and motivate you to create the direction you want for the year ahead. It can set an intention for the year and how it will flow for you. Join us on the first Monday in January for a short meditation and then a chat about the word you have chosen. Bring a small, flat stone to write your word on, one that feels good in your hand or maybe has a special meaning for you.
Film: The Life of Chuck
This gripping story follows Charles “Chuck” Krantz (Tom Hiddleston), an ordinary man whose life unfolds in reverse, taking us back through the defining moments of his childhood. Based on a Stephen King masterpiece, the film explores the wonder of love, the ache of loss, and the vast complexities that reside within us all. Suggested donation is $5. Volunteers are welcome to make popcorn.
January 12
Marking Time – A Year Long Stitching Project
Making a small consistent effort is one of the best ways to grow creatively. Stitch along with me as we create a daily practice of stitching, just for 15 minutes a day. This is a slow stitch project, a way of marking time in your life and building your creative ‘muscles’. By the end of the year, you will have a visual representation of your personal 2026. In the first get together, we’ll discuss a variety of formats you can use such as a roll, a booklet, a wall piece, or a journal. All you need are some fabric scraps, a good needle, some embroidery floss or thin yarn, and small scissors. Register in advance $5
Pender Kindness Club: 2025 Reflections and 2026 Intentions
In this gently led discussion, you are invited to share your reflections on your 2025 and what your hope is for your 2026. What are you happy to leave behind in 2025? Is there an exciting goal you are working towards in 2026? Join us to add to the chat around setting intentions and mindfulness. Perhaps you’ll start journaling or create a piece of art that will reflect your ideas and desires for the new year. It’s all possible in a fresh, new year.
January 19
Writing Class with Julia and Gregory Nicholls
Join us for a welcoming workshop designed to spark creativity and self-expression. Write whatever inspires you; whether it’s a letter, a short story, a poem, or a cherished memory. Bring your favourite notebook.
Neurographic Art Class Part 1
Join Veronica in this unique class that combines simple drawing techniques with gentle breath work and mindful contemplation. This class is designed to help you reduce stress, spark creativity, and find inner peace. No prior art experience needed, just bring an open mind and enjoy a relaxing, meditative experience in a supportive environment. Register in advance. $5.
January 26
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.
Neurographic Art Class Part 2
See January 19. $5.
Film: Sleepless in Seattle
Starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan, the film follows a journalist (Ryan) who becomes enamored with a widowed architect (Hanks) when his son calls in to a talk radio program requesting a new wife for his grieving father. Suggested donation is $5. Volunteers are welcome to make popcorn.
Go to http://www.sginh.ca/seniors-program and scroll down to Monday Activity to register. E-transfer to finance@sginh.ca
Acts of Kindness/Gratitude
There was a time in my life when I traveled almost every week between Victoria and Nanaimo for work. By Friday night, I’d be driving home from Nanaimo, tired, frustrated, and worn down after a week of balancing government regulations while trying to support the marginalized people I served. All I wanted was to get home.
On one rainy winter night commute, traffic came to a halt at a red light in Mill Bay. When the light turned green, the car in front of me didn’t move. I’ll admit, I wasn’t in the best frame of mind, and a few choice words were said. I tried to shift lanes but was hemmed in by the heavy flow of Friday night traffic. As I stared at the car in front of me, wanting it to move by sheer, frustrated force of will, the car beside me stopped and two teenagers jumped out. Despite the cold rain, they hadn’t bothered to put on their jackets. They ran straight to the driver’s side of the stalled car, checking in and assessing the situation. Then, at the next light, they moved to the back and began to push, clearing the car from the intersection.
As the car moved, I caught sight of the driver who was an older person, likely not capable of pushing their own vehicle and looking a little scared and embarrassed.
I drove through the intersection and continued on my way, but the tears started. My exhausted heart broke wide open. That single act of kindness was a valuable lesson for me. No matter what we are up against or how weary we become, there is always room for compassion – for others and for ourselves.
Do you have an act of kindness story you would like to share? I would love to hear from you.
Pender Islands Lions Club
Santa greets children on the dock at Hope Bay.
Kicking Off 2026 with Community, Connection, and Care
As we welcome 2026, the Pender Islands Lions are filled with gratitude, reflecting on the connections that closed out the holiday season and looking ahead to meaningful ways we can continue supporting our community in the year ahead.
Reflecting on Santa Ship 2025
The season ended on a high note with a very special milestone: Pender Island’s 50th Santa Ship. More than 100 children visited Santa, collected toys, and filled Hope Bay with smiles, jingle bells, and festive cheer. Families enjoyed free hot chocolate and cookies by donation, and children created beautiful Christmas gel cards in Susan Purney Mark’s artist studio, adding creativity and warmth to the day.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Sarah from Studio B Collective for once again hosting Santa and Mrs. Claus, and to the many elves who ensured the event ran smoothly. Special appreciation goes to the RCMP and Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue, Station 20 (Pender Island), for escorting Santa safely; to Pender Island Fire Rescue; to Sam Boyte and the Hope Bay shops, including Pender Island Chocolates for generously providing free hot chocolate; to Gary Goodman for spinning holiday tunes and MCing the event; to Reliable Rusty for helping with setup and teardown, and of course, to Pamella Smith and Liam Regan reprising their key roles and bringing the magic to life, and the Highlanders for adding to the festivities.
We are also deeply grateful to the following donors who helped make this beloved community event a success (and are firmly on Santa’s “nice” list):
Angeline’s Hair Studio; Art by Andy; Earcurls; Good as Wood; Home Hardware; Kraken Underground; Lisa’s Nails & Esthetics; Looking to Sea Kayak Adventures; Macdonald Realty (Annette Cyr & Heather Regan); New Moon Lodge B&B; Pancake Coalition; Pender Island Heating and Cooling; Petals and Paws; Port Browning Marina; Raven Rock Farm; Remax (Diane Cuthbert); Sea Star Winery; South Island Internet; Southridge Country Store; Talisman Books; Truss Farm Food; Wet Coast Marine.
Polar Bear Swim January 1, 2026
Be sure to mark your calendar for the Polar Bear Swim on January 1 at 1 pm at Port Browning Marina.
Warm up with delicious chilli tastings from our chilli contest. Also dress up for your dip for a chance to win prizes for best costume! Taking part in this beloved annual tradition is a bold, joyful, and spirited way to welcome the New Year; so, come join the fun. For more information, to request a sponsorship form, or to sponsor a dipper, please email us.
Phone Book
Keep an eye out for the 2026 Pender Islands Telephone Book, arriving in mailboxes around the island this January! The phone book is a handy local resource and supports important community initiatives. Extra copies will also be available for purchase at the Pender Island Pharmacy and Talisman books.
Pen-pal Initiative
As we move into 2026, the Pender Islands Lions are also proud to introduce a new pen pal initiative. This letter-writing program is designed to bring connection and cheer to those who may be feeling isolated, particularly seniors or community members with limited mobility. If you’d like to participate or know someone who would appreciate receiving an occasional friendly letter, email us with contact details and we’ll make it happen. We were inspired by the letters Santa received last year and reminded that meaningful connection doesn’t end with the holidays.
Looking Ahead
We wish everyone a happy, healthy, and connected 2026. If you’re looking for a meaningful way to give back, we warmly invite you to consider joining the Pender Islands Lions Club. The more voices we have, the louder our roar, and the greater our impact on the community we love.
Pender Island Museum Society
As a volunteer cataloguer, you might just help us identify the woman holding the baby and the older boy in this Colston-Phelps family photo from the 1890s.
A young Robert Colston, who came to farm near Hope Bay in 1890. A rarity among his North Pender neighbours, Colston was born in BC in 1860 while his father was Secretary to Governor Frederick Seymour.
ISO Museum Cataloguers
It’s January and perhaps you’ve made a resolution to volunteer for a community organization. The museum may be just the place for your special talents.
What we’re looking for is anyone who enjoys working behind the scenes on projects that make use of their documentation and research skills. You’re up for learning an easy-to-use database that’s connected to museum collections around the world. You have a steady hand for numbering artifacts and documents and keeping detailed records. And, you get really excited about discovering stories that you may be the very first to know. You may even want to write about your findings in the Pender Post.
You won’t be starting from scratch. The museum first hired a student in 2014 to begin cataloguing the collection. Many items were photographed, described, and given a unique number. What didn’t happen consistently was permanently attaching that number to its matching artifact. An earlier, non-standard inventory had numbers attached with stickers, a “no-no” that we’re gradually and carefully trying to undo.
These issues are not unusual for small museums, but we’re improving. Since 2017, summer museum assistants have spent some of their time properly cataloguing and researching artifacts and records. Many items have no provenance, meaning we don’t know their stories and who donated them. As we examine old records and photos, connections begin to emerge, and some mysteries are solved.
For example, we only recently confirmed the identity of the handsome gentleman in the charcoal-enhanced photo portrait of Robert Colston, above.
Brothers Robert and Sweaney Colston settled the Armadale area in 1890. Robert was a bachelor and, by all accounts, a good man. He provided a home for his sister, Florence Phelps, in 1896. Recently abandoned by her husband in Barkerville, she arrived with four young children and pregnant with her fifth. Robert had already made a home for their widowed mother, Frances, and together they would form “a fine family”.
The museum recently connected with Robert’s great-great granddaughter Claire McKay, who identified the man in the portrait and donated three 125-year-old programmes from Pender School concerts. They were on display during Christmas week, along with this never-before-seen photo of her ancestors.
Robert’s portrait is part of a new display of historic Pender paintings and pictures first featured during our popular “Once Upon a Pender Christmas” event last month. If you missed it, we’ll keep the display in place for the 2026 season.
To date, more than 2,500 items in the museum collection are now accessible online through penderislandsmuseum.ca/our-collection. But, there are countless items left to research and catalogue. We provide training for this important but largely unseen work. We’d love to hear from you. With the museum now closed until Easter, please call me at (250) 217-0823.
Pender Island Parks and Recreation Commission
Here are some suggestions for New Year’s resolutions that can be easily accomplished using our many parks and trails. In fact, there are approximately 80 parks and trails where you can experience the wonder of the Pender Islands. Here are some ideas to make 2026 a great year.
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- Walk the brand-new trail that connects the Danny Martin Ballpark to the school and Health Centre. It will be completed by the end of January but is already seeing lots of use. Since it is a multi-use trail, bicycles, strollers, and wheelchairs are able to move effectively on the hard pack surface.
- Head down to Shingle Bay to launch your kayak down the ramp or take a young friend to the swing set. While there, take some time to wander around and examine the ecological restoration area. Maybe you’ll find a few ideas for your own backyard!
New stairs to the beach at the William Walker Ocean Access. Photo: Ben Symons.
- On South Pender, the Walker Trail beach access stairs have been replaced. Why not check them out and while you’re there enjoy the view across to Saturna or hike the trail back through the woodlands.
- Later in the new year, why not pack up a picnic lunch and head to one of our many parks with picnic tables. (Later in the year you’ll also be able to enjoy our first picnic pavilion at Thieves Bay with shelter from the rain or sun while gazing out on the Salish Sea.)
Make it a resolution this new year to visit a different park, trail, or ocean access each week. Pender has many hidden gems that provide views, beach access and forest exploration opportunities. You can find our trail map and complete guide of our offerings online at tinyurl.com/PenderParks.
The new year is also a new start for the Commission as we welcome new commissioners and elect a new slate for the positions of Chair, Vice Chair and Treasurer. CRD Outer Gulf Islands electoral area director Paul Brent will guide the Commission through this important process. As a review, the Commission is comprised of 8 volunteers whose terms are for 2 years. Commissioners may serve up to 3 terms and are appointed by the CRD board.
As always, the public is invited to attend the monthly PIPRC meetings. The January meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 12, 3:30 – 5 pm at the Community Hall. Zoom attendance is also possible. The link is posted on the CRD website on the Pender Parks page.
Happy New Year and all the best for 2026 from the Pender Islands Parks and Recreation Commission!
Pender Island Public Library
Thank You
As we start 2026, I want to thank all the wonderful people that help make our library great – from generous donors of used books and funds, to Board Trustees and staff that deliver wonderful library services. Our Board Trustees (Sarah, Cee, Ann, Jay, Chris, Wendell) are an integral part of governing our organization and setting the road map ahead. Our dedicated staff: Carmen (Library Director), Jenny (Library Assistant), Colette (Library Technician), Kevin (IT Support) and Melody (Bookkeeper) keep the daily operations flowing smoothly. The Library is proud to support working families in our community with year-round, secure jobs. Our volunteers (Donna, Doug, Peter) help in small but impactful ways. Finally, thank you to the PI Woodchoppers for their generous grant towards building our new bicycle shelter coming in 2026.
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. I can say without a doubt this position comes with an opportunity to showcase any strengths you bring to the table. 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 and February 2026.
Books On Display – Mental Health
Featured this month are adult and youth books on mental health and how we can support one another, stand up against stigma, and improve our mental health in 2026. Come read stories that foster understanding, promote resilience, and raise awareness about the importance of mental well-being for everyone.
Programs
Parents & Tots, drop-in on Tuesday mornings, 10 am -12 pm. Free weekly event to introduce your family to the Library and meet other parents in a cozy welcoming space. Jenny can help answer your questions on engaging books for toddlers and pre-schoolers.
New Books
Adult Fiction
Rufous and Calliope (Sarah Louise Butler), Cry Havoc (Jack Carr), The Spirit of Scatarie (Lesley Crewe), A Snake and a Feathered Bird (Angie Ellis), Queen Esther (John Irving), The Last Love Song (Lucinda Riley), The Five Seasons of Charlie Francis (Danica Roache).
Adult Mystery and Sci-Fi
Nash Falls (David Baldacci), From Cradle to Grave (Rhys Bowen), Fallen Star (Lee Goldberg), Book and Dagger (Elyse Graham), The Hawk is Dead (Peter James), The Girl from Devil’s Lake (Judith A. Jance), The Black Wolf (Louise Penny), The Merge (Grace Walker).
Adult Non-Fiction
Book of Lives (Margaret Atwood), The Stolen Crown (Tracy Borman), The Science of Pets (Jay Ingram), An Accidental Villain (Linden MacIntyre), Clay (Sarah Reeves), The Genius Bat (Yossi Yovel).
Youth and YA
The Last Kids on Earth and the Destructor’s Lair (Max Brallier), The Humble Pie (Jory John), Miya Wears Orange (Wanda John-Kehewin), Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Partypooper (Jeff Kinney), The Perfect Paper Airplane (Robert Munsch), Diary of a Bee (Stepanka Sekaninova), Drop in the Ocean (Léa Taranto).
Library hours: open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 10 am – 3 pm, at 4407 Bedwell Harbour Road.
Pender Island Recycling Society
Happy New Year from Pender Island Recycling! Thank you for your support in 2025, and we are all looking forward to a fun and productive year in 2026. The depot will be closed on New Years Day, Thursday January 1.
We’re currently tallying all of our tonnage data for 2025 and are looking forward to updating you with some numbers in the February issue. All recycling in BC is barcoded and tracked, giving us access to solid data about our recycling and how it is handled. Producers and users of packaging products must report their output to the province, and it is measured against how much household recycling is collected.
This provides accurate numbers of recycling rates and what is being diverted from landfill. At a recent conference a presenter stated that in the last 30 years BC’s per capita landfill contribution rates have reduced to half their previous amount. Your efforts to recycle are reducing how much material is landfilled, extending the life of BC landfills that are quickly filling to capacity.
Now is a great time to get on our backhaul list for 2026. Every week our truck loads up with collected recyclables to ship to the Saanich peninsula. Drivers then load up with landscape material to haul back to the island. Each load is purchased directly from landscape supply companies and charged to the customer at cost. A flat rate delivery fee of $160 for North Pender, or $180 to South Pender is added to the cost of the materials.
Our truck can handle a maximum of six yards of soil or mulch, or three yards of gravel or sand per trip. We do not offer split loads but will haul less material if customers do not need the full truckload. This is a popular service and fills up quickly. Please note we are normally booking a few months in advance and last-minute hauls are usually not possible. Get on the list now for your spring or summer delivery to secure your ideal delivery date.
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
Scout Jonah unleashed a torrent of water during a tour of Fire Hall #1.
The Pender Island Scouts troop ended the year with a busy but rewarding run of events that included building their survival skills, a winter campout, and concluded in late-December with a badge ceremony to mark the end of a successful season.
In November, Scouts, Cubs, and Beavers worked on their survival skills and built personal survival kits, an important part of being prepared for the outdoors. We also spent a great afternoon at the firehall, where the kids explored equipment, learned safety skills, and had the chance to try the hoses under the tutelage of Capt. Jon Grelick.
Their excitement was the highlight of the day (and frankly, even the youngest of them managed to control the water pressure better than a novice Scout leader who shall remain nameless).
We wrapped up the month with fire building and outdoor cooking, practicing safe techniques and enjoying roasted apples cooked over the flames.
In December, a half-dozen of our oldest and keenest members joined leaders Kevin Balmer, Kevin Casteels and Ken Packford at a winter campout at Shingle Bay. This was no picnic in the park! The Scouts were expected to pack and prepare their own belongings, manage the chilly (and wet) weather, and do their part in overseeing the campsite, fire pit, and many other responsibilities.
A big thank you to the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve for the offseason camping permit – it was a major accomplishment for the kids, and a memory that should last a lifetime.
We ended the month with a “moving up” ceremony, at which Scouts received badges they had earned over the past calendar year and those who had aged into the next step of their journey advanced to the next level.
The 1st Gulf Islands Scouts of Pender Island will return to our traditional Wednesday meeting schedule in January when we launch a new season of outdoor activities, skills training, and public service. If your child is interested in joining the fold, it is a great time to start their journey.
Pender Organic Community Garden Society
Growing Community
As we all take a breath between seasons, the garden rests, but the gardeners don’t. The Pender Island Organic Community Garden Society (POCGS) continues its quiet, steady work of cultivating not only vegetables and flowers, but community resilience, food security, and a sense of belonging.
For the members, the community garden is an oasis, tucked away in a sunny plot of the island, on land generously provided by Karl Hamson. The garden contains roughly two dozen individual plots – each one about 20×20 feet, each tended by a gardener with their own methods, seeds, joys, and struggles. Together, these plots form one of the most collaborative yet independent places on the island: a patchwork quilt of soil, mulch, tools, and a shared purpose.
What makes POCGS remarkable isn’t just organic practices or rows of vegetables – it’s the people. Lifelong gardeners work beside first-timers. Retirees share tips on compost and slug management while young families grow their first sunflowers. There was also a monster sunflower this past summer that towered probably well over 20 feet!
In an era where global food systems feel increasingly unstable, local organic gardens like POCGS are more than hobbies – they are acts of resilience.
The garden:
- Supports local food production
- Provides organic, regenerative practices
- Encourages a welcoming outdoor space for connection
- Offers a low-cost way for residents to grow fresh produce
- Strengthens intergenerational ties within the community
This past year brought new members, new infrastructure improvements, and renewed interest from young islanders.
For anyone considering joining: we don’t currently have any plots, but we need to build our waitlist. Having joined only this past year – it is possible to get in. You don’t need any experience – just a willingness to learn, and perhaps some muddy boots!
As early spring (aka deep winter in the rest of Canada) approaches and seed catalogues begin appearing in our mailboxes, now is the perfect time to begin dreaming of summer garden plans and maybe some seed starting, too.
Parent Advisory Council (PAC)
The Pender Island Parent Advisory Council would like to welcome our island academics back to classes after the holiday break and are excited to share details about upcoming efforts to support the school’s in-class and extracurricular offerings.
Those fundraising events are highlighted by our third annual Read-a-Thon and a rejigged plan for “The Carnival”.
January will mark the start of our third annual Pender Island Read-a-Thon, a novel (get it?) fundraising event that puts the children in the driver’s seat.
From Sunday, February 1 through Monday, March 2, students will be invited to track the amount of reading they complete, with a personal target in mind. Participants are encouraged to collect pledges or donations from family and friends from the community. The proceeds will be used to cover much of the cost to provide learning programs, field trips, hot lunches, extra-curricular clubs and sports, and books and equipment for the classrooms.
So, if you are approached by a youngster in your life, consider offering your support. Every dollar helps, so either a simple stipend or an amount determined by their total time read. If you choose the latter, we do recommend you institute a cap, as some of these students are voracious readers.
Read-a-Thon participants combined for more than 100,000 minutes and about $8,000 in donations in each of the past two events. We’re hoping this year’s efforts will set new records, and PAC has promised to hold an ICE CREAM PARTY if the students combine for a new all-time high in time spent reading.
Aside from being our largest fundraiser of the year, the Read-a-Thon is also a fantastic way to encourage students to explore the joys of reading, whether that be by picking up their favourite book for another spin, reading to a sibling or parents, or listening to audiobooks.
We are also excited to confirm that the beloved Winter Carnival will proceed this year, albeit rejigged and with a later date. We are now aiming to host the big show in April, and have rebranded it to The Carnival, for obvious reasons.
On a final note, we would like to celebrate a new primary bus driver joining the PIESS family – a welcome addition to the team that should ensure consistent transportation for our students.
Steve Booth completed his training last month and officially stepped into his duties before the winter break. Michael Gariepy and Austin Davis are also expected to complete their training early this year and will support Steve as alternate drivers. The suddenly stacked roster should allow Lenore Baxendale to return to retirement. We send our deepest appreciation to Lenore for coming out of retirement to lend a hand when we needed it most.
PenderPOD
We are POD – “Pender Ocean Defenders”. We write about, and do a lot for, our Southern Resident Orcas – Pods J, K and L – who now number 74. They numbered about 100 a few decades ago.
However, for this entry we will mostly focus on the mother of us all: the ocean! Much of this material is taken from the Times Colonist on November 16 and 23 and was originally written by journalists A. Yadav and D. Kloster.
But first we should remember the 1971 statement of Arthur C. Clarke: “How inappropriate to call this Planet Earth when it is quite clearly Planet Ocean”. There is a major crisis in our oceans and most of this is caused by us. Quite frankly, mankind does not deserve the honorific Homo Sapiens – rather ours should be Homo Stupidus.
Scientists have proved that our dependency on fossil fuels is causing CO2 emissions to rise yearly, resulting in bleaching and acidification in the ocean, heating the planet and threatening our oceans and atmosphere. Pollution – sewage, oil spills, industrial runoff and plastics – degrades the sea. Overfishing reduces biodiversity and kills off keystone species. Our orca depend on the Chinook who in turn depend on herring. Our politicians know this and do nothing substantial to rectify this crisis.
Journalists Yadav and Kloster report that a massive proliferation of free-floating drift logs in B.C. is damaging intertidal ecosystems and contributing to the sharp decline in shore birds. Dr. Reimchen, a UVic biologist, found that logs batter barnacles, mussel beds, and inter-tidal invertebrates that oystercatchers, rock sandpipers, and surfbirds depend on for food. Where are today’s Beachcombers?
Returning to our neighbors the orca, we have great news! The Orca Conservancy in Washington State reports that a healthy new calf was spotted on December 9 surfacing on its own and zipping around the large group of Ks in South Puget Sound. The newborn appeared to be travelling with YODA, K 36. More next month!
Royal Canadian Legion
Can it really be 2026? For an old baby boomer like myself it almost sounds like a science fiction movie “2026” – a space oddity! I’m just hoping it’s a better movie than 2025. Overall, it was a pretty good year for the Legion. We had a record-breaking year with our meat draws. Our Friday night dinners sold out almost every night, and the Legion patio proved to be the place to be on Friday Nights for barbeque and music, all summer long. With the dedication and good humour of our great crew of volunteers we experienced success with a whole handful of special events out in the community and here at the Legion.
It was a good year in many ways for Branch 239; we raised a lot of money that we filtered back to needy organizations here on Pender and our future is looking financially secure. However, success is not always judged by the bottom line on a ledger, and for me personally, and a lot of our Legion family, the last few months of 2025 kind of ruined a pretty good year. We lost some good people from our family in that time frame, the most recent being Helen Allison, Kathy Resvick, and Fred Vye.
Helen was a Pender legend, and I am glad that so many of us got to say goodbye to Helen this past spring at her 99th birthday celebration here at the Legion. I’m old enough to remember those old singsongs with the Pender Plunkers and Bob Allison at the piano. It’s nice to think that they will be back together around the piano, laughing and singing once more.
Kathy Resvick was a longtime Legion supporter. For many years (along with her husband Gord, a Legion Life Member) she was a volunteer, dinner attendee, euchre player, etc. If there was a special event, she and Gord would be there. She also had some memorable moments as a performer on stage with Solstice Theatre.
Fred Vye was a former Legion Executive and 25-year member of our club, as well as a long time Lions Club Executive, both here and in Vancouver. He gave his time freely to a host of other charities on our island in a quiet unassuming way – he did a lot for our island, never seeking recognition or reward, just happy in the knowledge that he was contributing to the island that he called home for nearly 30 years. He was my friend and next-door neighbour for 17 years and he loved my dog almost as much as I do. That alone would rate him high in my books. We will miss all the above and send our condolences to family and friends.
I myself lost my best friend as well as my brother-in-law in the last two months, so perhaps now you can see why I will be glad to usher in a new year. Time (though a cruel mistress) heals a lot of that pain. Here’s to good times and old friends remembered.
In other Legion news, our first Friday Night dinner will be on January 16 when I’ll be doing my roast beef and Yorkshire pudding with apple pie à la mode for dessert. January 30 will be the next date for a dinner, but the meal is still undecided. Check the website for an update.
Bingo is on January 10 at 1 pm and meat draws are every Saturday at 4 pm. The general meeting is on January 31 at 2 pm and we would still like to add a couple of folks to our executive team, so if you would like to be part of our family give me a call at 250-589-6163 and we can discuss what the position entails. January is also the time to place your ballots for Legionnaire of the Year. We have a huge list of worthy candidates this year so be sure to drop by the Legion and place your vote for your favourite volunteer. In case you were wondering, presidents are not eligible!
I would also like to thank our longtime bookkeeper Joanna Rogers for her many years of service to the Legion. Many times, she went above and beyond the call of duty, especially when dealing with a president who was somewhat lacking in computer skills (to say the least). We wish her well in whatever the future brings. Hopefully a lot of R&R!
Oh, yes, before I sign off, I would like to thank Janet Blakely for once again making those handmade poppies and donating the cash raised to our annual poppy fund. The poppies are beautiful and the thought and consideration behind them is even more endearing. I would also like to thank all those fine ladies and gents who did shifts at the Driftwood handing out poppies in all kinds of weather. It was another good year of Pender Islanders stepping up to honour our vets.
I guess that’s about it for this month, so Happy New Year and we hope to see even more of you at your friendly Legion in 2026.
SDA’,YES Truth and Reconciliation Circle
We open Circle with the words of Chief Robert Joseph: “Let us find a way to belong to this time and place together. Our future, and the wellbeing of all our children rests with the kind of relationships we build today.” This is the crux of Reconciliation – healing relationships between people and with the land.
Our members are excited to take part in an inventory of native plants on the Penders and to learn more about planting and restoring native species such as Oregon Grape, after removing invasive species such as Broom, Gorse and Daphne. More about this in the new year.
Here is the SENĆOŦEN phrase that we learned in the Circle:
ÍY¸ Ȼ EN¸ STÁĆEL
“It’s good that you’ve arrived.”
It’s hard to give a sense of the sound, but ask when you see me!
Our meetings are on the third Wednesday of alternate months. The Circle meets again on January 21, 4 – 6 pm, by Zoom. Contact me for information.
SGI Community Resource Centre
Housing NOW
Winter is shaping up to be an exciting season for Housing NOW, with several community-focused initiatives rolling out across the Southern Gulf Islands. From homeowner engagement sessions to renter readiness supports and inter-island collaborations, our team is preparing a lineup of winter activities designed to strengthen local housing solutions and deepen connections between residents.
Keep an eye on this space for event dates and opportunities to participate. If you’re an organization, community group, or local leader interested in partnering with us this winter, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out anytime at housingnow@sgicrc.ca – let’s collaborate to support housing stability across our islands.
Sustainable Funding Initiative
Upcoming Winter Workshop Alert
Happy New Year from the SFI! We hope everyone had an enjoyable holiday season. This winter, the Sustainable Funding Initiative has an exciting lineup for SGI nonprofits and charities:
Project Management Foundations:
Part 1 – The Essentials
January (date tbd), Zoom
AI: The ChatGPT Edge
Tuesday, February 24, 4:30 – 7:30 pm, Zoom
Spark your curiosity, have some fun, and stay current with our hands-on AI workshop focused on Generative AI, diving deep into the practical applications of ChatGPT.
Please visit linktr.ee/sgisfi for more information and to register.
We are always looking for workshop facilitators. If you are interested in leading a session or if you have any ideas for workshops you would like to see the SFI offer, please contact us at islandsupport@sgicrc.ca.
Dining in the Dark
Work continues on the new Dining in the Dark supplement booklet, created as a companion to the original community cookbook. This edition focuses on emergency preparedness for storm season, including practical tips, pantry planning, and important local resources. Alongside the booklet, planning is underway for hands-on cooking workshops based on recipes from Dining in the Dark, plus a few surprises still simmering. Watch local social media channels for updates and registration details.
Food Resilience Project
The Food Resilience project is also moving forward with the pilot Mobile Meat Birds Abattoir program, scheduled to come to Pender Island in early summer 2026. This pilot is designed to provide a viable and cost-effective processing option for small-scale producers across the Southern Gulf Islands. Information packages and sign-up forms will be shared soon via email and social media.
As we welcome 2026, we extend our warmest wishes for a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year. Thank you for supporting the Community Resource Centre and the local events, activities, and businesses that keep our island communities vibrant and resilient. We look forward to continuing to deliver timely and useful programs that support affordable housing and strengthen community capacity. Together, let us continue celebrating all that is unique and wonderful about our islands and build a year filled with connection, creativity, and community spirit.
SGI Neighbourhood House
Southern Gulf Islands Community Justice Program
The SGI Community Justice Program is kicking off the new year with a new series of Community Conversations on Zoom. In November, we hosted a Zoom conversation focused on mending relationships. On Wednesday, January 21 at 7 pm on Zoom, we’ll host another conversation on growing connections across differences. 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, sginh.ca/cjp. If you or someone you know could benefit from a supportive conversation space, please reach out at cjp@sginh.ca.
Computer Savvy Seniors
The SGI Neighbourhood House’s Computer Savvy Seniors program helps older adults across the Southern Gulf Islands build confidence and stay connected in an increasingly digital world. Through patient, one-on-one support, seniors learn practical skills such as using email, navigating online services, accessing virtual health care, and staying in touch with family and friends – reducing isolation and increasing independence. To suggest a workshop topic or to make an appointment with a support person on your island, please contact our office.
Deadline for Charitable Receipts
Across the Southern Gulf Islands, the SGI Neighbourhood House provides essential programs that nourish, connect, and uplift people of all ages on Pender, Mayne, Galiano, and Saturna. Your contribution stays right here in our island region, supporting food security programs, seniors’ digital literacy workshops, youth leadership opportunities, and the staff and volunteers who make this work possible. Whether it’s $150 to help provide meals for local seniors, $250 to support youth programming, $500 to keep elders connected, or a leadership gift that strengthens services across all four islands, your generosity makes a lasting difference. Help us build kinder, healthier, more resilient islands – donate at sginh.ca/donate-now.
Thank you for your generous support of the Southern Gulf Islands Neighbourhood House Society throughout the year – your involvement strengthens our programs, our communities, and the connections that make these islands such a special place to call home. We are deeply grateful for your partnership and commitment. Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a peaceful, healthy new year.
Recreation and Leisure
Pender Island Garden Club
Judith Young, presenter.
Debbie Bleasdale, member.
The first Garden Club meeting of the New Year will be on Thursday, January 8, 1 pm at the Community Hall. It will be a presentation by Dag Folk on soil health. The health of our soil is crucial as it provides us with food, clean water, clean air and helps regulate the climate. Non-members are welcome with a $5 entry.
Our December meeting was a workshop making our own Christmas centrepiece with a social gathering that included great food from our members. Judith Young, a retired florist and member of the club, guided us in the creation. A centrepiece helps make a lovely table for a celebration meal.
Your guests and family are the reason you gather to share food and friendship. A tablescape helps showcase the occasion. The height of the centrepiece is important. If it is too tall it can block the line of sight, limiting conversation. If it is too small, it just takes up space on the table. Start with the plant material and decorations you want to use laid out. Flowers, evergreens, fresh herbs, dried pieces, ribbons and bows as well as small Christmas decorations can all create seasonal pizazz. A dramatic vase can add to the piece. Use a container that is wider than it is high. A round table can handle a taller container while a long, rectangular table might be better with a couple of smaller containers.
Use the rule of three with main plants, it balances well and does not look too regimented. To hold everything in the container, a ‘frog’ or piece of metal with spikes or glass sits in the bottom and the stems are stabilized. A grid of tape across the top of the container will also hold the stems upright. Start with a base of material that forms a covering of the tape and drapes over the edge. Then add the rest of the pieces, building up to the centre. Candles can go in the centre but be careful to not set the arrangement on fire! They also make battery operated candles these days. Keep them above the water. These instructions work for centrepieces throughout the year, just change with the seasons.
Happy New Year to all. The garden club has much planned to help everyone with a successful garden in 2026.
Pender Island Otters Swim Club
Participants in the December Swim-a-Thon.
We had our last day of swimming of 2025 on December 12. And, because it was necessary to postpone our swim-a-thon from the previously noted date of December 5 to 12, I am rushing to get a short summary in before the Christmas deadline for The Pender Post. More than successful, would be the most succinct way to describe the event. There were more laps swum than any of us could imagine. The Otter Pups amazed their coaches Elizabeth and Elise with their stamina. Coaches Sidney and Laara cheered on each group of the Juniors, Seniors and Walruses as they exceeded lots of personal goals. Several adult swimmers crushed the 2000 meter mark, and the Juniors were passing 60 laps as they finished their time slots. Between us all, we swam over 43 km, with the nine Otter Pups in total doing 220 laps of that which is 8.8 km. Three Walruses clocked in 6.4 km between them. But – everyone did a fantastic job of proving their metal for the pledges they collected. We don’t have a complete total right now, as a few of our swimmers were either sick, or unable to swim on December 12, but we will add their numbers when they have a chance to swim next. The Green Angels/Wood Choppers supported us with a very generous matching pledge, and we are so grateful for their continued support of our little inter-island club.
We look forward to starting up again on January 9, 2026, and registration links will be available towards the end of December. This session will be a bit shorter in length as Panorama Pool closes for annual maintenance, and then there is school spring break as well. The winter/spring session will go through to March 13. Then, the summer session will start at the beginning of May and run through to mid-August. So, still lots of time to come join us for either session. Lastly, I want to thank our coaches for their continued support, and for their caring approach to teaching swimming, and stroke improvement.
We’ll keep on swimming on into 2026!
Pender Island Wheelchair Basketball Junior League Team
Pender Island Wheelchair Basketball Team competing in their first league game last month. Photo: Tim Frick
Pender youngsters have been playing wheelchair basketball (WCBB) since about 2012. This fall, more opportunities have opened for the dozen team members with the formation of an official Junior League by BC’s Wheelchair Basketball Society. The team’s first league outing was to a November tournament at the SJ Willis high school gym in Victoria.
Coached by former Paralympic coach Tim Frick—another example of the talented and dedicated people who come to live on Pender—an enthusiastic group of youngsters have been playing after school using their 11 chairs. Rather uniquely, wheelchair basketball in Canada is played by teams of able and disabled players and is an engaging sport to watch.
The whole school participates once a year at a WCBB week, when all Phys ed classes are in chairs borrowed from Victoria. As well as a lot of fun and an introduction to this fast-paced sport, the week is programmed to be a broad insight for students into the world of disabled athletes and accessibility in general.
Former Pender junior players have gone on to Team BC and played (and won) at the 2023 Canada Games.
Their next tournament is in Langley on January 24/25. Enthusiastic parents and youngsters have been helped out by BC Ferries vouchers secured through via Sport BC, an amateur sport organization. Pender Island Wheelchair Basketball Team also receives support from BC Wheelchair Basketball Society and Pender Islands Community Parks and Recreation Commission.
Weather Observations for November
The average precipitation for November is about the same as for December and January and more than any other month. This is our rainy season, also known as winter, but if you like to associate winter with snow you will likely be disappointed with Pender Island weather and you may go elsewhere to play in the snow.
We have had light falls of snow occasionally in previous Novembers but only once have we had heavy snow and that was an amazing 57 cm in November 2006. We can expect the temperature to drop below zero some days, or nights in November. In 2025, November was very mild; it seemed cold and wet, but temperatures were neither very cold nor very warm and precipitation was well below average for November.
In January, be prepared for heavy rain and a 50/50 chance of snow. We have had snow in 19 of the last 38 Januaries. Hours of daylight will be gradually increasing but we will have another two months on Standard Time.
In the February issue of The Pender Post, I will give details of the December weather and also a summary of weather in the whole year 2025. I wish all my readers good health and weather of their choice in 2026.
Cover Story
The heron on our cover this month was photographed by Myles C. Clarke at Brooks Point last summer.