From Our President
Good Morning, Pender Island!
It is a distinct pleasure to watch Pender Island wake up from its winter slumber. As the sun stays longer and the air gets warmer, so too do the hiking trails become more attractive, the shops and markets more active, and the hubs that host our island events seem a little easier to reach from the comfort of my living room in Magic Lake.
Take the volunteer fair, hosted by the Community Hall in late April. This is where I spent a recent Saturday, talking with people about the very thing to which this newsletter dedicates itself: bringing Pender Island together.
Over the course of one morning, I spoke with all sorts – from recent newcomers and a young woman partway through a two‑week volunteerism program that had her working at a nearby farm, to former Pender Post Society board members and current volunteers. Not to mention the like‑minded folks staffing other tables at the fair, like George Fowlie representing Pender Radio, and Carolyn Cartwright‑Owers — who was on hand for the Junior Sailing Program but could just as easily have been wearing hats for Parks and Rec, the Nu‑to‑Yu and a list of other island groups too long to reprint here.
It was a delightful way to spend an early spring day on Pender Island. And when the market closed for the day, I returned refreshed and revitalized. It’s hard not to have a spring in your step after spending the day surrounded by those who so happily walk the talk: it takes a village.
After the fair, I retrieved my hound and set out on a two‑hour hike along the roadways of Magic Lake Estates. Tired but overflowing with good vibes and vitamin D, I marched down to the end of the dock, took a moment for myself and – stripping down only as far as was publicly appropriate – shortly after 3:15 pm on April 18, took my first plunge of the year into Magic Lake.
To be sure, it was a distinct pleasure to have Pender Island wake me up from a winter slumber of my own.
May Cover Story – The Banana Slug
While selecting a cover image each month, we aim to celebrate the essence of Pender Island at that time: a wet and mossy walking trail in March, beautiful cherry blossoms in April. One might have expected our May issue to feature blooming lilies or a colourful songbird. Last year’s May cover, two lazing lambs, can be seen at penderpost.org/archive.
This Banana Slug introduced itself along a trail near Magic Lake in mid-April and I paused, with the help of my son, to capture a spring moment I’ll long remember. I asked The Pender Island Conservancy for some info about banana slugs, and they did not disappoint. Check out the accompanying “QR code” to visit a recent blog post that contains a… cornucopia of fascinating insights.
Do you have a steady hand and love viewing Pender’s natural beauty through a lens? Send your pictures to production@penderpost.org, and be sure to share the details. It may be used on our website, as a “Pictured on Pender” feature, or a future cover.
Announcements
A Note to Readers
The ‘‘QR Code’ Quest
Monthly readers may have noticed QR codes appearing alongside club reports and other articles in recent issues. These helpful shortcuts have appeared in Pender Post advertisements for a while, and a few contributors have asked about using them to connect readers to their valuable and relevant online assets.
For readers who are unfamiliar, a QR code is this small square you scan with your smartphone’s camera to open a website. Point your camera and tap the link that appears on your screen. This one will open up PenderPost.org.
Do you find these QR codes handy or unhelpful? Reach out to community@penderpost.org and let us know.
Special Notices
Come to Taoist Tai Chi Open House
Everyone is welcome to our Taoist Tai Chi Open House at the Pender Island Community Hall from 10 – 11:30 am on Wednesday, May 13.
Drop in to try it yourself, observe and find out about our beginner-friendly sessions. Taoist Tai Chi is accessible to people of all ages and abilities, and reduces stress and helps us find energy, balance, and joy.
The Victoria Branch of Fung Loy Kok Taoist Tai Chi hosts a weekly practice for locals at the Pender Island Community Hall most Wednesday mornings. Check The Pender Post’s calendar of events for details.
Take action to ‘De-light the Night’
In the last issue of The Pender Post, I shared information about the harmful effects of light pollution. That’s the bad news. The good news is that scientists say light pollution IS reversible. Dark Sky sets out five Principles for Responsible Outdoor Lighting to promote “Lights Down, Stars Up”.
With just a little effort, each one of us can play a part. Even taking one step to ‘de-light the night’ can make a difference. Let’s come together as neighbours and as a community to preserve and protect our night sky, not just for us but for the generations to come. For lots more information about what Dark Sky International does and how people around the world have taken action to make significant inroads on mitigating light pollution, go to darksky.org.
Ask yourself these questions about your outdoor lighting and make smart choices or changes:
- Is it useful? All light should have a clear purpose. Use lighting only when and where it is needed.
- Is it targeted? Shield and aim light so it only falls downward where it is needed or useful and does not spill beyond to impact others.
- Is it low-level? Light should be no brighter than necessary to save money and reduce glare. Be mindful of surface conditions that reflect beyond what is intended.
- Is it warm-coloured? Warm-coloured light causes less skyglow. Use amber-toned lighting whenever possible.
- Is it controlled? Use light only when needed. Use timers and motion sensors for light when needed, dim where possible and turn off when not needed.
Coleman Rogers Memorial Bursary
The Coleman Rogers Memorial Bursary Fund is named after Bishop Coleman and Dr. Homer Rogers.
Bishop Coleman was Bishop of Qu’Appelle who retired to North Pender Island in 1960. He was a significant figure in our community, contributing to the establishment of health care services; hence the medical clinic.
Dr. Homer Rogers was the last doctor to practice out of a home office. He used his retirement party in 1979 to raise money towards building the Health Care Centre.
This year, we welcome applicants from our school community to apply for the annual grant towards their upcoming post secondary education. Application forms are found at the GISS on Salt Spring Island, at Pender Elementary Secondary School or, lastly, in the file at the Dockside Realty office at the Driftwood.
We encourage our students to fill out an application bearing in mind our committee meets mid-August to look these requests over and grant monies to the deserving students.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Jean Bradley Scholastic Gift
To celebrate the volunteer work of Jean Bradley over five decades, The Pender Post Society is offering, in Jean’s name, a $500 scholastic gift for studies related to healthcare. This gift is available to Pender Island residents enrolling in healthcare career training.
To apply, complete an application describing your program of study and the name and address of the institution or school you will be attending. Include a letter describing your interests, hobbies, volunteerism, and other community activities. List your reasons for applying to the course of study and your goals upon completion.
A letter of recommendation is required and you must provide proof of acceptance to the named course.
Applications marked “Scholastic Gift Application” must be left in the Pender Post box at the Dockside Realty Office at the Driftwood Centre by July 15. The successful candidate will be notified by July 31.
Application forms are available at penderpost.org/jeanbradley.
In Appreciation
Jeff Pallister, Dominique vanSchijndel, Karen Legault at Stanley Point Broom Pull. Photo courtesy of Barb Souter.
Ron Bertrand and Jeff Pallister unloading a truck load of broom. Photo courtesy of Barb Souter.
Stanley Point Broom Pull Marks 25 Years
For over 25 years Stanley Point neighbours have been devoting one Saturday morning in March to pulling invasive broom plants and picking up branches and debris along the roads of their neighbourhood.
The Broom Pull has become the spring social event of the community. One of the new residents in this neighbourhood, a recent arrival from Calgary, thought the Broom Pull must have something to do with curling. When he realized the project was pulling or cutting broom plants and hauling them away to be burned, he joined in enthusiastically.
This year Monique Duhamel and Dave Lind were the hosts for lunch, attended by 25 neighbours. This annual event has been highly successful in controlling the spread of broom in Stanley Point. We invite other Pender neighbourhoods to organize a broom pull in their area. It’s a fun way to get to know neighbours and to help in beautifying your neighbourhood.
The Pender Islands Foundation
The Pender Islands Health Care Society will be the beneficiary of proceeds from this year’s inaugural 2K Community Walk for Wellness, with funds matched by The Pender Islands Foundation.
Community-led. Future-focused
Pender Island is a close-knit community where health, wellness, and connection shape quality of life. Many local organizations rely on volunteers and inconsistent funding, making it difficult to plan for the future.
The Pender Islands Foundation was created to change that by providing stable, local support for initiatives that strengthen community well-being. Our goal is simple: to help ensure that people of all ages and abilities on Pender Island can thrive in body, mind, and community.
To launch this work, we are proud to introduce the Run, Walk, Wheel for Wellness, an annual community event celebrating movement, connection, and giving back.
The inaugural event will take place on June 20, 2026, and will include:
- 5K and 10K trail runs
- A 2K Community Walk for Wellness along the new Schooner Way–School Trail
The 2K walk is the heart of the event; 100% of registration proceeds will go directly to a local organization, with the Foundation matching funds to increase the impact. In its first year, proceeds will support the Pender Islands Health Care Society.
Join us in building a healthier, more connected Pender Island — together. To learn more and to register: http://www.pifoundation.ca
Features
Census 2026: Pender Island by the Numbers
When Canadians participated in the last Census of Population in 2021, we helped create detailed snapshots of communities large and small—including Pender Island. As we look ahead to the 2026 Census (starting May 4, 2026) it’s worth exploring what we learned, how Census geography works on Pender Island, North and South, and why participation matters.
Population Growth
- Total population (2021): ~2,770
- North Pender: 2,467
- South Pender: 306
- Growth since 2016:
- North: +19.4%
- South: +30.2%
- Far above Canada’s +5.2%
Age & Demographics
- Median age:
- North Pender: 61.6 years
- Canada: 41.9 years
- Residents 65+: 42%
- Canada: 19%
- Children 0–14: just over 8%
- Canada: 16.3%
- Top reported origins:
- English (39.6% North; 52.2% South)
- Scottish (25% North; 21.7% South)
- Irish (21.4% North; 37% South)
Why These Numbers Matter for Pender
- A much older population than the national average affects health care, emergency services, and aging‑in‑place planning.
- High self‑employment and seasonal work shape local economic development and housing needs.
- Construction, retail, and health care remain core economic drivers.
- Commuting and work‑from‑home patterns influence ferry planning and transportation services.
Spotlight Q&A: The Pender Post Society
Spotlight Q&A: The Pender Post Society
Each month, The Pender Post shines a spotlight on one of the clubs, groups and societies that make our island community so special. This month, we gaze deeply into our own navel as we highlight The Pender Post Society, with an interview from President Matthew Coutts.
What is your group about, and what do you do?
The Pender Post Society is the non-profit organization behind The Pender Post, our community’s long‑running monthly newsletter. Our purpose is to keep Pender Islanders connected, informed, and engaged with one another by supporting the people and groups that make up the fabric of this very special community.
Through The Pender Post, we can share local news and updates from the public and reports from our clubs and societies, promote their events through our robust calendar pages, and curate creative submissions and community notices. These are published in an attractive magazine-style package, and available online through our ever-growing website.
When was The Pender Post Society started, and what sparked it?
We were officially incorporated as a non-profit society on March 7, 1972 – about a year after we published the first issue of The Pender Post. The newsletter itself began in April 1971 as a grassroots effort to keep islanders informed in a pre‑internet era when communication across North and South Pender was surprisingly difficult.
The Society itself was formally incorporated to ensure the paper’s long‑term stability, volunteer stewardship, and financial transparency. What sparked its creation in the 1970s is what fuels us now: a belief that a connected community is a stronger community.
Do you produce any community events or initiate special projects?
Our primary focus is our monthly publication, through which we support the projects and events our partners bring to life. So, while we’re not an event‑producing society in the traditional sense, we aim to be part of the connective tissue that helps them succeed.
We have spearheaded a few local initiatives over our 55-year history. Most notable is the Jean Bradley Scholastic Gift, an annual endowment presented to Pender Island residents who pursue career training in the field of healthcare.
We also host an all-candidates meeting ahead of local elections – that includes our school board trustee, Capital Regional District area director and four Islands Trust representatives for North and South Pender.
These all-candidates meetings are held every four years with the next being this October. Stay tuned for more details in upcoming issues of The Pender Post.
How often do you get together, and typically when? Can new members join anytime?
The Society meets in the middle of each month – this month’s meeting as well as our AGM will be held on May 15 – and our volunteer editorial board meets at the end of the month, before each issue is sent to our publisher, Island Graphics.
Other editorial work happens behind the scenes all month long, with contributors, proofreaders, editorial reviewers, and our production team working remotely or in person depending on the task.
Local residents who have a subscription to The Pender Post are already part of our membership and are welcome to volunteer in myriad ways. Local societies are also encouraged to designate a “club representative” who may join our board of directors, and the best time for them to join is at our AGM this month.
Are any of the original founders still taking part?
I would say no to the original founders, but we have had countless valuable board members and volunteers over our half-century of publishing, many of whom have remained involved long after hanging up their spurs, supporting the paper and actively contributing through submissions, sharing their institutional memory, unexpected donations, and sometimes simply by cheering us on.
The Post has always been a multigenerational effort. Each era passes the baton to the next, and the founders’ spirit of community service still shapes how we operate.
What gets your members most excited in your meetings or activities?
One thing that unites everyone on our board is the belief that The Pender Post provides a valuable service as a chronological and living record of Pender life. What gets us the most excited is seeing that enthusiasm echoed in the community: when a feature or story resonates with our reader, when new groups reach out to get involved, and when old ones reconnect after a long absence from our pages.
Is there a story or anecdote you’d like to share?
My time with The Pender Post Society is but a footnote in its 55-year history, so bear that in mind. But I will personally never forget a weekend in late April, when our board members’ busy schedules left me alone to host our table at the Hall’s volunteer fair.
I expected to spend the day at our table alone – though you’re never really alone when surrounded by the community-minded people who host and attend a local volunteer fair.
But by the end of the day, our marketing coordinator had checked in on me with fresh promotional materials, our production designer showed up to keep me company, and several board members and frequent volunteers stopped in for supportive chats.
I don’t know why I was surprised by the support. That’s the vibe growing at The Pender Post these days.
What’s in the future for your organization?
We’re currently working on ways our expanding website can better support our club members and subscribers. And we’re engaging with them in various projects that will build better partnerships and, ultimately, a more connected Pender Island.
Long‑term dreams include digitizing archives, expanding youth journalism opportunities, and continuing to modernize while keeping the heart of The Pender Post intact.
Stay tuned.
How can people get in touch with you?
If you’re interested in volunteering with The Pender Post Society, reach out to secretary@penderpost.org for details on our next meeting.
If you’re interested in pitching in to the publishing side of The Pender Post, community@penderpost.org can connect you to our production team.
And you can email me directly at president@penderpost.org, any time.
Newcomers’ Notes: A Key to Island Life
April marked the 55th anniversary of our beloved publication. An impressive 55 years of volunteers and contractors coming together to inform and unite this community of dwellers and visitors. I have come to realize The Pender Post is one of the keys to living here.
Yet, for the first two years of my living full time on Pender Island, I slept on this local treasure. Relying solely on frequently checking our Pender Facebook groups, I often found out about events I would have loved attending way too late. But what I lacked most, and one of the top reasons I moved here, was the feeling of being part of a community, and getting involved in helping others.
One of my lovely neighbours, Jan Wallace, mentioned over tea that The Pender Post Society was looking for volunteers and board members. I had browsed an issue here and there, and thought to myself “Meh, this isn’t really my jam”, offering up my partner instead.
But Jan had planted a seed in me. The next time I shopped at Tru-Value, I spotted and bought the Post’s current issue, and proceeded to read it cover to cover, as many of our readers do. I immediately “got it” this time, and felt embarrassed for not discovering it, and seeing it for what it is, sooner: suddenly, I felt part of something bigger.
I better understood what my peers were up to, and I finally knew ahead of time which events I might want to attend that month! I could buy tickets before they sold out, write down activities in my planner, and start thinking about groups I might want to volunteer for. And guess what, the Pender Post Society appeared in my top 5, ha.
Jan introduced me to a second board member, Ann Coombs, for whom I quickly developed immense respect, and am happy to now consider a friend. Ann introduced me to then-president Annie Smith, a sweet, talented human I feel richer for knowing and having collaborated with for several months. I was welcomed at the table with open arms by other incredibly smart, caring, passionate women like Dianne Allison and Val Butcher, who have been volunteering for the society and its publication for decades. Learning about the baked treats they bring to board and editorial meetings sealed the deal for me: I was totally in.
As is my nature, I sat and watched a lot at first, learning the ways of the organization and its people. I quickly found out that my ideas were welcome, and that I definitely had a voice at the table. I have been able to play an active role in the society’s endeavour to modernize and embrace change. In more ways than one, my social life was enhanced by choosing the society as the very first Pender group to join: by expanding my social circle and filling my calendar with events to attend.
Meeting more lovely humans along the way, as the society’s board members and contributors changed, I made new friends and acquaintances, and got to discover many of the local groups and clubs, old and new, as I read their reports each month. It’s my hope that you too, dear newcomer, find a group to get involved with that welcomes all of you and your special talents, and, of course, read The Pender Post regularly, to enhance your days on our beautiful islands.
Reading The Pender Post changed my island experience entirely. I hope you have been more clever than me, and are already enriched by its monthly issues, events calendar, website, and social media posts.
Hummingbird Hollow B&B
Tales of a Charmed Life (2000): Bear Mother Project and Pender’s Pig War
More than a dozen homes hosted tourists and visitors during the bed and breakfast heydays of the 1990s, including Doreen Ball and Chuck Harris – who ran the Hummingbird Hollow B&B from 1990 – 2015. This is the eighth installment of Doreen’s “Tales of a Charmed Life” series, published posthumously.
The B&B took a back seat in 2000 as we devoted our time and energy to community events and family.
In April, 200 Pender women and other guests celebrated the unveiling of the Bear Mother Project welcome poles with a smudging ceremony, a potluck feast which included bannock and salmon, and performances by Mary Reher’s children’s choir and Sophie Keim’s Young Dancers.
This was the first major community gathering held at the Hall. Two weeks later, Hall Association president Alan White officially opened the Pender Island Community Hall with its amazing two-panelled mural upstairs painted by Art Society members, which depicts 100 years of Pender history, and the yellow cedar doors which were constructed by members of the Shop Craft Guild.
Wooden timbers saved after an explosion at an early 1900s brick factory at Bricky Bay were used on the main staircase and wood rescued from a Canal Road bridge repair holds up the roof. The original tongue and groove flooring upstairs was recycled from a North Shore shipyard. So much history, heart, and soul went into our Hall.
Not to be outdone by the Pig War of 1859 between Canada and the US, the Pender Pig War unfolded in the fall of 2000 when our local trustees decided that having donkeys, goats, or sheep being amorous, odorous, or melodious on properties of less than three acres should not be permitted.
A property on Hooson Road was the epicentre of this battle. Islanders who understood that growing and raising food on small farms was going to be necessary for providing food security for future generations shifted into fighting mode. Buttons with “Pender People for Pigs” were made. A public meeting was demanded.
The newly-reconstituted Pender Island Women’s Institute, whose members ranged from age 35 to 85, and most of whom weren’t afraid of speaking truth to power, together with the Pender Farmers’ Institute, led by fearless Ellen Willingham, mobilized the troops to attend the meeting. James Barber of “Urban Peasant” fame gave an impassioned address which can’t be repeated here, but which highlighted the idiocy of the proposition.
By the halfway mark of the meeting, the trustees decided to withdraw the bylaw.
Did You Know: The Pig War
The “Pig War” of 1859 was a confrontation between the United States and Great Britain over the location of the international border in the San Juan Islands. The conflict began when an American settler killed a pig owned by an employee of the Hudson’s Bay Company; it quickly grew to involve British warships and hundreds of troops on both sides.
The root of the conflict was an earlier compromise between the two nations that resulted in American and British settlers sharing the disputed islands.Though called a war, it never actually degenerated into an armed conflict (Tell that to the pig! – Editor), and there were no human casualties.
In late 1859, the two sides agreed to a joint military occupation of the islands; this lasted until 1872, when the San Juan Islands became part of US territory.
Representatives
Member of the Legislative Assembly
Changes to Autism Funding
The best part about being your MLA is the opportunity to hear first-hand from you!
The constituents of the Saanich North and the Islands (SNI) riding have a great deal of wisdom and lived experience to offer concerning a range of provincial issues. Often times that lived experience, as well as the knowledge of those most impacted by provincial government decisions, is ignored when the BC government takes a top down, administratively efficient, “one size fits all” approach.
Sometimes, even if the government gets it right, it can fail at communicating and implementing the beneficial changes it proposes. A great deal of unnecessary stress and uncertainty results. Take for example the funding and support for children and others living with autism.
In Budget 2026, the government announced that two existing programs, the Autism Funding Program (AFP) and part of the School Age Extended Therapies (SATE) will be phased out and replaced by new funding and support programs, including an expanded commitment of $80 million for community programming.
An expanded commitment of $80 million for supporting those living with autism sounds like a good thing but many constituents, including experts in this field, have contacted our office to express concerns about these changes. Will successful individualized support be replaced by community programs? Will autistic children without intellectual disability remain eligible for funding? Will preventative care continue? What if a child is no longer “high needs enough” under the new functional criteria?
This is only a small sampling of concerns I have heard raised. The stress of a budget announcement about phasing out programs without the reassurance that the decision will not cause greater distress is particularly acute for families with autistic loved ones. Change and autism are seldom a happy combination. When I learn about the harmful impacts of provincial decisions in my conversations, I press the BC government to make it right.
Over the next month, I will be convening a roundtable of SNI families that are impacted by these autism funding changes for the purpose of ensuring their concerns are fully addressed by the BC government. I will be guided by the wisdom and experience of my constituents to advocate for no child with existing coverage receiving less support and that all children and young people have access to the resources they need to grow and thrive in this province.
Islands Trust
A screenshot of Pender Island from the Islands Trust’s relaunched MapIT.
Islands Trust Relaunched Interactive MapIT
Islands Trust is pleased to announce that MapIT, the public-facing mapping application, has been successfully relaunched.
MapIT provides access to a wide range of geographic and planning information for the Islands Trust Area. Developed and maintained in-house, the application brings together Islands Trust and provincial government data in one place, with regularly updated layers to support informed decision-making by residents, organizations, and interested and affected parties.
Users can explore interactive map layers such as ecosystem, water, terrain, and planning information across the Islands Trust Area.
Whether you are new to MapIT or a returning user, we invite you to explore the updated application and its features.
Check it out at: islandstrust.bc.ca/mapping-resources/mapping
If you have questions or feedback, please contact Islands Trust at mapit@islandstrust.bc.ca.
Arts and Entertainment
Pender Island Art Society
A moment shared from April’s Paperclay workshop. Image courtesy of Gabriella Kardosi.
PIAS held a Paperclay two-part session on April 16 & April 30, led by Gabriella Kardosi. In this relaxing and fun workshop, participants explored the unique qualities of air-hardening clay while creating small dimensional items such as wall hangings or mobiles.
The regular PIAS program of monthly art sessions is winding down. We will hold a year end celebration for our members in June.
The focus is now on our Spring Art Show, May 16 (10 am – 4 pm) and May 17 (11 am – 3 pm) at the Community Hall. We will have a vibrant display of artwork, prints and cards for sale created by our PIAS artists. Visit us at the Community Hall for this celebration of art by local artists.
Ptarmigan Arts
[Ptarmigan’s new community tech package, thanks to Nu-to-Yu grant. Photo courtesy of Ptarmigan Arts.}
We would like to extend a big thank you to the Nu-to-Yu for their generous grant towards purchasing a community tech package. This equipment will be used by youth in our summer camps, provide support to artists when producing live music, and allow us to document all our programming and stream the Community Gatherings for those who like to tune in from home or afar!
Coming up, we can’t wait for you to join us at the second annual Tapestry of Words Literary Festival happening May 29 to 31! With a mix of free and ticketed events that are thought-provoking, inspiring, and fun, there is sure to be something for everyone. Keep reading for all the details.
Tapestry of Words Literary Festival
May 29-31, 2026
Pender Community Hall
The pages are turning again… Tapestry of Words Literary Festival is back for year two!
Kick things off with a special speakeasy hosted by Leslie McBain, featuring eight writers at the Community Gathering on Friday. Then, our Saturday evening feature event opens with a special presentation by Susin Nielsen as she shares her writing journey from page to screen, plus a reading from her debut adult novel, Snap. New this year: Pender Reads, a lively, Canada Reads-style battle of the books hosted by Chris Wakaluk. This fast-paced event features an incredible panel – Susin Nielsen, Becky Johnson, Matt Adolf, and Bryce Woollcombe! Throughout the weekend, enjoy a range of free events, including an exhibition from our Verse + Vision artist-author teams, a Talisman Books sale, Of Words and Wonder booth, and a Flash Fiction Workshop by Barbara Stowe. Don’t miss out on the fun – check out the full schedule and stay updated on our website (ptarmiganarts.org/tapestry). Tickets for Saturday evening are $25 in advance (online + Talisman), $30 at the door, $10 for youth, and free for ages 12 + under.
Flash Fiction Workshop: A Tapestry of Words Literary Festival Event – Registration
Sunday, May 31, 12:30 – 2:30 pm
Pender Community Hall
Register for our upcoming Flash Fiction workshop with Barbara Stowe! A piece of Flash fiction is a complete short story told in under 1,500 words. Typically, one might run anywhere from 750 to 1,000 words, but in this two-hour-long workshop, nobody’s counting. The idea is just to get writing, learn more about crafting a good story, and have fun in an encouraging environment. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced writer, this workshop will offer more ways into crafting (very) short stories, including fun exercises to prime the pump. Participants will pen several short stories and at the end, those who wish to share a piece they’ve just written may read aloud to the group. This is a safe space to come with pen and paper or laptop and enjoy learning more about the craft of creative writing in a structured, supportive environment. The workshop costs $20 per participant and will take place on May 31st from 12:30 – 2:30 pm as part of the Tapestry of Words Literary Festival.
The Luckies – Tickets available
Friday, June 19, 7 pm
Pender Community Hall
Ptarmigan Arts is excited to sponsor a special concert at the Community Hall with The Luckies, who are Shari Ulrich, Hilary Grist, and Jeanne Tolmie. The Luckies were born in July 2022, when Shari’s original project fell through just days before the famed MusicFest in Comox, BC, leaving her without the two powerful female singer-songwriters she had planned to bring. Faced with replacing such remarkable artists, she immediately thought of Hilary Grist and Jeanne Tolmie. Both were an instant yes! They were only able to convene just a few hours before their MainStage set, and hit the stage with a miraculously polished performance, complete with gorgeous three-part harmonies on all the songs. It was exhilarating, exciting, and unimaginably fun. Join The Luckies for an evening of great music and energy. Tickets are available in advance for $30 (online and Talisman) and $35 at the door, free for ages 12 + under.
Mosaic Arts & Music Festival – Save the date!
July 31 – August 2
In the pines behind the Community Hall
Our beloved festival in the pines is back for another year! Join us July 31 – August 2 for a vibrant weekend of live music, activities for the whole family, yummy food and beer garden, games, camping, and more. Stay tuned for headliner announcements, early bird tickets, and full festival details by following along on our socials or visiting themosaicfestival.com.
Camp Create – Registration open
August 10 – 14, 10 am – 4 pm
Pender Community Hall
Camp Create (ages 6-9) is back this summer with an inspiring week of activities with our talented facilitators Ripley Stafford and Ben McConchie! Kids will enjoy art in the mornings with Ripley, and after lunch, they’ll spend the afternoon immersed in the world of music with Ben McConchie. On the last day there will be an art showcase and musical performance for parents & caregivers.
The registration fee is $250 which includes materials, with a $50 sibling discount.
Potters Meetup
Thursday, May 28, 7 – 8:30 pm
Community Hall, 4418 Bedwell Harbour Road
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 the following – mudwarebyadrienne@gmail.com
Weekly Community Gatherings
Fridays, 12-1 pm
Community Hall, 4418 Bedwell Harbour Road
Malakai starts off the month with a performance on May 1! From The Islands Folk Fest, he is “A remarkable musician, songwriter and performer, who exhibits a surprising, creative and mature artistry… he is always a joy to witness…”. Then on May 8, Cedar Lopatecki will explore thought and energy in haunting soundscapes, tumbling progressions, glittering melodies, and poetry. Herb Keim takes the stage on May 15. This singer-songwriter-yodeler usually performs western cowboy songs, originals, and (on request) some yodeling. On May 22, Benedict Bettie will share tunes to satisfy the soul. Finally, on May 29, enjoy a sampling of eight Pender Writers who will share original pieces of work, five minutes (or less) in length. Enjoy these poetry pieces, essays, memoirs, short stories, or comedic monologues as part of the Tapestry of Words Literary Festival.
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.
All tickets and program registrations are available at ptarmiganarts.org. For assistance, please contact info@ptarmiganarts.org. You can also find us on Instagram and Facebook at @ptarmiganartsbc and Ptarmigan Arts.
PIJazz
We’re always open to new members as we continue our Spring season: you know who you are. Give us a holler at brycewoollcombe@gmail.com with any questions. Keep up-to-date at http://www.ptarmiganarts.org/programs. We hope to see you soon.
Musical Ramblings: Time to Think About Festivals!
Nah, I’m not talking about Coachella or Glastonbury or Burning Man. They’ve become monsters. And no, I’m not talking about the Kiwanis festivals (judged music competitions from the 1940s) that used to terrify children and parents alike.
Community festival season is nearly upon us, and it will be fabulous. Mosaic. Crisp. That stuff. From literary themes to punk to comedy to drag to fiddle tunes, each festival has its own scale and vibe, small and cozy to nearly the big time. You might see the local teens playing their best set ever, you might see a band on the cusp of breaking out, and you might see Ry Cooder playing at a peak that has gone on for decades.
You will break your diet and possibly pay too much for fried things. You will both celebrate and regret the existence of portable toilets. You will lose your friend, kid, bag, or phone at least briefly. You will, if you talk to enough people, find someone from your old school or neighbourhood or cell block.
You will likely be amazed to see young people grooving to old-people music, and old people risking hip fractures in the front rows of a young band. You will stand next to someone who knows every word from an artist you’ve never heard of. And that’s pretty cool.
If you’re tricky, you will plunk your chair down next to the sound board. The sound will be awesome, and that spot tends to attract a chill crew. Speaking of sound crew, our very own Brandon will be making festivals happen all over in the coming months. Say Hi if you see him.
Here’s some warnings:
- Don’t wear the pretty shoes. And if you wear flip flops, tragedy will ensue.
- Sunscreen in between every set. Don’t forget the fivehead.
- Never feel bad about chilling in the tent while a good act is on. You can still hear it. Even if you take some extra long blinks….
- If you can, buy the artists’ merchandise. Many festivals run on a shoestring, artists travel far, and selling a few t-shirts means an extra tank of gas to make it home.
I know many of us aren’t visiting south of the border these days, and we live in a gorgeous province. So fire up the Westfalia or clean out the Boler and make some plans. Talent doesn’t make music happen unless you go see it.
Solstice Theatre Society
Thanks to all you wonderful Penderites. Our spring production of the hilarious play Halfway There was a roaring success thanks to your overwhelming support.
Special thanks go out to the director Evan Llewelyn for his hard work, dedication and good humour, and our producer Joy Llewelyn who, even though she battled a long and nasty flu, worked diligently to make our production a success.
Howard Southwell, our light and sound technical director, worked his magic and introduced a short throw projector to the production courtesy of a grant from the Nu-to-Yu.
Special thanks to Lesley Field and Barb Pender for onboarding the Square payment platform, Alyson Culbert for overseeing our sparkling new website, and Jane Harrison for her amazing set design and creation.
Thanks as well to Ken Rempel for his creative lighting design solutions, Rutger Kamphuis for his lighting expertise, and Helen Lemon-Moore topped things off with her great costume work.
To the cast, Barb Pender, Alyson Culbert, Jane Harrison, Sean Clazie and our newest member Julie Brandsema: thank you all for the many laughs and your wonderful spirit.
For those of you that missed our shows, we are performing again on Saturna on May 2, Mayne on May 8, and in Ladysmith on May 13.
Pender Island Community Choir Society
A group shot of the Pender Community Choir in Spring 2026, courtesy Bruce McConchie
‘Sea to Seas – Strong and Free’
If you pass by the Pender School on a Wednesday evening you just might hear the sounds of many voices raised in song. Our Pender Community Choir is busy on a musical journey highlighting Canadian composers who musically describe the land, the people and the spirit of our country.
From the shores of the Atlantic, past the fishboats of Atlantic Canada, dodging the dreaded black flies of Northern Ontario and looking north to the Yukon and the Arctic ocean, we will travel in song by rivers and rail westward to the Pacific.
Musicians such as Leonard Cohen, Oscar Peterson, Dianne Loomer, Russell Wallace, Gordon Lightfoot and even Stompin’ Tom Connors, to name a few, are part of this musical tapestry about our nation.
Mark your calendars and come join us at the Community Hall on Saturday evening, June 27 at 7 pm and Sunday afternoon, June 28 at 2 pm! We promise to provide you with a great lead up to Canada Day!
There will be lots of information to come so keep an eye out for posters, Facebook bulletins and The Pender Post as we near our performance dates.
The Highlanders
Last month, the Pender Highlanders were pleased to host a successful drumming workshop led by guest snare drummer Annette Spiers. We’re proud of our continued efforts to share piping and drumming with the community and look forward to building on this momentum.
The band will be making a guest appearance at the Farmers’ Market opening on Saturday, May 16 at the Community Hall, performing from 10:30 – 11am. Meanwhile, our fellow piper, Jack Martin, will be competing at the Victoria Highland Games at Topaz Park from May 16 –17.
We hope to see you at the market and in Victoria for the Games!
Sincerely,
Pender Island Concert Society
We finished our 2025/2026 season with flair on April 22 with Tango being the theme of the evening.
Those who came out to see the show got a hint of our next season coming starting Fall 2026. We have confirmed four concerts, starting on Nov. 24, with the Penderecki String Quartet including us in their 40th anniversary tour.
On Saturday January 23, 2027, pianist Sarah Hagen will entertain us with her “Wonder Woman” show. On March 6 or 7 (date to be confirmed), Mi’kmaq fiddler Morgan Toney Trio will perform with guitar, mandolin, percussion and vocals. And we finish the season with the Farhad Khosravi Ensemble with santur and percussion instruments.
2027 should be an eclectic and interesting season. Season subscription tickets are available now, and more information about rates and details will be in the June Pender Post report.
Lastly, a heartfelt thank you to all our generous sponsors for this year, and wonderful hosts who offered accommodations for our performers.
Respectfully submitted,
Helen Lemon-Moore, board member
penderislandconcertsociety@gmail.com
Pender Island Quilters Circle
Our news for this month is brief as our writer is on vacation. However our focus at our April and May meetings is the planning of “Hands Across the Water” where we host a gathering of five quilt guilds: Mayne Island, Saturna Island, Galiano Island, Cowichan Valley Quilters, and Pender Island. This event is always fun as quilters gather together and share their guild projects, visit, enjoy food, draws, gifts and fabric sales. Fabric for quilters is what yarn is to knitters, an irresistible visual and tactile delight.
Quilter’s Philosophy: Planning an event can be a joy for some with the opportunity to be creative and festive. It may be a chore or challenge for others because of the need to ensure it unfolds as expected. It helps to work as a team and focus on collaboration and fun!
Next Quilters Circle Meeting: Monday, May 11, 9:15 – 10 am, Anglican Church Hall.
Pender Photo Club
Drift Fishing the Kenai River by Joe Kashi.
When Colour is Almost Black & White
The Camera Club’s meeting (Monday, April 6) was pleasant as we listened to a presentation, Almost Black and White, by a new member, Joe Kashi, who moved to Pender from Alaska. A former lawyer, he presented photos whose colour had been muted to be almost black & white. We also looked at our club assignment, photos with the theme of Seen Along the Trail. We saw 41 photos in total with the meeting chaired by Urs Boxler.
We viewed club pictures of nature we often see as we stroll along. These photos included trails with roots and rocks, glorious yellow swamp lanterns (occasionally called skunk cabbage), sword ferns, moss, derelict properties and much more. Conversation flowed as we merrily critiqued the photos.
For the next meeting, attendees are encouraged to submit six photos with the theme: Blossoms, focusing on the ephemeral beauty of the many flowers that burst forth in spring. All guests are welcome; please contact Urs for the Zoom link and instructions for photo submission (ursboxler@gmail.com).
A photograph of a Terviseks (“To Your Health” in Estonian) by Judy Graham. This photograph had been intended for publication in the April issue of The Pender Post. We regret its absence and are pleased to present it here.
Community
Community Hall
Pender Island Recreation and Agricultural Hall Association (PIRAHA)
PIRAHA will be holding our AGM on Thursday, May 14 at 4 pm at the Community Hall. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend.
We also have an important request: while the Community Hall considers all Pender residents to be members, some grant funders require a formal membership list. Signing up as an individual member, either through our website or at the AGM, will help strengthen future funding applications and support the sustainability of our programs.
After a very full March, with camps, youth leadership activities, Spring at the Oscars, busy Friday lunches, and special events at every Saturday Market, April felt almost calm by comparison. Over April we hosted a Bunny Hunt, a Mini Volunteer Fair, and, to close out the season of Special Markets, an Earth Day celebration that brought together the Conservancy’s beach clean-up social, an EV rally organized by Pender Earth, and the Garden Club’s annual plant sale.
Each year the Community Hall compiles an “All Camps” summer poster, bringing together offerings from organizations across the island. This year’s poster will be available in late May, so keep an eye out if you are planning summer activities.
We are grateful to have received six Canada Summer Jobs positions. Three of these are intended as summer internships, where we hope to prioritize local high school students and recent graduates.
Summer Interns will gain hands-on experience in areas such as facilities and trades (including maintenance and repairs), culinary and food programs (kitchen skills and food systems), and community programs and outreach (supporting activities for youth and seniors).
Job Postings
Summer Internship at the Community Hall
Speaking of summer internships, are you interested in building skills, gaining experience, and contributing to your community? We are seeking creative, organized, and enthusiastic individuals aged 15-30. Positions are flexible and tailored to each person’s interests and skills, with opportunities in maintenance, food and farm programs, youth leadership, volunteer engagement, activity leadership, camp support, and more. Staff receive training, mentorship, and ongoing support throughout the season.
These positions are funded through grants and are therefore limited to applicants aged 15 – 30. Full job descriptions are available at http://www.penderislands.org/opportunities/employment or you can stop by the Hall to speak with Andrea.
Child and Youth Programs
To register, go to: http://www.penderislands.org/registrations
Hall Heroes Club
Ages 5+
Fridays 10 am – 1:30 pm
Guided by Hall Leaders, each week is a new adventure: help in the café, serve lunch, make decorations, share a skill, mentor a younger person, help lead an activity… Younger heroes, ages 5 – 6 will need a buddy; bring your own or check to see if we can pair you with one of ours (limited availability). Registration required. Free.
Friday Kids Club
Ages 5 – 12
Fridays 1:30 – 4 pm
Every week brings a mix of hands-on fun, from creative projects and tasty treats to games and outdoor adventures. Registration required. Suggested $5-$10 per day.
Youth Culinary Skills Training.
Ages 12 – 18 (10+ if child has a Food Safe Certificate)
Thursdays 6:30 – 8:30
Participants gain hands-on kitchen skills, work as a team in a supportive, engaging environment. Bring an apron. A snack will be provided. Registration required. Free.
Youth Leadership Program
Ages 10 – 18
Participants can learn how to run the Community Café, assist at special events, design posters, help maintain the Hall, support activities, mentor younger children and assist with technology, photography and many other areas. It is a welcoming environment where youth gain real-world experience, confidence and teamwork skills. Interested youth are invited to drop in on a Friday or Saturday between 10 am and 1 pm to speak with Andrea. Free.
Activities
Café Français
May 16, 12:45 – 2:00
A conversation group for intermediate or higher conversational French speakers. Let us know if you would like to be added to the online discussion group.
Carpet Bowling
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.
Friday Fun for Everyone
Fridays 10:45 – 11:45ish
Led by the Youth Leadership Program, Hall Heroes and guest volunteers.
May 1 – May Day Crowns
May 8 – Tie Dye
May 15 – Cardboard Instruments
May 22 – Puzzles and Games
May 29 – Bookmark Crafts
Films
In search of more film helpers: projectionists, concession and door helpers. These volunteers help make sure we are able to continue to bring films to the community.
Matinee: Leap Year (2010)
Monday May 4, 2:15
When yet another anniversary passes without a marriage proposal, Anna decides it’s time to take matters into her own hands. Inspired by an old Celtic tradition that allows women to propose on February 29, she travels to Dublin to ask her boyfriend to marry her. But as her carefully laid plan unravels, Anna discovers that fate has a few surprises of its own.
May 8
Film: Wicked
Misunderstood because of her green skin, a young woman named Elphaba forges an unlikely but profound friendship with Glinda, a student with an unflinching desire for popularity. Following an encounter with the Wizard of Oz, their relationship soon reaches a crossroad as their lives begin to take very different paths. 2 hour 40 minutes. Doors open at 7, film starts at 7:15. $5 – $10 suggested.
May 9
Film: Wicked for Good
Now demonized as the Wicked Witch of the West, Elphaba lives in exile in the Ozian forest, while Glinda resides at the palace in Emerald City, reveling in the perks of fame and popularity. As an angry mob rises against the Wicked Witch, she’ll need to reunite with Glinda to transform herself, and all of Oz, for good. 2 hours 17 minutes. $5 – $10 suggested.
Monday May 18, 2:15
Matinee: Hector and the Search for Happiness (2014)
Disillusioned with his comfortable yet emotionally unfulfilling life, psychiatrist Hector finds the courage to follow his long‑suppressed curiosity. He sets off on an international journey in search of a formula for happiness, encountering unexpected insights, cultures, and truths that challenge his understanding of joy, purpose, and vitality.
Film: Avatar: Fire and Ash
Saturday May 23, 7:15
The conflict on Pandora escalates as Jake and Neytiri’s family encounter a new, aggressive Na’vi tribe. 3 hours 17 minutes. Doors open at 7, film starts at 7:15. $5 – $10 suggested.
Family Matinee: Alpha and Omega (2010)
Friday May 29, 2:15
After park rangers capture and ship them halfway across the country, omega wolf Humphrey (Justin Long) and alpha wolf Kate (Hayden Panettiere) find themselves on a rocky road trip. Humphrey is all about fun, while Kate devotes herself to duty and discipline. Back home, rival wolves menace their pack, and only Kate and Humphrey can restore peace — but first, they must survive each other. 1 hour, 30 minutes. Doors open at 2, film starts at 2:15. $5 – $10 suggested.
Volunteers
Volunteers are at the heart of many of the programs and activities offered at the Hall. Whether you have an hour a week or just once a month, there are ways to contribute. We are always on the look out for people to help with films, in the comfort center, with advertising and office support and cleaning; as well as Activity Leaders and Youth Leadership Program Mentors, and so many more areas. All training is provided. If you are interested in helping somehow or need more information, please email or stop by for a conversation.
Guest Activity Leader – Would you like to share a fun activity? At the Friday Fun activity, we are looking for people who would like to lead a 30 – 45 minute all ages activities (but generally child participants) with themes around crafting, food, heritage skills, S.T.E.A.M. or other activities.
Chamber of Commerce
Sandra Tretick stepped up at April’s Volunteer Fair. Photo courtesy of Chamber of Commerce
‘Volunteerism … is Foundational’
There’s something quietly remarkable about how things get done on Pender.
On April 18, the Chamber joined the Volunteer Fair at the Community Hall, alongside the Saturday Market. It was a lively, welcoming space, with tables hosted by several of our member organizations including Nu-to-Yu, The Pender Post Society, the Pender Islands Museum Society, and the Community Hall, as well as other local groups.
Visitors and residents alike wandered through, stopping to chat, ask questions, and most importantly, consider where they might fit in.
At the Chamber table, our display focused on a simple idea: this island works because people step up.
We highlighted the many ways to get involved, from arts and events to recreation, environmental stewardship, community services, and emergency response. However you show up (hands-on, behind the scenes, occasionally, or in a leadership role), it all matters. Most of what we value here, from community gatherings to essential services, is powered not by large institutions, but by neighbours giving their time and energy.
We shared opportunities to get involved with the Chamber as a Pender Island Ambassador through the Visitor Centre, as well as roles on committees, working groups, and even the board. (And we had guides and maps on hand for the many visitors roaming the market.)
We also offered to help organizations spread the word about their own volunteer needs. Ptarmigan Arts, organizers of the Mosaic Festival, took us up on that offer, an encouraging step as we head into a busy summer season.
We met a few new prospective volunteers that day, which is always a win. But just as important were the conversations. The small moments of connection. The reminder that people want to contribute. They just need a clear way in.
Volunteerism isn’t just a nice-to-have here. It’s foundational. It’s what keeps our events running, our spaces open, our services available, and our sense of community intact. It’s also what builds resilience. It ensures that, even as pressures change, we continue to support one another in meaningful ways.
And it’s worth saying, this spirit of stepping up applies just as much to governance as it does to hands-on work.
At our AGM on April 30, we extended sincere thanks to our outgoing directors, Carolyn Danco and Sara Miles, for their time, care and contributions. We’re grateful to those continuing their service: Melody Pender, Daunne Hall, and Noémie Crépeau, and to those who have stepped forward to put their names in the ring, Mary Carlson and Sherry Moir. That willingness to raise a hand is what keeps organizations like ours moving forward.
We’ll share a full report of the AGM in the June issue of The Pender Post. In the meantime, if you’ve been thinking about getting involved somewhere, anywhere, consider this your nudge!
Pender Radio
Greetings soon-to-be listeners! We are excited over at the Airstream as we are preparing to launch Pender Radio on May 16. We will have a fun-filled day at the first summer market. Come see us at the Pender Radio Airstream, enter a contest, win a t-shirt, jump into an interview, join in the fun.
We are busy practicing our shows and working out some scheduling. No doubt the first few months will be full of growth and technical trouble shooting, which we will all look back on fondly one day as we remember the beginnings.
Creative and brave people getting together to create something that resembles public art!
Stay tuned for when we unveil our website and our radio player. Join our Facebook page for updates leading up to Day One.
Until then, stay cool Pender Island!
Pender Island Public Library
Legacy Donors
We would like to thank the estate of Sandy Shreve for her generous and thoughtful donation to the Library. Sandy’s planned gift bequeathed to the Library will make a significant impact, helping create life-changing programs, exceptional services, and enriched collections that otherwise would not be possible.
We plan to use these funds to follow Sandy’s passion for poetry and art, supporting a vibrant collection of these books for years to come. Sandy and I used to organize National Poetry Month events at the Library for many years. We were so pleased to host Sandy’s final art exhibit “Geometry as Metaphor”, with stunning, colourful geometric abstractions from October-December 2025. Sandy was a beloved library patron, and we’ll miss her friendly smile and generous nature that continues on through her legacy donation.
Art in the Library
“Landscape Reflections” by artist Christine Elgert. After retiring and moving to Pender, Christine began to paint five years ago (acrylic on canvas), and then joined the PI Art Society where she continues to gain insights into many different types of art. Exhibit March-April 2026.
Books On Display
The month of May is dedicated to celebrating Asian Heritage in Canada. This year’s theme includes “Power in Unity: Strengthening Communities Together”. Asian Heritage Month is an opportunity for us to learn more about the diverse culture and history of Asian communities in Canada and acknowledge the many achievements and contributions of people of Asian origin who, throughout our history, have done so much to make Canada the country we know and love. Come borrow a book to discover this rich heritage.
New Books
Adult Fiction: The Daughter of Egypt (Marie Benedict), Python’s Kiss (Louise Erdrich), The Valley of Vengeful Ghosts (Kim Fu), Strangers in the Villa (Robyn Harding), Secrets of the Starlit Sea (Santa Montefiore), The Final Score (Don Winslow), Slice the Water (PP Wong).
Adult Mystery and Sci-Fi: After the Fall (Edward Ashton), Death of a Groom (M.C. Beaton), Vanished in the Crowd (Rhys Bowen), Death at a Firefly Tea (Laura Childs), What Happened that Night (Nicci French), The Astral Library (Kate Quinn), Everyone in this Bank is a Thief (Benjamin Stevenson).
Adult Non-Fiction: No Place Like Home (Jessica Barrett), Bookish Crafts (Kanlin Butler), Grow Great Vegetables in British Columbia (Lorene Edwards Forkner), The Astronaut Children of Dunbar Street (Wiley Wei-Chiun Ho), UFOs (Paul Montague), Lessons from a Lifetime (David Suzuki), Why Women Grow (Alice Vincent).
Kids and Teens: Unfairies (Huw Aaron), The Might Macy (Kwame Alexander), The Dragon’s Eye (Sarwat Chadda), Mythspeaker (Christopher Roubique), Gone Forever? (Erin Silver), The Mysterious Magic of Lighthouse Lane (Erin Stewart), The Unlikely Tale of Chase & Finnegan (Jasmine Warga).
Library hours: Open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 10 am-3 pm, at 4407 Bedwell Harbour Road. Email: libraryhelpdesk@crd.bc.ca or call 250-629-3722 for friendly help. The library will be closed on Saturday May 16, 2026, in lieu of the Victoria Day holiday.
Nu-to-Yu Thrift Store
Pender Island Community Service Society
Last month, we held our Spring AGM and had a lively meeting in which we re-elected the same board of directors for another term.
Our board continues as: Manfred Burandt, president; Debbie Bleasdale, vice president and store manager; Margaret Alpen, secretary; Sheila Veness, Treasurer; Diane Cuthbert, finance (grant committee); Janet Menzies, special events and fundraising; Sean Clazie, antiques and collectibles and myself, communications.
We also voted on our grant applications. We’re proud this spring to provide financial support to Pender Island Art Society, PIRAHA, The Pender Post Society and Pender Island Pride Society.
Each year we provide bursaries for Pender students who are entering their first year of post-secondary education. These bursaries are not cash bursaries but are instead paid to the school that the student is enrolled in and are applied to school fees or tuition. This year’s bursary applications are due on Friday, May 29th. Please see our website for more details about how to apply and who is eligible.
Last month, we officially broke ground and started laying the foundation for our new store. At the same time, Megan Owen, the wife of our contractor, created a theme song for the Nu-to-Yu detailing our long history and bright future. We hope everyone will have the chance to hear this catchy little ditty in the near future.
As we look ahead to an exciting new chapter, one that includes the future home of Nu-to-Yu, we’re reminded of the powerful role this community plays in making it all possible. Thank you for every donation, every kind word and every hour of support. We are still looking for a cornerstone sponsor for our new building. Any way you can help, big or small, does not go unnoticed.
As our building site becomes more active, you will see sponsorship signs emerging on the fence around the construction site. The first one to go up is for Tru-Valu foods who have been supporting us from the beginning. If you’ve got materials or a service to help us with our build, we would love to talk to you about having your own company or organization’s logo on our fence as well.
A great way to support us and, in turn, our community is by bringing good things in for donation on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 am to noon and on Saturdays from 11am to 2 pm. For a full list of what we cannot accept, please refer to our website.
Pender Roadshow
This small child’s hat is believed to date back to the Qing Dynasty (1600s) and features tin-stampled characters symbolizing The Eight Immortals. Photos courtesy of Sean Clazie.
Sometimes, items cross the threshold at Nu-To-Yu that look like their time has passed, they are thread-worn and just plain tired looking. Recently, a small child’s hat arrived that certainly matched that description but it had a bigger story to tell.
The hat was Chinese in style, most likely made after the Qing Dynasty. Although it was missing pieces it was still absolutely beautiful. The top of the hat was silk with a cotton backing. The silk had hand embroidered flowers, the colour faded and the silk falling away. The sides of the hat were a dark indigo blue corduroy and the inside liner of the hat was a faded blue cotton stitched to a simple check pattern wool patch for the top of the head.
Eight tin-stamped characters stacked in two neat rows graced the front of the hat while a carp and a ball and bell dangling from their own chains hung from a stamped round medallion on both sides of the hat.
A lot of love went into stitching this hat together and clearly the hat was passed down over the years with numerous repairs (some good, some modest) to extend its long life. The eight figures on the front hat are known as the Eight Immortals – characters symbolically associated with longevity and prosperity, each with their own special power.
The Immortals are referenced as far back as the Jin Dynasty 1115 to 1234 and still play a part in popular culture – aka Jackie Chan. The carp on the sides of the hat are also common symbols in Chinese culture. There is the legend of the carp leaping over the dragon’s gate, a symbol of perseverance and hard work. Just to be safe, a dangling bell beside the carp is meant to scare off evil spirits although, to the wearer of the hat a bell ringing beside your ear would certainly be evil enough.
When I look at an object like this hat there is a bounty of history in a few folds of cloth.
It’s sometimes hard to date items when they are composed of multiple materials. Sometimes you can dissect the various materials or the style of an item to help narrow the date of origin, a bit of a stretch here. Top of the hat, we know silk dates back well over a thousand years. Front of the hat, The Immortals… stamped metal originated in Turkey in the mid 1500’s.
Corduroy we often think dates from the groovy late 60’s or early 1970’s but in fact it originated many hundreds of years prior. Known as fustian, it originated in El-Fustat in Egypt around 1200. With each invention, each evolution of a material or style comes a new cycle.
This small hat is a remnant of that cycle, it still has beauty and a life of its own. Thank you to our donors.
Pender Island Recycling Society
Supporting the Expanded Repair Café
April was an eventful month at Pender Island Recycling as we began to gear up for a busy summer. On April 1, five of our staff completed their forklift certification with an off-island trainer. We offer this training every three years so staff can continue to hone their skills and safely operate the forklift at our busy depot.
On Easter Sunday we held a special Spring Bike Sale. It was a beautiful sunny day and a great way to kick off the cycling season. The remainder of the depot’s public laneways were paved mid-month, and visitors are now enjoying the smooth ride. On April 25, staff from the depot assisted the Pender Islands Conservancy at the annual Beach Cleanup event, collecting and hauling anything found on the shoreline that could be diverted from landfill.
In May we are pleased to announce our new project working with the Health Care Society and SGI Neighbourhood House to support their Monday repair café initiative. The repair café will now take place twice monthly – on the second and fourth Monday of the month. This program is volunteer run and provides a space for people to get tech help, appliance repair, and clothing repair services free of charge. The repair café is a worldwide movement aimed to provide the resources needed to repair items so they can continue being used.
We are obviously passionate here at the depot about the Three R’s – Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. They are listed in that order for a good reason; we should be focussed on reducing our consumption and reusing/repairing items first before recycling or buying again. When you choose to fix a broken item over buying new, the carbon footprint of the original item is further reduced and you avoid the environmental cost of the new materials in a replacement. We are lucky to live in British Columbia with its robust Extended Producer Responsibility program and recycling resources, however even with this accessibility, recycling should be used as a last resort.
One of the biggest barriers to repairing items is sourcing parts. Companies will often discontinue or make replacement parts redundant within a few years of releasing a product. Right to Repair legislation is beginning to take hold in Europe, and hopefully North America will follow and create laws requiring companies to continue providing replacement parts for the products they sell.
If you have an item that needs repair or mending, but don’t feel like you have the skills to tackle it yourself, it might be worth heading to the Community Hall for help from one of their knowledgeable volunteers.
Pender Islands Museum Society
Mary & Dr Augustus Aldridge at home on Browning Harbour. Mary was unusual for her time in wearing trousers and running the farm almost single-handedly. Photo courtesy of the Pender Museum and touched up by The Pender Post Society.
Honouring Island Women: Mary Aldridge
Mary Aldridge is one of the featured women in the Museum’s newest exhibit, Honouring Island Women. We’ve had to keep the display labels brief, but there’s always so much more to tell. We are fortunate to have a 1990s write-up by the late David Spalding, a South Pender historian, who knew Mary personally.
Mary Letitia Blanche Horwood was born in England in 1874. Her husband, Augustus Henry Aldridge (“Gus”), was born in England in 1866, attended medical school in London, and became a doctor in 1890. Mary and Gus Aldridge spent nearly 60 years on the two Pender Islands.
As David Spalding writes, “I think Mary suffered from tuberculosis and they decided to leave England for BC. In 1907 they bought five acres on Gowlland Point, the perfect place for Mary to breathe the health-giving air necessary to protect her lungs. They remained there until WWI.
“In 1914, they returned to England. Augustus volunteered as a doctor in the army and Mary as a farm worker. (WWI records for the original “women’s land army” are scant, so Mary would have been a trailblazer in this effort.)
“Following the war, they returned to BC; this time, however, Augustus and Mary decided to live on North Pender. They purchased 89 acres on Shark Cove and Browning Harbour. They may well have settled there both for the farming potential and the excellent moorage provided by this little cove.
“The Aldridges operated a small farm: chickens, some sheep, a few cows, several fields for pasture and crop-growing, and a vegetable garden. Mary did a lot of the outdoor work. She ploughed the land and planted and harvested the crops. She did the milking as she regularly shipped cream to the Saltspring Island creamery. In essence it was Mary who kept the place going.
“Mary and Augustus protected their privacy. Yet in their own way, they both felt a strong responsibility to their neighbours and their community. Dr. Aldridge did not officially practice medicine, but he was always available to help in an emergency. During the Depression in the 1930s, Mary very discreetly made sure – through an arrangement with Percy Corbett who ran the general store at Hope Bay – that those in need were not without food or clothing.
“Augustus died in 1951, and Mary arranged for her niece Phyllis Mumford to come out from England to live with her and take over the farm. (The Aldridges had no children.) When Mary’s health deteriorated in the late 1950s, she moved into a home for the elderly in Sidney. She died at age 90 in 1965.”
Mary was buried in Victoria, but Pender friends had a gravestone made to acknowledge this well-respected island couple. They placed it on the previously unmarked grave of Dr. Aldridge in the Pender Cemetery.
Next time you play with your kids in the school playground or park at the Health Centre, it’s worth remembering you’re on land that was farmed by the remarkable Mary Horwood Aldridge.
Excerpted from “The Aldridge Family of the Two Penders”, by David J Spalding
Royal Canadian Legion
Otters Swim Club – Jorgen Jespersen, Lee-Ann Jespersen, Iona Jespersen, Scout Jespersen, Marie Cloutier, Helen Lemon-Moore and John Cowan
When I returned to Pender Island in 2003, it was primarily to spend some time with my dad who we all knew was on his last days.
I was not really sure how long I would stay (I still had some ties to the big city). When Dad passed away that summer we had his memorial down at Gowlland Point and Doug Pirie, who was the Legion Service Officer at that time, organized an Honour guard to help send him off.
The vision of these veterans lined up along the edge of the Gowlland Point Bluffs, and the soon to hit storm clouds looming in the background, will live with me forever. It also helps that Pender Island artist and good friend, Joy McAughtrie presented me with a painting of that very moment, and it now hangs in my home.
The point of all this is that this was a special moment in my evolution as a Legion member and my friendship with Doug and Rena Pirie. Doug did everything for the Legion including a term as president, and many years as the aforementioned Service Officer. Rena was an integral member of the Ladies’ Auxiliary and Legionnaire of the Year in 2007.
That same year, at the urging of Doug and Des Rawlings, I became a member of the Legion executive. Over the following years Doug and Rena became like a second family to Melody and myself, as well as being a vital part of the Pender Island community. Doug passed away in October of 2010 and it just seems like yesterday.
Rena continued being that indomitable spirit that she was for several more years here on Pender until one day she made the move back to Winnipeg to be closer to her family. Over the years she has had several bouts with cancer that she dealt with her usual aplomb – “what can I do? no use getting upset about it.”
We would talk on the phone and then talk some more… she was a talker! When we talked in February she was still Rena and full of stories of grandkids and great grandkids and we said we would have to talk more often this year. It wasn’t to be.
Rena died last week. She would have been 90 years old on April 30, cancer finally got her. You may ask why is all this in the Legion article? Well, it’s because of people like Doug and Rena that the Legion still exists and why I continue to work, in my 20th year on the executive, to make sure that they and so many others like them are never forgotten. In a world where looking after Number One becomes ever more prevalent, there are still some who care about the whole.
I am proud to be President of an organization that continues to carry on the legacy of all those past presidents and executives. I am also thankful for the members of our current executive and all our volunteers who give so freely of their time and energy to make our island a better place to live.
In other Legion news we only have another couple of Friday night dinners left before we shift over to barbecue season in June. On May 8th I will be doing a country fried chicken dinner, featuring garlic mashed potatoes, vegetables, dinner rolls, lots of gravy and blueberry pie a la mode for dessert. I will be off island on the 22nd but I’m sure we will have a great guest cook serving up another delicious meal. Check the website for details.
Meat draws are still the place for fun and profit every Saturday at 4 pm. Bingo happens at 12:45 pm on May 9, and that grand Jackpot is still waiting for you.
Finally, just a reminder that the memorial for Fred Vye happens on May 16th starting at 11:30 am. Fred was a good friend and a proud supporter of not only the Legion but the Lions Club, Nu-to-Yu and anything that helped the people of Pender Island. See you there.
Pender Islands Lions Club
Spring into Community Giving
As the saying goes, April showers bring May flowers, and here on Pender Island, they also bring a renewed sense of community spirit and giving. In this season of growth and fresh beginnings, our local Lions Club is excited to see that same energy reflected in the connections and initiatives taking shape across our island.
One of the highlights of our spring season is the return of the Big Divot Classic Golf Tournament, taking place on May 9, 2026, at the Pender Island Golf Course. All proceeds from this year’s tournament will go directly to the local food bank, supporting individuals and families in our community. Registration is $115 per person and includes a banquet meal, and golfers of all skill levels are welcome.
To register, please contact the Pender Island Golf Course at pigolf@shaw.ca, call 250-629-6659, or sign up in person at the clubhouse. We invite golfers, supporters, and community members alike to join us for what promises to be another enjoyable and impactful day. Your participation, in any form, truly makes a difference.
May is also recognized as Healthy Vision Month, a time to raise awareness about the importance of eye health, regular comprehensive eye exams, and the prevention of vision loss, an initiative that is especially meaningful to the Pender Islands Lions Club.
Each fall, our members volunteer their time to provide free vision screenings for all Pender Island schoolchildren, and we proudly fund glasses for any child facing financial barriers. We also collect used eyeglasses and hearing aids, with donation boxes available at the Health Centre, Western Financial, Tru Value, and the Nu-to-Yu. It is one more way we strive to ensure everyone in our community can see a brighter path forward and feel supported.
As April showers give way to May flowers, we hope the seeds of kindness continue to grow, along with our membership. Want to Roar with us? The Lions Club warmly welcomes anyone who would like to learn more or get involved. Just send us an email.
Warmly,
Pender Island Parks and Recreation Commission
Spring is in full swing, as are our efforts to ensure our parks are ready for the busy summer season to come. As usual, a major focus is safety and enjoyment, so please do your part in keeping our parks welcoming and accessible for ourselves, families and visitors.
We had a fantastic event celebrating the opening of the Schooner Way trail. We wanted to send a BIG thank you to everyone who contributed, and those who came out to cheer on the project and its completion.
It’s heartwarming to see all of the use the trail is getting! Remember to put on your safety cap when using the trail, showing awareness for hazards (look for helpful signage/reflectors), paying attention to other users, as well as the driveways and roads the path crosses.
The ribbon-cutting event in May is still on track, at which point the information kiosk will be installed. On Saturday June 20th the trail will feature the Run, Walk, Wheel for Wellness event! This is a fabulous opportunity to get moving and get used to moving along the trail in a safe manner. Further details to come.
Whale monitoring will once again be monitored from Oak Bluff this season. One of the picnic tables may be used, very sporadically, during the tracking of these beautiful water beasts. We’re working on posting an informative sign at some point along the trail to share the important purpose of this research. Thanks for your annual support.
We’re happy to report that seasonal handrails at ocean access points have been installed for everyone’s safety. They’ve been completed at Mackinnon Road and Bridges Road; Shingle Bay is to come. This will make kayak launching even easier. Have a great time on the water!
Dogs in Parks
As summer approaches, the usage of our trails and parks increases. More users mean more hikers, walkers, picnickers, children playing and pets accompanying their owners.
Dog owners are reminded to take note of this uptick in park/trail activity and to be aware of their dog’s whereabouts and behaviours at all times. Dog owners are encouraged to make sure their pet has a current licence.
There are many benefits to licensing your dog from the CRD’s Petiquette program including the ease of returning your best friend should they be found wandering about the Island unaccompanied. Dog waste bins are located throughout the PIPRC system, but in places where there are no facilities please scoop and dispose of the contents appropriately. Please only leave paw prints behind.
Local bylaws regarding the Southern Gulf Islands parks and trails are in the process of being updated, so stay tuned to The Pender Post and our social media for the latest developments.
Moving Around Pender (MAP)
Brian For Bikes
The MAP Board and members would like to thank those individuals who have volunteered their time and energy to help maintain and upgrade the Pender Island trails and car stops.
MAP is a volunteer organization and the help of the volunteers is immensely appreciated. MAP’s key objective is developing infrastructure of trails which promotes an active lifestyle, through accessible walking, running or biking.
According to a 2023 report by the Netherlands Institute for Transport Policy Analysis, the Dutch rode their bicycles up to a total of 18.2 billion kilometres, which is about 3 km of cycling per person per day. The Dutch complete more than one-quarter (28%) of all trips in the Netherlands by bicycle.
The conventional bicycle accounts for most of this (71%) with the remainder accounted for by e-bikes (29%). Holland has approximately 35,000 kilometres of bike paths and routes, which is a major reason so many of the Dutch use bikes for local transportation. It took many years and a major shift in public attitudes and policy to develop the Dutch cycling infrastructure.
In the 1990s, Victoria started to develop cycling trails and routes like the Dockside trail and the Galloping Goose trail. At that time approximately 2% of the daily trips to the core business area of Victoria were by bikes. Now Victoria has the nickname “Bictoria”. In 2016, Victoria started developing separate bike lanes into the core business area. Now 11% of the daily trips to the core Victoria business area are completed by people on bikes.
How does Pender Island compare to the Netherlands or Victoria? Pender does not have the numerous small roads and side streets which are common in the Netherlands and Victoria, and which have been converted to cycling paths. Pender Island has approximately 300 km of trails, of which only a small portion is easily used by bikes and ebikes.
It can be argued that all trails can be cycled, but most trails are too steep and rough for most cyclists. Victoria developed separated bike lanes to and along the main arterial routes to the core business areas of Victoria. Pender Island has one main arterial route through the island. The trail from the Pender Island Medical Centre to the ball diamond is a perfect example of developing a cycling and walking trail along the main arterial route on Pender Island.
People are excited about this new trail and I have been asked by numerous people about the continuation of the trail along the existing roads. Change will not occur overnight, but MAP members work towards building an infrastructure for mobile active transportation.
There are a number of people on Pender that either choose not to drive or who no longer can drive an automobile due to health concerns. MAP membership works towards developing an infrastructure to ensure all residents have access to much needed amenities on the island.
Please support MAP through volunteering and attending meetings and events to help MAP in developing trails and cycling paths to help improve the safety for people to move around Pender.
Parent Advisory Council (PAC)
Children at play makes my day: Thanks to PIESS and PAC for making the Spring Family Fair happen. Photos courtesy of Matthew Coutts
A big thank you to the PIESS PAC for hosting this year’s Spring Family Fair!
It was wonderful to see students and parents out having fun. Events like these are a collective effort and many hours go into preparation. A special thanks to all who helped refresh games, organize volunteers, facilitate the fun, set up, clean up, prepare and serve delicious corn dogs and chili … the list could go on! It was said several times, “many hands make light work” and this was true of our Spring Family Fair!
Events like these make a difference. Not only is it wonderful to bring the school community together to visit, have fun and connect with others; but they also help to financially support school initiatives such as field trips, extra-curricular events, upgrades to technology and upgrades to areas such as our Cobb House and garden.
As a school, our staff are extremely grateful to PAC for their efforts in enriching the lives of many and making our school an even better place to learn.
A Spring Family Fair Haiku Set
To properly celebrate Pender Island’s Spring Family Fair, I offer this haiku set:
Fun and Games: Plinko, tarot and mini-putt / Skeeball and fishing from Frankie’s Field / human slot machine lol
Food and Treats: My kids ate corn dogs / Veggie chili was divine / much candy floss oops
Fundraising: Silent auction for adults / my wife bought a bass guitar / Cake were “fire”
Pender Islands Elementary and Secondary School (PIESS)
It has been wonderful to see many students and families taking advantage of the new trail extending from the Danny Martin Baseball Field to the Pender Medical Clinic and Pender Elementary Secondary School.
The trail offers a great opportunity for students to get fresh air and exercise by walking or biking to and from school. As we know, regular physical activity supports both physical health and mental health, and we are excited about the possibilities this trail provides for our students.
Parents have been reaching out and asking about having their child ride by bike to and from school. If your family is considering this option, we encourage you to let the school know in advance. Open communication helps us support students and promote safe practices.
We do want to strongly emphasize that parents should feel confident in their child’s riding abilities before allowing them to bike independently.
Students should:
- have a solid understanding of road and trail safety,
- remain attentive to signage, and
- demonstrate good judgment while riding.
Additionally, we encourage parents to ensure their child’s bike and helmet are road safe and children know what to do should a problem arise. We highly recommend that students ride the route with a parent or guardian first, so families can assess readiness together. Our goal is to ensure that students using the trail are confident, capable, and safety‑minded riders. For more information, we encourage you to check out bikehub.ca.
To further support student safety, the school will be reviewing bike and pedestrian safety at upcoming grade group assemblies. In addition, we are planning a Ride to School Day along with the Bike Rodeo this spring (May/June), where students will have the opportunity to practice skills and learn more about safe riding in a fun and supportive environment.
We are excited to see our students benefiting from this new community asset and look forward to working together to ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment.
Warm regards,
Dragonfly Child Care & Family Resource Centre
Pender Island Child Care Society
Pikler-Inspired Play Group
May 4, 11, 25, 9 am
Dragonfly Centre
Join facilitators Eszter Csillag and Geneva Jacobs for a one hour free-play session for children (ages 6-24 months) and a caregiver in our new Infant and Toddler room. Inspired by the work of Emmi Pikler, children are invited to explore and play in a thoroughly designed play space. Parents are invited to slow down, connect, and observe the magic of focused and uninterrupted free movement and play. Email Pam for more information or to sign up for this free program supported by the Victoria Foundation.
Parents and Babes
May 4, 11, 25, closed 18, 9 am
Dragonfly Centre
Parents and Babes runs every Monday morning (closed May 18) from 9-11:30 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 in a cozy and welcoming space. Come out and enjoy snacks, adult and child interactions, developmentally appropriate toys, and the book lending library. Thanks to the Victoria Foundation and the Pender Island Child Care Society this program is free.
Healthy Opportunities for Preschoolers (HOP)
May 6, 13, 20, 27, 9 am
School Gym
HOP is held every Wednesday morning from 9:00-10:15 in the school gym. Come on out and join facilitator Kristin as she sets up new activities each week; from bikes and crash mats to climbing equipment and obstacle courses, this program will be sure to get your busy kiddo moving! 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.
Dad ’n’ Me Pancake Breakfast
May 16, 9 am
Dragonfly Centre
Dad ‘n’ Me Pancake Breakfast is held one Saturday each month from 9-11 am at Dragonfly. Facilitators
Pam and Chris will be serving up pancakes, sausages, fruit, yogurt, and lots 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.
If you would like further information on any of our programs please get in touch with us on our website, by email, or give us a call.
Death Cafe
Thank you everyone for joining the Death Café. It is a safe place for anyone to talk about death and listen to one another’s’ stories. There’s no set agenda.
Breaking into smaller groups has proven to be more conducive to listening deeply.
Sharing thoughts around end-of-life experiences and related topics can help to understand how one’s lives and family members are affected. It’s about reflecting on life and how we can live fully. There is no expectation to share; listening is valuable.
We will take the summer off after May’s Death Café and review feedback from our team and the evaluations received. Anyone can fill out an evaluation found in the Death Café folder at Dockside Reality.
Resources
SGI Community Resource Centre
Housing NOW Brings Homeshare Opportunities to the Southern Gulf Islands
Housing continues to be one of the most significant challenges across the Southern Gulf Islands, affecting local businesses, healthcare, schools, and overall community sustainability.
The Southern Gulf Islands Community Resource Centre’s Housing NOW program is working to address this through practical, community-based solutions. A key part of this work is the integration of Happipad, a Canadian homeshare platform that connects homeowners with individuals seeking safe, affordable housing. The platform provides screening, matching support, and structured agreements to help create successful, respectful living arrangements.
To support this, Housing NOW is launching a series of “Meet Your Next Homeshare” events across the islands. These informal gatherings offer a chance for homeowners and homeseekers to meet, ask questions, and explore homeshare in a comfortable, low-pressure setting. Homeshare offers a simple but meaningful way to strengthen community—helping reduce isolation for homeowners while providing stable housing for students, workers, and local residents. Even opening a single room, suite, or cottage can make a difference.
Watch for upcoming events on your island and on social media. For more information, contact Housing NOW at the Southern Gulf Islands Community Resource Centre.
Dining in the Dark Expands with New Storm Preparedness Booklet
The Dining in the Dark project is releasing a new supplemental booklet to help island residents prepare for storm season. The booklet includes no-power recipes, community stories, and practical tips for managing meals and daily needs during outages. It will be bundled with the original Dining in the Dark cookbook and new Dining in the Dark tea towels as part of a preparedness package.
Look for the team at upcoming farmers’ markets and on social media for release details. Preparedness workshops will also be offered this fall.
Food Resilience Project
The Food Resilience Alliance is exploring a mobile poultry abattoir pilot for Pender Island this summer. Grower interest will determine if the project proceeds. Scan the QR code to complete the short questionnaire and help shape local processing options.
Deadline approaching – Your Input Matters
Sustainable Funding Initiative’s Grant Writer Rebate Project – Next Intake May 1st! Are you a Southern Gulf Islands non-profit looking to strengthen your funding capacity? The Grant Writer Rebate Project can help by providing financial support to hire a grant writer. Registration opens May 1 and closes May 20.
Spots are limited, so pre-register at http://www.linktr.ee/sgisfi. Successful applicants will be contacted before May 27. Take advantage of this opportunity to strengthen your grant applications and grow your impact!
Upcoming Workshops Project Management Part 3: From Action to Impact with Joyce Budnyk Tuesday, May 5, 10: –11:30 am on Zoom. By donation (suggested $10).
This final session focuses on activating your project – aligning people and resources, building early wins, and strengthening long-term success and community impact. Missed a workshop? Email islandsupport@sgicrc.ca to request recordings. Register – http://www.linktr.ee/sgisfi
Did You Know?
The Community Resource Centre (CRC) hosts a free Southern Gulf Islands Job Board where local employers can post opportunities and job seekers can find work across the region. To learn more or view current listings, visit Southern Gulf Islands Community Resource Centre at https://www.sgicommunityresources.ca/jobs/.
The CRC is also hiring for four Canada Summer Jobs positions for youth aged 15–30 who are Canadian citizens or have refugee status. These roles offer hands-on experience supporting local nonprofits, food resilience, tourism, and community initiatives. Apply online or email your resume to employment@sgicommunityresources.ca
SGI Neighbourhood House
Southern Gulf Islands Community Justice Program
The Southern Gulf Islands Community Justice Program would like to share a little more about why we love Circle Conversations.
Circle Conversations naturally draw people into a richer, shared understanding. They often begin with participants sharing perspectives or personal experiences, then gradually deepen to reflect values, hopes, and concerns.
This gentle progression helps build trust and reduces the tendency to focus on only one viewpoint. When people gather in a circle, everyone sits at the same level and can see one another, creating a sense of safety and respect. No one is singled out, and no one dominates. The use of a talking piece – giving each person an uninterrupted moment – encourages true listening and authentic sharing.
As each voice is heard, the group gains insight into the diversity of perspectives in the room, often leading to greater openness and curiosity. Circle Conversations offer a thoughtful, collaborative, and respectful way to navigate complex issues together. And the results often feel like magic.
If you are interested in learning more about the SGI CJP and Circle Conversations, email us at CJP@SGINH.ca to join our monthly Zoom circles (the third Wednesday at 7 pm), or to explore how a facilitated circle conversation might support you, your organization, or your project.
55+ Seniors Program Armchair Travel with Shelley & Chris to Bali – May 11, 1:00-2:00 pm.
Come and explore Ubud, Bali through an iMovie presentation followed by a lively question-and-answer discussion. Their film shares experiences learning traditional Balinese arts and crafts and walking the beautiful hiking trails in and around Ubud.
This is their second trip to Bali, building on previous travels to Uluwatu, Gili Air Island, and Lombok. Their journey highlights the richness of Balinese Hindu culture and the flavours of local cuisine. On Pender. If you’d like to participate in this event, please email me, Monica Bennett, at fiftyfiveplus@sginh.ca or call Cathie at the office 250-629-3665 for the Zoom link.
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 at 250-629-3665. Supporting Our Island Communities Across the Southern Gulf Islands, the Southern Gulf Islands Neighbourhood House provides essential programs that nourish, connect, and support people of all ages on Pender, Mayne, Galiano, and Saturna.
Your contribution stays right here in our island region—supporting food security initiatives, seniors’ programs, 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 meaningful and immediate difference.
Donate today at http://www.sginh.ca/donate-now. You can also give in a way that is deeply personal. Honour a friend, family member, or caregiver—or remember a loved one—by making a gift in their name. We also invite you to consider leaving a legacy gift through your will or estate plans, helping to ensure that vital programs and services continue for future generations.
To make a tribute gift or to learn more about legacy giving, please contact us at (250) 629-3665. Thank you for your continued support of the Southern Gulf Islands Neighbourhood House. Your generosity strengthens our programs, our communities, and the connections that make these islands such a special place to call home.
Pender Island Food Bank Society
Rising Gas Prices and Belt Tightening
Global events resulting in skyrocketing gas prices are having cascading effects throughout our economy. For all of us, that means some significant belt tightening as we try to navigate our way through these uncertainties. For the most economically vulnerable, the effects hit harder. Not only are prices higher, but the level of uncertainty and precariousness of employment and housing hits harder. We are already seeing an uptick in registrations at the Food Bank and expect this to continue.
In March, as part of Food Banks Canada Hunger Count, we surveyed Food Bank clients to help inform both our local food bank management and national advocacy. More than half of our clients are employed and struggling to make ends meet – many with employers who pay below the Living Wage calculations of $28/per hour. In March, 21% of our client visits were for children (under 18).
A quarter of the households indicated that they were uncertain about their housing stability in the next six months. An additional 30% did not express a concern about housing stability but live in boats or trailers with limited water, refrigeration, and cooking ability, resulting in significant food insecurity.
Recent data reported in the news show that over 50% of Canadian food banks are cutting back on food quantities, and nearly 25% have run out of food entirely. Some food banks have had to reduce the number of visits per month (e.g., from once a week to once a month) that clients can make. So far, because of your generosity, the Pender Island Food Bank has had to make only a few small tweaks to our offerings (e.g., substituting some foods with less expensive options), but as we look to the latter half of 2026 and into 2027, we project that we will also be facing these hard decisions.
So how can you help? Less than 1% of the funding for our Food Bank (and most food banks nationwide) comes from government funding. Your donations of non-perishable foods (within best before dates and unopened and undamaged) to the donation bin at Tru Value or directly at the Food Bank on Friday mornings, and your selection of #9 on the Spirit Board are two big ways you can help. Fresh produce from your farms and gardens this season is also greatly appreciated.
Financial donations remain the number one way you can support us. You can e-transfer to penderislandfoodbank@gmail.com or give through one of the online platforms. Visit our website (penderislandfoodbank.com) for more information and links to these sites.
Land and Sea
Pender Island Farmers’ Institute
The Pender Island Farmers’ Market will open the outdoor summer market on the May long weekend Saturday, May 16, at the Community Hall from 9:30 am to 1 pm. The Summer Market will continue until Thanksgiving weekend.
The market is a wonderful community gathering place, where you can pick up the freshest local produce, plants, eggs, flowers, meat, baked goods, honey, and locally created artisan goods.
A member of the BC Association of Farmers’ Markets (BC Farmers’ Markets), the Pender Island Farmers’ Market is in its 48th year. Our Wednesday food-only market that operates out of the Farm Food Hub located in the Farmers’ Institute barn behind the Hall will start in early June.
The Farm Food Hub has been operating year round on Saturdays during the markets, and is the place for farmers to sell their farm products through our volunteers and staff, just by dropping off their items for us to sell. If you are not able to sell at the Saturday market yourself, but would like a venue to sell from to help boost your sales, this could be for you.
This option is open to food vendors registered with our Farmers’ Market. Details are on our website. Potential new vendors are encouraged to apply by going to our website at http://www.pifi.ca where you will find information and applications.
Everything at our market is made, baked, and grown on Pender Island (we will also be exploring opening up the market to off-island Gulf Island and South Island vendors who sell items that we do not have at our market currently – on a limited basis, with applications reviewed by the board and the market manager).
The music at the market will be provided by Ptarmigan Arts and invited artists. Buskers are also welcome. Our market manager will be Tony Legault, who has been an active volunteer at the market. For information email Tony at penderislandmarket@gmail.com or go to pifi.ca.
Celebrating the International Year of the Woman Farmer
Pender Island Fall Fair August 29th – This event is the largest on Pender Island with a long standing tradition as an agricultural fair which began in 1932. Our next Fall Fair meeting will be Tuesday, May 12 at 4 pm at the Community Hall lounge.
We are looking for volunteers in some key areas – no experience needed, just enthusiasm. If you would like to convene a section of the fair, help in the beer garden, or help set up the tents and tables, we would like to hear from you.
We are looking for food vendors as well. If you want to start working on your entries, last year’s catalogue is listed on the website. We are working on this year’s catalogue which will be out soon, and we will again be using Assist Expo for our entries.
We are very grateful for the community groups, individuals, and businesses who support the Fair by generous sponsorship donations, helping provide and serve food and drink, donating raffle prizes, helping with set up, organizing, and lending a hand wherever it is needed.
The Fair has been run by a volunteer committee of the Farmers’ Institute. We would especially like to see all of our farms involved, because it is a great way to let the community know what you are doing. If you would like to know more, check out our website pifi.ca, or contact Barbara Johnstone at penderislandfallfair@gmail.com or 250-222-3817. We are a member of the BC Association of Agricultural Fairs and Exhibitions (BC Fairs).
The Pender Island Farmers’ Institute had its AGM and Farmers’ Market Vendor Meeting on March 28. The guest speaker was Tony Legault, who spoke on the pilot project Pender Island was involved with regarding the BC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Coupon Program, based on his presentation earlier in the month to the BCAFM Conference and AGM.
This program brought $23,000 to the farmers at our market and local produce: eggs, nuts, meat, herbs, and honey to lower income seniors and families in our community. We have been involved with this program for about ten years, and saw a boost in sales with the card system we tried out. Our partners are the Pender Island Food Bank, the Pender Island Child Care Society, and SGI Neighbourhood House. The program is funded by the BC Ministry of Health.
We appreciate the collaboration with our partners and have seen the benefit to our community. Following Tony’s presentation to other farmers’ markets at the BCAFM Conference, many other markets are interested in trying the card system we trialled. If any farmers want to know more about how the program works and how it could boost their sales, please contact Tony at penderislandmarket@gmail.com.
At our AGM, the new board of directors elected by members of the Pender Island Farmers’ Institute for 2026 is Barry Denluck, President; Shawn Crichton, Vice-President; Martha Bueckert, Secretary; Barbara Johnstone, Treasurer; Lisa Moorby, Director at Large.
We would like to thank Michelle Marsden for her hard work and enthusiasm on the board for the previous two years, especially with the Fall Fair.
Regards,
Preparing Fall Fair Entries
Please check the Judging Standards for your section carefully. These standards are available at pifi.ca (go to the “enter online” tab.)
Particularly for the Food Preservation Section, many lovely entries are unfortunately disqualified every year.
Please remember when canning:
- JARS Jars must be in perfect condition and be professional canning jars (not re-used commercial jars.) They must be the correct size as specified for your item.
- SEALING New lids and new rings must be used. No wax sealing. No other coverings on the jar.
- LABELLING The item must have been canned in the previous 12 months, since the last fair. It must be dated with the date of canning. It must be labelled as to class contents (e.g. “strawberry jam with pectin”)
Happy canning!
Southern Gulf Islands Tourism Partnership
Hello Penderites. I’m Kendall McLaughlin, and I’ve been a resident of Galiano Island for the last four years. I am the newest staff member to join the Southern Gulf Islands Tourism Partnership (SGITP) as the Community Relations and Administrative Assistant. As the only team member based outside of Salt Spring, I am particularly proud to represent the other Gulf Islands’ voice within the organization.
Established in 2019 to manage the islands’ primary economic driver, the SGITP is dedicated to a vision of tourism rooted in balance rather than just volume. We prioritize seasonal sustainability by promoting off-season travel to ensure year-round stability for our local businesses, while simultaneously fostering net-positive exploration by attracting visitors who respect our island values and leave a beneficial social and environmental footprint.
Our work is made possible through the 2% Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT) on commercial accommodations. This revenue, shaped by feedback from our local businesses, provides crucial funding that is shared between our sustainable tourism initiatives and affordable housing projects around the Gulf Islands.
With my career background in conservation, I am deeply committed to ensuring that “ecotourism” isn’t just a buzzword. I want to help guide decisions that protect our sensitive ecosystems while ensuring our local artists, businesses, and organizations thrive.
I am here to support you. My goal is to sustain our lifestyle and livelihoods without exploitation. Whether you are a business owner, an artist, or a concerned local with an idea, I want to hear from you. Let’s work together to keep the Gulf Islands vibrant and protected. I welcome your feedback, ideas, or any ways the SGITP can support you. You can reach me at community@southerngulfislands.com to schedule a meeting and share your ideas.
Pender Island Conservancy
Geology of the Gulf Islands with Bob Turner
Who among us hasn’t marvelled at the amazing rock formations along the beaches of Pender and other Gulf Islands during our intertidal explorations on these islands? Geologist Bob Turner joins us on Sunday, May 3 at the Community Hall at 7 pm for a presentation about the unique geology of the BC Gulf Islands. He will weave a story in part from information learned from recent explorations of Hornby, Denman, Galiano, Mayne and Salt Spring. Don’t miss this presentation by this engaging and curious storyteller we are privileged to have sharing his expert knowledge with us. Admission $10 or pay what you can; cash or card accepted.
Tal Engel of WolfTree Integrative Forest Rehabilitation. Photo courtesy of Julie Szabo.
Forest Restoration in Your Own Backyard
On Friday, May 29 enjoy a half-day, hands-on learning experience in Kingfisher Forest with Tal Engel of WolfTree Integrative Forest Rehabilitation. Spend time in Pender Conservancy’s nature sanctuary and learn innovative ways to help dense young forests recover from over a century of industrial forestry. You’ll be able to use these new skills to improve forest health on your own property. Register on http://www.penderconservancy.org.
Where are the Elders? Parallels Between Dying Cultures and Dying Ecosystems
If hands-on forest restoration work isn’t your thing, join us in the evening of May 29 for a thought-provoking seminar, led by forest restoration expert Tal Engel.
This seminar explores striking similarities between the social and ecological conditions required for growing and sustaining both forest “Tree Elders” and human “Old Growth Cultures”. To understand ourselves we’ve always sought out our reflections in the natural world – and what we have done to the once thriving natural cultures of our planet, especially forests, tells a story that is ultimately about what we have done to ourselves.
Thank You Beach and Roadside Cleanup Volunteers
The Conservancy has the best volunteers! As always, this year’s Beach and Roadside Cleanup was powered by Penderites. Thanks to all of you who scoured beaches and trails for garbage; sorted through that trash; baked cookies and served coffee; entertained with music and directed traffic through the trash drop-off route at the Community Hall.
The way you care for this community and the beaches and trails we love warms our hearts. Thank you.
Pick Up Some Biodiversity Brew
In partnership with Vivi Coffee, we’re excited to introduce Biodiversity Brew. A coffee-lover’s dream, Biodiversity Brew supports Brazilian farms that are maintaining wildlife habitat in parallel with coffee production.
Proceeds from these delicious beans are also directed to Conservancy ecological restoration programs on Pender Island, so your morning cup of coffee supports biodiversity protection both at home and abroad. Available now at the Nature Centre at Hope Bay. Open 11 am – 3 pm, Wednesday to Sunday.
Photo courtesy of Laura Matthias.
Sharp-Tailed Snake Spotted!
Help us welcome the newest member of the Pender Conservancy family: a hatchling sharp-tailed snake (Contia tenuis), found during surveys conducted by biologists at Vulture Ridge Nature Reserve.
Protected and conserved lands, like Vulture Ridge, are prioritized for protection and include threatened ecosystems like the herbaceous bluffs that extend the length of the ridge above Port Washington and Clam Bay Roads on North Pender Island. These ecosystems provide habitat for many species at risk, like sharp-tailed snakes, and their shallow soils with moss and lichen cover are extremely sensitive to disturbance.
Species that live in these habitats also spend time in the adjacent forests (moving 200m or more, up and down slopes), and so it’s critical that these bluff habitats are connected to undisturbed and protected forests as well.
Roe Lake and Islet Birding Adventure
Eight enthusiastic birders circumnavigated Roe Lake, pausing along a trail framed by enchanting little calypso orchids, to gaze upon an adjacent pond where colourful mallards, ring-necked ducks and wood ducks floated in serenity. Highlights along the way included hearing our first Townsend’s Warbler of the season, a great sighting of a Hermit Thrush and a towering bluff adorned with a lush community of brilliant pink sea blush.
We then carpooled down to Roesland for a wander down the road to cross the sand to Roe Islet. We spotted a spectacular Yellow-Rumped Warbler, four Rhinoceros Auklets riding the waves and a multitude of black-headed Bonaparte’s Gulls zipping over the ocean.
We ended the outing with a list of 40 species spotted and a desire to relax after a day of ambling five scenic kilometres.
Adam’s Nursery Notes: Native Trees are a Treat
Spring is a great time to divide most herbaceous perennials.
What’s a herbaceous perennial? It’s a non-woody plant that lives longer than a year. They’re not shrubs or trees, which are technically perennial but not “perennials”. They differ from annuals, which live just one year. It’s possible for annuals to live longer than a year, but they won’t look good the second year and so they’re not technically perennials. Herbaceous perennials also aren’t sub-shrubs, which are kind of woody and kind of herbaceous. Aren’t you glad you asked?
Now that that’s all cleared up, let’s talk propagation by division. Dividing overgrown perennials is a great way to revive old specimens and make new plants for free. Most herbaceous perennials that flower in summer should be divided between March and May. Examples of herbaceous perennials that should be divided now are: Yarrow, Asters, Golden Rod and Field Chickweed. Depending on the species, perennials will benefit from being lifted and divided every 3–5 years. They will often begin to get a doughnut appearance with a dead centre. Lifting, dividing and re-planting will solve this.
The best tool for dividing perennials is a pair of pitch forks, sometimes referred to as dividing forks. First remove the perennial from the ground, then insert the forks back-to-back in the centre of the plant and lever them apart from each other. This does less damage than using a shovel (which works fine too and is the method I often use). This job is best done in the morning. Ensure you keep the exposed roots cool and moist until being replanted. Firm the soil around the perennial with your foot and water well.
Come chat with me about this and any other horticulture topic at the Pender Native Plants nursery any Friday or Saturday from 10 am – 2 pm at 4506 Bedwell Harbour Road.
Garden Tasks for May
- Lift and divide perennials.
- Weed pressure will be the strongest right now so stay on top of removing invasive and pernicious species before they get out of control.
- Consider leaving an area of your lawn unmowed to allow critters and wildflowers to thrive (or replace lawn with a meadow).
- Check for nesting birds before doing any pruning or yard work.
- If you’ve left last year’s perennials standing through winter to help critters, now is the time to cut them down.
Pender Organic Community Garden Society
A photograph of a massive sunflower grown in the Pender Organic Community Garden in 2025. An accompanying photo suggests it was at least three “Annes” tall. Photos courtesy of Anne Watterworth.
I decided to join the community on Pender island after living here for about eight months. My first foray was to learn to make sushi, however this was a much sought after class to apply for and it was already full. So I was put on the waitlist to see if anyone cancelled. They did not.
The next way I tried to come out on Pender was through the community garden, and I was met with roughly the same results. However this time there was a cancellation and in late April 2025 I was on my way.
This would be my first garden. At 65, it really was now or never. I was so busy planning what to plant and where to place it that I missed the obvious considerations, like where the sun came up and set on the garden. I promptly planted six corn plants I had purchased that were roughly five inches tall, still I didn’t see the error of my ways.
It was more than half way through June when I realized that corn was blocking the sun over my carrots. I didn’t correct, but left a deep longing for fresh carrots to remind me to take special care. I did finally get carrots but they didn’t mature past baby carrots in size.This year will be different, I will plant the tall items in a way that shades some of the harshest late afternoon heat, from the more delicate members of my veggie patch.
Once the ground was prepared, I was ready for what I called the mass extermination. I planted seeds that my sister Belinda gave me as a birthday present on my 65th journey around the sun. I remembered then that gardening is something like 75% weeding and the rest is waiting.
Well, being retired meant I had the time for both. The mass extermination came in once the seeds sprouted. There was a direct correlation between when seeds were planted and how early they sprouted. I knew that; however, I had no idea whatsoever that so many seeds were in the soil when I arrived at the garden the first day. I’m talking about volunteers, seeds from previous gardeners in previous years.
I started to keep count of how many volunteer tomatoes I had pulled up and gave up around 30. We ate and I shared with neighbours buckets of yellow grape tomatoes. The next volunteers were sunflowers. My brother-in-law Shane brought me six sunflower plants that he grew and so I really didn’t think I needed more, but the one I left behind was the most memorable plant for anyone who came near the garden.
All I did personally to nurture this sunflower was to not pull it up. I swear, I did not use anything on my patch except some alfalfa hay that someone recommended and was hands down the winner. It appeared early and it just didn’t stop. It was in that coveted position that provided shade late in the summer days. I took a picture with one of the leaves on my shoulder. I’m 6 ft with shoes on, and it was my height again plus more to the top.
It had somewhere in the region of 45 flowers which I gave away to anyone and the top had a massive seed head, which I’m hopeful will volunteer again. I’ve been told many of the other gardeners took their pictures with the giant and I hope I get to see those someday.
I can totally recommend to anyone who wants to garden that it can be a very enjoyable and memorable experience and don’t pull all your volunteers as they can become legendary.
Thank you,
Pender Island Garden Club
Dr. Don Williams and his raised bed garden, photo courtesy of Vivian Mitchell.
It was a beautiful April spring day to visit the garden of ‘Dr. Don’ Williams. Dr. Don was Pender Islands’ family doctor for many years. He and Therese have made Pender Island their home for around forty years. Don created his garden out of a gravel parking lot. A lot of the material came from salvaged pieces off the beach. He makes his own soil with compost and added ingredients. Now the garden is full of plum trees, flowers and raised bed containers.
The trees surrounding the garden were creeping under the ground level beds and overwhelming the plantings, taking the nutrients and water. Don designed and built raised beds that are at a good working height for stand up care. They are completely separated from the ground. The beds make it easy to remove weeds, amend the soil and use row covers to promote germination and shade tender plants during hot spells.
He has a wonderful selection of plum trees that produce fruit from summer through fall. There are two families of plum: early, that are genetically Japanese, and late, that are of European descent. A brief list includes Friar (Japanese), Cannor’s Gold (European), Bradshaw (European), Greengage (European), Shiro (Japanese) and Mirabelle (European).
The rare Sharp Tailed Snake has made Don’s garden home. Biologists have been studying them here for some years now. We were fortunate to see a group under a warm piece of bark in the sunshine, a rare treat. Many thanks to Don for a lovely visit to his garden.
The May 12, 2026 meeting will be an off-island trip to be determined. It will be either Finnerty Gardens at the University of Victoria or the Horticultural Center of the Pacific. Finnerty Gardens contains over 4,000 different trees and shrubs with more than 1,500 rhododendrons and azaleas, and a range of companion plants.
The Horticultural Center of the Pacific includes over nine acres of gardens on a 103-acre site in Saanich, just outside Victoria. It is set in a conservation area with nature trips, wetlands, and a bird watching site. For details please contact Janice Levy at jskjins@shaw.ca.
Pender Ocean Defenders (POD)
A member of J Pod breaches in Boundary Pass on March 29, 2026. Photo courtesy of Kathleen Durant.
POD along with the Pender Islands Conservancy will be showing the film, Shared Waters, Shared Crisis, at the Community Hall on Friday, June 5 at 7 pm.
The film is the last in a trilogy that examines two iconic species of the Pacific Northwest that share the same threat of extinction – Southern Resident Killer Whales, and Chinook Salmon. The film sheds light on the work being done by ChangeMakers.
One of these ChangeMakers is Raincoast’s Misty MacDuffee, conservation biologist and Director of Raincoast’s Salmon Program. Having worked for more than 15 years to conserve the salmon-bearing watersheds of the BC coast, Misty voices how the problem faced by SRKWs and Chinook is exacerbated by the issues afflicting the Fraser River.
We are excited that Misty MacDuffee will be present for a Q&A afterwards. POD and PICA wish to thank Plumb Productions for sharing their film. Admission by donation. Suggested is $10 at the door.
Southern Resident Killer Whales have been present in the Salish Sea for the past several weeks. Both J Pod and K Pod arrived on March 1 and were observed off Thieves Bay. Although K Pod left the area shortly afterwards, J Pod remained.
Sighters observed them in Boundary Pass on March 29, and they were reported off Ten Mile Point in the evening heading towards Victoria, and appeared to be leaving the area. But they returned on April 1 and were observed heading east in Boundary Pass and observed off the Tsawwassen ferry terminal the following day.
They were recently observed off Thieves Bay on April 9. We wish them safe travels and lots of good food.
SDA’,YES Truth and Reconciliation Circle
On a Friday afternoon at the Fireside Room of the Anglican Hall, Mohawk poet Melinda Burns gave a much-enjoyed reading from her book Homecoming.
The poems were drawn from four sections of the book, reflecting her life experiences of beginnings, innocence, introspection and the wisdom of aging. She spoke of writing as a way to find the truth of who we are. And for herself “always circling the mystery of the Medicine Wheel”. Melinda invited comments and questions from her listeners, then signed copies of her book. It was a warm and meaningful exchange, and we hope that she’ll return when her book Flourish is published next year. Homecoming by Melinda Burns is available for loan from the Pender Island Library.
Thursday May 7, from 2 – 3 pm at the Community Hall, there will be a ceremony for the signs of Welcome and the historic name of SDÁ,YES, at the Community Hall.
Elders and Youth are travelling from W̱SÁNEĆ First Nation on the Saanich Peninsula. Drummers, dancers and stories will mark the occasion. Some Pender Islands School teachers and students will also meet with teachers and students from the W̱SÁNEĆ School.
The Ceremony is open to the public and I encourage Islanders to come and witness the event. Look for the article and advertisement in this issue from the ṮEṮÁĆES Restoration Initiative, sponsor of the event.
The next meeting of the STR Circle will take place on Wednesday, May 20, 4 – 6 pm at the Anglican Hall. We will hear from Madelin Emery about her recent visit to TSAWOUT to talk to Elders about traditional plant foods and medicines. We’ll discuss plans for the summer months.
ṮEṮÁĆES Restoration Initiative
Photos courtesy of Peter Paré and the ṮEṮÁĆES Restoration Initiative.
Unveiling of SDÁ,YES Welcome Signs
Most of you will have noticed the modification of the Pender Welcome sign at the intersection of Bedwell Harbour and Otter Bay roads and the new signage within the grounds of the Community Hall relating the story behind the original name of our island; SDÁ,YES (a happy place for wind-drying salmon).
This new signage recognizes the long history of the W̱SÁNEĆ people on this island.
For millennia the W̱SÁNEĆ had numerous permanent village sites whose names are still known. Families raised generations of children and buried their dead on the islands. They sustainably harvested seaweed and shellfish from the shore, deer and plants from the forest, and salmon in reef net fisheries from the waters surrounding the islands.
That sacred responsibility has been severely disrupted by the colonial takeover of the islands. The vast majority of the land on the islands was expropriated by the Crown and assigned or sold to settlers. On SDÁ,YES, the W̱SÁNEĆ are left with Hay Point, a 7.46-acre reserve near a traditional village site (QENEṈ,IW̱) on South Pender Island. No W̱SÁNEĆ people are left on the island and currently there are no buildings or other infrastructure on the reserve.
Recognizing this colonial erasure of the W̱SÁNEĆ people’s cultural connection with their land, groups of settlers on SDÁ,YES have been building Community-to-Community bridges with the W̱SÁNEĆ people over the last decade with the goal of removing barriers that the W̱SÁNEĆ face in coming to their homeland. These groups include a Truth and Reconciliation Circle of settlers, the South Pender Island Historical Society, the Southern Gulf Islands Community Resources Centre (CRC) and the Pender Island Agricultural and Recreational Hall Association (PIRAHA).
With grants from the Victoria Foundation to PIRAHA and from the Real Estate Foundation of BC to the CRC, signs in the SENĆOŦEN language are being installed at key culturally-important SDÁ,YES locations, including Poet’s Cove Resort, Brooks Point, and the Community Hall.
Pender’s Chamber of Commerce has also been involved and supported the new addition to the Welcome to Pender Island sign. Funding from Island Trust’s History and Heritage Conservation fund has supported the opening ceremony.
To celebrate the latest of these installations, all SDÁ,YES islanders are invited to join W̱SÁNEĆ elders and youth at the Community Hall Thursday May 7, at 2-3 pm. As the SENĆOŦEN greeting says on the new sign: ÍY¸ Ȼ EN¸ STÁĆEL.
It’s good that you’ve arrived.
Health and Safety
Pender Island Health Care Society
Easter weekend volunteer work party, photo courtesy PIHCS.
We’re very pleased to welcome Registered Massage Therapist Shelley Killeen as a new tenant in the Health Centre. Shelley opens her practice here on May 1, and will be taking bookings for appointments on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Board Members in Action!
And you thought we only go to meetings…. With a minimum of thumbs bruised by hammers, zero falls from ladders, and fortified with plenty of coffee, muffins, and chocolate Easter eggs, several members of the PIHCS board and staff volunteered time on the Easter weekend for yard work, and to refurbish some office and workshop space at the Health Centre. With the Medical Equipment Loan Program moving out into its own digs, we’ve wasted no time in re-configuring the space it left behind. There was carpentry and drywall, painting, organizing, weeding (including two large garbage bags’ worth of thistles, which will be composted), as well as tree trimming to be done. Huge thanks to Facilities Manager Liam Husk for going above and beyond to finish up so many projects before he leaves on his Next Great Adventure, and who also managed to efficiently “herd the cats” as eager volunteers showed up.
Medical equipment organization begins! Courtesy PIHCS
Under budget by $0.64 on the new equipment loan building! Sean Clazie from the Nu-to-Yu and Chris Hodgson in front of the Medical Equipment Loan building.
You’ve Got Mail
Thanks to an anonymous donor, we have funding to reach most households on Pender with a letter this month detailing some of the projects and necessary upgrades we’ve been working on. Check your mailbox, have a look at how the Health Centre and its programs are working to enhance the health and wellness of the community, and how you can help.
Gut Health: Speaker Series ‘Here’s To Your Good Health’
The Speaker Series presentation last month by gastroenterologist Dr. Estello Nap Hill was a resounding success – the community filled the upstairs Hall for his impressive, informative, and well-organized talk. The gut, our second brain, is essential – our health depends on it in so many ways. Highlights included the latest research into the gut microbiome and some recommendations, such as:
- A healthy gut relies on a healthy lifestyle, including exercise
- Aim for a minimum of 25-30 grams of fibre daily, along with plenty of water
- Limit processed meats, classified as Group 1 carcinogens by WHO (same risk as smoking!)
- Include foods with live bacteria like yogurt, kefir, kimchi and sauerkraut
- Eat a wide variety of foods, especially plants
- Talk to your primary care provider about the FIT test (simple home screening test for microscopic blood in the stool)
Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in Canada – and it’s 90% curable when caught early. Here’s an interesting note: One bowl of lentil soup provides half the daily fibre requirement, and if eaten for breakfast, helps reduce blood sugar and insulin response all day long. What about probiotics? The evidence for improved gut health from probiotics is weak; marketing claims far outweigh the science. There was much more to the presentation, and Dr. Nap Hill was able to answer some questions from the audience before zipping off to catch a ferry, part of Pender’s active lifestyle. Many thanks to the Pender Legion for its sponsorship of these talks. Look for the video on our website, under Community Programs / Speaker Series.
Parking Lot – Important Info
It’s great to see so many people using the new Schooner Trail that crosses our property. Just a gentle reminder: parking at the Health Centre is at a premium from 9 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday. We kindly ask that during those times you don’t use our parking lot to go for a walk on the trail. Evenings and weekends are just fine – except for the two areas that are reserved 24 hours for BC Ambulance Staff and on-call medical staff. These areas are clearly marked and should not be used at any time.
If you cycle to your appointment at the Health Centre, please feel free to use our covered bike rack in the alcove off of the Urgent Treatment Room.
Dogs are welcome on the grounds along the gravel driveway — they may need a breath of fresh air while you are waiting for your appointment. As the weather grows warmer, please remember that we do not have much shade in our parking lot. A car can heat up fast, and no one wants their pup to suffer. And, of course, please clean up after your dog and take the waste with you.
Save the Date – June 20 – Health Centre Open House
Everyone is warmly invited to our Open House on Saturday, June 20 from 11 am to 3 pm. This is a rare opportunity for behind-the-scene tours, chatting with health and wellness service providers and learning more about Health Centre operations and future plans. And of course, no Open House would be complete without snacks, prizes, goody bags and treats. The Pender Islands Lions Club will be on hand with their famous barbequed hot dogs. Bring the family – there will be something interesting for everyone.
Subscribe to our ‘HeartBeat’ Newsletter
Several new subscribers signed up in April, and their names will be added to the next random draw from the entire subscription list, for a gift certificate from a local business. It’s easy to sign up for this quarterly newsletter (four times a year), with news, events and profiles of some of the hardworking folks who keep us healthy. Never miss an issue – every three months, subscribers receive the colour newsletter straight to their inboxes. To sign up, please visit our website or scan the QR code in the small ad in this issue. Last month’s lucky person was Marion Alksne, who received a donated $25 gift certificate from Southridge Farms Country Store (huge thanks to our local businesses, who are so supportive) – Who knows, you could be next!
Community Support Programs
Maintain Your Independence (MYI) Exercise Classes
Find class descriptions, schedules, and payment details on our website penderislandhealth.org under the Community Programs tab. Register in advance or pay in person for the full session or drop-in classes.
Monday and Wednesday 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
Strength Training for Overall Health with Stacy Packford
9:30 – 10:30 am
This class will focus on building strength in your body to improve overall health. There will be a variety of exercises for all levels designed to build strength, balance, and confidence in movement. Wear comfy clothes and bring a water bottle. Resistance bands provided.
18 Postures
11 am – 12 pm
Three sets of gentle exercises are designed to support seniors’ health and vitality. These movements combine slow stretches, mindful breathing, stimulation of acupuncture points, and techniques to improve balance and posture. It is a martial art similar to tai chi performed to music.
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 Mia Klassen
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 May 5 and May 12)
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.
Wednesdays
Community Hall
*NEW* Strength Training – Supplemental Class with Stacy Packford
9:30 – 10:30 am
This class is designed for those looking to further support and enhance their strength training. Expect a full-body workout with an emphasis on multi‑joint exercises.
Come prepared to work and bring your water bottle!
Thursdays
Anglican Church, Fireside Room
Moderate Yoga with Candace Aldridge
9:30 – 10:30 am
(See Tuesdays for descriptions)
Chair Yoga with Candace Aldridge
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 at the Community Hall
Weekly Activities and Exercise
MYI Classes Upstairs 9:30 am – 12 pm
Drop-in Café and Knitting and Stitching Circle from 9:00 – 12:00
Seniors Kung-Fu with Tom from 1 – 2 pm
May 4
Book Club with Cee
This month’s book discussion is The Only Woman in the Room by Marie Benedict. Relax, meet new friends, join in good conversation, and discover great books together.
Seniors’ Advisory Meeting
Share your ideas, meet fellow community members, and help shape the Monday programs that matter most to you. This meeting is an opportunity for seniors to provide input on the activities, events, classes, and workshops they’d like to see—whether that’s fitness programs, arts and crafts, films, or presentations. The meeting is held every second month on the first Monday, now at our new time of 1 pm. Your feedback plays an important role in helping us create meaningful and enjoyable programming for everyone.
Film: Leap Year (2010) When yet another anniversary passes without a marriage proposal, Anna decides it’s time to take matters into her own hands. Inspired by an old Celtic tradition that allows women to propose on February 29, she travels to Dublin to ask her boyfriend to marry her. But as her carefully laid plan unravels, Anna discovers that fate has a few surprises of its own. Suggested donation is $5. Volunteers are welcome to make popcorn.
May 11
Repair Café
New hours are the 2nd & 4th Monday of each month. Our Repair Café is supported by friendly volunteers skilled in appliance repairs (Peter), tech repairs (Shon), and sewing repairs (Judy), all eager to share knowledge and help extend the life of everyday items. Bring your broken, puzzling, or worn‑out belongings and learn how to fix or use them alongside our capable helpers. It’s a welcoming, hands‑on space where skills are shared and confidence grows. We also warmly invite new volunteers with specific fixing skills to join us regularly or as a guest volunteer and be part of the Repair Café community.
Armchair Travel with Shelley & Chris to Bali
Come and explore Ubud, Bali through an iMovie presentation followed by a lively question-and-answer discussion. Their film shares experiences learning traditional Balinese arts and crafts and walking the beautiful hiking trails in and around Ubud. This is their second trip to Bali, building on previous travels to Uluwatu, Gili Air Island, and Lombok. Their journey highlights the richness of Balinese Hindu culture and the flavours of local cuisine.
May 18
Yarn Wrapped Stars
Enjoy a relaxing and creative activity with Marcella where you can design decorative stars by wrapping wool yarn around star-shaped forms. These rustic decorations are perfect for the Christmas season, gift toppers, or cozy home accents. You can enhance them with fairy lights, beads, ribbons, or berries. Fun fact: wrapping and weaving crafts have been used across many cultures for centuries as a meditative and calming practice. No cost and all materials will be provided. Participants are welcome to bring their favourite yarn, embellishments and a hot glue gun if they have one.
Film: Hector and the Search for Happiness (2014) Disillusioned with his comfortable yet emotionally unfulfilling life, psychiatrist Hector finds the courage to follow his long‑suppressed curiosity. He sets off on an international journey in search of a formula for happiness, encountering unexpected insights, cultures, and truths that challenge his understanding of joy, purpose, and vitality. Suggested donation is $5. Volunteers are welcome to make popcorn.
May 25
Repair Cafe
(See May 11 for description)
Molly’s Walk Scavenger Hunt with Rob
Form teams of two or three and set off in search of clues along the trail. Don’t be surprised if you need a good knowledge of current happenings in The Pender Post and a bit of our island’s history. The team that completes all answers correctly in the shortest time will win a free lunch at the Monday Activity Day.
To register for any of our programs, go to http://www.sginh.ca/seniors-program/ and scroll down to Monday Activities. You can also call 250- 629- 3665.
Volunteer Income Tax Preparation
The Pender Islands Health Care Society, in partnership with Beacon Community Services, is pleased to offer the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) preparation for people with a modest income and a simple tax return. Taxes will be completed and e-filed by a vetted and trained volunteer, authorized by the Canada Revenue Agency. To qualify, your income must be modest (single person, up to $35,000; couple, up to $50,000) and your tax situation must be simple. Your income source must be from employment, pension, benefits such as Canada Pension Plan, disability, employment insurance, social assistance, RRSPs, support payments, scholarships, fellowships, bursaries/grants and interest (under $1,000). Income Tax Volunteers can file taxes up to 10 years back. Forms are available for pick-up from the Community Support office at the Health Care Centre.
Acts of Kindness/Gratitude
Cultivating Gratitude
This month, I thought it would be fun to share some of the ways my family, friends, and I cultivate gratitude in our lives. Perhaps you’ve tried one of these practices yourself, or maybe you have your own approach that works for you. However we choose to spark gratitude, the results are often the same: feelings of contentment, joy, hope, and inspiration.
One of my favourite books on this topic is The Magic by Rhonda Byrne. I enjoyed the simple daily exercises designed to cultivate gratitude. Over a 28-day period, each day introduces a new practice – from journaling what you’re grateful for to finding a small rock to hold in your hand morning and evening while reflecting on a moment from your day that brought gratitude. Years after reading the book, I still return to the journaling prompt, “I am so happy and grateful for…because…” I even write about things I’m grateful for that haven’t happened yet, which helps put my mind at ease about events I may feel nervous about in the days ahead.
At our dinner table, our family often shares something we’re grateful for from the day. It’s a simple yet meaningful way to connect with loved ones and learn what has brightened each other’s lives.
A colleague once shared that she wrote down something she was grateful for every day on a small slip of paper, folded it up, and placed it in a jar. At the end of the year, she opened her gratitude jar and read each note. What a wonderful gift to give yourself, and one you can start at any time of year.
There are so many ways to practice gratitude: setting a daily intention when you wake up; reflecting on something you’re thankful for before bed; journaling; carrying a small rock in your pocket as a tactile reminder to pause and feel grateful; or going on a gratitude walk and intentionally noticing what you appreciate in your surroundings.
If you are looking for a meaningful gift to give someone (and yourself), another exercise I have tried a couple of times is writing down fifty things that you appreciate about someone in your life. It becomes a treasure to give to them and will strengthen your relationship.
From my own experience, cultivating gratitude has changed my life for the better in ways I never imagined possible. I believe that the more grateful we are, the kinder we become. In turn, we give others something to be grateful for. What wisdom is greater than kindness? Gratitude and kindness may be some of the most heartfelt wisdom we have to offer.
When we feel fortunate in our own lives, we are more likely to be generous and caring with ourselves and others. At the end of the day, I know what is important to me are stories of kindness that stitch my family, friends, and community together.
Do you have a favourite way of cultivating gratitude or an act of kindness story you would like to share? I would love to hear from you.
Pender Island Fire Rescue
Hello, Pender Islands. As of today, April 15, PIFR crews have responded to 80 emergency calls.
May looks to continue the trend of more calls as the island gets busier, the weather gets nicer, and more people come to enjoy all the great things our island home has to offer.
This month, we are pleased to host our live fire training weekend. Members from our neighbouring islands will join our current firefighter recruit class to complete their interior firefighting operations certification. This qualification is a big milestone in their extensive training regimen, and we look forward to making this a safe, challenging and team-building experience for everyone involved.
A friendly reminder to everyone that year-round burning permits are required. Your permit covers you for the calendar year, meaning you only need to apply and pay for the permit once for each class of fire you will have on your property. Burning green material is prohibited; it should be piled and covered to keep it dry for at least 30 days before burning. This, and building your fire quickly and burning hot, will help reduce nuisance smoke and is the most considerate way to burn.
Visible Address Numbers
The lack of visible address numbers remains a hindrance, potentially delaying emergency services when responding to your emergency. On an extremely positive note, I have been seeing an increasing number of residents upgrading their civic address signs to the blue-and-white, highly visible signs that make their addresses as clear as day. Thank you! It really makes our job much easier to locate your driveway.
I have included images of two different properties that show the best- to worst-case options. Can you see what a difference it makes? The hi-vis signs are available locally from Alea Design on Mayne Island, and they will deliver them here to Pender.
Per CRD bylaw 4077 section 6 – if using reflective material, numbers must be at least 6.5cm in height; if non-reflective materials are used, numbers must be at least 15cm in height and contrast sharply with the background colour. The sign must be 1-2 meters above grade and visible from all directions on the street, free from vegetation or other obstructions that may block its view.
One of these helps, and the other…does not. Photos courtesy of PIFR
Remember to test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors monthly and replace them if they are over 10 years old.
Sincerely,
Pender Island Emergency Program
SGI Area Lead Brigitte Prochaska presents Dave Schissler with a Certificate of Appreciation for his years in the Emergency Program
‘In It Together’
In March, we reluctantly said goodbye to long-time volunteer Dave Schissler, who retired after 23 years of service with the Pender Emergency Program.
During that time, Dave was involved with ESS (Emergency Support Services) and was also a duty officer (carrying a pager and trained to act in an Emergency Operations Centre during an emergency). He was always the first to help with any tasks that came up – putting up our tent for the Fall Fair, helping at the sandbag filling station, participating in training, meeting the public at our table at the Fall Fair or Farmers’ Market – and his enthusiasm and ridiculous sense of humour made everything more fun.
Former and current program members showed up at a luncheon at the Community Hall to show their appreciation for his dedication over the years. We’ll miss you Dave – wishing you well in your retirement.
Emergency Preparedness Week is coming up, and the 2026 theme “In It Together” recognizes that everyone’s readiness and resilience is strengthened when we look out for one another. This annual event will take place from May 3-9. Check out our road signs, and the display in the Driftwood window, including a spot behind the window where you can pick up pamphlets about personal preparedness.
Details are still being finalized, but we are planning to show a film, Emergence: Women in the Storm on May 11 at the Community Hall. This film features female frontline responders, community leaders and disaster survivors demonstrating new ways to live and support one another in a time of climate disaster, facing heat domes, wildfire, and flooding in British Columbia and the Northwest Territories.
The filmmakers, Nova Ami and Velcrow Ripper, will take part virtually in the screening. As Velcrow explains, “ultimately, Emergence is about resilience and community and the creative ways people have come up with processing these climate emergencies that they go through. It’s a very hopeful film.” It should be an interesting and informative evening, so please plan to come. Check our social media pages for final details.
Recreation and Leisure
Pender Island Disc Golf Society
The Pender Classic
This year’s Pender Classic Disc Golf Tournament is scheduled for Thursday, May 21 – Sunday, May 24 at Golf Island Disc Park. This event has been occurring annually (with the exception of 2020) for over 40 years now!!
The park and the area around the park will be extremely busy with eager participants. Players will be encouraged to carpool to reduce congestion around the park.
We are requesting that if you are planning to play any recreational rounds during this time, that you do so after 5 pm when most of the competitors will have completed their required round. Thanks for your continued co-operation.
Pender Island Golf Club
Golf season is here and the greens and fairways are in great shape. Photo courtesy Pender Golf.
Spring has sprung and the Pender Island golf course is rounding into shape for what promises to be a fun summer season. Our Course Superintendent, Greg Chaster, has hired his summer helpers and, along with the dedicated team of volunteers, he has the greens, fairways and bunkers in prime condition. He has even managed to source some new-to-us equipment at a reasonable cost, so watch out for even more improvements.
Our members are back to their usual Tuesday and Thursday club days and tournaments and social events are planned. The latter are often open to non-members as well. For more information, see our Facebook page or visit us at the Golf Shop.
Our Spring Membership Promotion is in full swing, running through May 31. Until then you can receive $250 off of your Entrance fee, or spread the fee out over one, two or three years. You can even pay this year’s dues in installments. Please check with the golf shop or email membership@penderislandgolf.ca for further info.
There are several ways that you can book your 9- or 18-hole tee time. You can book on our website (penderislandgolf.ca), through Golf Now (golfnow.com), by calling the Golf Shop at 250-629-6659 or by emailing us at pigolf@shaw.ca. If it is a spur of the moment decision, you can just show up at the course, but we can’t guarantee to be able to get you out right away, especially on weekends.
If you are planning to have a group of friends or family on the island over the summer and would like to host a group golf outing, please contact us directly and we will do our best to accommodate you. Such outings are becoming increasingly popular and we already have groups of 20 or more players lined up in the coming months. Don’t delay. Contact us as soon as possible.
Finally, a word to the wise. This is the time of year when everything loves to grow on the course – especially the daisies! They have an extraordinary ability to dodge the blades and pop right up again as soon as the mower goes away. So stop by the shop, pick up a few of the wide variety of coloured golf balls and save those white ones until later in the summer! And at the same time, don’t forget to check out the clothing and equipment the shop has for sale, or a beverage or two to help enjoy your game.
Pender Island Otters Swim Club
Spring is Here, Swimming Resumes May 1
Panorama pool did open the week before but, for our summer registration, it was easier to start again at the calendar start of the Summer swim club year – May 1.
Registration links for our summer season are now up on our webpage, and for any information please contact us on our e-mail address. Yes, we have apparently been “dormant” for over a month with Panorama being closed for a full filtration maintenance, but that is not to say we haven’t been really busy getting ready for the next season, and also holding our Annual General Meeting on March 29.
Our board is holding steady at six members, with me still as President. Stepping down members Jaime MacLean and Andrew Maclean will be missed, but both have full schedules and are taking on new challenges this year.
Our summer coaching team is almost complete, and we hope we see lots of returning swimmers, and new folks join us for the May – August timeframe. The first Swim meet in our Region is May 30 and 31 at the Duncan Aquatic Centre hosted by the Cowichan Valley Breakers. This meet is a great way to find out what a full swim meet is all about, and we hope we will have a ‘float’ of Otters attending this year.
Head Coach Sidney will be there to guide new-to-meet-ers through warm-ups, marshalling, and the races themselves. And of course we all cheer each other on, with the goal being to do your personal best, and see how much we all have improved over the winter.
So let the summer swim fun begin!
Pender Island Pirates Baseball
Spring 2026 Home Games
Danny Martin Park
Dates: May 2, 9, 23, 30, June 6
First Pitch: 11:15 am
Join us for our Spring 2026 11U Pender Pirates Baseball Home Games on Saturdays (no game May 16) at 11:15 am at Danny Martin Park.
We’ll have the concession going with $6 burgers, $3 hot dogs, $2 pop and candy bags and all the fixings, and a 50/50 draw. All proceeds will go to support the team and contribute to construction of a new full size batting and pitching cage to be built on the park site.
Come on out and enjoy lunch and some great baseball in support of youth sports on the island. Thank you to Pender Island Parks for their continued support.
CanBoat
Pender Island Power & Sail Squadron
Our Power & Sail Squadron will hold its final Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, May 13. Location will be our home at 3713 Frigate Road with the meeting portion to commence at 7 pm.
Per a membership vote, we are merging with Oak Bay Squadron located in Victoria. Oak Bay is an active club with regular cruises to the Gulf Islands and past gatherings in Port Browning. Our members should see minimal disruption as their current membership status will automatically transfer.
An important consideration for our Board has been Oak Bay’s willingness to support the Pender Islands Elementary Secondary School’s water safety program. We will provide details on that unfolding process in future Pender Post articles.
Squadron mergers have been a Canada-wide pattern as finding and training instructors across our range of courses has become increasingly difficult. A complication for Pender is that half our members are distributed among other Gulf islands and delivering traditional in-person courses has been an ongoing challenge.
Over the past decade, CanBoat members have embraced on-line training to refine their boating skills. Responding to increasing demand, headquarters has transformed in-person training to online delivery. The course curriculum has also expanded with the introduction of two-hour mini-courses targeting specific areas to refresh our collective water safety awareness.
Consider them as an inexpensive pre-season mini tune-up!
Pender Island Junior Sailing Association
We will be offering Cansail Level 1 and 2, Cansail Level 3 and 4 through the weeks of July 20 – August 21.
- CanSail Levels 1 and 2 and CanSail Levels 3 and 4 – July 20-24 and July 27-31
- Can Sail Levels 2 and 3 (introductory course) – August 3-7
- CanSail Levels 1 and 2 and CanSail Levels 3 and 4 – August 10-14 and August 17-21
CanSail Levels 1 and 2 students must be nine years old to adult and they will be sailing in Pirate boats with three students in each boat or two adults in one boat.
CanSail Levels 2 and 3 (introductory course) students must be 10 years of age to adult, who may have previously accomplished some or all of the CanSail 2 components and are ready to be introduced to the components of CanSail Level 3. They will be sailing in Pirates or Bytes and Lasers.
CanSail Levels 3 and 4 students must be 12 years old to adult. The students will be sailing on Lasers and Bytes.
Fun Sail
The FunSail will be held the week of August 3-7 for students who have completed most of or all their CanSail Level 2 components, but who do not meet the age requirement of 12 years for CanSail 3.
The FunSail course will introduce students to the components of CanSail 3 and they will be sailing in both Pirates or Lasers and Bytes.
Students in the Level 1 and 2 courses must be at least nine years old at the start of the course, and 12 years old for the Level 2 and 3 courses.
The FunSail course will require students not yet 12 years old but have completed most or all the Level 2 components. Adults do take courses but should be aware that sailing small dinghies requires some physical flexibility.
All students must be able to swim with the aid of a PFD (personal flotation device/life jacket), which can be provided. Students in the Level 1 and 2 course must participate in the capsizing exercise on day two in order to continue in the course.
It is not unusual for a student to fully complete all the components of a CanSail level in one or more weeks. There is no Pass or Fail in a course – the requirements are to be able to complete all the sailing components within that level of sailing before being able to move to the next level.
As in previous years, registration for courses will begin at 8 am on May 1 for returning students and other household members, and May 15 for new students. Registration is an online process required by BCSail accessed through our website: penderislandjuniorsailing.com. The cost of each course is $250. Payment is made through the registration site. Enquiries should be sent to infopijsa@shaw.ca or hermanfma@shaw.ca.
We are able to offer courses at a reasonable cost due to ongoing support from the Tru Value Spirit Board, CRD Parks and Recreation, Pender Island Yacht Club, Pender Island Legion, Browning Harbour Pub and Marina (Mill Bay Marine Group), Pender Island Golf, and other organizations from time-to-time and volunteers who help each summer.
Our Board members are: Allyson Coffey, Secretary, Tom Caston, Rick Mudie, Treasurer, and directors Manfred Burandt, Carolyn Cartwright-Owers, Dave Harrison, Carly Janes, Andrew Mastalerz, Herman Nievaart, Commodore, and Bruce Waygood.
Sounds interesting? Why not come join us and have fun watching and interacting with all the excited sailors? If you are a boater, sailor, family member, friend of students, or an islander who would be interested in helping out on the beach during one or more of the course weeks or with our weekly BBQ, please know that we welcome all.
Happening On Pender
Weather Observations for April
| Magic Lake Weather Station – March 2026 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Location | Avg. Daily Temperature (°C) | Extreme Temperature | |||
| Max | Min | Mean | High | Low | |
| Magic Lake | 8.2 | 3.2 | 5.7 | 12.0 on 5th | -1 on 19th |
| Normal | 10.9 | 4.0 | 7.5 | 21.5 in 2016 | -4.5 in 2009 |
| Location | Rain (mm) | Snow (cm) | Total Precip (mm) | ||
| Magic Lake | 78.6 | nil | 78.6 | ||
| Normal | 77.8 | nil | 77.8 | ||
March is usually the last month of our wet season and the beginning of spring. March rainfall on average is about the same as in February, and that was the case this year. Some years, we have had snow in March, but not this year. Night time temperatures are usually close to zero, but the mild winter continued and the night time temperature dropped below zero only once in 2026.
March is also when many of our birds return after spending the winter in the tropical South. Notably this includes swallows, turkey vultures and osprey. Last year I saw no barn swallows and very few violet green swallows. This year, a few violet greens arrived on the day of the Spring Solstice and a few more before the end of the month. But nothing like the numbers we had a few years ago.
You will be reading this in May, which is what I like to think of as the beginning of summer. Maximum temperature should reach the high twenties and the lake water should be warm enough for swimming (as long as it is accompanied by a nice hot day).
Hopefully there was plenty of blossom on the fruit trees in April and the fruit should be showing up in May. Also those little plants that we put in the ground in April will be growing like crazy.
Numbers Puzzle
Numbers Puzzle MCA # 66
This puzzle has 27 numbers. To solve the puzzle you must add a number 1-9 in each of the fifty four remaining small empty squares, but there must not be more than one number 1-9 in any row or vertical column or in any group of nine small squares. I found this puzzle to start off easy and then become moderately difficult. There are more than one correct solutions.
Let me know how you get on with it.