Another woman, who first set foot on Pender Island some 14 years ago, suggested it was not so much the length of time that made one a local, but other factors. She hadn’t started feeling at home here until she’d secured the proper set of boots for the rainy season.

So, when does one stop feeling like a newcomer? Is there an established timeline? Or is it really as much about having the right footwear as it is about the amount of time served?

A year ago this month, my family loaded into a car outside our Toronto home and set out for a new life here on Pender. I would have guessed I’d feel untethered for the next decade, at least.

Imagine my surprise when I sat down to reminisce on my first year on Pender Island and realized that… I’m good.

I’ve found a level of comfort and welcome here that I couldn’t have expected so quickly. Perhaps it helps that I’d already fallen in love as a summer visitor, or maybe the answer lies somewhere within the collection of well-maintained shoes I rummaged from the Nu-to-Yu in my earliest days on the island.

Personally, I think it is more about my work with The Pender Post Society, and finding a way to invest myself that I find both important, and rewarding. And perhaps – as I age into my wiser years – I’m simply less focused on fitting in, and more focused on finding my place.

Something about Pender Island seems to appeal to those of us with that mindset.

As the spirited summer months recede, it is the perfect time to consider the start of new things.

Construction has begun on the pathway connecting Magic Lake to the school grounds. So has the search for a new dog park, and the launch of a brand-new public radio station is just around the corner.

At The Pender Post, we are celebrating a few of our own new beginnings. Our MP, Elizabeth May, has submitted her first report for publication on our pages. And we’re launching a new feature series that should appeal to all readers, but especially those new to the island.

Mark my words. You don’t have to wait 10 years to feel at home here. Finding the proper set of boots does help, though, assuming they fit just right.

Matthew Coutts

Special Notices

Halloween Dance

Fundraiser for Pender Radio

October 25, Community Hall (19+) Tickets: $10

Pender Radio is underway with its first fundraiser hosted by P.I.N.K. (Pender Island Nite Klub). Come dance in your best costume. There will be full bar service and late night pizza from the kitchen. Special guests will include Pondside and DJs Martzy and Balazs Vekes as well as guest DJs. More details to come closer to the event. Block off your calendar – you won’t want to miss this party!

Pender Radio is always interested in hearing from you. Contact info@penderradio.ca

Jaime MacLean, Pender Radio director

Understanding the Tru Value Spirit Board

By Matthew Coutts

One of the most unique aspects of island life that a visitor to Pender Island might encounter is not found at a public beach, private marina or any of our idyllic hiking trails, but rather while standing in line at the grocery store.

It is the Spirit Board, found at the Tru Value Foods at the Driftwood Centre. These numbered boards, hanging on the wall near the entrance, list the names of a variety of groups and charities from around our local community.

Shoppers are invited to choose one of these groups to receive a donation equal to 1% of their grocery bill. And while many locals may have the board memorized, and their mind made up before they enter the store, the question “Where would you like to send your 1%?” still catches plenty of people off guard.

“Most of the tourists still take a few seconds to look at the board,” says Mike Gray, owner and manager of the Pender Island Tru Value. “You get the blank stares, yeah. And in the back of your mind, you’re playing the theme song to Jeopardy.”

Tru Value’s Spirit Board is a novel take on community support, providing a connection between the business and the people it serves, harnessing the good nature of locals and visitors alike by letting them decide how the company will direct its outreach efforts.

“It’s a way for the community to decide where they want any donations to go, rather than it be left up to (us),” Gray told The Pender Post. “This way has worked out really well. It has anchored this store into the community.”

The Spirit Board program was first introduced on a trial basis in 2001. Though it has rarely been publicized, beyond conversations in the check-out line. Gray describes it as a “symbiotic relationship” between the clubs and their supporters, and the store itself.

Since its origin, Tru Value has donated more than $1.3 million through the Spirit Board to social clubs, outreach groups, and charities across the Pender Islands. Groups receive store credit or, as many do, take it in the form of gift cards that can be used to buy supplies, cover expenses, or otherwise assist fundraising efforts and other events.

The Pender Islands School, which has the honour of being listed as #1 on the board, has its proceeds used to host special lunch programs for students, buy frozen treats for the kids on hot days, and pick up supplies needed for major events like the winter carnival.

“It is a major part of our fundraising efforts,” said Darcie Whittingham, president of the school’s Parent Advisory Committee (PAC). “Everything we get from the Spirit Board goes a long way to help our efforts to support the school community.”

Youth Sports, another staple on the board, typically uses their store credit to stock the concession stand during ball games at the Danny Martin Baseball Park. The Pender Island Food Bank is another popular choice, using their store credit to stock the bank with in-demand products that may not otherwise come available.

Most of the groups on the spirit board have been there for years, some for decades, and the consistency is a benefit to regular shoppers. But there have been some changes over time, and Tru Value reviews the board every few years.

Most adjustments come when a group has become inactive, or if they don’t garner enough membership support to benefit from its inclusion. Keen-eyed observers may note numbers missing from the board of active recipients. To avoid confusion, numbers are “retired” from the board whenever a connected group is removed.

Several years ago, Gray noted, one group asked to have itself removed from the board because it gathered more donations than it had a need for, and it was decided the space on the board would better serve someone else.

It is difficult to say which groups are the most popular choices on the Spirit Board. Gray has found donation habits to be more seasonal, than set in stone.

“It is very socially driven,” he said. “Whatever is in front of mind, whatever is making the news. Food right now. Food prices are very high, so the food bank is getting a ton of support through the board.

“I think what you’ll see in September is the school support getting ramped up. Then in summer, youth sports, when the little kids are playing ball here on the island, that becomes prevalent.”

Other groups also see their support increase based on the season, and the weather. The fire and rescue unit sees a bump in support during the dry season, and the Santa Sac program sees most of its aid come as we get closer to December.

Many first-time visitors to the store may donate to a cause that jumps off the list – such as supporting the local school or food bank – while others will take the time to find one that connects with them personally. Lots of visitors from Browning Harbour will send their 1% to the coast guard, or the junior sailing club. And there will always be bouts of indecision, when it is left to the cashier to make the call.

As for myself, I like to choose a new beneficiary each time I shop. During my most recent visit, it was The Legion. But there are few, if any, groups listed on the Spirit Board that haven’t benefited by my scattershot approach to goodwill.

Pender Post Past

September 1975

By Val Butcher

As promised in last month’s article, we now have a report on the Fall Fair of 1975. The weather was perfect and the Fair was a great success.

There were nail-hammering contests, a contest to see who could carve the best chair, with four legs, out of a round log using a chainsaw, and the usual competitions in baking, crafts, beer, vegetables, and fruit. The Pender Island Pony Club presented a demonstration of how to care for a horse, and a demonstration of how a retrieval dog is trained and works. The Pumpkin Puppeteers put on a show for the youngsters (and the not-so-young).

Pender Island Golf Club reported that they had the best season yet at the club. The Pender Island Fire Brigade reported that they had attended a brush fire at Boat Nook and also at the Road Department Barn on Port Washington and believed that cigarette butts were the cause. The Pender Post was asked to publish a notice requesting that people think about the consequences when disposing of lighted cigarettes.

The School Trustees reported that a portable classroom had arrived for the Grade 8 students and that they were hopeful that approval of the construction of a new three-room school would soon be received, although the site was not yet decided.

I can now confirm that the three 90-year-old residents that were mentioned in the previous article were not the nude sunbathers that caused so much consternation in my last article.

They were Mr. Victor Menzies, who reported that his long life was due to hard work, and his parents instilling a Christian lifestyle at an early age; Mr. William Lee, who credited a good mental outlook and not becoming too narrow in your outlook to his longevity; and Mr. William Brown, who credited a life of hard work followed by a more relaxing lifestyle on Pender as his recipe for long life.

As Nep Grimmer’s story about pioneer life on Pender had come to an end, the 1975 Pender Post started its own version of Pender Post Past and reported on a Golf Club meeting of 1948. Membership was $10 per year, green fees for non members was 50 cents. Mowing the course had cost $22 and several more mowings were needed over the season, so money should be put aside for that.

The golf club of 1948 also decided to leave tea and sugar available at the clubhouse so members could make themselves a cup of tea; milk would not be provided. The tea and sugar were free but those making it were charged with washing their dishes and cleaning up the clubhouse after themselves.

This earlier version of Pender Post Past was to continue, with reports of other clubs from the past promised.

We shall see what new stories we uncover in the 1975 version of the Pender Post Past.

Newcomers’ Notes

That’s So Pender: The Pender Wave

By Noémie Crépeau

I’ve now lived on Pender Island for a little over three years, but the feeling of being a newcomer is still present.

There were a number of things that struck me as odd about living here right from the start; odd not necessarily meaning bad, but different from what I was used to in my previous life. I made mental notes of many over time, thinking there may be a day where these salient, often surprising facts of my new life as an islander would come in handy.

Today, as I begin writing this column offering our readers a glimpse into a newcomer’s perspective, is that day.

One of the very first things I noticed after moving to the island was that everyone waved as they drove by, whether our paths crossed as drivers or while I walked along the side of the road. “Who are these people? Why are they waving at me? Do they know who I am? What is happening?” I asked myself at first, more than a bit startled.

Don’t worry, it is not weird to wave at strangers or neighbours. It is lovely. I simply wasn’t used to such conviviality. You may be reassured to know this internal dialogue quickly evolved to, “Wow, people are so friendly here!” as I began to love this about island life and I, too, became a waver.

I had only previously lived in cities like Montreal, where I was born and lived until my early thirties, and later, Vancouver. One can find amiable people everywhere, of course, but Pender immediately struck me as next-level friendly.

Among the many reasons why is the Pender Wave. I’ve since very much taken to it myself, because I genuinely like doing it. To me, it’s almost akin to a daily gratitude practice or small acts of kindness, in miniature form.

I don’t always see who I’m waving to, or back at. Either my windshield is not as clean as I used to keep it, or the person’s face in the oncoming vehicle is obscured by the sun’s glare or their own headlights. But that’s not actually the point anyway. It doesn’t entirely matter who you are, whether the person knows your face or not, or whether you live here or are just visiting.

We here acknowledge others’ existence and their presence on the roads. How beautiful is that? Yes, it is a thing of beauty, because we are immensely fortunate to live in a smaller community where this warm gesture, and the sentiment behind it, is a common practice.

I’ve seen a few variations of the Pender Wave:

the standard flourishing of a single hand,
the one-finger-off-the-steering-wheel wave (sometimes two!),
the large smile,
the head nod, and lastly,
the slow, hesitant wave back of surprised tourists.

I’ve also noticed that the driver isn’t always the instigator. Sometimes the pedestrian is, and it is almost always met with a wave back. Other times, both the driver and the passenger wave, or the kids in the back seat chime in too.

A few years into my life here, this neighbourly waving behaviour has become second nature. When I return to the Big City or the Big Island, I find myself automatically offering strangers a friendly Pender Wave. It’s not always as well received there, somehow, so I quickly rein it in (or not!) and get used to the now strange anonymity. This brings me right back to the amazement of my early Pender days, not that long ago really, and I smile because I feel true joy at having adopted this good natured custom of rural life.

Do you have any tips or advice about the Pender Wave? How about any other fun topics that are “So Pender” that you would like to share with us? Email community@penderpost.org so we can write about it!

People

Stories That Brought You Here

By Chris Wakaluk

The Stories That Brought You Here is a home-spun podcast by resident Chris Wakaluk about the people who have built their lives on Pender Island. Each month, we are pleased to present a story from a recent episode. Full conversation.

With incredible support from Robert Dill, president of The South Island Historical Society, I had the amazing opportunity to meet and speak with a number of W̱SÁNEĆ elders last year.

Over the course of many months, Robert and I travelled to Vancouver Island, and together, co-interviewed W̱SÁNEĆ elders in order to learn more about their unique history, and their traditional connection to their Salish Sea Homeland including S,DÁYES (South Pender Island). What came of these interviews was an eight-part podcast series titled “W̱SÁNEĆ – The Saltwater People”.

In recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, we’d like to highlight some of these interviews. The conversations were incredibly rich in storytelling, history and spirit. I encourage anyone with an interest in First Nations history, or local history, to give some time and listen to the words spoken by these incredible voices. There is a multitude of important information shared within these recordings.

Here are descriptions from four of those interviews.

SELILIYE (Belinda Claxton) a W̱SÁNEĆ elder, told us about her time as a young girl spent on S,DÁYES, harvesting clams and witnessing members of her community participating in traditional practices. She also spoke about the importance of preserving their traditional SENĆOŦEN language, connections to the Lummi Nation, and some of the challenging situations she faced while attending day school as a child.

J,SIṈTEN (John Elliott) a W̱SÁNEĆ elder, detailed decades of time spent working at the ȽÁU, WELṈEW̱ Tribal School and the important work he has done, along with many others, to help preserve the SENĆOŦEN language. He emphasized the deep importance of the land and the natural environment to the W̱SÁNEĆ people.

Eric Pelkey

Eric Pelkey, the Hereditary Chief of Tsawout of the W̱SÁNEĆ Nation, recalled his family’s reef net fishery which existed near Bedwell Harbour on S,DÁYES. He also shared some ancient stories and history of S,DÁYES and explained why that land is deeply important to the W̱SÁNEĆ people. And he shared stories as told to him by family members who witnessed a sea monster, which is believed to have once lived in the Pender Canal.

Mavis Underwood

Mavis Underwood, a W̱SÁNEĆ elder, had been working to promote betterment in opportunities for First Nations, and to influence needed social change in the areas of education, human and social development, health, and housing. She told us about her lifetime of work in these areas, shared lessons learned from her mother and father while growing up, and read a powerful poem she wrote just after the birth of her first daughter.

Spotlight

S,DA’YES Truth & Reconciliation Circle

Each month, we’ll introduce one of the many groups, clubs, committees and non-profit societies that make our island community so special. This month’s S,DA’YES Truth & Reconciliation Circle report.

Q: First, can you tell us what your group is about, and what you do?

A: The purpose of the S,DA’YES Truth & Reconciliation Circle (STRC) is to hold a space on S,DA’YES (Pender Island) to create a new relationship between Canada’s Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.

Participants support each other in their learning journey on the road to this new relationship. We meet regularly in a circle to explore issues of importance to reconciliation, particularly between ourselves and our W̱SÁNEĆ neighbours.

Q: When was S,DA’YES Truth & Reconciliation Circle started, and what sparked it?

A: The STRC came out of a series of gatherings held on S,DA’YES to prepare for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s major event in Vancouver in the fall of 2013.

Each event included a Circle in which attendees shared their thoughts arising from the presentations. Subsequently a group formed to consider a way to continue this experience of shared learning and exchange, on the topic of reconciliation. Out of those discussions the Pender Truth & Reconciliation Circle was formed.

Q: Do you hold any community events or initiate special projects? If so, what do you typically promote?

A: Our main focus is to educate ourselves about Canada’s, and British Columbia’s, relevant past and present in relation to Indigenous peoples. We do this by sharing our learning within the circle, and by gaining insights from the larger community.

Q: How often do you get together, and typically when? Can new members join anytime?

A: We meet about five times per year at the Anglican Church Hall. New members are always welcome. This month’s meeting will be on September 27, from 4 to 6 pm.

Q: What gets your members most excited in your meetings or activities?

A: Circle participants value the Circle experience particularly because of the sharing of Circle members’ responses to reading a book, watching a film, or hearing an Elder’s presentation.

We have had many participants express how important the Circle experience has been for them, and how it has shifted their thinking.

Q: What’s in the future for your organization? Anything exciting in the works, or dreams you would like to fulfill?

A: On Saturday, September 27, in honour of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (September 30), we are welcoming two speakers from the Tsawout community in the W̱SÁNEĆ Nation. Please see our The Pender Post article this month for more details.

Q: Are there any special contributions you would like to highlight?

A: We think that we have contributed to keeping the issue of reconciliation alive on Pender, for example, raising awareness of Red Dress Day, honouring missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.

Q: How can people get in touch?

A: If you want to learn more or be put on our mailing list, please get in touch with Monica Petrie or Madeline Emery.

Remembering

Shelley Lee Buchanan

July 10, 1955 – July 18, 2025

With deep sadness, and gratitude for the immense love and joy she brought to our lives, we share the news that Shelley Lee Buchanan, passed away July 18 at Royal Jubilee Hospital. Shelley was born July 10, 1955 in Sarnia, Ontario, and moved to coastal BC in childhood with her father Burt and brother Kevin. Shelley worked with children, in tree nurseries, and was a committed BC Ferries employee for many years, amongst her many talents. Shelley loved animals, delicious meals, and the natural world. Shelley was so loving to her friends and her family, and we know she will be so missed. We want to thank Shelley’s friends for showing her how deeply loved she was right to the end, showering her with visits and treats, and for being so supportive of her nieces Leilani and Marlon as they have navigated this journey.

Jennifer Fraser VanDerPloeg

Sharon Nixon

July 4, 1952 – July 18, 2025

My beloved wife, Sharon, passed away after a three-year battle with kidney disease caused by diabetes.

Sharon was born in Hawkesbury, Ontario and adopted by Larry and Mary Boudreau of Kirkland Lake, Ontario where she grew up and where she and I met.

We were together for fifty-six years; forty-five of those were spent on Pender Island, the place that Sharon loved the most. Before we moved to BC, Sharon completed a degree in Home Economics and a B.A. in Canadian History from the University of Guelph.

Sharon loved motorcycles and so we traveled on bikes throughout Canada and the U.S. In the summer Sharon would use her bike instead of our car to commute to her job at the Royal Bank in Sidney, saying, “that way I always get on the ferry.”

She was a loan and mortgage officer at the bank for many years before landing a job with Carolyn at the post office on Pender, a job that she loved and one where she later served as Post Mistress until retirement.

Before Sharon’s passing, I got to bring her home for nineteen days to the place she loved most. A very special thank you for the nursing and home care support provided by Carmel, Miranda, and Rachel, without whom I could not have given Sharon the care she needed.

I also would like to thank all of our friends who supported us with love, prayers, and many meals. Pender is a lovely place to live.

There will be an informal Celebration of Life for Sharon at 1:30 pm on Saturday, October 18 at St. Teresa Chapel, 4705 Buccaneer’s Rd.

Jim Nixon

Government

MP

I’m looking forward to our community meeting on Pender on September 12. If you are new to such meetings, let me assure you they are non-partisan. And it is a very useful avenue for me to learn from you!

It is really a two-way street, for constituents to share your concerns and for me to share what I have been working on as your employee. We will gather at the Community Hall from 5:30 – 7 pm. If you wish to discuss a private matter, please contact my constituency coordinator Aysha Emmerson (elizabeth.may.C1@parl.gc.ca) to set up a meeting.

My non-partisan constituency team specializes in advocating for residents of the Saanich peninsula and Southern Gulf Islands. If you are anticipating needing help with immigration, or tax matters, your federal pension, or are fed up with delays dealing with the awful container ships in our waters, or derelict vessels, my office is keen to help.

Parliament will resume on September 15, so your participation in our meeting will assist my work. When I stand up in parliament and say, “I heard just last week from my constituents that saving the Southern Resident Killer Whales – or stopping the horrors in Gaza – are top of mind issues for them,” it carries weight because of its immediacy.

Thanks to all the wonderful Pender community volunteers for organizing a fabulous Pride Parade on August 17 and the tremendous Fall Fair. I had such a great time. See you soon!

Elizabeth May, MP Saanich North and the Gulf Islands

MLA

With summer coming to a close, and the provincial parliament returning to session next month, now seems like a good time to introduce Pender Islanders to the work we do at the Saanich Peninsula and the Islands Constituency Office.

The office is on 4th Avenue in the bustling heart of downtown Sidney and provides non-partisan support to all constituents of the riding – which encompasses the northern part of the Saanich Peninsula, and the Gulf islands of Salt Spring, Saturna, Mayne, and Pender, as well as four First Nations – Tsartlip, Pauquachin, Tsawout, and Tseycum.

The office is staffed by three constituency advocates – who together juggle about 100 cases at any one time. Constituency advocates respond to queries and concerns, keep you up to date on our activities, and support outreach in the community so I can hear first-hand from constituents.

The office deals specifically with provincial issues and these include auto insurance, childcare, driver licensing, education, healthcare, highways, hospitals, landlord and tenant issues, provincial disability support, and income assistance.

Some queries can be handled quickly, but other, more complex ones, may take time to resolve and involve reaching out to relevant government departments. Cases that involve more systemic issues are often referred to the Caucus team in Victoria, as well as being raised during question period. In this way, I can highlight the issues that constituents bring forward from the riding.

Constituency work can be challenging, and constituents have often exhausted all other avenues before contacting their MLA. It’s enormously rewarding, though, to provide constituents with clarity on how to negotiate government bureaucracy, help ease a bureaucratic logjam, or to raise an issue at the Legislature and help all constituents on a broader, more systemic level.

The North Saanich and the Islands riding is a microcosm of the province, with a big farming community, major transportation links, industrial areas, as well as island and peninsula communities. Key issues of concern to constituents are housing and access to healthcare, with transportation and issues around rental properties also featuring prominently.

You can contact the constituency office at 250-655-5600, or by email Rob.Botterell.MLA@Leg.bc.ca. The office is also open to walk-ins on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday between the hours of 10 am and 2 pm.

Pender Islanders who would like a more personal introduction to MLA Botterell are invited to attend Pender Earth’s Community Conversation, held at the Community Hall on September 5, at 5 pm.

Rob Botterell, MLA Saanich North and the Islands

CRD

The Pender Islands and surrounding region will have its resiliency to wildfires strengthened over the next three years, after the Capital Regional District (CRD) received funding from the federal agency tasked with addressing the country’s increasingly long, and intensified, fire season.

In a press release in late August, the CRD announced it had received a one-time grant of $345,000 from Natural Resource Canada’s Wildfire Resilient Futures Initiative. The grant will be used to improve work between agencies, and “combine Indigenous and Western wildfire landscape management approaches.”

The CRD works with the Islands Trust, and provincial and federal agencies, as well as First Nations, to manage regional wildfires. The federal grant will help facilitate workshops and projects, as well as training efforts.

Canada’s Wildfire Resilient Futures Initiative was established in 2023 and will distribute as much as $285 million over a five-year period.

Matthew Coutts

Islands Trust

Islands Trust Asks for Help in Policy Review

Pender Islanders with a keen interest in the goings-on of the Islands Trust and the active discussion of its vision and mandate should be aware of an invitation to participate in the conversation.

In August, Islands Trust launched an appeal for public input into a drafted policy statement – an overall set of guidelines to follow while executing its mandate. Options to participate include access to online and paper surveys, as well as several public forums.

In a press release, Islands Trust said its appeal for public guidance comes following the first reading of Bylaw 183, the draft policy statement, at its July 29 meeting.

“The draft Policy Statement reflects input from island communities, Indigenous Governing Bodies, and referral agencies gathered in earlier rounds of engagement,” Laura Patrick, Chair of Islands Trust Council, said in the statement.

“Now we’re asking, have we got this right? The Trust Council looks forward to hearing from the community in this next phase.”

The Islands Trust was established in 1974 with an objective “to preserve and protect the Trust Area [including the Pender Islands] and its unique amenities and environment for the benefit of the residents of the Trust Area and of British Columbia generally.”

According to the Trust, community plans and Trust bylaws “must not be approved if they are contrary to or at variance with the Policy Statement.”

Bylaw 183 is part of Islands 2050 – a years-long effort to update the Trust’s overall policy statement, per the Islands Trust Act. It is the agency’s first policy review in over 30 years.

There are several ways for those on Pender Island to participate in the discussion. An online survey is available on the Islands Trust website, and a physical survey will be available for pickup at the Pender Island Public Library in September. Public input is always welcome via email, phone or in writing.

Pender residents are also encouraged to attend a virtual town hall on September 10, from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm, and regularly scheduled Islands Trust meetings on North and South Pender in the coming months.

Matthew Coutts

How to connect with Islands Trust

Read the Policy Statement draft
Complete online survey
Get Islands 2050 updates: islandstrust.bc.ca/subscribe
Register for virtual town hall
Email: islands2050@islandstrust.bc.ca
Phone: 1-800-663-7867
In Writing: Islands Trust, 200 – 1627 Fort Street, Victoria, BC, V8R 1H8

Trustee’s Report

I hope everyone has been having a relaxing and enjoyable summer so far! Here’s my report for the past month.

Special Trust Council Meeting

On 28 July 2025, Trust Council met during a special meeting to review and give First Reading to Bylaw 183 – Trust Policy Statement Amendment project. Feedback on the draft Policy Statement is being collected through an online survey, with postage-paid paper copies soon to be available at select locations around the Islands Trust Area (Pender Island Public Library).

The public can also submit comments by email or phone, directly to Islands Trust Council in writing, or by speaking at public input sessions during the September or December 2025 Trust Council meetings.

Local trust committees will host local engagement opportunities to help inform their recommendations to Trust

Council (North Pender Island: Town Hall during regular local trust committee meeting – October 3, 2025, South Pender Island: Staff-led town hall meeting during regular local trust committee meeting – November 7, 2025), and members of the public are encouraged to attend a virtual Town Hall on September 10, 2025, to learn more and ask questions.

Trust Programs Committee

On 29 July 2025, we endorsed the following webinar project charters under the Stewardship Education Program:

Xwe’etay/Lasqueti Archaeology Project
Protecting the Shoreline: A Shared Responsibility
Climate Adaptation: Rain Gardens & Other Nature-Based Solutions You Can Use
Working towards a Fallow Deer Strategy on the Southern Gulf Islands
Species at Risk on Your Property & How to Become a Habitat Steward

Business cases that this committee is submitting for inclusion in the 2026/2027 budget include: $17K for the Secretariat Services and $10K for Climate Action Education Plan Development and Implementation.

As the Stewardship Education program doesn’t fall under any of the strategic plan projects, we are not able to request a budget at this time, but we have requested staff to revise the Committee’s Terms of Reference to include Stewardship Education as an integral deliverable of this committee.

In place of the Stewardship Education program, we are looking to deliver a Climate Action Education Plan with webinars as the deliverables during the next fiscal year and will work on reinstating the program.

BC Ferries Otter Bay Terminal Project

As part of BC Ferries ongoing commitment to safe, reliable, and efficient ferry service, they are investing in necessary infrastructure upgrades at Otter Bay Terminal on Pender Island. This work will extend the life of critical components. Construction is expected to begin in January 2026 and continue until May 2026. Alternate service is being planned for an expected five-day full berth closure that will be required as part of this work.

We understand how vital ferry service is to everyday life in the Southern Gulf Islands. Whether it’s getting to medical appointments, accessing supplies, or simply staying connected with loved ones, any change to service can be disruptive, and that’s why we’re doing everything we can to limit the impact of this necessary work through careful planning and coordination.

In person: We will be visiting the community this fall (2025) to provide information and gather input on the draft plans.

Online: To learn more on details, and subscribe for updates on planning and community dates, visit bcferriesprojects.ca/ob.

Project feedback group: A project feedback group is being developed and will provide opportunities for local voices to help inform project planning and determine the most effective ways to update the community.

Upcoming Meetings

South Pender Local Trust Committee Regular meeting: September 5, St. Peter’s Anglican Church Hall, 10:30 am – 2 pm.
North Pender Local Trust Committee Regular meeting: October 3, St. Peter’s Anglican Church Hall, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Trust Council Meeting: September 16 – 18, The Haven, Gabriola Island

Kristina Evans, South Pender Trustee

Arts

Island Chamber Winds

We’re excited to announce that our next concert, Music of the Stormy Seas, will take place on Sunday, September 28, at 4 pm. (See ad page 20.) In addition to our usual assortment of wind instruments, we’ll have a percussionist rounding out the ensemble this time. The program is all about real and metaphorical storms: from a hurricane in PEI, to an Emily Dickinson poem about the sea, and all the way to the moon, we’ll take you on a journey of winds, waves, and emotions.

No one is ever quite sure what to expect from our concerts. Many first-time audience members approach with skepticism but leave pleasantly surprised, because while we perform primarily “new” music (a term that often causes people to suddenly remember they’ll be away for our concert), we strive to present it in an interesting, enjoyable, and accessible fashion.

Even if classical music isn’t usually your thing, we hope you’ll take a risk and try us out. This program includes a couple of pieces that are traditionally classical and a couple that are quite modern, with a whole range in between, so there will be something for everyone regardless of stylistic preference. To help you connect with the music, I talk before each piece about what you’ll hear and what it means. We also love hearing what you thought of all the different pieces on our surveys.

You can read more about us and this program on our website, and purchase tickets online via Ptarmigan Arts. If you have friends in Victoria who you think would enjoy our concert, you’ll find a ticket link for that show on our website as well.

This concert is made possible by the generous support of the CRD Arts & Culture Support Service, the Egon Baumann Music Foundation, Ann Coombs, and Ptarmigan Arts.

Ben Litzcke

Pender Island Art Society

As a child and teenager, growing up in Ontario, I always looked forward to fall. It meant a fresh start which seems contradictory because summer was departing, the plants were going dormant, and trees were losing foliage. The dying leaves provided a display of rich colour which was uplifting. At PIAS, we are starting a new art year with a program that invites renewal in our skills and creativity.

Examples from an Annie Smith charcoal drawing workshop in 2019.

Getting Down & Dirty with Charcoal

September 11, 1 – 4 pm, Community Hall

Our inaugural art session for the year is a charcoal drawing workshop led by Annie Smith. Annie asks that attendees bring: charcoal (i.e. sticks, pencils, ground charcoal), erasers, a rag, pencil and ruler, and a small container or jar lid. Paper should be at least 9” x 12”, sketching or drawing paper with a bit of a tooth. An apron or a smock is a good idea. Bring a black and white reference photo (Annie will supply some as well) with good contrast between lights and darks. Subject matter is your choice (i.e. portrait, still life, drapery).

Non-members are welcome to join us with a drop-in fee of $5.

AGM

September 18, 4:30 pm, Community Hall

Our President, Margaret Alpen, will lead us in the business meeting where we review the 2024-25 year. PIAS members will receive notice of the meeting and relevant documents via email prior to the meeting.

Fall PIAS Schedule

Monthly sessions will be held at the Community Hall on September 11, October 16, November 13 and December 11, 1 – 4 pm.

Our next art show will be November 22 and 23.

“Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.” ~ Thomas Merton

Laura Vilness

penderislandart@gmail.com penderislandart.com

Pender Island Celtic Music Society

August was a memorable month for the Pender Highlanders, marked by exciting performances both at home and abroad.

The Pender Highlanders at the Mayne Island Fall Fair

On August 16, the band travelled to Mayne Island to take part in the Mayne Island Fall Fair parade—an event we always look forward to with great enthusiasm. This year’s parade was extra special as we welcomed Brian Morton to the band for his first performance on the tenor drum. Brian brings great energy and enthusiasm to the group. We were also delighted to be joined by our good friend Jesse Willows, who made a guest appearance on snare drum, adding her experience and precision to the ensemble. The crowd responded with enthusiasm, and it was clear that our performance added to the lively spirit of the fair.

Jack Martin and Ethan DesChamps with Grade 2, 4th place band trophy.

Meanwhile, I made my third trip to Scotland to compete in two of the world’s premier pipe band events: the European Championships on August 9 and the World Pipe Band Championships on August 16, performing with the North Stratton Pipe Band from Edmonton, Alberta. The band earned an impressive second place at the Europeans and a strong fourth place at the Worlds.

The Highlanders rounded out the month on home soil, leading the opening parade at the Pender Island Fall Fair on August 23. It was a fitting end to a busy and rewarding August—full of music, camaraderie, and community spirit.

Jack Martin

Pender Island Community Choir

Let’s Sing Together

Do you love to sing in the car or the shower, hum along to the radio, or belt out tunes in the kitchen? If yes, it’s time for you to join our Community Choir and enjoy singing this fall. Whether you’re a seasoned vocalist or just like to sing, there is a spot for you in our adult or youth winter concert session. We’re all about singing in a friendly, supportive environment and learning vocal techniques to help everyone sound their best while having a fun time doing it.

Practice is every Monday night at the Community Hall from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. Sabrina Read will be our Choir Director this year, accompanied by Eileen Deros on piano. Sheet music is provided but you don’t need to be able to read music. Lots of us learn by ear and through practice. Come meet fellow music lovers, warm up those vocal cords, and be a part of something joyful this winter. There are no auditions and new members are always welcome. Just bring your enthusiasm for singing.

Registration Days

Adults

September 8, 6 pm Community Hall upstairs 6:30 pm – introduction to the music and program. $55 for the fall session

Youth

To register, email Sabrina Read at sabsmusic@gmail.com by September 15. $25 or $50 for a family of two children or more.

Any questions? Please email penderchoir@gmail.com.

Monica Bennett, Chair

Pender Island Concert Society

Diana Cohen & Roman Rabinovich performed for a very appreciative audience in August.

We had a wonderful start to our season with Diana Cohen and Roman Rabinovich, who performed four duos for violin and piano with the most beautiful skill and expression.

We also debuted the new version of our subscription system, which has so far been met with positive comments. We’ll assess how it goes over the course of this season, and if it works for everyone we’ll continue this way. Subscribers who didn’t attend the first concert can pick up their tickets at the next one, and anyone with flexible vouchers can continue to exchange them at each of our concerts.

Alec Pearson

Join us on Wednesday, November 5 at 7 pm for a solo guitar concert by Alec Pearson, who currently teaches guitar at UBC and studied in both Canada and Spain. Tickets will be available around the start of October. As usual, youth tickets are free, so if you have any kids in your life who are learning guitar, we hope you’ll bring them to see Alec.

Our costs have gone up substantially in the last couple years, and we’re very grateful to the people and organizations who have stepped up to help us cover them. Our season sponsors are the Pender Island Legion, the Green Angels Woodchoppers, the Pender Island Pharmacy, and Ptarmigan Arts. Alec Pearson’s concert is being generously underwritten by Ann Coombs.

The second half of our season consists of Ensemble Made in Canada on March 25, and Solidaridad Tango on April 22. If you’re interested in sponsoring either of these concerts or offering overnight accommodations to some of the musicians, please reach out to us at penderconcerts@shaw.ca.

Ben Litzcke

Pender Island Quilters’ Circle

Preparing the quilt layers for pinning, Eleanor Heslop & Norah Gill.

I sit in my kitchen with the ocean view and enjoy refreshing rain as I write this article. The air has a feeling of impending fall. It seems fitting to talk about our fall schedule:

September 8 – Pinning a Quilt October 15 – Pineapple Square November 11 – Christmas Table Runner December 8 – Christmas Party.

The September activity is learning how to pin a quilt (front, batting, and back) to prepare it for quilting, stitching to hold it together. Eleanor Heslop, one of our talented expert quilters, will lead us in this learning session. She will have quilts for demo and practice. We can also bring our own quilt if we are in the pinning stage of production. Eleanor asks that we bring our own pins if we want assistance with our personal quilt.

Sue and John Foote are wearing renaissance outfits that Sue designed and sewed for a theme wedding.

Many of our quilters are experienced in sewing garments. We are of a generation where we may have taken Home Economics in school or had mothers and grandmothers who knew how to sew and this is where we started.

I asked our quilters “What encourages you to continue quilting?” These were some of the responses:

“I like the community of the Quilters’ Circle. I enjoy the way everyone shares their knowledge and I like to sew. I like to learn new techniques and patterns.”

“The friendships I’ve made and the skills I have learned. The promise to learn more.”

“The members in the Guilty Quilters (another group) became cherished friends who encouraged me to explore and grow.”

A common theme is the connections with other like-minded people and the friendships which develop.

We welcome newcomers and emphasize that previous skills and experience in sewing are not required. We will happily share our encouragement and knowledge.

Next Meeting: Monday, September 8, 9 am to noon, St. Peter’s Anglican Church Hall.

Quilter’s Philosophy

Each quilting project is an opportunity for a fresh start with a new pattern, fabrics, and skills. We have a vision and we embark on the process of creating by cutting and sewing fabric. We begin with enthusiasm but invariably encounter frustration with technical glitches. We take a break, rejuvenate, regain our confidence and continue the creative journey. Fall is a time for a fresh start, a new creative venture, in any medium or activity. Paradoxically, It presents an opportunity for rebirth and new growth.

Laura Vilness

penderislandquilters@gmail.com

PIJazz

As I write this we’re gearing up for the Fall Fair (not playing – we get to be fans) and that’s a sure sign that we need to start thinking about cozier seasons and rebooting our fall activities. For us that means planning to get together at the school stage every Thursday at 6 to groove away the shortening days. We have really been striking a fun balance these past seasons: we’re taking on great musical challenges and having more than a few laughs. The summer break has been nice, but we can feel the call of the Jazz. We crank it up on September 11.

We’re always open to new members as we start our fall season: You know who you are! Give us a holler at brycewoollcombe@gmail.com with any questions. Keep up-to-date at Ptarmigan Arts. We hope to see you soon.

Musical Musings: To The Impromptu Mentors

At the ripe age of 51, I played my first gigs as a rhythm guitarist. It was an absolute kick and fulfilled a bit of a bucket-list dream, but that’s not the big part. No, my playing isn’t going to win any awards, either… it was somewhere between adequate and pleasantly weird. The big deal is the folks who take a chance letting an unknown quantity loose on a professional stage. (Thank you Rick, Amy, Dan, Don, and Annette. You’re awesome.)

For kids, it’s a big jump from school concerts and festivals to a stage where at least someone is being paid. That pro has their reputation and livelihood at stake, and letting some spotty teen infest their workplace is not without risk. Al and Di, hosting the open mic at Bob’s Driftwood Café, were the first to take that chance. Then again, Doug Stanley had just finished standing on a chair and juggling fruit while singing Lemon Tree in a variety of keys. The bar was not high.

The next brave professional was John Gogo (the folk singer, not the other Gogo or the other, other Gogo). He let me join him on stage at Bedwell back before the deck fell down the first time. He sat me down and gave me a lesson on how chord progressions work, and how great it is to meet folks at gigs. It made me think that maybe, just maybe, music could be my thing. I met him again 35 years later, and he’s just as full of patience and kindness and joyful optimism.

But the real inspiration for this musing is The Dip. They’re a band of incredibly dedicated Pender teens that have been playing gigs with a level of musicianship so high it makes me cringe thinking of 15-year-old me. I was overjoyed to share a recent gig with them, and even more chuffed to see pros from my band sharing knowledge and even gear so freely. It really felt great to see the continuation of traditions that made my musical life possible. That, however, was not the highlight of my night — they let me play with them for a song. I just about cried.

Bryce Woollcombe, Music Director

Ptarmigan Arts

In August, we came together for an unforgettable weekend in the pines at Mosaic Fest! It has been wonderful to hear from community members, musicians, and volunteers about how memorable the festival was. We are deeply grateful to our sponsors, everyone who attended, and our incredible crew for making our favourite summer event possible. If you would like to relive the magic, check out Kenta and Nanako Kikuchi’s festival photos on our website and social media.

August also wrapped two fantastic summer camps: Camp Create Public Art and Band Camp. Both ended with inspiring showcases of what participants had worked on during the week. Our community is full of talented artists and it is always exciting to see them mentor the next generation through programs like these.

Looking ahead, we hope you join us in celebrating Pender Island’s visual artists during the Fall Crawl Studio Tour. This free event is the perfect way to enjoy local art and bring some fun into the fall season. Keep reading for the details.

Fall Crawl Studio Tour

Saturday, September 27, 11 am – 4 pm Sunday, September 28, 11 am – 4 pm

We are lucky to live on an island filled with creative folks and the Fall Crawl is your annual opportunity to get up close and personal with their work. Take part in this free, self-guided tour of our island’s creative spaces by picking up a Fall Crawl map at Talisman Books or downloading the online version on our website. (See ad.)

The map will guide you through the best route for the tour and act as your Fall Crawl Passport (get signatures from 8 artists to be entered for a chance to win a gift basket full of local goodies). Info and map.

Junior & Senior Contemporary Music with Ben

Thursdays, after school (Junior) Thursdays, 5:30 pm (Senior)

We are thrilled to announce a brand-new music program launching this September in collaboration with Ben McConchie! While details are still being finalized, we wanted to share a heads-up as the back-to-school season can get busy.

Ben says the focus will be on making music together—studying, rehearsing, and performing great contemporary songs, from jazz standards and classic rock to modern pop and indie. Along the way, we will dive into improvisation through chord–scale theory, refine our playing with practical music techniques, and deepen our understanding through musical and lyrical analysis. Students will also be encouraged to bring their own creativity to the table by writing original songs for their ensembles.

To support our work, participants will have access to a wide variety of instruments from the Ptarmigan Arts instrument bank, including drums, guitars, basses, keyboards, and more. The fall session will culminate in a special performance this December, giving students the chance to share their music with friends, family, and the community. Whether you are already a confident musician or just getting started, these ensembles are a great opportunity to learn, collaborate, and perform in a supportive and fun environment.

For more information on how to register or to find out which ensemble is right for you, please visit ptarmiganarts.org. I am looking forward to helping build community through the process of creating music together.

Pender Short Film Festival

Saturday, November 15 Community Hall Last chance for submissions

Filmmakers from Pender Island, Vancouver Island and the mainland are welcome to submit films for the 2025 Pender Island Short Film Fest. This event provides an outlet for short-form narratives of all genres, from documentary to animation. The event features a meet-and-greet and is one of the most anticipated gatherings of the year. Submission will remain open until October 15 and must be less than 15 minutes in length. To submit, please send your film in to penderfilmfest@gmail.com. Filmmakers of all ages and abilities are welcome to submit.

Weekly Community Gatherings

Fridays, 12 – 1 pm Community Hall

Plumper Sound, September 26

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.

This month we are excited to welcome a fantastic lineup of live music. On September 5, Peach & Quiet will sweep you away with their heartfelt lyrics and irresistible melodies. On September 12, Pete Emery and Frank Scanlan will take the stage. The performers for September 19 are yet to be announced – check for updates closer to the event. We close out the month on September 26 with Plumper Sound, made up of Kauko Pennanen, Kathy Curtis, and Patrick Brown. Get ready for an eclectic mix of rock, blues, country, and jazz.

Tickets and program registrations can be found at ptarmiganarts.org. For assistance, contact info@ptarmiganarts.org.

Ripley Stafford, Arts Intern

Three on the Tree Production Society

Theatre Camp’s Theseus and the Minotaur

Since the last issue of The Pender Post, we’ve had a successful summer of youth programming with two camps and a couple of great community activities. At the end of July, we ran our annual theatre camp where 14 youth, aged 6-13, put on a show from start to finish.

Early in the week they were cast into roles, they painted a set, designed costumes, and honed their acting skills to perform for their parents and families on Friday afternoon in the upstairs of the community hall. It was a full house with about 50 family members attending! This season’s play was Theseus and the Minotaur, which allowed us to explore some of the concepts of Greek plays with a chorus for the younger kids and some basic ideas of stage design.

Our second camp took place on Saturna, which was a first-time event for us, with a total of eight kids from that community. It was so well received that we’re already making plans to host it again next year, if funding allows.

We were so grateful for the Gaming Grant that we receive each year from the Province of BC to allow us to put on this subsidized camp and keep fostering the love of the performing arts for the youth of Pender.

We were also invited to create a kids mural for Ptarmigan Arts Mosaic Festival and display some of the art that we’ve created with classes in the school over the last year. A highlight was showing off some colourful silk banners that artist Judy Graham made with the Pender School. They show local salmon and were created with a complex batik process.

We’ll also be unveiling a recent tile mural project in September at the Magic Lake Picnic Park, next to the boats. The grade 4/5, 6/7 and 9 classes created tiles that illustrate some of the animals that are native to the lake and surrounding area. We’ll post details of when the unveiling will happen on our social media so follow us there for updates!

The last event of the summer is of course the Fall Fair and we were lucky to once again participate by sponsoring a portion of the kids zone, with face painting and a couple of hands-on craft activities!

Now that fall is upon us, we are gearing up for the annual Magic Lake Lantern Festival. We are searching for support for the festival in many ways, with volunteers, materials, and accommodations from some of our visiting artists. We would love to find new creative volunteers but there are many ways to support if performing or fine arts isn’t your passion.

We always need a setup and cleanup crew and if you’d like to support from afar, we’ll be holding another raffle this year and are on the hunt for sponsors and of course ticket buyers. For more info on anything related to the festival or the workshops that will lead up to it, please send us an email to threeonthetreeproductions@gmail.com or follow us on Instagram where we’ll be sharing visuals from festivals past and the plans for this season.

Enjoy a creative start to the fall!

Alaia Hamer & Liis Graham – Program Coordinators

Community

Coleman Rogers Memorial Bursary

Coleman Rogers Memorial Bursary Fund was originally started years ago by Dr. Homer Rogers and Bishop Coleman. The idea is to help Pender students with their post-secondary education. We require a transcript of marks, letter of reference plus a list of courses taken, either university or trades.

Our committee members met August 15 to go over applications. Our committee added two more board members, both with educational backgrounds. This year we received five applications from the following students:

Heidi Boland
Kimberly Boland
Nicholas Croft
Ruby Bowes
Molly Mawhinny

These deserving students were each awarded a sizable bursary to help with post secondary expenses. We are so proud of them and their hard work and ambition. We wish them well in the future.

Joanne Enns, Secretary/Director

Community Hall

Pender Island Recreation and Agricultural Hall Association

There have been many changes at the Hall over the past year, the newest of which are a new cabinet in the Lounge and the new roof over the deck. We would love to thank Dave Schissler for volunteering his woodworking skills to build the cabinet and helping to make the Lounge more organized and beautiful. We would also like to thank the Nu-To-Yu for helping to fund the new roof on the deck. We have some further improvements in mind that will make it a nicer area in the wet season.

What an incredible summer it has been. We are deeply grateful to Liam Sigurgeirson and Renée Elliott for bringing such a rich variety of summer kids camps and youth leadership camps to the children and families of our community. Your creativity, energy, and care have made this season one to remember.

We would like to offer a special heartfelt thanks to Liam for his outstanding contributions to the Community Hall since joining us in 2023. Through his dedication and hard work, we’ve been able to grow the Youth Leadership Program, launch the Friday Kids Club camp, introduce youth games nights, help get Monday Activity Day up and running, and bring countless other improvements to the Community Hall systems. Liam’s steady and thoughtful leadership, dedication to community development, and ability to connect with our youth have made a lasting impact, creating more opportunities for young people to learn, lead, and thrive. Our Community Hall is stronger, more vibrant, and more connected because of his efforts.

We’re excited to announce that Liam Harrison has stepped into the role of Heritage Programs Leader. In this position, Liam will support the Youth Leadership Program, lead Friday Community Gatherings, assist with Friday kids’ camps during the school year, and contribute to Saturday Markets and general administration.

We’re so very grateful for the grant that made it possible to hire young people for this role. Not only does it provide meaningful work experience, but it also helps us grow and enhance Hall programming, as many of you have seen over the past two years.

Help Wanted

Paid Youth Internship

These positions are open to students 12 -17 years old. This skill-building program allows participants to earn while they learn. Interns can build up skills in areas such as Café Management, Event Assistance, Activity Leadership (including the Friday Kids Camp), or basic Building Maintenance and Office Assistance. Interns receive an honorarium (like a wage) starting at $5 hour and can earn up to $500 per year.

Significant training and ongoing support will be offered as needed and by request. Hours are adaptable to accommodate school and life but are typically 6 – 8 hours per month. Deadline to submit your resume is August 29 at 1 pm. More information.

Friday Kids Camp Leader – age 17+

Plan and lead fun activities like games, cooking, crafts, and adventure walks for children ages 5 – 12. Work alongside your supervisor and Leaders-in-Training to create a safe and engaging experience. Ideal candidates are responsible, energetic, and great with kids. Must have experience working with children, planning and leadership skills, strong communication, and a clear criminal record check. First Aid/CPR is an asset. Workdays are adaptable to accommodate school and life. More information.

Children and Youth Programs

Friday Kids Club Camp

September 11 – October 31 (no camp October 3, 17)

This camp runs on non-school Fridays and is packed with fun indoor and outdoor activities led by our enthusiastic Leaders. The days are filled with creative crafts, exciting adventures, games, experiments, and more. Camp runs from 10 am to 4 pm and there is a pre-camp care option if needed. Thanks to the generous support of the Pender Island Legion and Green Angels Woodchoppers, full and partial subsidies are available, limited spaces available. Register.

Youth Culinary Skills Training

Ages 12 – 18 (10+ if child has a Food Safe Certificate). Free.

Thursdays, September 11 – December 18, 5 – 8 pm (except September 18, October 2 & 16)

Each week, youth come together to plan and prepare a meal that will be served at the Friday Community Gathering. Participants will gain hands-on kitchen skills, work as a team, and enjoy a shared dinner in a supportive, fun environment. Bring an apron, writing materials, and a hearty snack. This program is run in partnership with the SGI Neighbourhood House. Registration is required and space is limited, so be sure to sign up early! Register.

Youth Leadership Program

Ages 10 – 12 and 13 – 18. Free

Join this fun and skills building program. Depending on your age and interests, you can learn how to do things like: run the Community Café, help at special events, make posters, be a caretaker of the Community Hall, assist with activities, organize and lead activities, mentor younger or less experienced youth, help older people with technology, photograph events and activities, help cook or bake for community lunch and many other areas, all while developing skills and getting great experience! Come in on a Friday or Saturday between 10 am – 1 pm and talk to Andrea.

Dungeons and Dragons Adventures

Ages 11 – 18. Free. Fridays, 1:45 – 4:45 pm

Adventurers wanted! Embark on thrilling quests, battle fearsome foes, and uncover mysterious treasures in the realm of Dungeons & Dragons. Guided by youth from our Youth Leadership Program, you’ll join a party of heroes, create your own character, and let the roll of the dice decide your fate. Whether you’re a seasoned dungeon crawler or brand new to the game, there’s always a seat at the table for you.

FILMS

Lilo and Stitch (2025)

Saturday, September 13, 2:15 and 7:15 pm

Stitch, an extraterrestrial entity, comes to Earth after escaping prison, where he tries to impersonate a dog. Things take a turn when a lonely Hawaiian girl, Lilo, adopts him from an animal shelter and he helps mend her broken family. 1 hour 48 minutes. $5 – $10 suggested.

500 Days in the Wild

Monday, September 22, 2:15 pm

See Community Support Programs for description.

Thelma

Saturday, September 27, 7:15 pm

Thelma Post is a 93-year-old grandmother who loses $10,000 to a con artist on the phone. With help from a friend and his motorized scooter, she soon embarks on a treacherous journey across Los Angeles to reclaim what was taken from her. 1hour 39 minutes. $5 – $10 suggested.

Little Miss Sunshine

Monday, September 29, 2:15 pm

The Hoover family, each grappling with personal struggles, embarks on a cross-country road trip to support their young daughter, Olive, in the “Little Miss Sunshine” competition. The film explores themes of family, failure, and the pursuit of happiness, all while maintaining a humorous and heartwarming tone. By donation.

Markets

Saturday Harvest Markets

Starting Saturday, September 13 and running from 10 am to 1 pm, come out and browse local food, craft, and produce. Local handmade goods, farm fresh produce, and a café led by the Youth Leadership Program are available. Support your local artisans, artists, and cuisiniers. Register as a vendor.

Yuletide Market Registration

There will be six weeks of the Yuletide Market this year, November 15, 22, 29, December 6, 13, 20. The Yuletide Markets will run from 10 – 2 pm. Registration will open on our website in late September.

Activities

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 at the Community Gathering

Fridays, 11 am

Join our youth leaders as they present fun activities for everyone. All ages are welcome, activities by donation.

September 5 – Puzzles and games

September 12 – Make Blackberry Soda

September 19 – Imagination Station

September 26 – Window Painting

Volunteers Needed

We are looking for volunteers for films, Comfort Center, advertising and office support as well as activity leaders and Youth Leadership Program Mentors. All training will be provided. If you are interested in volunteering or need more information on what these positions entail, please email bookings@penderislands.org or call 629-3669.

Featured Volunteer Opportunity: Guest Presenter and Mentors

We’re inviting community members to share their knowledge with local youth through short presentations or regular mentorships. Whether you’ve led teams, organized events, run a business, or love hands-on activities like cooking, science, or art, your story and skills matter. Our youth programs thrive when they learn from the richness of our community. This is a chance to spark curiosity, build confidence, and pass along wisdom in a way that fits your schedule; even if it’s just for half an hour.

Andrea Mills and George Fowlie

Dragonfly Child Care & Family Resource Centre

Pender Island Child Care Society

Once again, we wish to recognize the Victoria Foundation and Pender Island Parks & Recreation for their generous grants towards Parents and Babes, our parent education programs, and HOP. Thank you for your continued support of young families in our community.

Dragonfly Childcare

Our first day of childcare will be on Wednesday, September 3 and our first day of PreK class will be on Tuesday, September 9. Our open house, where we welcome all 2025/2026 registered childcare families, will be on Tuesday, September 2 from 9-11 am.

Parents and Babes

The Parents and Babes program runs every Monday (except holidays) from 9 – 11:30 am at Dragonfly. Pamela Wadge facilitates this free drop-in program for parents, caregivers, and their children. Come out and enjoy snacks, adult and children interactions, and the book lending library. Thanks to Victoria Foundation and the Pender Island Child Care Society, this program is free.

Family Counseling Sessions

Twice per month, on Monday afternoons, registered counselor Geneva Jacobs will offer supportive services to parents raising little ones. These 1:1 counselling sessions will be held in a confidential space while your children are cared for by an educator. Geneva brings compassion, reflectiveness, and curiosity as she accompanies you in navigating your way toward a more fulfilling and empowered life. Participants pay a $10 fee per session. For more information or to reserve your space please contact us directly.

Further Information

Our website has more information about our programs

Pamela Wadge

dragonflyfamilycentre@gmail.com 629-3039

Gulf Islands Food Co-op

Thanks to Gillian and Trevor for hosting a food-garden tour in June – a stunning garden that is beautiful, healthy and productive – evidence of great technique and care.

With harvest well underway, our Co-op Sales Table has been loaded up the last few weeks, and will be right through to Thanksgiving. We invite anyone with excess produce from their garden interested in selling it – just contact rozkempe@shaw.ca to arrange. We sell on your behalf, and you just pick up the cash at the end of the market – pretty good deal.

Harvest season also means Seed Saving Season! Farm Folk City Folk (FFCF) will be bringing their seed-cleaning equipment to Pender on Monday, October 6 and Tuesday, October 7. If you have any amount of seeds you’re saving, this is a great way to clean them up for storage, and learn more about saving seeds from experts. Details on the event will be forthcoming. We always welcome more seed donations to the Seed Library – contact Wendi Lopatecki at penderseedlibrary@gmail.com to learn more.

GIFC has arranged a great lineup of speakers at The Crisp Festival on October 4, with a theme of “Reclaiming Stewardship: Decolonizing How We Relate to Food and Land”, as well as apple tasting, and several tours to choose from in the afternoon. More details to come, you can stay tuned to The Crisp website.

Looking to preserve your fruit? We have a ten-tray stainless steel dehydrator for community use, and also a Pressure Canner. Just send me an email at rozkempe@shaw.ca to book either or both. The loan of the equipment is by donation.

Join us if you want to help grow local!

Roz Kempe info@gulfislandsfoodco-op.org

Moving Around Pender

Cycling and Safety On Pender Roads

I have been visiting my mother on Pender frequently for over eighteen years and I have seen an annual increase in the number of people driving, cycling, walking, and running on the Pender roads.

In addition, there is the increase in Pender residents and visitors using electric bikes (e-bikes) to travel the island roads. There are many good reasons for the increased use of e-bikes: lower cost of transportation, it’s easier to cycle, lower impact on the environment, and general benefits to a person’s health. Hundreds of bike packers travel to Pender to enjoy the island’s delights. On Thursday, August 14, while boarding the ferry to Swartz Bay, I counted 17 cyclists getting off the ferry.The increase in vehicle traffic on the Pender roads increases the danger to the cycling, walking, and running public. An Ipsos survey in 2022 revealed that 48% percent of Canadians feel that cycling is too dangerous in their area. This is especially true on Pender, where there have been few structural road improvements over the years.

There is a walking trail adjacent to the road, south of the Community Hall. I have never seen a cyclist use this trail. To enhance road safety on Pender, we should designate the main roads on Pender Island as Major Rural roads to facilitate the construction of paved shoulders for cyclists and pedestrians.

The BC Ministry of Transportation and representatives of the CRD signed a letter of understanding indicating road standards which should be used for the Gulf Islands. We should make sure these standards are met. Ignoring the road problems and hazards will not solve them and I know that we all want to be able to enjoy Pender life – either by automobile, scooter, motorcycle, e-bike, bike, running, or walking.

Brian Tyhy

Nu-to-Yu

Pender Island Community Service Society

What is the Nu-to-Yu? It’s easy to take it for granted that everyone knows what the Nu-to-Yu is, but with so many new community members, we thought we should outline what we do. In short, the Nu-to-Yu is a thrift store run by our non-profit mother society, Pender Island Community Service Society (PICSS).

The money made in the store is raised for the community. Local groups submit funding applications, which our active members (i.e., volunteers at the Nu-to-Yu) vote on twice a year. What programs and services have we provided funding for? The list is incredibly long and is a who’s who, past and present, of just about everything Pender Island.

As of 2021, we had given $1.5 million through our granting program, all raised through the thrift store. If you’re interested in serving your community by being a volunteer at the Nu-to-Yu, please come see us on Tuesday or Thursday mornings and we can sign you up as a member and talk about what kind of volunteer job would suit you best.

We were happy to be involved in the 126th annual Pender Island Fall Fair. We had many interested visitors to our info booth, where we highlighted our new building plans. Right next door, our member Janet Menzies headed up the raffle table. This is the second year in a row that the Nu-to-Yu has taken on this task for the Farmer’s Institute, with all proceeds going towards the Farmer’s Institute bursary program to support a local student in the field of agriculture. Well done Janet, and thank you to all the people who purchased tickets.

Our limited edition “Tin Lizzy” t-shirts are now available in the store for $38, or $34 for PICSS members. The shirts are hand printed by Stefanie of OMDL Coastal, here on Pender Island, on ultra-soft bamboo and organic cotton in several colours.

Thanks to everyone who came out to our silent auction held on BC Day at the Driftwood Centre. It was a very successful day and came off with very few hitches.

Grant application time is coming up. Applications for Nu-to-Yu grants should be made by the 3rd Friday of September, which is September 19th this year. If you’ve got a community project and want to build it or make it happen on Pender, consider applying for a grant from the Nu-to-Yu. You can find all the details on our website: nu-to-yu.com.

Your donations are what keeps our store ticking and money available for community projects. We accept your donations on Tuesday and Thursdays between 9 am and 12 pm, and also on Saturdays between 11 am and 2 pm.

We welcome goods in store-ready condition; clothes should be freshly laundered and not stained or in need of repair. If you’re donating bed sheets, we would greatly appreciate a note indicating what size the sheet is as our basement area is small and it’s difficult to measure bigger sheets on our small table. Any hardware, small appliances or kitchen equipment should be in clean usable condition. We appreciate your patience and understanding that our volunteers must inspect all donations before we can accept them in order to be sure the donation is something we can sell.

For a full list of what we cannot accept, please refer to our website: nu-to-yu.com/donations.

Josephine Spaxman

Pender Roadshow

A monumental piece of mid-century art pottery arrived in the sorting area of Nu-to-Yu the other day. How it made its way to Pender is a story I’d love to hear. Produced in Alfred, New York somewhere between 1952 and 1957, this tall elegant piece was designed by noted ceramicist Fong Chow for Glidden Pottery. Chow was a gifted artist known for his ceramic work, sculptures, painting, photography, and curatorial work.

Known as the Gulf Stream line, this 17” tall vase was loosely modelled after Chinese Cizhou ware – peoples ware – originating as far back as the Song Dynasty (960-1279). Artful and functional pottery was the theme at Glidden pottery. At its peak, Glidden had 55 employees and its pieces were featured in Better Homes and Gardens, Good Housekeeping, and House Beautiful. Older I Love Lucy television episodes featured Glidden Ceramics on the set – and now over half a century later, this piece has appeared at the Nu-To-Yu on Pender Island.

Fong Chow was born in Tianjin China, in 1923. His grandfather was one of the first Chinese citizens to study in the USA, in 1874. When he returned to China, he worked to improve the life of the Chinese population and was eventually awarded a knighthood by the British Monarchy. Fong Chow’s father had been educated in England and his mother was born in Australia. In the early 1930s, the family moved to Hong Kong.

During WW2, when the Japanese occupied Hong Kong, Fong Chow began painting with the help of Yu Ben, (also known as Yu Jianben). Yu Ben was a graduate of the Academy of Fine Arts in Toronto and had returned to Hong Kong in 1935. Yu Ben’s western influenced painting style also influenced Fong Chow. Fong Chow had a deep interest in all art but specifically ceramics and traveled to Canton and Shiwan to study pottery and glaze techniques.

In 1947, Fong Chow was accepted to begin BFA studies at the Boston Museum School, and he followed up with an MFA from Alfred University in New York. He augmented his income by taking commissions doing portraits. Upon graduation in 1953 he began work at Glidden Pottery in Alfred NY, who were known for their progressive production techniques.

When the Glidden factory ceased production in 1957, Fong Chow, because of his extensive knowledge of Asian ceramics (and some good connections), applied and was accepted for a Fellowship at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This eventually led to his becoming the curator. He retired in 1983 after 25 years of service. During this tenure at the Metropolitan Museum, and after, he continued his well-respected photographic work which included portraits of Georgia O’Keefe taken in 1980 and again in 1981. Fong Chow passed away in 2012.

Proceeds for the sale of this beautiful piece of art pottery and to all the pieces featured in the Pender Roadshow articles go to our building fund and to supporting Pender Community groups. Thank you to our donors.

Sean Clazie, CPPA

Pender Earth

At the August Climate Café, we had the great pleasure of welcoming two Ugandan relatives of the Peden family. We learned that many of the environmental challenges of their country mirror ours – water, trees, agricultural disruptions due to changes in the climate. Dem and Eliza, who are mother and daughter, spoke about their amazement at the beauty of British Columbia’s trees and flowers. Due to lack of other sources for power, trees in Uganda mostly continue to be cut for firewood. Hearing their sorrow about this enhanced our appreciation of the glorious forests around us and reinforced the need to stand up to protect them.

Participants in the Climate Café are a motley crew. We are introverts and extroverts, optimists and pessimists, twenty-something year olds and eighty-something year olds. We talk about worst case scenarios. We have no problem finding positive things to share.

We wonder why we end up feeling better after our Café meetings. Some suggestions we have come up with: we are social animals, being witnessed is an essential part of being human, having a place to talk openly about local and global threats to our well-being is a relief… and relief is not an easy thing to find these days, so maybe that’s what brings us back month after month.

Whatever the reasons, we meet every first Friday of the month to share reflections, ideas, support and good company. There is also a climate action project that is building momentum.

We invite you to join us! September 5, 9:30 am in the Community Hall lounge.

Community Conversation with Rob Botterell

September 5, 5 pm Upstairs at the Hall

Rob Botterell has been our MLA for almost a year. He, in part, negotiated an agreement with the government that included focus on health and mental healthcare, housing and homelessness, transit, climate and environment, social and economic justice, taxation, democratic and electoral reform, as well as commitment to consultation on tariffs.

Rob has a lot to say about the issues being addressed in our legislature that affect us on a daily basis. His experience as an Island Trustee and as a lawyer representing Indigenous issues also inform his stances on these critical areas of island life. What are your concerns and questions? Join us for a Q&A with Rob. Please note the Community Conversation’s change in time to 5 pm is for September only.

To be notified of our events, you can email us at penderearth@gmail.com.

Mary Anne Paré and Kathy Cronk

Pender Island Chamber of Commerce

Work at the Chamber is never dull. We juggle everything from ferry advocacy to business mixers, while also making sure our own house is in order. Here’s a quick snapshot of what we’ve been up to.

Welcome New Members

We’re delighted to welcome three new businesses to the Chamber family: Robert Fenton Law Corporation (Rob Fenton), Bee Wild Distillery (Victoria Crichton), and Inisheile Farm (Martha McMahon). You can learn more about them, and all our members, anytime in our online directory.

Business Mixer

Mark your calendars for our next Business After Hours mixer on September 25. These gatherings are more than networking. They’re a chance to swap ideas, make connections and maybe even hatch the next big island collaboration.

Supporting Community Events

Each year, community event organizers look to local businesses for sponsorship support. The Chamber focuses its resources where they’ll make the biggest impact: events with broad appeal, strong economic benefit, and ties to local members. This year, we’re proud to have supported the Tour des Iles, the Mosaic Festival, and The Crisp.

Tips for Visitors

To help our island stay safe and welcoming, we’ve created a new brochure: Tips for Your Stay. It gently reminds visitors about road safety, fire precautions, waste and recycling, and sharing space with wildlife (and each other). You’ll find it at the Visitors Centre kiosk, and soon we hope it will be available right on BC Ferries. Want some for your business? Get in touch. We’d be glad to share. Posters are also on the way.

Advocacy in Action

The big issue on our radar is BC Ferries’ planned five-day closure of the Otter Bay terminal early next year. We’ve joined the Project Feedback Group to ensure island businesses have a strong voice, and we’re pushing hard for early notice of dates so everyone can plan around the disruption.

In September, we’ll also join ferry-dependent communities from across BC for a meeting in Victoria hosted by Bowen Island Mayor Andrew Leonard. It’s a chance to share challenges and explore collective solutions. On the local front, we’re meeting with MP Elizabeth May and continuing to press the Ministry of Transportation about roadside mowing.

Looking Ahead

Our board is wrapping up governance training and will hold its next meeting September 11. A strategic planning session follows in October, guided by feedback from community partners.

As always, thank you for your support. Together, we’re keeping Pender’s economy strong, connected, and just a little more fun.

Sandra Tretick, Executive Director

Pender Islands Conservancy

Summer students, Casey Garrison and Erin Cho-Siksik. Photo: Yoko Kikuchi.

Is Summer Really Over?

The Conservancy was so fortunate to have two remarkable students join the team this summer. Casey Garrison and Erin Cho-Siksik aren’t just great colleagues, they strengthened the Conservancy’s impact in the community we love. Pender made an impression on our summer students, too. Here’s how this special island of ours touched their hearts.

Casey: I’m heading into my final semester of undergrad (Geography and Environmental Studies) and this job has been such a great way to connect what I’ve learned in the classroom with real-world experience.

A highlight this summer was participating in the long-term research the Conservancy is involved in. I monitored chickadee, violet-green swallow, and purple martin nest boxes, helped monitor the barn swallow colony at Driftwood, deployed wildlife cameras, observed violet-green swallow chick feeding rates and even participated in bull kelp mapping. Throughout my undergrad, I’ve read many studies based on long-term data like these;, so it was rewarding to finally participate in the data-collection process myself.

I also got the chance to put some restoration theory into practice. It was fun and fulfilling to learn how to effectively remove invasive species like tansy ragwort, scotch broom, and reed canary grass.

I will miss having nature as my office and being able to end my workday with a hike up George Hill or a walk on the beach and an ocean dip.

Erin: As Conservation Interpreter, I had the chance to both share my knowledge of Pender’s ecosystems and deepen my own understanding of this special place.

From purple martin monitoring to kelp mapping and habitat restoration, I learned hands-on skills in species identification, ecological monitoring, and other conservation practices I’ll carry forward into my biology studies and future careers.

A highlight for me was running the light trap. Discovering what critters showed up each time and seeing different species in their larval stages was very cool. I’ll especially miss the Saturday markets, where I loved spending time with the amazing Pender community.

The Magnificent Pileated Woodpecker: A Forest Giant

Our recent social media post about pileated woodpeckers got everyone talking. Since many of you were curious to learn more, we thought we’d share some details about these amazing birds. Next time you spot one of these forest giants, you’ll have even more to appreciate.

Q: What’s so cool about these woodpeckers?

A: They’re huge! Known as the “Good God Woodpecker”, they’re one of the largest woodpeckers in North America. You’ll spot their handiwork everywhere – those neat rectangular holes they chip out of cedar trees while hunting for bugs.

Q: What’s their family life like here on Pender?

A: They’re romantic birds – they mate for life and stick together year-round. Come springtime, they get busy carving out brand-new nest holes in dead trees. Both parents take turns keeping the eggs warm for about 18 days, with dad (the one with the flashy red “mustache”) pulling the night shift.

Q: What do they like to eat?

A: Mostly ants and other bugs, but they’ve got a sweet tooth for fruit, too. Their tongues are incredible. They can stretch them out three times longer than their beaks and they’re covered in tiny bristles perfect for slurping up food from deep inside rotting wood.

A big thank you to Dave Manning for sharing his expertise and wonderful observations on the Conservancy’s blog, complete with additional photos and video that showcase these remarkable forest residents.

Outdoor Adventure Camp joined us at Hope Bay for Dockside Detective, a nature-based scavenger hunt that encouraged close observation of the intertidal ecosystem.

Adam’s Nursery Notes

The Fall Fair has come and gone, the leaves are beginning to change colour and the Canucks will soon begin their descent into another disappointing season; all signs that Autumn is truly upon us.

With the turning of the season and cooler, moist conditions come one of the best moments for gardeners: now is the ideal time to plant. Fall is generally the safest time to install new plant material. The soil and sun are still warm enough that the new plant will be actively growing, having the fall, winter and spring to get settled before the intense heat and drought of summer.

As we slide into planting season, I thought it would be helpful to provide a quick “how-to” for proper planting techniques. The first step is “right plant, right place.” Find the correct specimen for your garden by looking at its primary requirements (sun vs shade, soil type, water requirements, and so forth). Next, source your plants. It can be a challenge to find out-of-season specimens at retail nurseries; they typically only want to sell what is in bloom. At Pender Native Plants, we carry all varieties throughout the year, as do wholesalers, which can be accessed by commercial gardeners (many great ones on Pender).

When you’re ready to plant, dig a hole roughly twice as wide as the pot and as deep as is needed for the soil to be at the same level on the plant as it was in the container. Don’t bury woody plants too deep as only roots are meant to be in soil, not the trunk. Try to identify the “root flare”, where the root ball narrows to meet the trunk. Ensure the root flare is at or above the soil.

Next, ensure the plant is well watered before being removed from the pot. Pound or squeeze the sides of the pot to loosen it and gently remove the plant. Oftentimes the plant will be root-bound, identified by thick mats of tunneling roots around the inside of the container. If so, make two or three cuts down the length of the roots so they don’t continue tunneling in the soil. If your plant isn’t root-bound, gently tease the roots apart.

This next point might surprise you. Do not add any “amendments” to the planting hole. Studies show that adding compost, fertiliser, bone meal, etc. will result in similar or worse outcomes for the plant (come chat with me to discuss further). Back fill with native soil and firm-in as you go. (Most) plant roots take nutrients and water only from “micro” spore spaces, so large air gaps are not good. Water well after firming the soil. Even if the ground is moist, watering after planting settles the soil around the small root hairs, which are primarily responsible for water and nutrient uptake. If the soil is dry, fill the planting hole twice with water before installing.

Finally, mulch with 4” organic matter. It wouldn’t be a Nursery Notes column without a reference to mulching. Remember, with mulching you’re after “doughnuts, not volcanoes.” Mulch piled against trunks will rot them.

There’s so much more to say, but I must leave room for this next article about birds or frogs or something less interesting than plants. Come chat with me at the Pender Native Plants nursery any Saturday from 10 am – 2 pm at 4506 Bedwell Harbour Road.

Adam Miller, Nursery Manager pnp@penderconservancy.org

Pender Island Farmers’ Institute

Fall Fair 2025

Thank you to all the amazing volunteers, our guests of honour, the many community groups, sponsors, vendors, participants, patrons, our behind the scenes help, and the Fall Fair Committee for making the 73rd Fall Fair a success!

A special thanks to Barbara Johnstone, our dedicated, skillful leader who has overseen the Fair’s production over the years in the midst of many challenges and commitments with her active farm, the running of the Farmers’ Institute, Farmers’ Market and her hardworking efforts with a number of other agricultural organizations–her resilience and continued passion are to be commended.

We’ll have a full list of those involved, our trophy winners, and full Fair Fair report next month.

Please check the lost and found bin at the Community Hall if you left something behind during the Fair. If you’d like to have your ribbons reused you may drop in our Fall Fair folder at the Community Box at Dockside Realty, at the Driftwood Centre. Trophies will be engraved and displayed at the Farmers’ Institute display case at the Hall. Trophy recipients and Fair photos will be posted on the Pender Island Farmers’ Institute website.

Giving Back to the Community

A healthy portion of the Fall Fair proceeds are donated to those organizations that assist with the Fair, such as selling food, working the front gate, and providing other services. The beer garden sales benefit our Community and Agricultural Hall. The exposure of community information tables set up at the fair help those with future fundraisers. The Farmers’ Institute greatly appreciates this support and co-operative effort.

Our wrap up Fall Fair Committee meeting is on Tuesday, September 9, for a recap, conveners reports and open to anyone who would like to provide input and help with next year’s Fair, August 22, 2026.

Michelle Marsden

Pender Island Fire Rescue

Hello, Pender Islands. As of August 18, our crews had attended to 221 emergency calls. The second half of August brought dry, drought-like conditions to the Penders and most of South Vancouver Island, which helped fuel and grow the Cameron Lake and Mount Underwood fires near Port Alberni. These conditions appear to continue well into September, so please be mindful of your activities in and around the wildland interface areas.

In September, Pender Fire is pleased to have members from Salt Spring Island Fire Rescue utilize our industry-leading Life Fire Training Facility to complete their interior firefighting credentials. This inter-agency work is beneficial for building bonds with our mutual aid partners, as well as for the benefit of keeping their members closer to home with less travel and time away compared to other training facilities.

The new school year is starting up, and I wanted to remind you all of a few key points to help keep our community safer.

Take it slow in school zones – Kids can be unpredictable, so slowing down gives everyone more time to stay safe, and remember the new 30KPH playground zone on Privateers at the tennis courts.
Keep an eye out for kids and buses – Watch for children walking, biking, or crossing, and always stop when bus lights are flashing.
Stay focused – Put the phone away and keep your eyes on the road. Extra traffic and excited students need your full attention.
Share the road with bikes – Give young cyclists extra space and check your mirrors before turning.
Set a good example – Safe, calm driving teaches kids the proper habits when they become drivers.

I want to remind everyone to check our website, penderfire.org, to get the most up-to-date burning regulations and any applicable work restrictions that may be in place. During the shoulder seasons, it is always recommended to check before you burn. Just because it rained for a few hours does not mean that the current conditions have changed drastically enough to allow burning. Pender Fire follows all provincial-mandated burning closures. Best practice will be to keep all green waste covered and dry until the time comes when open burning by permit is permitted again.

Remember, smoke detectors save lives, and must be replaced every 10 years. Check your batteries and test them monthly. Your life can depend on it.

Captain Jon Grelik, PIFR Fire Prevention Team

Pender Island Fire Protection Society

Be A Part of the Future of Fire and Emergency Services

Pender Islands Fire Protection Society (PIFPS) expects you have already seen notice of our community survey in your mailbox, by email, and on social media. (See ad page 1.) The Society and Pender Island Fire Rescue are delighted to be getting an enthusiastic response. The ten-minute online survey helps us to better understand the community’s needs and expectations for fire protection, emergency response, and related services.

In case you haven’t taken the survey yet; your input can help us shape the future of fire and emergency services on the Penders. We really want to hear from everyone who lives on North and South Pender. Survey results can help inform planning and guide decisions about how we deliver services to the community. Those findings will also be shared with the community.

Please Take the Survey Today

surveymonkey.com/r/N9Y695H

Responses are anonymous and it can be completed on your computer or smartphone. If you have any difficulty accessing the survey, you can access it from Fire Rescue’s website or call Firehall #1, 250-629-3321, and ask for assistance.

We’d appreciate your help in getting everyone to respond. Talk it up in your clubs and activities; encourage others to take part. Your support is invaluable.

Thank you for helping us serve the Penders community.

Christa Grace-Warrick, Secretary

Pender Island Food Bank Society

The Pender Island Food Bank began in a smaller trailer over 30 years ago when a few volunteers got together to address food insecurity on the island. In those early years, there were just a handful of clients who used the food bank, and volunteers would play cards between visits. Thirty years later, we have grown exponentially. We provide food support for over 5% of Pender Island residents, with more than 30 households visiting weekly. This last year alone, we saw more than a 43% increase in client numbers.

Why has the need grown so much? First, this isn’t just a Pender thing. Food bank use in Canada is growing by leaps and bounds, with one in four Canadians experiencing food insecurity. One in three food bank users are children. We see these numbers reflected here on Pender. The cost of living has skyrocketed, and many of our clients are working one, two or three jobs trying to make ends meet. Those on fixed incomes, like seniors and those with disabilities, are really struggling.

If we dive into the increase in cost of living, we start to understand what’s going on. If we compare prices on some pantry items from 1990 to 2025, we see an extraordinary jump.

	1990	2025	Increase
Milk (4 litres)	$2.5	$8.99	260%
Eggs (dozen)	$1.37	$6.25	356%
Bread	$.89	$3.99	348%
Ground beef (pound)	$1.49	$9.49	537%
Coffee (1 kg)	$2.97	$30.00	910%
Kraft Dinner	$.75	$2.00	167%
Peanut butter	$1.89	$7.99	323%

While minimum wage has also increased over that period (from $5/hr to $17.85/hr), minimum wage was never enough. A living wage – the hourly wage needed for a worker to meet basic needs for a single person – in our region is about $28/hour. If you are supporting children or aging parents or don’t have full-time hours, it gets much more difficult.

Food banks were never meant to be permanent. They were initially designed as a short-term solution to economic downturns. While the food bank community pushes governments for policy changes, like basic income guarantees and increased social support, to address the root causes of food insecurity, food banks need your support. Food banks receive no government funding.

Fill up the Food Bank This Fall

We are launching our annual Food & Funds Drive for the Pender Island Food Bank. Food bank use has grown 43% over the last year, and we need the support of Penderites to help address food insecurity on the island. Please consider contributing funds or non-perishable food items to the food bank. As a charity, we issue tax receipts for all monetary gifts. You can e-transfer to penderislandfoodbank@gmail.com or contribute online through http://www.CanadaHelps.org. Food donations can be brought to the food bank on Friday mornings between 9 am -12 pm, or placed in the bin at Tru Value.

Pamela Wright, President

Pender Island Health Care Society

AGM September 25

New or returning directors will be elected at the Annual General Meeting on September 25, 10 am, at the Legion. Audited financial statements and the annual report will be presented, and there will be the opportunity for questions.

All members of the Society are welcome to attend the AGM. To join as a member, please register ahead of time (preferred) at penderislandhealth.org/membership-app or arrive a little early to the AGM to complete the membership form. Members must be at least 19 years of age, and be a full-time or part-time resident, or a property owner on Pender. There is no membership fee.

If you have an interest in joining the Board, or serving as a community member on our standing committees, there is still time to let us know; please contact the Nominations chair Catherine Dawson at catherinedawson@hotmail.com.

Directors Gail Jamieson and John Ackermans are leaving the Board, and we thank them for their generous service, time and valued contributions.

Thanks for your Patience

The Medical Office Assistant (MOA) team would like to thank everyone for their patience over the summer months – our busiest season by far. Added to the usual influx of visitors and seasonal residents requiring urgent care, locum support for our vacationing providers was thin on the ground. Dr. John Faul is also integrating his counselling practicum into his workday, offering a welcome service. All of this resulted in some shuffling of schedules and – you guessed it – rearranged appointments. Your kind consideration and accommodation has been appreciated.

We are happy to report that we are actively working on our waitlist. There is always a delay from the time you sign up to the Health Connect Registry to the time we can on-board you. But the time frame is getting shorter and shorter and we are making room for everyone on the waitlist.

Speaker Series – Lyme Disease

We are looking forward to collaborating with the Pender Islands Conservancy for a talk on Lyme disease in October. Dates are being nailed down – stay tuned.

New Baby Change Table

Babies and toddlers show a remarkable talent for choosing the most inopportune times or places to answer nature’s call, and a clean, handy and safe place for caregivers to tidy them up is very welcome. You’ll find our new change table in the bathroom closest to the lab.

Check-In from Jane Harrison, Executive Director

As the summer comes to a close and we prepare for our AGM on September 25, it is a good time to reflect on my first year as the Executive Director. Following in some pretty large footsteps, I am fortunate to serve PIHCS at a time when so much of the groundwork has been done. That’s not to say that it is all smooth sailing. Facilitating the many sides of health and wellness on our small, rural island will always have its challenges. I confess to dreaming of a time when funding for community-led health centres such as ours is not akin to a game of “snakes and ladders”.

Each year, it is useful to take measure of our successes. We continue to address aging infrastructure one project at a time, striving to maintain a safe, welcoming space for our community and health care professionals. Our Board has an active voice on many committees and panels that oversee health care on the Outer South Gulf Islands including a provincial task force on Community Health Centres and rural health. We have a robust Healthy Aging team offering a variety of programs for our older adults. We received full accreditation for our Island Health lab services and are trying to rebuild our mental health program after a major funding cut.

As a community, we all appreciate the many services offered by the primary care medical providers & ambulance crews, plus dental, chiropractic and massage therapy teams. The Island Health Community Health Services (community nurses), quite simply, move mountains for their clients. Our Medical Equipment Loan Program is the envy of the Southern Gulf Islands.

Behind each and every one of these services and programs are the people who work and volunteer at the health centre. Where would we be without them? I appreciate each day that I walk the halls and hear the conversations and interactions that make this place hum. As I write this, the whole place is re-grouping from the mid-summer long weekend – phones ringing, patients arriving, clients catching up, maintenance on the well pump, the processing of invoices… and the ambulance has just gone out. An ordinary day ably handled by some extraordinary people.

And finally, I must recognize the hard-working volunteer Board of Directors of the PIHCS. These folks volunteer countless hours supporting every aspect of health care on this island. They bring the highest level of integrity, expertise and passion to their roles and, luckily for me, patience and a sense of humour. In all of this, I know just how genuinely fortunate I am to serve on behalf of this organization and this community.

Health Promotion Calendar

For September, Health Canada lists many awareness topics, including arthritis (did you know there are over 100 kinds of arthritis?) and prostate cancer (early diagnosis is key; men over 45 should discuss screening with their care provider). For reliable information, seek out reputable sources, such as your primary caregiver. Websites of academic medical institutions, government health agencies and professional health organizations can also be helpful. Look for information based on scientific research and evidence rather than anecdotal or story-based claims, and beware of influencers and websites that are trying to sell you something. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Perinatal Mental Health Group

6 Thursdays starting October 23, 1 pm Pender Islands Health Centre

This Perinatal Mental Health Group is open to new and expecting parents up to one year postpartum who are seeking support to strengthen their mental health. The group will explore the changes and challenges that come with the journey into parenthood along with practical strategies and supportive exercises. Topics and themes explored include how pregnancy and parenthood affect the brain, changing roles, identity and relationships, body image, building your support system, and mental health strategies. Birthing and non-birthing partners are welcome. This group is open to new parents and those with older children who are expecting. Register by emailing info@penderislandhealth.org.

Funding … and Fundraising

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, we remind readers that funding from property taxes, the Ministry of Health, Island Health and the United Way do not fully cover expenses at the Health Centre. We are continuing to work hard at regional and provincial levels, advocating for sufficient funding. Meanwhile, for services to continue from a safe and accessible building compliant with changing regulations, we must fund-raise. We are relentless in seeking out grants; grant-seeking is almost a competitive sport, with so many worthy applicants vying for limited dollars. Many grants require matching funds to be raised locally.

This is where you, the people of Pender, come in! Your donations make a real difference – helping us secure additional funding and carry out essential upgrades to our building. Some of these improvements are urgent and need to happen in the next year or two; others can wait a bit longer. We’re aiming to raise $300,000 over the next two years – a significant goal. Our building reserve fund is stretched thin, and we are counting on the support of Penderites, including full- and part-time residents who may rely on the medical clinic in urgent situations and also appreciate its steady presence in the community.

Donating is easy and tax-deductible; you can mail or drop off a cheque, e-transfer to info@penderislandhealth.org, or give through our website. You can also set up monthly donations, which help us plan more effectively. Every gift, large or small, has an impact. We sincerely thank you.

Kelly Leroux on behalf of the Communications Committee, PIHCS

Community Support Programs

Maintain Your Independence (MYI) Exercise Classes

Classes are $50 for eight sessions or $8 to drop in. Full class descriptions, locations, times, registration (not required) and payment can all be found on our website, under the Community Programs tab. If the cost is a hardship, or you need help with registration, please contact Marcella in the Community Support office at 250-629-3346 or activities@penderislandhealth.org. We acknowledge the support of the Pender Island Parks and Recreation Commission.

Mondays, September 8 – October 20

Community Hall

18 Postures with Judith Young

10:15 – 11:15 am

This class incorporates slow stretches, breathing exercises, improving balance and posture, and stimulating acupuncture points. Drop-ins are welcome, $5.

Yin Yoga with Candace Aldridge

11:30 am – 12:30 pm

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.

Tuesdays, September 2 – October 21

Anglican Church, Fireside Room

Moderate Yoga with Mia Klassen

9:30 – 10:30 am

This moderately paced class teaches foundational yoga shapes, introducing breath and the ability to flow from one posture to the next. With a focus on alignment, pranayama (awareness of breath), guided meditation, and a rooted sense of Joy and Play. You will build strength and mobility, flexibility and balance, while gaining range of motion in your joints and spine.

Chair Yoga with Candace Aldridge

10:45 – 11:45 am

Chair Yoga offers a gentle, accessible way to ease stiffness, reduce chronic pain, and improve strength, balance, and flexibility — all from the comfort of a chair. This practice weaves together gentle stretching, strength-building, breath awareness, and moments of meditation to support both body and mind. Ideal for those with limited mobility, injuries, health conditions, or anyone who spends long hours sitting,

Essentrics with Heather Hanson

12 – 1 pm (six classes starting September 16)

Restore movement in your joints, increase strength and flexibility in your muscles, and help relieve pain. This is a slow to medium-paced full-body workout. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat.

Thursdays, September 4 – October 23

Anglican Church, Fireside Room

Moderate Yoga with Candace Aldridge

9:30 – 10:30 am

(See Tuesdays for descriptions)

Chair Yoga with Mia Klassen

10:45 – 11:45 am

(See Tuesdays for descriptions)

Monday Activity Day at the Community Hall

See Calendar for a full schedule including lunch menus.

Special Activities

September 8

Book Club with Cee

This month’s book discussion will include both Thirst for Justice by local author David Boyd, and Other Eden by Paul Harding. Relax, meet new friends, join in good conversation, and discover great books together.

Seniors Advisory Group

Share your ideas, connect with others, and help us create Monday Activities that matter to you. Your input helps shape the activities, events, classes, and workshops offered, whether it’s fitness classes, arts and crafts, films, or social events.

Artful Assemblage with Madelin

Glue, Paper, Scissors. Mix and match paper scraps into a meaningful collage. Create a unique assemblage that is whimsical, or high art. Materials will be provided but feel free to bring any paper scraps you may want to include and scissors if you have a pair. $5

Geriatric Kung-Fu with Tom Dodge

Tom has studied and taught Shaolin Kung-Fu for nearly 50 years here on Pender and throughout BC. He holds the rank of blue sash and is ranked a 3rd or 4th Dan in Karate. Due to mobility challenges, he will be teaching a much gentler class suitable for all levels of mobility and ability. This is a weekly drop-in class. Please wear comfortable clothing.

Kayaking Adventure

Join Joel from Looking to Sea for a three-hour Pender Island Ecotour. This is an immersive, exciting, and accessible tour for everyone. It’s a guaranteed wildlife experience with educational moments you’ll keep for a lifetime. Learn about the cultural and geological importance of these lands. All tours include a standard sea kayak and gear required by Transportation Canada. The cost is $75. Pre-register with the SGINH by September 6.

September 15

CRA & Service Canada Clinic

Drop in to this special day where the staff will offer help with tax credits, CPP & OAS information/assistance, signing up with the online My Service Canada, signing up for the new Dental Plan and much more. Please remember to bring the appropriate ID. It’s a must. No need to pre-register, first come first served. 9:30 am – 2:30 pm.

Meditative Stitch Gathering – Sashiko

Come and learn this traditional Japanese stitching technique, a form of visible mending and decorative reinforcement of fabric using running stitches. Please bring a piece of fabric to practice with, a needle and embroidery floss. Sashiko templates and fabric chalk will be provided.

Geriatric Kung-Fu with Tom Dodge

See September 8.

Armchair Travel with Shelley & Chris Part 1 – India

Join them as they discuss some of the highlights of their trip in this large country with 1.4 billion people exploring the rich history ranging from the forts and palaces of the “Golden Age” (the arrival of Islam and the Delhi Sultanate, 1206-1526); the Mughal Empire (known for its cultural achievements, 1526-1857); the British colonial period (1757-1947) ending with the highlights of Indian independence. Their presentation will involve an introduction, an iMovie film and then a question period (one hour in total).

Caregivers Support Group

An opportunity for self-care, a place to discuss your concerns, get information, find out what others have done, share your feelings, and connect with others.

September 22

Make Do & Mend Morning

Join volunteers Fix-it Peter, Tech Savvy Shon, and Sewing Expert Judy, all dedicated to sharing skills and giving new life to broken or worn-out items! Bring in your broken, confusing, or worn items and learn how to repair or use them alongside our wonderful helpers. Drop-in

Group Walk on Molly’s Trail

Meet by the front doors in the hall as we head off to explore Pender’s newest trail. The route is approximately 3 km and will take us on a winding path into Karl Hamson’s property. This hike is not suitable for folks with mobility issues. Remember to wear sturdy shoes. No dogs, please. Join us for coffee or lunch afterwards.

Geriatric Kung-Fu with Tom Dodge

See September 8.

The Myths About Trees

Tony Wolcott, a Board-Certified Master Arborist, will talk about the many tree myths surrounding us. This presentation explores what trees really are and how our general perceptions often lack scientific grounding. We’ll examine common misconceptions about tree roots, growth patterns, seasonal changes, and anatomy. While keeping examples relevant to Pender Island, when possible, this is a fun and informative look at tree characteristics and how to avoid the persistent myths that surround these remarkable organisms.

Film: 500 Days in the Wild

This independent documentary film follows filmmaker Dianne Whelan’s six-year journey to traverse the Trans Canada Trail, the longest recreational trail in the world, by foot, bike, canoe, and kayak. The film blends adventure, personal reflections, stunning landscapes, and wildlife encounters as Whelan explores the trail’s 24,000 km. It also explores themes of ecological awareness, reconciliation, and the human connection to nature, challenging viewers to re-evaluate their relationship with the land and each other.

September 29

Artist Playdate with Audrey

You’re a poet and didn’t know it. No writing experience or talent required. This creative technique will surprise you. Once your piece is finished, we’ll add some zhuzh.

Geriatric Kung-Fu with Tom Dodge

See September 8.

Adventure of a Lifetime with Urs Boxler, Part 1

Relive the adventure of a lifetime with Judy and Urs when they decided to travel from Central Europe to Australia overland, and with ships in a camper van in 1977 – 78. Their trip lasted 16 months. Part 1 will cover their journey from Switzerland to Pakistan, primarily Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. The presentations will cover scenery, cityscapes, people, cultural and archaeological highlights and enduring treasures, as well as unique travel adventures and challenges. Part 2 is scheduled for November 10.

Film: Little Miss Sunshine

Acts of Kindness/Gratitude

Anyone who has had the pleasure of visiting Jane Hammond in her cozy home, will likely remember the green high-back armchair tucked between the sofa and the far wall. Its fabric is shredded beyond repair, yet it remains proudly in place. This chair belongs to Pumpkin—the cat who claimed it as his own. And it is Pumpkin who stars in this month’s story, told in Jane’s own words at the age of 94.

“My son Andrew saw an ad on Facebook from a woman looking for a home for her cat. He called me and said, ‘Oh, Mother, you need a cat.’

I’ve always had cats, so I didn’t think too long before saying, ‘All right.’ I think they’d tried placing the cat with another family, but it hadn’t worked out. So, they brought him over in a carrier. I’d never met them before.”

For the first month, I kept him indoors, so he’d feel safe. The woman came by a few times to visit, but he wouldn’t go near her. I think he was angry.

Later, she was diagnosed with cancer. The week before she died, she came to see him one last time—and he let her pick him up. I think he knew. That’s the kind of cat he is.

A few months ago, Jane had a fall and was taken to the hospital. Her kind neighbours stepped in to care for Pumpkin, leaving the sliding door open so he could come and go. But raccoons found their way in and made a mess of the cat food. The door had to be closed, and Pumpkin stopped coming by.

“They didn’t tell me right away—they didn’t want to upset me. But of course, I was worried. I told my friends in the hospital. I missed him.”

Jane’s recovery was slow but steady. She spent a month in the hospital before being moved to a rehabilitation unit where she began physiotherapy. The doctor told her when seniors have a fall, it’s common for them to have difficulty walking afterwards. He told her she needed to build up the strength in her legs.

Four days before Jane was discharged, her neighbours spotted Pumpkin again.

“My son brought me home. I’d only been home a couple of hours when Pumpkin appeared at the sliding door.

I was sitting on the sofa. He came in, jumped into my lap, and wouldn’t leave. He stayed there for two days, even slept on my bed. He looked perfectly fine.”

Now, Jane is back home, and Pumpkin is too.

“He comes and goes. He’s happy. He feels safe.”

Jane’s story reminds us that healing takes time and love often finds its way back when we need it the most. Through the kindness of neighbours, the prayers of a friend, or the quiet loyalty of a cat, gratitude lives in the small moments that make us feel at home again.

If you have an uplifting story to share, please contact me at the Community Support office.

Marcella Reay, Community Connector

Pender Island Lions Club

Lions Gather to Celebrate a Busy and Impactful Year

It has already been an incredible year for the Pender Islands Lions, a year filled with service, connection, and community spirit. To mark our successes so far, we recently gathered in person for our monthly meeting, which doubled as a barbecue celebration.

Partners joined us for an evening of good food, laughter, and reflection as we celebrated the accomplishments of the year and looked ahead to what’s next. A heartfelt thank-you to Gail and Greg Forsyth for hosting this special evening on their beautiful deck nestled in the trees, it was the perfect setting for a night of connection and recognition.

We’re proud of what we’ve achieved and are excited to share a visual timeline of our events and fundraising efforts in the October issue of The Pender Post, so stay tuned!

As part of the celebration, we had the pleasure of recognizing several outstanding individuals. Gary Goodman and Michael Pelletier were presented with certificates and pins as honorary members of our extended Lions community. While not officially Lions, they’ve generously contributed their time and support to countless initiatives, and we are deeply grateful.

Annette Cyr was also recognized for her dedicated service as Lions president. Our secretary-treasurer, Gail Forsyth, presented Annette with her presidential pin, highlighting her remarkable growth since stepping into the role early in her Lions journey.

Dave Dryer and Marc Lesperance.

The evening’s highest honour went to Dave Dryer, who was presented with a special plaque by long-time Lions member and former president Marc Lesperance. Dave, a lifetime member of Lions Club International, and former president, has demonstrated unwavering commitment to both our local and international clubs and has played a pivotal role in many Lions initiatives.

We invite anyone in the community who’s inspired by service and connection to consider joining us, we’re always looking to make our roar a little louder. For more information, email us at penderislions@gmail.com.

Lisa Gedak

Pender Island Museum Society

Arthur Crane homeschooling his four children in their Camp Bay home on South Pender.

Back-to-School

Our September back-to-school column comes courtesy of summer Museum Assistant, Ella East. Ella recently catalogued a collection of documents on the early years of the South Pender School. This story traces the struggles to get the school going, something Ella now knows more about than anyone else.

Simone Marler, President

Barely a trace remains of the South Pender Public School which operated off and on between 1926-1951.

School on a Cliff

In the early settler era, Arthur and Lilias Spalding homeschooled their children in history, grammar, languages, and poetry. Arthur’s nephew, Leonard Higgs, would teach them “about the stars, about fish, rocks, fossils…and in early summer there was always a trip to Bare Island to the seabird colony”.

In December 1925, South Pender reached the minimum of six students to warrant a public school. A trustee board was duly sworn in. Secretary Gerry Parkyn made tireless efforts to coordinate, negotiate and, dare I say, beg the South Pender School into existence.

On February 19, 1926, teaching began at the Higgs home, approved as a temporary classroom until a schoolhouse could be built. Islander Miss Violet Taylor received a temporary teaching certificate at a cost of $5, while the Victoria-based superintendent searched for a credentialed teacher. Miss Taylor was fondly remembered for “winning the love of her pupils and the entire confidence of all the parents”.

Unfortunately, the second teacher, Mr. Lundie, would challenge the school board and community alike. Firsthand accounts reveal that he had been dismissed from previous postings for a variety of misconduct. Islanders became deeply concerned by his behaviour.

Assigned to begin on April 19, Lundie brought his wife and children to the island, but his family was not exempt from his mistreatment. Farmer Arthur Crane once rescued a Lundie daughter from one of her father’s episodes. This incident may have influenced the Cranes’ decision to continue homeschooling their children.

As concerns about the newest teacher intensified, the trustees were also negotiating with an off-island property owner for a schoolhouse site. After exhaustive efforts, they were forced to build on a cliffside. A student later remembered a “picket fence on the edge of the 200-foot drop-off that was supposed to keep the children from dropping over into the rocks or pushing the teacher!”.

In the summer of 1926, Gerry Parkyn investigated Mr. Lundie further and collected more disturbing evidence from his past postings, sealing his resignation at Christmas. He was replaced by the respectable Mrs. Katherine Ballou. After Mr Lundie’s family moved off-island, concerned South Penderites visited his wife and children in Victoria to check on their welfare.

Such century-old stories of dedicated female teachers and people’s willingness to go to great lengths to protect their children are a testament to the quality of the early South Pender community. What a privilege to uncover how this strength of character continues to this day!

My thanks to the many passionate people, including Simone Marler, Frank and Susan Trice, Kelly Irving, and Robert Dill, who helped me research the early efforts to educate the children of South Pender.

Ella East, Museum Assistant (summer 2025)

Pender Island Parks and Recreation Commission

Each year the Commission makes grants to community groups providing recreational opportunities for islanders. This year, grants totalling $72,000 were approved for 17 community groups. We will share more details in our report next month.

Good dog news – Commissioner Tim Frick is leading a small group of folks to advance and fulfill the need for recreational areas for dogs on Pender. See the report from Tim’s group below.

And the not so good dog news – doggie doo stations continue to be abused and misused in the summer months. Most dog owners are wonderful, and some aren’t. The abuse risks removal of the service, since simply having the receptacles encourages those who care more for themselves than others to place diapers and food waste in and around the stations.

Schooner Trail Construction is Underway.

Rob Fawcett is communicating continuously with the Coastal Wolf team and community members. Any concerns, as well as pats on the back, should be directed to Rob.

Ben is planning a renewal of the swing set area at Shingle Bay Park. The work involves preparation – removal of existing fill and border materials, followed by new border timbers, new base, ground cloth, and five to six inches of pea gravel. Ben will be doing the work in late August and early September.

Planning work continues for the Thieves Bay Pavilion. Rob is working with local professionals to design and engineer an economical solid structure that will provide covered picnic and assembly space at the park, and is looking into the possibility of using island volunteers for the actual build.

On South Pender, along Boundary Pass Road, is the Mirada Road Beach view trail. This trail was turned into a barge landing area for equipment and materials used in the Dip project. It has since been regraded, and the Commission is discussing future use of this challenging site. Constructive ideas are most welcome.

The next Commission meeting is September 8 at 3:30 pm at the Community Hall. Among other things, preliminary 2026 budget estimates will be discussed.

George Leroux, Chair

New Dog Park Advisory Panel

As keen readers will remember from previous editions of The Pender Post, Pender Islands Parks and Recreation Commission (PIPRC) is searching for a location for a new dog park. They put out a call for interested residents to form an advisory subcommittee, and that call was answered! On July 28, a group of us joined Tim Frick and Rob Fawcett at the Community Hall to begin brainstorming all things dog park.

The ten or so volunteers have brought different backgrounds of experience with dogs, and different ideas on how to move forward, but all share a commitment to the importance of exercise and socialization for our canine companions in a well-managed, sanctioned setting. We also understand that the provision of a designated area for freedom from a leash can reduce unsanctioned off-leash activity in more sensitive sites.

Subcommittee members have already started the important work of drafting park rules, etiquette, and other important details. The big question of course is: Where will it go? Do we use existing park land? Do we raise money to purchase or lease a property? These conversations are ongoing. In the meantime, we already started the important work of public outreach, including a presence at the PIPRC table at the Fall Fair.

Reach out if you have questions or ideas! And keep an eye on the All Things Dogs on Pender Island Facebook group for updates.

Nik Hill, Dog Advisory Subcommittee

Pender Island Pride Society

These photos of last month’s Pride Festival were taken by Kento Kikuchi.

Pender Island Public Library

Kids’ Summer Reading Club

The 2025 Kids Summer Reading Club was a roaring success with a record 42 kids signing up and reading books all summer long. Book prizes were awarded to all participants in support of youth literacy. Many local kids and visitors also enjoyed the treasure hunt in the library and take-home crafts (friendship bracelets, origami birds). Thanks to all the families that participated in making “Colour Your Summer!” a big hit.

Events

We’re pleased to partner with the elementary/secondary school to offer Youth Graphic Novel Workshops on September 18 and 19. Students in Grades 4-7 will have daily workshops and Grades 8-9 will have after-school sessions. These workshops will be facilitated by Seraji, a Vancouver-based comic artist, cartoonist, and illustrator. Check out his portfolio, comics, and other artwork. This event is fully funded by the library for our creative Pender Island students.

On Display

September is the month to focus on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, an opportunity to commemorate and reflect on the history and legacy of residential schools in Canada. The day is also known as Orange Shirt Day, and is a time to honour residential school Survivors, Indigenous families and their communities. It’s a time for Canadians to learn about the tragic history and ongoing impacts of residential schools. Come borrow books to educate yourself and to commit to the many calls to action that you can personally undertake.

Art in the Library

“Behind the Scenes”, presented by the Pender Islands Museum, is an exhibition of local artworks that connect past and present. (See ad page 43.) Come view pieces that the museum doesn’t have space to show, with a handy Gallery Guide sharing the stories behind the Port Washington Dance Hall, old time barns, lodges, and valley farms. Part of the Museum’s 20th anniversary celebrations, this exhibit continues through October 2025. It includes a selection of Library books on local history, available for borrowing.

Games and Puzzles On Loan

We’ve launched a selection of games and puzzles (500, 1000, and 1500 pieces) that can be borrowed. Thanks to those who submitted this idea in our Suggestion Box.

New Books

Adult Fiction

Coded Justice (Stacey Abrams), Typewriter Beach (Meg Waite Clayton), How to Lose a Lord in Ten Days (Sophie Irwin), The Homemade God (Rachel Joyce), The Umbrella’s Maker’s Son (Tod Lending).

Adult Mystery and Sci-Fi

Killer on the First Page (Ian Ferguson), The Frozen People (Elly Griffiths), The Phoenix Keeper (S.A. MacLean), Do Not Disturb (Freida McFadden), Dogged Pursuit (David Rosenfelt), Listen for the Lie (Amy Tintera), An Enemy in the Village (Martin Walker), The Women in Suite 11 (Ruth Ware).

Adult Non-Fiction

Supercommunicators (Charles Duhigg), Pacific Harvest (Jennifer Hahn), Slow Productivity (Cal Newport), The Living Sea (Jacquie Shannon).

Youth and YA

High Spirits (Camille Gomera-Tavarez), Sunny Figures it Out (Jennifer Holm), Catfish Rolling (Clara Kumagai), Everybelly (Thao Lam), A Treachery of Swans (A.B. Poranek), The Everybody Book of Consent (Rachel Simon), The Animal People Chose a Leader (Richard Wagamese).

We are open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, 10 am – 3 pm, at 4407 Bedwell Harbour Road. The library will be closed on Tuesday, September 30 for the National Day of Truth & Reconciliation.

Carmen Oleskevich, Library Director libraryhelpdesk@crd.bc.ca 250-629-3722

Pender Island Recycling Society

Happy Fall everyone! The island is still busy but we’re slowly easing into a quieter season. Thank you to everyone who participated in another successful Fall Fair, it’s always inspiring to see people coming together to make these community events happen.

Staff from the recycling depot once again participated in the Fall Fair’s Zero Waste Initiative. Sorting stations were set up and staff were on site to help fairgoers sort their recycling, compost, and garbage with the aim of diverting as much material from the landfill as possible.

Water refill stations eliminated the need for single use bottles, with glasses provided from our dish loan program. The fall fair dinner was served with dishes, cutlery, and napkins also provided from our dish loan program. All of these efforts combined to greatly reduce the amount of garbage generated by the fair.

Thank you for continuing to donate items for reuse in our Freestore and Restore area. We appreciate donations of gently used housewares, working electronics, home improvement items, tools, children’s toys, and metal or wood furniture. These items are cleaned up and circulated back into the community, for free or by donation.

It’s always exciting to see the variety of items that come through the depot, and the happy faces of people discovering new treasures. Just a reminder as we move into the damp season that we cannot accept clothing, shoes, textiles, particle board, or anything that will be damaged by moisture.

Is it time to renew your membership in the Pender Island Recycling Society? Memberships are voluntary, tax deductible, and cost $20. The money generated helps us fund depot operations. You can renew online by visiting our website, penderislandrecycling.com, or sending an e-transfer to penderislandrecycling@gmail.com. If paying by e-transfer please leave your address in the memo and a charitable donation receipt will be sent by mail.

Laura Begley

Pender Island School Parent Advisory Committee (PAC)

At the start of this month, parents in suddenly quieter homes across the islands will share a collective exhale as we send our excited-but-nervous students out the door for the start of the new school year.

Truly, it will be a bittersweet time when our kids return to classes at Pender Islands School. There will be new routines to get used to, new school supplies for them to pack, play with, and inevitably misplace. There will be new desks, new classmates, and new teachers. They will be introduced to new ideas and foster new passions.

We adults have our own adjustments to make. With children no longer underfoot, we will need to find ways to fill up our time, lest we collapse into a pit of lonesome despair and crippling meaninglessness.

Why don’t we kick the school season off by making some new connections of our own?

On the morning of September 2, the Pender Island Parents’ Advisory Committee will be serving up muffins and coffee for those dropping their children off on the first day of school. We invite parents – old hat and newcomers alike – to stick around and share stories, swap tips, and otherwise discuss the matters that make a difference to Pender parents.

The PAC is planning to host several similar events over the year, everything from barbecues and student lunches to major fundraising events like the Read-a-Thon program and a Winter Carnival. How much we can do, and how far we can go in supporting the students and our schoolwide family, comes down to our collection of parent volunteers. So when the year kicks off anew, come sip some coffee, share some stories, and find out how you can get involved.

Matthew Coutts, PAC member

Pender Island Scouts

Greetings from the 1st Gulf Islands Scouts Group, a chapter of Scouts Canada operating right here on the Pender Islands. This month, we’ll be getting back to sharing love for – and lessons from – the Great Outdoors.

We officially got underway last fall, with weekly gatherings at the Hall for our members, ages five to 14. You may have noticed our members lending a hand around the community, including running hydration stations at the Fall Fair last month.

With troop meetings starting up again this month, we’ll be sure to keep the island up to date on highlights from our weekly meetings, the development of our members, and chances for the community to participate in our public events.

Halloween Costume Swap

With children across Pender already looking forward to Halloween festivities, we have turned our attention to running a costume swap to help get those old, forgotten outfits into the hands of kids who can put them to good use.

Bring any well-maintained holiday hand-me-downs to the school gym on Wednesday, September 24, between 5:30 and 7:30 pm. If you don’t have any costumes to donate but are looking for a cost- and eco-friendly way to dress up for the big day, come see what is available.

Entrance is by donation and the money raised will support our local Scouts. Please check future issues of The Pender Post for updates, and feel free to reach out to us to get involved.

Knot of the Month

The square knot – or reef knot – is a basic knot style that is especially helpful when tying together similarly-sized ropes. It can be a great help in securing equipment or in first aid. And it’s easy to tie: right over left, and then left over right.

Scouting Tip – Layer Up!

The best way to stay warm in the cooler months is to dress in layers. Layering your clothing will help you stay warm and give you the option of easily adapting to the changing temperature. A base layer that helps wick away sweat, combined with a warm middle layer and an outer shell that protects from rain and wind should do the trick.

And when in doubt, remember the Scouts motto: Be Prepared.

Brie Balmer penderislandscouts@gmail.com

PenderPOD

Experimenting with baleinophones at the Mosaic Festival

Pender Ocean Defenders have been tending to their gardens and family visitors this past month. Some PODsters participated in Mosaic’s Imagination Station, which was a delightful area of the festival, teeming with kid creativity.

POD’s table was set up by Kath Durant, Monica Petrie, and Mary Anne Paré to exhibit and paint the baleinophones that were officially launched at Orca Day in July. Mostly what the kids wanted to do was play the instruments. We were delighted to discover that even the littlest PODlings can produce some impressive whale sounds from a baleinophone.

CBC Radio has conducted a contest for the most popular BC symbol, as part of a discussion about the significance and appropriateness of the present images on the provincial flag. There were 64 contenders for most relevant symbol, including Raven, Stellar’s Jay, Spirit Bear, Totem Pole, and even Ogopogo. The Orca made it to the semifinals, up against the Cedar tree. Voters spoke about how powerfully the sight of Orcas moves us and how they are indicators of the health of the marine environment.

Our Southern Gulf Islands Sighters’ Network got recognition when CBC went to East Point on Saturna to interview Lauren Laturnus, who is stationed there for the summer, collecting data on whales as part of her Masters’ degree in Environmental Sciences at Simon Fraser University. And just as August’s Pender Post was preparing to go to print, the winner was announced: the Orca! Wouldn’t JPod be delighted to get all this love?

We hope this People’s Choice decision and widespread recognition will raise the public’s awareness of the urgency of protecting our provincial symbol.

Next up will be one of the highlights of POD’s year, hauling out our banners and painted wooden Orcas to walk with our vibrant community in the Fall Fair parade. Hope you joined us, look for pictures in next month’s The Pender Post.

Look for us on Facebook and at penderpod.ca.

Mary Anne Paré

Royal Canadian Legion

As we look ahead to September and the end of another summer, I feel it’s a good time to acknowledge the great crew of volunteers who keep the Legion going. Throughout the year our core group is always there to assist in any way they can.

Our Friday night crew has been the backbone of the Legion for years, performing a myriad of duties during any typical dinner or bbq including cooking, plating, serving, dishwashing, general clean up, and of course being a genial host to all our customers. Another group who have made a big impact on our success and ability to help serve our community are our volunteer bartenders.

For the last five years this group alone has saved the Legion many thousands of dollars and, as a bonus, permitted us to have the lowest beverage prices on the Island. Performing a sometimes hectic duty with efficiency and good humour, they continue to step up and go beyond the call of duty, even when the system rails against them – did I mention I’m a big fan of computers? NOT!

We must also thank our meat draw and bingo crews who are the visible faces that the guests get to see on a regular basis. Some of our meat draw teams have been doing this for years and as for me, I’m going to keep doing it until I get it right. Then there are those who look after the grounds or clean the gutters or look after the recycling.

The Legion has also done some off-site barbecuing this summer including the annual Show and Shine, Art Off the Fence, and the Fall Fair and a big thank you to these people as well as the many hands that come together for our annual Pig and Lamb Barbecue on August 31. Did you get a ticket?

All these things don’t get done without the dedication of our Legion team, including those individuals behind the scene who look after ticket sales, social media, newsletter info and generally keeping everything happening, which is unfortunately beyond the scope of our current President (that would be me, in case you were wondering).

One thing I have noticed is that a lot of our volunteers also volunteer with other organizations around the island. Perhaps we have just invented something called a Professional Volunteer right here on Pender Island. It makes you think that giving back to the community might be a concept that could actually catch on. I like to think of our team as a family, and that working for a common goal with no desire for personal reward other than helping each other, is a reward unto itself.

We are all just people trying to do the best we can, and like all families we don’t always agree, but I think in this current world of push and shove and looking after No. 1, that the concept of unselfish volunteerism is an example that misogynistic leaders around the world might take heed of – but of course they won’t!

Before I get off this subject, I would also like to thank those individuals who comprise our current executive. Without them the Legion does not exist, and on behalf of the Legion I thank you for your dedication to the cause. Elections for officers for 2026 will soon be upon us so if you wish to be part of the team, give me a call or if you are so inclined, you can accost me at any of our public functions. I always like to meet new people who want to make a difference and have fun doing it.

In other Legion news, we have two more Friday night barbecues lined up for September before we take a bit of a break in October. These BBQs have been a resounding success this summer and hopefully next year we can do a few more than the current bi-weekly schedule we have now. Perhaps with a few more volunteers this will happen…just saying!

The last chances to spend some time on the patio and enjoy some good music and food will be September 12 with Slo Cookin’ and September 26 with Randy Lockhart. As I mentioned, we will be giving the team some well deserved time off in October before returning with a Halloween dinner and party on October 31. This should be a real fun night so circle your calendar for this one.

Bingo will be returning to the Legion on Saturday, September 13 starting at 1 pm. Last year the bingo crowd started coming out in a big way, so hopefully we can pick up where we left off with lots of people having a great time down at your good old Legion. Make it a big day by sticking around for the meat draw, which starts at 4 pm, as it does just about every Saturday of the year…we may miss one around Christmas. Our General Meetings resume after a summer break, as usual the last Saturday of each month, September 27 at 2 pm.

Finally, I would like to welcome all those people who have chosen to become new members of the Royal Canadian Legion in this past year. It’s good to have you aboard and hopefully we will be seeing lots of you at the club in the coming months and years.

Oh, by the way, did anybody else notice how my dog (Guinness) photo bombed that picture of the Otters swim club in last month’s Post?

Cheers,

John Pender, President

Outer Gulf Islands RCMP

Meet your Detachment Commander

Sergeant Kimberly Graham became the Outer Gulf Islands RCMP Detachment Commander in August 2025. Sgt. Graham comes to this role with 25 years of service, policing in large and small cities and towns, most recently in Campbell River. Sgt. Graham brings a wealth of experience, and a good understanding of the role police play in a small community such as the ones within the Outer Gulf Islands.

Sgt. Graham received her Sergeant epaulette’s from RCMP Commissioner Michael Duheme on his recent visit to the surrounding area.

For the period of July 20 to August 20 the RCMP responded to 57 calls for service, which was up from 44 for the same period in 2024.

Files of Note

Abandoned Boat and Trailer

Multiple reports of an abandoned boat, trailer near the 9000 block of Canal Rd, just before the DIP heading south. It appears that whoever was transporting the boat, left it on the side of the road after a wheel fell off the trailer. The RCMP is currently working with the Ministry of Highways to determine the owner and to have it removed.

Deer

We had about the fourth report of a deer that had been struck by a vehicle where members were responsible for humanely dispatching the animal. I know the roads are busy with tourists, bikers, and people walking, but remember to drive with care. Baby deer often chase their mothers from a good distance behind.

Loud House Party

On August 8 and 9, there were multiple reports of a loud house party near the 4000 block of Scarff Road. Police have gathered all pertinent information which has been passed onto local Bylaw for further investigation. Such possible outcomes could include a monetary penalty.

Body-worn Cameras

The RCMP has rolled out body-worn cameras and a Digital Evidence Management System to frontline RCMP officers in the last few months. The Outer Gulf Islands RCMP has recently been trained and will be deployed with the body-worn cameras from this point forward. Body-worn cameras provide an unbiased, independent account of police/community interactions and will be a valuable tool for our officers. For more information about Body-worn cameras please visit: rcmp.ca/en/body-worn-cameras.

Thanks for reading!

Const. Matt McGregor

S,DA’YES Truth and Reconciliation Circle

We reconvene in September to recognize Orange Shirt Day/ National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, September 30. We invite the Pender community to attend a special presentation and learn more about the connection to our W̱SÁNEĆ neighbours and friends.

Salt Water Women

Saturday, September 27, 1 – 3 pm Anglican Hall

Mavis Underwood and Josephine Henry of the W̱SÁNEĆ First Nation community of Tsawout will be our speakers. Mavis is an elected Councillor at Tsawout and a PhD candidate in Anthropology at University of Victoria. Her interest is in the complex delivery of health care and support for community members.

Josephine is in a Masters program in SENĆOŦEN language studies at U Vic. She teaches the language at ȽÁU, WELṈEW̱ the Tribal School near Brentwood Bay.

Mavis recommends that as preparation we watch The Story Pole which features the totem pole in Beacon Hill Park which became a memorial to Indigenous veterans of WW2, including members of her family.

This presentation will include time for questions, and reflections on what we hear from Mavis and Josephine.

Admission is by donation.

Monica Petrie

SGI Community Resource Centre

Sustainable Funding Initiative

The SGI Sustainable Funding Initiative invites you to join us for our upcoming workshops.

Instagram Essentials for Southern Gulf Islands Small Businesses

Wednesday, October 15 and October 22 10 am – 12 pm, Zoom

Curious about using Instagram to promote your small business but don’t know where to start? Please join Taryn Danforth and Astrid Neimann-Zajac for this informative two part workshop series that will equip participants with the skills to build community, grow their audience, measure performance, and plan content for long- term success. Space is limited – register early at linktr.ee/sgisfi or contact islandsupport@sgicommunityresources.ca for more information.

Harnessing Legacy Giving on the Southern Gulf Islands

Wednesday, November 5, 9 am – 3 pm, Pender Island

Alison Brewin and Aimée Lindenberger offer practical training for Gulf Island organizations on what legacy giving is, how to do it, and why now is a good time to start. Can’t make it to the in-person event? No problem. We will be live streaming a portion of our morning presentation and Q and A, 9 am – 10:30 am via Zoom.

Housing NOW

Stay connected to the latest housing news from across the Southern Gulf Islands.

The Islands Housing NEWS brings you quarterly updates straight to your inbox, featuring the latest developments, funding opportunities, upcoming events, and community stories. Whether you’re a resident, property owner, or simply passionate about housing solutions in our region, this is your go-to resource for staying informed and engaged. There’s still time to subscribe and make sure you don’t miss out on the news that matters most to our islands. Sign up to receive the September issue.

Dining in the Dark – Volume Two

Call for Recipes

Our team is collecting original, no-electricity recipes to help households cook during power outages. We’re seeking kid-friendly and family meals, dietary-specific dishes (gluten-free, vegetarian, diabetic, etc.), budget-friendly options, and snacks or no-power treats. Recipes must use standard measurements and be doable on a barbecue, propane or wood stove, or prepared as no-heat meals.

To submit, visit tinyurl.com/dineitdark to access the QR code or submission form, or email dineitdark@sgicrc.ca with the subject “Recipe Submission”. Watch for updates and reminders on posters, Facebook, and Instagram.

The Crisp Festival happening on October 3 and 4 at the Pender Island Community Hall grounds will feature some amazing acts like Rose Cousins, the Boom Booms and the Lee Boys. For tickets and more information head to thecrisp.ca.

Thank You to Our Summer Youth Staff

A heartfelt thank you to all our summer youth staff for your incredible contributions to the Community Resource Centre over the past few months. Together, you’ve helped accomplish so much, and it has been an absolute pleasure working alongside such a dedicated and energetic team.

We wish you all the very best as you head back to school and university. Your hard work, creativity, and commitment have made a real difference in our communities, and we know our future is brighter with you in it!

Melody Pender

SGI Neighbourhood House

Taxi Saver Program Back for Winter

Are you 65 and older or facing mobility challenges? Stay connected to the community events you love – Legion dinners, concerts, bingo, and live theatre – without worrying about transportation.

This winter, the Pender Island Taxi Saver Program returns to provide safe, convenient, and affordable rides for island residents. Registration reopens from September 1 to October 31 at the SGI Neighbourhood House. For just $20, you can purchase $40 worth of taxi vouchers – a 50% saving. Vouchers are available while supplies last and can be used for door-to-door service anywhere on Pender Island, ensuring you get where you need to go safely and comfortably.

Community Justice Program

Each year on September 21, the world observes the International Day of Peace, a time to strengthen the ideals of peace within and among communities. This day reminds us that peace is not just the absence of conflict, but the presence of understanding, compassion, and cooperation.

The Southern Gulf Islands Community Justice Program (SGI CJP) works year-round to embody these principles through peace circles. These gatherings create safe, respectful spaces where people can listen deeply, share openly, and work together toward solutions. In a peace circle, everyone’s voice matters, which builds trust and relationships.

On this International Day of Peace, we invite our neighbours to reflect on how we can each contribute to a more harmonious community. Through small acts of kindness and open dialogue, we can help create the strong, connected, and peaceful Southern Gulf Islands we all wish to see. To inquire about requesting a circle, email us at cjp@sginh.ca and we will get back to you shortly.

55+ Seniors Programming

Collage with Madelin Emery

September 8, 1 pm.

Learn what makes a good collage.

Meditative Stitch Gathering – Sashiko

September 15

CRA and Service Canada

In-person help Monday, September 15, 9:30 am – 2:30 pm Community Hall

Canada Revenue Agency:

Benefits and Credits available such as Canada Child Benefit
Disability Tax Credit
GST/HST Credit
Tax slips, forms and resources

Service Canada:

Pension information on Old Age Security and Canada Pension Plan
Get a Social Insurance Number (birth certificate in most cases will be required)
Receive an access code to sign up for online My Service Canada
Canadian Dental Care Plan
Canada Disability Benefit
General Government of Canada information

Bring any ID you have as what is required will depend on what service you are accessing.

Support the Southern Gulf Islands Neighbourhood House and help us continue delivering vital programs that serve seniors, youth, food security, community justice across all four islands, and The Epicentre. All donations are deeply appreciated and eligible for a charitable tax receipt. Also, choose #6 on the Spirit Board to support the Epicentre.

Your support strengthens programs supporting food security, youth, vulnerable families, and community justice.

Michael Cowan

South Pender Historical Society

Grower and Makers Market 2024.

The 12th annual AGM of the South Pender Historical Society took place on Sunday August 17 at the Church of the Good Shepherd. Guest speaker Diane McBain shared fascinating stories of spending more than 50 years on Pender tending sheep, cattle, chickens and pets while collecting hay and growing a large garden on South Pender at Whalewych Farm. The talk was enjoyed by an appreciative audience in attendance.

Her talk was followed by a short AGM outlining our activities over the past year, sharing our financial picture and electing a nine person Board of Directors to oversee our operation for the coming year. Board members for 2025-26 include Patricia Callendar, Robert Dill, Kaya Englestoft. Bert Hol, Mani Lang, Christina McQuarrie, Barb Pender, Elizabeth Spalding, and Steve Wright. We look forward to a productive and exciting coming year.

The Grower and Makers Market scheduled for Sunday, October 31 will take place from 12 to 3 pm at the grounds of the Church of the Good Shepherd. This is always a great occasion to check out the fascinating array of products and services the community has created, including a fun filled afternoon of music, games, food, and a silent auction for you to enjoy, and no problem with access now that the road is fully open. We hope to see you there.

Robert Dill, President

Recreation and Leisure

CanBoat

Pender Island Squadron

There are still a few weeks of boating ahead before we need to think about preparing our boats for winter. Now is a good time to make a list of repairs and maintenance tasks to accomplish in the coming months. In my experience, what gets written down gets done.

September is a time when uncrowded anchorages and marinas offer more pleasant and less stressful cruising. Nearby destinations such as Tod Inlet, Sidney Spit, Montague Harbour, and Winter Cove are easily reached in daylight hours. Wallace Island, Telegraph Harbour, Maple Bay and Genoa Bay are a little further out but also reachable. This is a great time to visit our neighbours and cruising destinations in the Salish Sea. When anchored or dockside the evenings are a great time to jot down those items you want to add to your maintenance list.

Have you noticed that our local waters are becoming ever busier with large ships and commercial traffic? Many vessels now plying our local waters reach up to 300 meters in length! These are very large freighters with limited manoeuvrability. This means they are traversing restricted water and smaller vessels must take action to stay out of their way. Also, a quick glance at a ship tracker app will show there is a growing number of recreational vessels in our waters too. This might be a good time to refresh your knowledge on how to avoid conflicts with other vessels.

Mini-Courses

Continuing with last months’ report, here are descriptions of the final three mini-course offerings from CanBoat. Go to CanBoat.ca and click on All Courses to register if you wish to enroll in any of the offerings.

Avoiding Collisions

Just like road rules keep cars safe, the “rules of the water” help prevent boating accidents. This essential mini-course teaches you how to avoid collisions, understand right of way, and apply Canadian boating regulations – with clarity and confidence. You’ll learn how to:

Know who has the right of way – and when
Understand stand-on vs. Give-way vessels
Navigate safely around sailboats, paddlers, and larger ships
React quickly and confidently in common scenarios
Use sound signals and navigation lights correctly
Avoid the most common causes of boating collisions

Anchoring With Assurance

Anchoring is a skill every boater needs. In this mini-course, you’ll learn how to anchor a boat safely, choose the right anchor, calculate your rode (rope), and apply proven anchoring techniques for different conditions. Specifically, you’ll learn how to:

Choose the right anchor and rode/rope for your boat
Plan your anchoring spot using wind, current, and depth
Drop and set your anchor properly (and know it’s holding)
Raise anchor without fouling or damaging gear

Boating in Tidal Waters

For the safety of you, your crew, and your boat, it’s essential to understand tides and currents before heading into tidal waters. Failing to plan properly can leave you grounded –or worse, snapping your mast under a bridge or utility line. This mini-course offers a solid introduction to tidal navigation, helping you avoid costly, stressful mistakes. You’ll:

Understand how tides and currents currents actually work
Read tide charts and plan around timing
Adjust your route for water depth and rise/fall levels
Avoid grounding, low bridge clearance, and current misreads

Plan safer, smoother trips in tidal zones

Finally, consider taking out a membership in CanBoat to keep up to date and stay informed on safe boating.

Thanks for reading and stay safe on the water,

David Kirsop

Pender Island Garden Club

The Garden Club meeting is Thursday, September 11, 1 pm at the Community Hall. It is a Meet and Greet for returning members and newcomers and Share the Harvest. Please bring some of the bounty of your garden.

In the spirit of the harvest season I will share my favourite garden sauce recipe. It starts with tomatoes, onions and garlic from your garden or favourite farm stand, and oregano, salt and pepper, and olive oil. Heat the oven to 400 degrees fahrenheit and line a sheet pan with parchment paper.

Slice the tomatoes in half and the onions into smaller pieces. Put the cloves of garlic on the tray still in their paper skins. This prevents the garlic from burning. Lay everything out on the paper with the oregano, salt, and pepper, then drizzle with olive oil. Put the pan on the middle rack of the oven for a bit less than 10 minutes, then turn everything and cook for the same amount. Remove from the oven and let cool. Put everything through a food mill including the juices and oil. It makes a lovely silky sauce.

Putting one or two cups of sauce in a sandwich bag makes a package that lies flat in the freezer and thaws quickly. It’s versatile and delicious.

We hope everyone has a great garden. We will see you in September.

Vivian Mitchell

Pender Island Golf Club

John Hall, Sid Wein, Barb Souter, and Roy Moore. Photo: Michelle Galaugher.

Last month, we reported that we had 24 of our junior members playing in the Junior Golf Tournament in July. This is out of this year’s total of 36 junior members! We are delighted to see the future of our club blossoming.

In August it was the turn of our 80-and-over members to play their tournament with the team of Sid Wein, Barb Souter, John Hall and Roy Moore coming out on top. Congratulations to them.

Tournaments This Month

Of course, you don’t have to be under 19 or over 80 to enjoy the benefits of the club. There are lots of friendly competitions for those of us in between as well. For example, we have the Gayle Fisher two-day mixed Ryder Cup style tournament September 9 and 10.

Then on Saturday, September 13 we will host the annual Hackers Tournament. This is open to everyone, not just club members, and consists of 18 holes of golf followed by a dinner and prize presentation at Port Browning. Call 250-629-6659 to register as a team or an individual.

Free Golf

Just in case you missed the spring membership promotion, we have another great opportunity coming up. From September 15 until the end of the season, anyone paying their entrance fee will receive free golf for the rest of the year. Please contact the golf shop at 250-629-6659, or email membership@penderislandgolf.ca for further information. All the details of the benefits membership brings are available on our website: penderislandgolf.ca.

We are seeing record numbers of visitors this summer, due in no small part to the hard work of our Superintendent, Greg Chaster, who has kept the course in excellent condition. As a small, not-for-profit club, we can’t afford to do a lot of advertising. But there is no doubt that word of mouth from happy customers is more than making up for that. Please encourage your friends and relatives who may be visiting the islands to try us out.

It is interesting to note that we first started offering online tee time bookings through Golf Now in 2013 and I recently came across board minutes from the time that indicated that we were pleased to see nearly 30 groups or individuals taking advantage of that during the year. Today we have more than double that number booking their tee times every week and have many days when the course is pretty well full all day.

But fear not. If you do decide that you would like to get out for a game on the spur of the moment, just call the golf shop and they will do their best to squeeze you in. You can also take advantage of the Honour Box system after 5 pm when the shop is closed. Just follow the instructions on the board beside the locker room door.

Clubhouse Restaurant

Finally, the Clubhouse Restaurant has seen steady traffic and been well received. It will remain open at least until the end of September. Opening hours are 12 – 7 pm, Wednesday through Saturday, and 11 am – 6 pm on Sundays.

Ian Pirie

Pender Island Junior Sailing Association

About to sail in the Pirates and Lasers.

We ran five successful weeks of sailing courses. Over one hundred students have taken this year’s courses and we were especially pleased to have some adults participate in learning to sail as well. Adults are always welcome. Junior does not mean a ‘junior-aged’ person, it means learning to sail in a junior-sized (smaller) sailboat.

While we received many new faces in the courses this year, it should be noted that a fair number of the students, both resident and non-resident are annual repeat sailors. Some having advanced in completing all the components of their CanSail 1 to 4 courses are now eagerly pursuing courses for becoming future instructors here on Pender. The success of our courses is, in large part, due to our two on-island CanSail 1 and 2 instructors, Matthew Hinton and Luna Roberts and Sydney Rosler, our CanSail 3 and 4 instructor from Tsawwassen. They had all students fully engaged, excited and enjoying their sailing lessons. Many parents/grandparents expressed how much their students looked forward to attending each day. We know that many will be returning again next year.

Hacker’s Golf Tournament

Port Browning Marina and Pub, in cooperation with the Golf Course, will be sponsoring the 9th Annual Hacker’s Golf Tournament for the benefit of the Junior Sailing Association on September 13 this year. (See ad page 8 and inside back cover.) For teams of four, both 18-hole and 9-hole golf will be offered. All teams will start with a ‘shotgun start’ at 11 am. This is followed by a dinner at the Bistro. Tickets for golf and dinner (both 18-hole and 9-hole) are $75; for just dinner, $45; for just golf $50 for 18-holes and $45 for 9-holes. Tickets will be available through the Golf Course (250-629-6659). Golf club members do not pay for golf. All tickets have a $20 donation to PIJSA. A maximum of 36 golfers can participate, but many more can attend the dinner where there will be prizes.

The dinner will have a choice of beef, chicken, salmon or vegetarian hamburgers, which needs to be specified when tickets are purchased at the Golf Course.

While our Directors and Members provide on-beach support for the students, we are also grateful to the parents and grandparents who stay and help. The much-appreciated financial and other support this year was from the Tru Value Spirit Board, Pender Islands Yacht Club, CRD Parks and Recreation and Port Browning Marina and Pub, who house our site at Hamilton Beach. This support and the work of directors and volunteers allows us to keep the course costs down.

Allyson Coffey, Commodore

Pender Island Otters Swim Club

Last swim practice of the summer.

Our summer swim season ended August 16. Provincial finals were that same weekend up in Prince George, but no Otters attended, even though Coach Sidney qualified with her second place finish at Regionals in 100 m. Breast Stroke. She already had plans she couldn’t change, and it is a heck of a long way to go for one swim. But – both she and I brought medals back from Regionals. Mine was a gold in 100 meter Backstroke, in the inaugural Division 10 Girls category [adults 35+, and in my case way past plus!]. Sidney took Silver in Div. 7 100 meter Backstroke and 4th in 50 meter Free.

While it would have been great to have a few more Otters attend Regional Finals, I think we held our end up, while also doing ten hours of volunteer jobs to keep the meet running over the three days. And, we had swimmers at four of seven meets in our region this summer.

Now we are looking forward to starting up our fall season on September 26 at Panorama Pool. This session will go through to December 12, when we break for the holidays. All our practices are on Fridays between 10 am and 2 pm. We are glad to have returning coaches Deirdre and Elizabeth for the Otter Pups, and Sidney for the Juniors, Seniors and adult swim groups, but we are sad to have to say adieu to Coach Jeremy for now, as his university schedule did not allow him time on Fridays. We will keep our fingers crossed he might be able to come back in the summer of 2026, but we will have to wait and see.

So, we are in the process of hiring a second coach for the big pool groups, which we hope to have in place before our sessions start. We have a verbal agreement from one person to cover substitute/fill-in coaching, but they can not commit to a full coaching position. Our fall registration should be available at penderislandotters.ca by mid-September at the latest. For information, please contact us at pendreottersswimclub@gmail.com.

Until next time, have fun swimming be it in the sea or in the pool.

Helen Lemon-Moore, President

Weather Observations for July

	Average Temperatures			Extreme Temperatures		Precipitation
	Max	Min	Mean	High	Low	Rain	Snow	Total
Magic Lake	24.6	12.6	18.6	32 on 15th	9.5 on 6th, 26th, 27th	1.0	0	1.0
“Normal”	24.0	9.7	16.8 in 2022	27.5 in 2016	7.5 in 2000	17.1	0	17.1

July is on average our driest and warmest month. July 2025 was one of our driest with only 1 mm of rain; it was pleasantly warm but the temperature reached 30ºC on only three occasions and on some days the maximum temperature was no more than 20°C. Even so, because it was so dry our fire danger was extreme; outdoor burning was banned and there were restrictions on gas driven equipment and use of water.

Weather is fickle and hard to predict. Our climate brings us a wet winter and a warm dry summer, but there is a lot of variation in that summary. Fortunately we get very little extreme weather of any kind.

September is a variable month. Some years it is a pleasant continuation of summer with very little rain and lots of sunshine, but there have been three Septembers when we had more than 100 mm of rain. The Autumn Equinox occurs on September 22, the day the sun crosses the equator on its way south and we have approximately equal hours of daylight and night. That is if you are on the Greenwich (England) meridian at midday or if you are on the longitude of the beginning of one of the 24 time zones around the Earth. In British Columbia, Lake Okanagan and the towns near the lake are close to the beginning of the eighth time zone, so their Equinox is on September 22 and ours is a bit later.

Either way, summer is nearly over, autumn colours are already making their appearance. It is a beautiful time of year and there is still a lot of fruit to be picked.

Malcolm Armstrong

Cover Story

Our cover photo this month is of the Brackett barn on Razor Point Road, the last of the settler-era barns still standing. The Bracketts settled on Pender after losing their home in the New Westminster Fire of 1898 and built the barn in 1902 using hand-hewn logs. The farm extended from Browning Harbour to where the Driftwood is today.

The photo below, provided by Simone Marler at the Pender Island Museum, shows what Razor Point Road looked like about 1910.

The Brackett barn has inspired many artists during its long life, including the watercolour, above, by Sophia Odden, 1991. (Now housed in the Pender Islands Museum archives). Four paintings of the barn are on display in the library during September and October.

Photos of August’s Pride Festival and parade throughout this issue are by Kenta Kikuchi and were provided by the Pender Island Pride Society.