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Against the Current honours orca

Elizabeth Nolan
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Against the Current honours orca

If anyone was in need further convincing that killer whales are an impressive species and local orcas need immediate help if they are to survive, the multi-media show underway at Mahon Hall leaves absolutely no doubt.

Against the Current: Orca + Salmon is a moving homage to the southern resident killer whale population, whose three member pods combined are down to just 73 animals. While the Salt Spring Arts Council show celebrates the orca for its many interesting attributes —  the importance of community and family, its communication abilities, its sheer size — this is no gushing tribute to a favourite charismatic mammal. It is a sombre and thoughtful exhibition that mixes scientific material with artistic expression, and a powerful statement about what we stand to lose if we continue to fail this population. 

Serious art pieces by some of the region’s most accomplished creators stand beside more whimsical, but no less committed, contributions by local children. These include a stream of brightly coloured salmon that swim across an entire wall, with students and gallery visitors working on stencils created by Coast Salish artist and educator Quentin Harris. Glazed ceramic whale tails created by Salt Spring Centre School students under the guidance of Tracy Harrison are another lovely addition. 

But perhaps most moving are the family trees for J, K and L pods made from individual whale drawings collaged onto nautical charts. The project made by show curator Jane MacKenzie with Karin Beviere and Fulford Elementary students gives the viewer an instant understanding of each pod group, its family branches and members shown with their different sizes and ages. These family trees bring home how few of the whales there actually are, and with ghosted versions of the recently deceased, their vulnerability is magnified.

This project also includes the scientific names and the nicknames for each individual, a motif that is repeated throughout the show. This action means something more than anthropomorphizing. Award-wining author Mark Leiren-Young has argued we should know the SRKW by the adoption names given to them by The Whale Museum, as this creates an invitation to care. 

“Jane Goodall changed the world by naming the animals she studied,” he observes.

Marine environment activist Alexandra Morton, as quoted in exhibition materials, meanwhile warns, “If we lose the southern residents, it will be the first extinction where every individual’s name was known.”

Paul Burke is another artist to demonstrate the importance of naming. An impressive sculptural work on the stage in painted wood shows just the backs and dorsal fins of a mother whale and calf, as if they are skimming along the surface of the water. The pair is identified as Tsuchi and Tofino. 

The kid-friendly exhibition includes majestic orca bone and teeth specimens and documentary footage running in the rear room. 

The show continues to Sunday, Feb. 23. See ssartscouncil.com for details about adult and family art workshops happening at the hall this weekend.

For more on this story, see the Feb. 19, 2020 issue of the Gulf Islands Driftwood newspaper, or subscribe online.

Ometepe event set for Sunday

Gail Sjuberg
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Ometepe event set for Sunday

A co-founder of the Ometepe Gulf Islands Friendship Association is hosting a celebration of all things Ometepe at El Loco Taco this Sunday, Feb. 23. 

Set for 3 to 7 p.m., the event will feature a honey-tasting bar, coffee cupping, art, displays, music, poetry and door prizes, as well as Nicaraguan-themed dishes. 

Ron Pither, a well-known Gulf Islands farmer, was recently on Ometepe Island in Nicaragua, where he was brought up to date on the challenges faced by farmers there: primarily the advent of the coffee rust disease, which has devastated the crops in some parts of the island, but also the loss of lucrative plantain crops due to Hurricane Nate in 2017 and the impacts of political unrest, including a drop in income from tourism.

Pither returned from his trip with several samples of honey from Nicaraguan beehives and other sharable goods. 

Nedjo Rogers is the current OGIFA president. OGIFA is not organizing Sunday’s event, but is supportive of Pither’s contribution to increasing the profile of OGIFA, Ometepe Coffee and the sister island relationship between Salt Spring and Ometepe. 

Both Pither and Rogers would like to see the next generation of islanders, and especially local farmers, connect with the farmers in Ometepe. 

“The current interest is to do some outreach in the farming community here,” explained Rogers. 

Ideally that would see exchanges between Salt Spring and Ometepe farmers for the purposes of sharing knowledge and experiences. 

“That’s what farmers do,” said Pither. “We share over the fence and are collegial, as much as possible.”

OGIFA has also contributed to the hiring of an agronomist to provide advice to the farmers’ co-ops there, with diversification of crops being one of the prime recommendations.  

OGIFA always welcomes more volunteers to do from one to four shifts per summer brewing and selling coffee at the Saturday market and at community events like the fall fair and the Salt Spring Film Festival. Other volunteer opportunities include grinding and bagging coffee at “the can,” the converted shipping container in Ganges where OGIFA processes its coffee.

Anyone interested in finding out how to get involved can contact Marlene Rice, OGIFA membership coordinator, at mricessi@icloud.com.

U15s win season’s cup

Driftwood Staff
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U15s win season’s cup

The Salt Spring United girls U15 silver soccer team ended their regular season by winning the Tim Satterford Cup.

Salt Spring beat the Peninsula Turnbull team 5-1 on Feb. 8.

Team manager Cheryl Roehlig said the girls “played beautifully both defensively — holding their opponents to only one goal – and offensively, scoring five goals against a pretty formidable defence.”

Up 3-0 at the half, the girls bound together at half-time as a team, determined to secure the win for themselves and to bring the trophy back to Salt Spring.

“Each and every player on this team contributed to this win,” said coach Chris Jason. “They should be enormously proud of the way they played out there.”

Team members are Asia Stevenson, Nina DeRoo, Mia Kerrigan, Emilie Bevan, Maggie Nephtali, Quinn Nickels, Patricia Griffiths, Yuli Roehlig, Ana Sophia Marshall, McKenna Jason, India Hayden, Miranda Bantel, Sonya Richardson and Olive Goddard.

The Tim Satterford Cup competition is facilitated by the Lower Island Soccer Association. It is a single elimination competition that starts in October for teams in their respective leagues and plays out during the first half of the season. The Salt Spring girls U15 silver team will also compete in the district cup, which takes place in April. 

Viewpoint: Dark underbelly showing

Contributed Article
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Viewpoint: Dark underbelly showing

 By CAM ROBINSON 

Over the weekend, while enjoying the facilities at Centennial Park with my grandson, I witnessed a man urinating on a police officer’s car as the peacekeeper was engaging a rough-looking crowd drinking in public. 

How do I describe my reaction? I leave it to you good citizens to decide. My five-year-old grandson would have the opinion that it was at very least a poor performance. I can draw no conclusion other than it was a symbolic act, an insult to both the constabulary and the community. Another observer remarked to me that our island home will never be the same. I hope not.

I have always believed that how we treat the least fortunate members of our community is a direct reflection of who we are. I am very happy to see my tax dollars support those in need. I am, however, becoming increasingly concerned over the challenge of determining who are the worthy candidates versus those who are opportunists, capable but unmotivated to contribute to the common weal. To me this issue is amplified in an island microcosm, where spaces, housing, human and financial resources are literally finite. As I have witnessed the “dark underbelly” of the homeless population increase, i.e., those who are preying upon our good will, property and quality of life, I recognize that an equal proportion of those most deserving of our support are more likely to be displaced and tarnished by this metastasizing cancer. What to do?

The homeless question: Is there a solution? The words question and solution have a somewhat sinister ring to them, but cannot be ignored for the sake of propriety. So how do we identify the miscreants from the meritorious in our homeless population? I don’t think it’s as difficult as you might imagine, because as I witnessed at Centennial Park, they seem to identify themselves. The problem I observed in that particular example is that there appeared to be no ticketing, detention or arrest of the individuals acting in contravention of the law. I suspect this is a consequence of an ongoing and overwhelming battle of attrition, as police officers tire of endless paperwork and a revolving door at the courthouse.

There must be consequences for criminal and antisocial behaviour; those who escape them are otherwise emboldened by their experience, and thus we are on a slippery slope in their absence. Here I will assert that prison, though appropriate for many, is an expensive and counterproductive means of rehabilitation for those who require a hand up by means of correction for their desultory citizenship. Let’s not send them to crime school. 

Would it be too draconian to suggest repeat offenders be sent to work camps where by their own sweat and toil they may be instilled with a sense of self worth and purpose for their contribution to the common good, as well as the insight that such industry on the “outside” is preferable to the alternative?

Editorial: Middle Ground

Driftwood Staff
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Editorial: Middle Ground

Education theories and practices are always evolving, as with any discipline.

School District 64‘s configuration review, initiated in the fall of 2018, provides an opportunity to examine the status quo and consider what might be changed in future years. 

Whether or not Salt Spring Island Middle School should be maintained in its current state — serving approximately 300 students in grades 6, 7 and 8 — has been a major topic of discussion during the review process. 

A significant number of contributions to an online Thought Exchange board, which has been used to gather public input for the configuration review, addressed the middle school, with many of those suggesting it be closed. Anecdotally we’ve heard that some parents have dreaded sending their children to the middle school due to reports of bullying and other harmful behaviours, or reported lack of academic rigour. (Many families have had positive experiences at the school, of course.) 

When the new Gulf Islands Secondary School building was opened in 1995 and the former GISS became the middle school, it seemed desirable to use the campus for a new middle years program. At that time, students in Grades 6 and 7 were deemed too old for elementary school, and students in Grade 8 were deemed too young for high school. It was thought that keeping youth of that age together would be beneficial for their social and emotional health. But almost 25 years later, times have changed and so has the thinking. 

As a former Grade 6-7 teacher, high school principal and school superintendent who has also done middle years accreditation, Nancy Macdonald pointed out at a school board meeting last week that the promise of middle school helping young adolescents thrive has not been fulfilled as first imagined way back when.

It turns out that other factors may come into play in making a decision about SIMS. In an age of declining student numbers and financial challenges, it only makes sense to seriously consider closing the middle school, adding Grade 8 to GISS and shifting Grades 6 and 7 students to the island’s elementary schools.  

HAWKE, Sharon

Driftwood Obituary
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HAWKE, Sharon

SHARON HAWKE
July 3, 1954 – February 14, 2020

Sharon always wanted to be a farmer. One of five daughters born to Reginald and Hellen Hawke in Sweetsburg, Quebec, she grew up in Ontario. After earning a degree in Agriculture from the University of Guelph, she went prospecting in the Yukon where she met Gene Drzymala, the man with whom she would spend the rest of her life. Together, they built a love-filled life of their own choosing for 40 happy years on 10 acres near Fulford Harbour.

Sharon’s legendary volunteer efforts supported the good work of Salt Spring Island Women’s Institute, Island Comfort Quilts, Burgoyne United Church Women, Salt Spring Island United Church, Saltspring Island Sailing Club, and more.

Sharon is survived by her husband Gene, sisters Heather (Doug), Bettyann (Steve), Darlene, and Linda (Jim); nephew Mitchell; Gene’s three children whom Sharon treated as her own – Mitchell (Carrie), Julie (Cindy), and Suzanne (John); grandchildren Lydia, Hannah, Merlin, Bowen, Harper, Riley, Cash, Sephira; and great-grandchild Norah.

A celebration of Sharon’s life will be held at Salt Spring Island United Church, Saturday February 22 at 1:30 pm. A tribute page for Sharon has been set up at www.earthsoption.com.

The family suggests that donations in lieu of flowers be directed to Burgoyne United Church, C/O Salt Spring Island United Church.

SWEET, Dominica (nee Konken)

Driftwood Obituary
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SWEET, Dominica (nee Konken)

Dominica Sweet (nee Konken)
October 1969 – January 2020

It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of Dominica Sweet (Konken). For many years she journeyed courageously and gracefully with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. She was a source of light, joy and compassion, and lived her life fully until her passing on January 30th, with her family at her side.

Dom is survived by her husband, Derek; children Jackson (Tianna), Harrison; parents Frank and Ruby Konken; siblings, Stefanie (Peter) Zaytsoff, Frank (Brenda) Konken, Jamie (pre-deceased Anita) Konken; father in-law, Norman (pre-deceased Maida) Sweet; sisters-in-law, Laurie (Bobby) Sweet, Allison Sweet, Cindy (Bryan) Shier; her cats, Betty and Veronica; and dog, Roxy. Dom will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by family, friends and relatives.
Dominica was a Halloween baby, born on October 31, 1969 in Grand Forks, B.C. to proud parents, Frank and Ruby Konken. Dominica lived in the community she loved through graduation from Grand Forks Secondary School after which her path continued in Victoria B.C.

Dom’s career began in ’94 after attaining her B.Sc at UVIC and RT certification at SAIT. Her entire career as a Respiratory Therapist was spent at the Royal Jubilee and Vic General Hospitals, until illness forced her to focus her energy on health.

Dom first met her soul-mate Derek Sweet in 1995 and they were married a year later in Victoria where they resided for a number of years before choosing to move to Saltspring Island. There Dom embraced the community and it embraced her, with open arms. Not long after, in 2000, Dom’s and Derek’s first son Jackson was born, followed by Harrison, two years later. Her two sons were always at the centre of Dom’s heart; she often volunteered to help in school events and fundraisers, and could always be found in the bleachers at any of their sporting endeavors. Dom’s other passion was fitness and seeking natural alternatives in health as well as encouraging others on their own journeys. As a result, she founded Dom’s Deodorant, which became a way for her to help others attain their natural health goals. There are so many fond memories of various celebrations, parties and gatherings with friends, family and co-workers during their many years together, memories that will always be cherished.

A graveside memorial service will be held at Sion Cemetery in Grand Forks, BC on February 29 at 12:00, followed by a luncheon at the Grand Forks USCC Community Centre. A celebration of life will be held on Saltspring Island, BC at the Community Gospel Church on March 7 at 14:00.
Sincere appreciation to all those who have relayed kindness and support in so many ways.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Dom’s memory may be made to Hodgkins Lymphoma Society of Canada at www.lymphoma.ca/lymphoma/hodgkin-lymphoma .

Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mccallgardens.com .

JORDAN, Madaleine Patricia

Driftwood Obituary
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JORDAN, Madaleine Patricia

Madaleine Patricia Jordan
April 13, 1937 – January 17, 2020

Madaleine Patricia Jordan passed peacefully on January 17th, 2020 in Victoria, surrounded by loving family. Madaleine suffered a long battle with Alzheimer’s and spent her last years under the wonderful care of the Oak Bay Lodge staff in Victoria.

Madaleine was born in Springfield, Massachusetts on April 13th, 1937. Within her life, Madaleine went to secretarial school, lived in New York City, engaged in major social and political movements, and took a once in a lifetime backpacking trip around the world. She became a nurse, lived on both of Canadas’ coasts and eventually made a home living close to family on Salt Spring Island. Salt Spring provided friendships and a real sense of community while being close to nature.

Madaleine will be greatly missed by: her daughter Beth (nee Macdonald) and her husband Colin Drummond, her sister Susan (nee Jordan) and her husband Doug Chaffee, and her step sister Marsha Francis. Her granddaughters and their partners: Katie (nee Proctor) and Sam Hannah; Meghan Proctor and Kaimon Grasky; Camille Drummond and Megan Henshaw; Rachel Drummond and Corey Francis; and great granddaughters Lucy and Emme Hannah. Nephew Craig and Marybeth Chaffee, grand nephews Ben, Jack and grand niece Sara Chaffee. Niece Danielle Barger, grand nieces Delaney, Teah and grand nephew Dylan Barger.

A special thank you to the Salt Spring community who embraced Madaleine when she moved here to join our family in 2003. From Pioneer Village, to the amazing AA group who was very dear to her, and the wonderful folks at Braehaven and Oak Bay Lodge- you have all played a very special part in Madaleine’s final years.

A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 am on February 29th on Salt Spring Island at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, followed by a celebration of life/reception at 12:30 pm at the Hart Bradley Hall. Her many friends and associates are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Madaleine’s name to Salt Spring SPCA.

FELLNER, Joseph “Joee” Victor (Brown)

Driftwood Obituary
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FELLNER, Joseph “Joee” Victor (Brown)

Joseph “Joee” Victor
(Brown) Fellner
May 26, 1981 – January 17, 2020

Joee Fellner, 38, passed unexpectedly in Mill Bay, BC. He was born, in Edmonton, Alberta. He leaves behind good friends, family & beloved children in London, ON, Milestone, SK & Victoria / Salt Spring Island, BC.

Joee was extremely talented at anything he put his mind to. He worked as a grain elevator operator for many years, did roofing & handyman jobs, worked in the serving industry for over 20 years, and enjoyed various sales jobs through the years, where he excelled. Joee had an infectious personality that affected anyone who met him. Joee liked to make an impression, whether it be by looking his best, rolling up his sleeves to show off his tattoos, playing loud music and driving fast cars or driving cars fast. Joee always had music playing, whether it be from the ear buds around his neck, resident stereo system or car stereo. Joee loved feeling alive and he was good at loving the people around him, unconditionally.

Joee will be greatly missed by his close friends and family on Salt Spring Island and in Victoria, BC. He spent the first 6 months of 2019 on Salt Spring, where he made many good friends and became part of their families. With a quick smile, an easy laugh & large hazel eyes, Joee was a charismatic & charming character. He leaves behind the many supporters & friends in the recovery community of Salt Spring, Monty, Darren & Addie Potvin – Wesley, David Phillips, Deb Osmanich & Letitia Lane of Salt Spring Island.

The last 6 months of Joee’s life, he spent with Claire Sarginson & her son Ari Sigvaldason of Victoria, BC. Joee was excited about this new chapter of his life, worked hard, and enjoyed a quiet many months before his passing. Joee will be remembered for his love of animals & children and being a highly intelligent, fun, generous, loyal, enthusiastic, determined, quick-witted, inspiring & loving man.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2pm February 22, at All Saints by-the-Sea, Anglican Parish on Salt Spring Island – Priest Gyllian Davies will officiate.

Contributions in memory of Joee Fellner, may be made to the AA Community of Salt Spring Island, BC.

DESBOTTES, Anthony C.J.

Driftwood Obituary
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DESBOTTES, Anthony C.J.

Anthony C.J. Desbottes
Nov. 18, 1964 – Feb. 10, 2020

Tony died at the Lady Minto Hospital after a long battle with cancer.

Pat & Nigel Desbottes would like to thank Doctor Kalf, Doctor Beaver and the nurses and staff who looked after Tony during his short stays in the hospital.

He returned to Saltspring seeking peace and quiet. We thank the generosity of Nancy & Jim Macleod for letting Tony enjoy the quiet of their waterfront home on the ocean.

Tony will be greatly missed by his loving wife Gaby and daughters, Shannen & Fiona who live in Hillsburgh Ontario, and his parents Pat & Nigel and sister Sandra and her husband Marc.

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