Non-commercial + Independent + Est'd January 1995
| WV Council | 16 Jan 2012 |
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WVM2012-01 .....wishing you a great Kwanzaa and a very Happy New Year..... -- not to mention holy Epiphany and Orthodox Christmas -- Main items Ccl Mtg January 16th: Public Hearing on reducing parking for sec stes. Ccl Mtg: DVP 981 Kings; Ambleside Village Centre Streetscape Standards Project (staff recommendation has biz but not residents included in first phase!); Correspondence: Gordon Ave tennis courts; assessments; civic ctr tennis courts; parking. = Vive le Canada (Sir John A; Senators; FN; Ec Plan); from the EDITOR'S DESK; UPDATES & INFO (Grants; BC Budget; Traffic Signal Changes; Weather Update/Info; ADRA Survey 2012 (info and requesting feedback) = Headsup/Updates 2012 Jan 5/6: Some events before next WVM; VANCOUVERWATCH -- 2012 Assessments; "Fish Food" about mislabelling as well as Parts 2 and 3 of "Herring Scary"; the New York Times's top ten books; WORDWATCH Kwanzaa; Tequila Christmas Cake recipe (fun to make) and some quotations/puns ending with a Santa palindrome. NB: Some plays on Jan 16 and later have been moved to the Calendar; from the recipe on has been added to the end of this newsletter. = CALENDAR to Jan 27; CULTUREWATCH (Theatre; Art; Music; Photography, Maritime Museum -- Squamish canoe) = Ccl Mtg NOTES: PS to Ccl Mtg Dec 12 re Water Utilities; Sp Ccl Mtg Dec 14: Adoption of utility bylaws -- = CCL AGENDAs Jan 11th and 16th = WEST VAN MATTERS 2011 TITLES/TOPICS (1 - 26) = ANIMALWATCH (snowboarding crow; bengal cats; cute penguins; BC SPCA photos); INFObits (killed in WW2; next Youth World Hockey Tournament; Christians and Lions; Palestine 'name'); Christmas in Kirkuk (Iraq); SCIENCEWATCH (the Science of Santa); PEACE?WATCH (Hope; not Happy New Year in Hebron); HERITAGEWATCH (HV, VHF Events); BOOKWATCH ( The Joy of Books); LANGUAGEWATCH; WORDWATCH (friggatriskaidekaphobia); SALMAGUNDI (Christmas puns/stuff/leftovers; Silly Section, etc); MAIKU (Dec 25); QUOTATIONS/THOUGHTS/PUNS {LAST MINUTE ADDENDUM: Finance Cmte held without notice.}
=== Vive le CANADA === + Sir John A. Macdonald January 11, 2012 Ottawa, Ontario -- Statement by Prime Minister Stephen Harper: “Today, Canadians remember and celebrate Sir John A. Macdonald, one of the founding fathers of Confederation, and our country’s first Prime Minister. “A gifted orator, Sir John A. Macdonald brought a wealth of experience to federal politics, in part through his career as a lawyer and city alderman. “As a politician, he helped unify our country in an unprecedented way. He was among the first to encourage the union of the provinces now known as Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Ontario, and Quebec, and as a result, he contributed to shaping our great country. Sir John A. Macdonald is also remembered for his dedication to enlarging Canada's boundaries from coast to coast to coast, and pushing for the establishment of the Canadian Pacific Railway. “To this day, Sir John A. Macdonald remains one of Canada’s most important political figures of all time. His accomplishments are cemented in our country’s history, and he leaves a legacy of patriotism and dedication to the Canada we know and cherish today.” From the Prime Minister's Web Site (http://www.pm.gc.ca/) Sir John A. Macdonald Day, January 11 Sir John A. Macdonald Day is held every year on January 11. The Right Honourable Sir John A. Macdonald was the first Prime Minister of Canada and one of the architects of Confederation. Every January 11, Canadians organize activities and events in his honour. Teachers and youth leaders often use this day as an opportunity to teach young people about our first prime minster and the founding of our country. Sir John A. Macdonald Day was established as an Act, the Sir John A. Macdonald Day and the Sir Wilfrid Laurier Day Act, which came into effect in March 2002. This web page includes links to different organizations that have a wealth of information about Sir John and provide information about Sir John A. Macdonald Day activities. We invite you to visit these sites for ideas on what you can do to celebrate Sir John and learn more about Canada. -- from Dept of Canadian Heritage: http://www.pch.gc.ca/pgm/ceem-cced/sjama-eng.cfm#a1 + PM announces the appointment of seven new Senators January 6, 2012 Ottawa, Ontario Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced the appointments of JoAnne Buth, Norman Doyle, Ghislain Maltais, Dr. Asha Seth, Betty Unger, and Vernon White to the Senate. This marks the first time a female elected Senator – Betty Unger – has been appointed to the Senate, as well as the first time two elected Senators will be sitting at once – Mrs. Unger and Bert Brown. The Prime Minister also announced the intention to appoint Jean-Guy Dagenais.... JoAnne Buth fills a vacancy in Manitoba, Norman Doyle a vacancy in Newfoundland and Labrador, Ghislain Maltais a vacancy in Quebec, Dr. Asha Seth a vacancy in Ontario, Betty Unger a vacancy in Alberta, and Vernon White a vacancy in Ontario. Jean-Guy Dagenais will fill a vacancy in Quebec. All new appointees have pledged to support the Government in its efforts to make the Senate more democratic and accountable, including legislation to limit the term lengths of senators and encouraging the provinces and territories to hold elections for Senate nominees. The new appointees also look forward to working towards a strong economic recovery and safer communities across the country.... From the Prime Minister's Web Site (http://www.pm.gc.ca/) + Canada's Budget Over the coming months, the Prime Minister, his Cabinet and caucus will travel to small towns, communities and cities across the country to listen to and seek the views of Canadians on the Government’s long-term Economic Action Plan. In order to ensure that all Canadians can participate in this process, the Government of Canada has also launched online pre-budget consultations. Those wishing to make submissions can do so by visiting http://www.fin.gc.ca/prebudget-prebudgetaire/1-eng.asp. + Fort Hope, ON cmnty of 1200; 75% addicted to oxycontin, one in five babies born screaming (withdrawal) see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eabametoong_First_Nation Eabametoong First Nation from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Location of Fort Hope in Ontario Eabametoong, also known as Fort Hope, is an Ojibway First Nation in Kenora District, Ontario, Canada. Located on the shore of Eabamet Lake in the Albany River system, the community is located approximately 300 kilometres northeast of Thunder Bay and is accessible only by airplane to Fort Hope Airport or water, or by winter/ice roads, which connect the community to the Northern Ontario Resource Trail.... The name Eabametoong has a significant meaning in the Anishinaabe language; the name means, "the reversing of the waterplace." The water flow from Eabamet lake into the Albany River reverses each year, resulting from runoff water, such that water flows into Eabamet lake from the Albany River for a short period of time.... On October 23, 2010, Chief Lewis Nate declared a state of emergency because of excessive community violence and crime, including the attempted arson of the reserve's only school. Since January, 2010, there had been three confirmed homicides and approximately 50 incidents of arson in the community. Speculation from the local police force suggested prescription drug abuse amongst the youth was fuelling the violence. Anyone have answers/solutions? === from the EDITOR'S DESK === Hope you all had a merry Christmas and now may I wish you a v happy new year. Without a regular ccl mtg and a long break over the holidays, this newsletter has some Christmas jokes for your entertainment as well as some info on other items, Canadiana, scientific, international, etc. btw, do you suffer from friggatriskaidekaphobia? (check WORDWATCH) === UPDATES & INFO === + GRANTS Media Release - Financial Grants Available for WV Non-Profit Groups Wednesday, January 11, 2012 -- The District of West Vancouver has funding available for not-for-profit community groups, and is now accepting applications for Community Grants until January 31, 2012. Many important services in West Vancouver are delivered by not-for-profit community organizations. They deliver important social, recreation, youth, and arts and culture programs and activities. The District recognizes the important contribution these groups make to West Vancouver, and provides financial support through the Community Grants Program. Applications are now being accepted for 2012 grants, and the District encourages organizations that have not done so in the past to apply for funding. The deadline is January 31, 2012. All applications will be reviewed by the Community Grants Committee, which will then make recommendations to Council. There are three categories of grants available: Arts and Culture grants are for Operating Grants; to support the operating costs of on-going programs and services; and Project/Program grants: to support the development of new projects, programs and services. Social and Community Services grants may be approved for annual funding over a three-year cycle, providing consistent, stable funding and reduced administrative costs. Youth Competition and Leadership grants recognize individuals participating as ambassadors of West Vancouver in regional, national and international tournaments, competitions, competitive festivals and civic leadership conferences. Guidelines and application forms are available online at westvancouver.ca/grants. Community Grants Contact: Arleta Beckett, Manager of Community Development, Youth, Families and Seniors c: 604-362-1270 | d: 604-921-3404 | e: abeckett@westvancouver.ca + BC BUDGET -- Minister Kevin Falcon This week, I announced on behalf of your BC Liberal government a new opportunity for British Columbians to try their hand at balancing the provincial budget.The My BC Budget website gives you the chance to experience the complexities of setting a provincial budget through adjusting government spending and various sources of revenue to balance BC's $44 billion budget. Though a simplified version of the trade-offs involved, I hope it will help de-mystify the budgeting process for British Columbians. It took a lot of work to clean up the fiscal mess that we inherited from the NDP, but with hard work by everyone we balanced our books and paid off debt. With your help we're going to balance our budget again in 2013/14. Let's start a conversation amongst British Columbians. Don't hesitate to share this link with your family, friends and co-workers: http://www.fin.gov.bc.ca/mybcbudget/yzz + Traffic Signal Changes Thursday, January 12, 2012 -- The West Vancouver Engineering Department has recently made changes to two traffic signals. Marine Drive at 15th Street - new left turn arrow This existing signal on Marine Drive at 15th Street has been upgraded to include a left turn arrow for eastbound traffic. The new left turn will be put into operation on Tuesday January 17, 2012. The change will improve overall traffic operation and reduce delays in this direction. The work has also included a new controller for the intersection as well as count down timers for pedestrians. The District will continue to monitor the intersection. Lower Capilano Road at Welch Street - old four-way stop replaced by new traffic signals A new signal has been installed at the intersection of Lower Capilano Road and Welch Street. The signal will be put into full operation on Tuesday January 17, 2012. The signal replaces the existing four-way stop and will allow for better vehicle flow through the area and enhanced crossings for pedestrians. The intersection also ties in with improved bike facilities with the new trail. See Welch Street Pedestrian and Traffic Safety Improvements for more information about this project. + WEATHER UPDATE Saturday, January 14, 2012 -- Residents are encouraged to become familiar with the possible impacts of a snow event. Transportation, schools, and collection services may be affected. Thank you for your cooperation and patience as crews work to keep our community safe. Social Services During a Weather Event During Regular Business Hours North Shore Community Resources - Phone: 985 7138 or www.nscr.bc.ca West Vancouver Seniors' Centre Activity Centre 'LINKS' phone 604-925-7289 Outside of Business Hours West Vancouver Seniors' Activity Centre 'LINKS' phone 604-925-7289 (callers will get either a live person or a recorded message and a call back within 24 hrs. The Seniors' Centre is open seven days a week). More Information Snow Removal Environment Canada Special Weather Statement British Columbia Road Conditions Resources and Links During a Weather Event Visit the North Shore Recycling Website or call 925 7176 for further updates
=== AMBLESIDE AND DUNDARAVE RATEPAYERS' ASSN === Survey sent 2012 January 3
To: ADRA Members, Happy New Year. We are writing to inform you of ADRA’s activities in 2011 and to solicit your opinion on the issues you wish ADRA to concentrate on in the coming year. The following is a summary of the main issues addressed by ADRA during the year:- BUDGET ADRA spoke at Council meetings and wrote letters to Council advocating a zero tax rate increase for the year 2010 and 2011 and a decrease in operating expenses while maintaining the same levels of service. The first request was successful for the most part as there was a zero tax rate increase in 2010 and only one and a quarter per cent in 2011 (although the operating expenses continued to climb). West Vancouver continues to be one of the highest spending municipalities in B.C. with a yearly increase in Operating Expenses of an average of 6% a year for the last few years during a period of low inflation and practically no population increase. This was mostly due to previous Councils awarding a yearly increase of wages to the staff of 4% for four years in order to extend the labour agreements past the Olympics. (Note that payroll costs represent 80% of operating costs.) The high cost of running the Municipality has still to be addressed. SECONDARY SUITES ADRA approved in principle the by-law proposed for secondary suites that initially did not allow them in houses with absentee landlords. Soon after the by-law was passed by Council the staff proposed a revision allowing houses with absentee landlords to have secondary suites. ADRA argued to Council that there should be a separate by-law to cover houses with absentee landlords as these are basically rooming houses run for profit and the present by-law would not cover the primary suite (e.g. fire regulation, parking on the property, inspection costs etc.). Unfortunately there was not enough opposition from taxpayers and the by-law was passed. Is it worth making a representation to Council to have a separate bylaw for absentee owners? REZONING 20th & ESQUIMALT The rezoning of three lots for ten townhouses in a single-family neighbourhood {called Hollyburn Mews} was rejected by Council on March 20th, 2006 as it did not meet the OCP “Site Specific Guidelines”. In late 2009 a similar proposal was put forward by the developer with the twist that the whole block would be considered for development. This was based on a questionable interpretation of Clause H3 of the OCP that states “…..the site would provide a degree of separation e.g. a road, green belt …..”. ADRA and the immediate neighbours, strongly objected to this approach because: - 1- It would set a precedent for other full-block developments throughout West Vancouver. 2- It would change the single-family character of the neighbourhood. 3- It was contrary to the “alternate housing approach” established by Council which was to gradually introduce alternate housing to different neighbourhoods with the approval of the surrounding residents. ADRA recommended that the by-law be rejected as it was proposed. We suggested that this and other proposals for rezoning to multi-family in existing single-family neighbourhoods be postponed until Council [has] established an overall plan for alternate housing in West Vancouver neighbourhoods. The by-law was approved however by Council, by a vote of 4 to 3. (The former Mayor broke the tie in the council vote {with Evison, Panz, and Walker}.) Increasing the density and rezoning areas of present single–family neighbourhoods to multi-family will continue to be an issue with the new Council. LEVEL CROSSING PARK ROYAL Park Royal proposed replacing the West Overpass between the north and south shopping centres with a level crossing with traffic lights, a left turn, and a pedestrian crossing. ADRA recommended against the proposal as the change would cause further disruption to traffic. Staff originally recommended the proposal to Council and Council approved it. Since then staff have recommended a complete review due to modifications by Park Royal. ADRA will address this issue again when the review is issued. “AMBLSIDENOW” AND AMALGAMATION OF POLICE STATION AND FIREHALL ADRA representatives have met with the [new] Mayor and offered the following comments:- The present “Ambleside Now” Plan does not have a comprehensive long-term vision although building guidelines have been set for all but three areas that border on Marine Drive. The District is relying on the developers to make proposals for these three areas. Too much emphasis has been placed on generating funds for amalgamating the Police Station and Firehall. The long-term vision and planning should include:- - An overall urban plan for the complete area 13th to 19th rather than individual site designs by each developer. - A long-term traffic plan. - A long-term parking plan. The Planning Department’s function should be to plan and provide an overall concept for “Ambleside Now” with the input from the residents and not just present proposals submitted by developers. ADRA questions whether the Police Station and Firehall should be amalgamated in one building on the Municipal Hall site because WV will risk losing both services if there is a catastrophic loss of the building, and there is limited space on the site which will limit the expansion of the Municipal Hall in the future. ADRA’s concern about placing the Art Centre on Ambleside Beach was addressed by the WV Historical Society and a resident’s petition and we are pleased to report that it was rejected by Council. “Ambleside Now” is going to be one of the main issues addressed by Council this year, and the decisions made will result in major changes to Ambleside. CONCLUSION ADRA has worked diligently on behalf of you and the community over the past year. While we have had some success there is a lot more to be done and with your help it can be done. In order to represent you effectively the ADRA Board needs your opinions on the issues before Council especially on the important current issues under discussion now, the Budget and Ambleside Now. ADRA would welcome your feedback on the above issues and on how you would like to be involved (e.g. on a committee or as a director.) Looking forward to hearing from you. Gordon Ward Hall President of ADRA [ 922 7387; <g-m-wardhall@shaw.ca> ] ADRA Board of Directors: Ray Richards (Treasurer/Mbrship), Dick O'Callaghan (Secretary), Elaine Fonseca, Carolanne Reynolds
=== HEADSUP === sent 2012 January 5/6 HAPPY NEW YEAR! Psychrolute G was one of over 2000 in the Polar Bear Swim in English Bay. [Definition in WVM26, not the one you find in Wiki] and Happy Epiphany (and Orthodox Christmas) -- January 6 Much happening before the first ccl mtg of the year on January 16. WVM2012-01 will come out with that agenda ~ Jan 13th so just below are some of the events happening beforehand. Next is VANCOUVERWATCH -- 2012 Assessments. Added "Fish Food" about mislabelling of what we're eating as well as Parts 2 and 3 of "Herring Scary". Then the New York Times's top ten books in case you still have a bit of time to read. WORDWATCH has Kwanzaa the holiday just ended, followed by the Tequila Christmas Cake recipe (fun to make) and some quotations/puns ending with a Santa palindrome. === MUSIC/ART/THEATRE/TALKS etc === = JANUARY 7th Saturday and 8th Sunday -- Early Music Vancouver 8pm Saturday; Pre-concert introduction at 7:15pm; Christ Church Cathedral, 690 Burrard at West Georgia 3pm Sunday; Pre-concert introduction at 2:15pm; Kay Meek Centre - Studio Theatre Mozart: Late String Quintets Marc Destrubé violin; Farran James violin; Joanna Hood viola; Steve Creswell viola; Joanna Blendulf cello; Joanna Blendulf cello Hot on the heels of Marc Destrubé & Friends’ astonishing concerts last season, Early Music Vancouver continues the project with more of these uncontested highlights of the chamber music literature: sublime, mature masterworks, and an unforgettable performance. Tickets for the Saturday evening performance can be ordered on-line via our secure connection: https://secure11.securewebexchange.com/earlymusic.bc.ca/SingleTicketOrderFormSeason.html. They are also available by phone (604 732-1610), at Sikora’s Classical Records, and from the office of Early Music Vancouver. Tickets for the Sunday afternoon performance are only available from the Kay Meek Centre Box Office at 604-913-3634 or www.kaymeekcentre.com. Buy tickets to 2 concerts and save 15%. Buy tickets to 3 or more concerts and save 20%. For more information, please visit: http://www.earlymusic.bc.ca/CM4-StringQuintets.html = JANUARY 7th Saturday, 8th Sunday, and 9th Monday -- VSO Corey Cerovsek plays Korngold at the Orpheum (876 3434); also on programme: Debussy and Berlioz = JANUARY 8th (Sun) and 10th (Tues) -- KMC 3pm Sunday January 8 -- Early Music Vancouver, Marc Destrubé and Friends Play Mozart: Late String Quintets 7:30pm Tuesday January 10 -- Movies at the Meek: The Swell Season = JANUARY 9, 10, ..... -- WV Memorial Library + Introduction to Social Media: This class will introduce you to the basics of Facebook & Twitter. 2 - 4pm Tuesday January 10. + LITERARY EVENTS: Meet authors and enjoy literary conversations. 7:30 - 9pm Thursday January 12 -- A Hunt to the Death With a show of remarkable photographs, John Vaillant takes us to the dangerous Siberian wilds and reads from his riveting book: The Tiger. Those wishing to take advantage of our listening assistance technology are asked to arrive 15 minutes early. = JANUARY 10th -- Arts Club (on tour) at Capilano U Don Quixote, play adapted by Colin Heath and Peter Anderson (990 7810) = JANUARY 10th (Tues) -- Chamber of Commerce The Power Hour at Delany's Coffee House | Dundarave Village Have you been to the Chamber's "Power Hour Group"? The next "Power Hour Group" will be from 8 to 9am on Tuesday January 10 at Delany's Coffee House in Dundarave Village. New members are encouraged to attend Power Hour! We do more business in an hour than most people do all day. Come and promote your business to an intimate group of business owners and local professionals all while enjoying your morning cup of coffee! = JANUARY 11th (Wed) -- Visit by Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, Keith Ashfield Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, Keith Ashfield, MP for Fredericton, will be visiting Squamish and WV. Pls phone MP John Weston's ofc for details (981-1790). -- Visit by Minister of Canadian Heritage, James Moore visit to Caulfeild Elementary to honour Sir John A Day, and cut the cake = JANUARY 10th --> opens at QET All the Way Home, by Tad Mosel starring Alessandro Juliani, Nicola Lipman, Tom MacBeath, Meg Roe, Gabrielle Rose, Haig Sutherland, Donna White, Jonathan Young, and more. Closes Jan 14; 873 3311 = JANUARY 10th --> Ferry Building Gallery {see CULTUREWATCH} = JANUARY 10th --> The Silk Purse {see CULTUREWATCH} = JANUARY 12th (Thurs) -- Nature Vancouver Whales vs Worms: Who's Eating Whom? Join Sheila Byers as she delves into the deep sea world of zombie worms; 7:30pm at Unity Church (5840 Oak), t 682 1617 = JANUARY 14th (Sat) and 16th (Mon) -- VSO Power and Beauty: Tchaikovsky & Beethoven; Pianist Freddy Kempf (Gorecki also on prog) at Orpheum (876 3434) = JANUARY 14 --> Metro Theatre {see CULTUREWATCH} = JANUARY 14 --> Vancouver Playhouse RED by John Logan; play about painter Mark Rothko. Ends Feb 4; tel 873 3311 === VANCOUVERWATCH === What's your house worth? B.C. Assessment 2012: How much did your residential property value jump? B.C. Assessment released its data on the value of homes in the province on Tuesday. While some regions saw values skyrocket, others dropped. Take a look to see your property's value. Every municipality has different mill rates and fees for utilities so impossible to predict your taxes until they're set. Fees had to be done by the end of the year. Many Ms are discussing their budgets now -- WV starts this month we heard -- so get ready to tell Council what you think! The V Sun has had several articles since this one. See the front page of the issue Wed Jan 4th and on the front page of the Business Section Thurs Jan 5th (WV 2nd highest increase). Note there is no direct correlation between your assessment increase and your tax increase. {NB: Assessments are done by the BC Assessment Authority -- don't bug DWV, they're not involved.} === FISH FOOD === false labelling from http://www.vancouversun.com/life/ Importer using DNA testing to fight ‘rampant’ seafood labelling fraud Cheaper DNA testing technology is making it easier than ever for regulators and seafood firms to crack down on seafood mislabelling. Recent research has found that 25 to 41 per cent of the fish sold at retail and by restaurants is not actually the species listed on the label or the menu, making it almost impossible for consumers to make ethical and sustainable seafood choices. So, Victoria-based seafood importer Tradex foods in December implemented DNA testing on seafood processed in China for its Sinbad house label.... Often restaurants and retailers are not even aware that substitution has taken place, the company says.... A study published in the October, 2011 edition of the scientific journal Mitochondrial DNA found that 25 to 41 per cent of samples — submitted from across the country by news organizations including The Vancouver Sun between 2008 and 2010 — were mislabelled.... “High value species are most subject to substitution,” said lead author Robert Hanner, associate director of the Canadian Barcode of Life Network at the University of Guelph. “But we’ve seen substitution in all categories, wild-caught and aquaculture.” ...Fish labelled as cod is often less expensive fish such as haddock or pollock. Fish labelled as Pacific halibut is often Atlantic halibut, a species at risk, or it’s not halibut at all.... === Herring even scarier === (followup on "Herring Scary" in WVM26) Part 2 Herring Tragedy Revisited Last week I sent out a press release warning that a tragedy was in the making for some herring stocks in Georgia Strait as an intense new fishery was being unleashed upon them. I based this warning on Fisheries documents from previous herring tragedies. In the late [1950s] and early [1960s] 200,000 tons of herring were caught each year on the B.C. coast and reduced to meal and oil. By 1967 herring stocks had collapsed and the fishery was shut [down]. In 1972 the Herring Task Force was formed to investigate how to avoid such calamities if herring fisheries were expanded in the future. They concluded that “best-use management recognizes that the resource and its individual stocks of fish should continue to exist, and that the viability of the resource should not be threatened by the activities of [Man] the harvester, or [Man] the polluter. This means we must not take undue chances in permitting over-exploitation of fish stocks....” (Page 3). “Some degree of under-utilization must be accepted to provide a margin of safety ....” (Page 6).‘The second principle of best-use, that of understanding and providing for the role of herring in the overall food chain, means that until such time as the ecological dynamics are understood, it would be wise to leave a further safety margin. This safety margin should remain especially in the Strait of Georgia where salmon contribute to a valuable recreational fishery.” (Page 7). “Without a [well-integrated] program to collect the information and do the research, best-use management cannot proceed, and the potential benefits will be lost through endangering the resource...and through a continued lack in public confidence of the ability of the Fisheries Service to manage the resource properly.” (Page 11). As some Georgia Strait herring stocks recovered, several herring fisheries were begun. The herring roe fishery supplied herring eggs to the Japanese market. This fishery focused on migratory herring that spawned in Georgia Strait but spent most of their feeding time outside of Vancouver Island. The second herring fishery caught herring live to use as bait and these herring, called residents, spend most of their life in Georgia Strait. While the DFO issued bait catching [licences] annually it wasn’t until 1986 that a review of their catches was [undertaken] and published in 1992. (Report 1721) “The absolute harvest of bait herring does not appear to be large, in the order of 200... to 592 tonnes” [(Pages 7-8)]. “...there are some alarming trends. First, there appears to have been a decline in herring in all areas during the last decade....There also appears to have been decreases in the number of localities in which herring regularly spawn.....the exploitation rates we have estimated...may not be sustainable.... [(Page 9)]. The live bait herring fishery on resident herring was terminated in 1987. The runs still decimated include Powell River, Pender Harbour, Sechelt Inlet, Quadra Island[, and] Saltspring Island. This is hard evidence that an annual catch of 200 to 592 tonnes of resident herring dramatically reduced all runs and destroyed some stocks [altogether]. Recently the DFO has increased the catch of Georgia Strait resident herring from 238 tons last year to 6000 tons this year, to be caught between December and next February. I suggest that they have forgotten their predecessor’s best-use philosophy “ we must not take undue chances in permitting over-exploitation of fish stocks....” “Some degree of under-utilization must be accepted to provide a margin of safety ....” From this information, how can a [6000-ton] fishery on resident herring not end in tragedy? Jonn Matsen drjonnmatsen@shaw.ca Part 3 Winter fishery may put inshore herring stocks at risk: scientists First nations say overfishing has devastated B.C. populations by RANDY SHORE, VANCOUVER SUN, JANUARY 4, 2012 The winter herring fishery underway in the Strait of Georgia has alarmed some conservationists, with some scientists worrying that local resident herring populations could be damaged. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans management plan for the herring fishery allows the harvest of about 12 per cent of the total amount of herring in the strait. The DFO has allocated 6,000 short tons to the winter food and bait fishery and reduced the roe fishery by the same amount. Conservationist David Ellis dubbed the change a "surprise fishery" and has campaigned vigorously against it, arguing the fishery is a threat to resident herring stocks that have not been sufficiently studied and as such are not being properly protected.... But not all scientists agree. UBC fisheries scientist Tony Pitcher said that B.C.'s bays and inlets were once home to unique inshore herring stocks that returned to spawn in the same places year after year, in much the same way that salmon return to the spawning grounds on which they were born.... Where commercial fishing has damaged inshore herring stocks, recovery has been slow and in some cases the fish have never returned. "It looks like the Skidegate stock has never come back, despite efforts to try to protect it," Pitcher said. First nations up and down the coast are convinced that past mismanagement of the herring fishery has resulted in the extinction of local resident stocks that used to support their ancient marine economy. Delegates to last summer's Herring School conference hosted by Simon Fraser University said that aboriginal herring and roe fisheries in Sliammon and near Skidegate in Haida Gwaii were devastated by non-aboriginal commercial overfishing in the 1960s and have never recovered.... Archeological evidence shows that herring was an important food fish for first nations in B.C., Washington and Alaska for thousands of years of uninterrupted abundance, according to SFU archeologist Dana Lepofsky. "When we go looking for these little local stocks they can't find them," Pitcher said.... A fishery that doesn't discriminate between herring populations that are healthy and those that are damaged or recovering could put those damaged populations at risk, he said. SeaChoice has removed Pacific herring from its website which advises consumers about environmentally sound choices to make when buying seafood.... "The assessment is out of date because the fishery has changed to a different structure," Wallace said. "The DFO is now allocating a greater proportion of the overall allocation to the winter food and bait fishery and our assessment does not deal with that, it was based on the roe fishery."... Read more: http://www.vancouversun.com/technology/Winter+fishery+Sign+Breaking+inshore+News+Alert+vancouversun+alerts+herring+stocks+risk/5944002/story.html#ixzz1iVdEkPyi === BOOKWATCH > NYT: The Ten Best Books of 2011: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/11/books/10-best-books-of-2011.html?_r=1&nl=books&emc=booksupdateema3 The one guideline for the ten was that they had to have been reviewed in our pages [New York Times] sometime in the past 12 months. === WORDWATCH === Kwanzaa Kwanzaa, n. Pronunciation: Brit. /ˈkwanzə/, U.S. /ˈkwɑnˌzɑ/ Forms: 19– Kwanza, 19– Kwanzaa. Etymology: < Swahili kwanza firstly, first (infinitive of anza to begin) in the full name of the festival, matunda ya kwanza, lit. ‘first fruits (of the harvest)’ (Maulana Karenga 1966: see note below). The spelling in -aa was originally chosen to lengthen the word so that the seven children to whom the festival was first taught would each have their own letter. orig. and chiefly N. Amer. A secular festival observed by many African-Americans from 26 December to 1 January, as a celebration of family, community, and culture. The festival is based on the Nguzo Saba, or seven principles: Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity), and Imani (faith). The festival was initiated in 1966 by Maulana Karenga, an African-American activist and scholar. 1971 N.Y. Times 24 Dec. 28/1 Mr. Sharpton told a visitor that the purpose of conducting the Kwanza for black children was a ‘way of de-whitizing or talking [sic] the commercialism out of this time of year. As black people, we need to stress the educational, cultural and communal aspects of the holiday.’ 1977 Newsweek 19 Dec. 45 The first Kwanza was celebrated in the U.S. in 1966.‥ Kwanza is now flourishing as an Afro-American alternative to Christmas. 1990 Times 28 Dec. 7/1 Kwanzaa cards sit side by side with new year's missives in stationery shops. 1991 Essence Dec. 86/1 When the holiday season steals up and pinches you right in your wallet, don't cancel Christmas or Kwanzaa. 1995 Gazette (Montreal) 23 Dec. (Weekly Review section) b1 Since 1966, a growing number of black communities in the United States, Canada, Brazil, and the Caribbean have been observing Kwanzaa. The seven-day festival‥aims to heighten self-esteem, hope, and dignity, and is deliberately secular. 2002 Southern Living Dec. 92/2 We incorporate their precious ornament creations, colorful gift wrapping ideas, eclectic toys, and special plants beside our traditional Christmas and Kwanzaa decorations. == TEQUILA CHRISTMAS CAKE {from here on moved to end of this WVM}
=== CALENDAR to January 27th === as far as we know now! All mtgs are at M Hall unless indicated otherwise. NOTE: shown are mtgs known at this date; often there are additions, changes, cancellations after WVM goes out. Check the DWV Calendar: http://www.westvancouver.ca/Calendar.aspx . Notices/mtgs/changes too late for an issue or too early for the next are sent to subscribers. They appear in the next newsletter. > BRACKENDALE ART GALLERY ph 898 3333 http://www.brackendaleartgallery.com/Calendar.html - WINTER EAGLE FESTIVAL AND COUNT January 1 to 31 - Festival Lecture Series: ~ 8pm ~ Sunday Jan 15: Rant 'n' Rafe, a fireside chat with Rafe Mair ~ 8pm ~ Sunday Jan 22: Douglas Swanston and Jonn Matsen -- Herring Revival and Survival === Friday Jan 13 ~ 9am ~ Cmnty Grants Cmte; Cedar Rm in Cmnty Ctr === Tuesday Jan 17 ~ 7pm ~ Parks Master Plan Working Group ~ 6pm ~ SFU Free Lecture HUMAN TRANSIT with Jarrett Walker Jarrett Walker -- just possibly the best blogger on transit and transportation anywhere - is now launching his book: Human Transit. In Human Transit, Walker supplies the basic tools, the critical questions and the means to make smarter decisions about designing and implementing transit services. Whether you are in the field or simply a concerned citizen, he provides an accessible guide to achieving successful public transit that will enrich any community. SFU Harbour Centre, 515 West Hastings, Vancouver Cost: Free, but registration is required. Register at http://cgi.sfu.ca/~hccweb/cgi-bin/OnlineRegistration/site/event/detail.php?id=405 === Wednesday Jan 18 ~ 7pm ~ Board of Variance; and at the same time over at the library, the Library Board Mtg === Thursday Jan 19 ~ 5:30pm ~ WV Police Bd Mtg at WVPD ~ 6pm ~ Lower Caulfeild Adv Cmte at St Francis in the Wood, 4773 Piccadilly South ~ 7:30pm ~ WV Streamkeepers Mtg at St Stephen's 885 - 22nd 1. Report on the 2011 Salmon Spawner surveys; 2. Update on our Student Outreach program; 3. Hatchery report; 4. Presentation of the 2012 Work Plan === Sunday Jan 22 -- Start of Tet (Vietnamese New Year) === Wednesday Jan 25 ~ 6:30pm ~ Vancouver Heritage Fdn: Talk at VPL by Charles Bloszies, author of ‘Old Buildings, New Designs’, followed by a panel discussion about the issues surrounding re-use in architecture, urban design, and planning. > Wednesday January 25 - John Weston, MP speaks at Different Bikes Join us and special guest MP John Weston for an informal talk about riding and commuting in the fall and winter months throughout the Lower Mainland. This is your opportunity to ask questions and get valuable feedback about how to prepare yourself for riding year round. John Weston, MP (West Vancouver- Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky country) will share his passion for riding and relate his experiences and Parliamentary initiatives to support the cycling community. RSVP by January 23rd to lesliev@differentbikes.ca === Thurs January 26 ~ 4:30pm ~ Design Review Committee Meeting ~ 11:30am ~ Fraser Institute Luncheon with Herb Grubel -- Saving the Euro: Desirable, Possible, How? The Eurozone debt crisis ignited by the reckless overspending of the "PIGS" — Portugal, Italy, Greece, and Spain — has, in recent months, sent economic shockwaves around the world. The only bright side? A wake-up call for Western countries, including Canada, that governments cannot continue buying votes without paying for their lavish spending promises. But unless the European debt crisis is resolved, we may well see another global recession and new economic problems for Canada. Join Herbert Grubel, Fraser Institute senior fellow and emeritus professor of economics at Simon Fraser University, for a discussion of the reasons for the creation of the Euro and the costs of abandoning it, the root causes of the debt crisis, and what Canada should do to safeguard its economy in the event of a Eurozone collapse. Tix $35 + HST; Registration & Lunch: 11:30am; Presentation: 12:15am; Q&A: 12:45pm; Adjourn: 1:30pm === Friday January 27 ~ 4pm ~ Cmnty Ctr: Community Concert Series -- Capilano University Jazz Program > Saturday Jan 28 - Asian New Year Celebration at the Cmnty Ctr John Weston, MP for West Vancouver, Sunshine Coast and Sea to Sky Country takes great pleasure in inviting you to attend the Second Annual Asian New Year celebration. The Year of the Dragon celebration will be a fun-filled afternoon for the whole family with performances, live music, and complimentary Asian food. Don’t miss this wonderful event that showcases the many talents and community spirit of our many great volunteers who make this annual event spectacular! This is a free event and everyone is welcome!
+++ WV MEMORIAL LIBRARY +++ http://www.westvanlibrary.ca + IN THE GALLERY -- Canvas Treasures Stunning giclée canvases, printed with images from the UBC Library’s special collections, on display starting Monday January 9. + NEW ESL BOOK CLUB Do you enjoy reading stories and want to improve your reading and conversation skills? Join our ESL book club to talk about novels. We will be reading: Picture This by Anthony Hyde and New Year’s Eve by Marina Endicott. Books will be available to borrow. Led by Pat McFarland, Certified English Tutor (Vancouver Community College). 10:30 - 11:30pm Tuesdays Jan 10 – Feb 28. Register at the Information Desk or call 925 7403 for more information. o ENGLISH CORNER Come practise English conversation -- develop skills, learn vocabulary, participate in interesting discussions, and make new friends. Fridays; next is Jan 20 and from 10 – 11:30am. Free, no registration required. For more info, pls call Nadia Vargha Majzub, 922 5152. English Corner is facilitated by the Baha'i Community of WV in partnership with the Library. o PHILOSOPHERS' CAFE -- 10:30am – noon Friday January 20 Join Moderator Randall MacKinnon on the third Friday of each month, from Sept through June for a discussion at a Philosophers' Cafe, part of SFU's Continuing Studies. In January discuss how we should we deal with vexing cases. Should an 11-year-old ever be tasered? With guest James LymBurner. Admission is free.
+++ WV MUSEUM +++ http://westvancouvermuseum.ca/exhibitions/current_exhibition At the Intersection of Art and Medicine -- January 25 - March 10 Opening Reception on Tuesday January 24 from 7 - 9pm; Curator's Talk on Saturday January 28 at 1:30pm +++ FERRY BUILDING GALLERY +++ http://ferrybuildinggallery.com ~ 925 7290 January 10 - 29 For the Love of Colour Mixed media: Nicola Morgan, Farahnaz Samari, Nasser Ghaderi, Arnold Nouwens, Kurt Connell, Aiden Fisher-Lang Opening Reception:Tuesday January 10 from 6 – 8pm; Meet the Artists: Saturday January 14 from 2 – 3pm +++ SILK PURSE +++ http://www.silkpurse.ca/gallery2.html 925 7292 January 10- February 5th "A Moment of Appreciation" Eileen Fong approaches painting through the disciplined techniques of Chinese brush painting. Having mastered its simple colours, spontaneous brushstrokes, and subtle balance of shape & space, Eileen has become a celebrated artist and instructor. She has exhibited in Canada, the U.S. and Spain. Eileen's watercolour and acrylic paintings capture to poetry and joy she finds in her natural surroundings while uniting the artistic traditions of different cultures. A special extended show to celebrate Chinese New Year! Opening reception is Saturday January 14th from 2 - 4pm +++ KAY MEEK CENTRE +++ Complete list of events: Electronic newsletter: http://kaymeekcentre.com/on_stage/events_calendar Simplest way to get on email list, call 913 3634 (also for tix) or email tickets@kaymeekcentre.com 1:30pm Friday January 20 -- An Afternoon at the Opera with Pentaedre, Musically Speaking Saturday January 21 Perform Art Studios: The Red Carpet Showcase Performance Bowen Island -- 12 noon; Edgemont Village -- 3pm; Lower Lonsdale -- 7pm Offstage at West Vancouver Memorial Library: Marc Destrubé -- 10:30am Monday January 23 Pro Nova Quartet -- 7:30pm Wednesday January 25 African Guitar Summit -- 8pm Wednesday January 25 WVTA Meeting -- 3:45pm Thursday January 26
+++ ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION BRANCH 60, West Vancouver +++ http://www.westvan60.com ~~ ofc 922 3587; lounge 922 1920 Where Volunteers make the difference. Chartered November 17th, 1926 The newsletter is available to all interested. To sign up, please fill in the form at the bottom of the webpage, http://www.westvan60.com/newsletter.html MEMBERSITE westvan60.com/membersite Follow us on Twitter, Tweet us, and keep up to date with our events. Follow us: @westvan60 -- Reid Anderson, Branch Secretary JANUARY 2012 CALENDAR OF EVENTS REMEMBER : Membership dues are “due” by January 31st to keep your membership consistent and “in good standing”. Leave a cheque behind the bar $60 for 2012. Thank you! > Saturday, January 14th Mina’s Fabulous Curry - $10/per person – 6:30pm John Shields “Pub Night” - 7:30pm ???? > 6:30pm Saturday January 21st Robbie Burns Supper $40/per person Tix available behind the Bar BRYAN KING & THE PAINTERS in the lounge following dinner > Friday January 20th Mini-Meat Draw 5:30pm $5.00 for 10 tix (on sale at branch), Bonus Red Ticket Draw, 50/50 Draw +++ WV CHAMBER of COMMERCE + 926 6614 + http://ww.westvanchamber.com https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.235940486479794.57625.127006724039838&type=1 West Van Chamber Annual Christmas Dinner 2011 PHOTOS by West Vancouver Chamber of Commerce (Albums) · Taken at Capilano Golf & Country Club > Wednesday January 25: Breakfast Meeting - Request for Proposal (RFP) ~ 7:30 - 9am ~ Gleneagles Golf Course Clubhouse Are you missing out on Request for Proposal (RFP) opportunities b/c you don't know where to find them or how to apply? Are you missing out on the multitude of funds available for your business? One of the country's most successful ridings in attracting Federal Economic Action Plan funds was -- our very own. Come hear some of the simple steps that led to this success. Large Corporations, the West Vancouver District, and Provincial and the Federal Governments are always looking to hire companies for a wide variety of products and services, through bids called a Request for Proposal (RFP). Listen to our panel of experts and find out where RFPs are posted, what you need to know to apply and how to create an effective proposal. This breakfast meeting will give you the information needed to generate alternative sources of revenue for your business. There will be a Q&A session for all of your questions. Our Guest Speakers: John Weston, Member of Parliament, West Vancouver - Sunshine Coast - Sea to Sky Country Clay Nelson, Purchasing Manager, The District of West Vancouver Calvin Yan , Stakeholder Engagement, Office of Small and Medium Enterprises, Public Works and Govt Services Canada June Berger, President and Creative Director, Pelican Studios Inc. Some examples of local companies that have successfully bid on a RFP: Gleneagles Physiotherapy won the RFP from the District of West Vancouver to lease space in the Gleneagles Community Centre Margitta's Flowers at Lonsdale Quay won the bid as official florist for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games Virtus, a Vancouver-based consulting firm focusing on leadership and organizational development, successfully bid on a RFP from Telus for coaching and facilitating workshops for their managers Sponsored by Cypress Place at Nicklaus North Our host, Gleneagles Golf Course Clubhouse, requires advance numbers for set up and food preparation. Please note that we are unable to give a refund without 48 hours' notification; however a delegate substitution is welcome at any time. Thank you for your cooperation. Tix: $30; non-mbrs $40 === CULTUREWATCH === * THEATRE + ARTS CLUB 687 1644 http://www.artsclub.com ~ Revue Stage – Do you want what I have got? A Craigslist Cantata, with CBC's Bill Richardson and PuSh, Jan 19 to Feb 11 ~ Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage -- Calendar Girls by Tim Firth starts Jan 26 + Waterfront Theatre 669 3410 -- The Canadian Improv Games Jan 23 to Feb 12 + PuSh -- FESTIVAL OPENS THIS TUESDAY, JANUARY 17 Oh my! Time has flown and here we are on the eve of the 2012 PuSh International Performing Arts Festival. Everything kicks off on January 17th with the 8PM opening of Amarillo at SFU Woodward's Goldcorp Centre for the Arts, a beautiful work from Mexico that tells the story of a man who vanishes on his way to the U.S.-Mexican border. The Tuesday performance is followed by the PuSh Festival Opening Gala, 9:30PM at the Waldorf Hotel.This just announced: Our good friend Mayor Gregor Robertson will be in attendance! PuSh International Performing Arts Festival 604 605 8284 info@pushfestival.ca pushfestival.ca + Improv Centre, Granville Island -- Theatre sports see vtsl.com 738 7013 + Vancouver Playhouse 873 3311 - Red by John Logan about Mark Rothko, Jan 14 to Feb 4 + Jericho Arts Centre 224 8007 -- United Players presents: Duet for One by Tom Kempinski, directed by John Murphy Tom Kempinski's dazzling play emerges as a gripping, witty, and ultimately life-enhancing tribute to the human spirit. Stephanie Abrahams, a brilliant concert violinist who seemingly has it all, is forced to re-evaluate her life when struck down by an unforeseen tragedy. Faced with a truth too difficult to comprehend, she engages the help of a psychiatrist. Through a series of highly charged encounters, Stephanie is led to examine her deepest emotions and finally to consider a future without music. Duet for One is directed by John Murphy, who applauds the craftsmanship of Kempinski's script. "He's created a great story, with a compelling protagonist that we're rooting for the whole time. She's fighting for her life, and the writer unfolds the action in such a way that the stakes for the character get higher and higher as the show progresses, right up to the very end of the show." Jan 20 - Feb 12 ~~ 8pm - Thurs through Sun; Tix $16 - $20; Preview: Jan 19 - tickets $10 Opening: Jan 20 Talk back session: Jan 26, after the show For reservations www.unitedplayers.com or phone 604 224 8007, ext. 2 + Metro Theatre 604 266 7191 www.metrotheatre.org 8pm Saturday January 14 to February 11 (Sunday matinees 2pm Jan 22 and Feb 5) The Complete Works of Shakespeare (Abridged) by Adam Long, Daniel Singer, and Jess Winfield; Parody of Shakespeare plays directed by Catherine Morrison This side-splitting comedy is a parody of the plays written by Shakespeare performed (in shortened form) by only three actors. It incorporates all manner of devices including a football game (of all the histories) and a rap (of "Othello") and many others that can make each performance unique and different from another, even with the same cast! + The Cultch (in VanCity Culture Lab) 604 251 1363 thecultch.com Waiting for Godot, Blackbird Theatre at Vancouver East Cultural Ctr, Dec 27 to Jan 21 + Centennial Theatre ~~ Call 984 4484 or visit www.centennialtheatre.com + The Chan Centre at UBC (Theatre Dept) 822 2678 theatre.ubc.ca -- Check for schedule of events * ART + VANCOUVER ART GALLERY http://www.vanartgallery.bc.ca/events_and_programs/calendar_of_events.html ~ AUDAIN COLLECTION ~ Out for Lunch -- Eine Kleine Lunch Musik -- Select Fridays, 12:10 – 1pm Concerts are free with Vancouver Art Gallery admission. Programs are subject to change and seating is limited. Presented and co-sponsored by Gene Ramsbottom, Karen Lee-Morlang, Arioso Strings/Ian Hampton, UBC School of Music and the Vancouver Art Gallery * MUSIC + City Opera Vancouver www.cityoperavancouver.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/City-Opera-Vancouver/297764267658 Blog: http://cityoperavancouver.com/blog/ Continued work on Margaret Atwood’s first opera, Pauline, set at Vancouver in March 1913, and starring the great Judith Forst as Pauline Johnson. The text workshops have been concluded. Johnson was an important Canadian artist whose life ended in a rooming house at Bute x Alberni, where our opera is set. Pauline Johnson named Lost Lagoon, and is buried in Stanley Park. + Opera Pro Cantanti Verdi's Macbeth 7pm Sunday Jan 15th Cambrian Hall [ t 604 340 8545 procantani.com ] + Vancouver Symphony Orchestra -- http://www.vancouversymphony.ca/ 876 3434 Sat Jan 14 and Mon 16 at Orpheum -- Power and Beauty, Tchaikovsky and Beethoven; Freddy Kempf, pianist MAHLER, Jan 20 to 23 (four-concert festival) + EARLY MUSIC VANCOUVER ~ Tuesday January 17 at 8pm Harpsichordists at the Cellar Series, at The Cellar Restaurant/Jazz Club: Hank Knox: The Golden Age of the Harpsichord ~ Friday, January 27 at 8:00 pm | pre-concert introduction at 7:15 Main Series, at Christ Church Cathedral: Haydn and His World Early Music Vancouver, 1254 West 7th; T: 732-1610; E: staff@earlymusic.bc.ca; W: www.earlymusic.bc.ca * PHOTOGRAPHY + Caroun Art Gallery (CAG) ArtGallery@Caroun.com For more info, pls check www.Caroun.net. Caroun Photo Club: Meetings are held the third Wednesday of every month, 7 - 9pm at the Silk Purse Arts Ctr. Visitors are welcome. Info: www.carounphotoclub.com. * Rabih Mroue Tues Jan 24 -- at the Contemporary Art Gallery A work in progress, The Pixelated Revolution, is a free lecture-performance by Rabih Mroue about how mobile phones and social media hv bn used during the Syrian Revolution. Th - Sat Jan 26 - 28 -- at The Roundhouse The first work from the Middle East in PuSh, Looking for a Missing Employee, tells the true story of a man who disappeared from his low-level post at the Ministry of Finance in Beirut, never to be seen again. Artist Rabih Mroue's storytelling contrasts facts with propaganda as he follows a path through documents, clippings, photos, and found objects. * MARITIME MUSEUM -- 604 257 8300 until May 21st EXHIBITION: Chatwilh, the Craft and Culture of the Squamish Canoe A look back at ancient crafts and traditions into the Squamish Nation's uniquely adapted watercraft.
=== PS to CCL MTG NOTES Dec 12 re Water Utilities === [item 9 toward end; page 11] {expanded transcript} Mayor: was there a question there? Sop: yes, Ms Leemhuis, building over time if over years, looking at $900M -- gimme a break -- what work has been done for last 15 years? zero? gone miles, put new infrastructure and pipes in; want facts and figs what we've done to date solidness so, is it true that $900M, focal point? raise more money than needed, on the taxpayers' back? Mayor: to clarify, $900M is book value, or replacement costs of all our assets that we have, not what we're looking at coming up with over the next few years Sop: realize that but fact is we're being asked to pay more and more all we have before us and tight budget you're running, where's money coming from; not going to find any relief you're the CFO, sure you're looking at it
=== SPECIAL CCL MTG NOTES Wednesday Dec 14th === {Was just adoption of utilities etc that had just received third readings; see the minutes} === CLOSED CCL MTG Wednesday Jan 11th === [9:30 to noon] CLOSED: THAT in the public interest, members of the public be excluded from part of the January 11, 2012 special Council Meeting on the basis of matters to be considered under the following section of the Community Charter". 90. (1)A part of a council meeting may be closed to the public if the subject matter being considered relates to or is one or more of the following: (d) the security of the property of the municipality; (e) the acquisition, disposition or expropriation of land or improvements, if the council considers that disclosure could reasonably be expected to harm the interests of the municipality; and (i) the receipt of advice that is subject to solicitor~client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose. Purpose of meeting: to discuss land and legal matters.
=== CCL AGENDA Monday January 16th === 6pm in M HALL MAIN FLOOR CONFERENCE ROOM; 7pm in M HALL CCL CHAMBER (Public hearing at 7pm in ccl chamber, followed by regular council meeting to reconvene in open session in council chamber) Note: At 6pm the regular Council Meeting will commence in open session (in the MFCR), and will be immediately followed by a motion to exclude the public in order to hold a closed session. At 7pm in the Council Chamber the Public Hearing will be held. The Council Meeting will reconvene in open session in the Council Chamber immediately following the PH. 6:00 PM 1. Call to Order. EXCLUSION OF THE PUBLIC 2. RECOMMENDED: THAT in the public interest, members of the public be excluded from part of the January 16 regular Council Meeting on the basis of matters to be considered under the following section of the Community Charter: 90. (1) A part of a council meeting may be closed to the public if the subject matter being considered relates to or is one or more of the following: (c) labour relations or other employee relations. 3. ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION PUBLIC HEARING AGENDA MONDAY, JANUARY 16, 2012 NB: At 7pm the PH will commence in the Ccl Chamber. The Ccl Mtg will reconvene immediately afterward. 7:00 PM 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. PUBLIC HEARING Zoning Bylaw No. 4662, 2010, Amendment Bylaw No. 4710, 2011 (File: 1610-20-4710) The Director of Planning, Lands and Permits will describe the subject application. Applicant: The Corporation of the District of West Vancouver Subject Lands: All lands in West Vancouver Purpose: The purpose of proposed Zoning Bylaw No. 4662, 2010, Amendment Bylaw No. 4710, 2011 is to provide for changes to parking requirements for existing secondary suites licensed through the alternative life-safety standards programme. Proposed Zoning Bylaw Amendment: If adopted, the proposed bylaw amendment would, for a single family dwelling with an existing secondary suite licensed through the alternative life-safety standards programme, change the required number of parking stalls from three to two. 3. PUBLIC HEARING PROCEDURE [described] 4. REPORTS/WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS 1) Reports received up to and including January 12: Zoning Bylaw No. 4662, 2010, Amendment Bylaw No. 4710, 2011 (Secondary Suite Parking) -- November 30, 2011 [rec'd] -- January 16, 2012 -- R-1 2) Written submissions received up to and including January 12, 2012: None to date. On December 12, Council set the date for the PH. The statutory notice was published on Jan 8 and 11. The M Clk will note written submissions received for the January 16 PH. 5. PUBLIC INPUT
{your editor's input just b/c nbrs have put up with congestion and lessening of quality of life b/c some tenants of sec stes park on the street changing many into one-lane streets does not mean it shd be continued or aided and abetted. As editor, I received complaints about the effects of parking on both sides of the street where not really space or intended; so has ADRA. Some years ago a possible solution I posited was to have parking only on one side of the street at a time: even-numbered on even dates and odd on odd-numbered dates. That was, however, before sec stes were legalized. They do provide more affordable accommodation but it ought not to be at the expense of residents who bought into a sgl-fam nbrhd and had counted on that zoning protection to lessen crowding not impede traffic. Let's consider both sides.}
6. CLOSURE OR ADJOURNMENT OF PUBLIC HEARING If there is no further public input and Council does not request a further staff report: RECOMMENDED: THAT all written and verbal submissions be received and that the Public Hearing be closed. OR If Council requests a further staff report: RECOMMENDED: THAT staff report back to Council and that the Public Hearing be adjourned to ________. (date, time, and location) Members of Council are not permitted to receive further submissions once the Public Hearing is closed. Following conclusion of the Public Hearing, the following items will be considered: RECONVENE OPEN SESSION 5. APPROVAL OF AGENDA 6. ADOPTION OF MINUTES December 12, 2011 Regular Ccl Mtg; December 14, 2011 Special Ccl Mtg; and January 11, 2012 Special Ccl Mtg 7. Reports from Mayor and Councillors on Boards, Committees, and Working Groups -- rec'd for information REPORTS 8. Development Variance Permit Application No. 11-014 (981 Kings Avenue) (File: 1010-20-11-014) At the December 12 regular meeting Council received the report dated Nov 30 re DVP Application for 981 Kings Avenue and set the date for consideration for January 16, 2012. Reports received up to and including January 12, 2012: NAME / DATE / FOR COUNCIL CONSIDERATION: Development Variance Permit Application No. 11-014 (981 Kings Avenue) / November 30, 2011 / December 12, 2011/ January 16, 2012 Written Submissions received up to and including January 12, 2012: None to date. PRESENTATION BY APPLICANT CALL FOR PUBLIC INPUT RECOMMENDED: THAT all written and verbal submissions be received for information. If Council wishes a further staff report: RECOMMENDED: THAT staff report back to Council regarding submissions received at the Jan 16 Ccl Mtg to allow Council to make a determination on the DVP OR RECOMMENDED: THAT the DVP, which would allow for an existing two-storey addition, with attached deck and stairs, to the existing dwelling to be retained, be approved.
9. Ambleside Village Centre Streetscape Standards Project (File: 2515-21) RECOMMENDED: THAT the report from the Mgr of Cmnty Planning dated Jan 10 re the Ambleside Village Centre Streetscape Standards Project be received for information. {received for information? only? so done deal? Can Ccl comment or offer/ask for amendments or revisions??? If so, hope they do. Phase One of the public engagement prog includes the Design Review Cmte, the ACDI, the Public Art Adv Cmte AND the Ambleside Biz Assn. Perhaps an inadvertent omission but surely the residents of the area ought to be included from the beginning; ADRA is the largest ratepayer group in the Ambleside area (and one of the largest in WV). Will the new Ccl really start involving citizen/nbrhd groups?}
10. Provincial Community Recreation Program Grant (File: 2160-03-JLPA1) RECOMMENDED: THAT Ccl authorize the submission of a grant application to the BC Cmnty Recreation Program to renew, update, and expand the playground and surrounding area of John Lawson Park. 11. CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS 11.1 Correspondence List (see link on electronic agenda) (File: 0120-24) {oh groan. Wonder if they ever think of a resident clicking on this to read? This brings up 2012 and not easy to get to 2011 Correspondence wch is what most of the correspondence on the agenda are from. The group to noon Fri Jan 13 of course are not on the agenda but the first letter is rather alarming b/c it lists financial reports that are missing. Wonder if they'll deal with it at the ccl mtg anyway. Wd be good so as much info as possible as we go into considering Budget 2012.} Council Correspondence Update to December 6, 2011 (4:30 pm) Received for Information (1) Committee and Board Meeting Minutes – Board of Variance – September 21, 2011 (2) TransLink, November 23, 2011, regarding Moving Forward 2012 Supplemental Business Plan and Outlook (3) City of North Vancouver, November 30, 2011, regarding Family Court and Youth Justice Committee (4) BC Communities in Bloom, December 1, 2011, regarding Communities in Bloom Evaluation Program Council Correspondence Update to December 9, 2011 (Noon) Referred for Action (1) TransLink’s Access Transit Users’ Advisory Cmte, Dec 6, 2011, regarding Increase in Accessible Bus Stops in West Vancouver (Referred to Director of Engineering and Transportation for consideration and response) Received for Information (2) J. Harder, December 1, 2010, regarding Parking Ticket (3) E. Schoenhoeffer, December 3, 2011, regarding Ambleside (4) B. Copeland, December 6, 2011, regarding Bike Lane on Westport Road (5) Owners’ Strata BCS 1593 (2115-2133 Gordon) Dec 8, re Proposed Conversion of Gordon Ave Tennis Courts to Temporary Parking (6) Union of British Columbia Municipalities, December 8, 2011, regarding Update: RCMP Contract Negotiations Council Correspondence Update to December 16, 2011 (Noon) Referred for Action (1) R. Parsons and Dr. R. Didcott, December 5, 2011, regarding Traffic Safety – 1200 Block Clyde Avenue (Referred to Director of Planning, Lands, and Permits for consideration and response) (2) 13 submissions dated December 12-15, 2011, regarding Public Tennis Courts at Civic Site – Parking (Referred to Director of Parks and Community Services for consideration and response) Received for Information (3) Committee and Board Meeting Minutes – Design Review Committee – September 29 and November 17, 2011 (4) 11 submissions dated December 12-15, 2011, regarding Public Tennis Courts at Civic Site – Parking (5) C. and M. Hunter, December 13, 2011, regarding Memorial Park (6) 2 submissions from the Union of BC Municipalities, December 14, 2011, regarding UBCM Membership and RCMP Contract Management Cmte: Appointments (7) MetroVanWatch (CityHallWatch), December 15, 2011, re Metro Vancouver: Our aspirations for this 3-year term Responses to Correspondence (8) B. Sokol, Dir/Planning, Lands, and Permits, Dec 8, response to N. Thompson re Correspondence sent to Mayor and Council {Pls forgive me for the amused pleasure I got from reading the second paragraph of the response. The good Mr Sokol is apologizing for not responding to his earlier letter and the delay in responding saying that in Sept he'd instituted a new system so letters followed up in a timely manner and had gone back to March 2011. Mr Thompson's letter of Dec 2010 referred to a towing incident of January 2010. Readers of WVM may recall that it was in September I brought up the fact that many had not been receiving replies ever or for a long time. Mayor G-J said she didn't think that was the case. No doubt she was surprised when subsequently many responses to Correspondence from Sokol and Fung appeared in Public Correspondence -- she worked magic I told her! Do note however, that this was in context of email someone had sent in the summer, I followed up asking as well, and to wch there had been no reply. It came up again in November b/c still no reply and was referred to the CAO for reply (to whom the email was addressed in the first place). Still no response. Let's see if Smith has more magic than G-J. Remember Polman's five?}
Council Correspondence Update to December 23, 2011 (Noon) Referred for Action (1) Lower Mainland Treaty Advisory Committee (LMTAC), Nov 28, 2011, regarding LMTAC Restructuring and Next Steps (Referred to Chief Administrative Officer for consideration and response) (2) K. Talvila, December 7, 2011, regarding Oil tanker traffic (Referred to Chief Administrative Officer for consideration and response) (3) Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver, Dec 15, re Home Economics: A Taxing Imbalance - Presentation to the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Govt Services (Referred to Chief Administrative Officer for consideration and response) (4) December 17, 2011, regarding Tennis Courts (Referred to Director of Parks and Community Services for consideration and response) (5) 2 submissions dated December 17 and 18, 2011, regarding Float Plane Traffic Over Caulfeild and Noise (Referred to Chief Administrative Officer for consideration and response) (6) M. Viswanathan, December 20, 2011, regarding Lighting (Referred to Director of Engineering and Transportation for consideration and response) (7) J. Erlichman, undated, regarding Traffic Calming Measures on 21st Street (Referred to Director of Engineering and Transportation for consideration and response) Received for Information (8) Committee and Board Meeting Minutes – Community Grants Committee – July 15, October 14, and December 6, 2011 (9) Lower Mainland Treaty Adv Cmte, Dec 5, 2011, regarding Lower Mainland Local Government Treaty Table Representatives (10) 2 submissions dated December 17 and 18, 2011, regarding Public Tennis Courts at Civic Site – Parking (11) Lower Mainland Local Govt Association (LMLGA), December 9, 2011, regarding Invitation to Apply to LMLGA Board (12) 2 submissions from the Union of BC Municipalities, dated Dec 19 and 21, re RCMP Contract: Technical Briefing Sessions and BC Police and Crime Data (13) D. Gostling, December 22, 2011, regarding A letter to Dr. Perry Kendall with Crucial information re Smart Meters Responses to Correspondence (14) R. Fung, Dir/Engg/Transp, Dec 19, response to R. Sleath and H. McCain re Increase in Accessible Bus Stops in WV (15) A. Mooi, Dir/Parks/Cmnty Services, Dec 20, response to 12 submissions re Public Tennis Courts at Civic Site – Parking (16) R. Fung, Dir/Engg/Transportation, Dec 21, response to A. Laird regarding Street Light at Haywood between 15th and 16th (17) R. Fung, Dir/Engg/Transp, Dec 21, response to J. Erlichman re 21st St Pedestrian Safety and Traffic Calming Project (18) R. Fung, Dir/E&T, Dec 22, response to M. Viswanathan regarding Lighting Council Correspondence Update to December 30, 2011 (Noon) Referred for Action (1) BC Community Living Action Group, December 23, 2011, regarding Crisis in BC’s Community Living Sector – Request for Support (Referred to Mayor for consideration and response) (2) R. Sultan, December 15, 2011, regarding Tennis Courts (Referred to Director of Parks and Community Services for consideration and response) (3) December 15, 2011, regarding Property Assessment Concerns (Referred to Director of Financial Services for consideration and response) {Reason I wrote to challenge your assessment you shd contact the BC Assessment Authority; Ccl/staff aren't involved.} (4) J. Menzies, December 29, 2011, regarding Traffic Problems (Referred to Director of Engineering and Transportation for consideration and response) Received for Information (5) G. Ortynsky, December 23, 2011, regarding Waterfront Houses Council Correspondence Update to January 6, 2012 (Noon) Referred for Action (1) K. Pendreigh, January 3, 2012, regarding Tennis Court Removal (Referred to Director of Parks and Community Services for consideration and response) (2) L. Anderson, January 4, 2012, regarding Correspondence Dated November 21, 2011 (Pedestrians and Speeding Vehicles) (Referred to Chief Constable for consideration and response) Received for Information (3) Hollyburn Heritage Society, January 3, 2012, re Hollyburn Heritage Society Annual Report for 2011 (4) BC Hydro, Dec 22, re Congratulations On 2011 Local Govt Election and BC Hydro Planning For The Next 50 Years (5) A. and B. Machesney, January 1, 2012, regarding Aircraft Traffic Over Caulfeild (6) Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM), December 22, regarding Nominations: UBCM Small Water Systems Working Group (7) P. Hundal, January 3, 2012, regarding Navvy Jack House Responses to Correspondence (8) A. Mooi, Director of Parks and Community Services, Jan 5, 2012, response to P. Stott regarding Gordon Avenue Parking Council Correspondence Update to January 10, 2012 (4:30 pm) Referred for Action (1) Dundarave Festival of Lights Society, January 3, 2012, regarding Request for Delegation - Dundarave Festival of Lights 2011 (Referred to Municipal Clerk for response) Received for Information (2) Committee and Board Meeting Minutes – West Vancouver Memorial Library Board, November 16, 2011 (3) Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM), January 6, 2012, re RCMP Contract – Technical Briefings Update. 12. OTHER ITEMS -- No items. 13. PUBLIC QUESTIONS/COMMENTS 14. ADJOURNMENT
=== WEST VAN MATTERS 2011 TITLES ===
WVM2011-01 2011 January 10th Council Meeting AGENDA; Calendar to January 27th Budget 2011 Tax/Assessments * Zoning ReWrite PH * WVM Titles 2010: 1-29 WVM2011-02 2011 Jan 10th Ccl Mtg NOTES; Jan 24th Ccl AGENDA; Calendar to Feb 10th Zoning/Subdiv ReWrite PASSED * MORE BUDGET 2011 INPUT WVM2011-03 2011 Jan 24th Ccl Mtg NOTES; Feb 7th Ccl AGENDA; Cal to Feb 24th Streamkeepers & EPN * AmblesideNOW * 1.1% BUDGET 2011? * Cell Tower? WVM2011-04R 2011 Feb 7th Ccl Mtg NOTES; Feb 21st Ccl AGENDA; Cal to Mar 11th WV Historical Society * Foreshore * Safeway Site * Heritage Week 21 - 27 WVM2011-05 2011 Feb 21st Ccl Mtg NOTES; Mar 7th Ccl AGENDA; Cal to Mar 24th Non-Owner Stes * Parks * Regional Growth * Endowmt Fund * Library Saga
WVM2011-06R 2011 Mar 7th Ccl Mtg NOTES; Mar 21st Ccl AGENDA; Cal to Apr 8th Crime Stats * Regional Growth Strategy * Fire Svcs * Non-Owner Sec Stes WVM2011-07R 2011 Mar 21st Ccl Mtg NOTES; Apr 4th AGENDAs; Calendar to Apr 22nd Kiwanis Housing * DNV OCP Overlap? * Amb Revit Comm * Emerg Svcs ¥ RGS WVM2011-08 2011 Apr 4th Ccl Mtg NOTES; Apr 18th AGENDA; Calendar to May 13th Wetmore PH * RGS * Five-Yr Library Plan * TransLink * Hollyburn Cabins WVM2011-09 2011 Apr 18th Ccl Mtg NOTES; May 9th AGENDA; Calendar to May 20th Cycling Coalition * Wetmore * 20th & Esquimalt Rezoning/Uplift WVM2011-10R. 2011 May 9th/11th Ccl Mtg NOTES; May 16th AGENDA; Calendar to Jun 10th Cluster Housing Rodgers Creek * 1300blk Marine * Youth Ccl/Awards
WVM2011-11 2011 May 16th/19th Ccl NOTES; Jun 6th AGENDAs; Calendar to Jun 24th PH: 20th & Esq Densification (OCP Amendment) * Finance Information Act Reports WVM2011-12 2011 June 6th Ccl NOTES; June 20th AGENDA; Calendar to July 8th PH: 20th & Esq Rezoning * Rockridge * Cmnty Grants ~$160K * AmblesideNOW $3M+ WVM2011-13 2011 June 20th Ccl NOTES; July 4th AGENDAs; Calendar to July 15th Pumpkin Fest * Grants ~$160K * 2010 Annual Report * Dogs * Metro Labour WVM2011-14 2011 July 4th Ccl NOTES; July 11th AGENDAs; Calendar to July 25th WVPD Strategic Plan, CompStat * BUDGET / AmblesideNOW $$$ * GLH WVM2011-15r 2011 July 11th Finance Cmte NOTES; July 18th AGENDA; Calendar to July 28th Staff & Council Remuneration 2010 * Budget Planning 2012
WVM2011-16 2011 July 18th Ccl Mtg NOTES; July 25th AGENDA; Calendar to Aug 15th CACs * AmblesideNOW Budget/Qs * Youth Services Review 8 * Arts Facilities Strategy WVM2011-17 2011 July 25th Ccl Mtg NOTES; Calendar to August 31st + DWV Non-Answer Letters * AmblesideNOW $$$ * Kiwanis Devt * G Lawson Hse WVM2011-18r 2011 August Updates; Ccl AGENDA Sept 12th; Calendar to Sept 22nd RoyalTea-by-the-Sea * WVM 2011 Titles 1 - 17 * AmblesideNOW & Revitalization WVM2011-19 2011 Sept 12th Ccl Mtg NOTES; AGENDA Sept 19th; Calendar to Oct 7th Cmnty Ctrs' Plans * MyOwnSpace * Library LEEDs * Kiwanis OCP/Zoning * M A-G WVM2011-20r 2011 Sept 19th Ccl Mtg NOTES; AGENDA Oct 3rd; Calendar to Oct 21st WVHS Book Cottages to Community * Rodgers Creek 3 * Sport Field Master Plan
WVM2011-21R 2011 Oct 3rd Ccl Mtg NOTES; AGENDA Oct 17th; Calendar to Nov 11th KIWANIS * WVHS/Argyle * AmbNOW $ PSB * TransLink * PkR Xing * Gd Nbr Bylaw WVM2011-22 2011 Oct 17th Ccl Mtg NOTES; AGENDA Nov 7th; Calendar to Nov 25th CANDIDATES * Sunset Lane * Parks WG Preliminary Draft * Replies to Letters WVM2011-23 2011 Nov 7th Ccl Mtg NOTES; AGENDA Nov 28th; Calendar to Dec 8th Shell (1305 Marine) and 2436 Haywood PHs * Construction Impact * Sec Stes WVM2011-24. 2011 Nov 28th Ccl Mtg NOTES; AGENDA Dec 5th; Calendar to Dec 20th Cmnty Awards * PHs redux * Sec Stes * Mayor's Apopemptic Remarks WVM2011-25 2011 Dec 5th Inaugural Mtg NOTES; AGENDA Dec 12th; Calendar to Dec 31st Swearing-In * Appointments to Boards/Cmtes * Mayor's Inaugural Remarks WVM2011-26 2011 Dec 12th Ccl Mtg NOTES; AGENDA Dec 14th; Calendar to Jan 20th Ev Dr Signs (size) * Tennis Courts/Parking * Apptmts/Grants * Utilities, Fees
=== ANIMALWATCH === + Russian crow uses a lid to snowboard! They are so intelligent -- and seems they like to play too. http://ca.news.yahoo.com/blogs/daily-buzz/crow-caught-video-snowboarding-down-roof-203827721.html + Bengal cats are also intelligent http://kittentoob.com/media/bengal-cat-talks-to-her-kitten + Penguins in Antarctica -- they're so precious have to admit those baby penguins are really cute. Sent to me with comment: Enjoy - it's 5 min and worth every min. of it. This is Ahhhh! Spectacular footage & camera work.... http://youtu.be/SkY03n0_sD8 + BC SPCA PHOTOS > 2011 Wildlife-In-Focus Winning Photos - Wild Settings Congratulations to the winners of our 2011 Wildlife-in-Focus Urban Wildlife Photography Contest in the Wild Settings category. This unique fundraising photo contest encourages British Columbians to explore greenspaces, roadsides, beaches, and even backyards to find striking images that represent the resiliency of local wildlife living at the interface with humans. Funds raised from this contest go towards food and medical care of wildlife in need at the BC SPCA's Wild Animal Rehabilitation Centre (Wild ARC), which cares for more than 2,000 injured and orphaned wild animals a year. > 2011 Wildlife-In-Focus Winning Photos - Backyard Habitats Congratulations to the winners of our 2011 Wildlife-in-Focus Urban Wildlife Photography Contest in the Backyard Habitats category. === INFObits === + 66M died in WW2 (author on CBC stated) + Canada has just won bronze. The next youth world hockey tournament will be in Ufa, the capital of the Republic of Bashkortostan in Russia. It is a centre for oil extraction and refining. Ppl called Bashkirs, speak Bashkir; half Christian and most of rest Muslim. The population of the republic is just over 1M. Rudolf Nureyev was from there. + Religious freedom -- Christians and lions The world’s most widely followed faith is gathering persecutors. Even non-Christians should worry about that The Economist: Dec 31st 2011 | from the print edition CHRISTIANITY is growing almost as fast as humanity itself, but its 2.2 billion adherents cannot count on safety in numbers. That is partly because the locus of the world’s largest religion is shifting to hotter (in several senses) parts of the world. According to a report published by the Pew Forum in December, the Christian share of the population of sub-Saharan Africa has soared over the past century, from 9% to 63%. Meanwhile, the think-tank says, the Christian proportion of Europeans and people in the Americas has dropped, respectively, from 95% to 76% and from 96% to 86%. ... http://www.economist.com/node/21542195?fsrc=nlw%7Chig%7C12-28-2011%7Ceditors_highlights + PALESTINE? Bogus claims there isn't a place called Palestine and never was (Zionists and Newt Gingrich say so) Barenboim; The Economist In The Economist there was an interesting comment posted: from: http://www.economist.com/blogs/theworldin2012/2011/12/daniel-barenboims-new-way-israelis-and-palestinians#comments Lautrement in reply to Reluctant Polluter -- Dec 29th 2011 8:18 GMT Something to consider if we're going to mention history. I'm relatively sure you're being sarcastic, but just in case... Herodotus, in the 5th century BCE, refers to the people living in the area we refer to as Israel and Palestine as Palestinians in the original ancient Greek. 3rd book, 5th section, first sentence, penultimate word.
=== Christmas in Kirkuk === Subject: [CPTnet] IRAQ REFLECTION: Christmas in Kirkuk. Date: 14 January, 2012 11:02:37 AM PST To view the on-line version click here. http://www.cpt.org/cptnet/2012/01/14/iraq-reflection-christmas-kirkuk CPTnet 4 January 2012 by Ramyar Hassani IRAQ REFLECTION: Christmas in Kirkuk. Sun, clear sky and a little mild weather made it seem like spring in the winter. The situation in the streets was normal; traffic was light, making for an ordinary day!! This was the situation on 26 Dec. 2011 when the CPT team arrived in Kirkuk to accompany the Christian community for the day. In the history of the city, various ethnic groups such as Kurds, Turkmens and Arabs have lived together, along with a number of Christian families from different backgrounds including Assyrians and Catholics. There are around 1500 Christian families with 8 churches in the city and the Christian village of Se Kanian 10 kilometres away. After 2003 and the fall of Saddam Hussein, every year there is a lot of fear of suicide attacks during the celebration days in Kirkuk and cities in southern Iraq, and of course Christians are always targeted during Christmas celebrations. In 2010, because of a chain of suicide attacks in the churches and in the Christian areas, the Christian community of Iraq decided not to celebrate New Year’s. This year 2011 was better, but there was a lot of security present, not like a normal Christmas in Europe and the U.S., but the celebration went on, and of course in Kirkuk too. During the mass on the second day of Christmas, in the Virgin Mary Chaldean Catholic church in Kirkuk, CPT accompanied Christian people who since 2003 have had a lot of problems, and fears of being killed, kidnapped, or displaced. The priest, who had a cold, was concerned and sad about the absence of people in the church and he mentioned many times that today is the day of being together and celebrating our most important day which is Christmas. He asked, in this holy day, what are you doing in the home? Watching T.V.? Lying on the sofa? What is more important than being with the other Christians in the most important day for us? But the fear of suicide attacks in front or inside of the churches is not the main reason for people’s absence. There is another reason why most of the Christians were absent. In the Christian village of Se Kanian, on the same day, while there are 50-60 Christian families in the village, there were only 17 persons in the church during the mass. The reason is the same reason why people in Iraq generally have disagreements. It is the small issues that make life very difficult. On the top of the church in the village it is written that it is a Chaldean Christian church. So most of the Assyrian Christians of the village were absent. ---------------------------------------------- CPT's MISSION: What would happen if Christians devoted the same discipline and sacrifice to nonviolent peacemaking that armies devote to war? Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) seeks to enlist the whole church in organized, nonviolent alternatives to war and places teams of trained peacemakers in regions of lethal conflict. COMMENTS: To ask questions or express concerns, criticisms and affirmations send messages to peacemakers@cpt.org. {My note: for all his faults, Saddam ran a secular state and the Christians were protected. Many have fled since the country has become a Islamic republic and the rivalry between Sunnis and Shias has removed the truce they'd had. See the Doonesbury cartoon on p19 of WVM2011-26 (the last one last year).} +++ SCIENCEWATCH === The Science of Santa :-) Story Highlights: Dr. Larry Silverberg spent months at Santa's workshop at the North Pole as a visiting scholar. He explains the science and engineering innovations that support Santa's work. The Science of Santa 12.06.2011 Don’t believe in Santa Claus? Magic, you say? In fact, science and technology explain how Santa is able to deliver toys to good girls and boys around the world in one night, according to a North Carolina State University researcher. NC State’s Dr. Larry Silverberg, professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering, can explain the science and engineering principles that allow Santa, also known as Kris Kringle or Saint Nicholas, to pull off the magical feat year after year. Read the whole explanation http://www.ncsu.edu/faculty-and-staff/bulletin/2011/12/the-science-of-santa-2/ including: Relativity Clouds Silverberg is not so naïve as to think that Santa and his reindeer can travel approximately 200 million square miles – making stops in some 80 million homes – in one night. Instead, he posits that Santa uses his knowledge of the space/time continuum to form what Silverberg calls “relativity clouds”.
=== PEACE?WATCH === + HOPE? » Israeli and Palestinian negotiators met in Jordan and had their first talks for more than a year. No breakthrough occurred but the two sides said they would meet again soon. The Economist Thurs Jan 5 + APPARENTLY NOT A HAPPY NEW YEAR IN HEBRON..... 12 January 2012 Soldiers beat and arrest two teenagers in Hebron by Michael McRay On Thursday evening at 5:20, 12 January 2012, soldiers forcibly entered the Zaru family home near the Qitoun checkpoint in al-Khalil (Hebron), assaulting the mother and two sons. The invasion was a result of an earlier encounter between the soldiers and Anas, the older of the sons, 18 and developmentally disabled. In the morning, Anas was coming home through the Qitoun checkpoint after refilling the gas for the household. When he tried to enter the door of the checkpoint corridor, the soldiers closed it. He knocked repeatedly on the door until the soldiers shouted at him, “Why are you knocking?” “Because you will not open the door to let me through,” he responded. When the door opened and he passed through, the soldiers knocked the gas can away, shoved him to the ground, and began beating him. When Anas tried to get up, he stumbled into one of the soldiers, who then claimed Anas attacked him. They took him into a side alley to continue the beating out of public sight. A witness had called Anas’s father, who arrived and took Anas home. The soldiers did nothing during the day, though Palestinians saw soldiers lingering outside the Zaru home throughout the afternoon. Only a few minutes after TIPH* passed by on evening patrol, the soldiers stopped Anas in front of his house. They said they had come for Noor, Anas’s 16-year-old brother, and would destroy the house if Anas did not retrieve Noor. Anas called to Noor, who appeared at the front door up the stairs. Before he could come down, the soldiers bounded up the stairs and grabbed him, dragging him down the stairs. They handcuffed and blindfolded the two boys outside. As they beat Anas, they pointed a gun to his head and threatened to kill him if he opened his mouth about what was happening. The mother demanded to know why her boys were being taken, but the soldiers shoved her and told her to “go home”. They forced Noor against the wall outside the house and began beating him with the butt of their rifles. He suffered frequent blows to the head. They then arrested Noor and Anas, escorting them to the military base. During the march, Noor began vomiting and then fainted from a concussion. Once at the military base, he fainted again. The soldiers released Anas within the hour and transferred Noor to the police station, evidently in an attempt to press charges. Due to the immediate action of the locals and international observer teams, the Red Cross, the Hebron Rehabilitation Cmte, Israeli Civil Administration (DCO), law offices, and other organizations soon got involved. Noor went home that night with a fractured skull, and additional injuries to the head, eye, hands, back, ribs, shoulders, and stomach. He was unable to sit when we arrived home because the pain was too overwhelming. The soldiers have suffered no repercussions. {So you see why the presence of CPT and the int'l teams listed above is important; sometimes Israeli human rights groups are also involved.} * TIPH (from Wikipedia) Temporary International Presence in Hebron or TIPH is civilian observer mission in the in the West Bank city of Hebron. Both the Israeli Government and Palestinian Authority called for its creation. Its main task is to "assist in monitoring and reporting the efforts to maintain normal life in the City of Hebron, thus creating a feeling of security among Palestinians in the City of Hebron." It “monitors the situation in Hebron and records breaches of international humanitarian law, the agreements on Hebron between Israel and the Palestinian authority and human rights, in accordance with internationally recognized standards".[2] It also monitors Israeli settlers, and aims to help the Arab Palestinians who currently live there. It is staffed by personnel from Denmark, Italy, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, and Turkey. {So === HERITAGEWATCH === HV, VHF, HWV, TLC, etc + HERITAGE WEST VAN Heritage Week 2012 starts Feb 20 -- always the third Monday in February. Want to get involved? Have an event/activity? write heritage@westvan.org. Pls let us know if you want a table at Heritage Fayre. + VANCOUVER HERITAGE FOUNDATION The Vancouver Heritage Foundation is a not-for-profit working to promote the preservation of the built environment in Vancouver and beyond. Visit us at: www.vancouverheritagefoundation.org 604 264 9642 Award given to Gene Ramsbottom's "Out for Lunch". + HERITAGE VANCOUVER All upcoming events at www.heritagevancouver.org Bulletins: Sign-up to receive, or view all previous bulletins at: www.heritagevancouver.org/bulletins.html Message line 604 254 9411 | info@heritagevancouver.org + UPCOMING TALK OF HERITAGE INTEREST Look out for a talk by Charles Bloszies, author of ‘Old Buildings, New Designs’, followed by a panel discussion about the issues surrounding re-use in architecture, urban design and planning, January 25th, 6:30pm @ the Peter MacKay room, VPL. First come, first served. For more details check: www.sala.ubc.ca + TLC -- THE LAND CONSERVANCY [video of past year] Thank you to all our volunteers, donors, members, event participants, twitter followers and facebook fans for making 2011 such a successful year for TLC. Our slideshow features a few of our favourite big moments from this past year, but each and everyday we are grateful for your support of the work we do. Cheers to more success in 2012 -- our 15th anniversary year! ` (Uploaded by TLCAdmin on Jan 5, 2012) http://youtu.be/VFT4qLivEC8
=== BOOKWATCH === The Joy of Books (Uploaded by crazedadman on Jan 9, 2012) After organizing our bookshelf almost a year ago (http://youtu.be/zhRT-PM7vpA), my wife and I decided to take it to the next level. We spent many sleepless nights moving, stacking, and animating books at Type bookstore in Toronto (883 Queen Street West, (416) 366-8973). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKVcQnyEIT8&feature=youtu.be
=== LANGUAGEWATCH === + Banish those amazingly ginormous words, please! http://www.vancouversun.com/Banish+those+amazingly+ginormous+words+please/5932493/story.html + Isn't it iconic? The words we use are influenced by fads and fancies http://www.vancouversun.com/iconic+words+influenced+fads+fancies/5932494/story.html
=== WORDWATCH === friggatriskaidekaphobia Friday the 13th - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Friday_the_13th The fear of Friday the 13th is called friggatriskaidekaphobia (Frigga being the name of the Norse goddess for whom "Friday" is named and triskaidekaphobia ... Triskaidekaphobia - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triskaidekaphobia ... deka meaning "10" and phobia meaning "fear" or "morbid fear") is fear of the number 13; it is a superstition and related to a specific fear of Friday the 13th, ...
=== SALMAGUNDI === the semi-silly section; some Christmas leftovers; sent to subscribers starting with some riddles and ending with smiles: o What do you get when you cross a sheep with a cicada? -- Baa Humbug! o What do you get if you cross a Yule Log with a duck? -- A Fire Quacker o A webmaster's favourite hymn? -- Oh, .com all ye faithful! hope you all had a Merry Christmas; here's a selection of Christmas stuff for your holiday entertainment: Santa's a Canadian (but you have to add two Us) 1 Silent Monks Sing Hallelujah 2 Jingle Goats (for the animal folks) 3 Christmas Story as told by kids 4 Christmas Present (story) 5 Turkey (music/cartoon) 6 World's Best Christmas (heart-warming) 7 Many thanks to those who forwarded these to me cdn't resist a few more puns at the end..... punny grammar, punny list, photos (worst puns ever),....... merry maiku? 1 -- "Santa's a Canadian" -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ei3rTITyOhY 2 -- Silent monks sing hallelujah -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCFCeJTEzNU 3 -- Jingle Goats Laughter is great medicine and it goes down so easily. So have a smile or two as you enjoy this romp with some kids and may your days all be as merry! Merry Christmas to all and a Happy New Year. http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/b4_EdJ-XkUA?rel=0 4 -- Christmas Story as told by kids: -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWq60oyrHVQ 5 Christmas Present It was the day after Christmas at a church in San Francisco. Pastor Mike was looking at the nativity scene outside when he noticed the baby Jesus was missing from the figures. Immediately, Pastor Mike turned towards the church to call the police. But as he was about to do so, he saw little Jimmy with a red wagon, and in the wagon was the figure of the little infant, Jesus. Pastor Mike walked up to Jimmy and said, "Well, Jimmy, where did you get the little infant?" Jimmy replied, "I got him from the church." "And why did you take him?" With a sheepish smile, Jimmy said, "Well, about a week before Christmas I prayed to little Lord Jesus. I told him if he would bring me a red wagon for Christmas, I would give him a ride around the block in it." 6 -- Turkey -- http://images.businessweek.com/ss/05/11/egreetings/image/01.swf 7 -- World's Best Christmas Present Get out the hankies!!! http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7392721n&tag=cbsnewsSectionContent.0 + A Punny Christmas Story James Fenimore Cooper wrote about the life of Santa Claus. Naturally he titled it The Deer Sleigher. He could have also called it The Abdominal Snowman. On the inside cover appears a photograph of Santa taken with his North Polaroid camera. In the pages of this expose, you'll find out that Santa's primary language is North Polish. You'll learn that Santa and Mrs. Claus live in an icicle built for two and that he loves tending his three gardens and exulting, "Hoe, hoe, hoe!" You'll also discover that St. Nicholas is the main Claus. His wife is a relative Claus. His children are dependent Clauses. Their Dutch uncle is a restrictive Claus. As a group, they're all renoun Clauses. + Here's a whole list of them!: http://www.jokeschristmas.com/Christmas-Puns/ + Punday: The Worst Christmas Puns Ever! Some pun photos for you to guess: http://www.smosh.com/smosh-pit/photos/punday-worst-christmas-puns-ever
=== Tequila Christmas Cake Recipe === Once again this year, I've had requests for my Tequila Christmas Cake recipe so here goes: Please keep in your files as I am beginning to get tired of typing this up every year! 1 cup sugar 1 tsp. baking powder 1 cup water 1 tsp. salt 1 cup brown sugar Lemon juice 4 large eggs Nuts 1 bottle tequila 2 cups dried fruit Sample the tequila to check quality. Take a large bowl; check the tequila again to be sure it is of the highest quality. Repeat. Turn on the electric mixer. Beat one cup of butter in a large fluffy bowl. Add one teaspoon of sugar. Beat again. At this point, it is best to make sure the tequila is still OK. Try another cup just in case. Turn off the mixerer thingy. Break two eegs and add to the bowl and chuck iin the cup of dried fruit. Pick the fruit up off the floor. Mix on the turner. If the fried druit getas stuck in the beaterers, just pry it loose with a drewscriver. Sample the tequila to test for tonsisticity. Next, sift two cups of salt, or something. Check the tequila. Now shift the lemon ice strain your nuts. Add one table. Add a spoon of sugar, or somefink. Whatever you can find. Greash the oven. Turn the cake tin 360 s and try not to fall over. Don't forget to beat off the turner. Finally, throw the bowl through the window. Finish the tequila and wipe the counter with the cat. Cherry Mristmas burp
~~~ MAIKU ~~~ 2011 December 25
bitter sweet season -- surrounded by love with mem'ries of those missing
=== QUOTATIONS/THOUGHTS / PUNS === and a palindrome Just because we don't understand doesn't mean that the explanation doesn't exist. -- Madeleine L'Engle, American writer (1918 - 2007) The only real progress lies in learning to be wrong all alone. -- Albert Camus, French-Algerian writer (1913 - 1960) Any idiot can face a crisis - it's day to day living that wears you out. -- Anton Chekhov, Russian physician, dramatist, and author (1860 - 1904) P J O'Rourke, American writer (b 1947): o The only really good vegetable is Tabasco sauce. Put Tabasco sauce in everything. Tabasco sauce is to bachelor cooking what forgiveness is to sin. o For a purely untrustworthy human organ, the memory is right in there with the penis. o I like to think of my behaviour in the sixties as a learning experience. Then again, I like to think of anything stupid I've done as a learning experience. It makes me feel less stupid.
There is no trouble so great or grave that cannot be much diminished by a nice cup of tea. -- Bernard-Paul Heroux
Length times width times height speaks volumes. Erasable pens were a good idea on paper. To handle an incorrigible punster, just don't incorrige him. Why did the pig quit running the marathon? He had a problem with his hamstring. The new year's resolution for the bankrupt gardener was to forget the past and rely on the fuchsia. One day at the bar there was a blackout. Good thing I had a light beer. Babies usually wake up in the wee-wee hours of the morning. Santa often guides his sleigh to Cape Canaveral. We know this because A SANTA AT NASA is a palindrome.
~~ What kind of motorcycle wd Santa Claus ride? ~~ ~~ a Holly Davidson
>>> ADDENDUM <<< Serious -- need to notify public of mtgs, esp re finance! Let's hope it's teething problems. Some cclrs had mentioned they'd met about the budget. My concern was that budget does NOT qualify as in camera. One said the door was open so it was an open mtg. Well, that's irrelevant, there has to be an agenda. The agenda for Wed Jan 11 is clearly a closed mtg. Nothing about budget. Confusing. Then I was told there was a finance mtg and it was open. And it was on Monday (9th). Really? I went to the DWV Calendar and NO mtgs at all appeared on the Calendar for Monday (9th) or Tuesday (10th). Was called back and told, yes, there was a Finance Cmte mtg on Monday the 9th. So I went to the FCmte webpage and lo and behold! A great agenda (alas, can't copy and paste for you b/c not put up that way) with an introduction by the CFO, then Divisional Presentations, and even a PQP! er, um, but nobody knew about it!!! It's unreasonable to expect the public to go to every cmte's webpage to see if there's a mtg. That's why there's a Calendar so when you see there's a cmte/WG mtg, you then go to its webpage to see the agenda. Who looks beside MHall door? What a fantastic but lost opportunity. There are many who wd hv wanted to listen to the information given. Hello, there! Pls put your mtgs on the Calendar so the public can participate as promised.
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