Canada Day Greetings
- Ron McLaughlin
- Jun 30
- 3 min read
New graduates, art in Erin's Forest, remembering Louis and more
Students at Lions Bay Community School (LBCS) have once again celebrated a time-honoured tradition: the Grade Three Leaving Ceremony. As has been done for many years, the Grade Threes marked their time at the school with a special send-off last week, complete with 'graduation caps' and the passing of the pencils to this year’s Kindergarten students.
It’s clear this year’s class is ready to move on to the big school; their kindness, curiosity, and love of the outdoors will serve them well! It was great to see all of the children, teachers, and proud parents at this wonderful event.
2013 artwork by Evan, Nicholas, Tyde, Alicia, Dana, and Mrs. Haxton. Photos by Ron McLaughlin.
Two years ago LBCS offered interested local residents the opportunity to help themselves to a piece of the artwork decorating the fence along the driveway entrance. Mary and I chose a few samples, which have been in storage until now. Just recently a thought came to me. Now, thanks to the assistance of the hiking group, when you go to Erin’s Enchanted Forest you will see she has some new friends.
Lions Bay resident Erin Moore died in a hiking accident while out with her family and friends on Unnecessary Mountain at age seven in 2014. It would have been her grade 12 graduation this year.
Please take a moment to read Douglas Miller’s article remembering Louis Peterson (HERE). As a founding father of the Village in addition to being a cornerstone of our community, Louis seemed omnipresent, and everyone has a favourite memory of him.
I have two.
The first is of him setting up the sprinkler system across from the highway underpass for the native garden. I usually left the Village to go to work at 6 a.m. and considered myself an early riser. But when I halted at the stop sign, there he was, already tirelessly working away.
Then, there was his little red truck. I drove by it at least twice a day and still think of it when I pass where it was parked for so long. How many bags of sea soil did it ever carry? I rented it by making a scholarship donation once. I emphasize the word “once.” It was a bit testy to drive.
As an Emergency Support Services volunteer, I feel extremely appreciative of the opportunity to participate in the Bowen Island Paddle Project. The Watershed's article interviewing ESS Director Mary Brown (HERE), gives you the whole picture. The project recently wrapped up as we thanked our Squamish Nation mentors for teaching us the skills we learned, and for sharing their culture and history with us. I learned a lot more than carving and painting.
After summer is over, Mary Brown is looking to organize something similar to the Paddle Project with residents in Lions Bay. This time the focus will be not paddles but drums, similar to the one shown in the photo. Should you be fortunate enough to be asked to this limited participation event, I suggest you say yes quickly before the class fills up. It is a very positive experience and you will get to take home a special reminder of all you have learned.
Last week I was sworn in to fill the vacant seat on Council. It is a privilege to serve the Village of Lions Bay again. I look forward to working collaboratively with my colleagues to uphold the values and priorities of the Community.
Happy Canada Day!
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