~~~ je suis Charlotte! je suis Ahmed! ~~~

= Main Items Ccl Mtg Jan 12: DVP 3357 Marine; Finance Cmte Update; interesting/informative Ccl corresp

= Vive le Canada (Vickers; National Bird; Sir John A); from the Editor's Desk (Laptop Probs; Condolences; Election; ACMs; New Yr's; PSB); WVPD (distracted driving); Updates & Info (Tree Disposal; MetroV Food Scraps Ban; More M News; M Grps; Larson Stn Gift Cards)

= CALENDAR to Jan 28+; CULTUREWATCH (Theatre; Art; Music; Opera; Dance; Festivals; Book Launch; Talks/Walks)

= HEADSUP and early/prelim 2015-01: Headsup/Jan 12 Ccl Agenda for 2015-01; Headsup Jan 13 w/ Jan 12 ccl mtg bits & Mtgs + Jan 26 Main items; Headsup Jan 22 w/ mtgs

= CCL MTG AGENDA Jan 12, followed by two important agenda items

= Main Items on Jan 26 Ccl Mtg Agenda: PH: subdiv of 6447/6475 Pitt St; then: Spawner Salmon Survey; BUDGET PRESENTATION; DRC new terms of reference

= ANIMALWATCH (elephant calf; Citadel Canine Society; Puppy Time; California condors); INFObits (Kevin Vickers; more on Sir John A; Canada's oil revenue; Squamish World Tourist Stop; Palestine ICC); ROYALWATCH (Kate's 33!); LONDONWATCH (NYE Fireworks) TREEWATCH (Treezmas); GOLDEN GLOBE WATCH (Clooney & Amal); WV HISTORYWATCH (Seawalk; Point Atkinson; Hollyburn Lodge); SCIENCEWATCH (Rick's Rant); WVM 2014 LIST; BOOKWATCH (The Economist 2014); LANGUAGEWATCH (in 2115); WORDWATCH (Linguaphile, AWAD); HERITAGEWATCH; MAIKU (+ a tanka); QTNS/THOUGHTS/PUNS + Downton Abbey History + cartoons/pictures

=== Vive le CANADA ===

= Our brave Sergeant-at-Arms Kevin Vickers has just been appointed ambassador to Ireland. [See INFObits]

= The search is on to choose a national bird for Canada! Wch one do you think it shd be?

= Sunday January 11 is the 200th anniversary of the birth of Sir John A. Macdonald (1815 - 1891), a Father of Confederation and our first Prime Minister. PM Harper will deliver remarks* at the Kingston City Hall celebrations.

* on his website now: http://www.pm.gc.ca/eng/news/2015/01/11/pm-marks-bicentennial-sir-john-alexander-macdonalds-birth

{More in INFObits below} Here are six things that may surprise you about Canada's eldest statesman:

1. He was the only Canadian Prime Minister to resign over a scandal.

2. He knew how to make an entrance.

3. He cheated death during the final negotiations for Confederation.

4. The man some call "the Father of Canada" has a modest grave.

5. His son served in the Northwest Rebellion to spite him.

6. He was one of the first Canadians to be immortalized on currency.

from: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/kitchener-waterloo/6-sir-john-a-macdonald-facts-to-mark-his-200th-birthday-1.2895312

=== from the EDITOR'S DESK === {NB: Draft WVM23 final was sent to subscribers lunchtime Dec 31}

Laptop's Heart Attack: Resulted in lots of problems, and intermittently unable to receive/send email plus lost files, drafts, notes, announcements, etc. Newsletter seriously affected. Best efforts. Am anxious to get this out rather than do more research, rewriting, etc, and TS not finished trouble-shooting. One result is, sorry, missing activities, meetings, events.

Condolences: to Cclr Sop on the loss of his mother in December.

CATCHUP

Election: Congratulations and best wishes to the new Council. Thank you to my supporters, even those who told me they preferred me to continue as “council watcher and writing this newsletter. I did manage to convince two or three that I cd do more and faster if on Ccl. Many of my recommendations have been adopted and implemented so will hope my present ones will be too. Watch for my list. Welcome to giving me your suggestions; we all are working for WV to get better and better.

ACMs: May give details when this info retrieved. In the meantime, an overview. My goal is for fairness.

The most fair, a few years ago, was at Gleneagles Cmnty Ctr so probably WRA/HBBA. Everyone same allocation of time. First were the intros and last were concluding remarks. As for questions, the question was given and then each candidate, one after the other, had one minute to answer (if not a yes/no Q) “ same questions and same time.

The closest to being fair in the last election was ADRA's: same time for intro and for concluding remarks; although the question cd be answered by three candidates, each were called upon for about the same number of answers.

At the WRA/HBBA ACM this time one candidate was (inadvertently probably) stopped about a minute before the allotted time everyone else had. Occasions to answer varied from about two to five.

At the Sports ACM two candidates got to answer five or six times and the rest two to four.

At the Chamber's ACM, again some candidates got multiple opportunities to answer and some only got one or two.

Can't remember wch ones now, but at a couple of ACMs, a candidate or two only got one opportunity to speak in reply.

It absolutely baffles me why a moderator wdn't have a list of candidates and then put a tick next to the name for every time the candidate speaks to make sure an equal number.

New Year's Day: If you saw an orange pool-noodle-waving Sassenach monster in the English Bay Polar Bear Swim, that was G! See: http://youtu.be/e1V0HIwzBuE?t=25s and http://youtu.be/wsVommb48IQ?t=5m10s

PSB: OOOO! Added to the Jan 12 agenda and some important changes introduced. Ambulance but no Fire Dept. They want decisions asap. I urged info for public and their feedback. Decision vote Jan 26? Want construction to start in June.

=== WVPD === Make this your new year's resolution!

Is this the year you finally break the 'Distracted Driving' habit?

In addition to a new year, January 1st, 2015 marks FIVE years since British Columbia's Distracted Driving laws officially took effect. It's not new any more. While the law doesn't quite date back to the old brick passing for a cell phone on this driver's shoulder, it seems hard to imagine something can be so difficult for many to learn after five years, when the lessons are so clear.

Distracted driving is a leading cause of car crash fatalities in our province.

Statistics show approximately a quarter of all car crash fatalities in B.C. between 2009 and 2013 were related to distracted driving.

That’s an average of 88 deaths per year, making distracted driving now the second-leading cause of motor vehicle fatalities in B.C., behind speeding (105) and narrowly ahead of impaired driving (86).

Distracted Driving is prohibited for very compelling reasons.

The fine is $167 for Distracted Driving offences under the B.C. Motor Vehicle Act. As of October 2014, three driver-penalty points were added.

WV Police sincerely wish you the best for a safe and happy 2015! On behalf of your loved ones, we respectfully suggest adding a resolution to finally break the Distracted Driving habit.

Click Here For The Five-Year-Old Information You Should Already Know By Now On Permitted And Prohibited Uses Of Electronic Devices While Driving!!

http://wvpd.ca/breaking-stories/news-archive/303-breaking-the-handheld-habit-new-years-challenge-approaches-for-bc-driver

=== UPDATES & INFO ===

> Compost your Christmas Tree

You can compost your Christmas Tree by taking it to the North Shore Transfer Station (normal yard trimming fees apply) or preparing it for curbside collection following the instructions below:

Tools needed: Pruning Saw or Hand Saw; Biodegradable String or Twine; Scissors; Pruners; Tape Measure

Instructions: Cut the tree in half and bundle it with biodegradable twine into bundles about 1' wide by 3' long. Place the bundles out with your yard trimmings by 7:30am on your collection day. For more information, view our video on preparing your Christmas Tree for curbside collection:

Click here to view "Preparing your Christmas Tree for Curbside Collection" on YouTube.

http://www.northshorerecycling.ca/component/content/article/78-yard-trimmings/yard-trimmings/272-christmas-tree-collection

> METRO VANCOUVER'S FOOD SCRAPS BAN NOW IN EFFECT

Jan 9, 2015 -- The way we manage our waste is changing, and January 2015 brings a new landmark”food waste is now officially banned from garbage. Residents living in single-family homes already separate food scraps from garbage using the District's Green Can program.

To comply by the ban, businesses and multi-family residential buildings will also need to develop a plan to separate food scraps from garbage by June 30, 2015.

Most WV businesses and multi-family residential buildings have private garbage collection service ” not municipal colln” and need to talk to their garbage haulers about starting separated organics collection. Most private garbage haulers already offer separate food scraps collection service.

More information: Get tips from MetroV; condos/stratas shd also talk to their garbage hauler. Support for resid bldgs is also available from the NSh

Recycling Prog. Gen info re MetroV's Organics Ban: http://www.metrovancouver.org/SERVICES/SOLIDWASTE/BUSINESSES/ORGANICSBAN/Pages/index.aspx

> MORE MUNICIPAL NEWS

o The level of activity in Permits & Inspections reached an all-time record. Staff issued 751 bldg permits (up 15% over 2013) and

issued 2930 permits in total (including bldg, plumbing, and electrical). Staff also completed 12,369 inspections (up 8% over 2013).

o The website http://westvancouver.ca/government/committees-groups/working-groups/community-energy-and-emissions-plan-working-group has

the CEEP WG news. See: http://westvancouver.ca/news/news-bites-january-14 for news on NSh Soccer and more.

> MUNICIPAL GROUPS

Google WV Streamkeepers, Lighthouse Park Preservation Society, Gleneagles Cmnty Ctr, Srs' Ctr, Old-Growth Conservancy Society, and others to read their newsletters and find out about events.

> LARSON STATION

The District will honour the remaining balance on Larson Station gift cards with programs or services offered by the District’s Parks and Community Services Division.

=== CALENDAR to 2015 January 28th+ ===

Mtgs at MHall unless otherwise indicated. Mtgs known at date of writing shown; often addns, changes, cancellations after WVM sent. Check the DWV Calendar: http://www.westvancouver.ca/events. Some too late/early for an issue are emailed to subscribers. [Headsup/Notices sent between issues. Subscribe! write subscribewvm@westvan.org]

ABBREVIATIONS, ACRONYMS, INITIALISMS puzzling? See: http://www.westvan.org/glossary

== Tuesday January 13

~ 4pm ~ Community Energy and Emissions Plan WG mtg at Lawson Crk Studio, 1758 Argyle

~ 4:30pm ~ Finance Committee Meeting

== Wednesday January 14

~ 5pm ~ Board of Variance mtg (1274 Keith)

== Tuesday January 20

~ 6pm ~ Staff-Recommended 2015 Municipal Budget Public Open House at Cmnty Ctr

~ 6pm ~ Upper Lands WG at Srs' Ctr

== Wednesday January 21

~ 6:30 pm ~ Library Bd mtg at the Library

== Thursday January 22

~ 9am “ 3pm ~ North Shore Active and Safe Routes to School Workshop

Location: NV School District, 2121 Lonsdale

This workshop is the result of a partnership between staff from the three NSh Municipalities, Vanc Coastal Health, the Heart & Stroke Fdn, TravelSmart, and a NSh parent group called the Safe Routes Advocates. Together, we have engaged school travel experts at HASTe BC (the Hub for Active School Travel) to deliver an informative and interactive workshop focused on promoting safe and healthy school travel on the NSh. This workshop is free, but pls RSVP online to reserve your seat.

Book now: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/north-shore-active-and-safe-routes-to-school-workshop-tickets-14995399644

~ 4:30pm ~ Design Review Cmte mtg postponed to Jan 29

== Sunday January 25INVESTORS GROUP WALK FOR MEMORIES

~ 10am ~ Investors Group Walk for Memories, John Lawson Pk, foot of 17^th; Regn 10am; Walk starts at 11am.

A great way to support families in our cmnty who are impacted by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias and to support research to find a cure. Gather friends, family, and co-workers to honour the memory or celebrate the life of a person living with dementia.

== Tuesday January 27

~ 7 “ 9pm ~ Cool North Shore Event at The Coffee Bar, 1695 Marine

Home Energy Efficiency Tools: What Environmental & Economic value do they offer?

Can home energy labelling improve the energy efficiency of your home as well as its resale value and monthly operating costs? What are the benefits of constructing and retrofitting residential buildings to green rating system standards? How are local governments helping home owners and developers to enhance the energy efficiency of buildings? Our guest speaker will answer these questions and more at January’s Cool Drinks event.

+++ WV MEMORIAL LIBRARY +++ 925 7400 See the Calendar: http://www.westvanlibrary.ca/events/calendar/month

In the Gallery “ Thursday, January 15 “ Monday, March 9

Cabins to Quilts The pieces in this exhibition, created by members of the Lions' Gate Quilters Guild, trace the evolution of the log cabin quilt from traditional to more innovative designs, and reflect West Vancouver’s transition from a cottage community to the modern city we see today.

Best Books of 2014

The votes are in and we are pleased to announce the West Vancouver Memorial Library Readers Choice Awards winners! West Vancouverites selected local author Cea Sunrise Person's debut memoir North of Normal: A Memoir of My Wilderness Childhood, My Unusual Family, and How I Survived Both as their favourite book of 2014. In second place is Anthony Doerr's bestselling and critically acclaimed All the Light We Cannot See. Third place goes toThe Signature of All Things, Elizabeth Gilbert's lauded return to fiction.

The WVML Readers Choice Award winners and honourable mentions are listed in our catalogue as are the Best Kids + Teens Books.

The readers of West Vancouver voted for diverse books this year. Votes were cast for young adult graphic novels, popular science, literary fiction, a collection of lectures, mysteries, romance novels, classics, recent publications, and works in translation.

Thank you to all who cast a vote and happy reading in 2015!

- See more at: https://westvanlibrary.ca/west-vancouver-memorial-library-best-books-2013-contest#sthash.u1VJcTwP.dpuf

Let’s Talk!

Develop your English skills while discussing current events. No registration required. This session runs until March 4. Wednesdays Jan 7, 14, 21, and 28 from 7 “ 8:30pm

English Corner

Enjoy English conversation while making new friends. This session runs until March 6.

Fridays January 9, 16, 23, and 30 from 10 “ 11:30am

Philosophers’ Café: The Charter of Rights, Governments, Police, Intelligence Agencies, and You Today

In good times and bad, there are interplays and trade-offs between rights, obligations, privacy, and security.

Hosted by guest speaker James Lymburner. ~ 10:30am “ noon ~ Friday January 16

~ 7pm ~ Wednesday Jan 21: “Can a Simple Sticker Help Us Act on Climate Change?

Rob Shirkey, lawyer and founder of the environmental not-for-profit organization Our Horizon, will present his proposal to require climate change information labels on gas pumps, a simple concept endorsed by top climate scientists.

For more information, visit or call the Information Desk at 925 7403.

- See more at: https://westvanlibrary.ca/events/can-simple-sticker-help-us-act-climate-change#sthash.VxeiWazr.dpuf

Friday Night Concert “ The Paperboys

~ 7:30 “ 8:45pm ~ January 23 A genre blending, multicultural powerhouse that combines Irish jigs with everything from Mexican Son to country, funk, ska, and soul. A great live show! Doors open at 7pm.

Sunday Movie Matinees “ Oscar Classics “ Casablanca

~ 2 “ 4:30pm ~ Sunday January 25 -- Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman star in this classic romance.

Authors in Our Community “ Some Sort of Life

~ 7 “ 8:30pm ~ Wednesday January 28 -- Naomi Wakan, Nanaimo’s first Poet Laureate, shares her book of memoirs, a collection of poems and essays revealing that life is bittersweet and ephemeral.

+++ WEST VAN MUSEUM +++ 925 7295 http://westvancouvermuseum.ca/exhibitions

January 14 to March 7

KIM KENNEDY AUSTIN: INDUSTRY, CHARITY, FAITH, HOPE Opening Reception: Tuesday January 13 from 7 to 9pm

For this exhibition, a selection of work produced over the past two decades have been assembled to indicate the broad territory of Vancouver artist Kim Kennedy Austin's practice. Austin looks at structural systems and emotive aesthetics in the ubiquitous sea of printed matter that is trying to sell us products, religion, and lifestyle. Operating on the fringe of the social and economic milieu that this material is produced for, and often finding attraction in things that have just gone out of style or lost their function, Austin re-invests these images and objects with labour and attention to detail. Transforming mechanically reproduced forms into uniquely handmade objects, Austin points us back to the creative impulse and imagination that must have inspired their original production.

In this exhibition, the mechanical language of industry is asked to co-exist with spiralling and heart-shaped sentimentality of popular culture in the form of text-based drawings, watercolours and needle-point stitching. Austin activates an artistic position that can neither be called dry conceptualism nor wet expressionism. In this work we find a dialogue between instinct and intellect that ultimately visualizes a labour of love. Accenting this first survey of Austin's practice will be new work produced for the West Vancouver Museum that emerges out of Austin's interest and research into the iron bridges that connect the North Shore not only to other land masses, but to other histories.

This exhibition is guest-curated by Patrik Andersson.

+++ FERRY BUILDING GALLERY +++ www.ferrybuildinggallery.com ~ 925 7290

Download the Jan - Feb 2015 brochure by clicking on: http://ferrybuildinggallery.com/files/2835/141202FBGbro-ONLINE2.jpg

January 6 - 25 -- William Steinberg - Architecture of the Ruin -- etchings & sculptures

Opening Reception: Tuesday January 6 from 6 to 8pm. Meet the Artist: Saturday January 10 from 2 to 3pm William Steinberg began printmaking in architecture school under the instruction of his professor, Leslie Laskey, a student of Lazlo Moholy-Nagy of the Bauhaus. Since 1985, his prints have been exhibited nationally and internationally and are included in numerous private collections in North America, Europe, and Japan. He currently prints at Malaspina Printmaking Society in Vancouver.

Working in an open studio, Mr. Steinberg has now turned to crafting sculptures of bronze, steel, and concrete. William Steinberg website

January 27 - February 15, 2015 -- Nature Re-Imagined

mixed media by Eva Francis, Tony Kristopaitis, and Tannis Turner

Opening Reception: Tuesday January 27 from 6 - 8pm. Meet the Artist: Saturday January 31 from 2 to 3pm.

+++ SILK PURSE +++ http://silkpurse.ca/exhibitions/ 925 7292

January 6 - 25 “ Painter Sasha Lozaic and pen & ink artist Roman Izdebski

interpret the impact of music and its related iconography on our lives & culture.

Opening reception: Friday January 9th from 6 to 8pm

January 27 “ February 22 ~~ Journeying With The Totems

Acrylic Painter Andre J. Prevost captures in stunning realism, the majesty of First Nations totems and carvings from around the West Coast. Opening reception: Tuesday January 27th from 6 to 8pm

+++ KAY MEEK CENTRE +++ http://www.kaymeekcentre.com/on_stage/events_calendar

Simplest way to get on email list, call 913 3634 (also for tix) or email tickets@kaymeekcentre.com

JAN 12 & 13 at 8:00pm THE ODD COUPLE - ARTS CLUB ON TOUR

JAN 25 8:00pm MARC COHN - 95% SOLD OUT

JAN 29 8:00pm THE GOODNIGHT BIRD - OPENING NIGHT

+++ ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION BRANCH 60, WV http://westvan60.com Ofc 922 3587 Lounge: 922 1920

> Meat Draw Saturday January 3 -- every Saturday at 4:30pm

> LUNCH AT THE LEGION -- noon to 2pm every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday ($5 - $10)

> 7pm “ Fri Jan 9 -- Karaoke -- Hosted by Rob the Karaoke Guy: The best Karaoke Host on the North Shore!

> 3 to 6pm -- Sunday January 11 LIVE MUSIC

> after 6:30pm “ Friday January 16 “ TriviaNight “ Stop by with friends for a game or two

> 7pm Tuesday January 27 -- GENERAL MEETING

MEAT DRAW 4:30pm Sat January 17; MINI MEAT DRAW 6:30pm Fri January 23; MEAT DRAW 4:30pm Sat January 24

ROBBIE BURNS SUPPER -- Saturday January 24 “ Doors open 6pm, Supper 6:30pm

~ Cock-A-Leekie Soup ~ Roast Beef and Gravy ~ Mashed Potatoes “Tatties ~ Mashed Turnips “Neeps ~ œHaggis~

~ Scottish Trifle “Tipsy Laird ~ Whisky for Toasts ~

Tix at Bar; $50 per person; Deadline for tix, Wednesday January 21

+++ WV CHAMBER of COMMERCE + 926 6614 + http://www.westvanchamber.com

> In January, the Chamber is launching a series of three new Education for Business Workshops on topics of interest to local business owners, managers, and staff: Crowd Funding, Networking Skills, and Customer Service.

Education Workshops Series

First session January 13..."Crowd Funding" with Guest Speaker Martha Perkins, Exec Director of FundAid.ca

Jan 13 - Location: Capilano ElderU (Next to West Vancouver Chamber office)

The first of our series to help you grow your business starts January 13 from 5 to 6:30pm. The topic: "Crowd Funding" with Guest Speaker Martha Perkins.

The series offers three Tuesday evening workshops --

March 3rd "Networking" and May 12th - "Customer Services".

Tix $15 each workshop for mbrs, $25 non-mbrs. TIX AVAILABLE AT DOOR. Last chance to buy all three at $35 mbrs, $65 non-mbrs.

Mbr (January workshop only) -- $15, Non-Mbr (January workshop only) -- $25, Mbr (All 3 workshops) -- $35,

Non-Mbr (All 3 workshops) - $65 Register

> Mayor's Reception ~ 5 - 8pm ~ Thursday January 29 ~~ West Van Yacht Club $50/$60

=== CULTUREWATCH === {this section suffered the most; much missing or past, sorry}

{NB: The VSun has many events, theatre, talks, book launches, and more -- below are some http://www.vancouversun.com/entertainment/listings/ }

* THEATRE

+ BARD ON THE BEACH “ events leading up to season start! See bardonthebeach.org

+ Arts Club 687 1644 artsclub.com

- Bullet Catch: a death-defying performance; Revue Stage -- Jan 15 - Feb 7

- One Man,Two Guvnors: a blissfully funny celebration of British mischief at Stanley Stage; Jan 22 - Feb 22

+ Jericho Arts Ctr -- United Players 224 8007 jerichoartscentre.com

Private Lives: Noel Coward's comedy; Exes meet on separate honeymoons Jan 23 - Feb 15

+ Metro Theatre 266 7191 metrotheatre.com

Fawlty Towers: adaptation of three episodes; utterly glorious silliness (already extended!) Jan 10 - Feb 7

+ Freddy Wood Theatre theatrefilm.ubc.ca

The Bacchae 2.1: a modern and explicit adaptation from Euripides Jan 21 - Feb 7

+ Pacific Theatre 731 5518 pacifictheatre.org

Underneath the Lintel: the return of a library book -- 113 years overdue -- sends a reclusive Dutch librarian on a globe-spanning odyssey, part ghost story, part metaphysical detective yarn Jan 9 - 31

+ Firehall Arts Ctr 689 0926 firehallartscentre.ca

Kayak: a wicked and provocative environmental comedy, written three years ago by Jordan Hall; Jan 7 - 17

* ART

+ VANCOUVER ART GALLERY

Several exhibitions -“ Details, events: http://www.vanartgallery.bc.ca/events_and_programs/special_events.html

+ CAROUN ART GALLERY

www.Caroun.net 1403 Bewicke Ave., NV 778 372 0765 -- 12 to 8pm (Tues to Sat) Jan 17 - 30

Fatemeh Javadi, Painter; Classic & Modern Painting Exhibition -- Opening Reception 4 - 8pm Jan 17

* MUSIC

+ VANCOUVER SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA 876 3434

See what our Bramwell Tovey has in store! vancouversymphony.ca

+ Marc Destrubé & Friends -- Haydn’s Seven Last Words “ Crucifixion Of The Earth

Music for string quartet by Joseph Haydn; Texts by Robert Bringhurst and Jan Zwicky

Marc Destrubé, violin; Linda Melsted, violin; Stephen Creswell, viola; Tanya Tomkins, cello; Robert Bringhurst, Jan Zwicky, readers.

In 1785 Josef Haydn wrote a chamber work based on the Biblical seven last words spoken by Christ on the cross. Traditionally, the words or phrases are spoken, followed by a meditation on those words, then by the music. Early Music Vancouver, in collaboration with Green College at UBC, have invited renowned BC poets Robert Bringhurst and Jan Zwicky to prepare poetry for each of the seven movements that stimulates a dialogue based on the universal human qualities in the text and also in Haydn’s deeply affecting music. New environmentally-focused texts by renowned Canadian poets Robert Bringhurst and Jan Zwicky update this classic work for string quartet. Seven poems, interleaved with meditative music by Joseph Haydn, speak to the preciousness and beauty of the Earth that humans seem bent on destroying.

Canadian violinist Marc Destrubé has an international reputation as a performer of baroque and classical music music on period instruments. At the same time he is actively performing on modern violin, particularly music of the 20th century and new music. An exceptionally versatile musician, he appears in chamber music, as soloist, as concertmaster or director of orchestras on modern and period instruments. marcdestrube.com

= BRACKENDALE ART GALLERY ~ 8pm Wednesday January 21 ~ Tix $20 at Xocolatl and BAG

= ORPHEUM ANNEX 8pm Saturday January 24 earlymusic.bc.ca Tix $20 - $40

+ PRO NOVA ENSEMBLE tel 921 9444 pronova.ca

String Quartets by Haydn, Stone, and Beethoven; Unitarian Church, 370 Mathers; 7:30pm Saturday January 28

* OPERA

Opera Pro Cantanti; opera arias/duets/ensembles; Cambrian Hall procantanti.com 7pm Sunday January 25

* DANCE

+ Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo; NY-based, all-male troupe; ridiculously re-interpreted classical ballets. Queen Elizabeth Theatre ticketstonight.ca 8pm January 24

* FESTIVALS

+ SALISH SEA EARLY MUSIC FESTIVAL salishseafestival.org

Period instrument chamber music from six centuries around the Salish Sea; Ryerson United Ch 4pm Sun Jan 11

+ 29th Annual Brackendale Winter Eagle Festival & Count -- ends January 31

The Brackendale Art Gallery open to public after 9am. Walking tour at 10am.

More info on events: brackendaleartgallery.com/Calendar.html

+ PuSh FESTIVAL -- January 20 to February 8 -“ many events, many venues, see pushfestival.ca

* BOOK LAUNCH

Captive Revolution: Palestinian Women's Anti-Colonial Struggle Within the Israeli Prison System

~ 6:30 - 9pm ~ Friday January 9 -- Room 7000, SFU Harbour Ctr, 515 West Hastings

Sponsored by SFU Anthropology and Sociology Depts, Independent Jewish Voices, and rabble.ca

Launch of Nahla Abdo's new book, Captive Revolution:

Women throughout the world have always played their part in struggles against colonialism, imperialism, and other forms of oppression. However, there are hardly any academic books on Arab political prisoners, fewer still on the Palestinians who have been detained in their thousands for their political activism and resistance.

Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1521144134818945/

* TALKS

> First Peoples, Palestine, and the Crushing of Free Speech

~ 7:30pm ~ Monday January 12 -- SFU Hbr Ctr, 515 W Hastings St; Facebook EVENT

~ 5pm ~ Wednesday January 14 -- Coach House at Green College, UBC; 6201 Cecil Green Park Road (off NW Marine Drive, opposite Chan Centre and Rose Parkade)

Facebook EVENT A talk by Professor Steven Salaita, who is at the centre of an international protest against academic censorship.

Salaita, author of six books and many articles, was “unhired from a tenured position in American Indian studies at the University of Illinois when donors pressured the university because of Salaita’s tweets on his personal Twitter account about the Gaza massacre last summer.

Because this action is widely recognized as part of a broad effort to silence voices for Palestinian rights and justice, and as one incident in the long history of colonial treatment of indigenous peoples, the case has attracted international attention. Salaita’s books will be available at the event. “Steven Salaita & Academic Censorship“: an interview on Voice of Palestine

> Palestine: 68 years Journey of struggle and resistance for Peace, Justice, & Freedom
~ 1:30 - 3:30pm ~ Saturday January 17th -- Dr. Ambedkar Room, City Centre Library, 10350 University Drive, Surrey

Speakers: Dr. Sunera Thobani (Associate Professor at the Centre for Women’s and Gender Studies, UBC);

Hanna Kawas (Chairperson, Canada Palestine Association); and Sid Shniad (Independent Jewish Voices)

In 1942, some leading Zionists met in New York to formulate plans for a Jewish state and for the last 68 years, the history has experienced nothing but the brutal and severe war crimes by Zionist forces in the pure land of Palestine. To discuss this journey of struggle and resistance by the people of Palestine and to create an awareness on this issue the Fraser Valley Peace Council has arranged a seminar.

Let's be there to show solidarity and salute the struggle of Palestinian people for their national liberation and more than six decades of efforts to get freedom just to live in peace on their homeland.

Organized by Fraser Valley Peace Council -- “Fraser Valley Peace council is an organization under the flag of Canadian Peace Congress. This is an organization of Canadian people that advocates and works for world peace and disarmament.

{Footnote to clarify: Hanna Kawas is Christian.}

> Vancouver Historical Society

Mr Roedde's Neighbourhood -- Historian Chris Stocker talks about early settlement in Vancouver's West End

Museum of Vancouver 878 9140 vancouver-historical-society.ca 7:30pm Thursday January 22

> Natural World Lecture Series 2: Alexandra Morton: Wild Salmon, it is up to us.

~ 8pm ~ Sunday January 25 (by donation) at the Brackendale Art Gallery

Alexandra Morton was living in the BC wilderness studying whales when salmon farms moved in in 1988. Initially she believed government, that this would be good for BC, but soon her science warned her otherwise; bacterial infections, sea lice, viruses, toxic algae blooms, and the whales she was studying left. For 25 years, Morton has tried to protect wild salmon from salmon farms, publishing in the best scientific journals, leading thousands of people to the BC Legislature, attended industry AGMs in Norway, she was featured on 60 Minutes, produced an award-winning documentary, received an honorary doctorate of science for her work and many other awards. Today, Morton wants people to know that if they want wild salmon it is up to us, government is not here to help.

Wild Salmon, it is up to us

is a powerful talk by Alexandra Morton to inform people on the depth of the salmon/human relationship and the dangerous farmed salmon disease government cover-up that is underway in Canada. Once she tracked whales, today she tracks salmon viruses and has found barriers at every turn as she attempts to prevent the viral epidemics that are following the salmon farming industry across the globe. Pipelines, tankers, fracking, mining accidents. and salmon farming are all part of the same horribly flawed over-industrialized vision for BC. Morton will equip you to protect this coast with the simplest acts in your daily life and describe an alternative vision in which there are no losers. We need a healthy economy and we also need to provide our children with a healthy planet. alexandramorton.ca

> Incite: An Exploration of Books and Ideas vpl.ca

7:30pm Wed Jan 28 Join us for an evening of dazzling prose and dramatic tension

with Linden MacIntyre (Punishment) and Michael Christie (If I Fall, If I Die).

FREE! VPL Central Library Click here for details: https://www.writersfest.bc.ca/events/incite

* WALKS Info: Dave Cook 924 0147 <cookeco2@yahoo.com>

> Campus Walk -- Rocks Saturday January 17^th

An interpretive walk jointly for Nature Vancouver and the Beaty Biodiversity Museum.

Meeting location: Beaty Biodiversity Museum, 2212 Main Mall, UBC Campus (Upper Atrium beneath the whale).

Meeting time & duration of walk: 10:15am; 2 hours 15 minutes.

Walk description: Rocks aren't just under our feet on the ground, they are found in the construction of many of the buildings around us. Join David Cook for a walk around campus to learn about the different types of rocks that make up UBC's stunning architecture. Discover where the rocks came from and how they were formed. Then focus on your feet and find out what type of bedrock Point Grey is made of.

Cost: Mbrs of Nature Vancouver can receive a 10% discount but must show their Nature Vancouver mbrship card at the Admission Desk. Info about rates/benefits can be found online at: (http://www.beatymuseum.ubc.ca/join) or call 604 827 4955. Registration: Recommended.

> Wildflowers and natural history of southwestern Western Australia.

Thursday January 22^nd -- Speaker: Dr. Keith Wade. A free public talk for the Botany Section of Nature Vancouver (Vancouver Natural History Society) www.naturevancouver.ca.

Location & time: The Parish Hall of St Mary’s Anglican Church, Kerrisdale, 2490 West 37th Avenue (at Larch Street), Vancouver. 7:30 pm. Note change of venue from the previous Botany Section talk.

Description of talk: Western Australia is home to one of the world's richest floras and spectacular spring wildflower displays. This illustrated lecture is based on an early spring tour in 2005 led by Keith Wade for Capilano College and Great Expeditions, and explores some of the richest botanical and zoological regions of Western Australia, from the Fitzgerald River National Park in the south to Shark Bay in the north.

Dr. Keith Wade is an ecologist and biogeographer who taught at Capilano College for 39 years, during which time he led botanical and natural history tours to many parts of the world. Since retiring six years ago, he has continued to lead one or two such tours a year under the auspices of Great Expeditions. He is currently Professor Emeritus, Dept. of Biology, Capilano University.

=== Headsup/Jan 12 Ccl Agenda for 2015-01

Hope everyone had great holidays!

Now, back to earth with a thud; at least another week before back into the ccl mtg grind.

Herewith:

Main Items Jan 12; WV mtgs; Revisions/Addns to Dec 15 Notes; {Ccl Agenda Jan 12; QTP --> below in WVM}

+ Main Items Jan 12: DVP 3357 Marine; Finance Cmte Update; interesting/informative Ccl correspondence

+ WV MEETINGS

3

== Tuesday January 6

William Steinberg ~ Architecture of the Ruin ~ etchings & sculptures at the Ferry Bldg Gallery Jan 6 - 25

Opening Reception: Tuesday January 6 from 6 to 8pm. Meet the Artist: Saturday January 10 from 2 - 3pm

== Wednesday January 7

~ 7pm ~ Awards Cmte mtg, Lawson Creek Studio, 1758 Argyle {notice put on DWV Calendar late Mon (5th) afternoon}

== Thursday January 8

o ULWG mtg is at 6pm (SAC)-- no reply to my query but just checked the DWV Calendar and the start times match now

o Gleneagles CC Adv Cmte at 7pm (Rainbow Room)

== Friday January 9

The next exhibition (painter Sasha Lozaic and pen and ink artist Roman Izdebski) at the Silk Purse starts Tues Jan 6 but the opening reception is on Fri Jan 9 from 6 to 8pm.

+ REVISIONS to Dec 15 Notes (to emailed version)

o a signif chg: first payment from Grosvenor about $19.3M; of that, $5.7M CAC

o some rewording at beginning of PQP {but mic note still in WVM}:

CR: Thank you, good evening; but before I start I just want to say I want to thank Cclr Cameron for making his comments about the discrepancies in Uplift with the estimates for {affecting} the CACs/CBs...

{Impossible to make out what I said; they really ought to pay more attention to the mics.

My point was that several have pointed out in many cases the Uplift turned out to be higher than the estimate in staff

reports given to Ccl. Since the estimate is used to calculate the 75% for CACs the cmnty receives, we are shortchanged.

Needs to be reviewed as CrC said.}

xxx ... other ppl too; but he's not the only one who's noticed that.

The next thing I wd like to say is I passed the [signs for the sales of?] Christmas trees ...?

... what I would like/suggest Parks consider for next year

[is why don't we have a system]

so ppl can buy live trees, then {give to} either Parks or ??? and ???

Maybe if Parks can say [ what/wch trees/or/what they need/or/are needed in parks {fit in with Parks' plans} ]

...they could be donated to the District for parks {to plant} afterward; I'd rather see them live than executed like that....

=== Headsup/Jan 13 {drafted to send Jan 13 but sent later b/c of computer probs}

je suis charlotte je suis ahmed

My laptop has not yet recovered; Anxious to get something to you, plus added bait

pls bear with me; as soon as the subscriber list is recovered, I’ll send this.

We live in hopeŠ..

apologies for whatever’s still missingŠ.

don’t have my sigs yet so, just so you knowŠ.:

From: editorwvm@westvan.org

Late addns:

1 = reservations to go to the Robbie Burns Supper at our Legion #60 on Sat (24th), ph 922 1920

2 = Main Items Jan 26:

Concurrent Public Hearing and Public Mtg on proposed subdivision of 6447 and 6475 Pitt Street into three smaller lots;

Regular mtg: Spawner Salmon Survey; BUDGET PRESENTATION; DRC new terms of reference

See: http://westvancouver.ca/sites/default/files/dwv/council-agendas/2015/jan/26/15jan26%20-%20agenda.pdf

Most of what was drafted Tues Jan 13 to go out: =================================================================

What is life but a basket of problems? The size of the basket varies as does how full it is.

Won't bore you with the list but do beg your understanding/forgiveness.

This Headsup was started early Tuesday but life intervened, not least of wch is problems with my laptop (sometimes can't send, sometimes can't receive) but have had temporary fixes. The release of the new version I'm supposed to get has been delayed so am anxiously waiting. Does mean however that sometimes I can't reply as soon as I usually do.

For those who look at the DWV Calendar; the Museum's Opening Reception was last night, IOW not tonight.

Anyway, pretend that this is Tuesday morning (Jan 13th). The next WVM will have the ccl mtg notes.

Herewith:

Ccl mtg top items + PQP Jan 12; mtgs and events; Charlie Hebdo; [Qtn moved to newsletter]

MONDAY

=== Jan 12 Ccl Mtg -- video: http://westvancouverbc.swagit.com/play/01122015-1093

* TOP TWO THINGS TO WATCH/THINK ABOUT: *

A. Item 4 -- 3357 Marine Dr

The non-compliant 80-year-old accessory bldg over two storeys, there for over 80 years. (The 'house' is 900sf.) Listen to the facts; consider what you think shd be done by WV for our cmnty and its future.

B. Item 4.1 -- Public Safety Bldg

The surprise of the evening! It was not on the agenda; it was an amendment!

Such a major issue in the cmnty, wonder why no warning. Mentioned PowerPoint presentation but wasn't one.

Staff have done great work; we learned Fire now not part of the PSB but a much-needed ambulance is. Ccl mbrs asked excellent questions, made good suggestions {but time needed to evaluate}. The CAO opined she was not in favour of selling or long-term leases for assets that depreciate. CrC mused that making it higher wd reduce its spread. The future of the Fire Hall lot and M-owned nearby properties has to be decided -- perhaps other District depts. A Cmnty Service Ctr also envisioned. Debate over providing free parking. Result was a punt. Ccl Cam aimed for something that allowed going ahead but not 'final' decisions.

+ PQP +

{unfortunately they didn't turn the mic on so I'm looking into what can be done}

> PSB. One of my concerns is that this delay, b/c now they say the PSB has to be pushed as fast as possible, will not include as much public input as we prefer. Staff wanted a decision if not this mtg then the next. So I expressed concern about informing the public so able to provide feedback. The Mayor said there wd be. It seemed, however, they were taking it to the DRC next week. Then it's pretty well decided and to change anything much later wd be expensive (architect and consultants) as well as wasting more time.

Let's see.

> Mtg Conflict. The Mayor is an ex officio mbr of all cmtes so he (and any cclr who wishes) is able to attend all mtgs. Back in the Dark Ages, when I was on Ccl, you'd ask at the desk and Rosemary wd take her pencil and go to her calendar/book to write it in if nothing else was there. Now there are double-bookings. (We had 35 cmtes.) So I asked if Ccl wd consider implementing that principle now. Mayor Smith wanted an example, so I said the latest was the Upper Lands WG whose mtg will be at the same time as the Staff-Recommended 2015 Budget Public Open House. The Mayor said they’d address that.

> Communication. The WebAlerts system was better keeping residents aware (rather than WestvancouverITE); can discuss later.

{bell rang, so stopped}

> Changes to motions. As mentioned above, Cclr Cam altered the PSB motion. Cclr Booth asked it be repeated before the vote to make sure all cd make sure, understood {grateful, I was}. (He reread from his notes.) So I was going to suggest that Ccl be set up to type in the changes; the alterations and/or new motion cd be shown on the screen for all to see.

I left when the bell rang but went up to speak with the Mayor and give him this subsection. He thought it was a good idea.

PS -- I had intended to open my remarks with “je suis Charlotte, while brandishing a Blackwing 602 pencil

TUESDAY

== Tuesday January 13

~ 4pm ~ Cmnty Energy and Emissions Plan (CEEP) at Lawson Crk Studios, 1758 Lawson

~ 4:30pm ~ Finance Cmte mtg

~ 7pm ~ Opening Reception at the Museum

of the exhibition ” Kim Kennedy Austin: Industry, Charity, Faith, Hope

{corrected here; the DWV Calendar had the Opening Reception on Wed 14th; I enquired; other places fixed on Thurs!}

wednESDAY

== Wednesday January 14

{strange; the DWV Calendar on Tu 20th showed an odd change, Museum's exhibition to start at 11am on the 14th!}

~ 5pm ~ Bd of Variance [1247 Keith: proposed new sgl-fam dwelling w/ ~5.5m (~20ft!) variance to front-yard setback]

{hm. Forgive me, but I can’t help wondering how a NEW plan wd claim (or be granted) such a variance b/c of “undue hardship.}

--> ADDED on Jan 19

TUESDAY

== Tuesday January 20

~ 6 - 8pm ~ Staff-Recommended 2015 Budget Open House, Cmnty Ctr

~ 6:30 - 9pm ~ Upper Lands WG mtg, Srs' Ctr, re Recommendations and draft Report

WednESDAY

== Wednesday January 21

~ 6:30pm ~ WV Library Bd mtg at Library

~ 7pm ~ Wednesday Jan 21: “Can a Simple Sticker Help Us Act on Climate Change?

Rob Shirkey, lawyer and founder of the environmental not-for-profit organization Our Horizon, will present his proposal to require climate change information labels on gas pumps, a simple concept endorsed by top climate scientists. [1hr talk; 30min Q&A] For more information, visit or call the Information Desk at 925 7403.

-- See more at: https://westvanlibrary.ca/events/can-simple-sticker-help-us-act-climate-change#sthash.VxeiWazr.dpuf

thursDAY

== Thursday January 22

~ 9am - 3pm ~ NSh Active and Safe Routes to School Workshop at NV Sch Dist, 2121 Lonsdale

This workshop is the result of a partnership between staff from the three NSh Ms, Vanc Coastal Health, the Heart & Stroke Fdn, TravelSmart, and a NSh parent grp called the Safe Routes Advocates. Together, we have engaged school travel experts at HASTe BC (the Hub for Active School Travel) to deliver an informative and interactive wkshop focused on promoting safe and healthy school travel on the NSh. This workship is free, but pls RSVP online to reserve your seat.

Book now https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/north-shore-active-and-safe-routes-to-school-workshop-tickets-14995399644

~ 4:30pm ~ Design Review Cmte ” RESCHEDULED to Jan 29

Charlie Hebdo

je suis charlotte *** je suis ahmed

The ˜lost’ draft had comments on Charlie Hebdo. To get this out will leave to newsletter.

the first thing that occurred to me, esp since it happened in France, was the quotation

I don’t agree with what the lady says/said, but will defend to the death her right to say it

(mis)attributed to Voltaire (but describing his point).

Secondly, what sane person considers blasphemy worse, a greater sin, than murder?

Thirdly, one of the three policemen given the Legion d’honneur protecting the cartoonists was Muslim, as was one of the guards who protected those in the kosher supermarket.

Fourthly, the nursery chant: sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me.

More laterŠ..

=== Headsup 2015 January 22

~~~ NATIONAL HUG DAY * ! ~~~

TWO THINGS for January 22^nd ”> 2290 Marine Devt Proposal

”> PuSh Festival

then -- Law Enforcement Profiling in Canada {moved to newsletter}

{NB: Apologies ” totally frustrated.

This was to go out Jan 21^st Wed* ~9pm but the subscriber list had disappeared again!!! GRRRRR! with expletives deleted

This has now been emailed to a list from Nov, latest not yet recovered;

let me know if gone or on holiday or whatever so can fix pending}

=================================

OPEN HOUSE - 2290 MARINE DRIVE DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL -- Thurs January 22 ~ 4 to 7pm

Cressey Development has applied for a Development Permit for this RM2 (apartment) zoned site. Staff have instructed the applicant to notify neighbours of the application and to hold an open house so that nearby residents can learn about the proposal, ask questions, and provide their feedback prior to the application being formally considered by Council.

Location: The Beachhouse Restaurant, 150 25th Street

LES 7 DOIGTS DE LA MAIN (CANADA) SÉQUENCE 8

January 22 “ 24 Vancouver Playhouse http://pushfestival.ca/shows/sequence-8/

Torsos twist, bodies vault into the air, dancers bounce and somersault”these are just a few of the feats on offer from renowned Quebec circus troupe Les 7 doigts de la main. This awesome feat of contemporary circus draws its inspiration from Carl Jung’s statement that “The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances: if there is any reaction, both are transformed. There are eight performers, each with a particular skill, but all working brilliantly together as an ensemble. Séquence 8 is so generous, so ambitious, so daring in its sense of physical possibility that it seems to contain every aspect of performance. Dance, acrobatics, storytelling, circus”we get all this and more. It’s an evening at the theatre that combines imagination and athletics at dizzyingly high levels. Prepare to spend 90 minutes on the edge of your seat.

An extra matinee performance of Séquence 8 has been added, by popular demand!

See the added matinee performance at 2pm on January 24, at the Vancouver Playhouse.

NB: Law Enforcement Profiling moved to end of newsletter.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

REGULAR CCL MTG AGENDA January 12th

Re transcripts: ... (gap); xxx (words missing); &&& (noteworthy; shd get); timestamps so you can find the part on the video to listen to entire bit. NB: unless I know the person, names are best guesses. In any case, herewith more of what went on than you ever see in the ccl minutes. :-)

ABBREVIATIONS, ACRONYMS, INITIALISMS puzzling you? See: http://www.westvan.org/glossary

{NB: NO closed mtg beforehand! but Ccl did meet from 9 to 4:30 -- governance in morning and priorities in afternoon

-- wonder how justified/explained}

Revised on January 9, 2015:

¢ To add to Item 3 the Dec 8 reg Ccl mtg and PH minutes, Dec 15 reg Ccl mtg minutes, and Dec 8 PH summary report;

¢ To add new Item 3.1 regarding a delegation from E. Kelsall regarding Update on Warning Labels on Gas Pumps;

¢ To add new Item 4.1 regarding Public Services Building Update; and

¢ To add new Item 7.1 regarding correspondence

{Oh? The PSB, a major issue, put on the agenda with little notice? Glad on Agenda page in red (pleased and appreciate they're doing that now) but how many wd check again? Lesson: we must go to website day of mtg.}

7pm

1. Call to Order.

2. Approval of Agenda

3. Adoption of Minutes

Meeting minutes and public hearing summary report to be provided.

{hm? why wd they not be done by the end of December over, two and three weeks since those mtgs?}

RECOMMENDED: THAT

= the minutes of the Dec 8 special and reg Ccl mtgs and PH, and Dec 15, special and reg Ccl mtgs be adopted as circulated; and

= the Summary of the Dec 8 PH re Proposed OCP Amdmt Bylaw (to amend the OCP to incorporate minor revisions based on cmnty and agency input in order to update WV’s Regional Context Statement to align with “MetroV: 2040, MetroV’s Regional Growth Strategy) be approved.

REPORTS

Development Variance Permit Application No. 14-043 (3357 Marine Drive)

At the Dec 15 reg mtg Ccl received the report dated Nov 26 re DVP Applicn (3357 Marine Dr) and set the date for consideration for January 12, 2015.

Reports received up to and including Dec 31, 2014:

Written Submissions received up to and including December 31, 2014: To view all written submissions click here

PRESENTATION BY APPLICANT

CALL FOR PUBLIC INPUT

RECOMMENDED: THAT all written and oral submissions be received for information.

If Council wishes a further staff report:

RECOMMENDED: THAT staff report back to Council

OR

RECOMMENDED: DVP for 3357 Marine, wch wd allow for a two-storey accessory bldg to be retained, be approved.

BYLAWS

5. No items.

6. CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS

The following Consent Agenda items may be considered for approval in one motion, or considered separately, or items may be excluded for debate.

6.1 TransLink Customer Service Performance Report, Quarter 3 2014

RECOMMENDED: THAT the report dated Dec 12 from the Mgr, Transit, be received for information.

6.2 Finance Committee Update to Council (File: 0116-20-FIN)

RECOMMENDED: THAT the report from the Chief Financial Officer, be received for information.

6.3 NSh Adv Cmte on Disability Issues Review of 2014 Cmte Work, 2015 Work Plan, Budget Request

RECOMMENDED: THAT

1.1 The North Shore Advisory Committee on Disability Issues 2015 Work Plan be approved; and

1.2 The budget request for a one third share ($4,767) of the total budget ($14,300) be approved utilizing existing funds within the Grants in Aid budget.

4. Correspondence List (File: 0120-24) (click here to view correspondence packages)

> Council Correspondence Update to December 12, 2014 (up to 12:00 Noon)

Referred for Action

(1) November 29, 2014, regarding Our Horizon

(Referred to Mayor and Council for consideration and response)

(2) December 7, 2014, regarding “PRIORITIES FOR COUNCIL

(Referred to Chief Administrative Officer for consideration and response)

{monster home concerns}

(3) Esker Lane Strata Council, December 8, 2014, regarding “Development Proposal 370-380 Mathers

(Referred to Director of Planning, Land Development and Permits for consideration and response)

{85% of trees being removed!}

(4) Northtowne Neighborhoods Association, December 9, 2014, regarding “Regulations on “Monster homes

(Referred to Director of Planning, Land Development and Permits for consideration and response)

{monster home concerns in Washington State!}

(5) C. Ballantine, Dec 10, re “Fw: Housing devt approval processes, costs differ greatly (VSun, Dec 4, PageD1)

(Referred to Director of Planning, Land Development and Permits for consideration and response)

Received for Information

(6) Cmte and Board Mtg Minutes -- Memorial Library Board “ November 19, 2014;

Design Review Committee “ November 20, 2014

{discussing the PkR Towers -- v interesting Qs&As wrt plan - an urban ctr?}

(7) Vancouver Coastal Health, Dec 1, 2014, re Congratulations to Council and Forthcoming Updates and Information

(8) City of North Vancouver, Dec 9, re “City of North Vancouver feedback “ BC on the Move Transportation Plan

{ideas, suggestions}

(9) Coal Alliance, December 5, 2014, re Congratulations to Council and Invitation to Speak With Coal Alliance

(10) December 9, 2014, regarding “Kind request (single family housing)

(11) 3 submissions, December 2, 2014, regarding Larson Station Restaurant

(12) 3 submissions, December 5 “ 7, 2014, regarding Replacement of Patullo Bridge and Funding

(13) 2 submissions, Dec 7 - 8, 2014, regarding Proposed Development Variance Permit No. 12-081 (366 Keith Road) (Previously received at December 8, 2014 Council meeting)

(14) 4 submissions, Dec 8, re Proposed OCP..., Amendment Bylaw No. 4797, 2014 (Regional Context Statement)

(Previously received at December 8, 2014 public hearing)

(15) Van Island/Coast Conservn Soc, Dec 11, re “Followup & News Release to Proclaim ˜A Day For Our Common Future’

(16) December 11, 2014, regarding “366 Keith Road Devt Variance Applicn - Council Meeting December 8/14

Responses to Correspondence

(17) Cmnty Planner, Dec 5, response re Proposed OCP..., Amdmt Bylaw... 2014 (Regional Context Statement)

(Previously received at December 8, 2014 public hearing)

18. Chief Financial Officer, December 8, 2014, response regarding � budget question

> Council Correspondence Update to December 19, 2014 (up to 12:00 Noon)

Referred for Action

(1) Dec 13, 2014, re � Draft Budget and 5 year Financial Plan re the West Vancouver Climate Action Plan

(Referred to Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for consideration and response)

(2) 2 submissions, Dec 14 - 17, 2014, regarding “Oh what fun! Take a look in the mirror!

(Referred to Director of Engineering and Transportation for consideration and response)

Received for Information

(3) J. Horgan, MLA (Juan de Fuca), and S. Robinson, MLA (Coq-M'ville), Dec 8, re Congratulations on Recent Election

(4) Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM), Dec 10, re � Age-friendly Cmnty Planning & Projects Grant Approval and Terms & Conditions

(5) E-Comm 9-1-1, Dec 12, re E-Comm 9-1-1’s Legal Name Changed to ˜Emergency Communications for BC Inc’

(6) December 13, 2014, regarding “Fwd: non-thermal radiation

(7) 4 submissions, December 2 - 14, 2014, regarding Larson Station Restaurant

(8) 2 submissions, December 14 - 15, 2014, regarding Devt Permit Applicn No. 14-052 (1763 Bellevue Avenue)

{this letter has an incredible amt of info and documentation re zoning and storeys allowed in Amb/Dund}

(9) Govt House Foundation, Office of the Lieutenant Governor, Dec 17, 2014, re “Lieutenant Governor’s Stewards of the Future program: Funding, Resources, and Support available!

Responses to Correspondence

10. Director of Engineering/Transportation, Dec 19, 2014, response re “Oh what fun! Take a look in the mirror!

> Council Correspondence Update to December 23, 2014 (up to 4:30 p.m.)

Referred for Action

(1) December 20, 2014, regarding “Closure of Larson Station

(Referred to Chief Financial Officer for consideration and response)

> Council Correspondence Update to December 30, 2014 (up to 4:30 p.m.)

Referred for Action

(1) December 30, 2014, regarding House Shaking a Lot “ Demolition of the House on Neighbouring Property

(Referred to Director of Planning, Land Development and Permits for consideration and response)

Received for Information

(2) Committee and Board Meeting Minutes “ Community Engagement Committee “ October 20, 2014

(3) Richmond Blue Dot, 2 submissions, December 18 - 19, 2014, regarding “You have been challenged

(4) West Van Matters, December 23, 2014, regarding “Christmas Greetings!

(5) Environmental Assessment Ofc, Dec 29, re Invitation to Participate on Working Group for the Envmtal Assessment of the Proposed Woodfibre LNG Project

(6) December 29, 2014, regarding “Fwd: 3357 marine drive ( 14-043 )

(7) December 30, 2014, regarding “The Last Post! (North Shore Mountain Biking)

7. OTHER ITEMS -- No Items.

8. Reports from Mayor and Councillors on Boards, Committees, and Working Groups

9. Public Questions and Comments 10. Adjournment

=== ANIMALWATCH ===

+ For Orphaned Elephant Calf, Harrowing Rescue Ends in Hope

In Kenya, baby elephant fights to survive after poachers poisoned her mother.

See: http://news-beta.nationalgeographic.com/2015/01/150107-baby-elephant-poaching-kenya-animals-conservation A National Geographic story with a 4min10sec video of the rescue.....

+ Citadel Canine Society -- Founded on July 4, 2012

Citadel Canine Society is a CRA-registered charity that provides service or companion dogs at no charge to new veterans, and first responders.

Citadel Canine Society was born out of the pressing need to provide access of highly qualified and trained service dogs to those veterans and first responders struggling to manage Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Many of those who have received a service dog have reported a significant improvement in their PTSD treatment programs, and to date these service dogs are not funded by many government programs. Our goal is: to provide the benefits of a service dog to those individuals whom would otherwise not have access; to rescue dogs from animal shelters with aptitude to serve as service dogs; to train and test service dogs, using strict... See More.....

Ph: 731-9714 info@citadelcanine.com http://citadelcanine.com/https://www.facebook.com/citadelcaninesociety

+ Puppy time!

- dog protecting child from evil hairdryer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBQJcYvRO9A [3 minutes]

- puppy swaps (a parody); http://puppyswap.ca [1:23 minute video]

The story behind the PSA commercial:

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/industry-news/marketing/behind-the-scenes-at-the-humane-societys-puppyswap-commercial-shoot/article22371034/

+ Two California Condors Evade Scientists, Produce a Secret Love Child (Kristina Bravo, TakePart)

Bravo writes: "A romantic getaway in the woods for a couple of California condors produced a thrilling surprise for scientists in Northern California: a carcass-loving bundle of joy."

MORE: http://readersupportednews.org/news-section2/312-16/28017-two-california-condors-evade-scientists-produce-a-secret-love-child

{Great story -- we went to computer conferences in the Big Sur area for over a decade, and even stayed at La Ventana...}

=== INFObits ===

+ Kevin Vickers: our hero, and now our Ambassador to Ireland. More: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_Vickers

+ Quick Facts re Sir John A

o Sir John A. Macdonald was born in Scotland in 1815, the son of Hugh and Helen Macdonald. His family came to Canada in 1820 and settled in Kingston.

o John and Isabella Macdonald lived in Bellevue House from 1848-1849.

o Sir John A. Macdonald attended all three conferences (Charlottetown, Quebec, and London) that led to the creation of Canada, and on July 1, 1867, became our country's first Prime Minister.

o Macdonald is the second-longest serving Prime Minister in Canadian history, having served almost 19 years in the role.

o Macdonald was knighted by Queen Victoria as a mark of appreciation for his role in bringing about Confederation.

o Macdonald's accomplishments as Prime Minister were summarized by another great politician, Sir Wilfrid Laurier, in these words: "As to his statesmanship, it is written in the history of Canada. It may be said without any exaggeration whatever, that the life of Sir John A. Macdonald ... is the history of Canada."

+ Canada's Oil Revenue

“Albertans get a tenth of what Norwegians get from the sale of their non-renewables. Since the public owns those

resources, this amounts to a form of theft. according to Michael Harris of iPolitics.

+ SQUAMISH -- World Tourist Stop!

CBC Tues (13th) morning on The Early Edition, reported the New York Times put Squamish 32nd on a list of 52 spots in the world to visit this year. In the discussion much was said about the Sea-to-Sky Gondola wch opened only in May of last year -- and has had 500K visitors!

So I googled to read the article (short). Hard to believe Manchester and not London. It has Durban; I've lived there and Cape Town is prettier. Only one other place in Canada, Quebec City (at 40) wch indeed worth visiting:

http://thetravelsisters.boardingarea.com/new-york-times-52-places-go-2015/

+ FOCUS | UN Announces Palestine Will Join International Criminal Court on April 1 -- Reuters

Excerpt: "U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has confirmed that the Palestinians will officially become a member of the International Criminal Court on April 1, the U.N. press office said on Wednesday."

READ MORE: http://readersupportednews.org/news-section2/318-66/27926-focus-un-announces-palestine-will-join-international-criminal-court-on-april-1

=== ROYALWATCH ===

o Happy birthday to Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, who turned 33 on January 9th.

o She and Prince William married in Westminster Abbey on 29 April 2011 (St. Catherine's Day*).

o Upon marriage, Catherine became known as "Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge". In Scotland, she is also styled as "Her Royal Highness The Countess of Strathearn". Her full title and style is "Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge, Countess of Strathearn and Lady Carrickfergus".

o Prince George was born July 22, 2013 at 8lbs 6oz; his sibling is due in April 2015.

* St Catherine of Siena, 1347 March 15 - 1380 April 29, aged 33

=== LONDONWATCH === on NEW YEAR'S EVE 2015

London New Year's Eve Fireworks 2015 -- http://www.flixxy.com/london-new-years-eve-fireworks-2015.htm

Enjoy! -- but it's long; songs too after Big Ben (11min 54sec)

=== TREEWATCH === Treezmas

Such a coincidence. At the Dec 15 ccl mtg, I suggested rather than cut down living trees for Christmas trees, that the trees be bought live and planted in gardens. I also said maybe we cd given them to the Parks Dept and/or ask Parks ahead of time wch trees they wd like -- can be put in parks, along blvds, in medians, etc. Keep 'em alive! They're our friends! Then I saw this article -- in some places you can rent trees!

http://www.vancouversun.com/business/Rented+trees+stay+evergreen/10666082/story.html

=== GOLDEN GLOBE WATCH === George Clooney and Amal Alamuddin

> George Clooney’s Powerful Golden Globes Speech on His Love For Amal and Je Suis Charlie

2015 edition of the Golden Globes featured plenty of laughs, but also a beautiful lifetime achievement award speech by the one and only George Clooney.

It started off with a joke, and ended with a rousing standing ovation.

During a cheeky monologue at the 72nd Annual Golden Globe Awards, co-host Tina Fey took aim at George Clooney, who was accompanied by his recent bride, Amal.

“George Clooney married Amal Alamuddin this year, said Fey. “Amal is a human-rights lawyer who worked on the Enron case, was an adviser to Kofi Annan regarding Syria, and was selected for a three-person UN commission investigating rules of war violations in the Gaza Strip.

She paused. “So, of course, her husband is getting a lifetime achievement award.

But it was later in the evening when the 53-year-old Clooney, who was there to accept the Cecil B. DeMille Award for lifetime achievement, stunned the crowded, boozed-up room into silence....

...[top of article, video of his speech 4:29 ]

... But it was the finale of Clooney’s speech that really hit home. The Oscar-winning actor, filmmaker, and humanitarian opened up about finding love with wife Amal, a decorated human-rights lawyer, at the age of 53.

“I’ve had a pretty good year myself, he said. “Listen: It’s a humbling thing when you find someone to love”even better when you’ve been waiting your whole life. And when your whole life is 53 years, Amal, whatever alchemy it is that brought us together, I couldn’t be more proud to be your husband.

And then Clooney dedicated the final portion of his speech to the unity marches in Paris and beyond in the wake of the Charlie Hebdo shooting....

from: http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/01/11/george-clooney-s-powerful-golden-globes-speech-on-his-love-for-amal-and-je-suis-charlie.html

> Meet Amal Alamuddin, George Clooney’s Wife

...Born to Lebanese Druze parents in 1978 during the height of the Lebanese Civil War, she and her family left for London when she was 2 years old. Her mother, Baria Alamuddin, is an award-winning journalist and foreign editor of the pan-Arab newspaper Al-Hayat, while her father is a retired professor from American University of Beirut.

Alamuddin studied law at both NYU’s Law School and at Oxford, where she earned her degree in 2000. While at NYU, she was a student law clerk on the U.S. Court of Appeals for future Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, and later clerked for three years at the International Court of Justice.

She has since become an accomplished and feisty human rights lawyer. In London, she has practised at the Doughty Street Chambers firm and represented the likes of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange and former Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko. She has worked in the Office of the Prosecutor at the U.N. Special Tribunal for Lebanon and at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia.

She has also been an appointed to several U.N. panels, where she has acted as an adviser to former U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Anan on Syria and was counsel on the 2013 inquiry into the use of U.S. armed drones in counter-terrorism operations in places like Pakistan, Somalia, and Yemen....

Even more: http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/09/28/meet-amal-alamuddin-george-clooney-s-wife.html

=== WV HISTORYWATCH ===

+ OUR SEAWALK

Many thanks to Anne Mooi, Director of Parks. I was musing re seawall (Stanley Park) and seawalk (WV). She said the official name is the Centennial Seawalk. She and Corinne Ambor kindly provided some history.

In 1912, the PGE line from North Vancouver to Whytecliff was built and the Centennial Seawalk was inadvertently begun

as people strolled the railbed. In 1967 the first stage of the Centennial Seawalk from 23^rd to 24^th was built to celebrate the Centennial of Confederation. It was officially opened in 1968 by Bruce Lanskail, the seven-year-old son of [then alderman] Donald Lanskail. Twenty years later, in November 1988, Mayor Lanskail opened the last portion of the Seawalk between 24^th Street and Dundarave Park.

Reconstruction of the Seawalk from 19^th to 24^th was completed in 2002 in conjunction with Hollyburn Sewer Interceptor upgrades.

In 2010, an informal seaside path was extended from 18^th to 15^th Street connecting with the recently-built bridge over Lawson Creek.

1912 - The PGE line from North Vancouver to Whytecliff was built and the Seawalk inadvertently began as people strolled along the railbed. There were 16 stations or halts on the Pacific Great Eastern Railway in West Vancouver between 1914 and 1928.

· 1928 - The PGE rail line was (temporarily) abandoned and Marine Drive constructed. Pedestrians continued to walk on the abandoned railbed.

· 1956 - The PGE rail line was reconstructed and the railway re-opened.

· 1967 - The first stage of Centennial Seawalk from 23^rd to 24^th was built to celebrate the Centennial of Confederation.

· 1988 - The Seawalk was rebuilt in front of new townhouses completing connection to Dundarave Park at the west end of the Seawalk.

· 2001 - A storm coinciding with high tides damaged much of the Centennial Seawalk and damaged several piers. Fortunately, the District already had existing plans with the GVRD and GVSDD to raise and widen the Seawalk in conjunction with sewer upgrades.

· 2002 - Reconstruction of the Seawalk from 19^th to 24^th was completed in conjunction with the Hollyburn Sewer Interceptor upgrade. Significant off-shore reefs were installed in following years to mitigate possible future storm damage and to encourage beach build-up in key areas.

FOOTNOTES

= There are now historical panels along the Seawalk detailing various aspects of West Vancouver's past.

= Those who've lived here for some time will recall that it's now CN Rail (and before that BC Rail), but started out as the PGE, jocularly referred to as: Prince George Eventually, and Pls Go Easy.

{Add'l Information

Heinz Berger, a former Parks Manager, was instrumental in the planning of the Seawalk. He had the idea looking at the

seawall (Stanley Park) and proposed it to Council about 1962; no one was interested except Alderman Greenwood. They said

it wd be too expensive and no one wd use it. Six years later, Alderman Lanskail supported it and convinced others on Ccl.}

+ POINT ATKINSON

Elaine Graham has provided background and an update. The Point Atkinson Lighthouse Society (PALS) has raised half the funds toward the restoration of the interior of the Block House and awaits DWV’s contribution from the 2015 budget before work can commence.

Some history:

1. Lighthouse Park is federal land under lease to the District of West Vancouver (the District), which expires in 2026. The

Point Atkinson light station lands (four acres) have always been separate from the park and remain under the

jurisdiction of Dept of Fisheries & Oceans (DFO).

2. Point Atkinson light station was declared a National Historic Site in 1994.

3. Point Atkinson was added to the West Vancouver Heritage register in 2008.

4. The tower is recognized as a FHBRO (Federal Heritage Building Review Office) building --

( http://www.pc.gc.ca/progs/beefp-fhbro/evaluation/Historical Associations.aspx ) and its light continues to shine as an

aid to navigation.

5. The Heritage Lighthouse Protection Act came into effect in 2008 and in 2010 many lighthouses were declared surplus.

The HLPA provides communities with an opportunity to ensure lighthouses are reasonably maintained in the public

domain. For more information go to: http://dfo-mpo.gc.ca.

6. There is a site management agreement between the District and DFO. DFO is responsible for the upkeep of the light

tower and any capital expenses for maintenance of the station’s ancillary buildings have to be approved by DFO. The

District takes care of the grounds and minor upkeep of a non-capital nature.

7. Since 1998 the Point Atkinson Lightstation Society (PALS), a sub-committee of the West Vancouver Historical

Society, has taken the lead in advocating for the preservation of Point Atkinson as a fully functioning heritage site.

They have been involved in securing repair for the buildings in most serious need, e.g. Radio Room/Fog Alarm

Building and Block House.

PALS’s vision is to encourage preservation of the unique character of Point Atkinson by preserving the buildings, historic access and inner workings, and by documenting the history of Point Atkinson to ensure future generations of Canadians have access to and learn more about the Lighthouse and its importance.

Its goals are to:

a) Preserve the Point Atkinson Lighthouse structures and property.

b) Ensure, through education, research, community action, and consensus-building that the Point Atkinson

Lighthouse as well as surrounding property and historic access routes remain accessible to the community

and visitors, now and in the future.

c) Provide and maintain an interpretive centre describing and depicting the contribution of the Point Atkinson Lighthouse and its keepers to marine navigation along British Columbia’s coast.

d) Document and recognize the historical importance of the Point Atkinson site as a coastal defence station during World War II.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

For information on this committee please email: pointatkinson@wvhs.ca.

Consider becoming a member of the West Vancouver Historical Society, www.wvhs.ca. Your membership is a show of support both in spirit and in funds. Donations to WVHS for Point Atkinson Lighthouse are also welcome.

Some websites of interest in connection with other National Historic Lighthouse Sites:

Fisgard Lighthouse & Fort Rodd Hill, Victoria, BC www.pc.gc.ca/lhn-nhs/bc/fortroddhill/index.aspx

Cape Spear Lighthouse, Newfoundland - www.pc.gc.ca/lhn-nhs/nl/spear/index.aspx , and www.racerocks.ca

UPDATE:

In 2012 the exterior restoration of the "Block House" was completed with funds from the District of West Vancouver, WVHS, and an anonymous donor. This building housed engines to power the searchlights during WWII. PALS is now working to equip the interior of the Block House with interpretive displays depicting the role of the military at Pt. Atkinson during WWII.

In 2014 the District of West Vancouver applied for protection of Pt. Atkinson under the Heritage Lighthouse Protection Act, with letter of intent to enter into good faith negotiations with the Fisheries & Oceans Canada, who has until May, 2015, to provide a business plan for Parks Canada to process Pt. Atkinson for Heritage status. Once Pt. Atkinson is designated under HLPA, whoever takes ownership must maintain it in a reasonable state. If there is any change in the status, it has to involve the public process.

FOOTNOTES

= DFO: actually is now Fisheries and Oceans Canada. For obvious reasons it's still referred to as DFO.

= Pt A Website: Elaine has submitted the info wch will appear on wvhs.ca

+ HOLLYBURN LODGE

Restoration of historic West Vancouver ski lodge to keep North Shore’s mountain sport heritage alive

[November 25, 2014]” There were no ski lifts, no quick-release bindings, no GPS to guide you through the mountains “ but there was plenty of camaraderie, warm fires for skiers’ cold hands and feet, Saturday night dances, and a shared love of the North Shore mountains at West Vancouver’s Hollyburn Lodge.

And new chapters of Hollyburn Lodge’s rich history will be written going forward. The District of West Vancouver, Cypress Mountain, and BC Parks are pleased to announce that the reconstruction of the beloved landmark will begin in spring 2015, with a targeted 2015-16 ski season opening.

Since 1998, the Hollyburn Heritage Society has been advocating for the restoration of the lodge, as well as collecting and sharing the history of the North Shore mountains. The planned restoration further cements the protection of Hollyburn’s heritage. “This is a long-awaited milestone, says Don Grant, chairman of the society. “The lodge and cabin community are such a vital part of West Vancouver’s history “ it is wonderful to know they will be there to tell the story of our early mountain pioneers well into the future.

In 2011, long-term permits were put in place legitimizing the 87-year presence of cabins on the West Vancouver lands near the lodge. “We speak of preserving neighbourhood character in West Vancouver. Hollyburn Lodge and the hundred cabins on Hollyburn are one of the most original neighbourhoods we have, Mayor Michael Smith notes. It will be great to see the Hollyburn Lodge rebuilt because it is the heart of that community.

Cypress Mountain general manager Bobby Swain and his team have been working with the Hollyburn Heritage Society for over 15 years to consolidate the funding model for the renewal of historic First Lake site. In this unique partnership, Cypress will retain the asset on their park use permit. The Cypress Mountain ownership group, CNL Lifestyle Properties, will contribute the majority of the capital required to rebuild the facility, which will open under a Community Use Agreement. “Our goal is to move the lodge from a one-season to a two-season facility open to the public, says Swain.

Cypress’s commitment was the starting point for the project, and along with Olympic legacy funds held by BC Parks and financial contributions by the District of West Vancouver, the present budget for restoration sits at $800,000. Further fundraising by both the District and Cypress are underway to ensure the lodge captures the feel of the past with the required features of the present. Hollyburn Ridge Association, in collaboration with the West Vancouver Community Foundation are supporting fundraising efforts. Donations can be made to the WV Foundation at westvanfoundation.com in the name of Hollyburn Lodge Renewal Initative. Go to hollyburnheritagesociety.ca for more about Hollyburn Lodge.

Jan 12 UPDATE

The Hollyburn Lodge 2015 Renewal Project

We are just now creating the Marketing and Publicity campaign for the lodge fundraising. Nothing could move forward until that confirmation. The plan is that the Lodge start to be dismantled on April 1st, and open again as early as November 1st. It's a massive project with fundraising cooperation between HHS, HRA, DWV, BC Parks Olympic Legacy, and Cypress Mountain. A $300,000 deficit remains in the project to see the Lodge be rebuilt in its own image in the current First Lake Heritage position. It's a much more expensive project than building in the parking area, but a fantastic heritage asset. Ambitious, but great group behind it!

Donations shd be made out to the Hollyburn Heritage Society, marked for “Lodge Renewal Project, and sent to: HRA, Post Office Box PO #91076, West Vancouver, BC V7V 3N3

Tax receipts will be issued for donations over $25 by HHS. For more info re donations and levels of recognition, please contact Jackie Swanson, jackiehra@hotmail.com

=== SCIENCEWATCH === Rick's Rant; posted: 19/11/2014

Ground Control to the Government of Canada

Last week I was looking at my Facebook feed when my friend updated his status to read, “One hour ago humanity successfully landed a spacecraft on a slowly tumbling mountain of ice and rock”let’s celebrate. It was a nice break from your classic updates such as “I'm eating pizza! or œmy cat is possessed. Since then, like so many people, I’ve become obsessed with what a group of European science geeks have been up to in outer space.

The numbers alone make my brain hurt. They landed a space craft on a comet that is half a billion kilometres away. It took ten years to get there and the comet is moving at 135,000 kilometres an hour.

For thousands of years people trembled in fear when a comet appeared in our sky and now, in 2014, we have visited one. What an astounding thing humanity has accomplished all in the name of pure science. And my God, how smart must the men and women be who pulled this thing off.

And how sad that here on Earth, or at least on our little part of it in Canada, pure science is no longer encouraged. We have a government that not only abolished the Office of the National Science Advisor, but they bragged about it. In Canada, the only time you hear about scientists now is when they’re being told to shut up or they're being shut down by a government who can't even begin to understand what the scientists are talking about.

I don't know much about science but I know this: They didn't land a spaceship on a comet using anecdotal evidence and they didn't calibrate the rate of descent using focus groups. Canadians, we get excited about pure science. Canadians, we are as passionate and as curious as anyone else. It's our government that begs to differ.

http://www.rickmercer.com/Rick-s-Rant/Blog/November-2014/Ground-Control-to-the-Government-of-Canada.aspx#.VL2eN94VT_A.mailto

WVM LIST 2014

=== BOOKWATCH === 2014 Books of the year from The Economist -- in audio!

Books of the year Audio [7min 49sec] The best books of 2014

http://www.economist.com/multimedia?bclid=1294626183001&bctid=3942775943001

=== LANGUAGEWATCH === in 2115 (WSJ)

THE SATURDAY ESSAY What the World Will Speak in 2115

A century from now, expect fewer but simpler languages on every continent

http://www.wsj.com/articles/what-the-world-will-speak-in-2115-1420234648

Some v interesting words. I'm definitely a curiositarian.

=== WORDWATCH ===

The Northwest's Best Known Linguaphile {US geography}

See: http://www.king5.com/story/entertainment/television/programs/evening-magazine/2014/11/05/anu-garg-wordsmith-saint-bryan/18549679/

btw, the link for last issue's word, nuncheon, n., is http://anglonormandictionary.blogspot.ca/2013/04/word-of-month-nuncheon.html

=== HERITAGEWATCH =

+ HERITAGE SOCIETY of BC http://www.heritagebc.ca 604 428 7243 ofc hrs 8am - 6pm Mon - Thurs

The ofc is in West Van! Ste 102 - 657 Marine; toll-free: 1 855 349 7243

> Heritage BC Update http://www.heritagebc.ca/update

Don't forget to subscribe to our enewsletter for ongoing events and news of interest to the heritage conservation cmnty

in BC. Better yet, become a Heritage BC Mbr and receive the Heritage BC Quarterly in the mail.

> More information: http://www.heritagebc.ca/home/

> HERITAGE WEEK FEBRUARY 16 - 22

Main Street: At The Heart of The Community

The theme for Heritage Week 2015 in BC is Main Street: At The Heart of the Community. The week kicks off with the national Heritage Day designated by Heritage Canada The National Trust.

Main Street, King Street, Queen Street, Water Street, Broadway “ whatever their name, Main Streets and traditional downtowns are at the heart of communities big and small across BC. Centres of commerce, civic institutions, community commemoration, and events, Main Streets embody the history and evolution of a community.

Today many communities are leveraging the heritage of their downtowns as assets to stimulate tourism, attract new residents, provide affordable housing, and encourage investment by creating affordable space for smaller businesses and start-ups, as well as authentic retail experiences.

This Heritage Week celebrate the history of your Main Streets and the revitalization of traditional downtowns throughout British Columbia.

+ HERITAGE WEST VAN heritage.westvan.org 922 4400 info@heritage.westvan.ca

WV has celebrated Heritage Week since 1989. Contact HWV to join in

An invitation to participate and for ideas was sent to the Ch of Commerce and Biz Assns Dec 10.

Heritage Week 2015 {Feb 16 - 22}

The theme for Heritage Week 2015 in British Columbia is Main Street: At The Heart of The Community (see above).

The week kicks off on February 16, wch is designated as Heritage Day across Canada by Heritage Canada.

+ HERITAGE VANCOUVER SOCIETY http://www.heritagevancouver.org/

Sign up to receive e-bulletins: http://www.heritagevancouver.org/bulletins_signup.html

Lots of info: http://www.heritagevancouver.org/index.ht Secrets of the Penthouse: guided tour inside the nightclub, dinner and entertainment

forbiddenvancouver.ca 6pm Thursday January 22

+ VANCOUVER HERITAGE FOUNDATION (http://www.vancouverheritagefoundation.org)

VHF's last newsletter of 2014 w/ a preview of 2015: http://hosted.verticalresponse.com/375523/cdf871aee5/1805511597/e6fbad22fa/

=== MAIKU ===

laptop had a stroke

records, works in progress, lost --

inconsolable

2014 December 5 books, art; what have I

accumulated?

most of all, my memories

2014 December 10 My hope, in spite of

foibles, faults, and flaws,

is to still be found worthy

2015 January 8/9 along shrouded coast

sounds of fog horns resonate

warning clouded eyes

2015 January 14/15 [tanka re Charlie Hebdo]

God, Yahweh, Jesus,

Mohammed, Krishna, Nothing,

Great Spirit, Buddha;

irrelevant if you’re not

honest, respectful, and kind

quotationS thoughtS punS

NB: first of all, from the Headsup sent 1:17am Jan 6

quotation

A cup of tea is a cup of peace. -- Soshitsu Sen XV, Japanese tea master (b 1956)

Tea Master Sen Soshitsu XV

Sen Soshitsu is the fifteenth generation head of the Urasenke tradition which provides instruction in the “Way of Tea (Chado; also known as Chanoyu, literally “hot water for tea). He has written that this practice, though often called the “tea ceremony", is not really a ceremony or ritual at all, but a way of life based on the simple act of serving tea with a pure heart. Beyond its spiritual aspect, the “Way of Tea allows partici­pants to interact with other people, with nature, and with the environment on a basic, satisfying level.

http://education.asianart.org/explore-resources/background-information/tea-master-sen-soshitsu-xv

thought

A little nonsense now and then is cherished by the wisest man. “ Roald Dahl, British writer (1916 - 1990)

Dame Judi Dench Says You're As Old As You Feel: The Ageless Actress's Take On Life And 'Esio Trot'

Costarring Dustin Hoffman [WATCH TRAILER]; Rebecca West , Design & Trend Jan, 03, 2015, 09:23 PM

Dame Judi Dench is 80 years old, and you'd never know it to look at her or by speaking with her. The British actress is seemingly ageless, in spirit and mind, and she looks pretty damn good, too....

"Esio Trot" was adapted from the Roald Dahl book of the same name by writers Richard Curtis and Paul Mayhew-Archer, and it's about a retired bachelor who has a thing for his neighbor who only shows affection to her pet tortoise, Alfie.

Hoffman gives a brilliant performance as the besotted Mr. Hoppy, who is infatuated with Mrs. Silver (Judi Dench), and the lengths he'll go to in order to befriend her are truly endearing....

http://www.designntrend.com/articles/33463/20150103/dame-judi-dench-youre-old-feel-ageless-actress-take-life.htm

There's a 40-second trailer at the bottom, rather endearing.

(visual) PUN

Clogged Toilet. Potty Humour {moved to cartoons}

quotation

To read a poem in January is as lovely as to go for a walk in June. -- Jean-Paul Sartre, French writer (1905 “ 1980)

thought You can't kill an idea. {who said it first?}

puns I asked a librarian if she was free this afternoon, she said she was all booked up.

A man just assaulted me with milk, cream, and butter. How dairy.

By separating themselves from other species, the arctic animals became geographically polarized.

˜Downton Abbey’ and History: A Look Back

by KATHRYN SHATTUCK and HUBERT MANDEVILLE DEC. 31, 2014

As a chronicle of the ups and downs of fictional British aristocrats and servants, “Downton Abbey weaves a surprising amount of authentic historical context into its plots. Here is an episode-by-episode look at some of the show’s period details, and how those events have been covered in The New York Times. “Downton Abbey returns for its fifth season on PBS on Sunday ” check back each week during the new season for updates. http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2014/12/31/arts/television/12312015_DowntonAbbey-timeline.html