I suppose every part of Bowen offers drivers a chance to drive dangerously.

One of my favorite spots is the place where Miller’s Landing Road meets Scarborough Road. There is a stop sign at the intersection for those coming from Miller’s Road but, in spite of that, there is always someone who refuses to see this sign and roars straight ahead to start the descent down the Seven Hills stretch. Argh! Put on the brakes! To add variety, this intersection offers another scenario. Still coming down Scarborough Road, planning to turn right at the corner to go down Seven Hills when – Whoa! There’s a car coming up the hill and it’s turning left onto Scarborough Road but, it’s way over in your lane. Another dive for the ditch! How about your neighbourhood? Have you some potential death traps? And, are some of our drivers driving a lot faster than in previous years? And, getting ruder?

n Speaking of roads... over in Salt Spring Island, for the fourth year, volunteers have hit the roads and counted the potholes in their neighbourhoods. Results are forwarded to Mainroad South Island Contracting Ltd. and the province’s Ministry of Transportation to show the seriousness of the local pothole problem. This year’s count registered nearly 1,600 potholes in just four days. Event coordinator Lorraine Norfolk said, “Six roads have deteriorated into muddy tracks or have pavement that is fractured. Some roads are simply past the point where proper repairs are possible. As with an old pair of jeans, patches on patches can no longer do the job.”

n Ten years ago in The Undercurrent of November 5, 1999: RCMP Corporal Mossman alerted the community to several nasty cases of teenage bullying and expressed his concern about the future of many of Bowen’s youth. However, he applauded the work of the Teen Centre.

• BC Ferries announced an eight-week closure of the Snug Cove dock. Apparently, the 35-year-old wingwalls, used to steady the ferry while docked, are rotting and in need of repair. Should the ferry bump into one with any force, there is a chance that it could come crashing down. Ferry Task Force members figured that a temporary vessel would dock at the government wharf. However, disruption to commercial and regular vehicle service was a certainty.

• This issue of The Undercurrent was full of advertisements from the candidates and there was an article listing the priorities of the mayoral candidates. Most mentioned the need to update the current OCP. Jack Bryck, chairman of the Parks and Recreation Commission, sent a letter to the editor, which focused on the needs of persons with disabilities. Bryck mentioned that GVRD was awarding a contract for construction of a wheelchair accessible pathway to Sandy Beach as well as the provision of handicapped accessible toilets.

n This birthday list begins with the November 7 celebrants: Holly Stewart, Mateusz Krukowski and Finn Corrigan-Frost. Greg Parker is the sole name on November 8 while Elaine Jones is our only November 9 honoree. On November 10, birthday folks include Carol Fancy, Blair Stewart and Jonah Greenspoon. Then comes Remembrance Day. Leigh Nicholls is the sole celebrant on November 12. Next day, November 13, is the special day for Duncan Glave, Alexandra Brumfield, Sue Ellen Fast, Ryan Stewart and Oscar Knowles-Dekker (plus, it’s anniversary time for David Cameron and Jackie Minns). November 14 is the day that Victor Overfield celebrates while November 15 belongs to Ian Woodward. On November 17, there’s Silas Kemble, Eric Sherlock, Joseph Krief, Brenden Trethewey, Sheila Haggerstone and Muriel Ross who turns 94. Muriel and her husband Tom were among the founders of The Holdings. The November 18 crew includes Annie McIntosh, Olivia Ducayen and Bruce McTaggart. Then comes the November 19 trio: Carlotta Smith, Ben Gourlay and Marcus Behm. Lastly, there’s Lucas Whittall and Maesyn Hartwick on November 20. Best wishes to them all!

­–To share an item or to list a birthday, telephone 947-2440 or e-mail lbmcarter@shaw.caww