Beacon Magazine 1211

December 2011 vol 7 issue 91

Community Living: Fanny Bay to Nanoose Bay

...and then something comes along • 10 Allison Crowe: Good Tidings She Sings • 28

FEATURE Coming down the ‘ol chimney

17

10 An extraordinary pairing of photography and poetry

BUSINESS & FINANCE

4 Biz Banter: What’s up in local business 7 Qualicum Bay Fibre Works

GREAT

OUTDOORS

14 Gifts for Gardeners 15 Thru the Seasons: Just Walkin’ with the Birds 22 Tide Table

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 10 ...and then something comes along to “Sweeten Your Day” 28 Allison Crowe: Good tidings she sings

9

Three Bags Full Qualicum Bay Fibre Works

COMMUNITY LIFE 5 Local Solutions for Holiday Shopping 22 The Art of Conscious Living 27 On the Agenda 32 Inspired by Community

COMMUNITY PEOPLE

8 Out of the Nest: Kelsey & Casey Waugh

9 Thank you for allowing me to listen: Sharon Waugh 18 Images & Voices: Dave Bartram

HEALTH & WELLNESS

12 Parascience: Exploration and discussion 13 In Defence of Pollyanna 24 Health & Wellness Matters

THE REGULARS

33 3 4-35 36 3 7-39

28 2

In the Stars Community Events Classifieds At Your Service - Local Businesses

Allison Crowe: Good Tidings She Sings to You and Your Kin

December 2011 / www eyesonbc.com

December 2011

VOLUME 7 NO 91

The Beacon Magazine is published monthly

by EyesOnBC Publishing Main Email: beacon@eyesonbc.com Phone/Fax: 250-757-9914 Mailing Address EyesOnBC Publishing Box 182, Bowser, BC V0R 1G0 Hours: Mon - Fri 10-5 Our Contributors this month: Lisa Verbicky, Nancy Whelan, Rita Levitz, Georgia Nicols, Marilyn Dawson, David Morrison, JoAnne Sales, Carolyn Walton, Shirley Culpin, Laura Busheikin, Phyllis Chubb, Harry Sumner & Miriam Shell, Susan Urie, Linda Tenney On the Web www.eyesonbc.com

“Winter Shore” ~ Qualicum Beach LOCALLY OWNED • COMMUNITY INSPIRED

Linda Tenney Publisher tenney@eyesonbc.com

Subcriptions Canada - 1 yr: $30 incl HST United States - 1 yr: $55 (CDN Funds) Call 250-757-9914 to subscribe.

VISA & MasterCard accepted Printed in Canada - ISSN 1712-0918 Articles and opinions expressed in this publication are those of the writers and published for general information purposes only. Articles are not intended to provide specific advice - the publishers will assume no liability.

Articles and/or data may not be quoted or reproduced, in part or in whole, without permission from the publisher.

Freelance Writers/Photographers Queries can be directed to Linda Tenney at beacon@eyesonbc.com

We know you’re wondering how to subscribe to the Beacon Magazine.

See page 39 for details.

Find us here...

• on Twitter www.twitter.com/BeaconMagazine • on Facebook www.facebook.com/beaconmagazine

Elizabeth Cudmore Customer Service & Social Media cudmore@eyesonbc.com

Margaret Reid Advertising & Distribution margaret@eyesonbc.com

• on our Blog beaconmagazine.blogspot.com • on our own developing Website at www.eyesonbc.com

Tune in LIVE on the 1st Thursday of each month when Dave Graham of 88.5FM The Beach Radio and Linda Tenney talk about what’s going on in Lighthouse Country.

Join them at 8:40am.

And ... catch The Beacon Beat each Thursday morning at approximately 8:10 am for brief updates and news about what’s going on in Lighthouse Country! ~ The Beacon...we keep you informed!

Frank Hladik Advertising 951-8824

www.eyesonbc.com / December 2011

3

What’s Up in Local Business

A

“whispered” welcome is extended to all those who can hear it (and especially to those who cannot), from Laura, the owner/operator of Whisper Metaphysical Sanctuary which opened in October. Whether you are just beginning on your spiritual path … or perhaps you have traveled long and far and know just where you are going … whatever your situation, Whisper is a place to enjoy your Inner-space. Lots to See, Lots to Do, Or perhaps, “do” nothing at all, A Place to Listen, A Place to Talk, A Place to Heal, A Place to Feel. This holiday season, Laura is asking you to bring a new unwrapped child’s toy before December 20th and receive a FREE Runes Reading. Discover Whisper at #105, 663 Beach Road in Qualicum Beach, call 250-594-2872 or visit www.whispermetaphysicalsanctuary.com.~ Welcome to the community, Laura. We wish you much success in your new business.

H

ave you been to Refresh Clothing yet! The family business is now open on the Island Highway next to the Bank of Montreal in Parksville. It is a “fresh” take on the latest fashions. Inside you will find a wide variety of styles from designers such as Joseph Ribkoff, Kenneth Cole, Mexx, and Desigual. You will also find a selection of jeans with brand names including Fidelity, Mavi, Miss Me and Yoga Jeans. Refresh is also very proud to carry Hillberg and Berk jewellery, an up and coming designer from Saskatchewan. If you are headed to the tropics, this is the place to be! Cruise wear is arriving daily. See you inside Parksville’s latest fashion boutique! #5-220 West Island Hwy, Parksville. 250-586-1111 ~

J

ason Metcalfe and his partner Vanessa knew they were going to open a Benjamin Moore store in Qualicum Beach, what they didn’t expect was amount of kind words and warm welcomes they would receive. The Grand Opening sale on November 17th was a huge success! Jason and Vanessa would like to thank everyone who has made them feel right at home here in Qualicum Beach. Situated at 168 2nd Ave West across from the new Home Hardware, this Benjamin Moore retailer has much more than just paint. Jason and Vanessa are colour and design specialists that will guide you though the wide selection of paint colour, tile and flooring until you find the perfect 4

December 2011 / www eyesonbc.com

look for your home. Open 7 days a week for your convenience and plenty of parking in the rear. For more information, please visit quest4colour.ca or call 250-594-1104. ~ Congratulations to you both!

O

riginally from Ontario, Lori Morris has been an Island resident for three years and is now the proud owner of Once Again Fashions located at #3-172 West 2nd Avenue in Qualicum Beach. Once Again Fashions offers her clients highend consigned clothing and accessories such as cover coats, gloves, hats, sweaters, dresses, pants, tops, boots, shoes, belts, scarves, jewellery, and purses. Lori is still taking consignment items and would be pleased to talk to you about consigning your items in her store. Open hours are Mon.-Sat. 10:00am-5:00pm and Sun. from 12:00–5:00pm. For more information, please call 250-594-2525. ~ All the best of success Lori!

B

rian Boyes at Lighthouse Feed & Garden in Bowser wants to let you know that he is now carrying Econo-Heat electric panel, wall-mounted convection heaters. These panels have the ability to heat a 120-150 sq ft room using convection heat which can save you up to 50% on your heating bill. FMI and testimonials call Brian at 250-757-8090.

Y

es, The Beacon has moved!

We’re pleased to announce that The Beacon Magazine has a new home ... at home ... literally back where it all began seven and a half years ago.

“I’m really happy about the move out of our retail space in Bowser,” says publisher, Linda Tenney. “It’s been in the back of my mind for a long time, and with the holiday season upon us, and the extra space needed by the Salish Sea Market in Bowser, it seemed the perfect time to make the move a reality.”

“2012 will have us completely focussed on The Beacon and its new sister publication, EyesOnBC Magazine, now available online at www.eyesonbc.com,” says Linda.

“Essentially nothing’s changed except the location. Frank, Elizabeth and Margaret remain integral members of the team.

The phone number’s the same, our email is the same. I must admit though, I’m already enjoying the flexible hours and the ability to get out in the community a lot more. Keeping retail store hours has been restricting over the years.”

We invite you to explore the new EyesOnBC Magazine and to subscribe or pick up your copy of The Beacon each month. ~

Local Solutions for Holiday Shopping

by Shirley Culpin

Christmas shopping!

T

hose two words are capable of striking fear into the hearts of thousands; even the most devoted shopaholic can be taken aback by the enormity of the prospect of purchasing just the right gift for family members and friends. Visions of sugar plums don’t dance in our heads – they are replaced with the dread of chaotic shopping malls, long line-ups, stressed shop clerks, sold-out items, traffic snarls…and, of course, severely depleted bank accounts and gasping credit cards. Talk about taking the joy out of the season!

Happily though, many of us living in the smaller communities scattered along the east coast of The Island can, with a little advance planning and innovation, avoid all of that. While many of us rely on ‘wish lists’ produced by those near and dear to us there is no hard and fast rule saying that something on those lists is the only gift option. Herewith, some suggestions that will help protect your sanity, boost the local economy, save the environment (because you aren’t driving hither and yon and idling your vehicle waiting for a parking spot) and maybe even leave you with a little money in the bank.

The old ‘shop local’ mantra is, especially at Christmas time, not a difficult one to swallow. The communities of Oceanside and Lighthouse Country are blessed with a huge number of great options that offer unique gifts and services, relaxed and attentive customer care and ample old-fashioned Christmas spirit. If you’re going to part with your hard-earned money, isn’t that a happier way to do it?

Books are always a go-to favourite for Christmas gifts, and not necessarily just the latest best-sellers, either. Some of the old favourites that we may have loved many years ago are still capable of entrancing the readers of the twenty-first century. Our area is blessed with some truly great little book shops offering an eclectic variety of new and used tomes. Publications that may not have seen a bookstore shelf for decades can often be special-ordered, so with a little advance planning (i.e.: don’t start looking two days before Christmas) you may be able to present an unexpected gift that will be cherished for years to come.

In the same vein, magazine subscriptions are a unique, often economical and easilyordered present. Many publishers offer special gift subscription rates at this time of year, especially if you are ordering on-line. Subject matter runs the gamut, of course – it’s difficult to believe that there aren’t magazines out there somewhere that would appeal to everyone on your gift list.

The regular appearance of a special-interest publication throughout the year can help brighten the day of anyone, young or old. If you like to be able to put something under the Christmas tree other than the gift card for the subscription, pick up a copy of the publication from one of the local vendors, wrap it up and attach the subscription card to it.

There are, of course, dozens of Christmas craft fairs at this time of year, but don’t forget to also visit the many permanent local artisan shops and farmers markets. They offer a vast array of high-quality locallyproduced items that are unlikely to appear on anyone’s wish list, simply because the list-writers don’t know those items even exist. Being able to present a suitable gift that is a genuine surprise is invariably more fulfilling for the gift-giver as well as the recipient.

The demographic of this area dictates that many of our residents aren’t readily able to get out and about on their own. For those folks on your list, consider creating a homemade gift certificate promising to take them on outings that will get them out of their everyday environment. When an elderly person spends most of his or her day looking at the same four walls, a meal at a nice

restaurant, a trip to a musical performance, tea at Milner Gardens or a night-time drive to see Christmas lights can do wonders to boost spirits and precipitate happy memories.

If you have a large garden, consider making a gift certificate that will provide your recipient with a weekly in-season delivery of your home-raised bounty, be it fruit, vegetables or a bouquet of flowers.

If you aren’t a gardener yourself, consider giving a gift of locally-grown, fresh organic produce by signing on for one of the box delivery programs run by farmers and distributors in your local area.

Those looking for just a small, inexpensive gift might consider creating unique sachets.

Beautifully embellished traditional ladies’ handkerchiefs can be found in many antique stores at minimal cost – filled with potpourri or home-grown lavender and tied with a pretty ribbon, they make a charming and distinctive present.

Many youngsters these days receive more mindless toys and computer games than they will ever know what to do with.

Opportunities abound in both local toy shops and at artisan fairs to purchase toys and games that will encourage creativity and physical activity – two attributes sadly lacking in many of the products promoted to the younger generation these days.

There are, of course, many more opportunities to make your Christmas shopping pleasurable rather than a chore.

It’s simply a matter of taking a little time to relax, study the local resources and think outside the box and beyond those wish lists! www.eyesonbc.com / December 2011

5

The DU Committee would like to thank the following Sponsors, Donors and Volunteers for their generous and valuable support and we ask that you as well support these remarkable businesses, services and individuals A to Zebra AAL Cat Equipment Co. Ltd. Access RV AGF Mutual Funds - Arlene Ejercito Albert McKewan All in One Bobcat All Marine Amrikko's Grill Arbutus Emporium Arrowsmith Golf & Country Club Arrowsmith Greenhouses Arrowsmith Mountain Cycle B Van Rhebergen Bamboozle Bayview Dental and Implant Center Bernard Callebaut Chocolates Bert’s Intertruck Blue Heron Studios - Nelson Shaw Blue Star Trucking Bob Klaassen Bodyworks Fitness Bosley's Pet Foods Boston Pizza Bowser Woodworking Brian Daradics Brigadoon Golf Course Brown-Eyed Susan's Buckerfield's Ltd Canadian Tire Casa Grande Inn Cedar Images Cherry Point Vineyards Chucks Automotive - Allan Roby Clam Bucket Restaurant Cloverdale Paint Comtech Solutions Coombs Candy Costco Wholesale Critter Cove Marina and Resort Crown & Anchor Pub Darlene Kellett David Mellor 6

Dawn Setter Debbie Goodman Deez Bar & Grill DemXx Deconstruction Inc. Dianne Upper Domino's Pizza DU - Vancouver Chapter Ducks Unlimited Eaglecrest Golf Club Elizabeth Pritchard Evelyn's Barber shop EyesOnBC / The Beacon Magazine Fairholme Manor Fairmont Hotels Fairwinds Community & Resort Falcon Crest Bed & Breakfast Falcon Crest Imports Fanny Bay Inn Fanny Bay Trading Company Fenceline Products Ltd - Rheo Webb Finesse Auto Detailing Four Winds Bed & Breakfast French Creek Seafood Ltd French Creek Shell Galloping Gourmet Gerald Ozero Giovanni's Ristorante Glazier Construction Goodman & Company - Todd Sjogren Gordon, Huntly Green Thumb Nurseries Greg Corbett Harbour Authorities of French Creek Henry's Kitchen High Rollers Fishing Charters Hillier Water Gardens Hilliers Gourmet Foods Hopfingers U-Brew & Winery Ian Lindsay Independent Shipwrights Iris Island Chauffeur Jai and Val Kealy Jeffry Lunter Ken-Dor Garden Centre & Florists Kim Hancock Larry Aguilar Pottery Lefty's Cafe Leon Aines Auto Body - Leon Aines

December 2011 / www eyesonbc.com

Lesley’s Esthetics Little Dog Shop Little Qualicum Cheese Works Live to Surf Lordco Parts Limited Lorne McCulloch Lucht, Mary Mack Sales & Service Naniamo Margaret Hickey Mark Adelborg Marriott Vancouver Pinnacle Hotel Mekong River Restaurant Memorial Golf Course Mi Ma Fine Art Publishers Mid Isle Veterinary Hospital Milner Gardens & Woodland Morningstar International Golf Course Moxies Naked Naturals NAPA Auto Parts Nile Creek Clothing Co Nootka Sound Services Ocean Outfitters Oceanside Clothing Company Ollivanders Cafe & Pizza House Our Glass Shop Paradise Adventure Golf Parksville Bodyworks Fitness Parksville Chrysler Parksville Jewellers Parksville Qualicum Fish and Game Assoc.

Parksville Safety & Auto Centre Ltd Pauline Gray Pharmasave Pheasant Glen Golf Resort Pizza Hut Pope & Sons Precision West Resource Consultants Ltd Qualicum Animal Hospital Qualicum Foods Ltd - John Briuolo Qualicum Frameworks Gallery Qualicum Pet Foods & Grooming Queen Victoria Hotel Quest for Colour Ltd. Rainforest Adventure Tours Raintree Emporium Rainy Crick Wines Raymond James Investments - David Nellist RBC Financial Group -EVP Program Coord RBC Royal Bank Nanaimo - Mark Lovick Reel Obsession - Adrian O'Connor Ridgeview Motor Inn RLB Logging Robert Cole Rocky Mountaineer Railtours

Rod & Gun Café Rodway and Perry - Scott Rodway Roger Simms Royal Lepage Parksville-Qualicum Sam's Sushi Bar Save On Foods Sea Change Open Studio Shady Rest Pub & Restaurant Shar-Kare Shelter Point Distillery Shoppers Drug Mart Shur Catch Fishing Charters Sims Associates Land Surveying Ltd Smithfords Spotted Bear Bistro Spunky's Motorcycle Shop Starbucks Coffee Subway Sunset Lanes Synergy Ted Jolda Terry Burgess Terry Mobberley The Backyard Wild Bird and Nature Store The Cobbler's Bench Footwear Clinic The Shore Condominiums The Source Thrifty's Parksville Thwaites Norris Insurance Services Tigh-Na-Mara Tim Horton’s TimberWest Forest Group Tofino Botannical Gardens Two Eagles Lodge Universal Handling Equipment Ltd Valerie Shuttleworth Valhalla Pure Outfitters Vancouver Island Carving Company Village Squire Vintage Candy Wardrobe Re-Do West Coast River Charters - Nick Hnennyj West Coast Wild Whites What's Cooking Windsor Rentals Yesterdays Child Antiques

MORE THAN “THREE BAGS FULL” AT QUALICUM BAY FIBRE WORKS

by Carolyn Walton

A

s I enter the huge Quonset hut housing Qualicum Bay Fibre Works, the old childhood nursery rhyme, “Baa Baa Black Sheep” comes to mind. But Anna Runnings has far more than three bags of wool and fibre stored in this thirty by forty foot building with its fifteen foot high ceilings.

“I estimate there’s between 600 and 800 pounds of fibre on these shelves,” she says.

The company is the only mill on Vancouver Island providing custom wool and alpaca fibre processing and the only one in BC to spin fine yarns.

Although Anna has been hand spinning for at least twenty years, her vocation for seventeen was as an archaeologist in Salinas California participating in early Spanish and pre-historic digs. When she arrived on the Island to care for aging parents she discovered that a Masters degree in archaeology wasn’t a fit for the local job market, so learning the Crofton Fibre Mill was for sale in June 2007, she purchased all the equipment, including an 1870’s carding machine, transported it by truck and crane, erected the Quonset and established Qualicum Bay Fibre Works.

Although she accepts wool, alpaca, llama, mohair and blends to process for fibre producers, hand spinners and fibre artists she prefers to work with wool. “There is nothing like wool,” she says. “It is more cooperative, better behaved in terms of its characteristics than any other fibre. Wool can absorb 15% of its weight in water before it feels wet, emitting heat as it dries, and its loft is a great insulator. No man-made fibre comes close to matching the characteristics of wool.”

Anna Runnings • Carolyn Walton photo Anna feels that too often sheep farmers are missing out on a value- added product by disposing of their fleece as a by-product of lamb production when they could sell them and cover the cost of shearing.

Anna’s operation is so small compared to mills in Alberta that she can run a single fleece, so if someone is breeding for fibre quality they can really assess the characteristics of an individual animal.

When the fibre is brought in it is labelled and tagged, guaranteeing the fibre brought in is the fibre returned. It is then weighed and sorted, washed in net bags with organic soap, spun in an adapted washing machine, dried on racks in a heated room, run through the 150 year-old carder which can process six to eight pounds of fibre an hour, on to the pin drafter for combing, then spun if so ordered. She notes that the majority of fibre processed goes out as carded rovings.

The 1960’s spinning machine which handles 9-12 heads at a time is the most complex.

“It’s very persnickety as every single project spins up differently. If I’m running blends I always run a sample first.” She offers Bombyx silk, Tussah silk and beached Tussah silk for blending as well as a variety of colour of alpaca and wool from Romney and Merino. The machine produces DK or worsted knitting weight yarn but won’t handle anything in the chunky range. After it is spun and plied it is wound into cones in the cone-winder.

Anna still takes some spinning time for herself, joining the Thursday Spinners at the Bradley Centre in Coombs. Her hand-dyed knit shawl recently took Best of Show at the Coombs Fair. She sells her fibre at several Island festivals including the Cowichan Fleece & Fibre Fair in October, Victoria Fibrefest and Victoria Fibrations as well as direct from the mill.

Qualicum Bay Fibre Works: 250-757-8844 www.qualicumbayfibreworks.com

Nestle up with the company of a good book

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thebestthingsandstuff@gmail.com www.eyesonbc.com / December 2011

7

Kelsey & Casey Waugh ... getting on with it

OUT OF THE NEST

by Rita Levitz

T

“After high school I went to the University of Victoria and got a degree in Economics and Business,” says Kelsey. “ I work as an accountant with the Victoria firm my aunt worked for decades ago. I’m also in my final year of my CGA. Although I’m now working mostly with taxes, it’s the business planning and consulting that interests me more. What do I like about what I do? I get to be inside in the winter, and I always have to think!

There are always problems that need to be solved.”

“After high school I went traveling, on and off, for four years,” says Casey. “I worked in Beijing, Southeast Asia, Australia and London on the marketing side of the snowboarding industry. I’m now working for a small Canadian marketing company—we get hired to set up brand placements at music festivals, events and clubs all across Canada. It is both challenging and fun. I get to see a lot of music, but I work long hours. It’s lucky that I’m a night owl. There’s tons of logistics and making sure that the right people are in the right places at the right time.”

Kelsey Waugh • submitted photo

he apple may not fall far from the tree, but sometimes two apples roll in what seems like entirely different directions.

Brothers Kelsey and Casey Waugh, for example, spent most of their formative years in Bowser, both played hockey and soccer, and both graduated from KSS, in 2002 and 2006 respectively.

However, after high school they went in virtually opposite directions.

While the University of Victoria positioned Kelsey for his future goals, Casey attended the “University of Life.” “I’m in an incredible position for someone who hasn’t had a lot of schooling—it’s my experience that has pulled me through. It’s important to be easy-going, social, flexible, and to remain calm— all of my traveling prepared me for that. It’s also important at work to surround yourself with like-minded people.”

Kelsey agrees. “It’s a small business community here, and you’re always working with the same people. Being high-strung in a high stress job doesn’t help at all. People have to be able to work together.”

Both young men credit their parents and extended family for being supportive in their chosen paths and for inspiring the personal skills and qualities they need to be successful: entrepreneurial (“Mom”), managerial (“Dad”), out-going (“Mom”), supremely calm in the face of impending disaster (“Dad”).

Casey Waugh • submitted photo

Kelsey and Casey both see themselves running their own businesses in the future, and they are both getting the requisite experience for that now. Will the trajectory of their unique, yet strangely complementary paths connect sometime?

8

December 2011 / www eyesonbc.com

Kelsey: “I get to meet many interesting people with interesting ideas, and what I enjoy most is helping them improve upon their business plans and practices. You need the right type of person, with the ideas, to get things started...”

Casey: “…and then they, or I, would end up hiring people who went to business school to make it all work smoothly and efficiently.”

Now if that doesn’t sound like the possibility of these two brothers dove-tailing their future careers, I don’t know what does. ~

THank you for allowing me to listen ...

By Sharon Waugh

T

he time has come for me to say ‘good-bye’ as co-publisher of the Beacon and to express seven years of heartfelt gratitude to you, the reader and the advertiser, who have nurtured and encouraged the growth of the Beacon from its inception.

There is always a tremendous gift to receive from reflection and a valuable, personal reminder of how powerful the manifestation of a single thought can be.

Seven years ago, as I was helping stack chairs in the hall at the completion of Area H’s OCP process, I posed a simple question to the person beside me, “How will our community be able to continue having a conversation that values diversity and embraces change?” Within weeks, my path crossed Linda’s and the answer to this question started to magically and collaboratively unfold as the Beacon.

In my appreciation for synchronicity, I’m noting that this day, as I sit down to

pen my farewell, is the International Day of Tolerance. Inside the principles of tolerance, which affirm respect and appreciation for diversity, lie the opportunity for personal responsibility to promote tolerance in our daily lives as a recognition of our inter-connectedness... here lies the heart-core of my gratitude to you... for teaching me how authentic and positive the messaging of media can be when one is focused on the intention of seeing, hearing and receiving the value of every person in our community.

Thank you for allowing me to listen and share the richness of your stories through my partnership with the Beacon team...your courage inspires me as I too embrace change and welcome expansion in my life.

Here’s to seeking truth with the hope of a more tolerant world. May our paths cross many more times in the future!

Sharon Waugh hugging the heart of the forest

www.eyesonbc.com / December 2011

9

..and then something comes along to “Sweeten Your Day”

.

by Susan Urie

AN EXTRAORDINARY PAIRING OF PHOTOGRAPHY AND POETRY

E

very photograph taken by Craig Carmichael tells a story. From his urban collections that include doorways, windows and stairwells to innovative shots of mossy forests, rocky coastlines and heritage buildings his stunning images speak loud and clear of his well-tuned love of the natural world.

Following a successful career spanning two decades, paying his professional photographer dues shooting weddings and portraits throughout, Craig made the move off the mainland just over two years ago and found himself home.

“There’s a certain ambience about the people and places on Vancouver Island,” Craig explains.

The walls of his Island Exposures Gallery in Parksville showcase so much more than traditional shots of Vancouver Island often seen in mainstream travel brochures, websites, and postcards. Craig freezes those particular Island moments that still manage to stop a long-time Islander in their tracks.

“I go into a place like Cathedral Grove and I just want to capture it, take a bit home with me by taking some pictures…I just love it,” says Craig, standing before one of his impressive coastal forest prints.

It’s that love of place that speaks volumes in every shot, although for Craig most of what is said is expressed, and expressed well, without the use of words.

“In the early days of my career I really enjoyed photographs with spiritual comments below the image,” he says. “But I never tried it myself because I’m not a poet.”

Poet Michael Poyntz has been telling his own story since studying in Toronto in

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10

December 2011 / www eyesonbc.com

Michael B. Poyntz and Craig Carmichael • Susan Urie photo the seventies. Creating and successfully publishing poetry under the name ‘Irish’, Michael Poyntz is well-versed in matching perfectly crafted prose with related images.

His poems, lyrics, and poster images were already available worldwide by the time he walked through the doors of Craig Carmichael’s gallery.

“I was working on a poster of mine called ‘Strength’ and I needed it done on canvas so I came to Craig,” he explains. “I came into the gallery, saw his work, and immediately felt we should do something together.”

But it wasn’t until Michael returned to pick up the completed ‘Strength’ poster that the wheels began to creatively spin. Craig had a print displayed in the gallery that stopped Michael in his tracks.

“The moment I saw it, “says Michael. “I had to sit down and all the creative juices just started flowing.”

Coastal Carvings Fine Art Gallery

Traditional & Contemporary Native Art

250-954-0554

The ‘it’ that put a poet’s wheels in motion is a spectacular shot of a stormy-skied rocky coastline. With breaking waves, the deep dark ocean seems to roar and rumble from the canvas almost fooling the senses to believe the actual air before the image is salty and real.

“Michael saw this picture,” explains Craig.

“He said he had written some prose that would work and came back with them a few days later and it just felt right.”

Craig sent a collection of images to Michael who immediately began matching prose to images and in some cases creating prose for a specific image. Combining Craig’s photographs with Michael’s words seems to capture the image fully, completely, inviting the viewer to look at what is before them with all the senses.

CONTINUED NEXT PAGE

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Jump on the Polar Express with Fireside Books December is “RED DOT” Sale Month Fill our Santa Sac’s with Pocketbooks for $15 QUOTE OF THE MONTH Christmas: “A day set apart and consecrated to gluttony, drunkeness, maudin sentiment, gift taking, public dullness and domestic behavior.” ~ Ambrose Bierce 114 MIDDLETON AVE 250-248-1234 PARKSVILLE

www.firesidebooksparksville.com

From that first pairing of poetry and photograph an idea for posters and gift cards began to take shape.

“What you have is a contrast of the viewer being drawn to a gift card or poster by the drama of the image along with the subtlety of a prose message,” explains Michael.

“It’s that yin-yang hit…all at once.”

Craig and Michael’s story may be on the first chapters, but with a poet’s apt words resting easily and comfortably on one corner of an image captured perfectly, it’s easy to get caught up in the tale. Anywhere Craig’s imagination takes the viewer with his camera Michael then follows up with eerily fitting prose.

“It’s something like watching a good movie or listening to a song that brings tears to your eyes,” says Michael with Craig nodding his agreement.

“Everyone has seen a sunset,” continues Michael. “But when you see something

happen IN that sunset then that event becomes something you never forget.”

The first collections, entitled Sweeten Your Day and From Me to You respectively, will be available from Campbell River to Victoria by late November followed by a formal launch in the United States in early December.

Michael and Craig will be showing off their cool collaborative collection to the local community on December 14th with their grand launch party at Island Exposures Gallery in Parksville. See page 12 for your invitation to the event and an opportunity to win a limited edition giclée of “Redemption”.

And watch for their work popping up in retail outlets and galleries from Campbell River to Victoria.

Enjoy a walk through Island Exposures Gallery at 1209 East Island Highway. Check out Michael’s website at http://thatcanadianpoet.com/ or pick up a copy of his book Dusk to Dusk at the Salish Sea Market in Bowser. ~

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PARA-SCIENCE: EXPLORATION AND DISCUSSION

Prayer: the power of Intention

by Phyllis Chubb

D

aily multiple academic disciplines are being identified as having engaged in knowledge filtration. What is knowledge filtration?

This is the act of throwing out evidence that does not support a prevailing vision of how the world works. Much of the research examining the efficacy of prayer has fallen into this category. In other words, because the current world view does not accept the ability of thought to impact matter, prayer can have no real power. Not everyone agrees with this statement.

What are the ways that the power of prayer can be, and has been measured?

Measures of neural activity, acquired in a multitude of situations, with multitudes of subjects, confirmed altered physical activity within prayer practitioners and the recipients of the prayers. That sincere prayer can bring positive results is no longer simply a matter of belief.

It has been proven prayers can and do assist with healing and other life situations. Numerous experiments have been conducted, often with cancer patients, where one group was prayed for while the control group was not. Inevitably the group members who were the recipients

...and then something special comes along to “Sweeten Your Day”

Celebrate the artistic collection of poet Michael B Poyntz and photographer Craig Carmichael as they introduce their 'Sweeten Your Day' print and greeting card collection, including the epic piece 'Redemption'.

Enter to win a 30” x 26” signed limited edition giclée of “Redemption” ($850 value) RECEPTION Wednesday December 14 4:30pm to 7:30 pm

Clip and bring this invitation to the reception

Island Exposures Gallery 1209 Island Hwy E, Parksville 12

December 2011 / www eyesonbc.com

of the prayers improved tremendously whereas the control group did not have that benefit.

Three other variables have also been identified as being important elements to the power of prayer.

No one philosophical orientation has proven to be better than another. The statement that God has a thousand faces has been validated over and over. The force prayed to has not been important, what has been important has been the intention and sincerity of the practitioners.

This type of research validates ancient and diverse theories about an energy surrounding and within all things, including us. Recognition of such energy is playing a major role in the ever changing view of our world and our place in it. The notion of the separation of mind, or spirit, and matter are rapidly fading as more people are recognizing the unity of all things. A growing, and renegade, branch of science is referring to this energy as part of ‘intelligent design’ and is an energy resource capable of being tapped.

People who regularly engage in prayer have also been found to be happier individuals. Again, the tradition followed does not seem to matter. What does matter seems to be the acknowledgement of the existence of some energy, no matter what that energy is called. Markers for personal happiness have included such things as general health, positive and supportive relationships, generosity levels and an overall acceptance of what is occurring in their lives.

An interesting variable coming from this type of research has involved the choice of recipient.

It seems effort focused on the benefit of others has been considerably, and more consistently, effective then prayers seeking self-benefit. Here we see the benefit of praying for peace and everyone’s well-being such as is done through compassionate mediation. Oh yes, mediation is a form of prayer. In fact, prayer often leads to meditation. The effectiveness of meditation has been proven in countless studies to be a major factor in creating harmony within our brains and thought patterns.

It’s not that any of these ideas are new, they aren’t. These ideas, especially the importance of prayer has been around since the beginning of time. The average person, in their heart, knows this and now it is up to the academics to catch up. So the next time someone says they will pray for you, know the value of their effort.

Say thank you and remember to pass the effort on to the next person you meet that is facing a difficulty in their life. The more people do this the sooner the academics are going to have to catch up, so saying a prayer for them too may well be in line.

Next month the importance of where we keep our consciousness will be the focus.

Phyllis can be contacted through her website at www.phyllischubb.com or by email at phyllis@phyllischubb.com

In Defence of Pollyanna

by Dr. Neill Neill

P

ollyanna Whittier was the child heroine in the 1913 children’s novel “Pollyanna” by Eleanor Porter.

Pollyanna could see the good in everything, even during disasters. The novel generated two movies one starring Mary Pickford and a later one starring Hayley Mills.

It is interesting how the title character in a children’s novel could become a popular term for anyone with a positive outlook on life.

But Pollyanna got a bad rap.

Today when someone says “You’re a Pollyanna,” they usually intend the pejorative connotation of being unrealistically or foolishly optimistic. People who pride themselves on being critical thinkers who “can see things how they really are” find optimistic people irritating. They like to characterize the positive person as being foolishly unrealistic…a Pollyanna.

We live in a society with amazing wealth, universal healthcare, public safety and generosity of spirit. No one in Canada will starve this Christmas.

However, the pessimists and doom-and-groomers among us outnumber the Pollyannas. Does the Pollyanna find the doom-and-gloomer irritating? You bet! Does the Pollyanna respond in kind? Typically not. The Pollyanna doesn’t say anything because it seems obvious the irritating pessimist is unhappy, afraid and carries an unknown back story (failing marriage or health, precarious job, out-of-control children, crushing debt?)

Sadly, the pessimist truly believes what he perceives is reality. He believes Einstein’s statement, “We are boxed in by the boundary conditions of our thinking,” doesn’t apply to him.

Like all people, positive people get knocked down sometimes. They grieve loss like anyone else. Deaths, business failures, marriage breakdowns and job loss are part of life. I know this all too well from my own life. Positive people, however, stubbornly and often cheerfully refuse to lose hope, and in the depths of their despair they’re picking up the pieces and busying themselves with the tasks of rebuilding.

With hope comes happiness. Without hope happiness can’t exist. Hope is seeing a brightness of the future, something that as human beings we all want.

Some seek my help because they suffer from depression. Depressed clients are usually without any sense of future, let alone a brightness of the future. As we work to restore hope and a brightness of the future, the black days and gray days are gradually replaced by white days. Happiness is restored.

Happiness promotes a healthier, more robust environment in our bodies, including our brains. Quoting from an article by Jerry Shaw in livestrong.com, “Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have found that postmenopausal women who were optimistic had decreased rates of death and were less likely to be diabetic or suffer from hypertension than their negative counterparts. The researchers analyzed data from nearly 100,000 women in an ongoing study funded by the National Institutes of Health. The optimistic women were 30 percent less likely to die from heart disease than the pessimists. The negative-thinking women were 23 percent more likely to die from cancer.”

The first time someone called me a Pollyanna, I replied “You think so? Thank you!” This season I’m again voting for hope, happiness and good health.

As we reconnect with family and friends, I intend to make it as much fun as possible and view any negatives that emerge as just temporary details.

I invite you to join this old Pollyanna in pondering the good the next year and decade may bring. ~ Psychologist Dr. Neill Neill maintains an active practice in Qualicum Beach, bringing innovative approaches to fostering healthy relationships and life after addictions. Call 250-752-8684 or visit his website www.neillneill.com. He is the author of the book “Living with a functioning Alcoholic - A Woman’s Survival Guide”.

www.eyesonbc.com / December 2011

13

with flexibility, look for the Rubi “Jointed Professional Kneeling Pad”.

Gifts for gardeners

by Harry Sumner & Miriam Shell

Q: We loved your suggestions for specific products last year? Have you got any more useful gift ideas for gardeners?

A: Holidays are a great time to give your gardening friends and family members gifts they will happily put to use. From ergonomic tools to provide comfort and protection to wonderful reference books to enjoy over winter, a shopper has many choices.

Items considered essential include a soil moisture meter, a quality outdoor hat, and kneeling pads. Look at Lee Valley for soil meters, and variety of hats, or consider one of Tilley Endurables for a hat with a lifetime guarantee. Kneelers come as flat pads or individual knee pads with foam or gel in them to enhance comfort. Rated one of the top three products for comfort and protection

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December 2011 / www eyesonbc.com

I have yet to meet a gardener who doesn’t enjoy a wide variety of gardening books, from how to types on every related subject Every gardener can benefit from ergonomic to plant identification aids like encyclopedias tools that improve hand posture and minimize with beautiful colour plates. There are so fatigue. They help make gardening a pleasure many wonderful books; these are my recent rather than a chore. Look for Radius tools. favourites. Offering detailed, pertinent They make light-weight trowels as well as information, local author Linda Gilkeson, strong, ergonomically designed stainless steel PhD. has at least two books out: West Coast digging forks and spades.

Gardening: Natural Insect, Weed & Disease Other suggestions include gift certificates for Control and Year-Around Harvest: Winter Gardening on the Coast 2nd ed. Another purchases at local nurseries, memberships to garden clubs, botanic gardens like Milner with lots of excellent information, is Root Cellaring: Natural Cold Storage of Fruits of Gardens or Butchart Gardens, or perhaps a prepaid consultation with a garden designer, Vegetables by Mike and Nancy Bubel. planner, or coach. Gardeners will love to You can never go wrong with smaller items receive these kinds of gifts. for gift baskets. Practical ideas include a One unusual idea from the past that is regaining popularity is a compost tea maker.

Compost tea is aerated compost in a liquid suspension that allows back yard compost to go five times farther. Since it goes directly into the roots of plants, it is the most efficient use of compost for organic gardening. Two of the best suppliers are: The Soil Soup Company http://www.soilsoup.com/ which explains the use of their products very well for the novice, and Keep It Simple http://www.simplici-tea. com/ , pioneers in the industry.

nice pair of garden gloves and specialty hand cream or soap makes a thoughtful gift. Finally, especially around holiday time, a plentiful supply of Epsom salts with some herbal tea will usually satisfy to relax aching muscles from any winter yard work. Best wishes of the season to all and a Happy New Year!

Any gardener would be proud to use these quality, comfortable tools.

Harry Sumner is a certified arborist & garden coach. Gardening questions are welcome at 250-248-4512 or shellms@telus.net.

Just walkin’ with the birds

by Nancy Whelan

T

uesday … that’s a good feeling day in that it’s after the jolt of Monday and the weekend’s end, but with most of the week still stretching ahead for things that need doing or enjoying.

And here’s something else about Tuesday that makes it truly special – “The Tuesday Birdwalking Group” - and no, you needn’t walk pigeon-toed or waddle like a duck to take advantage of this healthful and interesting activity for fall and winter, or any season at all.

If you have an interest in, and the welfare of local birds at heart, you may well know of Colin Bartlett of the Backyard Wildbird and Nature Store in Nanaimo who started the Sunday birdwalks. When his helper and cohort, Neil Robins and wife Marilynne moved to Parksville in 2004, they found many people interested in doing a weekly birdwalk. So what started out as a Wednesday birdwalk with Colin’s help, morphed into the now popular Tuesday Birdwalk under Neil’s leadership and the Wildbird Store’s sponsorship.

Here is a group of from five to twenty getup-and-go people, novices and experienced

birders alike, gathering from anywhere between Nanoose and Courtenay, who have enthusiastically devoted part of their Tuesdays to birdwalking. At times, the group is joined by visitors from the Lower Mainland, all across Canada, The U.S., Great Britain, Australia, New Zealand, Poland, Turkey and China!

When it comes to inspiration to ward off the winter doldrums, the Tuesday Birdwalking Group is right up there on the list. Think about it – here’s easy to moderate exercise, fresh air, maybe a bit of ‘moisturizer’, new people/old friends, and the ultimate attraction of honing your observation/ retention skills through two critical sense organs, your eyes and ears. And you might just add a few foreign phrases to your vocabulary to boot!

A brochure at both Qualicum and Parksville Tourist Information Centres lists most of the local areas where the birdwalkers birdwatch; here are some of the best for the fall and winter months: Rathtrevor Park, Englishman River estuary, Parksville Bay, Columbia Beach ocean and estuary, the QB viewing tower at the beach, Little Qualicum River estuary, Nile Creek estuary, and the Deep Bay/ Baynes Sound beach areas.

submitted photo How does one identify a specific bird anyway? It helps to start with a pair of binoculars and a bird identification aid – popular i.d. books like Peterson’s, Sibley’s, or National Geographic bird books, or an iPod application. Often, one of the best aids to identification is the experience and expertise of other birders in the group.

Now birds are a varied, though similar bunch, and their i.d. is in the details – the shape, the size, their ‘body language’ (how they fly and move about; straight line, undulating, noisily, secretly, right side up or upside down … ), the beak, the eye and its markings, their song, and their colour.

And just to keep you on your toes, a bird’s continued next page

www.eyesonbc.com / December 2011

15

through the seasons - CONTINUED

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colour and its markings, especially those of seabirds, often change with the seasons and their mating urge.

Once you acquire your very own and favourite bird book, you can add your own little (or lengthy) notations or even insert pages to make identification second nature. The friend who got me interested in watching and learning about birds, gave me one of his books to get me started. Taped to the inside title page was a little chart that separated this gull from that gull – for there are five species of them fishing in our waters and helping to keep our beaches clean with their scavenging habits. Four columns followed the name of each gull with the headings, Eyes, Wing tips, Bill, and Legs, with the colour or shape of each listed accordingly … made it so much simpler to separate the Glaucous Wing from its cousin the Herring Gull for example.

Is it a crow or a raven? After the size, check both ends – beak/chin and tail – fairly clean-shaven for the crow’s face, and a straightacross tail or sporting multiple shaggy ‘whiskers’ and a spadeshaped tail for the raven. Then put the ears to work and notice their distinctive calls. Believe me, it becomes a satisfying thrill to be able to say, “Look at that goofy raven, gurgling and doing wingovers!”

The Scoters out there off the beach? Well, just when I think have the three species down pat, I find that I’ve missed a clue and the White-winged Scoter is actually the Surf Scoter. This is where repeated sightings and the help of fellow birdwalker/watchers can give you a new way of seeing what you see.

And there’s no lack of variety in the local birds; Neil tells of a fortunate birding trip to Peru last year where that country claims over 1800 species of birds. But on a Tuesday Birdwalk the week before their trip, in just three hours, they spotted 64 different local species, while in Peru there were only three days on which they found more than 64 species in a whole day!

To get out there with the “Tuesday Birdwalking Group”, contact the Backyard Wildbird and Nature Store at 1 250 390 3669 or go to www.thebirdstore.blogspot.com for details. The group leaves every Tuesday from the parking area in front of the Lions Playground at the Parksville Beach Community Park at 9 AM. Chickadee or Junco? Towhee or Varied Thrush? You’ll soon know if you’re out walkin’ with the birds on Tuesdays! ~

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Coming Down the Ol’ Chimney Support the Stockings of Small Town Businesses

by Lisa Verbicky

I

t’s mid-November and over the past couple of days Brian Boyes over at Bowser’s Lighthouse Feed & Garden has been hopping. Business has been good.

Good equals more ‘goodies’ under the tree at this time of the year doesn’t it? Well, this seasoned small-town business owner knows better than to count the chickens that eat his chicken feed, because it’s now 2 p.m. the day after his ‘good’ streak, and he’s rung in all of twenty bucks.

“Well, there’s no explaining it,” he says, remaining hopeful. “The day’s not over, and a lot can change in a few hours.”

Owning a business in a small town can be both unpredictable and rewarding, says Boyes.

He is even optimistic as we enter the holiday season, despite a tentative economy, the continued big box store invasion, and some storefronts left empty throughout the region, perhaps haunted by the ghosts of businesses past.

As a small business owner in a small town, you have to constantly reinvent yourself, says Boyes, whose strategy has been to ‘earn’ his customers rather than feel ‘entitled’ to them because he happens to be local. As of late he has switched from products by the big American pet food companies to the often lower-priced, higher quality all-Canadian ones.

“It’s about building relationships with your customers,” says Boyes, “getting to know their names, their pets, when they aren’t well.”

Dear Santa. For his business planning, Brian deserves a new customer in the toe of his stocking.

I mean, if he wasn’t here, we’d have to drive 40 minutes round-trip to feed ‘fluffy’ in a pinch, and the nearby Bean Counter Coffee Shop might loose one seriously good customer, and even a few lively passersby.

And who wants to sit alone in a coffee shop listening to snow falling, when you could be within earshot of a good old-fashioned yarn?

Yet, I digress.

There are some 400,000 small businesses in BC accounting for one third of the province’s GDP, according to Generation Exit, a video created with funding from the province for Community Futures, highlighting the imminent closure of hundreds if not thousands of boomer-owned businesses due to retirement in the next five years.

The video also highlights the essential contribution by businesses of infrastructure and culture to communities. Without them, our small towns face loosing residential and commercial tax bases, essential products and services, and jobs. And, what will happen

to land values? When we loose people, we loose schools, hospitals, and recreational facilities. What a lump of coal.

Without small businesses, it seems we are headed for a Dickens-style poverty of culture, orphaned consumers left to wander the long halls of cheap chain stores.

“Please sir, I want some more?”

By far, the best way to keep the light on our community tree is to shop local. Period.

However, there are some new initiatives that have been coming down the community chimney that will also serve to stoke the fire of the local businesses.

The latest RDN initiative for Nanaimo North, the Northern Community Economic Development Service, will be online this spring with $50,000 in funding to community economic development projects that benefit the region from Nanoose to Deep Bay. continued on page 25

www.eyesonbc.com / December 2011

17

dave bartram

By Rita Levitz

O

n Tuesday November 22nd, after three terms in office, Dave Bartram attended his last meeting as Regional Director for Area H. “I retired from the Air Force in August of 2001. I landscaped, golfed, gardened…and got very bored. My wife Joyce said, ‘Find something to DO.’ I was approached to run for the RDN.” Dave won that election; the next two were by acclamation.

It may have been Dave’s first political involvement, but the set of experiences and skills he brought to the job are staggering. He had been Deputy Commander of Canadian Forces during the Gulf War and Director of Operations for North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). “That involved responsibility for the airspace from Alaska to Mexico, and the 28,000 men and women active in that effort. As Deputy Commander, I had responsibility for the 4,400 men and women—soldiers, sailors, airmen—serving in the War. I like holding positions of responsibility. I was trained to lead men and women; it comes naturally to me. I’m lucky.”

Dave was born in Princeton, BC. “My dad was a CPR station agent, and we lived in CPR stations all over BC. When I was eleven or twelve, I could get on a train after school, go from one fishing hole to the next by train, and then take a work train home again. It was a fantastic life for a kid.”

After graduating from high school, Dave enrolled in SFU. “I already had my private pilot license; I realized I wanted to fly more than go to school, so I joined the Air Force. My dad had given me the same advice I gave to my daughters: ‘Do what you enjoy, because you’ll be doing it for a long time.’ I was fortunate that I got selected to be a pilot, and flew F-18s.”

Having been in positions of leadership and responsibility throughout his career, the transition to RDN Director wasn’t difficult. Similarities Dave Bartram  Rita Levitz photo

continued next page

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continued from previous page aside though, politics is a different kettle of fish than the Air Force.

“Career mobility in the Air Force is based on a demanding process and merit. I remember my first candidates’ debate; sitting there was like being naked in a field. There are so many varied opinions out there, but that’s what democracy is about, and freedom of speech is extremely important to me.” Not many people who say that have been in a position to put their lives on the line to uphold those values.

“I thoroughly, absolutely enjoyed those nine years. I’ll miss the interaction with my colleagues on the Board, the RDN staff, and all the people in the community who’d come up to me with issues or problems they were having; I enjoyed trying to help them.”

Looking back on what has been achieved over the last nine years, Dave points out some that he is most pleased with. “The Bowser Village Centre Plan and the Official Community Plan meetings were both stimulating and important, talking with people about what we want our community to look like in the future. The Drinking Water Watershed Plan is also crucial, as is our need to understand our watersheds and rivers better.” Dave played different roles, some direct, and others behind-the-scenes, to make sure that all the parts in complex and complicated processes—such as the Lions Seniors Housing, the Bowser Library, the Center for Shellfish Research in Deep Bay—proceeded in a smooth and timely manner.

Nor does he shy away from what was perhaps Area H’s most contentious issue—Building Inspection. “There’s a difference between good political decisions and good decisions. Sometimes you have to decide what’s best for the people of the entire region and what’s good for the future.”

After thirty-seven years in the Air Force, nine years on the RDN, and a concurrent five years consulting for NATO, Dave feels it is time for a change of direction and focus. “My post-retirement ten years in the Supplementary Reserves are also up; I’m really let out to pasture now,” he laughs. “What does that pasture look like? Time for Joyce and me to spend with family and grandkids, time to travel, boat, fish, golf. And yes, when I see an F-18 overhead, it still gets to me—I’d love to do that again!—but it’s a young man’s pursuit.”

2011

Community involvement will remain an inherent part of Dave’s life. “Participation in the life of the community is what makes the community. I’m so lucky that when I look around I can see so many things I had a little part in. You can make a difference in some way.

Everyone can.” ~

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www.eyesonbc.com / December 2011

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December 2011 / www eyesonbc.com

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LOCAL TIDE

DECEMBER 2011

Filling the Empty Rituals

By Joanne Sales

A ritual itself is empty. What matters is the content.

A

ritual is a form into which we invite the content that we want in our lives. A ritual is an empty shell that gives structure to something that we value but which may be too formless or ephemeral to hold its shape alone. Like a candle mold - we pour the liquid in, wait quietly, and it becomes something we can hold and a part of our lives.

A ritual is a way that something formless becomes tangible and present for us.

Human beings have a habit of going on rampages and ripping apart rituals, especially those of other people, cultures and times, without knowing the content that once filled those ritualistic forms.

Considering ourselves to be “modern”, we often stand in judgment of rituals that we know nothing about.

Our tide table measurements are taken from the Hornby Island substation. For other tides, visit http://www.waterlevels.gc.ca/english/Canada.shtml on the Internet.

Those rituals are empty - we exclaim. Well, of course those rituals are empty. Rituals are always empty. It’s the content that matters.

22

December 2011 / www eyesonbc.com

We went on a lantern walk at the Morning Glory Waldorf School in Hilliers one dark night in early November. Through the darkness, the children carried paper lanterns they made, with candlelight shining through tissue paper windows shaped as doors, stars, moons or dragons. Beautifully and with abandon, the children sang. “Away with darkness… bring back the light.” Some people spoke but most were silent, enchanted by the age-old act of walking single file or in small clusters through the darkness, guided only by each other’s small fragile flames.

That was a ritual. It enacted a story that had no words. Afterwards, we drank hot apple cider and went home.

Throughout history, rituals helped us to hold to what we valued and pointed the way to where we want to go. But somehow we have lost most of our collective rituals, and our personal rituals are often flat and meaningless.

What happened to our rituals? Many we have outgrown or no longer understand. Some were bought out, outlawed or out-shouted. Some were too small for our diverse society. We dropped some rituals because we no longer knew what we believed, and mistook ritual for belief. Sometimes we were embarrassed and didn’t want to reveal our vulnerability.

Well, we may as well forget that last excuse. We are vulnerable - the whole lot of us - as individuals and as a society. Quite vulnerable.

We’re like the children on the cold November night lantern walk, following each other through the dark. We wouldn’t be able to find our way without the pilgrims’ lights in front of us, and our lights guide those behind.

Continued from previous page Nevertheless, we have rituals galore. Coffee and the news; family dinner, checking email and the mirror, shaking hands, hugging our kids, wearing ties, matching socks and a special ring. We put up Christmas trees, go to church, choir or council meeting, donate to the Food Bank, eat birthday cakes. We benefit from more subtle personal rituals; we meditate, do yoga, read, write in journals, chant, use affirmations, light candles, and pray. These too could be empty rituals - or they could be doors we open that make our lives worth living.

We are encouraged to walk three times around the Tibetan Buddhist temple in Coombs before going in. What is the content that this ritual draws to us? A settling down, slower breaths, letting go, respect. An awakened, peaceful mind. All good!

What are the purposes of our rituals?

These are not easy times that we are living in. Even the earth is struggling. Some would say we’re going through a birth process.

Something we don’t yet understand or recognize is struggling to be born.

We wish you a safe and happy holiday season.

Thank you for your support throughout the year.

We need to revitalize old rituals or create our own. The good news is that the formless hasn’t gone anywhere. We just need to offer an empty shell and invite it in. As “modern” as we are, there are things we long for.

In December, the nights are dark and long.

In a short story, people sitting in rush hour traffic watch as a giant hand reaches down out of the sky and snuffs out the sun like a candle flame. Oops. That was the end of the sun - and the story.

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We need the Light. We love the sun. Our ancestors who celebrated Winter Solstice knew that more clearly than we do.

Sure, spring will return without our intervention, but what do we miss when we drop the rituals of invitation and appreciation?

Life is subtle; it arises from sources unknown. The same is true of life’s treasures of wisdom, joy, compassion, intuition, bonding and love. What can bring more Light to our inner eyes, and meaning to our lives? We can’t buy these things at the store.

How can we draw to ourselves these deeper gifts of life?

Lighting a candle in the morning, we realign with … with… with what? That’s the problem. Our hands and chit-chatty words can’t grasp such subtle things. That’s why we need the candle! In order to say the things that words can’t say. To reconnect us to the depths that our sound bite world has lost touch with.

It’s Christmas, Hanukkah, and Winter Solstice. For what purpose do we celebrate these festivals of Light? What is the content that we long for that brings us back again and again?

Rather than criticize the form of a ritual, let us welcome the content - and then, be very, very still. ~ Joanne Sales - joanne@glasswing.com You are invited to celebrate Winter Solstice with us at Errington Hall, Thursday, Dec 22, with Dances of Universal Peace. It’s my favorite group ritual, recognizing the Source of all spiritual traditions. We meet monthly. Info: www.islandhealing.ca.

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Guidelines for Sodium Intake Age

Sodium (Salt)

How much is too much?

Adequate Daily

Upper Limit for

Sodium Intake (mg)

Sodium Intake (mg)

1 – 3 years

1,000

1,500

4 –8 years

1,200

1,900

9 –13 years

1,500

2,200

14 –50 years

1,500

2,300

51 – 70 years

1,300

2,300

Over 70 yrs

1,200

2,300

prepared by Lucy Churchill, RN

Sources of dietary Sodium

odium (salt) is an essential mineral required for proper functioning of the body. It is vital for regulating body fluids and blood pressure and to help the functioning of muscles and nerves.

Excess sodium can have serious consequences especially in people with diabetes.

• 77% from processed food (manufacturing and restaurants)

S

The relationship between excess dietary sodium and hypertension (high blood pressure) is well established and documented. Dietary sodium has also been associated with a number of other health conditions such as asthma, osteoporosis, gastric cancer, kidney stones and obesity.

Most Canadians eat more than double the recommended daily amount of sodium. Limiting your intake of table salt and other sources of dietary sodium can benefit your health.

It is estimated that if the sodium intake is brought down to the recommended levels the benefits would be remarkable. These benefits would include a reduction in the number of people with hypertension by 1 million and 23,500 fewer cases of cardiovascular events.

• 12% natural content of foods • 11%, added at the table (5%) and in cooking (6%) Almost 40% of sodium in the diet comes from pizzas, sandwiches, submarines, hamburgers, hot dogs, soups, pasta, processed potatoes, cheese and sauces.

Tips for Eating Less Sodium Changing your eating starts at the food store: • Buy fresh or frozen, unprocessed foods most often • Look for foods labelled sodium free, no added sodium, low sodium or reduced in sodium • Limit “instant” powdered foods such as instant puddings, dried soup mixes, pasta and rice dishes etc.

• Read the Nutritional Facts panel food labels and buy brands with the lower mg of sodium per serving Sodium Information on the Nutritional Facts Label The Nutritional Facts panel gives the amount of sodium in milligrams (mg ) and the % Daily Value based on the stated serving size . If you eat more than the serving size you will get more sodium.

What does the %Daily Value mean?

The % Daily Value tells you whether the mg of sodium is a little or a lot compared to the Upper Limit of sodium per day. Have Fun Checking out the labels. ~

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Phone: 250.240.6966 Fax: 250.752.1681 Email: brownscontracting@live.ca 24

December 2011 / www eyesonbc.com

continued from page 17 The service will provide funding to support organizations such as Chambers of Commerce, business associations, and community groups in providing projects geared towards things like business training, trade shows, job creation or otherwise, in Qualicum, Parksville, and Electoral Areas E, F, G, and H, says Chief Administrative Officer for the Regional District of Nanaimo, Carol Mason.

“Although economic development has been identified as a priority in the strategic growth plan for overall prosperity in the region,” she says, “there has never been a consensus as to how to best facilitate it.”

Now, while Nanaimo South will have an official economic development office, Nanaimo North with two municipalities and several smaller, rural electoral areas, will have this annual funding administered by a board committee to draw on in support of smaller scale economic development initiatives.

Peter Doukakis, President of the Qualicum Beach Chamber of Commerce, is hoping to use some of this funding to work with partners like VIU and the Career Centre providing customer service training for businesses in the region. The Qualicum Beach Chamber of Commerce will also be looking at partnering with municipalities, the Parksville Chamber, the Downtown Business Association and the Oceanside Tourism Association in projects that support tourism development, he says.

The Parksville Chamber is also looking at funding to assist with a small business inventory that could help identify economic opportunities in the future, says Doukakis.

“I think in our area it is less about attracting new businesses and more about promoting the businesses that are already here.

It’s about the long-term vision of social, cultural, political and economic success,” he says. “Here, I think small business development is really more about community building.”

Part of that vision means keeping local businesses from leaving, especially those that offer key services for rural communities. It’s a real dilemma in an unprecedented era of declining birth rates and increasing numbers of retirees.

“Rural communities are more at risk of loosing access to essential services because they often only have one person delivering it,” says Lori Camire, Executive Director for Community-Futures, Alberni-Clayoquot, who has been spearheading Venture Connect, an initiative to assist retiring business owners with the transition of their businesses to sale.

According to Community Futures, 70% of business owners are planning to exit their business in the next 5-10 years. From Port Alberni to Mt. Waddington, there are 3233 owners planning to exit in the next five years.

Venture Connect offers a variety of services including assisting owners with a transition plan leading up to retirement, sorting through all the legal and financial steps needed for sale, marketing/packaging their business, and connecting them to buyers.

I hope jolly old St. Nick is not listening.

The Island Coastal Economic Trust (ICET) has been providing funds for community economic development including infrastructure projects since 2006, matching grant funds to the tune of $48,000,000, with about $3,000,000 still available for continued next page

Check our web-site for residential, recreational and investment properties.

continued from page 25 projects that serve the region from Victoria to Port McNeill, Powell River Rd. and the Sunshine Coast. Many of these projects serve as good example of how creating the right ‘climate’ can fuel small business development and spur the growth of healthy communities.

• Compounding Pharmacy • Home Healthcare • Natural Health • Cosmetics • Giftware

“Our investment in Port McNeill had a catalytic effect,” says CEO of ICET, Al Baronas.

The town has since seen the planned expansion of a private marina, restaurants, and a subdivision after a multi-million dollar matching grant was used to develop its harbour.

ICET has also invested in the development of docks for the shellfish industry in Fanny Bay to help with distribution, a runway landing system expansion and terminal upgrade at the Nanaimo Airport (as well as similar projects for the Campbell River Airport), the harbour expansion at Powell River, and was the lead investor in the VIU Deep Bay Marine Shellfish Research Station.

“We’ve created opportunities for communities and businesses in struggling economies by investing in aquaculture, transportation, tourism, small business development, downtown revitalization, and attracting visitors to the region.”

The long-term impacts of many of these initiatives and projects reveal themselves over time. Building a vibrant community is does not happen in the wink of an eye.

In the meantime, business owners like Boyes would also like to see creative solutions for reducing fixed costs such as insurance, payments to credit card companies, and hydro. Perhaps there are creative ideas out there waiting for funding to give Boyes his wish.

Alternatively, Santa, there are those customers.

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For more information on Venture Connect or for the link to Generation Exit visit www.ventureconnect.ca. For more information on the Northern Community Economic Development Service visit www.rdn.bc.ca, and for more on the Island Coastal Economic Trust visit www.islandcoastaltrust.ca.

Fundraising for Bowser Elementary School

T

he Bowser Elementary School PAC is embarking on a new and exciting path to help our school raise funds in fresh new ways:

(1) Wealthy School Revolution is a Vancouver-based company created by parents offering non-perishable organic groceries with many gluten-free items. Orders can be placed online at www. wealthyschools.ca and are shipped to the school every second Thursday for pickup. 20% of every order will directly benefit Bowser Elementary.

(2) Regal Gifts offers every gift imaginable making Christmas shopping a breeze. Their Christmas catalogue is available now.

Orders can be placed online and are delivered to your door (www. be.shopregal.ca). 30% of every order benefits the school.

(3) Tienes grano Coffee Company is a local company that has partnered with a Guatemalan coffee farmer to bring quality, direct trade coffee to Vancouver Island. Beans are roasted right here in Bowser and a portion of the profits are used to support ongoing projects in Guatemala. Check out www.tienesgrano.ca and when you are ready to order contact Laura-Lee at www.jalkeltie@shaw.ca.

Coffee is delivered to the school every two weeks for pickup.

For more information go to www.bowserpac.blogspot.com or the Bowser Elementary School Parent Advisory Council Facebook page. - submitted

By Marilyn Dawson, Reporter he final council meeting before a municipal election is a little like the last day of school. Jubilation, perhaps a sense of satisfaction, maybe even relief that another term has ended. So it was with the November regular meeting when three of the four councillors said their farewells. Only Mary Brouilette was seeking another term.

Barry Avis, a three-term veteran, recently chosen as the NDP candidate for ParksvilleQualicum in the next provincial election, looked back over his time in office as mostly a time of achievement. Where some have decried a so-called lack of growth, he listed some of the changes that had taken place, including $152-million in construction. “We’ve had some very good and appropriate additions to the town.” He was not happy with the proposed health centre for Oceanside, a $14.4 million facility that was approved without tendering. No local builders were involved, even though 40 per cent of the funding comes from local sources. “If we … ever did a project of this size without tendering, we wouldn’t be sitting here, ” he said.

Rather than recount the positives of his three terms in office, Jack Wilson chose to leave with a request that Council endorse the refurbishing of the gate to the Heritage Forest. Coun. Wilson was chair of the Heritage Forest Commission that championed saving the forest from the axe .

He asked that the gate include a quote from Ansel Adams which formed the motto of the Brown Property Preservation Society when it was raising funds to buy the forest. “Let us leave a splendid legacy for our children so

I can turn to them and say, this you inherit.

Guard it well. Once it is destroyed it cannot be purchased at any price.” Mayor Teunis Westbroek seconded the motion which will be passed on to the next council. Kent Becker, the third outgoing councillor chose not to comment on his tenure.

Although Council generally conducted a tidying up session, there were two timesensitive grants that got immediate attention.

Town staff will apply for funding for a Community Park Field House, a project that has been on the books for some time. A new provincial program aimed at getting families greater access to recreational facilities, will pay 80 per cent of project costs. Deadline for application is Dec. 28. The proposed building, which could possibly have washrooms, change rooms, concessions and a kitchen, would cost about $1 million, according to planner Luke Sales.

of pedestrians at the Memorial and Fern crossing and noted that pedestrians were ignoring the signals. He might have added that Oceanside pedestrians often walk with their heads down, step out into traffic without looking, wear dark clothing on dreary rainy nights, text, talk on their cells or even stop in the crosswalks to chat to oncoming pedestrians. Nevertheless, that doesn’t change the “walk” light problem; Mr. Weir agreed there is reason to look at that intersection again.

Score one for the seniors, not to mention mothers, little children and the physically challenged of any age. ~

The Town will also apply for a grant to finance a review of its speed limits and crosswalks. A report from Mr. Sales said the town had received complaints that some seniors find the “walk” light inadequate although it is set to established standards.

Engineering director Bob Weir presented an animated visual

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Adam Brake photo

Allison Crowe

Good Tidings She Sings, To You and Your Kin

by David Morrison

T

he end of any year is a juncture in time at which one naturally tends to reminisce, especially about the preceding twelve months. When Allison Crowe looks back at her 2011 she will likely firstly do so with great pride at having reached a significant anniversary in her professional life. The Nanaimo-born and raised singersongwriter celebrates a decade of artistic independence this year, as her own record label, Rubenesque Records Ltd., can now boast, as she puts it, being “10 Years Free & Strong.” It’s a fantastic achievement for a female artist to successfully operate independently in a male-dominated industry, but even more so when considering that Crowe only turned 30-years old last month.

Since 2003 the end of every year for Crowe has meant one thing, however – her annual series of Tidings Concerts for the Christmas season. And while these now traditional shows present opportunities to witness in the flesh why Crowe is internationally acclaimed as one of Canada’s finest ever interpreters of song, they also generate much 28

December 2011 / www eyesonbc.com

needed funds for causes close to the singer’s heart.

charities at this time of year it’s neat to be a part of that.”

Breaking off from rehearsals at her Corner Brook, NL home, the delightful, ever-friendly and super-talented singersongwriter-musician recently took time out to chat with me awhile about the upcoming concerts, and their origins as an extension of her 2003 EP, Tidings: 6 Songs for the Season.

Following shows in St. John’s and Corner Brook, Crowe brings her Tidings Concerts to BC for appearances in Nanaimo (St. Andrew’s United Church, Dec 10), Vancouver (St. James Hall, Dec 11), Campbell River (St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Dec 15) and Victoria (Fairfield United Church, Dec 17). There will also be an outdoor sing-along in Nanaimo on December 22. (Full ticket details and all other show information can be found at www.allisoncrowe.com.)

“It was sort of a natural progression of things,” she says. “I tour a few times a year anyway, so naturally I would be doing a tour at that time of year. I think it all came about before the idea of doing a Christmas album, but I can’t be sure, as I would have done Christmas shows after that album anyway! It seemed like the winter, especially Christmas time, was a good time to do it – a time of year when people are more giving and have a generous spirit. It’s a feeling that everyone has when they come to the shows, and with various great events going on for different

Attached to each Tidings Concert are charitable concerns and other institutions Crowe personally wishes to place a spotlight on and help raise funds for. In Nanaimo, for example, it is the Nanaimo Youth Services Association’s newspaper, The Mind’s Eye, and the Woodland Secondary School’s band and basketball programs, while the continued on pg 31

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continued from page 29

Campbell River Hospice Society and Food Bank will benefit in that community.

As for which concerns are chosen and how the money is raised, Crowe says: ”It’s really based on whatever is happening and needed locally. I get together with (her manager) Adrian (du Plessis) to figure out what works, then we talk to the people from the groups, so it’s a real community effort, you know?

It’s really neat, as different shows have more than one charity, and organizations that maybe don’t get as much attention can get a little bit, you know? Where the money comes from depends on the situation – you know, the concert itself – so it’s either a portion of ticket sales, a portion of CD sales, or that kind of thing.”

And of course, these will be Crowe’s first Tidings Concerts of her thirties! (I remember turning thirty all too well, as I spent it working away from my home, friends and family, suffering from man-flu in a Belfast hotel room. I just about managed to glug down half a pint of celebratory Guinness before hitting the hay, full of fever.

Miserable!) When we spoke Crowe had not yet hit the milestone age, but I wondered how she might be planning to celebrate and how she felt about leaving her twenties behind.

“It feels super-weird because, honestly, I don’t feel a day over sixteen!” she laughs.

“And I don’t feel I’ve gotten any more mature! If anything I’m less serious, so I feel, like, what business do I have turning

thirty? I’m rehearsing hard right now, but I will have some fun. I’ll definitely have a party with my friends, I’m definitely going to make a cake, and I’ll probably do some belly-dancing… or it’ll be some combination thereof!”

Despite her relative youth and insistence she has yet to grow up, as an artist Crowe is certainly mature beyond her years. She is a captivating live performer and it is how she uses her rare, pure voice to lend new soul to a stylistically wide range of astonishing cover versions that has helped gain her international recognition. One of the music blogs I read every week is the excellent Cover Me, which as its name may imply is devoted to the art of the cover version.

The blog’s writers are big Crowe fans, frequently sending praise her way, but never loftier than when saying: “There are some voices that speak (or sing) for themselves.

You know the ones. Voices where it doesn’t matter what they sing. Voices where it doesn’t really matter what instruments support them. Solomon Burke has such a voice. Jeff Buckley had it. Allison Crowe has it too.”

Indeed, from The Beatles to Eurythmics, Pearl Jam to Joni Mitchell, Crowe takes a song and, with maximum respect to the original, nonetheless takes it as her own.

Which particular covers and originals await Tidings Concerts attendees remains to be seen, but Crowe did reveal to me that “there will be one new song (of mine),

being Arthur (from the double A-side digital single released in July), and there’ll be a new Christmas cover song.”

As for the future, there is a new album in the works. “I spent a lot of this last year writing and now I’m in the process of crystallizing where it’s going to go,” she explains.

“Basically, I have a lot of songs recorded in their ‘infancy,’ but I would like to go somewhere different to where I’ve gone in the past. The last album was fuller, with more production, but with this next one I’m thinking along the lines of something a little ‘heavier,’ so another part of what I’ve grown up listening to. It would be nice to give all of that a voice, right?”

Right! You do whatever you want, Ms. Crowe, as during ten years of Rubenesque Records Ltd. we have come to expect only the highest quality from you!

In signing off for this year I leave you with the words of American news journalist Eric Sevareid (1912-1992), a sentiment echoed in the spirit of the Tidings Concerts, yet bearing a truism we should care to remember at all times, not just the festive season: “Christmas is a necessity. There has to be at least one day of the year to remind us that we’re here for something else besides ourselves.”

Merry Christmas, everyone.

For further information about Allison Crowe and the Tidings Concerts, please visit www. allisoncrowe.com or www.myspace.com/ allisoncrowe

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Day basket sales brought in a profit as well as our Trivia Night and Fall Fair. These profits enable us to continue to provide donations to our community groups such as OAP, the Lions Club, Bowser Hot Lunch program, the Ladies Auxiliary Christmas Hamper Program, scholarships to local students and other donations still to be determined.

Bow-Horne-Bay Community Club Your Community Club members are taking Fall/Early Winter Update a well deserved rest but will be back on the Pssst……..did you hear the news? 3rd Thursday in January (19th) getting busy

C

Thank you for your support at the polls. I am honoured to continue to serve the community for 3 more years

Mary Brouilette

for Councillor, Town of Qualicum Beach

ongratulations and thank you to everyone who helped make our 41st Annual Fall Fair our best ever yet. Our theme was: “Community, the Fruit of Our Labours” and in spite of the slow start to the growing season due to the weather, our community members really got down to showing off the fruits of their labours. As a community member, a participant, a vendor or as a volunteer; we couldn’t have done it without you.

To the local businesses that supported us with donations for our silent auction – a huge THANK YOU as our silent auction was a great success with such wonderful donations. One of the biggest hits was the raffle of an amazing barbecue combined with two hand painted Adirondack chairs.

We’ve had a really outstanding year this year. 17 new members have recently joined and we look forward to having them enjoy being a part of our Community Group. Our Mother’s

organizing local activities for the community.

Another enjoyable “laughing success” evening of Trivia Night is planned for sometime in the New Year. If you’d like to take a look at some of the questions, check out our website and look for “Trivia Night”. We’ll keep you posted as to when it will be so you’ll be able to get a group together and book a table.

Your Community Club wishes you and your family a safe and enjoyable fall and holiday season with a prosperous and fruitful year to come. We look forward to seeing you in and around our very special community and perhaps you’d consider joining us for 2012. www. communityclub.ca ~

I

would like to extend a tremendous thank you to Dean at the Public Works Building in Qualicum Beach. On a cold rainy November day, he stopped to help a complete stranger get her car out of a ditch. Your absolute kindness and community spirit have not been forgotten Dean - wishing you and yours the very best of the holiday season. ~ Elizabeth.

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Aries (March 21-April 19) This month your sense of adventure is heightened, you’re keen to learn and you want fresh, stimulating experiences. Obviously, travel somewhere new would be ideal. Unfortunately, retrograde Mercury could cause delays and snafus if you do this. Travel to somewhere you have already been before will be preferable. December holds lots of opportunities in higher education, medicine, the law, publishing and the media. You can easily wrap up old business in these areas.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) It’s playtime! (“Candygram for Mongo.”)

December is ripe for pleasure, entertaining diversions, parties, flirtations, movies, the theatre, musical performances, clubs and playful times with children. Basically, you want to have fun. And you will! Flirtations and love affairs will pique your interest. (You adore being adored.) This is also a fabulous time to slip away on a vacation. Warning: While schmoozing and living it up, expect to encounter some old flames. (Oh yes – your checkered past comes back to haunt you.)

Taurus (April 20-May 20) December is perfect to wrap up old issues about inheritances, wills, estates, banking and anything with insurance details or shared property. Actually, closure in these areas will be easy. For one thing, you’re keen to make advances in these areas because you have some concerns. Secondly, retrograde Mercury will actually help you to do this. Hey, you’ll love yourself later when you see how much you get done. (“I child-proofed the house but they keep getting in.”)

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Oh boy! Mars is in your sign for the next eight months. This won’t be much trouble for you, it will be a challenge for others! You’ll be high-energy and super assertive about going after what you want. No holds barred.

Meanwhile, in another part of the forest, your focus turns to home, family and domestic matters this month. Relatives might be camped on your doorstep, sleeping on your sofa, and eating out of your fridge. Oy! Fortunately, Virgos are marvellous hosts. You give good hotel. No wonder your guests never leave.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) This month the Sun is directly opposite your sign, and the Sun is your source of energy!

Conclusion: You’ll need more sleep. Respect your need for more rest. Sleep on the job. Doze watching TV. Let someone else drive while you catch 40 winks. Meanwhile, during your awake moments, you’ll deal with ex-partners more than usual. (Whaat?) Fortunately, this coming month is an excellent time to wrap up old business, especially with expartners. Relations with partners and friends will be a strong focus. Be patient with family.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) You’re entering a busy month full of short trips, increased errands, conversations with everyone (especially neighbours and siblings) plus increased reading, writing and studying. However, you cannot ignore (except at your peril) Mercury retrograde, which will cause transportation delays and confusion in all your communications. (Cell phones, computers and conversations.) Prepare for this: Stay on top of car repairs, charge your batteries, pay your phone bill and back up your computer. Murphy’s Law rules this month. Oy vey.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) Act on your urge to get better organized because you want to be more efficient, effective and productive. (No slack asses allowed!) Ironically, at this same time, while you’re setting your sites so high, retrograde Mercury will likely sabotage some of your efforts. Expect delays, confused communications, lost paperwork, cancelled appointments and silly, goofy errors. Nevertheless, your desire to pull your act together will be a match for these obstacles.

(We shall overcome!)

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Your focus now is earnings, cash flow and financial matters. It’s easy to identify with what you own and what you earn, and assume this adds up to your worth in life. But you are not your bank account or your possessions (but, of course, you are your car). Many of you are looking for a new job. Others want new duties, more money or both. Your best chances will be to get in touch with old contacts from the past, i.e. previous jobs or employers because potential opportunities are there this month. Many of you wonder what really matters in life.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) For the first time in 11 months, the Sun is back in your sign. Yay! This is your turn to recharge your batteries for the next year. Use this powerful energy to your advantage. Important people and auspicious circumstances will be attracted to you. Be open to this and make the most of it. However, retrograde Mercury is also taking place in your sign. This is a signal you will be involved with ex-partners and old friends – perhaps briefly, maybe longer. Use this as opportunity for closure or clearing up old business. Make goals for the next year. Be specific.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) December is a wonderful time for research. Keep a low profile. Projects related to publishing, the media, medicine and the law have your attention.

December is a wonderful time to make travel plans. Some of you will be actively involved in politics, religion or racial issues because you strongly identify with your beliefs now.

However, fair Venus in your sign makes this a marvellous time to schmooze with others! You’ll be oh-so-charming and diplomatic. This is a good month to shop for wardrobe items because you like what you see in the mirror.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Expect your popularity rating to increase this month. You’ll be out there flying your colours.

Meanwhile, in your private fantasies, you’ll be giving more serious thought to your goals and dreams for the future.

Ironically, something will tape-loop you into the past, bringing old friends and acquaintances back into your life.

But lo! This can be extremely helpful. These old pals know your history. Share your future dreams with them to see what their thoughts are. Their feedback will help you.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) Heads up. For this month (the only time all year) the Sun will act like a spotlight on you.

This means bosses, parents, teachers, VIPs and the police will notice you. Fortunately, this wonderful lighting makes you look fabulous in their eyes. (Milk this!) If there’s something you want, ask for it! Now is the time to promote yourself by asking for a raise or endorsement. In fact, your best luck will be with previous authority figures from your past.

Meanwhile, Mars sits opposite your sign testing your patience with loved ones. Relax. You can handle this.

Give yourself the Gift of Peace-of-Mind

clinic Vancouver Island

www.eyesonbc.com / December 2011

33

Community Event Calendar December 2011 LIGHTHOUSE COMMUNITY CENTRE (LCC) Qualicum Bay - INFO: LOIS NELSON: 757-9938 Pancake Breakfast, Flea Market, Live Music, Veggies, Poultry & Small Animal Swap, Master Gardeners: – Sun Dec. 11th, 8am-noon. Qualicum Bay Lions Club will be cooking up breakfast this morning.

Lighthouse Seniors #152 – Next meeting, December 5th – Turkey Dinner at the Bowser Legion.

Tickets $12 each. FMI call Shirley at 250-757-2384.

Union Bay Credit Union’s Staff & Directors Wish You and Yours all the Very Best for the upcoming Holiday Season!!!

Carpet Bowling at LCC: Oct 4th - April, 12:45 to 3:15pm. Tues & Thurs. Everyone welcome, exercise and fun, come out and meet your neighbours. FMI call Layne 250-757-8217.

Lighthouse Floor Curlers – Curling Sept - May, Mondays and Fridays 1pm at the Lions Rec Hall, Qualicum Bay. Drop in $2. FMI call Dennis Leach 250-757-8218 or Tillie Murray 250-757-9218.

AA Lightkeepers: every Fri. 8pm. Info: 250-7578347 Bridge at LCC Nordin Room – 1-4pm Friday afternoons. Call Sheila Steele 250-757-8307 Taoist Tai Chi Society Classes at LCC and Fanny Bay OAP Hall. FMI Susan @ 757-2097 Lighthouse Trails Group needs your help. Val Weismiller: 757-9667 Belly Dancing – Mondays at 7pm at the Bowser Legion. Inquiries welcome. FMI Email bowserbrynn@yahoo.ca LIGHTHOUSE RECREATION INFO PATTY: 757-8366 shipshore@shaw.ca Youth and Adult Badminton – Mondays at 7pm, Bowser Elementary School, beginners welcome, racquets available. Fee $3 adult, $1 for students, age 14 yrs+, starting Oct. 3rd. info ph. (250) 757-8307, email - steelehunt@shaw.ca RDN PROGRAMS Preschool & Children New Program in Bowser! Bowser Christmas BREAKout (6-11yrs) Parents, get your last minute Christmas preparations done while your children have a fun day at camp! Children will be merry playing games, doing Christmas crafts, and having fun with friends! Tuesday, December 20th 9:00am3:00pm $5/1. (yes, that is the price…not a typo!)

Register now for this one as spaces are limited!

Lighthouse Families on the Move 2-11yrs Join Kathleen for time in the gym! Burn some energy and beat the winter blahs while you free play with balls, hula hoops, and other gym equipment, then play along with some group games. A great way to spend a Saturday morning with the family!

Parent participation is required. Bowser Elementary School. Sat Feb 4-Mar 3

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December 2011 / www eyesonbc.com

2-5yrs 9:30-10:30am $25/5. 6-11yrs 10:45am12:15pm $30/5

Boys and Girls Just Want to Have Fun 6-11yrs Join the fun after school, with enthusiastic leader, Kathleen Guest. You will have the opportunity to plan theme nights, make cool crafts, play new games and best of all giggle. Bowser Elementary School, Mon 3:004:30pm $44.30/6, 27469 Jan 23-Feb 27 Adult Hatha Yoga. Use principles of breath, alignment and space to balance softness and strength in this gently guided class. This program is suitable for beginners and beyond.

Bowser Elementary School, Instructor: Brandy Kosiancic. Mon 6:00-7:15pm. Thu 6:00-7:15pm - Starting January 23rd.

Lighthouse Community Centre, Instructor: Fiona Mackey. Tue 9:15-10:30am. January 24- March 14. $71/8 Please contact Area H RDN programmer, Chrissie Finnie at 250-757-8118 or cfinnie@rdn.bc.ca for detailed program and registration information. All programs must be pre-registered to avoid the disappointment of being cancelled.

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS & CLUBS Fanny Bay Parents & Tots Play Group runs every Tuesday from 10:00-11:30 at the Fanny Bay Hall. For children 0-5 years old and a caregiver. Join us for songs, stories, early literacy activities, games, gym time, parent resources and a snack. This is a free event, supported by the Comox Valley Family Services Association and the Fanny Bay Community Association.

FMI contact Evelyn 250-335-9022 Kiwanis Club of Parksville/Qualicum Beach meets on the 1st and 3rd Tues. at the Kiwanis Village 250 West First Ave. QB at 7:15pm. 19 plus are welcome. if you wish to assist seniors and children in need in our Community. FMI Call Thomas at 250-752-7424.

The Qualicum Bay Lions meet from September to June on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month. Dinner at 6 pm and meetings start at 7 pm. Our meeting hall is just behind the Light House Community Hall on Lions Way. We are a volunteer group that helps our community in many ways. If you are interested in joining our club, contact Shirley Phillips at (250) 757-8384 or George Stringer at (250) 335-2991.

Lighthouse Country Scrapbookers – meet third Saturday monthly at the Lions Den, Qualicum Bay, 9:30am - 4:30pm, $10. Door prizes. More information call Jorgie (250) 757-8358 or Shirley (250) 757-8384 Lighthouse Spinners – Every Tues. 10:30-2:30pm in the Community Centre Board Room. New members welcome. FMI Jo 250-757-8402.

Oceanside Photographers – Meets the first Wednesday of the month at the QB Civic Centre at 7 pm. FMI to go www.oceansidephotographers.ca The Arrowsmith Needle Arts Guild meets on the third Thursday of each month from 9:30 – 2pm at the Qualicum Beach Civic Centre at 747 Jones St. There are

other regular embroidery sessions and classes. Contact 250-758-6783 or email keberta@shaw.ca for more information.

ECHO Players - Blitzen! Saving Christmas! - Written by Julian Wiles, Directed

by Eileen Butts and Produced by Don Harper. Running December 14 to 31, 2011 at the The Village Theater #110 W 2nd Ave, Qualicum Beach. Box Office open Tues to Sat 10am to 3pm, Show Nights 5:30 - 7pm, Matinees 12 – 2pm. FMI visit www. echoplayers.ca or call 250-752-3522.

The QB Lawn Bowling Club - Has closed the outdoor greens until next May, but continues to enjoy play on their Indoor Greens. Escape the winter doldrums and join in this inexpensive, fun activity for all seasons and all ages 14+. Drop by any afternoon to see what you’re missing, or contact Pat at 250-752-7060 to arrange an individual FREE tryout.

Breast Cancer Support Group – First Tuesday of every month, 7:00pm “Canadian Cancer Unit Office”, 4-172 West 2nd Ave, QB. Everyone Welcome.

FMI Call 250-954-2901 or amen@shaw.ca.

Prostate Cancer Support Group – First Tuesday of every month, 7:00pm at The Gardens in QB. Everyone Welcome. FMI Call 250-752-7489 or brook@ shaw.ca.

Christmas Faire, Morning Glory School – Sat., Dec. 3, 10am - 4pm.

Free admission, local Island vendors with unique items, Fun Adult and Children’s activities, good food from the Rudolf Diner. Call 250-752-2722, email mgs@shawcable.com or visit our website www.morninggloryschool. ca St. Mark’s Anglican Church - Christmas Bazaar and Luncheon at St. Mark’s Anglican Church in Qualicum Beach. Nov., 26 from 11:30am to 2:30 pm. Lunch for $5.00 starting at 11:30 am. Handcrafted gifts, attic treasures, bake table, Christmas décor, florals and gifts.

Parksville Career Centre - Resumes & Cover Letters. Learn how to create and organize a resume so employers can understand your skills and qualifications. No computer skills required. Mon., Dec. 12, 9:30 am-12:30 pm. FMI Call 250-248-3205 or info@careercentre.org.

Parksville Career Centre - Ready, Set...Work! Learn job search techniques and find work faster by identifying the skills, characteristics and experience that will attract employers’ attention. Wednesday, December 14, 1:00 pm-4:00 pm. FMI Call 250-248-3205 or info@careercentre.org.

Oceanside Generals - GAME ON! Sat., Dec. 3 vs. Victoria Cougars. Sat., Dec. 10 vs.

Campbell River Storm. Sat., Dec. 17 vs. Peninsula Panthers. Puck drops at 7:30pm.

Tickets available at the door - $5 for Children, $7 for Students & Seniors, $10 for Adults and Kids under 5 FREE. FMI visit www.oceansidegenerals.com.

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN December! www.rcl211.ca Dec 1 • LA General Meeting Dec 27 • Branch 211 Executive Meeting Dec 29 • LA Executive Meeting Hall Rentals 250-757-9222 • Tue to Fri 9:00 am - 12 noon

Dec 3 Dec 3 Dec 4 Dec 5 Dec 11 Dec 12-14 Dec 31 Jan 1

• • • • • • • •

Mixed Pool Ladies Pool Crib Texas Hold’em Mixed Darts

Giant Meat Draw (Turkeys) LA Christmas Raffle Draw LA Christmas Pot Luck Party Old Age Pensioners’ Christmas Party - 12 p.m.

Breakfast with Santa Christmas Hamper Prep and Delivery New Years Eve Party New Years Levee – 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Tuesdays .............................................7:00 pm Wednesdays........................................5:00 pm Wednesdays........................................7:00 pm Thursdays............................................7:00 pm Fridays ................................................7:30 pm Closed Sundays and Mondays

To all of you ~ A very Happy & Healthy Holiday Season!

Qualicum Bay Lions Club From the Lions Den

Eagle Park Auxiliary invites you to their CHRISTMAS BAKE SALE to be held at EAGLE PARK HEALTH CARE FACILITY 777 Jones Street Qualicum Beach Fri., Dec. 2nd from 1:30-3:00 pm. Baking just like grandma’s! Come early for the best selection!All proceeds for the benefit and comfort of our Residents. FMI Call Cathryn Bolton 250-752-1962 cdbolton@shaw.ca

• Qualicum Bay Lions laid a Remembrance Day wreath at the Bowser Legion on November 11.

Oceanside Grandmothers 2 Grandmothers in collaboration with the SALVATION ARMY host a concert featuring the OCEANSIDE CONCERT BAND Sat Dec 17th from 2:30-4:00PM at Knox United Church in Parksville. Admission for adults is by donation and for children is a food item or unwrapped new toy for the Salvation Army Christmas Appeal. This concert will feature a soloist. This is a perfect way for the whole family to capture the Christmas Spirit. FMI Call Kathy Grand 250-753-1296 gkgrand@shaw.ca

• We would like to thank Susan Dennison, from Qualicum Beach, for the donation of a lift chair to our club.

• We would also like to thank Demxx Deconstruction for their donation to us

Annual Reading of Dickens ‘Christmas Carol’ with music by B2Glee Dec 3 at 2 p.m. Knox United Church Pym Street Parksville with Victorian Tea. Tickets $10 (under 12 - $5) at Knox, Shoe Inn Qualicum, Fireside Books Parksville. All proceeds to Pass/Woodwinds School.

• Qualicum Bay Lions made a donation to the Qualicum middle school for their music program.

The Qualicum Beach Family History Society will meet on Dec 14, 2011 at the rear of Legion Hall in Qualicum Beach. All guests welcome.

Fanny Bay Community Association’s New Year’s Dance, at the Fanny Bay Hall (live band, great food). Limited seating. For tickets call 250-3353282.

• We also made a donation to the Salvation Army food bank program.

• We are running the pancake breakfast for December at Lighthouse community center.

• Qualicum Bay Lions wish everyone in our community a Merry Christmas. ~ submitted by George Stringer www.eyesonbc.com / December 2011

35

NELSON'S MUSIC STUDIO Piano/Theory Lessons Parksville/Qualicum Area Beginners to Advanced Your Home or Ours John/Margaret 250-954-5895 Small group weekend ACRYLIC PAINTING WORKSHOPS with West Coast artist, Cindy Mawle. FMI go to www.cindymawle.com or call 250-7031150.

HOME FOR RENT: 3-bdrm, 2-bath + den with amazing ocean view, multi-tier patio & decks. NS, pets on approval, incl: hydro, basic cable & water. Perfect for the professional couple to relax & enjoy in beautiful Bowser. $1600 p/m.

250.757.8880 2 LONG –TERM RV SITES @ Bowser Bill’s. $400/$425 p/m includes hydro, basic cable, water. One has a great ocean view. 250.757.8880

FREE RANGE, NATURALLY FED CHRISTMAS TURKEYS from Heritage Meadows Farm in North Qualicum.

All birds processed at an inspected and licensed facility. Whole birds and breasts from $4.50lb. Limited availability. Please call 250-752-1774 to reserve.

PICK-UP AND DELIVERY – Tune-ups and repairs to riding lawnmowers and all small engines. Buy and sell used equipment. Call Ron 250-240-1971 e-mail: ronmorrison100@gmail.com THERAPEUTIC FOOT REFLEXOLOGY – Sessions $50 for 75 mins in my home. Home visits are available. Release your body’s selfhealing ability through deep relaxation.

Please call Marie at (250) 335-0850.

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December 2011 / www eyesonbc.com

WILDWOOD COMMUNITY CHURCH 113 McColl Road, Bowser

Sunday Morning Worship 10:30 am 757-8136

FIRST RATE MASONRY – Over 13 years experience providing first rate, creative workmanship within budget and on time. Old brick restoration. All stone and tile work. Fireplace facing. Retaining walls and pavers. Chimney construction, cleaning and repairs. FMI Call Jason Buxton (250) 802-5515

WEB SITE & SOCIAL MEDIA – Do you need a Web Site or Social Media presence? Perhaps you would like to learn how to use social media and how it can help you promote your product or business. I can help AND I use local products and services! Reasonable rates, experienced with references. FMI Call (250) 240-5535.

COAL CREEK FARM – on MacArtney Drive in Fanny Bay has naturally fed, free range duck, chicken, turkey and goose meat available various times of the year. *Don’t forget to order your Christmas turkey! Please call for availability – ask for Paul or Christine (250) 335-1322.

DON’S HOME REPAIR – plumbing repairs and installations, complete renovations, no job too small. Call Don @ 250-757-8757 or cell 250- 951-8757

QUALICUM BEACH TOWNHOUSE – 1200 sq ft, 2 storey, clean, quiet, 3 appliance, covered parking, small pet ok.

Available Nov 1. $850 plus Strata fees.

Call 250-752-4258.

THE FIX-IT SHOP – Closed for the season, see you in the New Year.

RAW FOODS BY DEBORAW – Interested in learning how to transition into a healthy lifestyle incorporating Raw Foods? I can help! Private or Group courses offered. Inquiries welcome. FMI email deborahbtobin@ gmail.com.

FOOTCARE – HYGIENE Soaking feet, cutting nails, filing calluses, treating dry skin – fingernails too. Reflexology – 1 hour sessions. Services offered from Nanoose to Union Bay. Please call Vikki @ 250-757-9244 MEMORABLE LINES Preserve your favourite stories and photos in a personal history book or keep the voices of friends and family forever with an oral history CD. See www. memorablelines.com for details of the memoir and writing services available.

Call 250-335-1157 or 888-330-8366 for a free estimate.

The CANADIAN SOCIETY OF QUESTERS – No meeting in December.

Next meeting will be Mon., Jan. 30th at 7:00pm at the Lighthouse Community Centre (Nordine Room) 240 Lions Way, Qualicum Bay. FMI Call Chris (250) 7521419.

CHRISTMAS SALE - fine quality giftware & tableware items reduced in price - up to 50% Royal Doulton, Wedgwood, Royal Crown Derby, Waterford crystal, Silverware, etc. Great selection of original art, prints & maps 20% off Large English dollhouse with furnishings, & rocking horse 30% off.

Good selection of antique and vintage jewellery in stock. Expert Antique appraisals by appointment. MILDREDS MEMORABILIA, 3215 Brooklin Lane, Hilliers, (located on Hilliers Road South, 6 km west of Qualicum Beach). Open Wed to Sun 11-4 (or by appointment) ph.

250-752-1700

Certified Septic System Specialist Sand & Gravel Topsoil Bark Mulch Septic Systems Driveway Chips Water Lines

Culverts Drain Problems

Accommodation

Septic Installation

We encourage you to “think local” when looking for products or services

Monthly Rentals Available September to April

Call Lauren & Save

Drywall Military Surplus

Home Improvement 430 Grovehill Road • Qualicum Beach 250-757-9677

Custom Carpentry

Horse, General Farm & Wildlife Electric Fence & Nets

Dog Training

Lawn Services

FERRIS FENCING Fencing

Cranial Sacral Therapy

(250) 757-8156 or (250) 954-8716

Darlene St Jacques RCST R Registered Cranial Sacral Therapist

Heart Hands Mind Body in Motion 250.752.5842 250

email: craniosacral11@gmail.com www.mycranialsacral.com

Nature’s Own Medical Clinic

"Get your mind out of the gutter.

That's our job!"

• Gutter • Soffit •Siding • Moss Removal •Gutter Repair

Call For A Free Estimate 250-248-4511

KLYE WILSON wilsonsgutter@gmail.com

Pellet Fuel Sales

Home Repairs

Electrical Services

Picture Framing

www.ferrisfencing.com • info@ferrisfencing.com

Canadian Made Pants (new)

10

EACH $

NOMEX Pants & Jackets EACH

$5.50/bag Heating Pellets $5.20/bag Animal Bedding Wood Pellets & Shavings

WE DELIVER 757-9232

Located in Qualicum Bay www.eyesonbc.com / December 2011

37

2003 Kobelco SK160Lc Excavator for Hire

Heating surveyor-ark@uniserve.com

Witte Construction

ph. 757-9713 c. 927-2157 e. shaun.witte@gmail.com

250 • 240 • 7778

Plumbing Sand - Gravel - Topsoil

Heating & Cooling

Advertising December 2011 / www eyesonbc.com

T.J. Farrell

tjfarrell@shaw.ca

House Painting 38

RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL ALTERNATE ENERGY

Mortgage Lending

WCB & Insured Shaun Witte Owner/Journeyman

Electrician

Construction

LTD

Hairdresser

Excavating

Land Surveying

#7-1176 Franklin’s Gull Rd, Parksville, BC

Custom Renovations

Ph 250.248.5959 • Toll Free 1-888-842-5959 www.completewindows.ca

Plumbing & Gas Services

Windows & Doors

RENOVATIONS • WINDOWS DOORS • SUNROOMS

105 Islewood Dr. Bowser, BC V0R 1G0

Est. 1985

ED KING

Cabinets & Woodworking • Custom•Kitchen Entertainment Centers • Spray Booth Painting & Lacquering

Phone: 250-738-0462 Cell: 250-927-0590 e-mail: kingreno@telus.net Qualicum Beach

Plumbing Gas Heating

PLUMBING • GAS • HEATING INSTALLATION SERVICE & REPAIRS

Philip Brown

250-240-4902 • 250-757-8077 EVENINGS

Barber Services

Yoga Classes Hearing Services

250.594.0108 www.oceansideyoga.com

Thanks from Island Arts Expo

W

e extend our thanks and gratitude to all those who made the 3rd annual Island Arts Expo a great success again this year.

All the talented artists and exhibitors PQ News The Beacon Magazine Dave Graham - 88.5 The Beach Radio CIBC Qualicum Beach Englishman River Gallery Oceanside Arts Council School District 69 Bowser Builders Arrowsmith Golf & Country Club Qualicum Stationers & Art Supply Vicky Paradise Dragonfly Dreaming Cindy Mawle JoVic Pottery Oceanside BioEnergy Helen Hallett, Sandbar Cafe All the volunteers

We really want to express our gratitude to everyone who brought food items or contributed cash for the food bank. Their generosity raised over $1330 in cash and 48 bags of groceries.

Appliance Repair

Chimney Cleaning

Musicians, David Somers,Bob Heibert, Peter Mason and others.

Thank you for supporting the Arts and we look forward to Island Arts Expo 2012.

Parts Store Open Mon to Fri 9-4

Jeff Shields & Susan Schaefer

www.youngatart.ca & www.islandartsmagazine.ca

www.eyesonbc.com / December 2011

39

Gifts for everyone on your list!

Open Sunday 12:00 to 4:00pm

& Home Expressions

COME VISIT US IN OUR NEW LOCATION Ph: 250.752.9833

169 West 2nd Ave, Qualicum Beach

Here at Smithfords, it’s quite true We’ll help you with those shopping blues Christmas Dollars just for you With Christmas Gifts that you choose

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays From the team at Smithford’s 164 2nd Ave. W., Qualicum Beach 250-752-3400 www.smithfords.com

December 11TH from 9:00am to 4:00pm Breakfast with Santa at Bailey’s • Photos with Santa at Pharmasave • Story Book Village at Qualicum Elementary School • Carollers, entertainment and more. See you there!!

CHOCOLATES CARDS GIFTS ... AND MORE

Psychic Readings available Unique Gifts • Locally designed jewelry Re-purposed Furniture 702 Memorial Ave • Qualicum Beach

www.reddoorgiftstore.com

250-752-7978

OPEN SUNDAYS IN DECEMBER 144 West 2nd Ave, Qualicum Beach

(250) 752-8483