Beacon Magazine Sep 2011 by EyesOnBC Publishing

September 2011 vol 6 issue 88

Community Living on Vancouver Island Fanny Bay to Nanoose

Bounty on the Island • 20 TrekOn! Cape Beale Headlands • 12

4 EDITORIAL

9 Summer Reads: Words on Food

FEATURE: Animal Rescue Plan

BUSINESS & FINANCE

5 Biz Banter: What’s up in local business 16 Marazul Motors 17 Qualicum Beach Funeral Centre GREAT OUTDOORS 12 TrekOn: Cape Beale Headlands 28 Tide Table 37 Into the Garden

Cape Beale Headlands: Whale Tale

ISLAND FOOD 6 10 20 35

Gary Piercy: Bounty on the Island Elsa Heeps: An Organic Garden of Eden Through the Seasons: Seed Saving Debbie Shore: Let’s Eat!

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 3 ECHO Players Introduces 2011/12 Season 9 Summer Reads: Words on Food

COMMUNITY LIFE

14 Bringing the Past Forward: Part 3 2 8 The Art of Conscious Living 30 Strategic Moves: Bishops of Bowser 34 On the Agenda COMMUNITY PEOPLE Bounty on the Island: Gary Piercy carries on a tradition that started with his family in 1875

7 Laura Petracek: Giving Back is What It’s All About 2 6 Images & Voices: Inez Hutchison

HEALTH

31 Health & Wellness Matters Dewitt Jones, photographer with National Geographic, Academy Award nominee and one of America’s top professional photographers came to stay in Bowser recently and fell in love with our area, as evidenced by this wonderful west coast photo he captured and so generously allowed us to use on our front cover. One of Jones’s most popular films, “Celebrate What’s Right with the World”, has captured worldwide attention, which has spawned an expansion of this project and a partnership with a local Bowserite. To learn more, visit www.celebratewhatsright.com. 2

/ September 2011

THE REGULARS

39 40 41 4 2-43 44-46

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

ECHO PLAYERS INTRODUCES THE 2011/2012 SEASON by Alistair McVey, ECHO Players

CHO Players in Qualicum Beach is pleased to announce an exciting new season of theatre, offering a wonderful array of entertainment: two comedies, a murder mystery, a drama and a family Christmas production. Our season opens in October with Laura by Vera Caspary and George Sklar. Directed by the experienced ECHO member Werner Koch, this is a play set in the 1940s. It involves the unraveling of the baffling murder of our heroine Laura and is a fine example of the American Detective genre. In December, we offer Blitzen by Julian Wiles, a warm, moving story about a family who re-discover the magic of Christmas following a hurricane which leaves their home in a shambles. Directed by Eileen Butts, a long-serving member of ECHO Players who recently directed Anne of Green Gables for B2B, it will be ideal Christmas entertainment for the The ECHO cast - 2010/11 Season  submitted photo whole family. The first of our comedies appears in February, 2012 with You Can’t Get There From Here by Pat Cook and directed by Wendy Punter. Wendy directed the popular Over the River and Through the Woods last season. Strange happenings at a bed & breakfast draw the attention of a reporter with hilarious consequences. Dancing at Lughnasa, by Tony award-winning playwright Brian Friel, will run in April, 2012, directed by Sue Murguly. Set in Donegal during the 1930s and filled with drama and laughter, it involves us in the lives of the five Mundy sisters and their older brother, a retired priest. It was made into a successful movie, starring Meryl Streep and Michael Gambon. This production will be ECHO Players’ entry in Theatre BC’s North Island Zone Festival. The season ends in May and June with our second comedy Office Hours by Norm Foster, one of Canada’s best-known playwrights. Directed by Gerri Hemphill, it features the mores and morals of the modern office, some humorous, others savage and even bizarre, all delivered in Foster’s sharply funny and witty dialogue. In addition, the Annual Vancouver Island One Act Play Festival will be held at the Village Theatre during the first week of November, 2011. Details about these plays are available in the 2011/2012 Season brochure (you can pick up your copy at the Village Theatre) and are posted on our website (www.echoplayers.ca). To enquire about season tickets, please phone the Village Theatre Box Office at 250-752-3522 (even when closed, we check our messages regularly). Based at the Village Theatre in Qualicum Beach, ECHO Players is a community theatre society which has served Oceanside and beyond since the 1930s. Our season normally runs from September to June. The Society has about 150 members – your neighbours who live in the region, bringing their varied talents to create quality entertainment for the community. We extend a warm welcome to new members, regardless of previous experience. We look forward to hearing from you. ~

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September 2011

VOLUME 7 NO 88 The Beacon is published monthly by EyesOnBC

Main Email: beacon@eyesonbc.com Phone/Fax: 250-757-9914 In Person EyesOnBC at Magnolia Court Box 182, #110-6996 W. Island Hwy. Bowser, British Columbia V0R 1G0 Mon - Fri 10-5 Journalists & Reporters Lisa Verbicky, Nancy Whelan, Rita Levitz, Georgia Nicols, Marilyn Dawson, David Morrison, JoAnne Sales, Harry Sumner & Miriam Shell, Carolyn Walton, Linda Tenney, Sharon Waugh, Shirley Culpin, Laura Busheikin, Sandra Wahlgren, Phyllis Chubb Volunteer - Cathy Balogh

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ith the sparkle of heavy dew covering the landscape each morning, it appears that fall has arrived a little earlier than anticipated. For me, September has traditionally been a month of ‘new starts’ and renewed energy. Yes, it meant the end of summer, but when I was a kid there was always the excitement of new school supplies, new classes to attend, making new friends, and meeting old friends missed throughout July and August. Here and now, with a cooler snap to the air, the subtle fall colours and migrating birds remind me that the coming season, with its own unique traditions, is one to be celebrated and shared. This month, we invite you to share the tradition of the season with us by ...learning about “new starts’ in local business ventures - see Biz Banter (p.5)

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 or Sharon Waugh at beacon@eyesonbc.com

Linda Tenney co-Publisher tenney@eyesonbc.com

/ September 2011

Sharon Waugh co-Publisher waugh@eyesonbc.com

... renewing the tradition of saving seeds and starting a winter garden - see Nancy Whelan’s Through the Seasons on page 20 ... peeking under the curtain that’s about to rise on a new season of ECHO Players theatre productions (p.3) ... visiting Laura Petracek with Shirley Culpin as she learns about Laura’s new business direction for My Girlfriend’s Closet (p.7) ... joining Laura Busheikin as she takes us on a journey to Denman Island to talk with Gary Piercy about his ‘new start’ at West Isle Farm (p.6) ... and finally, meeting Inez Hutchison who is beginning a new chapter in her life with a little more leisure time to enjoy - see Images & Voices by Rita Levitz on page 26. It’s definitely an issue that celebrates a season of ‘new starts’ and renewed energy. We hope you enjoy the stories as much as we did as each article arrived this month. ~ Linda & Sharon

Subscribe to The Beacon We know you’re wondering how to subscribe to the Beacon Magazine See page 46 for details.

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!

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he art of body sugaring has been around for thousands of years, since ancient Egyptian times. It is a true art form, one that Sugar Sutra has perfected. This new establishment, conveniently located in the heart of Qualicum Beach, is the only business of its kind on Vancouver Island to offer and specialize in body sugaring. Sugar Sutra receives visits from men and women both near and far craving their ‘sweet’ treatments and there are plenty of reasons why. The sugaring paste is 100% natural. Unlike wax, made primarily of resins, artificial fragrances, dyes, chemicals, and preservatives, this is an all natural paste made from the blend of sugar, lemon and water. It’s completely hypoallergenic and hygienic and there are no chemical additives. The paste is gently massaged onto the skin, with a flicking motion, the hair follicle is then removed from the root in the natural direction of the hair growth leaving your skin smooth and exfoliated. This technique requires only 2-3mm of hair growth, so hair can be removed much earlier, minimizing unnecessary discomfort, irritation and in-growns. This explains why sugaring of the more delicate regions like the face and brazilians have become the most popular. Find out what all the buzz is about. ….GET SUGARED! www. sugarsutra.com Please refer to page 36.

ive a more active lifestyle, with a Personal Trainer as your guide! Certified Personal Trainer Scarlett Luke has enabled clients from Edmonton to Auckland to change their lives. By bringing fun, functional exercises to you, she’s able to eliminate the intimidation factor of the gym. She will show you how to incorporate more activity and healthier eating as a permanent change to your lifestyle. Scarlett doesn’t just motivate – she inspires you to greatness! As a mobile trainer based in Parksville, you can meet for your training sessions in a fully equipped gym, outdoors, or in your home. One of Scarlett’s clients shares her experience: “... significantly improved my self-image and trimmed me up in such a way that I’m excited to shop for jeans again!” Customized nutrition plans designed by Certified Nutritionists and monitored by your trainer are also available. www.EnjoyActiveLife.com (250) 607-7387 Welcome Scarlett!

he turning of another page and the opening of a dream! “If not now, when – is the question I asked myself. Time will always pass by, that is one thing that can be counted on. Hence the creation of The Messenger’s Emporium has become a reality for me,” confides Corinne Roby.

“I have been attracted like a magnet to stores that have the feel of serenity, smells of incense burning, fountains trickling, beautiful serene music, scintillating conversations and book racks where I can lose myself. So what is not to like about hanging out in one of these places all day long!!! That is what I have hoped to create with The Messenger’s Emporium here, in of all places, Bowser. For the curious at heart, psychic/intuitive readers are available to do readings in the store as well. I carry a wide range of incense, aboriginal ceremony items, statues, books, magazines, candles and jewellery, to name just a small amount. I hope that I have created a space for inquisitive/open-minded people to learn and experience the peace and serenity that I have so loved in my search. Stop by and calm yourself or engage in conversation with myself or others in the store or read our message board to find out what unique workshops are being offered in the area, or find a unique gift for yourself or someone on your giving list. My hours of operation are Tuesday-Saturday 9:30-5:30. I am located in suite 208 (upstairs) in the Magnolia Court building, right on Highway 19A. Welcome to all who dare to feel the magic!” Please refer to page 38 for more information. ~

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877-954-0335 or 250-954-0335 www.oceansidehyperbaric.ca

FREE CONSULTATION / September 2011 5

GARY PIERCY CARRIES ON A TRADITION THAT STARTED WITH HIS FAMILY IN 1875

BOUNTY ON THE ISLAND by Laura Busheikin

he media loves a “locavore” story – coverage of local eating is everywhere in print and electronic form – and in a moment of journalistic weakness I wonder if somewhere on the Internet I could find a downloadable template for an article on “charming and wholesome farm-gate market.” Then I’d just fill in the blanks. But that would be a true shame. Every small farm with its own little stand has its own quirks and qualities, its own beauty and personality – and that is why we, and our media, love them. We want the opposite of standardization; something that, due the force of its individuality, can’t be formatted into a template. The Produce Shack, the market stand at Denman Island’s West Isle Farm, ably fills this need. It’s got everything we look for in a farm-gate market – charm, authenticity, super-fresh naturally-grown produce, and a romantic feel of leaving the 21st century behind. There are flower-baskets, an old wagon-wheel, a book exchange, and a bowl of candies for the kids. Behind the counter, farmer Gary Piercy or a helper weighs your produce on an old-fashioned mechanical scale and adds up prices with pencil and paper, while cows graze contentedly outside. But there’s more at the Produce Shack: there’s the spectacular view of the ocean and mountains, a view that seems more likely at a glitzy five-star resort than a vegetable shack. There’s the farm’s deep historical roots, which make it a rich storehouse of Denman Island heritage. And at the same time, there’s its contemporary significance, which offers an optimistic angle on the supposedly dire situation of small family farms. Gary Piercy is the 42 year-old son of Wesley and Patricia Piercy, who both turned 80 earlier this summer and have been farming this land for almost 60 years. This year, Gary decided, after four years as a helper, to take over operations, thus bucking a national trend that sees aging farmers with no-one to pass their skills and land to, as their grownup kids flock to the cities.

/ September 2011

Above: West Isle Farm on Denman Island offers super-fresh naturally-grown produce at their farm market ... the Produce Shack. Right: Gary Piercy with the bounty of the land Laura Busheikin photos

“It’s so great that I have the opportunity to carry on the tradition,” says Gary who, after growing up on the farm, moved off Denman to work in the hospitality and graphic design industries. Gary cheerfully admits his learning curve has been, at times, overwhelming. He’s been working long days alongside his parents, who are passing on decades of experience. “I knew it would be lots of work,” he says. “But I’m definitely in it for the long haul.” As well as learning the ropes from his parents, he’s instigated some changes, sourcing Comox Valley and Okanagan fruit, and opening up “The Chuckwagon”, a burger stand that serves lunches on weekends. Gary says he is not particularly concerned about the proposed coal mine across the

water. “One reason I’m standing here [on the farm] is coal – my grandpa settled here because he’d heard there was going to be a coal mine at Buckley Bay. He pictured a village springing up over there that he could supply with fresh veggies and fruit. It turned out differently, and the coal mine was in Cumberland, but the farm’s still here.” His dad Wes is, of course, delighted to see Gary take over. “Some of my enthusiasm must have rubbed off on him,” he chuckles. Wes learned farming from his Dad on the original Piercy farmstead next door. The Piercys were one of Denman’s original settler families who moved to the Island in 1875 from New Brunswick. continued on page 38

LAURA PETRACEK: MY GIRLFRIEND’S CLOSET

GIVING BACK IS WHAT IT’S ALL ABOUT by Shirley Culpin

iving back to her community is what it’s all about for Laura Petracek, owner of the highly-acclaimed second-hand fashion boutique My Girlfriend’s Closet. The bustling little shop located at 106 West Second Avenue in Qualicum Beach has become a major hit over its seven year history, attracting shoppers from near and far. If the old adage about reaping what you sow has any meaning at all, it is personified in the woman behind the founding of the shop. Laura grew up in a small rural area in Saskatchewan where a sense of community and connectedness was a natural part of life. “I grew up the youngest of six kids,” she says, “and I was really raised like that, where being an integral part of the community meant a lot in our lives.” A bookkeeper ‘by trade’, as she calls it, Laura’s working life has taken many twists and turns over the years. She has been involved in the hospitality business, has worked with special needs children as a teachers’ aide, was employed by a retail clothing chain, as well as working at her ‘trade’. Two years after being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2002, however, marked a turning point in her life. “I decided I wanted to run my own business,” she recalls. “I was working for the lady with the clothing stores at the time and she suggested that the best way to do that with a limited capital investment would be to open a consignment clothing store.” With a loan from her boss to purchase racks (worked off by keeping the books for her former boss’ company) and a $1,500 loan from a friend, Laura was off and running, and there has been no looking back. My Girlfriend’s Closet has always focused on very high-quality clothing, which it presents to customers in pristine condition and at very reasonable prices. The result has been a legion of devoted customers and consignors (now numbering 2,000). Over the years My Girlfriend’s Closet has put more than $296,000 back into the pockets of those who have consigned clothes – an astonishing amount for a town the size of Qualicum Beach. And, it recently occurred to Laura, the kind of money that could make a huge difference to local charities.

Laura Petracek with the racks of ‘recycled’ clothes that attract shoppers from far and wide  Shirley Culpin photo “I wanted to create more for the community and work more with the local merchants through cross-promotion,” says Laura, “so we have made the decision to phase out the consignment aspect, take clothing and accessories by donation, and distribute partial proceeds to four local charities. The response to our positive changes has been tremendous.” Beneficiaries of the concept change will include the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, Haven Society, Oceanside Hospice, and the St. Stephen’s Community Meals programs. Laura has also been very active with other community-based events for breast cancer. She has attended many Cancer Society workshops, helps to facilitate seminars, and, along with her well-known team of Lolli’s Angels, annually participates in the CIBC Run for the Cure. My Girlfriend’s Closet has also put on fashion shows over the years to raise funds for breast cancer research. In total, Laura and her dedicated cohorts have contributed in excess of $80,000 to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. Laura also has plans to put on workshops for those women who are dealing with breast cancer. The Downtown Merchants Association in Qualicum Beach is another organization that commandeers some of Laura’s time. She has discovered that she is good at

facilitating meetings and seminars, so offers her talents in that direction. Laura is also busy networking with local businesses in conjunction with the new venture at My Girlfriend’s Closet, convincing them to offer coupons that can be handed out when someone donates clothing or accessories. “I want to see this community continue to thrive, and I think driving people into local establishments can be a great way to help that along,” she says. “The coupon idea benefits everyone – local charities, the people who donate their clothing, and the businesses. We are working hard at partnering with local businesses.” While My Girlfriend’s Closet will remain a for-profit business, Laura is dedicated to also benefiting the community. “I still need to make a living,” she says, “so I’m not going to create a foundation or anything. But I have given back lots, and I intend to continue to do that.” Further information on donating items may be obtained by calling the store at 250752-1925, going to the website at www. mgcloset.com, or e-mailing mgcloset@ gmail.com. The store offers a clothing pick-up service, or items can be dropped off six days a week at the store. Store hours are 10 am – 5 pm, Monday to Saturday. ~ / September 2011 7

SUMMER READS: WORDS ON FOOD by Sandra Wahlgren

s with any community of people, you quickly acquire a label. In my book club part of our identities are of course entwined with our favourite genres. As for me, if it involves food or travel – I’m your reader! Now you might think the common thread in all of the following titles is food, however, it really is about change. Taking raw ingredients and through the process of adding, sifting, stirring and baking you are rewarded with a confection entirely of your making.

I hope these books will whet your appetite... Garlic and Sapphires: The Secret Life of a Critic in Disguise by Ruth Reichl (2006) Ruth Reichl was the New York Times food critic from 1993 through 1999. You would think that being paid to eat at the most fabulous restaurants would be an ideal job. However, when you have the power to elevate or diminish a restaurants fortunes, critiquing is a serious business. In order to properly evaluate a restaurant, Ruth had to dress in disguise. Wigs, eyeglasses and clothing were chosen with care and more importantly, a character was then invented that would inhabit those clothes. Unfortunately, with some characters her husband and young son preferred Ruth’s creation to her! A fascinating read, not only about the restaurant industry, but if given the opportunity to change your personality – who would you become?

encouraged her to learn to cook at the age of 37. The seminal result being Mastering the art of French cooking many years and pounds later. The School of Essential Ingredients by Erica Bauermeister (2009) My only fiction review. A lovely story about Lillian who teaches a weekly cooking class to eight students who are all questioning their place in the world. Once Lillian spends time with her students, she chooses a recipe for each of them that will help clarify and transform their lives. I found the character development satisfying and each of their life stories heartwarming. And one more book about Julia Child – As always Julia: the Letters of Julia Child and Avis Devoto: Food, Friendship, and the Making of a Masterpiece. Selected and edited by Joan Reardon (2010) Almost a decade of correspondence between these two women are highlighted in this book. Not only is it a story of a transatlantic friendship, and the frustrations of writing and publishing the ultimate cook book, it is a snapshot of life in the political turmoil of McCarthyism in the U.S. and narrative of their moves and lives in Germany and Norway as a result of it. Interesting comparisons between the European and U.S. way of life which still apply. Each of these titles may be purchased at local book stores or borrowed from Vancouver Island Regional Library branches. If you’re looking for used books, check with Fireside Books in Parksville to see if these titles are available. If it is too wet to sit on the beach and read, you can always create memories in your own kitchen! ~

Julie & Julia: 365 days, 524 recipes, 1 Tiny Apartment Kitchen by Julie Powell (2005) Julie Powell is 30 years old and at crossroads. Visiting her parents where the conversation du jour always centres around her age and babies, she sees her mom’s tattered copy of Mastering the Art of French Cooking and “borrows” it. Encouraged by her husband’s enthusiasm for the results of her cooking attempts and his love of computers, she decides that since she has nothing better to do, why not tackle every single recipe in MTAOFC and create a blog about it! What ensues is a delicious book laced with letters and anecdotes taken from Julia Child’s biography. A caveat to readers – there are lots of “F” bombs in this book, which I found tiring, but did not discourage my reading. My Life in France by Julia Child with Alex Prud’homme (2006) With the popularity of Julie & Julia and its subsequent filming, this book took on a renewed interest. At the age of 91, Julia collaborated with her nephew Alex to write a memoir in tribute to her deceased husband Paul. What a wonderful life they shared in France, and what a joy to read about Julia’s description of everyday life and the people they encountered. Julia did not speak a word of French when they set sail across the Atlantic, but her inquisitive nature combined with her love of food and boredom of not being allowed to work / September 2011 9

AN ORGANIC By Carolyn Walton

Garden of Eden

sandwich board on the corner of Horne Lake and Olympic roads lures us to Elsa and Ric’s Farm Stand, at the entrance to a bucolic, six sloping acres of ponds, fruit trees, berry bushes, herbs, veggies, fragrant blooms, a greenhouse chock-a-block with tomatoes, free-range chickens, impressive treehouse and a bakery under construction! We buy snow peas, beets, baby shallots and tiny tomatoes. Eggs, chard, greens and garlic are also for sale on the honour system. We can’t resist wandering over to meet Elsa Heeps, who is busy preparing flower arrangements and picking veggies for next day’s Qualicum Beach Farmers’ Market. We’re sure a weed wouldn’t dare show itself along the perfect rows of vegetables in this 2,000 square foot organic market garden boasting artichokes, salad greens, bush and Scarlet Runner pole beans, leeks, Russian Red garlic, Granadero paste tomatoes, chili peppers, round pablo beets and the dark red cylindrical beet, perfect for freezing or pickling. Asked the secret for the lush growth Elsa laughs: “It’s alpaca poop, from Qualicum Bay!” Companion planting sees brilliant blooms spring up among the greens: zinnias, snapdragons, daisies, yellow and brown sunflowers, nasturtiums, phlox, stately burgundy hollyhocks, verbena and clematis. Multi-hued statice flowers are used as fillers for the floral bouquets that Elsa sells at the Qualicum Beach market. The air is fragrant with the aroma of lilies, “very popular with market-goers”, she says. A greenhouse contains a jungle of ceilinghigh tomato plants and we are impressed with the variety of berries: Saskatoons, blueberries, thornless blackberries, everbearing raspberries, boysenberries, (a hybrid of blackberries, raspberries and loganberries) and loganberries (a hybrid of blackberries and raspberries) which are “awesome in jams and tarts”, she says. Trees bear transparent apples, apricots and hazelnuts while giant rosehips await harvesting for winter tea. “I just drop a rosehip in boiling water and have a lovely cup of tea.” she explains. We meet Elsa’s husband, Ric, who is off to town but promises to show us his carvings 10

/ September 2011

Elsa Heeps among her garden of statice  Carolyn Walton Photo another time. He proudly directs us to a forested glade below where his 30 x 50 square foot potato patch thrives. Surrounded by a deer fence, it boasts some four to five different kinds of spud. These will be stored for the winter in their super-insulated root house. Ric points to an open field above their house which originally was all forest. “The machines came in and literally ‘nuked’ the place – now it’s thirty acres of clear cut.” Elsa shows us her grape vines bearing Glenora Black reds and Interlocken White table grapes. “It’s rare to find organic grapes,” she explains. “Grapes are supposed to be one of the worst fruits for having pesticides on them, along with apples.” Asked if they have a problem from raccoons, she tells us no, but cottontail rabbits and California quail are unwanted visitors to the garden. “In the spring just as the greens were coming out, the quails mowed everything down, went off to have their babies then one morning I counted about sixteen of them in the garden.”

As if the gardening isn’t a full time job, Elsa also operates the Artisan Hearth Bakery, now out of her kitchen but eventually to be in a certified kitchen when the Bake House is completed. She needs the latter to sell to health food stores. Her own wheat intolerance led her to expand the baking for the public. “There’s a huge demand out there for gluten-free baking and a lot of people feel so much better if they don’t eat wheat.” She bakes mostly pastries using potato, tapioca, sorghum, brown and white rice, millet and quinoa. We visit her booth at the Saturday Qualicum Beach Farmers’ Market and see the results: hemp heart wedges, naan bread, hazelnut goji bars, cranberry pumpkin muffins and frangipani, pecan and veggie tarts, each exquisitely created, looking like pastries one would find in a fine European bakery. A customer buys one of the colourfullydecorated vegetable tarts so I ask if she has tried them before. “Oh yes,” she replies. “They are delicious but I like to buy it just to look at it!” ~

Qualicum Beach Farmers’ Market www.qbfarmersmarket.com 8am to noon - on Veteran’s Way Every Saturday May to October Errington Farmers’ Market www.erringtonhall.bc.ca/market.htm 10am to 1pm Beside Errington Hall - 1390 Errington Road Every Saturday until September 24 Comox Valley Farmers’ Market www.comoxvalleyfarmersmarket.com Open for the Season Saturdays 9am to noon Exhibition Grounds on Headquarters Road Nanaimo Downtown Farmers’ Market www.nanaimofarmersmarket.com Open for the Season Fridays 10am to 2pm Pioneer Waterfront Plaza - at the Bastion

/ September 2011 11

CAPE BEALE HEADLANDS By Sharon Waugh Location: West coast of Vancouver Island; closest community is Bamfield. Driving time from Port Alberni can take two hours on a gravel road – 76 kilometres of dust. Start/Finish: end of South Bamfield Road, the parking area is about a block from the trail head. Map: www.walford.ca/images/ Cape-Beale/Cape_Beale_Map.jpg

heroic story unfolded on the morning of December 7, 1906, when the keeper at Cape Beale spotted the 168 foot bark Coloma in distress during a wicked winter gale. The telegraph wire had been snapped by fallen trees so Minnie, the keeper’s wife, set off in her husband’s slippers fording the frigid waters of the tidal inlet, bushwacking her way on the rugged, mud and bog trail to Bamfield – successfully calling the light tender into action to save the crew that was clinging to the stump of the mast.

Sharon Waugh photos

Duration: ~3.5 hours one way, about 12 kilometres round trip. You will need to time your arrival at the lighthouse on a low or falling tide.

One hundred and five years later you can follow the same route out to the lighthouse on the Cape Beale Headlands, following lengths of the same telegraph wire that was often the only marker Minnie had to guide her through this dense, west coast rainforest...I don’t recommend doing it in slippers though! Cape Beale is situated at the southern entrance to Barkley Sound and the trail is now administered by Parks Canada. A blackboard inside the weather reporting area at the station boasts a message celebrating the 137th birthday of the lighthouse which received its name from Charles William Barkley, captain of the Imperial Eagle in 1787, to honour the purser, John Beale. The trail is well-marked and offers opportunities to pop out of the bush to beachcomb the cresent-shaped Tapoltos Beach and collect a bounty of sea glass on a well-seeded beach in the cove around Lawton Point. Both beaches 12

/ September 2011

offer a few camping areas that would provide protection from inclement weather. We were fortunate to be able to circumvent the perpetual mudholes with the spell of drier weather but a few boot-sucking muddy mishaps provided some great snorts and belly-laughs...often at expense of others! Grey whales, sea otters, a myriad of seabirds, mesmerizing vistas from the headlands and helipad, tours of the station and light tower provided by the gracious hospitality of the assistant-keeper, Feather, made this a memorable summer trek. (Hint: a care package is always well received – Kilkenny and dark chocolate cover a lot of ground...) Thank you keepers of the light! “You need special shoes for hiking – and a bit of a special soul as well.”

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GIVE YOURSELF THE GIFT OF HEALTH

www.powerhousefitnessclub.com / September 2011 13

BRINGING THE PAST FORWARD: PART 3 by Phyllis Chubb M.A., Jyotish Visharada, CVA; Jyotish Kovid, CVA

he last two parts of this series demonstrated how modern science has validated some ancient Vedic wisdom. Wisdom that, until validated, was discounted as foolishness at best. The newly respectable teachings include the age of the universe, the initial forming of the universe, the sun’s connection and effect on earth as well as individual’s health. This month we will continue to examine the role of the sun, on animals and humans alike, initially from a Vedic perspective, followed by recent scientific findings. From a Vedic perspective there are multitudes of repeating cycles within cycles, each of varying length, impacting areas of well-being and the continual state of change that affects everything. One such cycle they emphasized greatly was the natural daily cycle. The ancients claimed regularity of action was vital for health. They claimed 6-8 hours of sleep was all that was required for adults. Their advice was to start the day between 4 – 6 am beginning with meditation or prayer followed by breakfast. All activities were assigned specific times for optimum effectiveness: elimination, high physical or mental activity, socializing and sexuality. The Vedic suggestion of starting the day between 4 and 6 am sounds extreme, however we now know there really is a reason for it, just as they said: the mind is more sensitive just before the sun rises! Apparently this sensitivity supports one’s spiritual development and the ability to

concentrate is stronger. Chances are this suggestion is true so long as the individual turned off the TV and has enjoyed sufficient sleep! As it turns out, the work of Dr. Franz Halberg who coined the label ‘circadian rhythm’ in the 1950’s, identified the same pattern as suggested by the Vedic sages. Dr. Halberg found the primary key to all cycles relates to the apparent movement of the sun, or the presence of artificial light. He found the effect of broken sleep, excessive light, prolonged sleeping and especially shift work can result in failed health as well as emotional and even mental distress. By checking http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Circadian_rhythm a world of information will open to the reader. Just because these few ideas flowing from ancient teachings have been proven to be true doesn’t mean that other things they offer are accepted. More than once it has been suggested that the ancients just lucked into guessing the stuff about creation, the age of the universe, the role of the sun, the size and weight of planets and so forth. It could be nothing more than luck because they couldn’t be as advanced as we are! Statements such as, “they have said lots of things that we will soon prove are wrong.” For instance, they [the ancients] say there are many worlds, many different life forms. They say our consciousness, or spirit, is eternal and quite apart from our physical forms. They even say our minds, that part of us that we use to mediate between the inflowing of information from our physical senses to our consciousness, is separate from our physical form and our consciousness!”

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/ September 2011

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What is hoped is the magnitude of these ‘lucky guesses’ will enable us to take a gentler and more open look at some of the ideas the ancients have offered – even though the ideas have not yet been proven to be true according to our rules. Why has this information been presented? It has been presented to encourage individual thought and general discussion. The more we learn the more we will be in harmony with what is occurring and unnecessary fears will be eliminated. So, yes our world is changing, just as it always has and what is even more important, our understanding of our place in it is changing. ~ The recent validations of ancient ideas by modern science are being offered as food for thought. Written by Phyllis Chubb, who has spent her professional and academic life in the application of ancient wisdom to present day functioning and activities. She holds degrees in Psychology (BA), Human Relations (MA), Western Astrology and is currently finishing her 3rd year of a five year program in Jaimini Upadesa Sutras. She has also has been awarded two titles by the Council of Vedic Astrologers, in recognition of her work: Jyotish Visharada, meaning she is a recognized teacher and Jyotish Kovid meaning a very learned person or an enlightened person. An author, and contributor to local and international magazines, she also teaches and lectures Internationally. Ed note: Phyllis Chubb is pleased to announce that she will be giving a lecture on Modern Science & Ancient Wisdom in October. Time and place to be announced. See the October edition of the Beacon Magazine for lecture details.

5 TOP TIPS TO PREPARE YOUR HOME FOR SALE

A By Marc LaCouvée For more information on these tips or other real estate matters, please don’t hesitate to contact me! I can be reached easily by phone (1-800-6683622) or email (marc@ realestatequalicum.com). Marc LaCouvée is a REALTOR® with RE/MAX Anchor Realty in Qualicum Beach. Marc prides himself on offering specialized and complimentary valueadding services that are well-suited to the unique needs of his Oceanside clients, including transaction peace of mind with Tranquilli-T. He is also one of a small number of accredited Seniors Real Estate Specialists® (SRES) in our region. Visit www. LaCouveeHomes.com to learn more.

PROMOTION

s this wonderful sunny season slowly begins to fade and we put away barbecues and beach toys, many will start to think about listing their home to take advantage of the disappearance of buyers’ summer distractions. A lot of people ask me to offer suggestions for preparing their home to sell. In general, we all tend to be curious about what really gives our homes maximum appeal. Although different factors will tend to draw different people, essentially, there are a small number of things that will make a definite impression on people who visit your home. For one of the best investments in time, energy and money, be sure to get your home in top condition for showings. This will increase its value, maximize buyer interest and ultimately lead to your home’s timely sale. Be proactive by using these five top tips to get your home ready to stand out from the others! These suggestions have worked well for my clients and I am confident they will help you expedite the sale of your own home. 1. A Pre-Sale Home Inspection Arrange for a pre-sale home inspection. For $250 to $400, an inspector will warn you about troubles that could make potential buyers balk. Make repairs before putting your home on the market if you can afford them. Please note that you must disclose any significant issues that the inspection turns up on your Property Disclosure Statement (PDS). 2. Get Replacement Estimates If your home inspection uncovers necessary repairs that you can’t afford to make, get estimates for the work. The figures will help buyers determine if they can afford the home and the repairs. Also track down warranties, guarantees, and user manuals for your furnace, hot water tank, washer and dryer, dishwasher and any other appliances or items you expect will remain with the house when you move. Put all of these in a binder with sheet protectors and show them to your listing REALTOR®. This is very helpful to potential buyers

and gives your REALTOR® the most comprehensive information to offer as they market your home. 3. Make Minor Repairs Not every repair is expensive. Fix as many small problems as you can. Sticky or squeaky doors, torn screens, cracked caulking, dripping faucets or chipped baseboards – these small things will be noticed by potential buyers. Individually and especially collectively, they may give buyers the impression your house isn’t cared for or well maintained. 4. Clear the Clutter This is one tip that I can’t stress enough. Clear your kitchen and bathroom counters of just about everything. Clean your closets by packing up little-used items like out-of-season clothes and old toys. If you can afford it, install closet organizers to maximize space. Pack up family photos, knickknacks, and wall hangings to depersonalize your home. Store the items you’ve packed offsite or in boxes neatly arranged in your garage or basement. Skip this important step and potential buyers will see only the clutter and not the abundance of counter or closet space your home has. 5. Do a Thorough Cleaning A clean house will make a strong first impression that your home is well cared for. If you can afford it, consider hiring a cleaning service. If not, wash windows then leave them open to air out your rooms. Clean carpeting and drapes to eliminate cooking odours, smoke, and pet smells. Wash light fixtures and baseboards, mop and wax floors, and give your stove and refrigerator a thorough once-over. Pay attention to the small details as well. Wash the fingerprints from light switch plates, polish doorknobs and clean inside cabinets. Don’t forget to clean your garage too. Following these important steps will help you better enjoy the excitement of listing and selling your home! Pay attention to these top tips to separate your home from the competition and sell quickly. ~

/ September 2011 15

PROMOTION

MARAZUL MOTORS OFFERS BROAD RANGE OF SERVICES CHRIS KETTLESON CAN DO IT ALL by Shirley Culpin

ame any conundrum to do with cars and trucks, and Chris Kettleson has probably tackled the job at some point or another in his varied career. The proprietor of Marazul Motors, the latest addition to the automotive repair scene in Qualicum Beach, has spent the past 33 years doing everything from installing sunroofs to working on ‘very complicated’ French vehicles to running the largest trim shop west of Toronto and north of Los Angeles. Chris’ career path has trailed through a stint in heavy-duty mechanics, completion of an apprenticeship with Finning, custom installation of convertible tops and power sunroofs, operation of glass, boat and body shops, construction of limited edition sports cars…you name it. Prior to opening his business in Qualicum Beach in July, Chris spent 20 years in Costa Rica, where he had purchased property with the idea of retiring. The retirement lasted all of two years before Chris picked up another wrench and returned to work as a mechanic. While mechanics were inexpensive in Costa Rica, they were also extremely inefficient and in many cases, dishonest. Before long Chris had the business of most of the ex-pats in the area where he was located, and yet another booming business was born. “I could see there was a call for a good mechanic down there,” he says. “Within a week I had an instant clientele – Costa Rican mechanics were pretty lackadaisical, and their clients often didn’t get their car back for a month. I always delivered on time, and at the price I had quoted them. In all the years I did mechanical work down there I never had a come-back.” The work in Costa Rica spanned much more than vehicles, however – Chris became something of a jack-of-all-trades.

Chris Kettleson with his NSX - a specialty at Marazul Motors in Qualicum Beach  Shirley Culpin photo “While I was down there I was fixing anything that was mechanical – washing machines, lawn mowers, all-terrain vehicles – you name it. I did a lot of steel fabrication – window bars and steel doors, and I re-built a lot of cars that got broken on the rough roads. I also got very good at working with the electrical systems on vehicles” he says. “And, I have kept an open mind in that direction with my current business – I am open to pretty much anything right now until I have more vehicles to work on.” Chris landed in Qualicum Beach after scouring the Island for a business opportunity. “I had known this area when I was in heavy construction,” he recalls. “And I have relatives all over The Island. I like to golf, and stream fish, so this seemed like a nice fit.” In addition to being open to almost any mechanical challenge, Chris is open on Saturdays – a definite plus in a town bereft of weekend help for those with vehicle issues. Ultimately he plans to specialize in Japanese vehicles, with an emphasis on the NSX and other exotic cars with, a very reasonable hourly rate. “This business is based on honesty and good work,” he concludes. Chris can be reached by telephone at 250-594-3331. Marazul Motors is located at 119 East Fourth Avenue, Qualicum Beach. ~

/ September 2011

QUALICUM BEACH FUNERAL CENTRE

PROMOTION

DEMOGRAPHICS DREW THEM HERE by Shirley Culpin

t had to happen. With the oldest demographic in all of Canada, it was only a matter of time until Qualicum Beach would have its own funeral centre. After moving to Oceanside from Ontario two years ago, Bev and Paul Walkey realized the potential in a community that clearly likes to support local businesses, and in the autumn of 2010 the couple opened Qualicum Beach Funeral Centre Ltd. Following a two-year course in funeral services at Humber College and with 40 years as a funeral director, Paul is the senior member of the team, but Bev has recently also completed her schooling through Humber, with honours. Paul’s previous experience in Ontario has given him in-depth knowledge of dealing with funerals for various religions. “Many of them have special customs,” he says, “so we are well-equipped to handle funeral services for people from all walks of life.” Paul and Bev’s main concern for their customers is that the clients end up with what’s best for them. “We spend a lot of time talking to them, and getting families to think about all aspects of a funeral, and about closure,” says Bev. “We are very relaxed and casual here – no suits and ties when people come in to make arrangements, and we do everything we can to make things as easy as possible for them.” In some cases the couple will travel to a family’s home to discuss funeral arrangements; at other times they will

“When people walk out the door we want them to feel that they have been well cared for,” says Bev. “We do everything we can to ensure that.” Paul & Bev Walkey of Qualicum Beach Funeral Centre Shirley Culpin photo usher them into the comfortable, relaxed environment that they have created in the room behind their storefront office at 101664 Beach Road. Although the business only has a small space on Beach, they have organized services in many local churches, in the civic centre and in various other venues around town. “We are looking for a larger facility within the town,” says Bev, “and at the moment we are considering a couple of houses that we might be able to retrofit. The township has been very supportive, and is working with us to try to find something that works.” Paul and Bev also help with the many tasks affiliated with the death of a loved one. They assist with writing and placing obituaries, help with filling out Canada Pension Plan forms, and file all the required vital

statistics.They are also happy to help with organizing memorial services, although Bev is the first to suggest that the client may be able to save money by having a church or service organization look after that aspect. “We are totally dedicated to the people we serve,” says Paul. “We are truly a ‘Mom and Pop’ operation. Because we are the owners we have a vested interest. It’s not like an employee working for a pay cheque.” “When people walk out the door we want them to feel that they have been well cared for,” concludes Bev. “We do everything we can to ensure that.” Qualicum Beach Funeral Centre can be reached by telephone at 250-594-0305, via e-mail at qbfuneralcentre@shaw.ca, through their website: www.qbfuneralcentre.com or via fax at 250-594-0306. ~

/ September 2011 17

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OCEANSIDE SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCERS

YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE SCOTTISH TO WEAR A KILT

he Oceanside Scottish Country Dancers were formed in September, 1984. Originally dancing at the Nanoose Library, where they did fundraisers for the library, they were for many years known as the Nanoose Scottish Country Dancers. Now, however, they dance at the Community Hall in Qualicum Beach, and classes are attended by dancers from Qualicum Beach, Parksville, Nanaimo, Courtenay and Port Alberni. Many people confuse Scottish Country Dancing with Highland Dancing; however, it is quite different – unlike Highland dancers, country dancers do not jump over swords or do solo performances! Country dancing, like square dancing, is done in a formation – it is a team effort. Most dances consist of three or four couples in a set. Other misconceptions are that you have to be Scottish – definitely not! Our members come from all over the world – they just share a love of the music and the dance. And while many of the men do eventually get themselves a kilt, it is not compulsory! Also, you do not have to come with a partner – Scottish Country dancing is a very sociable activity – everyone gets to dance with everyone else, and there is always time for a chat. We meet on Wednesday evenings, and have classes for beginners as well as more experienced dancers. We also enjoy hosting one formal dinner and dance a year, and at least one informal social as well. An OPEN HOUSE will be held on Wednesday September 14th, at the Community Hall in Qualicum Beach from 7 – 9 pm where anyone can drop in and see what we are all about. If you would like a form of exercise that keeps your mind active as well as your body, and where you can meet a friendly group of people, Scottish Country Dancing is for you. Visit our website at www.oceansidescd.net to find out more. ~ submitted

QUALICUM BEACH FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY

FAMILY HISTORY WORKSHOP COMING IN OCTOBER

his autumn the Qualicum Beach Family History Society will be hosting an all-day workshop on October 22nd that will be of interest to anyone who is researching their family history or thinking they might want to in future. Two internationally recognized speakers, Sherry Irvine and Dave Obee, will conduct the workshop. Sherry Irvine specializes in English, Scottish and Irish family history. She has lectured in Canada, the USA, New Zealand and Australia, writes for Ancestral Daily News and the UK-based Origins Network. Sherry has also led England and Scotland study tours, taught the Samford campus program courses on English and Scottish research methods, is the author of three genealogy books and now teaches students online through the highly successful Pharos Teaching & Tutoring Limited, based in the UK. Dave Obee is a journalist and genealogical researcher who has written a dozen books and given more than 400 presentations at conferences and seminars in Canada and the USA. Dave runs several websites including CanGenealogy, and Volhynia.com, a website dedicated to the old German colonies in the northwest corner of Ukraine. Dave has visited 17 countries in Europe, and has done genealogical research in most of them. He served as president of the Federation of East European Family History Societies, and is now their webmaster. You may also recognize Dave as the editorial page editor of the Times Colonist.

/ September 2011

The workshop will be held at the Quality Resort Bayside in Parksville, October 22nd, 8:30 - 4:30 pm; a fee of $50 will include a light lunch. Mark your calendar now so that you’ll not miss this opportunity to hear these respected speakers in Oceanside. For further information please visit www.qbfhs.ca ~ submitted

LETTER TO THE EDITORS CANADA’S FEDERAL SENIORS PROGRAM SHORTFALLS

ur Federal Government expects seniors to believe that they are well cared for through their seniors programs, Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security program and the Guaranteed Income Supplement. If we seniors believe our government’s words, then we should also believe that pigs can fly. I speak with some authority because prior to moving to Vancouver Island in 2008, I dedicated 24 years as a seniors advocate, was former President and Honourary Member with the Alberta Council on Aging and Founder and former President of the Coalition of Seniors Advocates Association. Tons of correspondence to and from the Government have been a failure and I expect not further response to my issues. There are many issues but I will zero in on only a few. Firstly, a widow receives about $1,012 per month from OAS and GIS and a refugee receives $1,890 plus social aid of $580 per month. Perhaps our low income seniors should ask for the status of a refugee instead of applying for OAS and GIS. Secondly, an error in a computer formula at Statistics Canada miscalculated the Consumer Price Index and from 2001 until 2006 seniors pension cheques were shortchanged. I have it in writing from the Human Resources and Social Development Canada that there will be no retroactive adjustment to compensate for the error. Do you understand it? It’s a joke. If a calculation error was made relating to an MPs’ perk, I reckon there would be a retroactive adjustment. Finally, a little known Opposition day motion was tabled and passed by a majority to improve seniors policy. However, nothing has happened. During the Chretian/Martin term of office, $30 billion was taken from the seniors pension fund to pay down Canada’s debt. Our pensions now come from the Government General Account. Would seniors be paid if there was a financial depression? It is my opinion that the Federal Government has an ageism attitude. Respectfully, Jerry Pitts Qualicum Beach

By Nancy Whelan

re you thinking about winding up the garden chores about now? After struggling with this year’s late, wet, cool spring and summer we may be ready to throw in the shovel. But many gardeners, being creatures of unbounded faith and always ready to try something new, may already be looking forward to the next step or two in the gardening year. So as our crops ripen and find their way to table, freezer, or jar, perhaps we’ve left standing a few plants or so to do what plants were born to do – make seeds to reproduce themselves. And for the forward-looking gardener, there’s a deep satisfaction in bringing his or her garden full circle…by saving some seeds for next year.

/ September 2011

Romano Pole seeds  Nancy Whelan photo

SEED SAVING & WINTER GARDENING

And if you don’t want to wait for next year, you may have considered or even started to keep up the good work with a patch of winter gardening; a kind of living refrigerator full of vegetables that can thrive and survive in our temperate winters…sometimes with a little help from its green thumb. When it comes to seed saving it makes sense to practise what man has been doing since the human race got its first glimmer, eons ago, of selective breeding. Back in the days of the “Fertile Crescent”, that crescent-shaped piece of land of the middle

east where agriculture got its start, people first tried raising their own food plants by choosing seed from those plants they preferred. And so successful seed saving means saving seeds from your best performers in the garden. This might entail a little record keeping throughout the growing season and even from year to year if you decide to save your own seeds (and money, too, when the next planting season rolls around). continued next page

THROUGH THE SEASONS - CONTINUED There are numerous possible characteristics you may want to preserve and continue in the plants you grow, whether for flowers or food, but for this discussion we will consider only food plants. A plant’s overall vigour, its hardiness and suitability for your climate and soil, its disease and insect resistance, its size, texture and flavour, are all some of the traits you may consider when deciding which plants’ seeds to save. If you’ve purchased the seeds or plants growing in your garden, it’s important to remember that hybrid seeds and plants often may not breed true to the parent plant. – i.e. the seeds may produce inferior plants of very different size, colour, or flavour, etc. Your best bet is to save the seeds from heirloom plants – those which have been growing for many years from non-hybrid seeds and have maintained their good qualities through many generations. Some of the easiest plants on which to learn seed saving may be beans and peas because you can leave some pods to mature and dry on the vine, then easily remove and store the seeds which are sizeable and easy to handle. Other plants with smaller, less visible seeds may require vigourous shaking or beating (flailing) and careful removal of the seed-covering chaff (winnowing). With vegetables which produce a definite fruit like a tomato which holds its seeds inside, it’s best to let a few ripen beyond perfect eating quality, remove the seeds from the inner pulp, wash them, and dry them completely on newspaper or fine screening. The same goes for things like squash and pumpkins. Once the seeds are ready it’s important to store them carefully. Using small seed packets or envelopes store these in completely dry, lightly sealed jars and label them with date, variety, and whatever other information may be important to you – “Yellow tomatoes from Aunt Susie’s Gabriola Island garden” for example. Once in the jars, store the seeds in a dark, cool, place to preserve their quality and viability. An excellent and in-depth, illustrated book on seed-saving is “Seed Sowing and Saving” by Carole B. Turner (Storey’s Gardening Skills – publisher). And don’t forget to watch for Oceanside’s Seedy Saturday, the ultimate annual seed-saving and seed exchange event, which takes place in Qualicum Beach on an early February Saturday. Luckily for us there are plenty of nutritious vegetables which can thrive and survive a coastal winter on our part of Vancouver Island. Thus, winter gardening has taken hold and encouraged enthusiastic gardeners to keep on growing and harvesting all year round. Locally, winter veggie ‘starts’ are available at Arrowsmith Greenhouses, and other nurseries in our area. Lettuce, spinach, Swiss chard, some Chinese greens, scallions, parsley and kale, winter-sprouting broccoli and Brussels sprouts are just some of the veggies we can bring to our table all year without ever visiting the supermarket. Even a good frost won’t keep them down if they’re allowed to thaw and revive before picking. The BC guru of winter gardening is Linda A. Gilkeson, Ph.D. whose book “Winter Gardening on the Coast” and presentations at Seedy Saturday, lay it all easily on the line, and help us get started on our very own living refrigerator. Google her name to find a list of publications. Now, if your green thumb dreads the fall and winter, let it keep its hand in with seed-saving, storing and some all-season gardening. ~

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ANIMAL RESCUE PLAN

LOCAL ADVOCATES SHARE LESSONS LEARNED IN DISASTER ZONES by Lisa Verbicky

Corinne Barker & Barb Ashmead at the pet triage centre in New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina

icture this. A long dreaded and talked about Richter-scale nine earthquake hits near Vancouver Island, and we are now under a tsunami warning. You have your “Go Bag” and your instructions for evacuation. It’s time to leave, but, among other things to worry about, where’s the cat? What about the horses who have run off? Your dog is sitting there on the porch, the kids are crying. You reassure them that you’ve left enough food and water for him until you return. Or, maybe instead you decide to stay with your animal? You ask yourself, “Can I take him to a shelter, and what will happen then?”

least mentally for self-preservation, and the safety of loved ones, but the reality is unimaginable, and how many of us have thought about our pets? The best we can do is learn from others who have been there, like Barb Ashmead, co-owner of Qualicum Pet Foods and the Qualicum Cat Rescue, and Corinne Barker, veterinary assistant with the Lighthouse Veterinary Hospital in Qualicum Bay. Both have spent time in disaster zones, rescuing animals in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and the 2007 earthquake in Peru, as volunteers with the Canadian Animal Assistance Team (CAAT).

It is almost unthinkable what we will do in a disaster. Many of us have planned, at

Both Ashmead and Barker spent a week working with CAAT alongside hundreds of

volunteers, veterinary specialists and the national guard in New Orleans only four weeks after it was ravaged by Hurricane Katrina. “We saw a lot of dead animals. We also saw everything from dehydration, starvation, chemical wounds from all the run-off into the lake, a dog that had been tied to a post for weeks, and another that had been found floating on a couch inside a home. Some of the animals had been surviving on dead bodies. It was terrible.” At the triage centre, animals were vet checked, given food, fluids and de-flea’d before being loaded onto an air-conditioned truck to get them out of the 105 degree humidity. continued on page 32

/ September 2011

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SMOKED SALMON BENNY Poached eggs and Smoked Salmon on a toasted English Muffin, topped with hollandaise sauce.

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/ September 2011

Giovanni’s Ristorante

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/ September 2011 25

INEZ HUTCHISON

ACTING FOR POSITIVE CHANGE By Rita Levitz

“I

’m not the kind of person who just complains about things,” says Inez Hutchison. “I try to do something about it… something to make it better, fix it or change it.” This attitude, thirteen years ago, spurred Inez into running for School Board Trustee. “We have a very good school system, but there are always things that can be changed for the better and things that need preservation and protection.” At a time when quasi-political, open-ended and somewhat vague statements are in vogue, Inez is forthright and clear about her beliefs. “I’m always blunt and to the point. I’m not afraid to ask questions, and often I’ve been told that I ask the questions other people want to ask.” Inez’s involvement in the District 69 school system began innocuously enough. “Our oldest son Jason was going into Bowser kindergarten and there was a get-together for the new parents to meet the PAC.” However, her love of helping out and being involved got the better of her. “It just so happened there were elections that night, and I became the Fundraising Chairperson.” Inez remained active in PAC (Parent Advisory continued next page Inez Hutchison  Rita Levitz photo

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continued from previous page Commitee) the entire time Jason and her daughter Laura were in school, and she was Bowser PAC Chairperson when the opportunity to run for School Board arose. “When I was elected, I was the only person on the Board that actually had children in the system.” She was thirty-four at the time. Once elected, it was a steep learning curve. “I learned so much from Tom Watson, who was Assistant Superintendent at the time. He told me to keep asking questions until I understood, and putting my hand up went from a few fingers raised ever so slightly to my whole arm just shooting straight up when I had a question. You grow into things; you grow into your role.” Inez has also worked as an LPN for twenty-seven years. “When the children were younger, I couldn’t have simultaneously worked and been Trustee without the support of my husband Ted, his parents and our good friends Donna and Jerry Jaggers. There was hockey practice, riding…and just knowing that Jason and Laura had a safe, fun place to go after school made all the difference.” Although Inez says she is not very eloquent, she credits the fact that she has never had any difficulty with public speaking to being a 4-H kid and life with an Italian mother, French father and four siblings. “I grew up on a farm in Northern Alberta. It was a safe environment where we could be loud and opinionated, but knew we respected and loved each other. If there was work to be done, you just went and did it, and if there were challenges, we grew up with the attitude that there is a way, you just find a way.” Inez always gives appreciation where it is due. “Our students just wow me. It’s great to be part of that. I know it’s not the Board that does it – it’s the staff making it fantastic for the students. I have so much respect for all the people in the District who work with the kids.” Together with fellow trustee Barb Terry, Inez initiated the Long-Service and the Retirement Dinners to honour those employees. Sadly for us, Inez is now the one retiring. “I have truly enjoyed being on the Board. I’ve also loved our yearly AGM; over four hundred Trustees from all over the province attend. I love that we can have a united voice and make change happen. I love the debates and listening to other people’s opinions; I’m going to miss that.” The role of Trustee, however, has become more and more conflicted, especially at budget time. “We were always able to make it work, able to make sure we kept kids first, but in last year’s budget we had to lay-off two people. I cried and cried, but I knew we had to do it. The pressures are coming from everywhere and seem to be causing an overall breakdown of mutual respect. I’ve loved my time on the Board, but it’s time for change and there are many other things I want to do.” “I’ll have the time to actually get involved in community things, like the Fall Fair. I know that when I believe in something, I go and I do it,” Inez says with characteristic exuberance. “My last Board meeting is the 22nd of November. After that, when I leave work at The Gardens, instead of turning right, I’ll be able to turn left, and head towards home.” ~ / September 2011 27

LOCAL TIDE

LOW-GRADE DISCONTENT AND HIGH-LEVEL PEACE By Joanne Sales

’ve heard it said, “If you go to India, you get sick in the stomach. If you go to the West, you get sick in the head.” A refugee who came from Somalia to Canada twenty years ago, said on CBC that if the revolution were over, she would immediately go back to Somalia. “Why?” “People are so much happier there.” What?!! We’re the ones with the wide screen TVs! What happened to our happiness? Having only lived in the West, I really don’t know if anyone anywhere else is really any happier, but certainly we have to admit a truth: Happiness is NOT running rampant through our society. Westerners don’t take anti-depressants because of too much peace and joy.

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.

This happiness “where and when” issue is not easy to figure out. Some peoples are happier, some places are happier. Some cultures teach people to smile and others to hide their feelings. So who is happy and why? Part of our problem is our definition of happiness. Our society can be rather materialistic and superficial; our vision of happiness is more often associated with pleasure than it is with a deep satisfying sense of meaning or peace. If we take it all personally, when our pleasure wears thin and wears out, we feel like losers.

I remember a hot afternoon, decades ago, waiting in my car at a stoplight surrounded by parking lots and department stores – now out of business. I looked in the mirror and said to myself, “I’m just not happy.” I felt really guilty about that sad state of affairs. It almost seemed unpatriotic to admit to unhappiness. What kind of westerner was I? Was I using the wrong toothpaste? Where was my happiness? Years later, I heard a very succinct Buddhist teaching, the essence of which could be found in most spiritual traditions. I was struck by the simple clarity of the Buddhist wording. “Human life is basically unsatisfactory.” continued on next page

/ September 2011

Now that is a subversive statement if I ever heard one. But it made me really happy. What an odd state of affairs. I was happy when I realized that I was destined to be unhappy. Hmm. I had to think about that one – because I didn’t just want to be a curmudgeon. But gradually I realized the reasons.

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I was happy because I realized it was ok to be unhappy. It wasn’t just my fault that I was not satisfied. The low-grade discontent was not because I had done something wrong. It was the human condition. The most common reaction to discontent is to project it onto someone or something else. “I’m unhappy because of __________.” Into that blank, we fill in the name of our spouse, parents, relationship, job, situation, lack of beauty, fame, or wealth; a surplus of problems, demands, or whatever. And while we’re blaming someone else for the underlying human condition of discontent, they’re projecting their discontent right back on us. We are only beginning to realize the extent and consequences of our ability to project out our unhappiness, and the power of our minds when we do so.

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Of course, it is just as common to internalize the problem and blame ourselves, as I did that hot day stuck in traffic amidst the mall sprawl. “It’s all my fault.” The alternative to projection and self-judgment is to be content with our underlying discontent. To accept it and move on. This is not an excuse for inaction, or passive acceptance of unacceptable situations. What needs to be changed should be changed! But accepting our human condition clears a bit more space for acceptance and forgiveness.

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It also frees us from the tireless, thankless work of striving for unattainable perfection or expecting it of others. We are free to be discontented in peace. Besides, it has a purpose. That innate dissatisfaction can inspire our growth and lead us to deeper and more meaningful states of being. A woman over a hundred years old, who had lived through two world wars and decades of bad times, was asked, “Did you worry?” She answered, “Of course, I worried. I would have been foolish not to. I worried really hard for twenty minutes a day, and then I was done.”

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Giving up worrying seems almost as unpatriotic as giving up on happiness. Are we permitted to let go of worry, tension, and the pursuit of unattainable happiness and perfection? Is it ok for us to put aside fears and regrets and the nagging sense of inadequacy for just a portion of the day – just long enough to hang up the clothes, write a letter, play piano or watch the clouds in peace? Is it ok for us to just be? This is the peace of acceptance. Whatever was was, whatever will be will be. For this moment, this “now”, I am watching the sunrise. Something happens in the centre of stillness. A more lasting form of happiness arises naturally if we allow it space, like water rising from a natural spring. It too is who we are. Beyond the common experience of perpetual dissatisfaction is the potential experience of inner peace. Beyond low-grade discontent is high level peace. ~

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Joanne Sales is a farmer, writer and EFT/BodyTalk Practitioner. She invites your comments: joanne@glasswing.com / September 2011 29

STRATEGIC MOVES

THE B SHOPS OF BOWSER

By Robert McFetridge

ifteen players from Victoria to Cumberland and Comox met at nine o’clock in the Bowser Legion Hall on Sunday August 14 to test their skills at the ancient game. Players were welcomed by Robert McFetridge, founder of the Bishops of Bowser Chess Club, Betsy Poel, sponsor and partner in this competition, and by Dave Bartram, Regional Director of Area H, who highlighted how competitions enhance our community and introduce visitors to the beauty of Lighthouse Country. Ten year-old Jason Cao returned from Victoria escorted by his proud father Yunxu for his third year at Bowser’s chess tournament. After last year’s competition in Bowser, Jason and his parents travelled to Greece to attend the World Youth Chess Championship where Jason won the world championship in the 10 and under section. Jason has become a local celebrity in Victoria appearing on television and radio. On Canada Day this year he was one of two players to direct the moves of a live chess game on a super-sized board with actors in costumes playing the pieces. Jason learned to play chess with Greg Churchill a chess tutor in Victoria in a brief program. Since then Jason has been studying chess four to five hours a day with a computer program. Jason’s father did not play chess but has been studying so that he can teach other school students in Victoria – he finds that Jason is not the best instructor for him.

/ September 2011

Jason Cao shows Jelke Hoekstra the moves from their first encounter two years ago while Patrick Huang watches

Another junior appearing for his first competition in Bowser was six year-old Patrick Huang from Victoria. In July Patrick and his parents, Charles and Lori, travelled to Toronto so that Patrick could play in the Canadian Youth Chess Challenge. Lori says that Patrick has been playing for only one year. He also studies with Greg Churchill. Unlike Jason, his father has a little understanding of the game and has helped to train Patrick. Patrick won only one game in Bowser but he showed comprehension beyond his age, furrowing the brows of advanced players in the tournament and giving them challenging moves. Several players attended the tournament for the first time including Louis Lapi from Cassidy, Dave Fenneman from Courtenay. Doug Lohr from Qualicum Bay and

Micheal Gilchrist from Cumberland played in their first tournament. Neil Cruden from Courtenay, via New Zealand where he was a former national champion, won the tournament winning four of four games. Jason Cao won the under 15 prize and Patrick Huang won a prize as the youngest player. Second and third place were won by Courtenay and Comox residents Martinson and Hoekstra after blitz round to break a four-way tie for second. This is the first year that the tournament has been dominated by local players. Sadly, the ladies trophy was unclaimed this year. Bowser Builders Supply sponsored the tournament; TOMM’s Food Village provided gift bags for each player. For more details and photos see Bishops of Bowser website at bowserchess.pbworks.com. ~

STILL STRUGGLING TO BECOME AN EX-SMOKER? by Pharmacist Lee Kuefler and Lucy Churchill RN Qualicum Medicine Centre Pharmacy

o not despair. There is good news on the horizon. Nicotine replacement therapies will be available to all BC smokers at no cost and smoking cessation prescription drugs will be covered under PharmaCare starting September 30, 2011. You will have a choice of either nicotine gum or patches for up to twelve weeks, or prescribed smoking cessation drugs through PharmaCare. Currently QuitNow BC Services offers BC smokers a confidential helpline (1-877-4552233) with information available in 130 languages and an online quit community where professional and peer support is available 24/7. As well, quitters can sign up for email, quit tips and text messages, join QuitNow’s twitter and facebook page and explore interactive quit tools and resources at www.quitnow.ca Every year tobacco-related deaths rob us needlessly of friends, family and loved ones. Tobacco is the largest single cause of premature death and disease in our province and while a lot of progress has been made, there is still more we can do. This program will provide smokers with a new level of direct support to quit, to live smokefree, and to improve their own health as well as the health of their families. While BC has the lowest smoking rate in Canada at 14%, there are approximately 550,000 smokers. Of these, an estimated 70% want to quit smoking. Providing coverage for these cessation therapies is a significant step forward in helping even more British Colombians break their dependency on tobacco. For some people wanting to quit, having to pay for these therapies has been a barrier in helping them achieve success. The benefits of quitting start immediately: • Within 20 minutes of quitting, blood pressure, heart rate and temperature of the hands return to normal. • After 8 hours, carbon monoxide and oxygen levels in the blood return to normal. • After 1 year, the excess risk of heart disease in a smoker is reduced by half. • After 5 years, the risk of stroke returns to a level equal to those who have never smoked and risk of bladder cancer are reduced by half. • After 10 years, the risk of lung cancer is reduced by 30 to 50%. • After 15 years, the risk of heart disease and the risk of death are similar to a person who has never smoked. For more information about this program, ask your pharmacist. ~

/ September 2011 31

continued from page 22 At night, the two women slept in a massive tent in Lamar Dixon, an hour outside of the city with 700 volunteers and no fewer than 3,000 sick, injured, or abandoned animals housed in a series of barns, including everything from cats and dogs, to budgies, iguanas, squirrels, snakes, and large farm animals. “I’ve now seen with my own eyes what can happen in a disaster. No electricity, the hospitals fall down, no water, rampant crime, wounded people, babies being born outside, no bathrooms, and for much longer than 72 hours,” says Ashmead. “There’s enough going on in a disaster that people don’t need to have to worry about their animals too,” says Barker. So, why worry about them? In the case of Hurricane Katrina, a number of people died when they refused to leave their pets behind. A dismal fact that became the impetus for FEMA, the US Federal Emergency Management Agency, to now require all cities and states to have a pet evacuation plan in place for both household and service pets as a condition of emergency funding. Also, when animals are abandoned, already devastated communities run the risk of rabies outbreaks, and dangerous packs of animals, says Barker, who spent much of her time in the aftermath of the Peru earthquake, for example, administering vaccinations and rabies shots. So, how prepared are we in our Oceanside communities to mitigate these risks?

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“The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN), which includes the municipalities of Parksville and Qualicum Beach, acknowledges that pets are family too and encourages people to make emergency preparedness plans for them as well,” says RDN Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, Jani Drew, in an email. These plans include ensuring you have enough food and water for your pet for 72 hours if you need to stay in place, and to have a leash, muzzle, crate, and all pet identification, immunization records, and any pet medications ready in case of evacuation, she says. If you have to leave your home and the radio advises you to report to one of the region’s reception centres, such as the Lighthouse Community Reception Centre, for example, you could take your dog or cat with you, where volunteers would register and crate it, and then make arrangements for short-term (72 hours) kenneling with an area provider, she says. For people who require emergency shelter, and are adamant that they cannot be separated from their pets, says Drew, efforts would be made to find them accommodation that accepts pets. As for larger animals, Drew says, that many reception centres aren’t equipped for them. However, the RDN does have emergency suppliers who can board large animals like horses, alpacas, etc. While the Town of Qualicum Beach’s Emergency Preparedness Consultant, David Weicker of Stellar J. Consulting Group, reports that planning is in place to accommodate well-mannered pets as part of the family when they must attend a reception continued next page

/ September 2011

centre, he adds that there are a limited number of volunteers and resources and that the Town will likely have to prioritize in a disaster situation. “Initially, we would want people to be prepared for themselves and their families for at least 72 hours, and that includes food and water for their animals, while emergency services work to restore the Town’s infrastructure. Then we would then be better prepared to focus on the people that need us such as children, seniors, and those that need extra assistance. Planning for pets comes in a close second or third,” says Weicker. But, do these plans go far enough in dealing with the reality of a major disaster that could leave most of us stranded, on an island, with limited supplies for what would likely be much more than 72 hours, as in the case of Katrina, Peru and Japan where people were out of their homes for months? According to Barker and Ashmead, we need to be much more proactive as pet owners and communities. As owners, people should ensure that their pets are immunized, micro-chipped, and spayed or neutered before disaster strikes, to prevent both the spread of disease, help in the reuniting process, and limit the shear number of animals running loose, says Barker. As communities, she says, we need to have in place the infrastructure to manage supplies, volunteers, and veterinary personnel, set up emergency animal shelters (something both Barker and Ashmead are trained to do), and arrange long-term foster care where owners are out of their homes for extended periods. “We have to ask ourselves that if there are likely about 2,000 dogs and 3,000 cats in Qualicum alone, what is going to happen to these animals, and their owners, and then make them part of the plan,” says Ashmead. Other communities, such as the City of Vancouver and the small town of Sequim, WA on the Olympic Peninsula have done just that. “We always assume that someone else is taking care of these details, we need to be proactive as individuals and communities to plan for both people and animals,” says Barker. For more information on CAAT’s rescue missions in disaster zones visit http://www.caat-canada.org. For more information on emergency preparedness for your pet within the RDN, or to donate a metal pet carrier to RDN Emergency Services visit www.rdn.bc.ca and click on Emergency Planning. To contact the Qualicum Cat Rescue or to make a donation, call 250-752-2797. ~

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Qualicum Beach Town Hall • Linda Tenney photo

By Marilyn Dawson, Reporter

here’s an item on every Town Council agenda simply titled Delegation and usually there is at least one scheduled, a chance for one, two or more people to put forth their ideas or complaints in a ten minute time-frame. These presentations can be interesting, educational and on occasion mind-numbingly dull. No matter, Council listens; if a decision is required it will be acted on later when members and Town staff have time to consider the request and its ramifications.

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The August Council meeting had three such delegations, all of them interesting and informative. Staff Sgt. Brian Hunter of the Oceanside RCMP detachment, who appears from time to time before Council to report on the crimes of Qualicum Beach, brought an update on the first six months. The news was generally good. Most categories showed a drop in criminal activity over the previous year, but there was one glaring increase; traffic offences have risen from 452 in 2010 to 546 for the first six months of 2011. He attributed the change to more patrols and more police visibility.

Joanne Sales, who is best known for fighting the spread of broom, this time turned her attention to BC Hydro and its plan to introduce Smart Meters in BC. With Chartwell residents Marcus and Benita Schluschen she asked Council to join other municipalities in requesting a moratorium on installation of the meters until concerns about safety, privacy and economic issues are resolved. She said she was no expert on electromagnetic radiation, but with all the controversy surrounding the meters, she could see no reason to rush ahead when the present system works so well. Mr. Schluschen said his wife is extremely sensitive to wireless emissions including cell phones, cordless phones and cell towers and will be moving from the area because of the so-called “electronic smog” around their home. Meters would make it worse. Coun. Barry Avis commented that the Union of B.C. Municipalities will be discussing the issue at the fall meeting and Mayor Teunis Westbroek said he would then suggest that an independent body be appointed to monitor the situation.

Council was more involved in a request by Kathleen Miller of Cultivating Soil Solutions to put a patch of Town lawn and garden to a year-long trial, treating the area with a compost tea rather than commercial fertilizer. She argues that the “tea”, familiar to many home gardeners, and made of compost steeped in water is cheaper, more beneficial to the soil and allows microbes to function naturally. End result: less watering and mowing and higher fertility. Cost for the trial for the year would be $2,700. She suggested a well-groomed site by the train station but Coun. Jack Wilson felt it would be better to find a more rundown site so the end result would be more dramatic. Council finally approved the trial but left it to the Town staff to work out a suitable site. Coun. Wilson added a bit of drama to the evening by announcing he would not seek a fourth term in November. “Nine years is enough,” he said. Don’t expect him to be a lame duck for the rest of the current session. He intends to speak out, tell people exactly what he thinks and not “go quietly into the night”. ~

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/ September 2011

Among those aims are initiatives to “empower First Nations communities to succeed in shellfish aquaculture businesses through effective training, mentoring and capacity building,” and to utilize the station’s state-of-the-art kitchen to advance the skills of VIU’s Culinary Institute students in the preparation of seafood. Excitingly, there are also plans in development for cooking courses and regular culinary events that will be open to the general public. I spoke recently with Qualicum Beach-based VIU Culinary Institute instructor Debbie Shore about her role in these plans for the development of the Deep Bay facility. “Quite a few years ago there was a study done by a fellow named Dr. Bill Pennell (cofounder of VIU’s Fisheries & Aquaculture Program),” she began. “I remember him asking me questions about how a research centre might be married up with other Faculties, other parts of the university that might be related in this whole study of food and aquaculture. So that was the first little tidbit, then all of a sudden the Centre for Shellfish Research at Deep Bay is being built, and the thinking was that not only would it be a research station, and there for the community of shellfish growers, but a focused part of the community.”

DEBBIE SHORE

submitted photo

LET’S EAT! by David Morrison “With earth’s burgeoning human population to feed we must turn to the sea with understanding and new technology. We need to farm it as we farm the land.” ~ Jacques Cousteau (1910-1997) “If you don’t enjoy life you can’t enjoy an oyster.” ~ From “The Oysters of Locmariaquer” (‘65) by Eleanor Clark (1913-1996)

onsidering the amount of local media coverage it has attracted I am guessing that the majority of readers will be aware of the June 23 grand opening of Vancouver

Island University’s (VIU) Deep Bay Marine Field Station. But in the event a few readers may have slipped through the net, it is certainly news worthy of reiteration. According to Don Tillapaugh, Director of VIU’s Centre for Shellfish Research, the world class Deep Bay facility was, in a nutshell (or, more appropriately in respect of its design, in a clamshell), “conceived and designed to connect people to the marine environment.” Located in the southern end of Baynes Sound, beyond its ‘traditional’ field station scientific research role the aims of this unique, 13,000 sq. ft. facility are manifold.

“I’ve stepped down now but when I was chair of the Culinary Program, brainstorming was going on about what sort of stuff we could do there. So my role was to lock in some of those ideas that still haven’t totally come to fruition yet, because it is still so new. Part of that was the planning of the kitchen, how it would be laid out so it could not only be used as a teaching kitchen, but also as a demonstration kitchen and a catering facility. All sorts of things had to be taken into consideration.” The kitchen saw its first action in at least the first and third capacities with the station’s inaugural culinary event on January 29 and one that could hardly have been a more congruous launch. International seafood experts, assembled for the SeaWeb Seafood Choices 2011 Seafood Summit in Vancouver, were treated to a sumptuous spread of locally grown sustainable shellfish. Shore and some of her students worked alongside the brilliant Xinh Dwelley of Xinh’s Clam & Oyster House in Shelton, Washginton to prepare and serve the feast to the delegates. By all accounts the facility made quite an impact on those gathered that day, but in more ways than through the continued on page 36

/ September 2011 35

If the Nanaimo-born Wong is confirmed in the field station’s future culinary programming it would be big news and an extremely popular event. An ultimate example of local-boy-made-good in a very competitive field, the master chef has represented Canada in international competition and is highly respected around the world.

continued from page 35 wonderful meal they were presented. The building itself is of such impressive and environmentally responsible design that it is turning heads beyond all aspects of its intended functionalities. One of the greenest buildings in all of Canada, the Deep Bay Marine Field Station has already scooped a National Green Buildings Award this year in recognition of the themes of sustainability that are consistent throughout. For example, recycled materials featured heavily in construction, wood from pine beetleravaged forests in its hardwood floors, and in delightful synchronicity it is crushed oyster shells that cover parking areas and driveways instead of traditional materials. The field station at Deep Bay is unquestionably a meritorious institution for so many reasons, thereby making it a fascinating and ideal location for future culinary events – especially those open to the public. As Shore explains, the appearance of high calibre culinary artists like Xinh Dwelley should become a regular

Debbie Shore & past students submitted feature of the work going on at the facility, as well as an obvious way to help generate revenue. “There are certainly plans to bring in wellknown chefs, but who, I’m not sure!” she says. “We have some pretty amazing alumni who are all over the world and always happy to give back. One of our alumni, David Wong, I’m sure would say he’s up for that.”

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“So, yes, there will be, but it’s a matter of getting in touch with people, seeing what they’re doing, seeing if they’re interested,” Shore continues. “All of the chefs at VIU are really connected with some good cooks, but as far as the Food Network-type chefs they often have agents, so I haven’t gone there yet! If we can tune into the ones we’re so proud of first, and put on something kind of fun and interesting, that’ll be pretty neat. The other thing, too, is that our students will often be down that road, working for them, with them, or becoming those guys.” ~ For further information about the Deep Bay Marine Field Station, please visit www.viu. ca/deepbay/

We encourage you to “shop local” whenever possible. Our advertisers represent a variety of local businesses that offer services and products for your personal and professional needs. Tell them you saw their listing or ad in The Beacon. And, if you use and can recommend a local business or service, we ask you to share the news with your neighbours, friends and family. Your positive referrals will ensure a strong economy in your community. And that’s important!

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/ September 2011

PLANTS TO WALK ON Q: Please suggest a few plants that would do well around stepping stones in pathways. We prefer not to use stones or sand. A: Resilient, low-growing plants have been around for years, and in my opinion, underused. Visually appealing, this group of plants, known by several names (carpet plants, Stepables®, Footprint PlantsT) can add colour and texture while requiring almost no maintenance. In addition, weeds are suppressed by the tightly-growing root systems of these plants. Sun loving plants include: Azorella trifurcate ‘Nana’ (Emerald Carpet or Cushion Bolax) with unusually textured bright green foliage and yellow flowers in spring; Veronica repens (Creeping Speedwell) which produces a solid green mat that flowers white in mid-spring; and Sedum album (Coral Carpet) which tolerates drought and has succulent, green leaves that turn a beautiful red tone in winter. It flowers with white clusters in summer but is mostly grown for the decorative leaf colour. For shady areas, local favourites are: Ajuga reptans (Bugle Flower), a large family with many varieties, grown for their attractive multi-coloured foliage and spiky

Open during September Wednesday to Sunday

blue flowers. A. ‘Burgundy Glow’ and A. ‘Golden Glow’ are my favourites for their colour. Sagina subulata (Irish Moss) creates a cushion of greenery providing it stays moist. Isotoma fluviatilis (Blue Star Creeper) grows very low and flat to the ground with tiny, blue flowers in mid-summer.

Q: A few years ago we planted footprint plants around our patio stones and while they have been wonderful, they are covering up our (expensive) and attractive stonework. What are your maintenance suggestions for these appealing ground covers?

Q: Some gardeners recommend I put grass between my raised beds, but I purposely removed it because of its high maintenance. Are there alternatives to the bark mulch I have now?

A: These terrific plants are specifically grown for their low maintenance, easy to grow qualities. Requiring minimal weeding and fertilizer, they can be watered with he rest of your beds making them very enjoyable. To recover your beautiful stonework, simply trim along the edges of the stones with a sharp knife, scissors, or hand pruner. Any nice pieces you cut away can be heeled in wherever you want them. Otherwise, just give pieces to friends or add the trimmings to your compost. Readers are encouraged to find more from Frances Hopkins in Salem, Oregon at http://www. stepables.com , and from Mark Cullen in Unionville, Ontario at http://mark-cullen. blogspot.com/2010/04/plants-you-can-walkon.html.

A: Indeed, some Stepables® enhance garden spaces because they are herbs. A common favourite is Thymus praecox Pseudolanuginosus (Woolly Thyme) which has soft, fuzzy, gray-green leaves with rosy purple flowers. Equally pretty, another variety that spreads more slowly is T. minus (Elfin Thyme) with soft, green foliage and lavender flowers. From another aromatic family, also soft with round, dense, deepgreen foliage and delightful, tiny lavender flowers in summer, Mentha requienii, (Corsican Mint) is an excellent choice. All are preferable to grass due to their low maintenance needs.

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

Wed - Fri 9:30-5 Saturday 10-5 Sunday 10-4 / September 2011 37

continued from page 6

Sat. Nov. 5th & Sun. Nov. 6th 10:00 - 4:00 Daily

2011

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Wesley bought his property in 1953, at about the same age as Gary. It came with a gorgeous shingled barn, built in 1909 in the old way, using lumber and shingles from trees harvested on the property and hauled by horse and wagon to the mill and back. Old black-andwhite photos of the community barn-raising, which hang inside the barn, show a gang of strong, fearless young men – different generations, cousins, friends and neighbours, working together in the sun. Wesley and Patricia put in ten acres of vegetables, and had as many as fifty head of cattle, shipping their products to market on Vancouver Island. “It’s been a lot of hard work, with no pay to speak of,” says Wes. “People sometimes ask why we do it. You do it because you love it. I still enjoy every day, although it’s harder to jump off the tractor the way I did when I was twenty.” Wes’s love of old-style farming shows up in his collection of old farming implements, including a horse-drawn buggy, that are displayed in the barn. “They’re all from Denman Island farms, and show the history of farming before the fuel age,” he explains. He laments the fact that small farms have almost entirely died out, and considers his family extremely lucky that they can continue operating. This is only possible due to the generosity of the farm’s current owners. The financial realities of small-scale farming drove the Piercys to sell the farm about ten years ago; the buyer agreed to let them keep living and farming on the property for the foreseeable future. Gary deeply appreciates this support: “I don’t know if we could keep doing what we’re doing without that backing,” he says. And although this arrangement means he doesn’t really know what the future holds, he’s happy to be able to do something he loves, and to keep a genuine outside-the-template local food project thriving. ~

Illusion Lake Sand & Gravel Off Horne Lake Road

• CONSTRUCTION AGGREGATES • SAND & GRAVEL

For those larger projects… Call for delivery or to Arrange pick-up Trucks for Hire • Pick Up or Delivery

For smaller quantities… Call or stop by our Gravel Mart at 911 Church Rd., Parksville, BC

(250) 38

/ September 2011

248-3693

THERAPEUTIC FOOT REFLEXOLOGY – Sessions $50 for 75 mins in my home. Home visits are available. Release your body’s self-healing ability through deep relaxation. Please call Marie at (250) 335-0850. JYOTISH CLASSES – Start October. 8-week classes, 2-hours per week. Call for more information: Phyllis 250-7579498. HOUSE SITTING POSITION WANTED – Healthy senior couple (with references & experience) will care for your home plus any pets. We are available from November 1st to end of April. Our areas of interest are Duncan, Nanaimo, Ladysmith, Chemainus, Parksville, Qualicum Beach, Bowser, Deep Bay, Courtenay, Comox. We require an internet connection. Our Services are Free. Contact Gord & Millie via e-mail: gmack4@hotmail.com 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 SEMI-FURNISHED ROOM – for mature, working female. NS, NP. Someone interested in keeping a clean and comfortable setting. $450/month plus half utilities. Available Sept 1. Please call 250-927-2221. ANTIQUES - SUMMER SALE Priced to clear - oak & pine country furniture, selected prints, tapestries & books 50% off. Traditional furniture 25% off, Royal Doulton figures 50% off. BONUS: Free hollyhock seeds & mint plants. Mildred’s 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. 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. 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 DON’S HOME REPAIR – plumbing repairs and installations, complete renovations, no job too small. Call Don @ 250-757-8757 or cell 250- 951-8757 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. TIME TO GET ORGANIZED! Call the man with a truck! 250-757-9182 THE CANADIAN SOCIETY OF QUESTERS – Next meeting is Mon. Sept. 26th 7pm at the Lighthouse Community Centre. Stephanie McColl presents: “How can we communicate with our pets?” Stephanie McColl, Animal Communicator, began her own practice and has been assisting people and their pets to live more fulfilling lives for the past 8 years. What are your pets really trying to tell you? Have you ever wondered why certain behaviours occur and what you can do about them? Join Stephanie for a fun evening of exploration into these questions and more. Bring a photo of your pet and together we’ll find out what they are really saying to us. FMI Call Chris 250752-1419. 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 THE FIX-IT SHOP – Repairs to: Lawn Mowers, Small Engines. Fanny Bay. Call (250) 702-2191.

COAL CREEK FARM – on MacArtney Drive in Fanny Bay has naturally fed, LEARN TO PLAY PIANO/KEYBOARD free range duck, chicken, turkey and – EXERCISE YOUR BRAIN! All ages, goose meat available various times formal or just for fun. In home/studio. of the year. Don’t forget to order your First lesson free! Inquiries welcome. FMI Thanksgiving turkey! Please call for Call Gina at “Music Land” (250) 927availability – ask for Paul or Christine 3005. (250) 335-1322.

RSC CONTRACTING - RENOVATION SPECIALIST. Structural to finish. Reliable, precise, insured. Contact Russ Charlton 250-240-2777.

Seniors Home Aid Qualicum Beach to Bowser

Meal Prep • Housework • Companionship 4 Yrs Health Care First Responder Certificates: CPR, Occupational First Aid, Food Safe

$20/hr • Minimum 2 ½ Hrs Call Elaine (250) 752-5693 Comforting, Compassionate help for your loved one in their home

EFT WORKSHOP

(EMOTIONAL FREEDOM TECHNIQUE ) FACILITATED BY VIVIENNE GREEN Saturday, September 17, 2011 • 10am - 4pm Morning Glory School • 861 Hilliers Road Call CATHERINE WHITTALL (250) 752-8310 to Reserve your spot TODAY !!! FMI on Vivenne Grenn visit www.myweightlossbreakthrough.com IF YOU DON’T TAKE CARE OF YOUR BODY... WHERE WILL YOU LIVE?

NELSON'S MUSIC STUDIO Piano/Theory Lessons Parksville/Qualicum Area Beginners to Advanced Your Home or Ours John/Margaret 250-954-5895

WILDWOOD COMMUNITY CHURCH 113 McColl Road, Bowser

Sunday Morning Worship 10:30 am 757-8136 / September 2011 39

Aries (March 21-April 19) You’re still in play mode (romance, the arts, parties and vacations) – yay! Nevertheless, this month, you’re obsessed about getting organized. Buy closet dividers, cleaning equipment, paint, shelving, baskets and containers for all your hobbies, because you want to at least give the appearance of being on top of your scene, which is not easy since you always have so much on the go. Nevertheless, act on this urge! You’re on a health kick, too. “More wheatgrass, anyone?”

the fruition of private, behind-the-scenes activity, because you have been busy! Trust your moneymaking ideas. Continue to promote yourself. Not only will money come your way, but you’ll be shopping for treasures for yourself and loved ones. In the next two years, you can put your name up in lights! (Every Leo likes this, whether they admit it or not.)

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) This month the Sun, Mercury and Venus are all in your sign giving you a maaahvelous boost of energy, plus attracting people Taurus (April 20-May 20) Finally, it’s your turn and fortunate circumstances to you. It’s truly your to party! (Mom always liked you best.) This is the time to shine! Because fair Venus paves the way perfect time for a vacation. It’s also a wonderful time in all your relationships, by making you especially to socialize, schmooze, enjoy the arts, see movies, diplomatic and charming, buy something special to attend sports events and enjoy playful times with enjoy these social times. Shop for wardrobe goodies children. And romance can shine now! New love can because you’ll like what you see in the mirror. Group flourish while existing relationships will get sweeter activities, especially sports and gym classes etc. will and cozier. Pleasure is your motto during this time please you. Yes! and what a coincidence – pleasure is your motto for Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) Play it low key this month. life! Work alone or behind the scenes (It appears secret Gemini (May 21-June 20) You’re earning more than love affairs are taking place.) Be diplomatic with usual but you’re also spending it, plus you’re keen to authority figures. Don’t wake the sleeping giant make your home more beautiful. (There’s nothing like because you are soft and crunchy on the inside. Your guests arriving to kick one into action, is there?) Your hour in the Sun is a month away and this is when focus on home, family and domestic matters is strong you’ll be especially empowered. In the meantime, for the next six weeks. No question. Interaction with enjoy schmoozing with others, especially artistic types a parent might be significant, too. And yet, you’re and people who are young. Set some goals for your busy writing, taking short trips and chatting to new year – birthday to birthday. everyone. But hey – you always are. Geminis don’t sit Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) A social month! Not only around getting dusty. will you enjoy schmoozing with others, you’ll be Cancer (June 21-July 22) You’re keen to hit involved with clubs. Friendships will be warm and the road with short trips, plus run around seeing cozy and new friendships might form. (A friend could everyone, while you read, write and talk to everyone. become a lover.) You’ll benefit by telling others about Yada, yada, yada. You’re PowerPoint on steroids! Part your hopes and dreams for the future, because their of what drives you now is you want to enlighten feedback will help you. Meanwhile, discussions with others about something. Amidst this flurry of authority figures are enlightening. Travel or explore activity, do save time for siblings, relatives and opportunities in publishing, the media, medicine, the neighbours, who also want to see you. Nevertheless, law and higher education. Good things are possible if you need to write, act, teach, market or sell for you! anything – you are unusually empowered. Use this! Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) This month the Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) I smell money coming! (Ah, Sun will slowly travel across the top of your chart. the sweet smell of success.) Most of this will be (This is the only time all year this happens.) It’s a

/ September 2011

very auspicious time because it casts you in a good light, and makes you look unusually competent and capable to others, especially bosses, parents, teachers and VIPs. They think you’re fabulous! (Milk this for all it’s worth.) Ask for a raise or a promotion. Demand the advantage. Use this next month to promote your ideas and pitch your projects. Travel for pleasure still appeals and publishing and the media continue to hold opportunities for you. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) You’re secretly eager for adventure. You want to blow this pop stand. Therefore, do whatever you can to shake it up a little. You want some juice in your life! Travel anywhere if you can. And if you can’t travel, be a tourist in your own city. Try to learn something new. Sign up for a course or mingle with people from different cultures and other countries so that you feel stimulated and enthused. You’ll love learning anything new. You might have difficulties with partners and close friends, but – hey, you don’t have to react. Your reaction is your business, right? Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) After juggling so many things in the air, finally, the Piper needs to be paid. (Ouch.) Many of you are focused on bills, debt, shared property, insurance matters and inheritances. You have a lot of loose ends here and you want to tie things up. Others can benefit you now so this could be good for you. The good news is, physical intimacy will be sweet and memorable in the month ahead. (Yes!) Think passion plus spoons in a drawer. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) In the month ahead, the Sun is going to be directly opposite your sign. (This happens only once a year.) Since the Sun is the source of energy for all of us – naturally, you will be low energy and will definitely need more rest and sleep. Factoid. Ignore this at your peril. Do not exhaust yourself. Fortunately, discussions with partners and close friends will be supportive and loving. Many of you are more active in sports now or busy with children. Relationships will reveal a lot now.

ACTIVE LIVING GUIDE

BECAUSE IT’S FUN by Chrissie Finnie, RDN Recreation Co-ordinator

all is here, and with it is the new RDN Recreation and Parks Active Living Guide. In addition to programs for families, children and preschoolers, this fall Recreation and Parks will be offering adults two very wonderful ways to rest, revive and try something new in Lighthouse Country: Nia® and Hatha Yoga. Nia is a sensory-based movement practice that leads to health, wellness and fitness. It empowers people of all shapes and sizes by connecting the body, mind, emotions and spirit. Anne-Marie Lisch, a certified Nia instructor says “Anyone can do Nia because it is always based on how your body feels today.” Nia combines the power moves of martial arts and the grace of dance, but is good for any and all fitness levels. Anne-Marie discovered Nia and received her training on Saltspring Island in 2006. She has been teaching in the Comox Valley since 2007, and will be joining us in Bowser for the first time this fall. Many Lighthouse Country residents may already know Fiona Mackey and Brandy Kosiancic. Fiona has been teaching yoga for a number of years and has taught in Bowser since 2009. Brandy is a local yoga instructor in Bowser, and started offering yoga in the spring and summer of 2011. For those who haven’t tried yoga, it is not just “stretching”. Yoga combines strength and flexibility with breathwork and introspection. Not only does the body benefit from yoga, but the mind can as well. Brandy explains, “As our bodies become softer and more pliable, so do our minds. It helps us to become better equipped to handle hardships and the stresses that life can sometime dish out.” Yoga is beneficial for all ages and fitness levels – you do not have to be “flexible” to do yoga! Ann-Marie Lisch will be offering Nia® at the Lighthouse Community Centre on Wednesday mornings starting in October. More information about Nia® and Ann-Marie is available at http://joyfulfitness.blogspot.com/ Fiona will be offering Hatha Yoga Tuesday mornings in September and October. Brandy will be offering Hatha Yoga Monday and Thursday evenings this Fall and Winter. See these and other RDN Recreation & Parks programs in the Fall ‘11/ Winter ’12 Active Living Guide. If you haven’t received yours in the mail, pick one up at Ravensong Aquatic Centre in Qualicum Beach, Oceanside Place in Parksville, or at EyesOnBC in Bowser. For more information, please call Chrissie at 250-757-8118, or cfinnie@rdn.bc.ca. ~

BUSINESS INFORMATION CENTRE Our Advertisers

Category............. Ad Page

EyesOnBC Business Centre............................ 29 Arrowsmith Automotive Automotive Services.......................29 Dominion Lending Centres, Elaine Peligren Business & Financial Services.........45 Jennifer Hubbard, Solicitor, Notary Public Business & Financial Services.........40 NR Insurance Services Business & Financial Services.........47 Wisdom is Within Coaching Business & Personal Coaching........21 Medicine Centre Health Services...............................31 Thermography Clinic Vancouver Island Health Services...............................23 Gemini Technical Services (Appliances) Home & Garden Services................46 Horne Lake Electric Home & Garden Services................45 King Renovations Home & Garden Services................45 Lighthouse Trucking Ltd. Home & Garden Services................45 NorthPacific Window Home & Garden Services................19 Qualicum Bay Custom Carpentry Home & Garden Services................44 Witte Construction Home & Garden Services................45 Handy Sandy Services Maintenance Services.....................44 Royal LePage - Carol Gregson Real Estate......................................32 Arrowsmith Golf & Country Club Sports & Leisure..............................14 Peter Mason Land Surveyor Surveying & Land Information........45 The advertisers listed here also have their business cards and brochures racked with us at The Beacon office in our Community Information Centre. If you require further information about any of the businesses noted above, please feel free to call or stop by our office. We support local business and firmly believe in the power of networking. We encourage you to “shop local” whenever possible. The above list of local businesses offer a variety of services and products for your personal and professional needs. Tell them you saw their listing or ad in The Beacon. And, if you use and can recommend a local business or service, we ask you to share the news with your neighbours, friends and family. Your positive referrals will ensure a strong economy in your community. And that’s important!

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!

/ September 2011 41

Community Event Calendar LIGHTHOUSE COMMUNITY CENTRE (LCC) Qualicum Bay - INFO: LOIS NELSON: 757-9938

Check out our new Brochure Builder! Go to ubcu.ca and click on the Brochure Builder… browse our various products and services. Create your very own customized Brochure!

Pancake Breakfast, Flea Market, Live Music, Veggies, Poultry & Small Animal Swap, Master Gardeners: – Sun Sept 11th, 8am-noon. The Bow Horn Bay Fire Department will be cooking up breakfast this morning. Lighthouse Seniors #152 – Next meeting Sept 13th. Regional meeting on Sept. 15. For more info call Shirley at 757-2384 Lighthouse Floor Curlers – Summer curling begins June 6th to Sept 12. Mondays 1 pm 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 Ann: 250-757-8194 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 Lighthouse Country Family Halloween Party at the LCC on Saturday, October 29 from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. Fun family event. Costumes, games, prizes and more! Volunteers needed. For more information contact Gonda Lekx at rglekx@shaw.ca.

RDN PROGRAMS 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. $71/8 classes. Mon. or Thurs. evenings 6-7:15pm starting Sept. 26th. Instructor: Brandy Kosiancic Tues 9:15-10:30am starting Sept. 13th Instructor: Fiona Mackey Nia® – Love Your Body. Love Your Life. Use the power of martial arts, the grace of dance, and the wisdom of the body to strengthen and enliven body, mind and spirit.Wed. 9:30-10:45am Oct 12-Nov 16 $56/6 42

/ September 2011

CHILDREN Bowser’s Got Talent 6-11yrs – Join your friends in the search for talent in Lighthouse Country! Each day you will try something new: dancing, “singing”, making humongous art projects, or completing a challenge. Come to this class with enthusiasm; ready to try something new and to showcase your own unique talents! Bowser Elementary School, Mon. 3-4:30pm $44.30/6 Oct 17-Nov 21 Lighthouse Race 6-11yrs – Get over the obstacles, complete the challenges, and work cooperatively to complete the Lighthouse Race! Each day will feature new challenges, new groups to work with, and new fun to be had. Bowser Elementary School Wed. 3-4:30pm $44.30/6 Oct 12-Nov 16 Lighthouse Sports for Shorts 3-5yrs – Try keeping up with your child as they learn different sports and games! Emphasis is on fun and introducing the fundamental movement skills of running, jumping, throwing. Parent participation is required. Bowser Elementary School, Sat Oct 15-Nov 19 $34/6 9:1510:00am 3-4yrs: 10:15-11am 4-5yrs Sports Jam 6-9yrs – Burn off energy! Enjoy 3 sports over 6 weeks including: floor hockey, soccer, and basketball. Girls and guys are welcome in this fun non-competitive program. Parents are encouraged to play too! Bowser Elementary School, Sat Oct 15-Nov 19 $34/6 11:15am-12pm Please contact Area H RDN programmer, Chrissie Finnie at 250-757-8118 or cfinnie@rdn.bc.ca for detailed program and registration information. Drop by EyesOnBC to pick up the new Fall/Winter Active Living Guide.

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS & CLUBS Final Black Track Tour of 2011 – Tom Paterson leads the tour of Nanaimo area mine sites, including Morden Colliery Sun. Sept.11. FMI cchristo@shaw.ca 250-714-0377 Parksville & District Community Choir invites all Oceanside singers to join us. Rehearsals: Tues. 7:15 - 9 pm (registration at 7 pm) beginning Sept 6th, at Knox United Church, 345 Pym St., PV. FMI call 250-752-8130 Awana a fun program for kids 5-11 every Wednesday 5:30pm - 7:15pm (Sept 14Apr 11), Oceanside Community Church, 1420 Alberni Highway, Parksville. www. oceansidecommunitychurch.ca 250-248-5333. Deep Bay Volunteer Fire Department - OPEN HOUSE Saturday, September 10th from 11:00am to 3:00pm at the Fire Hall, 5301 Mountainview

September 2011 Rd. off Gainsburg. Safety demonstrations, hotdogs kids events & photos. Come greet your local Volunteer Fire Fighters! New recruits and inquiries always welcome. FMI call Margaret 250-757-8351 Qualicum Beach Garden Club – Michael Cowan: Using Edible Landscaping in the Garden: The talk will help gardeners in their approach and incorporation & use of edible plants in their landscape. Learn the best cultivars, what is necessary to have success, and how best to manage the plants once you have them. Tues. Sept.13 QB Civic Centre (West Hall) @ 7:30 pm – www.qualicumbeachgardenclub. wordpress.com. Circle Eight Square Dance Club: Beginners classes start on Sept 26th. “Friendship set to music” – and good exercise, too! FMI call Elden at 250-752-3758 or Tony at 250-752-9152. Eaglecrest, Oceanside’s Garden Club – meets Sept. 21 7.30pm in Q.B. Civic Centre. Guest Ron Schuler, well known local landscaper, will speak on the topic: “Does your landscaping need rejuvenating?” FMI call 250-752-5315. Children’s Museum Day at the Qualicum Beach Museum – 587 Beach Road, on Sat. Sept.24, from 1 pm until 4 pm. Join in 20 fun filled activity stations on the Museum grounds. Refreshments and live music. Bring the whole family! FREE. Mid Island Floral Art Club will meet on Thurs. Sept. 8 at 2 pm at St. Stephen’s Church Hall, 150 Village Way, Qualicum Beach. Demonstration “Beyond the Basics: Reaching into the Abstract” by locally-renowned floral designer Helen Mussio. All welcome. Guest fee $5. Call 250-248-2976 or 250-752-2179 for more info. www. mifac.org Milner Gardens Fall Plant Sale – Sept. 24 & 25th 10 am to 4 pm. Milner Gardens & Woodland, 2179 West Island Highway, Qualicum Beach. Great discounts on heritage trees, shrubs and perennials propagated on site. Master Gardeners will be on hand to offer advice. Afternoon tea in the Tearoom, outdoor refreshments & hot dogs. Admission by donation. All proceeds support the Garden. Members only early access Sep 23rd from 5 to 7pm - membership card required for entry to the early access sale. FMI 250-752-6153 or please visit www.milnergardens.org 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) 7578384 Lighthouse Spinners – Every Tues. 10:30-2:30pm in the Community Centre Board Room. New members welcome. FMI Jo 250-757-8402 Dance To Timberline Band – Free, live old-time Country & Rock’n Roll music. Every Wed. 7:30 -10:30pm Parksville Legion, 146 West Hirst St., Parksville. All adults welcome.

Qualicum Beach Family History Society will be hosting an all-day workshop on October 22nd, 8:30-4:30pm at the Quality Resort Bayside, Parksville. FMI see page 18 of this issue or visit www.qbfhs.ca Oceanside Dementia Education DVD presentations: Where: The Gardens at Qualicum Beach, Theatre Room When: The fourth Tuesday of every month, from 2pm-4pm FREE. Register by calling 250.752.2818, ext. 0 to reserve your seat. Hope to see you there! Old Time Fiddle Jamboree: Music and Dancing hosted by the Coombs Old Time Fiddlers – Sat., Sept. 17th at the Coombs Rodeo Grounds. Open Stage - 1 pm. Afternoon Admission: $5. No charge for performers and children under 12. Featured Performer: Sarah Tradewell. Dance from 7:30 to 10 pm. Evening Admission: $5. Dry overnight camping available, FMI Call Roy: (250) 752-3636 or Nell (250) 752-4185. We welcome submissions from non-profit and charitable organizations to our Community Event Calendar. Please send them by email to us prior to the 15th of each month. Thank you. beacon@eyesonbc.com

/ September 2011 43

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

Culverts Drain Problems

Accommodation

Septic Installation

Lawn Services

Certified Septic System Specialist

Monthly Rentals Available September to April

Call Lauren & Save

Horse, General Farm & Wildlife Electric Fence & Nets 430 Grovehill Road • Qualicum Beach 250-757-9677

Cranial Sacral Therapy

Fencing

FERRIS FENCING

Home Improvement

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

/ September 2011

Military Surplus Pellet Fuel Sales

Drywall

Sewing Services

.. Biodegradable Free .. Solvent Concentrated Phosphate Free

Home Repairs

Enviro Products

Electrical Services

Picture Framing

Custom Carpentry

www.ferrisfencing.com • info@ferrisfencing.com

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

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

2003 Kobelco SK160Lc Excavator for Hire

Heating

drywall Drywall

Excavating

Land Surveying

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

Movie & Game Rental

778-427-2606

Witte Construction

the foot sanctuary reflexology $ 22 foot massage Pedicures $ 25 1 hr. stimulating

T.J. Farrell

250 • 240 • 7778 tjfarrell@shaw.ca

Plumbing

Foot Care

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

RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL ALTERNATE ENERGY

Serving Bowser & Deep Bay

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

Mortgage Lending

Call Trish 757.8030 tomandtrish@shaw.ca

Sand - Gravel - Topsoil

Est. 1985

Heating & Cooling

WCB & Insured Shaun Witte Owner/Journeyman

Electrician

Construction

LTD

House Painting

Specializing in Drywall Finishing Commercial • Residential Free Quotes

Brandy Kosiancic

Custom Renovations

Windows & Doors

RENOVATIONS • WINDOWS DOORS • SUNROOMS

105 Islewood Dr. Bowser, BC V0R 1G0

/ September 2011 45

Philip Brown

Sani Services

INSTALLATION SERVICE & REPAIRS

250-240-4902 • 250-757-8077 EVENINGS

Appliance Repair

Barber Services

Plumbing Gas Heating

Yoga Classes Hearing Services

250.594.0108 www.oceansideyoga.com

PLUMBING • GAS • HEATING

/ September 2011

Plumbing & Gas Services

Tree Service

Chimney Cleaning

Parts Store Open Mon to Fri 9-4

Join us for worship, prayer and fellowship with others from the community

ROASTED FRESH DAILY

Roastery and Coffee Shop COOMBS JUNCTION 2701 Alberni Hwy.

Mon-Fri 10-5 ď ł Sat-Sun 11-4

Sunday Worship 10:00 am