Sept 2015 eyesonbc magazine

September 2015 vol 11 issue 09

Serving Vancouver Island & the Gulf Islands

MAGAZINE

Nanaimo Foodshare: Local Food Matters • 7 If I think about umbrellas... • 10 Ripple Rock: The Big Boom • 18 John Beaton’s: “Close to Coho” • 19

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FEATURES 5 7 10

Editorial Nanaimo Foodshare: Local Food Matters If I Think about Umbrellas...

FOOD, ENTERTAINMENT, OUTDOORS 14 18 19 21

Tide Table Ripple Rock: The Big Boom Poet’s Corner: John Beaton’s “Close to Coho” ECHO’S “Calendar Girls”

COMMUNITY LIFE

website: www.powerhousefitnessclub.com • email: powerhouse1@shaw.ca 13 15

From the Desk of ... RDN Director, Bill Veenhof Humans of Oceanside: Glenn Sollitt

THE REGULARS

New season!

New style!

New YOU! Cut · Style · Colour ... and more

8 17 20 22-23

In the Stars: Georgia Nicols Horoscope Classifieds Community Events At Your Service - Local Services & Trades

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 publisher will assume no liability.

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

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EDITORIAL

MAGAZINE

September 2015 vol 11 No 9

EyesOnBC Magazine is published monthly Showcasing our community since 2004 Main Email: info@eyesonbc.com Phone: 250-757-9914 Mailing Address EyesOnBC Magazine, Box 182, Bowser, BC V0R 1G0 Hours: Mon - Thu 10-4 Our Contributors this month: David Morrison, Georgia Nicols, Joanne Sales, Bill Veenhof, Kim Young, Linda Tenney, John Beaton On the Internet www.eyesonbc.com & www.facebook.com/eyesonbc For Advertising Options Call 250-757-9914 to inquire or visit www.eyesonbc.com/advertise to request ad rates.

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by Linda Tenney

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his month David Morrison tells us about the work that Nanaimo Foodshare is doing here on Vancouver Island. Food security crosses everyone’s mind from time to time ... especially when you consider that should a disaster happen, we have about 3 days worth of food available to us until help arrives. But what if it didn’t? Education is key, and Nanaimo Foodshare is doing its best to get the word out about increasing food security right here in our neighbourhood. David’s article: “Nanaimo Foodshare: Local Food Matters” starts on page 7.

When we finally got rain in August, Joanne Sales thought about umbrellas and decided to take us on a cultural journey to explore the many meanings and uses of what can sometimes seem a mundane accessory. Not so! Read Joanne’s “If I think about Umbrellas...” starting on page 10 and I’m sure that you’ll learn something new about your plain old umbrella. I certainly did!

Then Kim Young takes us outdoors to the site of the famous Ripple Rock explosion, just north of Campbell River. Kim shares some interesting history about the site, and takes us on up to the summit for a spectacular view of Seymour Narrows, once the bane of the coastal mariner.

It’s a calf-strengthening hike to the top, but well worth the huffing and puffing to see this historical site that now lies deep under the Salish Sea. Kim’s article: “Ripple Rock” starts on page 18.

As always, I encourage you to get out there and live life to the fullest! And shop locally whenever you can. ~

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“One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.” - Virginia Woolf (1882-1941)

Nanaimo Foodshare: Local Food Matters that supermarkets give unsold food to charities in dire need of it, rather than destroy it. And I utterly despair that Canada as a whole wasted an estimated $31 billion worth of food in 2014. Although this would include retailers, restaurants and so forth, this equates to over $865 worth of wasted food for every single person in the country. Read those figures again, and be outraged!

by David Morrison

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ike anyone, I think about food a lot. This year I have pondered it more than usual, simply because for the first time in my life last year I started growing my own vegetables.

Yet when I think of food I have always done so well beyond the everyday ways we all naturally think of it. Obviously far from unusual in this regard, I have made many political and/or lifestyle decisions concerning food, such as opting not to purchase or consume this or that because I do not agree with how it might reach my plate, or which company is responsible for delivering it there, so to speak.

It is clear that even in the year 2015 we have so much to learn about managing our food resources, and even what is and is not healthy and nutritious for us, but at least we are fortunate to have proactive individuals and organizations out there committed to educating us to this end. In my city, the non-profit charity Nanaimo Foodshare is one such organization.

And I think a lot about the inexcusable failings of our species when it comes to food: gluttony, hunger and waste.

Although the issues behind the scenarios are often complex, like any right-minded individual I remain bewildered as to how people anywhere – including my community and yours - can go hungry when across the board we waste so much. Food is, of course, a human right, as it is to be free from hunger, so I loudly applaud such as the recent French legislation demanding •

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look simple enough on paper, but that there is a need for organizations of this nature at all is proof enough that it is not.

Founded in 2000, Nanaimo Foodshare is a multi-faceted body with an allvolunteer Board that through its various programs and activities is fully engaged with the community in respect of its over-arching aims. As General Manager Jen Cody explains, their mission is “to help people to develop the skills they need to have good food.“ That may •

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“We build community food security and our focus is to build a local sustainable community food system,” Cody continues. “Education is the most important part of what we do.” If the term ‘food security’ is unfamiliar, the World Health Organization defines it as a situation that ‘exists when all people at all times have access to sufficient, safe, nutritious food to maintain a healthy and active life.’

Nanaimo Foodshare and their contemporaries across Canada look to increase food security in their respective communities. This ongoing process involves educating people to prioritize purchasing locally or provincially grown - and organic produce whenever possible; patronizing stores and farms that sell local food (a mentality that I preach should be applied to any kind of local product); continued on page 16

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WHAT’S HAPPENING IN AUGUST!

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CLOSED MONDAYS

Aries (March 21-April 19) This month is a preview of coming attractions because your year ahead is the best time in over a decade to improve your job; and this month your focus on your job becomes strong. This same influence applies to your health. In other words, you will improve your health in the coming year, and this month, you will start some kind of new regime, be it diet or exercise, to boost your health.

However, Venus and Mars still put you in party mode. No matter what your age – you don’t look a day over adorable.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) Things are heating up for you because so many opportunities to have a good time are on your horizon. You might meet someone new. (Hopefully, you’re not humming Tinder is the Night.) Existing partnerships will become romantic and fun-loving. In fact, every aspect of your life will become more fun loving, including sports events and playful times with kids. The month ahead is perfect for vacations, social soirées, long lunches, musical performances, the arts and just hanging out with your pals.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) This month, your focus is on home, family and your private life. All of you will become more focused on the enjoyment of family and how you spend your private time. Some will improve your home by expanding it or move into bigger digs. Others will contemplate renovations and redecorating projects.

Alternatively, you might just cocoon and escape from the busy social swirl around you. This is understandable because both Venus and Mars continue to attract new faces, new places and exciting new situations into your world.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) This month the daily pace of your days will accelerate. Short trips, errands, increased reading and writing plus more involvement with siblings, relatives and neighbours are just some of the reasons your schedule will be jam-packed in the month ahead. Fortunately, with Jupiter nearby, your optimism is high. You’re excited to be

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doing all these things. You’re not complaining. In part, this could be because your finances are starting to improve. Yes, when the gears start to grind, money is a wonderful lubricant.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) This is a lovely time because both Venus and Mars are in Leo. In fact, fair Venus will stay in your sign until October, attracting social occasions to you, while, at the same time, making you charming and appealing to everyone. Venus can do that. Right now your focus on money, cash flow, earnings, finances, assets and possessions is stronger. This will be a thoughtful month because not only are you thinking about your wealth, at a deeper level, you will ponder your core values. What really matters? (Beyond fame, fun and friends.)

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Oh joy! Both the Sun and Jupiter are in Virgo. It doesn’t get better than this. Well, I lied. There is always room for “better”, isn’t there? That’s what makes contentment so elusive. It’s also why contentment has an aspect of intelligence. But enough of profundity. You’re pumped because this is your turn to recharge your batteries for the rest of the year. With the Sun in your sign, you attract important people and favourable circumstances to you. This is the one time where it is just fine to put yourself first.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) Because your birthday is just one month away, this month is the best time to plan what you want your new year to be all about. For starters, how do you want it to be different from this last year? Think about this because if you define some goals, you will find that they will be more easily achieved simply because you have named them to yourself. They already have that much “reality.” Venus and Mars will continue to push you into social situations, as well as competitive, physical sports. Enjoy schmoozing!

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) You’re entering a popular year, and this month will kick it off beautifully. That’s why you feel a stronger need to join clubs, groups and associations.

You will also become more involved with your friends, as well as make new friends. In addition, your interactions with others will not just be fun, social escapes; these interactions will actually benefit you – physically, financially, practically and psychologically. This is the perfect month to define your future goals. (“I want a pony and I want to be a ballerina.”)

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) This month, the Sun is at the top of your chart, which is the only time all year this happens. Because it throws a flattering light on you, bosses, parents and VIPs are impressed with you. Now is the time to ask for a promotion or the endorsement of an idea or the approval for something you want to do. Things will unfold as you want them to because Jupiter at the top of your chart is triggering a year-long boost to your professional reputation. Nevertheless, Venus and Mars urge you to travel for pleasure. Oh dear, what a drag.

More fun and travel. Suck it up.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) This month brings travel, new ideas and discussions about politics, religion, philosophy, racial issues, medicine and the law. Many will also discover opportunities opening up in publishing and the media. Basically, it’s time for you to expand your world and this month is your introduction into this. Naturally, some of you will expand it by travelling; but you can also enhance your life through training and more education.

This month in particular, is a good time to sign up for a course.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) You’re entering an intense month. Everything has a more black-and-white quality, a life-or-death overtone. Along with it will be a strong desire on your part to become a better person – to really pull your act together so you can take it on the road. This will trigger some soul-searching. If you’re in the midst of disputes about inheritances or shared property, you will defend your own best interests. The good news is this same intensity amps your sex life. Did I say life? I should be more specific. Your sex drive – the rest is up to you.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) The Sun is opposite your sign now. Since the Sun is your source of energy and it is now as far away from you as it gets all year, you will need more sleep. Go to bed. This polarized position of the Sun also means that you will be focused on friendships and partnerships more than usual. Fortunately, it will give you a chance to learn more about yourself through your intimate one-to-one relationships. This is not the month to go it alone. Be involved with others. It’s also a good time to consult experts – counsellors, doctors or an astrologer. ~

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IF I THINK ABOUT UMBRELLAS ...

by Joanne Sales

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ur well went dry on August 25th. The man who brought us our temporary well refill said that by that day, one third of the wells in Coombs were dry. We had just seen the hottest July on record for our small planet, and possibly the driest summer ever in Western B.C. All I wanted to do was to go for a walk in the rain - with an umbrella.

Rain is probably the most maligned of all beloved blessings. We’ve loaded rain with a heavy dose of ill will. Weather reporters talk about rain as though it were a curse from the dark lords of the underworld. A rainy day is called “bad weather.”

We don’t want it to rain on our parade; but tomorrow is somebody else’s parade. The poor rain spirits, whoever and whatever they are someone is always wishing them away. And now that we want them back, we don’t really know how to do it. (Just how do we do a rain dance?)

Does what we think about – or write about – have impact on our experience? Quantum physicists would say yes. So would I. In 1985, I was writing an article about snakes, inspired because my cousin Judy’s sons let a snake escape in her car. She worked at night as a waitress. So after midnight, like some Alfred Hitchcock movie , it 1 0

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was “Judy and the Snake” driving around the beltway of Washington, D.C. After a week, it slithered away.

“pale skin” fashion switched to “tan skin fashion.” Tan skin was proof of a person’s “beach lifestyle.”

So, that afternoon, I left my typewriter and went down to the creek to check on my own sons.

Luke lost a flip flop in the creek, so I went running to catch it. And what did I encounter, stretched at least 5 feet across the dirt road? Was I seeing things? I sure was. A snake!

The biggest snake I had ever or would ever see outside the zoo.

Protection from the sun is not a joke, however. I just had my birthday in August, and the Sun is the “planet” of Leo. In Vedic (Indian) astrology, we Leos are reminded - Don’t get on an ego trip about having the Sun as your planet. In India, the sun can be brutal, devastating and even deadly – as we have now witnessed. Every ‘thing’ is only good in balance.

That was really weird. I decided to start writing about umbrellas, in hopes that I would need one. It turns out umbrellas are quite interesting.

Indeed, in the tan vs pale skin flip flop, we are in a time of change again, with rising health concerns about potentially harmful UV radiation. Parasols may yet return.

Parasols came first – 4000 years ago!

A pole and a leaf; a walking canopy; shade on a stick. In hot climates, the parasol gave protection from the hot sun. Over time, parasols became status symbols for the rich and nobility, and soon, fashion dictated that rulers and nobility have pale skin.

In Thailand, the nine-tiered umbrella was the symbol of royal authority for the king; and without being presented with this umbrella in ceremony, the king could not use any umbrella. (Yet another proof that we live like kings.)

Waterproof umbrellas weren’t available until the early 20th century. They became popular at the same time that parasols lost popularity. In the 1920s, the historic

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Most recently, in September 2014, the pro-democracy demonstrations in Hong Kong became known as the Umbrella Movement. Tens of thousands of protestors brought umbrellas to weeks of protests. The umbrellas were minimal help in protecting them from teargas, but became a powerful symbol for the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong. Images of umbrellas in Hong Kong now have the power of the peace sign for us.

We don’t usually think that we are seeking safety or taking refuge under an umbrella – but basically that is what we are doing.

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A monkey who lived in an oasis in the desert wanted very much to go exploring, but the desert was too hot. One day he found a Magic Umbrella! He lifted it over his head to protect himself from the sun and joyfully went off into the desert. The freedom was wonderful!

But the desert sand still burned his feet. Then his Magic Umbrella started to rain! Rain fell from inside the umbrella. It was burning hot outside, and raining inside – under the umbrella. Now the monkey could dance through the desert with rain falling on him. A traveling oasis!

continued from page 10

In the early 90s, I met a holy woman from India, and fell completely in love. I spent the next decade deeply involved in Hinduism, the oldest surviving religion on the planet.

One of their beautiful rituals is a puja which originated about 500 B.C. A puja involves chanting and making offerings to the Divine Being -– as you see It. Offerings could be flowers, water, sacred seeds, cloth, candy, food - or an umbrella! Why an umbrella?

An umbrella represents refuge from the elements. Protection from out of balance rain, sun, monsoons, drought, hail - out of balance anything! With a deep understanding of cause and effect, a person offers the symbol of protection to the Divine, knowing that what is offered is returned.

What is given comes back to the giver. The truth is, we really can’t give anything away – we can only give into the circle in which we dwell. As we give to another, we give it to ourselves as well.

A cobra and a tiger tried to steal the umbrella, but the umbrella snapped shut on them. A gazelle took refuge under the umbrella with the monkey, and where the rain fell, grass grew, and the starving gazelle was able to eat! She was so grateful. “How can I repay you?” she said to the monkey? The money said, “There is no need to repay me.

You’ve shown me the secret of my umbrella. You were grateful, not greedy. Will you travel with me?”

The Eastern concept of Karma rests on this understanding. Karma is not an instrument of punishment, but the mechanism of balance, connected to the belief that energy doesn’t die and neither do we. So our karma goes with us, good and bad. When you plant a lettuce seed, you get lettuce in return. As we sow, so do we reap. So you offer the protection of an umbrella, and you receive that protection in return.

If we could find some magic umbrellas, how high and expansive would our umbrellas be? Could it cover the blueberry field, the watershed, the islands? How many gazelles (and other living things) could we bring under its healing rain? Could our Magic Umbrella reach as far as the drought stricken fields of Alberta?

The last umbrella analogy is more difficult to describe, although many of us have experienced it. It has to do with how high and inclusive our umbrella of consciousness is, and how many beings we allow within it.

The umbrella is used as a symbol for visualization, to protect oneself. when one feels in danger of any sort – a portable refuge. Imagining an invisible umbrella above oneself is kind of like pulling on Harry Potter’s cloak of invisibility!

Imagine holding hands in a circle with a group of people. Instead of keeping yourself contained in your own egg-sized bubble of “my space”, expand your awareness

But an umbrella symbol doesn’t just keep danger away. It can also be an enclosure that holds goodness in.

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of the whole group. Let the group become “my space.” This is called the Walk of the Saints.

We aren’t saints yet, so we have to start small, like at the kitchen table.

Rather than just being “you”, you can for the moment become “us.”

Then you spread your umbrella over larger circles. The ferry is a good practice zone, for all the chaos and diversity is very much contained; a metal hull divides the ball of humanity from the broad expanse of the sea. Vancouver Island and connected islands are also a conceivable space with boundaries that we can hold under our umbrella of protection.

The saints could hold their umbrella of inclusion over whole populations, and all beings – which is what made them saints. That’s where we’re all headed – “Come hell or high water”, as my grandmother would say.

A bumper sticker from the 90s said simply, “Worth Every Drop,” acknowledging the importance of rain in our rain forests, and the beauty we enjoy because of it. Only the rain separates us from Texas, or Easter Island.

“Rain in due season.” Many blessings upon it! Bring it on. Let’s stop complaining about rain, but welcome it instead. A rainy day is a beautiful day. As for me, I’m going to get a new umbrella.

We do have our hands in the creation of this drought. We need to have our hearts and minds engaged in finding relief from it. ~ Joanne Sales is a freelance writer, blueberry farmer living in rural Qualicum Beach, and Director of Vancouver Island’s Broombusters Invasive Plant Society. Questions about her articles should be directed to joanne@glasswing.com. For information or questions regarding Broombusters Invasive Plant Society - www.broombusters.org. Ph: 250-7524816, Email: info@broombusters.org

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am writing this in early August as Arlene and I will depart shortly for an extended canoe trip on the Bowron Lakes circuit. I will miss the deadline for publishing if I write this after I return. This means that some of what follows may be dated and that I may have missed a few things.

Hopefully when you read this, I will be back…otherwise…I will have been eaten by the grizzly bears….

Please feel free to contact me on any of this, or any other matter that concerns you.

Jobs - Berry season is in full swing and Hilliers Estate Farms may still be looking for people to help pick their crop. The farm is near Qualicum Beach. The job pays by the hour and should last until October. If you are interested please send a resume to info@hilliersestate.ca or by fax 250-7527566. Their office number is 250-5941146.

Lighthouse Country Fall Fair - Our annual Fall Fair is hosted by the Bow Horn Bay Community Club and will be held at the Lighthouse Community Centre on September 5th, it is always a great event.

Lighthouse Community Centre - A very dedicated group of volunteers at the Lighthouse Community Centre are doing a great deal to deliver some wonderful community programs. You can see what they are up to by visiting their web site at: www.communityhall.ca

FROM THE DESK OF THE DIRECTOR BILL VEENHOF

Regional Director, Area H billveenhof.com - ph: 778-424-2810 ■ bill.veenhof@shaw.ca

For all of the following programs, call RDN, Recreation and Parks at 250-7525014 to pre-register.

Lighthouse Plant Tour - Learn about the wild plants that you can eat; Stinging Nettles, Salal, Miner’s Lettuce and more! Discover how to identify each plant and use them for your own survival and comfort on a daily basis. Thursday, September 10, from 9:30 to 11:30 am, cost is $15.50.

Mount Cokely guided hike - Ascend via the “Saddle” route and scramble to the summit ridge using hand-holds and careful foot placement for a rewarding view, including a possible glimpse of the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State. Transportation provided from Ravensong Aquatic Centre to trail head.

Saturday, September 12th from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Cost is $45 per person.

Horne Lake Canoe Tour - Dabble in freshwater flora and fauna and discover the mysteries and geology of Mount Mark from the “best seat in the house” on this nature paddle. A brief introductory canoe lesson will start you off – no experience necessary. All canoe and safety equipment provided along with transportation to and from Oceanside Place Arena. Saturday, September 12th from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm, cost is $50/1.

Moorecroft Regional Park Bird Tour - Bring your camera and binoculars for a tour that will delight both novice and expert bird watchers. Guy Monty, a local bird expert, will lead you through Moorecroft Regional Park which is host to a diverse list of bird species. Tuesday September 15 from 7:00 to 9:00 pm, cost is $15.50 per person.

Sno Cone Wednesdays - Join us at Ravensong Aquatic Centre on Wednesday September 16 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm for a swim and a cool treat.

BBQ and DJ Teen Swim 13-18yrs Celebrate the end of summer with a free BBQ, field games and teen swim at Ravensong Aquatic. The BBQ and field games begin at 5:30 pm, with the swim from 7:00 to 9:00 pm on Friday September 18. Free admission courtesy of the Youth Recreation Services Plan.

Mount Moriarty guided hike - Hike from Labour Day Lake along the ‘Stairmaster’ - a steep forest trail leading to the summit, then along, an undulating alpine ridge where it is beautiful beyond words. Transportation provided from Ravensong Aquatic Centre to trail head. Saturday, September 19th from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, cost is $50 per person. continued on page 23

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. Printed courtesy Canadian Hydrographic Service. ADD 1 hour to times until Sunday, November, 1, 2015

LOCAL TIDE SEPTEMBER 2015

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

Phone: 250-757-8944 Fax: 250-757-8654

Open daily 8am to 8pm

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Keri Coles Photography

HUMANS OF OCEANSIDE

The Sollitt Family

Glenn Sollitt F

isherman, family man, businessman, Glenn Sollitt has spent the past 18 years living in Nanoose Bay and Qualicum Beach with his wife Fiona, their daughters Rosie and Kaeli, both students at UVIC and son Tyson, now living and working in Victoria. His parents Wayne and Yvonne Sollitt moved their family from Edmonton, Alberta to Salt Spring Island when Glenn was eight-years old (coincidentally the riding in which Elizabeth May would eventually win as the Green Party’s first Member of Parliament) where he grew up and met his wife Fiona. She works as a District support teacher and also runs a private business for families with children with autism.His parents are active members of the community, and keeping it in the family, father Wayne is busy building wooden frames for his son’s election signs while daughter Rosie is taking off her next semester at university to campaign with her dad.

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by Carolyn Walton

Growing up on Salt Spring Island, Glenn became a commercial fisherman: deck handing for his father, later leasing boats and eventually building his own boat and fishing to put himself through university, receiving his degree in Mechanical Engineering at UBC. Degree in hand he was hired

by Norpac Controls, serving the process industries in BC. Norpac was an award winning company and a terrific environment to enhance skills in business professionalism, responsibility, accountability and management.

Ready for a change, Glenn worked in management in the shellfish aquaculture industry, later creating his own seafood distribution company, Glacier View Seafoods Ltd. named after the iconic Comox glacier in Courtenay.

Glenn has spent a lifetime working in the electoral district of CourtenayAlberni; commercially fishing out of Bamfield, Ucluelet, Port Alberni and French Creek, also as Norpac’s territory •

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manager for all island businesses including Alberni’s paper mill. Glacier View Seafoods has customers and suppliers throughout the area. He has also volunteered with the Pacific Salmon Foundation.

“I chose to run in this election because I feel we need to restore democracy and I see the Green Party of Canada as the best solution to begin that process.”Glenn says. “Elizabeth May has done a fantastic job in her first four years as an MP and I get encouraged to think about what else can be done with a larger caucus of Green MPs. Vancouver Island, and it’s place in Canada, is very important to me. As is Canada, and it’s place in the world. I want to work and contribute towards restoring our position. One of the most important aspects, to me, of the Green Party is that it cannot “whip” MPs. That means I will represent CourtenayAlberni to the government and never the other way around. The top three issues for this riding are: Replacing the existing government, the economy and green jobs and opposing Kinder-Morgan and increased tanker traffic.” ~ E Y E S O N B C . C O M

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continued from page 7 using fresh food over processed or convenience food, and also sharing any excess food.

Since launching it in 2003 one Nanaimo Foodshare initiative concerning the latter aspect has been the promotion of the ancient practice of gleaning.

For the uninitiated, gleaning is quite simply the perfect way to deal with an excess amount of vegetables, fruits or nuts grown in backyards or on farms.

Nanaimo Foodshare volunteers pick or gather the produce and haul it away to be responsibly distributed, such as to family and friends and donations to the food bank. With such an abundance of it grown locally, right there is one easy way to combat waste in the form of saving produce from needlessly rotting.

In just twelve years gleaning organized

by Nanaimo Foodshare has collected over seventy metric tons of vegetables, fruits and nuts, benefiting thousands of people directly, and even more via twenty-one community agencies.

Other educational initiatives that Nanaimo Foodshare have introduced apply a ‘get ‘em while they’re young’ philosophy. The Farm 2 School program, for example, aims to improve nutrition and educate elementary schoolchildren (within School District #68) as to the importance of eating healthily via an ‘All You Can Eat’ salad bar of locally grown produce, for just $4 per child. Guest speakers from local farms talk to the kids about their produce and how it is grown, thereby sowing seeds of interest in healthy living at an impressionable age. What’s more, the concept is adaptable, so also available for parties and all manner of other functions, for children and adults alike.

In operation for ten years now, the Summer Lunch Munch is another program aimed squarely at keeping children eating healthily during the months when school is out. Aimed at 9 to 12-year olds, as the name implies Kids Get Cooking provides children with the skills to prepare delicious, healthy meals, while an additional gardening component takes the kids from planting seeds to cooking with what they have grown.

In partnership Our family has proudly with John Barsby served the Oceanside Community communities since 1998. School, a similar, We believe in providing free eight-week the highest level of after-school service in a professional Nanaimo and affordable manner, Foodshare program named Scratch without compromising teaches students in our commitment to grades 8 to 10 how reliable and respectful to plan and prepare service to our families. meals.

This is all very good work, yet there is much more to the services and programs Nanaimo Foodshare

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and their ilk provide (such as the Lush Valley Food Action Society in Courtenay: lushvalley.org / (250) 331 0152. Contact the organizations directly for full information.). Additionally, Nanaimo Foodshare is hands-on involved with several high profile, food-oriented annual events in the city. Most reading will have heard of Seedy Sunday, taking place at various locations around Vancouver Island from January to March each year, but next up for 2015 is the wonderful Harvest Festival.

From 11:00 am to 5:00 pm on Saturday September 12, Wesley Street in Nanaimo’s Old City Quarter will host this celebration of the bounty of the season with lots of live music, guest speakers, fun activities for the whole family and, of course, lots of fresh produce and other goods on sale. Entry is by donation, with collected donations going to Nanaimo Foodshare.

Then on September 26, a brand new event named Feastival is to be held at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre (VICC) on Commercial Street. From 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, just about every aspect of all things locally culinary will be packing three rooms of the VICC in a showcase being labelled the ‘midIsland’s premiere food-to-fork event.’ It promises to be excellent.

I hope to be at both Feastival and the Harvest Festival, but in the meantime I have been taking notes, if you will, and continuing to apply Nanaimo Foodshare’s core philosophies to my daily life. Indeed, for dinner this evening my wife and I had wholemeal pasta with homemade pesto from our own basil, cherry tomatoes and zucchinis from our garden, and some green beans ‘gleaned’ from a friend’s garden. Delicious, nutritious, and as locally grown as can be achieved.

Nanaimo Foodshare is located at 271 Pine St., Nanaimo, and open 8:00 am to 4:00 pm daily, Monday to Friday. For further information please visit www. nanaimofoodshare.ca or telephone (250) 753 9393.

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SERVICES OFFERED / NEEDED FIRST RATE MASONARY – Over 15 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.

ISLAND GOSPEL CENTRE

HEALTHY LIVING KOMBUCHA - Make Your Own Kombucha Workshops offered in Coombs by Joanne Sales who has been making Kombucha for over 20 years. joanne@glasswing. com, www. islandhealing.ca

THE FIX-IT SHOP – Repairs to all makes and models of lawnmowers and ride on lawn tractors, including John Deere. Pick-up and delivery available. Used equipment for sale. Call (250) 702-2191 or email fixitshop009@gmail.com

“A house of LIGHT in Lighthouse Country” Sundays - 10AM Worship 90 McColl Road, Bowser, BC (250) 757-8253

FOR SALE FOR SALE ... large wooden artist’s easel LIKE NEW - $200. Drafting table $60. Phone Ann at 250-871-5708

MAGAZINE

ITEMS NEEDED

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

The BOW HORN BAY VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPT is looking for donations of vehicles for our auto extrication training program.

Please contact Chief Steve Anderosov at 250.757.9433 or 250.240.0419 to make arrangements.

Parksville / Qualicum / Bowser PICK-UP, TUNE-UP AND CLEAN-UP FOR SMALL ENGINE POWERED EQUIPMENT. Riding mowers, garden tractors, etc. Call Ron at (250) 937-0044 or email ronmorrison100@gmail.com FOOTCARE – HYGIENE Soaking feet, cutting nails, filing calluses, treating dry skin – fingernails, too.

Reflexology - one-hour sessions.

Services offered from Nanoose to Courtenay. Please call Vikki at (250) 757-9244.

FOLLOW US ...

LEARNING / CLASSES

• on Facebook www.facebook.com/eyesonbc

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

• on Twitter www.twitter.com/eyesonbc • on our Website www.eyesonbc.com

WORSHIP

FOR RENT LARGE RV SITES FOR RENT close to Spider Lake. Farm market open 7-days a week, May 9th to September.

Power, sewer and water connection.

250-619-8047. www.pineridgefarm.ca

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WILDWOOD COMMUNITY CHURCH

LIGHTHOUSE COMMUNITY CENTRE

Sunday Morning Worship 10:30 am 757-8136

Available for Rentals Call 778-424-9900

113 McColl Road, Bowser

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The Ripple Rock explosion was planned to avoid salmon & herring runs. Five orca, a school of porpoises, two sea lions and one fur seal seen in the waters before the blast, were all accounted for afterwards by the Fisheries Department.

Ripple Rock

THE BIG BOOM!

Kim Young photo

“The final climb to the lookout is steep but on a sturdy metal staircase and I’ve lost count of the number of steps, but suddenly, there it is.... a grassy meadow and rocky summit with an all-encompassing view of Seymour Narrows, Quadra and Maud Islands.” - Kim Young

by Kim Young

T

he name of one of my all time favorite hikes conjures up neither the drama nor the devastation that historically surrounds this massive “rock”.

Willie Mays and the New York Giants’ move to San Francisco. Does this seem like eons ago?

The History

I

April 5, 1958, 9:31:02 a.m.

16km north of Campbell River

n one of the first live broadcasts across Canada, the CBC announcer’s shaky voice boomed out the countdown over the airwaves: “Ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, ..........”

The blast that detonated Ripple Rock lasted less than ten seconds and erupted a massive geyser of 700,000 tons of rock and water to an incredible height of one thousand feet above the water!

The year was 1958 and you could buy a copy of Life Magazine for 25 cents.

Indeed, when the story of the explosion at Ripple Rock was published in Life Magazine, it shared headlines with

sunken vessels and the loss of 114 lives.

Despite how long ago, the explosion to remove one of our continent’s greatest marine hazards is still considered an incredible feat of engineering. Over a period of twentyseven months, a tunnel, from Maud Island and incredibly, underneath & up through Ripple Rock, was dug.....a massive “root canal”. On the momentous day in 1958, the plunger was pushed on 1400 tons of explosives. Within seconds, after nearly a century of wreaking havoc, the summit of the twin peaks was now safely 47 feet underwater.

The explosion site was Seymour Narrows, a strait just 2 miles long and 1/2 mile across, a key channel in navigating the inside passage of Vancouver Island and for industry, a crucial transport route for shipping vessels. But, the passage was, in Captain George Vancouver’s words, “one of the vilest stretches of water in the world.”

The danger in the Narrows was due to Ripple Rock, an underwater mountain with two deadly peaks; the highest peak lay just 9 feet below the surface at low tide, the second peak, 21 feet. Combined with voracious whirlpool and tidal currents, navigators had little margin for error, By the time of the explosion, the risk to navigation had critically hampered trade and commerce in BC and recorded casualties included 119

The story of Ripple Rock is one of tragedy but also of human ingenuity and engineering prowess; literally a tale of overcoming obstacles and the story lives on with Ripple Rock Trail, inviting you to rocky bluffs overlooking the site of the explosion. ~

RIPPLE ROCK – CONTINUED ON PAGE 23 1 8

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CLOSE TO COHO Morning I walk the beach by light of pre-dawn stars, discern the creek and track its shoreline swale along a trace where rocks and gravel meet and shells lie still as ivory in graves.

I

t’s coming up to that time of year when we have the privilege of being able to fish for coho salmon from our beaches.

This poem describes that experience, including an incident in which I ended up being a true conservationist.

The tide is low and freshly off the turn.

I note a surface seam, fresh water’s trail.

And through the silver dulse-weed at its mouth I wade to level sandy-bottomed ground.

The eel-grass lies in patches, swaying east: the tide begins to move along the coast, and salmon schools align to face its flow; I’ve judged that here a shoal will swing around.

I cast my fly into the sun’s first blush.

A morning breeze begins to grate its sheen, and then I see a single coho jump, full clear and fresh above that steely seam.

And nothing happens after that, no fish shows elsewhere in this panoramic scene.

Evening I stand in broad salt water to my waist, the sunset fires the mainland crags like coals; mergansers dive for bait-fish, smooth as lead, and coho leap to greet October skies; their spangling splashes ring the mirrored sea; they spring and slap, high-spirited as foals.

About this Poem ...

The poem has two contrasting but complementary halves. Lines two and six in each six-line stanza rhyme, and each line has five beats (pentameter).

w

This poem has been previously published in “Hatches” magazine and on the “Hypertexts” website.

I see a racing bulge, I’m in its path, a bolting coho flashes into view; it barrels breakneck to the shallow shore, careening past a yard from my two legs; its chevroned wake humps by, I feel the sway, and then the sea before me breaks in two.

About to collide, the sea-lion skids to a turn and whorls the water hugely where I wade; his flipper rudders strain to turn his bulk from plunging on at closing killing speed; upsurges gurgle as he arcs, submerged.

I stand, a one-man save-the-fish stockade.

John Beaton lives in Qualicum Beach. His poetry has been widely published. He served for four years as moderator of one

~ of the Internet’s most reputable poetry workshops and is a Spoken Word performer, a member of the band Celtic Chaos, and

a co-organizer of local events, including a community showcase for musicians and Spoken Word performers, the Qualicum Acoustic Café (QUAC). You can find samples of John’s work by searching online for “John Beaton poetry”. To receive a monthly newsletter about local community events organized by John and his family and friends, email him at jabeaton@gmail.com. ~ •

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Community Event Calendar September 2015 LIGHTHOUSE COMMUNITY CENTRE (LCC) - 240 Lions Way, Qualicum Bay. FMI Hall rentals Call Sheena McCorquodale: (250) 757-9991. FMI on Events at the LCC visit www.communityhall.ca.

SECOND SUNDAY MARKET at the Lighthouse Community Centre in Qualicum Bay – Sunday September 13th - 8am-Noon, Pancake Breakfast - $5 or $7. Enjoy live music, breakfast, shopping for a treasure. The Bowser Seniors’ Housing Society will be serving breakfast.

TAOIST™ TAI CHI Every Monday 9:30noon Susan Finlayson 250-757-2097 LIGHTHOUSE SPINNERS – Bring your Spinning Wheels and fibre and meet the Lighthouse Spinners at the LCC, Tuesdays at 10:30am. FMI Call 778-4241001.

ADULT BADMINTON AND PICKLEBALL at the LCC. Sponsored by the Lighthouse Community Centre.

Badminton is Mondays starting at 7pm, starting Sep 28. Pickleball and badminton are Thursdays 4-6 pm, starting Oct 1. Drop-in fee is $4.

Equipment is provided. 15 years and older. Beginners are welcome. Email steelehunt@shaw.ca, or ph. 250-7578307 for more info.

CARPET BOWLING – 12:45 to 3:00pm at the LCC. FMI Call Layne (250) 7578217.

AA LIGHTKEEPERS - Fridays at 7:00pm at the LCC. FMI contact (250) 757-2300.

BRIDGE – Nordin Room 1:00 to 4:00pm Friday afternoons at the LCC. FMI Call: Sheila Steele (250) 757-8307.

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LIONS REC HALL – 280 Lions Way, Qualicum Bay. FMI on Hall rentals Call Bert Carter: (250) 240-4538.

QUALICUM BAY LIONS CLUB – Meet at 7pm, every second and fourth Tuesday in the Lions Den at the Lions’ Rec Hall.

LIGHTHOUSE COUNTRY SCRAPBOOKERS – Meet 3rd Saturday monthly at the Lions’ Rec Hall, 9:30am4:30pm. $10. Door prizes. FMI Call Jorgie 250-757-8358 or Shirley (250) 757-8384.

Let’s FLOOR CURL! Have fun with us. Every week from mid September to end of MAY. Mondays & Fridays, 1-3pm at the LIONS REC HALL in lovely QUALICUM BAY. We are a happy mixed group of all ages and skills. Game Is played indoors on gym floor. Curling rocks are supplied. Join the club for the season and enjoy “extra events”. Dropin is $2. Come anytime. FMI call Fred Or Lorraine: 250-752-0216.

BOWSER TENNIS CLUB - info: steelehunt@shaw.ca, or ph 250757-8307 LIGHTHOUSE TRAILS GROUP - Needs your help! FMI Call: Val Weismiller: (250) 757-9667.

RDN RECREATION PROGRAMS - View recreation programs online at www.rdn. bc.ca/recreation. FMI call Chrissie at (250) 757-8118, email at cfinnie@rdn. bc.ca or call Oceanside Place at (250) 248-3252. Pre-register for all programs to avoid program cancellation.

ERRINGTON FARMERS’ MARKET Every Saturday 10am-1pm from May to September, in the Errington Community Park. Live music in the bandstand.

Market basket with donations from

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vendors, tickets only $1. Fresh produce, baking, arts and crafts. For more info please contact: Salareena (250) 586-0099 www.erringtonfarmersmarket.ca QUALICUM BEACH FARMER’S MARKET Saturday mornings, 8:30noon and Wednesdays, 4-630pm.

At Veteran’s Way and Memorial in Qualicum Beach. A wide variety of from-the-farm produce, meats, fish, flowers, locally roasted coffee, breads, sweets and artisan-crafted products. Live music! No dogs, please. FMI: qbfarmersmarket.com QUALICUM BEACH FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY will hold its regular meeting on Wednesday September 16, 7pm at the Qualicum Beach Legion at 180 Veterans Way. Guest speaker will be Aimee Greenaway, on the History of Brothels in Nanaimo. Guests welcome.

KNOX UNITED CHURCH 11TH ANNUAL FALL FAIR – 345 Pym Street, Parksville. Saturday, September 19 – 8am-2pm. HUGE GARAGE SALE: Household Items - Small Furniture – Sporting Goods - Clothing – Books – Linens – Jewellery - Toys - Christmas Decorations – Plants - Produce.

PLUS: a Quality Corner - Concession - Silent Auction - Entertainment – Children’s Activities – Home Baking & Cookie Walk.

The PARKSVILLE & DISTRICT COMMUNITY CHOIR begins a new session. Registration and first rehearsal, Sept 8th, 7 pm at Knox United Church, Parksville. New members welcome. No auditions.

Yearly fee $90 FMI call 250-7528130 •

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ECHO PLAYERS PRESENTS:

Calendar Girls

by Alistair McVey

Girls opened at the Chichester Festival Theatre in 2008 and became the fastestselling play in British theatre history.

ECHO Players is pleased to announce an exciting new 2015-2016 season of theatre, offering a wonderful array of entertainment to all our audiences.

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The Spectator described it as “dazzlingly funny, shamelessly sentimental and utterly captivating…the mingling of pathos and comedy here is simply unbeatable.”

Our season opens on October 8th at the Village Theatre, Qualicum Beach, with the hilarious comedy Calendar Girls by Tim Firth. Directed by Don Harper, it is based on the popular motion picture of the same name. Closing night is October 30th.

Don Harper has assembled a most talented cast, many of whom will be familiar to local theatre-goers, as well as some exceptional newcomers to the Village Theatre. Copies of a 2016 calendar with your local calendar girls will be available at the Village Theatre – proceeds going to the Canada Cancer Society.

When the motley crew of seven women, members of the Women’s Institute in the Yorkshire village of Knapely, come together to plan for self-improvement and community service activities, strange things can happen. They look at a variety of calendars for ideas and, through a circuitous process, finally decide that they will be “Calendar Girls.” The photo shoot is arranged.

The dynamics among the women are hilarious as they all eventually agree to embark on this venture – motivated by the very poignant purpose for which it is being done. Based on the true story of eleven WI members who posed nude for a calendar to raise money for the UK’s Leukaemia Research Fund, Calendar

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Evening performances at 7:30pm, Sunday matinees at 2:00pm. For ticket information, call the Box Office at 250-752-3522. The Box Office opens on September 22nd. It will be open Tuesday through Saturday 10:00am to 3:00pm and on performance nights from 5:30pm to 8:00pm.

Based at the Village Theatre in Qualicum Beach, ECHO Players is a community theatre society which has served Oceanside and beyond for over 40 years. ~

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250-752-2921

interior decorating

Service and Repairs Treatment Plant Certified Assessments Available

Septic Installation

Sani Services

SEPTIC & WASTE MANAGEMENT

DEJA~VU DECOR CUSTOM DECOR & WINDOW COVERINGS

Call

Sage Simply Accounting & QuickBooks FREE CONSULATION

Windows • Glass Repair

Bookkeeping Services

250-248-2429 www.hbhorizon.ca

INSTALLATION SERVICE & REPAIRS

Drywall

PLUMBING • GAS • HEATING

Heating

Unit #2 - 1306 Alberni Hwy, Parksville

Philip Brown

250-240-4902 • 250-757-8077

Land Surveying

surveyor-ark@uniserve.com

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Massage

Chimney Cleaning

Custom Renovations

Plumbing

EVENINGS

Picture Framing

Plumbing Gas Heating

250-752-8772

Convenient In Home Appointments

Home Improvement

Bookkeeping

www.actiontankservice.ca

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continued from page 18 - Ripple Rock

The Trail: My third hike to this

infamous spot was in May of this year with a friend who generally walks shorter stretches and said, with her typical wry humour, “I don’t need to hike that far to see something that’s not even there anymore”. But, she did succumb to my enthusiasm of Ripple Rock and a promise to turn back anytime.

What do I love about this trail? I’m captivated by the story behind Ripple Rock, but this hike is also exceptional in its diversity – transporting you from sandy beaches through verdant rainforest and upward to rocky bluffs.

The trail is well-maintained with multiple rest stops. Viewpoints are clearly marked highlights along the way; Menzies Bay, Wilfred Point and Nymphe Cove, all of which merit a destination trek on their own. And, the final hiking reward, the bird’s eye view of Seymour Narrows & surrounding area is one that might only be surpassed from within a soaring helicopter.

The trail begins with approximately a kilometer of downhill slope leveling out until you reach Menzies Bay. From here, hiking is a steady, but not extreme, ascent following the shoreline of Menzies Bay and reaching the Seymour Narrows lookout at an elevation of 100 meters.

Well-constructed stairways help to navigate most precipitous slopes but there are a few rugged “mountain goat” sections where the trail narrows, particularly near Nymphe Cove.

Although not likely to miss them, watch for two massive old growth Sitka Spruce trees after crossing the

continued from page 13 - Bill Veenhof

Menzies Creek bridge. (I estimated one at nearly seven meters in diameter, using the old tree-hugging method, subject to verification), Nearing the beach at Menzies Bay, you may spot the remnants of an old logging skid road and as you begin your climb on the rocky bluffs, look for log booms in the bay and the mountains of Strathcona Park in the backdrop. The short detour to Nymphe Cove is often by-passed by tired hikers fixated on their final destination, but the sheltered beach is lovely and if you didn’t find your treasure beachcombing at Menzies Bay, here’s your opportunity.

The Terry Fox Run - Join us at Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park to walk, ride or run 3.3km, 5km or 10km on Sunday, September 20. Registration begins at 9:00 am and run starts at 10:00 am. Register and pledge online at www.terryfox.org.

No entry fee and no minimum pledge.

Volunteers are needed for this event, please call 250-248-3252.

Active Aging Week - September 20-26 Let the adventures begin with free activities all week in celebration of active aging.

Free events and activities will be posted online at www.rdn.bc.ca/recreation.

Mini Golf Tourney for Youth and Seniors - This tournament is a chance for youth 11 to 18 years and adults 55 years+ to connect over a free game of golf and a bite to eat.

This year’s event is Tuesday, September 22 from 4:00 to 6:00 pm. Free admission courtesy of Paradise Adventure Mini Golf.

The final climb to the lookout is steep but on a sturdy metal staircase and I’ve lost count of the number of steps, but suddenly, there it is ... a grassy meadow and rocky summit with an all-encompassing view of Seymour Narrows, Quadra and Maud Islands.

Nature Photography - The fall season provides some excellent light for capturing the beauty of nature around us. In this half-day session you will learn some simple tips in the classroom and then you will head outdoors to practice what you’ve learned. Shelly Road Centre, Saturday, September 26 from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm, cost is $35/1.

Although the twin peaks are gone, the waters maintain strong tidal currents. Perched on the summit, we watched as a motorboat struggled to hold its position, but was pulled into the middle of the strait, using all its horsepower to maneuver ahead.

A larger vessel was more successful, but still veered off-course, making it easy to imagine the danger that lurked here when the craggy towers of Ripple Rock lie just beneath the surface.

Skate with the Generals! - The Oceanside Generals invite you to join them for a FREE skating session at Oceanside Place Arena on Saturday, September 26 from 2:00 to 3:30 pm. Free admission and skate rentals, courtesy of the Oceanside Generals Jr. Hockey Club. Regular admission.

The remains of Ripple Rock lie halfway between the lookout point and Maud Island.

Parksville Lion’s and Save-On-Foods Free Family Skate - Free family skating returns Sunday September 27 to Oceanside Place Arena courtesy of Parksville Lion’s and Save-on-Foods. Every weekend from 12:15 – 1:45 pm. Note: Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Oh, and my hiking pal? She did great, albeit her sense of humour did suffer on the final uphill stretch! ~

Directions: Approximately 16 kilometres north of the Tamarac Street bridge as you’re leaving Campbell River on Highway 19. When you see the sign for Ripple Rock, put on your turn signal; the parking lot comes up quickly on your right.

Amazing Race Day 13-18yrs - Grab your friends and make some new ones as you work together through a series of group challenges including paddling Horne Lake. All equipment provided, no experience required. Pick up and drop off at Oceanside Place Arena on Sunday, September 27 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, cost is $57.50. ~

Distance/Time: 4 kilometers each way – 4 hours return trip Difficulty: Moderate Trail Notes: Bring plenty of water, binoculars and a picnic lunch or snacks Trail Map www.gocampbellriver.com/files/MapsForDownload/Ripple_Rock_Trail_sign_map.pdf 1958 CBC Broadcast – www.cbc.ca/archives/entry/1958-bcs-deadly-ripple-rock-blown-up CBC Vancouver April 2014: “A look back” – www.cbc.ca/player/News/Canada/BC/ID/2446065226/ •

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