Boulevard Magazine - February 2015 Issue

FEBRUARY 2015

VICTORIA LIFE AT ITS FINEST

GET FIT. BE STRONG. LIVE WELL.

Active duty FASHION FOR WORK & PLAY

RETIRE? WHY?

Still time to change the world

GIVE ME POWER

Coaching body and mind

FROM NOW TO WOW

A Victoria reno that pops

STAGE NEXT

Bringing art to the people

ON YOUR BIKE!

Cycling in Salento, Italy

HUMMUS HEAVEN Zesty dish has it all

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CONTENTS

Issue 02, Volume XXIlII

FEBRUARY 2015

FEATURES 30 RAISING AN AUDIENCE

By Korina Miller

38 DESIGN MATTERS

Cozy quarters

By Sarah Reid

50 FOOD & DRINK Hummus heads 40 RETIRE AT 72? WHY?

By Cinda Chavich

By Brian Kieran

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GROUP PUBLISHER Penny Sakamoto EDITOR Susan Lundy CREATIVE Lily Chan Pip Knott ADVERTISING Janet Gairdner Pat Brindle ASSOCIATE GROUP Oliver Sommer PUBLISHER ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Janet Gairdner 250.480.3251 CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Bruce Hogarth

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46 GET FIT. LIVE WELL.

By Susan Lundy

COLUMNS

58

44 HAWTHORN

Optimism & exploration

By Tom Hawthorn DEPARTMENTS

30 54

54 TRAVEL FAR

Salento in slow motion

By Cherie Thiessen

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7 8

EDITOR’S LETTER Out of the box and into the day

66 OUR CONTRIBUTORS

FASHION FAVES

Samantha Dickie

By Lia Crowe

10 FASHION

Sport chic

By Lia Crowe 18

61

HOT PROPERTIES From now to wow

By Carolyn Heiman

CIRCULATION & Mellissa Mitchell DISTRIBUTION 250.480.3285 Miki Speirs 250.480.3277 CONTRIBUTING Cinda Chavich, Lia WRITERS Crowe, Tom Hawthorn, Carolyn Heiman, Brian Kieran, Korina Miller, Robert Moyes, Sarah Reid, Cherie Thiessen, Tess van Straaten CONTRIBUTING Don Denton, Lia Crowe, PHOTOGRAPHERS Cathie Ferguson, Vince Klassen, Arnold Lim

TALKING WITH TESS Tom Benson

By Tess van Straaten FRONT ROW Victoria Django Festival and more.

By Robert Moyes SECRETS & LIVES Ramona Reynolds, president Victoria Flying Club

By Susan Lundy

Shelly McCaffrey is wearing Nike tech fleece cape and pants with Nike Air Max 1 VT OS trainers, all from Complex Clothing.

Photographed at Raino Dance by Cathie Ferguson.

ADVERTISE Boulevard Magazine is Victoria’s leading lifestyle magazine, celebrating 24 years of publishing in Greater Victoria.

To advertise or to learn more about advertising opportunities please send us an email at info@blvdmag.ca Mailing Address: 818 Broughton Street, Victoria, BC, V8W 1E4 Tel: 250.381.3484 Fax: 250.386.2624 info@blvdmag.ca blvdmag.ca

Victoria Boulevard ® is a registered trademark of Black Press Group Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the publisher’s written permission. Ideas and opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of Black Press Group Ltd. or its affiliates; no official endorsement should be inferred. The publisher does not assume any responsibility for the contents, both implied or assumed, of any advertisement in this publication. Printed in Canada. Canada Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement #42109519.

NEW YEAR SALES EVENT ON NOW

2015 RANGE ROVER EVOQUE LAND ROVER VICTORIA 3351 Douglas Street, Victoria • Tel. 250.475.3313 • landrovervictoria.com Monday-Thursday 9:00 am - 7:00 pm Friday-Saturday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm

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3351 Douglas Street, Victoria • Tel. 250.475.3313 • jaguarvictoria.com Monday-Thursday 9:00 am - 7:00 pm Friday-Saturday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm 5

EDITOR’S LETTER

Out of the box and into the day  BY SUSAN LUNDY

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PHOTO BY ARNOLD LIM

PATHY AND EVASION are the “bad boys” when it comes to “seizing the day” — the underlying theme of this edition of Boulevard. Apathy visits me less often than Evasion, who hangs around a lot, especially when it comes to working out.

“You don’t really feel like working out today,” he’ll tell me as I reluctantly drag my feet towards the car, gym bag in hand.

“I never feel like working out, but I enjoy it once I start.”

“You could stay home and go for a run instead.”

“I hate running.”

“You went for a run last week.”

“I ran four minutes down the road and four minutes back.”

“Oh. Not much of a workout. But you could go to the gym tomorrow instead of today.”

“I planned to go tomorrow and today.”

“I’m not sure that’s enough recovery time between workouts.

Besides, I bet Gail would go for a beer right now if you gave her a call.”

And so it goes. But the truth is, according to the inspirational Narina Prokosch (Get Fit, Live Well, page 46), becoming fit and building strength helps set the foundation for better living.

Many people in this edition of Boulevard have seized the day. Writer Brian Kieran initially interviewed BC’s health officer, Dr. Perry Kendall, for a story about his imminent retirement. But the interview got Dr. Kendall thinking, “why retire?” He decided to hang on to the job he loves and incorporate “better balance” into his life (page 40).

Contributing writer Cherie Thiessen says that in her retirement she landed two dream jobs: writing book reviews and travel stories. She “seized the week” on a recent trip to Italy, embarking on a seven-day cycling excursion through gently rolling countryside and quaint, colourful towns — see Salento in slow motion, page 54.

(Get fit, build strength and ride a bike through Italy!)

And check out Tom Hawthorn’s column, page 44. It’s not

FEBRUARY IS A GOOD MONTH TO GET OUT OF THE BOX, SEIZE THE DAY AND SAY GOOD-BYE TO THOSE ‘BAD BOYS’ APATHY AND EVASION.

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just older folk seizing the day; millennials are dropping their electronic gadgets en force, seeking face-to-face interaction, and reviving an almost obsolete entity — the board game. (I have millennial children: they also love film cameras and turntables. Could dial phones and washboards be next?)

Speaking of face-to-face interaction, our cover story — Raising an audience, page 30 — unveils a new cultural intersection where art and patrons meet. Art groups throughout Victoria are finding creative ways to make art interactive. How better to seize the day than to leap out of the box and find an alternative way to participate in art?

Also in this edition of Boulevard, meet WildPlay CEO Tom Benson (page 58), Victoria Flying Club president Ramona Reynolds (page 66) and a host of Victorians creating a hummus heaven (page 50).

Inspiration abounds. February is a good month to get out of the box, seize the day and say good-bye to those “bad boys” Apathy and Evasion.

Boulevard Buzz: For tea, fashion and Africa lovers: Don a period costume (if you wish) and head to Cordova Bay United Church on Feb. 14 to savour an elegant high tea, savouries and dainties, and to walk through history with a period fashion show presented by Victorian Vogue. All proceeds from the Victorian Valentine’s Tea and Fashion Show benefit Victoria’s For The Love Of Africa Society. FMI: fortheloveofafrica.ca.

For lovers of the number five: Red Art Gallery celebrates the start of its fifth year with “High Five” — a themed show based on interpretations and creative talents involving the pentagonal number. Organizers say: “So ‘give me five,’ wear your Chanel No. 5, take five and come on down to jive to Mambo Number 5!” Opening night is February 5 (of course) — with live music and a reception.

OUR CONTRIBUTORS

Korina Miller

WRITER, “RAISING AN AUDIENCE”, PAGE 30

“It was exciting to explore the local arts scene and see the creative ways in which arts groups are engaging audiences.

It was quickly obvious how much passion goes into staging these top-drawer events. I’m destined to become a regular attendee.” Korina has covered arts and culture for the past 15 years for Lonely Planet and BBC, and managed arts groups in Vancouver and London, England.

“For me, travel writing is sensuous. It’s all about touching, tasting, smelling, hearing and seeing. If I can convey the way the beads of moisture on the glass of my iced almond coffee felt on my fingertips, or how the cloying scent of fennel followed us everywhere, that’s what I want. If writing the story Cherie Thiessen makes me want to go back, that WRITER, “SALENTO IN feels good.” Cherie is a Pender SLOW MOTION”, PAGE 54 Island based travel writer and reviewer.

Leanna Rathkelly PHOTOGRAPHER, “HOT PROPERTIES”, PAGE 18

“The adage, ‘strangers are friends you haven’t yet met,’ rang true when Pam and Mike warmly welcomed me into their home. With their collaboration, the day was creative and the space perfect.

Being a photographer means turning form, light and energy into an image, and I’m happy to be the translator.” Leanna photographs architecture and creates personality portraits for business and editorial clients.

SETTING IT STRAIGHT

Boulevard apologizes to Nicole Smith for calling her extraordinary new business Flytographer by the wrong name (Flytography). Despite the error, she says, “The feedback I’ve received has been fantastic, and I am delighted to have been included in the January issue!”

FINE CLOTHIERS SINCE 1862

1221 Government St. 250.383.7177 1210 Newport Ave. 250.592.2821 2348 Beacon Ave. 778.426.4446

Mon-Sat 9:30-5:30 Sun 11-4 Mon-Sat 10-5 Mon-Sat 10-5:30 Sun 11-4

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FASHION FAVES

PHOTO BY LIA CROWE

LIFE & STYLE

 BY LIA CROWE

with

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SAMANTHA DICKIE

FEW DAYS AFTER her 40th birthday, Sam and I met at her ultra-modern Fairfield home.

Its stunning exterior and interior — with huge vaulted ceilings, a large, second story art studio (in which there is a kiln bigger than my car) and carefully considered eclectic art covering the walls — are a designophile’s dream. Some of her ceramic art is beautifully displayed — its textures evocative and organic. I try not to get distracted by the home’s visual splendour, the juice I’m after and the most interesting thing in the place, really, is the woman herself.

“Ha!” Sam explodes with laughter when I tell her Boulevard’s February theme is “seize the day.” Carpe Diem,

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Ceramics Artist/Designer

she says, is precisely how she lives her life. “I’m super extroverted, usually have a lot of balls in the air, totally addicted to travelling and I’m always up for an adventure.”

Currently, her balls (in the air) are many. In addition to her professional art practice she has recently moved into residential design and development. She organizes fundraising events and contributes time to many community art projects, including her function as a board member of The Story Studio, a children’s literacy charity.

For the last few years, Sam has also taken intensive yoga training.

“Yoga is a grounding force in my life. One side of Carpe Diem can

be always looking for the next adventure, [wondering] ‘what cool stuff can I do today?’ It’s an addiction to the high. So my next body of work is about space and silence inspired by my yoga training.

That’s where you find the details and beauty of life … You can’t do the creative expression without finding that nugget of space and silence inside yourself.”

“When you see people die young you ask yourself, what are the most important things to make your life about? Your kids, creativity, ethical work, presence in your interactions and relationships, and a joyful relationship with the everyday: not just the hits of amazing.”

Reading Material

Print magazine: Dwell. Art book: Water by Edward Burtynsky. Favourite book of all time: Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese. Book that holds residence on your bedside table: Books on yoga philosophy.

Fashion/Beauty

(CLOCKWISE FROM TOP) JEWELRY: UNFORGETTABLE-JEWELRY.COM; MOISTURIZER: AROMACRYSTAL.COM; PERFUME: TOKYO-MILK.COM; POPPY: THINKSTOCK.COM; PHOTO: EDWARDBURTYNSKY.COM; ART BOOK: EDWARDBURTYNSKY.COM; FILM: AMAZON.CA; BOOK: AMAZON.CA

Uniform: “I am a comfy girl ... jeans, one of a thousand black tops I own, hoop earrings, sneakers, a scarf and messy hair.”

Favourite clothing line: Downtown Betty, Vancouver. All time favourite piece: Fingerless gloves and arm warmers. “I love my pair from Floating Gold Iceberg.” Best new purchase: “Grey leather jacket and black leather boots from Buenos Aires, where leather abounds.” Shoes: Campers or Converse sneakers. Jewelry: “I love jewelry, I feel naked without earrings. My favourites are designer Nicole Bigg, local designer Wandering Hive and Tonic Jewelry.”

Moisturizer: Dermed at Dermaspa and Gardener’s Dream, Ohm face cream. Scent: Sagittarius

by Soular Therapy and Le Petit by TokyoMilk. Shampoo: Bumble and bumble.

“GOOD STYLE TO ME IS SOMEONE WHO’S INTENTIONAL AND SOMEWHAT UNIQUE, WHERE YOU WONDER, ‘I BET THAT PERSON HAS GOOD STORIES’.”

Style Inspirations

Ölfusá River #1, Iceland, 2012

Artist: Photographer, Edward Burtynsky. “He is my favourite big Canadian artist, I recently bought and love one of his pieces.” Film: Trois Couleurs: Red, White and Blue by Krzysztof Kieslowski.

Life Favourite local restaurant: Stage Wine Bar, The Mint and Cafe Bliss. Music: Songza playlist “Melo music for moms.” Musician: Lindsey Stirling, Dubstep Violin. City to visit: Buenos Aires. Flower: Red poppies in the garden. Colour: Turquoise, for its range of colour. Favourite hotel: Encantada Casa Boutique Spa Hotel in Cusco. “Specifically, sitting on the hotel’s balcony, which is up on a hill, overlooking the city.” Favourite place in the whole world: This is where Sam scrunches up her face with the pain of decision, then just starts listing faster than I can write. “Mendoza, wine country in Argentina; Auyuittuq National Park, Baffin Island; Hoi An, Vietnam; Hornby Island; the Elephant Reserve in Sri Lanka: Tuktoyaktuk in Northern Canada; Haynes, Alaska; Machu Picchu, Peru.”

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The lines have blurred and the rules have changed! In the past fashion has told us that workout clothes don’t leave the gym. But style evolves as we evolve, and active is who we are — all the time. Readyto-wear lines are using technical fabrics and sporty silhouettes, and the current look of active wear is stylish enough for daywear. Every day is a good day to be active, so grab the moment in beautiful pieces you can move in.

High fashion printed pants for high per for mance

FASHION

SPORT CHIC PIECES THAT MOVE EFFORTLESSLY FROM FASHION TO FITNESS  BY LIA CROWE PHOTOS BY CATHIE FERGUSON

Blue equestrian compression leggings made in Vancouver by Some Product ($89) at Breathe Athletic; black sports top by Karma (stylist’s own), from Breathe Athletic.  Blue equestrian compression leggings made in Vancouver by Some Product ($89) at Breathe Athletic; “Boyfriend” jacket by Taifun ($359) at W&J Wilson; Air Max 1 VT OS shoes by Nike ($235) at Complex Clothing; “Law of the Wild” handbag by Status Anxiety ($185) at Bernstein & Gold.

“Tilt” skirt ($259) and CO top ($125) both by Designers Remix; “Law of the Wild” handbag by Status Anxiety ($185), all at Bernstein & Gold; Air Max 1 VT OS shoes by Nike ($235) at Complex Clothing.

Tr ainer s that go from street chic to strength tr aining

Tech fleece cape ($150) and pants ($90) by Nike, Air Max 1 VT OS shoes by Nike ($235), all at Complex Clothing.

“High Times” pant ($98), “Pranayama” scarf ($98), “Cardigan & Again” jacket ($148) and white “Studio Racerback” tank ($42), all by lululemon athletica; “Keon” boot by Pour La Victoire ($438) at Bernstein & Gold.

On the run or on pointe

“High Times” pant ($98), “Free To Be Bra *Wild” ($48) and white “Studio Racerback” tank ($42), all by lululemon athletica.

CREDITS

MAKEUP: Jen Clark, jenclark@shaw.ca HAIR: Leah Meens at Hive Hair MODEL: Pilates instructor and fitness dynamo Shelly McCaffrey STYLING & PRODUCTION ASSISTANT: Hilary Russell Shot on location at Raino Dance, using some workout props courtesy of Studio 4 Athletics, and The Atrium Building.

advertising feature boulevard business

profiles

A FAMILIAR FACE IN A NEW HOME More than glasses that are anything but ordinary, the Optimed Optometry Clinic at ArtSEE Eyewear offers comprehensive eye health and vision care services for all ages.

integration and coordination of eye care “It’s really about being our best at services. Better eye health and visual what we do.” A simple statement, but outcomes are achieved when there is a a powerful message to the families who natural flow from the eye health exam trust their eye health and vision care to by the optometrist including the written Optimed Optometry at ArtSEE Eyewear. spectacle prescription, to the expert Owner Trina Mendria, licensed dispensing services provided by licensed optician and contact lens fitter, fell in opticians. This model of unified service love with the optical industry in 1991 while working after school and weekends has stood the test of time.” he says.

Throughout his career, professional for a local optometrist. Completing interests have included contact her optician training three years later, lenses, sports vision, evolving eye she hasn’t looked back, embracing an care technologies including laser opportunity in 1998 to own her own vision correction and delivering eye store in the Broadmead Village Shopping care to those in developing countries, Centre. A second Oak Bay store came participating in eye care projects in the in 2007, and today Trina operates both Caribbean, India and Africa. Recipient under the ArtSEE Eyewear banner.

Optimed Optometry Clinic joined the of an Honourary Life Membership in the B.C. Association of Optometrists, Broadmead location in 2009, providing Dr. Williams has served as association comprehensive eye examinations president, as a with licensed “For years we have been councillor with optometrists. the Canadian “For years we known as the place for fun, Association of have been known funky glasses...But we also Optometrists and as the place for fun, funky want clients to know us for the as the Canadian Delegate to the glasses paired great eye care we provide for World Council of with exceptional Optometry. service and a deep patients of all ages.”

“As a understanding Broadmead resident for more than 30 of our clients’ eyewear needs,” Trina years, I look forward to working closer to explains. “But we also want clients home and welcoming new and previous to know us for the great eye care the patients to my new practice location,” he optometrists at Optimed Optometry says. provide for patients of all ages.”

Dr. Buckley is celebrating five years New at ArtSEE and its Optimed at ArtSEE Eyewear and the Optimed Optometry Clinic has been the Optometry Clinic. Born and raised November addition of optometrist Dr. in Victoria, Dr. Buckley has been in Jack Williams to the team, joining Dr. the eye industry for more than 15 Sara Buckley. Retired from full-time years, including selling and dispensing practice on the Peninsula, Dr. Williams eyeglasses at ArtSEE Eyewear while was eager to continue serving patients completing her undergraduate degree at from within his own Broadmead-area UVic. Now with her Doctor of Optometry neighbourhood, he explains: degree from the University of Waterloo, “I’ve always believe that patients Dr. Buckley is happy to be back in are better served when there is an

Victoria and working once again with the staff at ArtSEE. Not only was Dr. Buckley awarded The Canadian Contact Lens Society Prize for proficiency in contact lens application, but her training also included an externship in therapeutics and ocular diseases in Muskogee, OK, where she gained valuable experience in diagnosing and managing many eye conditions including glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration.

“Every person’s eyes are unique and require individual attention,” reflects Dr. Buckley, who welcomes patients from three months old to more than 100 years old. “I am pleased to answer any questions related to your eye health and I look forward to welcoming you and your entire family to our state-of-the-art offices at Broadmead Village.”

Eye exams are offered Monday to Thursday (including Wednesday evenings) and Saturdays by appointment.

Book your appointment by phone or online at AnythingButOrdinary.ca 250.590.1859

HOT PROPERTIES

A FOCUS ON CRITICAL DESIGN ELEMENTS ENHANCES A BROADMEAD RANCH BUNGALOW

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 Generous windows to the new deck integrate the outdoors with inside comforts.

FROM NOW TO WOW GREAT DESIGN ADDS SIZZLE IN BROADMEAD RENO  TEXT BY CAROLYN HEIMAN PHOTOS BY LEANNA RATHKELLY

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BROADMEAD COUPLE THAT spent years looking for their dream house ultimately discovered they were living in it. Their dark, 1980s rancher, with its stippled ceilings, just needed a change to better reflect them and their lifestyle.

So Mike and Pam Palmer sold almost everything they had and surrendered their home to designer Mari O’Meara, with Jenny Martin Design, and building contractor ARYZE Developments and Construction for a refresh that has since been listed as a finalist for a 2014 BC Canadian Home Builders’ Association Georgie Award.

“Everything we looked at was so big and we liked our neighbourhood,” said Mike, reflecting on the decision to renovate. Meanwhile, as a girl, Pam rode horses on the land before it was developed, which added a sentimental attachment to their location. And from a practical point of view, the property is irresistibly close to the Lochside Regional Trail, which the bicycle commuting couple use every day to get to and from their downtown jobs —faster than public transit.

The house is a compact 1,800 square feet, but the renovation stretched their livable space without

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 The kitchen island is command central for entertaining, while low-slung, narrow windows on either side of the stove are a pleasant and surprising alternative to backsplash.

increasing the footprint. By opening up the kitchen, dining and living rooms into one great space, “we use every inch of our home now,” says Pam. “It’s fantastic,” she adds, noting that before the renovation, action tended to gravitate to the small kitchen, leaving the living room unused.

They credit their long-time friend Ross Taylor, owner of Gabriel Ross and co-owner of Chester Fields on Herald Street, for gently nudging them into a renovation.

“He was very gracious. He didn’t say anything for 10 years and then one day he said, ‘you know this is kind of like grandma and grandpa’s house. Why don’t you guys do something with this space to make it reflect who you are?’”

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They describe the renovation process from start to finish as “exciting.”

“This was a great chance to be artistic; I’d do it again,” says Pam. “You are creating something and it is like a piece of art you can enjoy every day.”

HOW THIS HOME WENT FROM JUST NOW TO WOW “Great design is the secret sauce to getting more than you pay for in construction,” says Ryan Goodman, ARYZE partner and development manager. “There are a large number of companies out there that can run a small project, but it takes a creative team, with artistic talent and design skill, to surprise and delight customers

ďƒŚ Small niches are functional as well as focal points.

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 Opening the kitchen/ dining/living area into one great room exponentially expands the comfort and usable space in this renovation.

with special features they might not have expected.”

The house could easily have turned out like many generic contemporary homes, but Pam and Mike were coached by Taylor to select a few signature pieces. While some features of the renovation — such as the plumbing fixtures — meet a modern aesthetic, they are mid-range in price. But they selected lighting fixtures, such as the Nemo Italianaluce Crown Minor, over their dining room table that cast a high-end signal to the overall look.

“We went with a really kick-ass light fixture that’s sleek and simple but has a major impact,” says Mike.

HOW THEY MADE THEIR HOME EXPRESS WHO THEY ARE O’Meara added a small niche to the built-in cabinetry by the fireplace. Initially, Pam and Mike wondered how they would use it “because we don’t really have knick knacks.” As they moved back into the house and unboxed belongings, they found sentimental objects from Mike’s

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childhood, including his Boy Scout Handbook and Bunnykins tableware. The objects now have a place of honour in the niche, adding authenticity and personal meaning to the area, which couldn’t have been achieved with beautiful-but-mass-produced objects.

The couple now plans to rotate the display to showcase other personal objects.

WHAT THEY’RE HAPPY THEY CHANGED THEIR MINDS ABOUT Swept along with the excitement of the renovations, Pam and Mike wanted to quickly buy their new furniture.

Pam had this idea that she wanted a “Miami Vice” look: all white, leather and glass.

Taylor encouraged them to “not feel rushed to fill the space,” and Pam is glad they heeded the advice. As they became more familiar with the space, she realized that the glass dining table she envisioned along with the clear plastic modern chairs weren’t what she wanted, and Mike

added, “they weren’t worthy of the space.” They returned them, opting instead for a Bensen Radius table and Torii chairs.

Today, they reflect on earlier purchasing decisions, saying that when it came to buying furniture they often went “halfway” rather than saving for something they really wanted, and which suited their lifestyle and stood the test of time.

THE BOLDEST MOVE Not every compact home can support a 12-and-halffoot long kitchen island, but in this home, it occurs to dramatic effect.

And as Goodman notes, “this home was completely gutted; we opened up the floor plan pretty dramatically.

Mari’s design and the connection of millwork across the kitchen, dining and living room creates a great open feel.”

extend your family time,

WHAT SETS THIS HOME APART FROM THE “SAME OL’, SAME OL’” MODERN DESIGN? A touch of antiquity — or, more accurately, reclaimed wood originally part of the Royal Victoria Yacht Club  Less is more in the compact bedroom painted in quiet neutrals.

social time, and quiet time

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docks — makes an original statement in the office.

Naturally greyed planking has been transformed into a desktop, set off by gleaming white cabinetry.

Mike gives credit to ARYZE’s Matthew Jardine for coming up with the idea and design from the old growth cedar ARYZE has reclaimed and put into its material inventory. (ARYZE also used the wood in the new Patagonia store in Victoria.) Goodman adds, “the juxtaposition of the salvaged dock wood against the stark, glossy white custom cabinetry turned out pretty incredibly in our mind.”

BEST DECISION THEY MADE

 Creating an intimate patio has created a great functional outdoor living space.  Keeping the design clean, increased the aesthetic value in the mid-budget powder room.

Hiring a designer kept the budget in check and helped create the feeling envisioned by the couple.

Pam says O’Meara asked her for five pictures and from that she determined, “I liked sharp, pointy things ... nothing was rounded. I never knew that about myself before, but she picked that up from the pictures I gave her. And everything I chose was white.”

Coincidentally the designer and Pam had overlapping interest in triathlons. (Pam is a triathlete as is O’Meara’s husband.) This informed some storage decisions, including the creation of perfectly sized cupboards used for storing bike helmets and drying wet cycling clothes.

Carolyn Heiman explores beautiful Victoria-area homes each month for Boulevard magazine. Let her know about a gorgeous home you’d like to see profiled by contacting her at cheiman@shaw.ca

SUPPLY LIST Contractor/Builder: ARYZE Developments and Construction Interior Designers: Mari O’Meara, Jenny Martin Design Cabinetry: Island Custom Cabinetry Counters: Kings Granite Furniture: Gabriel Ross and Chester Fields Windows: Slegg Lumber Appliances: Lansdowne Appliance Gallery Lighting: Gabriel Ross Landscaping: Imagine Garden Design & Landscapes

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SENSATIONAL GATED & private 1.24 acre waterfront estate with superb south facing views of Coles Bay. This exceptional 4,556 sq. ft. home has been recently transformed, creating elegance, style & panache. Superb new 23’x23’ gourmet kitchen with expansive centre island, oversized skylight, Viking appliances (6 burner induction cooktop), heated marble floors, & pantry. Grand living room with lofty vaulted ceilings, Hickory wide-planked flooring, & F.P., formal dining room, & family room all with serene water views. Elegant master with 6 piece ensuite, & heated marble floors. Spacious media/ recreation room with double sided F.P. & wet bar. 31’ sunroom. Heated pool & hot tub, 3 new heat pumps, garages for 3 cars, security, well for irrigation. $3,250,000

A REMARKABLE SOUTHWEST-FACING waterfront property with a dock! This 2007 built unique Westcoast design offers 9’ ceilings, plus panoramic waterviews. Elegance and style are reflected in the quality finishes. Formal living room with energy efficient fireplace. Gorgeous kitchen with wood beamed vaulted ceilings, centre island, KitchenAid stainless appliances, and pantry. Ajoining spacious family room, with vaulted ceilings, and electric skylights. Sumptous master with 5 piece ensuite (5 bedrooms total) media/in-law downstairs. See Lynne re: dock. $1,750,000

SENSATIONAL WATERFRONT LIFESTYLE HOME, with steps to a sandy beach! Sweeping views of the ocean to San Juan Island & Mt. Baker. Pamela Charlesworth design with a $300,000 refurbishment. New kitchen with merlot cabinets, granite counters, stainless appliances. Adjoining family room with gas fireplace & custom built-ins. Formal dining room. Master with commanding view, and new ensuite. 2nd ensuite bedroom plus guest room up, plus 4th bedroom down. Great recreation room with fireplace plus office on lower. Private .33 acre lot with patio & hot tub. New roof, new windows. Double car garage. Walk to shops & bistro pub. Incredible lifestyle! $1,698,000

PROUDLY SERVING VICTORIA FOR 30 YEARS PHONE 250.744.3301 • EMAIL lynne@lynnesager.com WEBSITE www.lynnesager.com Get the results that you desire. Call Lynne for professional representation, when you wish to sell your home.

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Nearly 1,200 sq. ft. in this 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom condo. Newer engineered hardwood floors in the living & dining rooms. Enjoy the fireplace, an enclosed balcony & an open patio off the living room. South facing suite on level 2 (not ground floor). Great location across from shopping and bus route. $233,900

Wonderful water views, renovate or rebuild on .84 acre. Beautiful terraced gardens. 4 bdrms, 5 baths, 3 fireplaces, 4,719 sq. ft. Gorgeous gardens & former tennis court. This is your opportunity to build your waterview dream home! $1,585,000

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Large family home with pool & sauna. New kitchen, powder room, renovated fam. rm & ensuite w/steam shower. 5-6 bdrms, 6 baths, 2 family rooms, playrooms, 6783 sq. ft. Master on main. In-law or nanny accommodations. Great for indoor/outdoor entertaining. $1,375,888

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Boulevard magazine supports Southern Vancouver Island's top Realtors representing the region's finest real estate. We hope you will find your next home, whether it is in the listings of the Great Homes/Great Realtors or here in the Boulevard Luxury Real Estate listings.

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BEAUTIFUL & TOTALLY RENOVATED executive home in quiet, upscale Wedgewood Point! Chic and elegant 3 bedroom/3 bath with incredible gourmet kitchen, hardwood floors, luxurious master suite with private balcony, massive deck, lots of storage and some ocean views too! Walk to beaches, trails & Cadboro Village...and just 5 minutes to UVic!

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FEATURE STORY

RAISING AN AUDIENCE THE EVOLUTION OF CULTURE IN VICTORIA  TEXT BY KORINA MILLER PHOTOS BY CATHIE FERGUSON

T

HERE IS SOMETHING MYSTERIOUS about the Royal BC Museum after hours. The main lobby is hushed and its halls, dark. On this night, I’m ushered in by a doorman and directed to the elevator, where I travel alone to the first floor. I’ve been coming to this museum since I was a young child, but what I discover this evening is entirely new.

The museum has invited its three artists in residence, several other artists, plus 180 registrants for a new experience called Early Shift. The goal, explains Chris O’Conner, one of the event’s producers, is to “push the edge of what is usually done in museums.”

It’s all part of a new tend that has art groups like Dance Victoria, Pacific Opera Victoria and the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria seeking new, interactive ways to engage their audiences and hopefully, as a consequence, increase them.

Early Shift certainly meets its goal. We make zines (small, self-published books) with Victoria’s well-known comic artist, Gareth Gaudin, and listen to audio stations created

by UVic Anthropology of Sound students. A shoe designer, magic lantern performer and First Nations singer lead other activities. We dance in the forest and explore an otter cave.

And as we travel from floor to floor in the freight elevator, we’re handed markers to leave a picture on its brownpapered interior.

“We took a space that we have become familiar with and

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 Robert Holliston, principal coach at Pacific Opera Victoria, with dancer Kaela Willey, dressed as Madama Butterfly by the POV production team; and Patrick Corrigan, executive director of POV. (The POV production of Madama Butterfly runs this April.)

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“THE MAGIC HAPPENS WHEN THE PUBLIC INTERACTS WITH THE ART,”

 Jon Tupper, director of the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, and Dyana Sonik-Henderson, artistic director of Broken Rhythms, photographed in the Drury Gallery.

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turned it on its head,” O’Conner explains.

As I wave a flashlight around the darkened First Peoples Gallery, catching children climbing totem poles and adults mesmerised by the scene, I know my impression of the museum — of its versatility and potential — has changed for good.

“We wanted an evening event for all ages that would have that party feel, and be inclusive — activities that could spark the interest and curiosity of a 10 year old, 25 year old and 50 year old. A crazy art event like this makes for a deeper engagement in the museum … it’s almost like seeing it for the first time.”

Don’t let those wrinkles get you down!

“GONE ARE THE DAYS WHEN BEING IN AN AUDIENCE MEANS REMAINING IN YOUR SEAT, STAYING QUIET, AND NEVER CROSSING THE THRESHOLD INTO THE WORLD OF THE ARTISTS.” Early Shift follows on the heels of the museum’s successful Night Shift, an adult event that adds cocktails and DJs into the mix. With three Night Shifts and plans for three Early Shifts each year, along with Wonder Sundays for families, the museum seems to be doing all it can to immerse its audiences.

“Everybody’s doing it,” says Stephen White, executive producer at Dance Victoria.

And he’s right. Gone are the days when being in an audience means remaining in your seat, staying quiet, and never crossing the threshold into the world of the artists.

“We’re offering an experience that’s not just seeing a show. We want to excite people. We’re cultivating the next generation of dance aficionados,” explains White.

At Dance Victoria, this experience is called Night Moves, an annual initiative launched four years ago, which has grown to four sold out events per year. Night Movers attend after parties following Dance Victoria performances. These are sophisticated, pop-up parties with DJs, cocktails and up to 100 urban professionals in attendance.

“The dancers come to the party, so you actually get to meet them. They might be French, Italian, British. It’s kind of exciting here in little Victoria, dressed in your fleece, to shoulder up next to the international circuit.”

And it’s definitely had an impact.

“People talk about it. They get excited. There’s lots of word of mouth and social media buzz.”

The Pacific Opera of Victoria has its own way of attracting new audiences: Inside Opera is a free event

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presented by Robert Holliston.

“He weaves together history, politics, opera, 1950s sitcoms — it’s an engaging perspective on what the opera’s about. It represents the art form itself. It’s not just about the human voice, it’s a layered performance,” explains Patrick Corrigan, POV executive director.

Held at UVic’s Phillip T. Young Recital Hall, the event gives potential audiences the “low down” on upcoming operas, including visits by some of the singers, who give a taste of what’s to come.

“Operas are substantial. They’re so much better when you can just relax because you know what’s happening in front of you.”

POV’s goal is to engage 1.000 people before each performance — and they’ve been meeting and even exceeding this.

“We want to shake off people’s reticence about opera,” Corrigan says. “It’s a new way to engage the public, to create a spark. There’s a real dialogue in the city now about opera. We talk with people at Inside Opera who have crossed over and found something meaningful to them.

It’s opened their lives to this art.”

Gillian Booth, Educator at the Greater Victoria Art Gallery, echoes this in her experience of Urbanite, the gallery’s answer to public engagement.

“The magic happens when the public interacts with the art,” she says.

A continuous sellout, Urbanite runs three times per year when the gallery opens its doors to 400 adults with exhibit-themed tours, cocktails and activities.

“It’s an interactive evening that engages the participant on a much greater level than normally possible with a regular gallery visit. Urbanite is born of our desire to engage the community and create an atmosphere of exploration through art that facilitates more than just a party.”

The numbers don’t lie — it’s a raging success.

“When we have a line-up for tickets that wraps around the side of the building; when crowds of people are as excited to take a curator tour of the exhibitions as they are to dance to the DJ; and when the tables with participatory programming are filled with people exploring the themes of the exhibition” — it’s a success, says Booth.

Urbanite sees a large number of participants from Victoria’s artistic community, “but also people from all walks of life who are looking for an event that plays outside of the box,” she adds.

Back at the museum, as I prepared to leave Early Shift, I realized I’d tasted what it’s like to be an audience outside the box, and discovered it’s far more inspiring and stimulating than simply being an observer.

These groups are waking up their audiences, and creating a whole new theatre for the arts. Get your tickets soon.

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profiles

SPLASHES MAKES WAVES WITH BRAND NEW SHOWROOM When a local company continues to build its name and brand for more than 120 years, you know they’re doing something right. And here in Victoria, when it comes to plumbing fixtures for your home, that name is Andrew Sheret.

The recognized local experts since 1892, Andrew Sheret – along with its Splashes Bath and Kitchen Centres – has built its reputation on quality products and knowledgeable service.

Throughout the decades, the staff has continually provided clients with the fixtures and service they’ve come to expect from the Andrew Sheret and Splashes names, but today they are doing so from their brand new LEED Silver-certified Midtown Court building.

Conveniently located at 740 Hillside Ave., the new building is home not only to the Andrew Sheret Limited Branch for Contractors and company head office – overseeing 21 locations across B.C. – but also a beautiful new Splashes Bath and Kitchen showroom that opened to the public Dec. 1.

With a roomier, 3,500-squarefoot floorplan and light, airy setting, customers are thrilled with the expanded selection now on offer – everything from beautiful stand-alone tubs in designer settings to an expanded wall of fixtures that lets customers touch and try each faucet. “This is the first Splashes of its

kind in the company,” notes Splashes expert, Sameha Dixson.

And what an example to set. As a sustainable LEED Silver-certified building, the state-of-the-art steel and concrete Midtown Court features an impressive combination of high-efficiency systems and environmentally friendly facilities.

Features include a granite and glass curtain wall, low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) materials, eco-friendly, energy-efficient systems, such as a solar-heated hot water supply, low-flow fixtures and efficient lighting, a rainwater harvesting system and several electric car plug-in stations.

With such a setting, it may be difficult to dispel one of the most common misconceptions about Splashes: that it only carries high-end products. In fact these local experts have an excellent selection of quality fixtures at all price points, and from brands that have been tried and tested for years.

“The wealth of knowledge available here really is amazing, and it all comes from years of experience.”

Beyond the beautiful fixtures, it’s the customer service that really sets Splashes apart. “The wealth of knowledge available here really is amazing, and it all comes from years of experience,” Dixson says.

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FEATURE PROFILE

RETIRE AT 72?

WHY? BC’S HEALTH OFFICER PRESCRIBES HIMSELF MORE WORK, MORE BALANCE  TEXT BY BRIAN KIERAN PHOTOS BY ARNOLD LIM

L

ET’S CALL IT A NEW YEAR’S EPIPHANY; or, at the very least a moment of clarity.

Dr. Perry Kendall says it started at a New Year’s Eve dinner party when guests asked him what he planned to do with himself in retirement. Last fall, the 71-year old BC Provincial Health Officer announced his pending departure April 1.

For more than 15 years, Victoria medical doctor Kendall has been a tour de force in BC’s health care community … stretching the mandate of his office, dipping into his “hippie” roots to redefine the public health paradigm and preaching, “what makes us healthy is not the health care system.”

When I first interviewed the good doctor late last year, he said it was time for “new blood.” He will be 72 this spring.

But it turns out the old blood still has some new blood in it.

“On New Year’s Eve people were asking me: ‘Why are you leaving when you like what you do?’ It was a good question.

Then I remembered your question to me in December when you asked: ‘What does turning 72 have to do with it?’ I started thinking what does that have to do with it?”

When he was planning his premature retirement, Victoria-based Kendall said he wanted to spend more time with his wife, Rena Kendall-Craden, the director of communications at Vancouver City Hall. He wanted to “up” his potential as an amateur chef with the help of his daughter Sahara Tamarin and her partner Brad Holmes who own Ulla Restaurant in Victoria’s Chinatown. He also 40

ďƒŁ BC Provincial Health Officer Dr. Perry Kendall at his office in Victoria.

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 Dr. Perry Kendall with some of his artwork.

wanted to spend more time dabbling with his watercolours and acrylics (perhaps inspired by his son, who attends arts school in Halifax). A few of his delicate landscapes, painted in exotic places like Corsica, are hanging in the corridor to his Victoria office.

These quality of life priorities remain important and Kendall says his plan to stay on the job includes a better balance … “particularly spending more time with my wife and working together on things.”

He had also been considering how he could continue to make a contribution after retirement, and spoke about participating in drug addiction treatment policy-making at the federal level.

He was even flirting with the notion of political involvement, though he feared a future of too many unhealthy chicken dinners and not enough salads.

“I realize I’m in a really good place now (as provincial health officer) to keep contributing. I started thinking of ways I can be more active and maybe push some things along.”

Pushing is what Kendall does best.

This past year, when he wasn’t working for better outcomes during flu season and monitoring avian influenza, he was reporting on HIV and “why it is not going away,” as well as working with a BC Legislature panel “on the intersection between crime prevention and substance abuse.”

Last year, Kendall also raised concerns with government about increased speed limits and the easing of access to alcohol. Both policies could have harmful outcomes, he feared.

Kendall worries that the dollars needed to sustain the health care system are being spent “at the expense of programs that might have more impact on our health, such as reducing poverty, improving affordable housing, improving educational opportunities, improving the environment, improving working conditions and building healthier communities.”

In short, Kendall wants to redirect money “from mismanaging chronic diseases to getting attention focused on (social conditions) upstream.”

The more Kendall talks about his concerns, the more it becomes evident that the job of public health officer — as he defines it — is equal parts social science and medical science.

“The challenge is that we have tended to think that if we tell people what is the right thing to do, they will be sensible enough to do it; they will stop smoking, stop drinking, get off the couch and stop watching TV. But the environment that we have managed to build over 30 years is one that doesn’t necessarily encourage eating healthily, or being physically active.

“A lot of people say we have built an obesigenic environment.”

“I STARTED THINKING OF WAYS I CAN BE MORE ACTIVE AND MAYBE PUSH SOME THINGS ALONG.”

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Kendall is concerned that “what makes us healthy isn’t the health care system … it is there to help us when we are not healthy.”

It is one reason the British born and educated physician was “a bit of a hippie,” doing free street clinic medicine in Toronto and Vancouver when he first came to Canada in the 1970s.

THE NEED TO LOOK UPSTREAM “I was seeing kids with unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases and substance abuse problems most did not know how to avoid. They were woefully ignorant. And, that’s when I started thinking I have to move upstream. Why would I sit there and treat people for gonorrhea and counsel them about unwanted pregnancies, if six months earlier I could have been in a school telling them how not to have unprotected sex, how not to get a sexually transmitted disease and how to talk to a doctor?”

This explains why he went back to university in the 1980s to obtain a Master’s Degree in Health Care Planning and Epidemiology and a Fellowship in Community Medicine at UBC. Some days being the “face of medicine” in BC has been no cake walk for Kendall.

“Back when the (police) were investigating the (Robert) Picton farm, we became aware of the possibility that some victims were packaged up and sent out. I had to do a preemptive press conference to try and address peoples’ fears.

It was really gruesome, very uncomfortable.”

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STILL SO MUCH TO DO In hindsight, Kendall says, when he made the decision to retire he should have better explored the question of what he had left undone.

“I’d like to see another year of work on the health care worker influenza program to get immunization rates a little higher,” he says now.

He wants to contribute to work that has been going on across the country “to put in place policies and programs to combat childhood obesity.” As well, he started, and wants to continue, working nationally “to prevent hypertension by reducing the amount of salt in our diets.”

That’s not all of it. Kendall is very concerned about the federal government’s new prostitution laws that criminalize the purchase of sex and the advertising of indoor sex.

“The rewritten law does not have a good evidentiary base. In no way will it improve the health and safety of women who are engaged in the street sex trade and it may make it even more dangerous for those engaged in the indoor sex trade. Pushing it into the shadows doesn’t stop it, it just makes it riskier.”

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PHOTO BY VINCE KLASSEN

HAWTHORN

A

OPTIMISM & EXPLORATION

URBAN LIVING GOES “AUTHENTIC”  BY TOM HAWTHORN

QUIET SATURDAY afternoon downtown in the new year. The stores were mostly quiet with a few straggling bargain hunters. A handful of stores had closed to give the staff a post-rush holiday.

One storefront was bustling. More than a dozen people filled tables at Interactivity Board Game Café at 723 Yates Street. They rolled dice, pounded tokens around a card, and sneaked cautious peeks at their cards like paranoids playing Texas hold ’em. In the front window, a quartet of young people played Settlers of Catan, the road-building, sheep-trading German board game in which players barter resources in the race to be the first to complete a settlement.

Elsewhere in the shop could be found Splendor, Camel Up, Urban Myth, Carcassonne, Ticket to Ride and Cards Against Humanity. Trivial Pursuit? Of course: there’s Greatest Hits, Lord of the Rings, Millennium, and Star Wars editions. Overall, the cafe has more than 500 games, any of which can be played by patrons, who pay a $5 cover charge. The games menu is more extensive than the food menu, which offers sandwiches, milkshakes and bowls of candy. It’s the kind of place where you find Dave Morris, a local improv king whose CV states he’s also a slam poet musician magician.

He works at the store as a Game Explainer.

Young people playing board games? At a time when pixels and digital constructs are triumphing over ink and paper in almost all fields? The shock could not have been more acute had I been witnessing a roomful of millennials practicing their cursive with quill pens and ink pots.

The hobby is undergoing a revival and showing resilience not only at Interactivity in downtown Victoria, but as far afield as Table Top Café in Edmonton, Snakes and Lattes in Toronto, and Draughts in London, England.

One of the attractions is the face-to-face interaction one gets by playing a three-dimensional game in real time in a

real room with real people.

The search for the authentic experience has also inspired other downtown businesses. A patron of Victory Barber at 1315 Blanshard Street enters a room graced by antique typewriters, where a hot lather shave by a straight razor, ending with a facial swathing by heated towels, costs a cool $45. A stuffed moose head overlooks the scene.

A coffee shop at 560 Johnson Street called Hey Happy (the name borrowed from an obscure Canadian movie) offers individually prepared cups of coffee, each one carefully measured before being brewed by a pour-over method. The cups cost from $2.75 to $4, while a tasting flight offers a trio of five-ounce cups of the same bean prepared using different methods for $9. The space is designed so the baristas work like bartenders cruising behind a serving counter.

Over at Habit (808 Yates Street and 552 Pandora Avenue), similar care goes into preparation of each cup. Like the others, this is a locally owned business offering a philosophy as well a product.

“Coffee isn’t only about getting a buzz,” Habit insists.

“It’s about a culture of optimism and exploration.”

Another new enterprise is The Drake Eatery (517 Pandora Avenue), which offers a rotating selection of craft beers along with soup-and-sandwich nosh.

“I’m a huge fan of the beer selection,” says Jared Norman, a 25-year-old computer programmer.

He hits the Drake a couple of times a week, lured by the menu and a relaxed atmosphere. He said the Drake and other businesses make urban life more fun.

Think of it as millennialpreneurship that’s making Victoria less like “Little Britain” and more like “Portlandia.”

“YOUNG PEOPLE PLAYING BOARD GAMES?...THE HOBBY IS UNDERGOING A REVIVAL.”

44

Tom Hawthorn is a widely published newspaper and magazine reporter, who has lived with his family in Victoria since 1997. He is the author of “Deadlines.”

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GET FIT. LIVE WELL. 46

ďƒŁ Personal trainer Narina Prokosch knows what it means to be strong.

FEATURE PROFILE

FORMER BODYBUILDER SAYS STRENGTH IS THE SECRET TO A GOOD LIFE  BY SUSAN LUNDY PHOTOS BY DON DENTON

N

ARINA PROKOSCH KNOWS a lot about strength. Years ago, as a competitive bodybuilder, the diminutive Prokosch could deadlift 350 pounds. Later, she cultivated strength of character as a nurse on the open heart surgical team at Royal Jubilee Hospital.

And today, the 60-year-old personal trainer and owner of Victoria Wellness Professionals understands the power that strength plays in people’s lives.

“What I find, especially for women, is that if they are physically confident, it flows over mentally — it leads to confidence and strength of mind.”

Prokosch runs one of a handful of training gyms in Victoria, offering personalized fitness coaching to some 75 clients, mostly in the 40-plus age range.

The space, located on Cedar Hill Cross Road near Shelbourne Street, is small — about 3,000 square feet — but bright, professional and homey. Showers are set privately in spacious bathrooms, a juice bar and sitting area accommodate post-workout socializing, and the training space is ringed with racks of gleaming weights and other equipment.

Training gyms — or studios — differ from larger gyms in several ways. VWP doesn’t offer a drop-in service: clients book their space and work one-onone with a coach. At the outset, a consultation that considers medical history is followed by functional movement screening, which tests flexibility, mobility and stability. Prokosch’ medical knowledge and experience in elite athletic training are thrown into the mix to help her create individual programs.

“I’m not a boot camp,” says Prokosch. “I don’t yell or demean people. I mentor and share my knowledge.

I support and help. I teach and give people hope.”

Costs vary, but range from $400 to $500 per month.

Sitting in her office at VWP, Prokosch has a comfortable, relaxed presence. She’s dressed in a simple black track suit, dons an easy-care, short hairstyle and wears a few pieces of quiet jewelry, including a small ring in her eyebrow. She moves

with the grace and ease of someone who is fit, but appears much different than the young blond woman, rippled with muscle, seen in a photograph behind her desk.

While she doesn’t promote her background as a national level, competitive bodybuilder, she admits it gives her “sale ability” with some of her clients, especially young men.

“When I’m teaching someone to deadlift, it helps them to know I could once lift 350 pounds.”

But she stresses that training for fitness and training for competition in bodybuilding are two totally different ventures.

“When I was competing, I trained four days in the off season and six days a week during preparation for a competition. It places a huge demand on your time, both physically and mentally, as does as any sport in which you compete at a high level.”

Fitness, she says, can be achieved with two, 45-minute workouts per week combined with 30 minutes of daily, low intensity exercise such as walking.

BUILDING STRENGTH Growing up in the Fraser Valley, Prokosch spent many years training and showing horses. She also participated in martial arts, but, introduced to weightlifting in the early 1980s, she was instantly hooked: “I loved the feeling of being strong.” She competed for several years, took some time off, and returned to active competition in the mid-90s, rising through the ranks to compete at two national championships in 1995 and 1997.

In the meantime, at age 35, she decided to fulfill a lifelong fascination with surgery by training as a nurse and eventually finding her way to the operating room at Royal Jubilee Hospital. It was during her 10 years at the Jubilee that she worked on the open heart surgical team.

“I loved the technical aspects of surgery. I was

47

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fascinated with how the body worked, and loved working in a team environment with a dedicated group of individuals.”

“Politics” ultimately tarnished Prokosch’s joy of nursing, and she says, “when it became more about budgets and less about people, I felt it was time to move on.”

Although she’d toyed with the idea of owning her own gym, it wasn’t until Victoria-based cosmetic surgeon Dr. Ken Smith asked if she’d be willing to coach his patients, helping them with weight loss and muscle toning, that she realized this dream.

“In 2001, I opened my studio doors with one client, a referral from Dr. Smith. Within one month, I had left my full time position as a nurse and worked full time running my studio.”

IN MY YEARS OF TRAINING IN PUBLIC GYMS, I WAS SADDENED AT HOW NEW PEOPLE COMING INTO A GYM WERE TREATED —­ ESPECIALLY WOMEN. She spent several years in a 700-square-foot studio on Johnson Street, before moving to her current spot in 2007.

Over the past 14 years, Prokosch has seen a change in clientele, which used to be mostly woman, and is now at least 40 per cent men. But initially, it was the plight of women in public gyms that helped drive the framework for her enterprise.

“In my years of training in public gyms, I was saddened at how new people coming into a gym were treated — especially women. They would be given a quick orientation with a program written on a card. Then, the next time they came back to the gym there was no one to help them,” she says.

“This always frustrated me. I know from personal experience how empowering it is for women to be strong.

To be able to carry on their daily activities with ease and to feel confident in their lives.”

For Prokosch, a “success story” is a nursing friend who, after a couple of months of training, was excited to spend a full day in the garden without experiencing back pain.

And the next day, she was able to get up and go at it again.

“To me, that’s huge. That’s life,” she says. “I’ve never catered to people who just want to be buff … I want to help people to have better lives.”

BE FIT AND ENJOY LIFE For some of her clients, enjoying life includes improving their golf swing, and to this end, Prokosch (who is also an avid golfer) recently completed a course with Titliest Performance Institute, helping her develop strength and conditioning programs specifically for golfers.

“The golf pro can make you swing better, but I can make you move better. It’s all about mobility because as we get older, we get stiffer and stiffer.”

Golfers and their pros have been thrilled with the results, she adds.

So what are the biggest benefits to being fit?

Prokosch lists them off: Strength of body, strength of mind, peace of mind. Stress relief. Healthier bones.

Improved immune system circulation and cardiac function.

“The list about the medical benefits of being fit is absolutely endless,” she says. “But in my books, the biggest benefit is being able to enjoy all of what life has to offer —whether it be a bike ride, a tennis match, your weekend golf game — they all are more enjoyable when you’re fit …

Living life to the fullest is what ‘being fit’ is all about.”

Strong words from a strong woman.

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FOOD & DRINK

Hummus Heads

HUMMUS HITS ALL OF THE RIGHT BUTTONS — IT’S GLUTEN FREE, VEGETARIAN, EVEN VEGAN — AND HAS HEALTHY PROTEIN, FIBRE AND A DOSE OF GOOD FAT. 50

PHOTO BY DON DENTON STYLING BY PIP KNOTT

The zesty ethnic snack that’s sizzling hot in Victoria  BY CINDA CHAVICH

T

HE RECIPE couldn’t be simpler: a can of chickpeas, a splash of lemon juice and olive oil, a little sesame paste, garlic and cumin, a quick whiz in the blender, and voilà!

Hummus (or homous, houmous, hommus) is that creamy, healthy, yummy Middle Eastern dip that’s overtaken North American like a desert storm.

According to trend spotters, the hummus business has grown into a $500 million industry, from a $5 million business just 20 years ago. Today it’s the slather of choice across North America, outstripping salsa as the hottest ethnic snack in your refrigerator.

And Victoria may well be at the epicentre of the hummus explosion. Take a walk through the deli section of almost any city supermarket and you’ll see several locally produced variations on the theme, from the classic Greek-style hummus from Eugene’s Greek Restaurant, to Holy Homous, Bean Boy hummus dips, Arbutus Ridge hummus and house brands, all locally created.

There’s no doubt about it — the garbanzo bean (a.k.a. chickpea) is big business here on the island.

“We’re making 2,500 pounds daily, about 25 100-pound batches,” says Lee Plank of his traditional and roasted red pepper Holy Homous.

What started as a party dip, created by his sister 20 years ago, is now sold in Thrifty’s, Save-On-Foods and some 80 stores on Vancouver Island and across the lower mainland.

“Our niche is we’re local and we make it fresh every day, delivered to the stores within 24 hours,” says Plank.

When Kevin Meadows launched his line of Bean Boy dips, it was only a small sideline — something to make and sell at the local farmer’s market — but the business grew like Topsy. Today his father

helps with a second Okanagan production facility for markets from Vernon to Penticton, while Kevin produces dips in Victoria for coastal sales.

“I’ve always been an intuitive cook — throwing in various spices and flavourings,” says Meadows of his Bean Boy Creations hummus that goes beyond the traditional lemon/garlic/cumin profile. Sampling his unique flavours — including the popular Sweet Chili Lime, Curry Currant, Chipotle Roasted Garlic and Bean Boy Jazz (a spicy black bean dip) — always wins new fans, he says.

Today’s growing hummus business means there are large commercial brands available, too, like Tribe hummus (with 17 flavours) or Sabra hummus (owned by Israeli Strauss Group and Pepsi-Co) that have been processed to extend the shelf life. But local producers say their fresh dips (which can be refrigerated for a week to 10 days) are superior in flavour.

And while hummus has become a supermarket staple, it’s also a favourite for chefs beyond classic Greek or Middle Eastern restaurants.

Hummus has long been a staple on the menu at Rebar Modern Food, Victoria’s original juice bar and the home of all things fresh and healthy. Whether it’s the chickpea-cashew hummus and pita appetizer, the white bean hummus with sage and pinenuts, or the Bombay wrap filled with spicy hummus and veggies, these high-protein purées are local favourites.

And when chef Grant Gard opened Part & Parcel last year, his “hand-crafted cooking” included a healthy salad of herbed barley atop a pool of silky warm hummus.

“I want to make food that’s affordable, accessible and healthy,” says Gard, who sources ethically raised meat, sustainable seafood, organic vegetables from Square Root Farms and bread from Fry’s Bakery.

“I strive to make as much in house as possible.”

Which is why his hummus — made from dried

THERE’S NO DOUBT ABOUT IT — THE GARBANZO BEAN (A.K.A. CHICKPEA) IS BIG BUSINESS HERE ON THE ISLAND.

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chickpeas that are soaked, cooked, ground in a highspeed blender and passed through a tamis until ultra smooth — has olive oil, cumin, lemon juice and salt, but no tahini (sesame paste).

“I don’t put tahini in ours, because I don’t want to buy tahini, and I never felt it was necessary,” says Gard. “But I love chickpeas and we use them a lot, for both the texture and the flavour.”

The recipe for basic hummus is easy and endlessly forgiving: combine everything in a food processor or blender and whirl until it’s as smooth as you like it, adding water to loosen the mixture. While some would argue that chickpeas are essential, similar dips made with white beans are equally satisfying, and you can swap out the herbs (cilantro for parsley and mint) and even add other flavourings, from caramelized onions to roasted red peppers, sundried tomatoes, ginger and curry spices. Olive oil is tasty but some makers opt for canola, use lime not lemon juice or balsamic for the acidic component, and add ground nuts, from cashews to pine nuts, instead of the sesame paste.

Try a variety of canned chickpeas, or start with dried beans (they usually have the best flavour) and cook them well. The dip can be served chunky, smooth or pureed with extra liquid to make it very soft and light.

Traditionally, hummus is served as part of an appetizer or mezze platter, with pita bread, olives and carrots or other vegetables to dip. But it also works well as an ingredient in a roasted vegetable sandwich or wrap, or slathered on a veggie burger.

“I add a dollop to soup or use it as a substitute for butter in mashed or baked potatoes,” says Plank.

Whether you make it from scratch or buy it from a local supplier, choose hummus for a healthy jolt of flavour and protein for snacking or in other dishes. Add hummus to your ground beef mixture for hamburgers, shake it up with olive oil and orange juice for a garlicky salad dressing, toss it with hot cooked spaghetti, green onions and sesame oil for dinner, or spread it on a thick toasted pita bread and top with a tomato, cucumber and feta Greek salad for lunch. Mixed with well-soaked and ground chickpeas and parsley, hummus acts as binder for falafel patties to deep fry, and a sauce to serve on top.

You can even spread hummus on fish fillets (or chicken breasts) and top with breadcrumbs before baking.

Hummus hits all of the right buttons — it’s gluten free, vegetarian, even vegan — and has healthy protein, fibre and a dose of good fat (as long as you don’t add too much oil or tahini). An average serving of 2 tablespoons has just 80 calories, 6 g of fat, 75 mg of sodium, 1 g of fibre and 2 g of protein.

So get out the blender, whirl up some hummus and enjoy a guilt-free treat.

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CLASSIC HUMMUS PREP 5 MIN COOK/PROCESS 2 MIN SERVES 8 This is a good, basic recipe for hummus. Serve it with warm pita bread, pita chips or carrot sticks.

When you want a change in flavor and color, try adding a roasted red bell pepper (out of a jar) instead of the parsley. From my book The Girl Can’t Cook (Whitecap Books).

1 19-ounce (540 ml) can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed 1 tsp (5 ml) ground cumin 1/4 cup (50 ml) extra virgin olive oil 1/4 cup (50 ml) tahini paste (sesame seed paste) 2 tsp (10 ml) sesame oil Juice of one large lemon (3-4 Tbsp /70-90 ml) 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 tsp (5 ml) salt 1/4 cup (50 ml) water 1/2 cup chopped parsley (optional) Drain the chickpeas, rinsing them well under running water to remove excess salt. Place chickpeas, cumin, olive oil, tahini, sesame oil, lemon juice, garlic and salt in a food processor.

Process until the hummus is smooth. Add a little water if the mixture seems too dry.

Add the parsley and pulse just to combine.

Serve hummus immediately with warm pita bread or chips, or cover and refrigerate for up to one week. Makes 3 cups (750 ml).

ROASTED CARROT SESAME HUMMUS PREP 30 MIN COOK/PROCESS 2 MIN SERVES 6 A creamy, nutty carrot spread to serve as a dip with pita bread, crackers or crudités. This recipe will be part of my new book Waste Not, Want Not: how to save food, save money and save the planet (Touchwood, April 2015)

4 medium carrots, roasted (see Tip) 1 cup (250 ml) cooked chickpeas (if canned, rinse and drain well) 1/3 cup (80 ml) tahini 1/4 cup (50 ml) extra-virgin olive oil 1/4 cup (50 ml) water 2 Tbsp (25 ml) fresh lemon juice 1 tsp (5 ml) Asian hot chili sauce 2 large cloves garlic, chopped (about 1 Tbsp/15 ml) 1 Tbsp (15 ml) chopped cilantro 1 tsp (5 ml) dried mint ¼ tsp (1 ml) ground cumin ¼ tsp (1 ml) ground coriander Sea salt, to taste Combine all ingredients in a blender or food processor and whirl to a chunky or smooth purée.

TIP: To roast the carrots, cut into chunks, toss with olive oil and salt, and roast in the oven at 400˚F for 20 minutes.

BOMBAY HUMMUS ROLLUP PREP 15 MIN COOK 10 MIN SERVES 4

Pinch turmeric Pinch cinnamon 2 Tbsp (25 ml) chopped cilantro 2 Tbsp (25 ml) chopped mint WRAP: 4 chapatis or whole wheat tortillas 2 cups (450 ml) grated carrot 2 cups (450 ml) shredded lettuce ½ English cucumber, sliced ½ cup (125 ml) roasted tomato and ginger chutney Gently heat the oil and ginger in a small saucepan. Let the ginger sizzle, but not brown.

After about 10 minutes, remove from heat and set aside to cool. Combine all ingredients (including ginger and oil) in a food processor or blender, and pulse to blend. Blend to a rough purée and season to taste.

To serve, wrap a stack of chapatis in foil and place in a 300F oven for 15-20 minutes. Spread ½ cup (125 ml) hummus and 2 Tbsp (25 ml) chutney down the centre of each chapati. Arrange shredded vegetables on top and roll up.

This is the recipe from Victoria’s popular Rebar Modern Food restaurant and its equally successful cookbook by Audrey Alsterberg and Wanda Urbanowicz. The Indian-inspired hummus is wrapped in flatbread with grated carrot, cucumber and chutney for a tasty lunch dish. Serve a yogurt and cucumber raita on the side.

HUMMUS: 1/4 cup (50 ml) canola oil One 1-inch piece of ginger, peeled and thinly sliced 1 540-ml can of chickpeas 1/4 cup (50 ml) cashews, roasted Juice of one lime 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tsp (5 ml) salt 1 tsp (5 ml) ground cumin 1 tsp (5 ml) ground coriander 1/2 tsp (2 ml) cracked pepper 1/4 tsp (1 ml) cayenne

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TRAVEL FAR

PHOTO BY BICI TOURS

SALENTO IN SLOW MOTION

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SEVEN-DAY CYCLING TOUR OFFERS THE BEST OF SOUTHEASTERN ITALY  BY CHERIE THIESSEN

PHOTO BY MAC’S ADVENTURE TOURS

 A Medieval street in Castrignano del Capo.  The walled island/city of Gallipoli.

D

OWN AT THE HEEL OF ITALY’S stylish, geographical boot — the southeastern part of the Puglia region — sits the Salento Peninsula, consisting of historic towns, olive groves, fields, broad plains, vineyards and low lying hills growing tomatoes, artichokes, zucchini and grapes.

We like low lying hills because today we need to cycle 60 kilometres of them en route to the easternmost town in Italy, the Roman town of Otranto.

And we got off to a late start.

We had bikes to acquaint ourselves with and people to meet, notably one of Bici Tours’ principles, Carlo Cascione, who delivered our bikes, patiently explained the GPS, described our 263-kilometre, sevenday route, and started us off on our way through the twisting, skinny streets of the Baroque town of Lecce, on the Salento Peninsula.

This would be the highlight of the three-week Italian trip my partner, David, and I had so diligently planned. After spending a week in Rome and Naples, exploring some of their attractions — the Colosseum,

the Vatican and the Sistine Chapel in Rome and Pompeii and Herculaneum near Naples — we headed south. In Lecce, we lived above the old walled city in a top floor flat, taking sunset meals on the roof to a symphony of church bells, market vendors’ calls and the whooing of pigeons. That was week two.

Now week three, a hot May morning, and we’re busy weaving between the tables — encroaching on the already narrow streets — and the locals who sprawl contentedly at them, refreshing themselves with a local libation of iced coffee with almond milk, Latte di Mandorla. But no time for ice coffee just yet.

We roll on and out, well away from the traffic and on to country roads fringed by a riot of colour: red wild poppies, blue cornflowers, yellow daisies, purple thistle and the red ripening fruit on the ubiquitous prickly pear cactus. But the eyes don’t have it all — bird songs waft into the ears and the tantalizing licorice aroma of abundant, flowering, wild fennel fills every breath. The air feels cool on our faces under the many trees, and this is definitely feeling like an Italy we want to experience in slow motion.

We would be content rolling along these quiet paths

MOMENTS LIKE THIS, JUST THE TWO OF US IN A QUIET PIECE OF THE WORLD, ERUPT TIME AND TIME AGAIN ON THIS PUGLIAN PILGRIMAGE.

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PHOTO BY BICI TOURS PHOTO BY CHERIE THIESSEN

 The Palazzo Sticchi Palace in Santa Cesarea Terme shows the Arabian influence of the area.  Enjoying one of the many spectacular views.

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for the whole route, but Day One of the tour has much more in store for us. Within the first hour we enter Acaia, a medieval village with its iconic castle and town walls.

Now where’s an iced coffee when you need it? The village is somnolent, however; we’re on Italian time now.

So we carry on, lured by a sylvan stretch of trail, snaking through a wildlife refuge with boardwalks over reeds and marsh to a lake, and beyond that, the Adriatic glistens. So far, only three cars have passed us. Whoever would have thought that Italy could offer cycling routes like this? Carlo told us of the many weekends and holidays he and his compatriots spent exploring and charting quiet routes through Salento — it was a job well done.

We stop at San Foca on the sea. We’re hot and hungry and our kickstands drop at an impromptu café, where several tables are set up under an awning, with the ocean blowing cool kisses at us, and a smiling waiter tempting us with the local delicacy, sea urchins. He settles instead on bringing us a selection of antipasto: pizza rustico, Polpette di carne (meatballs), crocche and fizo di zucca in pastella (zucchini flowers in a tempura batter, a popular local dish). This tasty antipasto is washed down with lashings of Primitivo, the regional white wine.

Still ahead, carved into the Adriatic coast, the Bronze Age ruins of a Messapian village dating from 3000 BC bring us to an abrupt halt. These ancient Indo-European peoples spoke a language called Messapian, which became extinct after the Roman Republic conquered the area. We wander carefully in a landscape of wildflowers, playing hide-and-seek with prehistoric ruins, while the sapphire sea licks at pockets of sugary sand, and the mountains of Albania shimmer beyond. We’re the only visitors at this cliff top antiquity.

Moments like these, just the two of us in a quiet piece of the world, erupt time and time again on this Puglian pilgrimage. We see Neolithic cave paintings, splash in both the Adriatic and Ionian seas, peer inside Byzantine crypts with traces of colour from frescoes painted on the rock walls, roll through the largest megalithic garden in Europe at Giurdignano, and sample local foods in Specchia Gallone at a bakery where three generations of family grow and grind their own brand of wheat and serve it up in breads and meals.

We wander around the ramparts of more castles than you can shake a lance at and we give our bums a break at Ciolo bridge, where a path gets our hearts pumping with exertion and excitement as we explore the huge caves along the inlet.

At Gallipoli, our circle almost completed, we stare up at the ceiling in our own little Sistine Chapel in the old town, a huge room in an 18th Century home with an enormous painting across its high expanse. The artist may not be Michaelangelo, but he sure wouldn’t be turned away from an art gallery. Olive oil put this town on the map as a bustling port, exporting the fragrant liquid to the rest of Europe for use as lamp oil.

Before beginning the last 50 km of our journey back to Lecce, we feast on an al fresco breakfast of fresh strawberries, pastries, cheeses, pizza rustico, local breads and cappuccinos while chatting with the Bici Tours representative, who has come to collect our luggage and our thoughts.

“How can we improve?” Make it longer, we say, and slow it down even more.

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IF YOU GO  Macs Adventure Tours (macsadventure.com). Handles daily luggage transfer, bike rentals, accommodations, etc.  Air Canada (aircanada.com) flies to Rome with connections in Toronto.  Italian trains are very reasonable and comfortable and should always be booked well in advance for maximum savings. (trenitalia.com).

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TALKING WITH TESS

LIFE ON THE WILD SIDE  BY TESS VAN STRAATEN

F

featuring

TOM BENSON Co-founder and CEO (Chief Experience Officer) of WildPlay Element Parks 58

OR WILDPLAY ELEMENTS PARK co-founder, CEO and self-professed adventure junkie Tom Benson, taking risks is what makes life exciting.

“My slogan for myself is: ‘Play hard, fear less.’

And I think that’s true — you gotta go out and play hard,” says the 52 year old. “I’ve probably played more in my lifetime than most people will get to play in 10 lifetimes.”

But it took a career crisis, in the form of a layoff notice from his well-paying management job in the tech sector, for this veteran mountaineer and climbing guide to turn his love of play into a business.

“I was looking at continuing in technology and I actually took a pause and asked myself, ‘What is the thing that’s always brought me happiness and contentment?’ You can make a lot of money in technology, but it just wasn’t close to my heart.”

What was close to Benson’s heart, and that of best friend and business partner Gord Ross, was making adventure accessible. Since opening their first treetop aerial adventure park on Vancouver Island nine years ago, the duo’s company has grown to five parks in BC and Alberta. And an expansion into the United States this year will see the Victoria-based business climb to new heights.

“We’ve just secured a contract in New York and we beat out companies 100 times our size for a highprofile Ontario location,” Benson says. “We’re just a little Victoria company but we’re poised to become one of the largest operators in North America.”

But it hasn’t been easy. Zip-lining and bungee jumping adventures aren’t cheap, and the combination of an economic downturn and higher cost of living has resulted in families having less disposable income. It’s one of the reasons WildPlay has decided to change its pricing model and make the parks more accessible to more people.

“One of the big things for us is keeping our product offering accessible, and making sure there isn’t a barrier to coming out to play,” says Benson.

“Rather than trying to capture more money from a visitor or guest group, we’re really more focused on trying to have more guests — even if that means doing it at a lower price point.”

For Benson, starting his own business has never just been about the bottom line. The passionate

outdoor enthusiast says he’s also committed to getting more people outdoors and enjoying nature — no easy feat in this increasingly digital and device-driven era.

“People aren’t getting out there as much as they used to,” he explains. “National park visitation is down, provincial park visitation is down. People are staying inside more and not getting out there like they used to, so the biggest thing for us is trying to change the flow of that.”

“WE’RE JUST A LITTLE VICTORIA COMPANY BUT WE’RE POISED TO BECOME ONE OF THE LARGEST OPERATORS IN NORTH AMERICA.” From his years as a professional mountain guide, Benson says, he learned that connecting with the outdoors and taking people out of their comfort zone is often a life-changing experience. It’s something they’ve tried to replicate at WildPlay parks by encouraging people to face their fears, both physical and mental, to overcome obstacles.

“People say, ‘I don’t think I can do this’ and then they do it, and then they do the next thing, and then the next thing. And you just know that increased confidence is going to play out in their lives,” says Benson. “They just unlocked something that’s really cool, and for me, that’s the best win.”

After years of working just as hard as he’s played to get his adventure tourism business off the ground, Benson says he’s learned the true measure of success isn’t just the end result, but also how you got there.

“Business is weird because it can sometimes can ask you to step outside your values and we’ve had a couple of instances where we’ve had to make decisions that would probably have been more profitable or easier, but it would have meant compromising our values,” he says. “We chose to go the hard route and stick to our values because if you compromise that, it’s like honour — it’s hard to get it back.”

As for being his own boss, the father of two and big-kidat-heart says it’s one of the hardest jobs he’s ever had — but he wouldn’t have it any other way.

“You have to go into it eyes wide open, arms wide open, and give it everything you’ve got,” Benson says. “Like everything in life, you just have to push through the fear and keep on keep on going.”

Tess van Straaten is an award-winning journalist, television personality and fourth–generation Victoria native.

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Guy Roy: An Exhibition of New Paintings February 14-26 First and foremost a landscape painter, Guy’s picturesque paintings of the Charlevoix and Aminate regions of Quebec are instantly recognizable. His latest collection of new works features grand canvases, vibrant colours and a dramatic use of chiaroscuro, light and dark, all characteristics in Guy’s distinctly bright and confident style. Join us for the opening reception Saturday February 14 1-4pm.

1203 Broad Street 250.388.0009 Open daily westendgalleryltd.com

FRONT ROW PHOTO BY ALI MANHOUBI

 BY ROBERT MOYES

REFOCUSING PHOTOGRAPHY In a world drowning in images — from artless selfies to endless iPhone snaps — what does serious photography have to say to us? One answer is offered by In Session — One, an exhibition of photography, video and digital media arts that comes out of UVic’s Visual Arts Department. The show was curated by Mary Jo Hughes, director of UVic’s Legacy Art Galleries. “There are amazing artists teaching ‘sessionally’ at UVic,” says Hughes, who chose these four partly because their work is so distinctly different. Megan Dickie is primarily a sculptor and performance artist, and Gleamer is a sculptural piece — a metallic blanket — that she physically manipulates from underneath. Her installation includes video footage of that manipulation, thereby animating the otherwise static piece by extending it in time and space. Video is central to Laura Dutton’s

 Megan Dickie’s Gleamer, along with video footage, is part of the In Session — One exhibit at UVic.

Cape Spear/Cape Scott, a three-hour video loop, shown on two monitors, that chronicles an unending cycle of sunrises and sunsets filmed at either end of the country, thereby compressing the vastness of Canada into the confines of a gallery. This is complemented by Sunspots and Horizons, prints created in the darkroom by using a beam of light to draw on light-sensitive paper. The work of d. bradley muir explores photos as objects and not just as images. “It’s photography as sculpture,” says Hughes. “He takes rolled-up landscape photographs and mounts them as adjoining tubes to create a new form of landscape.” More traditional is the work by Tara Nicholson, whose Tether comprises photos of artists’ studios mounted alongside gardens and outdoor spaces. The work explores ideas about where and how inspiration occurs.

Running until March 28 at 630 Yates Street. For information, see Legacy Art Galleries.

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 Music director of Pacific Baroque Orchestra Alexander Weiman (at harpsichord) will be directing the performance of Theodora in Victoria.  Comedian David Sedaris.

THE GLORY OF HANDEL

LET’S EXPLORE COMEDY WITH DAVID SEDARIS

The oratorio Theodora, one of Handel’s last works, wasn’t a success in his lifetime and was rarely performed. Victoria is certainly making up for that these days: what is now seen as a masterwork, had a mostly local performance last year, and this month is the subject of a gala collaboration involving early music ensembles and personnel from Seattle, Vancouver and Victoria. “This is a massive project,” declares James Young, artistic director of the Early Music Society of the Islands. “There will be 75 musicians and singers on stage … the sheer scale of the production is unprecedented for us.” As well as Vancouver’s Pacific Baroque Orchestra, the Vancouver Cantata Singers, and many of Seattle’s finest early-music musicians, the performance includes notable soloists such as world-famous countertenor Lawrence Zazzo and soprano Nathalie Paulin, a regular performer for Pacific Opera Victoria. “This is Handel at the height of his powers, including some spectacular, large-scale choral parts,” explains Young. “There are many touching scenes, but it wouldn’t be Handel if there weren’t those pyrotechnics.”

The oratorio is a romantic tragedy set in Roman-occupied territory in the fourth century AD, when Christians were oppressed by their pagan masters. The two protagonists — Theodora, a captive princess, and a Roman soldier named Didymus, who is a Christian convert — are in love, and destined to suffer for refusing to renounce their belief in God. “Handel was deeply religious and he poured his heart and soul into this,” adds Young. “It is one of his most profound works.”

Performing February 15 at Alix Goolden Hall. For tickets, call 250-386-6121.

Acclaimed as Humorist of the Year by Time Magazine, winner of the Thurber Prize for American humour, and nominated for three Grammys for spoken word and comedy, David Sedaris remains an unlikely comedy icon.

A social satirist and master of observational comedy — much of it directed at his own foibles and bizarre family — Sedaris leapt to fame 23 years ago when he recounted his ignoble experiences as a Macy’s Christmas elf on NPR Radio. Santaland Diaries became a smash, and Sedaris’ autobiographical vignettes were soon appearing in the pages of the New Yorker — and eventually published as a series of bestselling books such as Me Talk Pretty One Day and Let’s Explore Diabetes with Owls. The seemingly meek

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Sedaris has the caustic wit of a Truman Capote, a great capacity to unearth human weirdness, and the courage to portray himself in the worst possible light. The result is whip smart, droll and surprisingly endearing. Two decades ago he entertained a small but delighted audience at Open Space. This time his An Evening with David Sedaris is booked into the Royal Theatre, where he will read from his stories and diaries, tell jokes, take questions from the audience and sign books. He recently sold out five nights in Edinburgh, and competes effectively with any stand-up on the circuit. “He’s matter of fact about everything, just a normal guy doing normal things,” says Ian Cochran, co-owner of Munro’s Books. “But his stuff really is very funny. He doesn’t seem to be looking for laughs … he just gets them.”

Performing February 24 at the Royal Theatre. For tickets, call 250-386-6121.

 Itai Erdal presents How to Disappear Completely.

FADE TO BLACK? “Fade to black” is an expression used to describe death.

It is also a fundamental theatrical trope, and in the hands of in-demand Vancouver lighting designer Itai Erdal, it becomes part of an elaborate metaphor that drives his autobiographical one-man show, How to Disappear Completely, a meditation on the death of his mother. Erdal moved from Israel to Vancouver in 1999 to attend film school; within a year he received word that his mother was terminal with lung cancer, and he returned home, video camera in tow, to chronicle the last nine months of her life. Jump ahead more than a decade, and Erdal, now a celebrated lighting designer, created a unique tribute to his mom, one that combined candid film footage to complement his on-stage storytelling. On one level, the 63

 The Gonzalo Begara Quartet performs at The Victoria Django Festival.

show purports to be a lecture on lighting, which Erdal controls from onstage. The lighting effects gradually take on different meanings, and this poignant memoir invariably evokes powerful reactions from the audience. “There are so many universals in the play, from a relationship with your mom, to death from cancer, to a sibling who gives you shit — it makes people feel a lot of things,” says Erdal, who has mounted the show as far away as Ireland and the Edinburgh Festival. “It’s the most exciting thing I’ve ever done,” he adds. “I’m not an actor but I am a performer — I’m good at being me,” he chuckles.

Running at the Belfry from January 27-March 1, in tandem with The Best Brothers, a Daniel MacIvor comedy directed by Glynis Leyshon. For tickets, call 250-385-6815.

GETTING JAUNTY WITH DJANGO Although jazz is rightly seen as an American creation, there is one notable exception: Belgian-born gypsy guitarist Django Reinhardt, who melded jazz rhythms with a melodic romanticism that was purely European. Revered during his lifetime, Reinhardt is even more influential 60 years after his death.

Many festivals worldwide are devoted to his jauntily irresistible “café jazz” style, and Victoria is now solidly 64

part of that circuit. The Victoria Django Festival enters its fourth year, and what was originally a one-night celebration at the Upstairs Cabaret has expanded dramatically, now spanning two nights at two different and much larger venues, with a halfdozen bands. “We are so thrilled to be presenting the debut of the all-acoustic Gonzalo Bergara Quartet,” says event founder Oliver Swain, himself a noted local musician. “Not only is Bergara one of the world’s greatest gypsy-style guitarists, but his group is pushing the genre in interesting ways.” Bergara performs Saturday night at the 600-seat St. Andrews Church. There will also be a cabaret stage — complete with gourmet goodies, Hoyne craft beers and a dance floor — running simultaneously at the church’s Kirk Hall, and patrons can go back and forth. The night before there will be a similar two-stage setup at the White Eagle Hall, with the main draw being Caravan, featuring fab fiddler Daniel Lapp. “In 2014, we really stepped up the festival, but this is definitely going to be our breakout year,” declares an excited Swain. “And we always sell out.”

Running February 13 at White Eagle Hall (90 Dock Street) and February 14 at St. Andrews Church (680 Courtenay). For tickets and information, see victoriadjangofestival.com.

A WORLD OF DESIGN Although everyone is familiar with those streamlined Scandinavian furniture styles from a half-century ago, a little-known Finnish design company specializing in vividly patterned textiles had a similar impact on the world of fashion and design. Marimekko displayed a revolutionary panache in the decades after WW II, unveiling bold colours and patterns that enlivened everyday life. A Toronto architect began selling Marimekko products in his interior-design studio beginning in the late 1950s, and his personal collection forms the bulk of Marimekko, With Love, which was curated at the Textile Museum of Canada and proved such a hit that it is now touring the country. “One man brought this stuff into his studio and totally transformed the tastes of people in Toronto,” says Michelle Jacques, chief curator of the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria. “The objects are remarkably beautiful, but the story of this visionary designer from Finland who came up with a design palette in response to drabness is compelling.” Iconic designers are sometimes showcased in art galleries as a bridge between high art and fashion, but Jacques points out that rather than featuring elite gowns worth thousands of dollars, Marimekko offered beauty in the form of $20 tea towels. “For reach and longevity, Marimekko’s impact was unprecedented,” she adds.

Running from February 7-May 3 at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria. For information, see AGGV.  Marimekko, with Love (2013), installation view, Textile Museum of Canada.

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pilots in a gorgeous standardized fleet of Cessna 172S model aircraft. We are also a really great club! My favourite aspect of VFC is that you never know who you’re going to meet. I’ve met astronauts to student pilots and it doesn’t matter who you are or what you do, if you are an aviator, you’re accepted and supported. I love airplane people.

SECRETS & LIVES

You are also the CEO and president of Reynolds Works. What does this company do and how did you come to form it? We provide litigation support and training to law firms converting or using electronic evidence, using litigation support software; and provide assistance with electronic trials. I prefer to specialize in aboriginal and environmental law because that’s where my heart lies, but we assist in all types of complex litigation. I started my company in late 2006 after assisting in a lengthy, complex electronic trial. I knew I had a unique skill set that I was eager to pass on so I became a certified trainer (support specialist). The law firm I left became my first client.

And you’re a mother! How old are your kids and how do you juggle everything? My kids are 12 and eight. I’d

with

President of the Victoria Flying Club  BY SUSAN LUNDY

It’s nice to meet you, Ramona Reynolds. Where are you from and how did you get to Victoria? When I was a kid my father built and managed sawmills and our family moved a lot, living throughout Alberta and BC until finally landing in Victoria in 1982.

You have recently been named as the first female president of the Victoria Flying Club. When and why did you become a recreational pilot? I started flying in 2009 because I decided it was about time. I grew up in the back seat of my father’s Cessna 172. From the time I was about seven years old, I knew I wanted to be a pilot.

The VFC has been around for 70 years. What should people know about it? We are a not for profit, world-class flight training facility, training professional and recreational 66

PHOTO BY DON DENTON

RAMONA REYNOLDS

love to tell you all about my super powers, but the truth is that I have a network of support that is unrivaled. My family, the kids’ school, the staff at VFC and the firms I work with — I’m surrounded by rock stars.

What do you do on a rainy day off? How about a sunny day off? Any day off is a good day to fly!

Thankfully, my kids love it too. I spent the spring and summer helping to hand-restore a PBY Catalina with the Catalina Preservation Society. Most of what I do on my days off look like work to other people. I’m always writing, proofreading, or working on something for the club or Women in Aviation. When you love what you’re doing it’s not really work.

Where do you turn for advice? There are so many extraordinary men and women who provide mentorship to me in the business and aviation community. I’m participating in a triad through the Aviation Leadership Foundation’s Mentorship Program. My parents are wise. My best friend is my accountability partner and she’s tough.

What book are you reading right now? Outrageous Acts and Everyday Rebellions by Gloria Steinem. I originally read it about 25 years ago. I’m finding it interesting to revisit with a little bit of life under my belt.

What has life taught you? Vision, bravery and a lot of flexibility are important; but a great sense of humour is essential. Loving and appreciating people won’t kill you. It will, however, increase the amount of free coffee (read: joy) in your life.

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